Live sports have become big business. However, the broadcast rights for most major sporting events have been bought up by subscription channels, only some of which offer online streaming. Even if you pay up, you may face blackouts that prevent you from watching your home team online. Worse still, if you travel, you aren’t allowed to log in to those subscription channels because they only let you watch from the country you signed up in. In this article, we’ll show you how to bypass all that and stream live sports with a VPN.

You can get around regional restrictions and get a better deal on sports subscriptions with a VPN. VPN stands for “virtual private network”, a service that encrypts all of the internet traffic from your computer or smartphone and routes it through an intermediary server in a location of your choosing. Once connected, the streaming service sees the location of the VPN server and not the user, unblocking geo-locked live streams.

If you haven’t the time to read all the details on each of the VPNs that made this list, here’s a quick summary of our top picks.

Best VPNs for streaming sports:

  • NordVPN: Our top choice for streaming sports. Security-focused choice that doesn’t skimp on unblocking capabilities. Fast and secure servers make for reliable streams. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: A quick, reliable VPN with a very affordable price. Connect as many devices as you like. Works with ESPN+, TSN, and more.
  • ExpressVPN: Large server network that is geared for speed. Makes short work of accessing most streaming sports and other popular services from almost anywhere.
  • CyberGhost: Packs a punch despite its low price. Some of the fastest servers in our testing. Easy to use and to get going.
  • IPVanish: Fast enough to stream sports from abroad in high quality, plus strong security and a no-logs policy. No connection limit.
  • PrivateVPN: Good speeds and can unblock almost anything from abroad, including major sports streaming platforms.
  • AtlasVPN: A VPN with a solid set of security options, unlimited devices, and unblocks almost every streaming platform you throw at it.

When looking for the best VPNs for streaming sports, a few factors need to be prioritized:

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide not to keep using NordVPN and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

  • Fast speeds
  • The ability to dodge regional restrictions
  • Availability for a range of devices
  • The ability to load the VPN on a router
  • Good value for money
  • A large server network

Best VPNs for streaming sports – at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for streaming sports.

Read more on our methodology and how we test VPNs in the section under our rankings.

The best VPNs for streaming sports

Here is our list of the best VPNs for unblocking sports streaming platforms abroad:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our #1 VPN for streaming local sports. It operates more than 5,000 servers in 60 countries, including the USA, Canada, and the UK. There is even a “recommended server” utility in the NordVPN website, which will calculate the best server to connect to from your location. This is a great help when streaming sports because high speeds are vital. This VPN easily unblocks platforms like ESPN+, Sportsnet, and NBC Sports.

Security is one of NordVPN’s strongest aspects. There’s 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, plus an ad-blocker and malware-scanner. Further, NordVPN keeps no logs whatsoever. Help is available 24/7 over email and live chat.

You can install the app on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS and it can be set up manually on select routers.

BEST VPN FOR SPORTS:NordVPN is our first choice. An extremely fast option which works reliably with popular streaming sports sites. Connects up to 6 devices simultaneously. Try it risk-free thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Fastest speeds we’ve seen
  • Unlimited bandwidth and no data caps
  • Unblocks most popular geo-locked streaming services
  • Strong emphasis on security and privacy
  • Apps for all major platforms

Cons:

  • Desktop apps sometimes take a while to connect

Our score:

Read our full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is a speedy VPN that can handle just about anything. It offers access to 3,200 servers in 80+ countries and reliably unblocks popular services like NBC Sports, Kayo, and ESPN+ abroad. Better still, unlike many of its rivals, Surfshark lets you connect as many devices as you like from a single account.

It’s security-conscious, too, with effectively uncrackable 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Users can choose to block ads, malware, and trackers automatically. Surfshark follows a true no-logs policy, meaning your activities remain private at all times. 24/7 support is on-hand over live chat and email.

Apps are available for iOS, Android, MacOS, Linux, and Windows. However, you’ll have to manually install this service on your home router.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a solid low-cost option with a lot to offer. It’s fast, reliable, and able to unblock plenty of stubborn services from abroad. Further, it boasts powerful security features and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Steady speeds and unlimited bandwidth

  • Connect as many devices as you like

  • Strong security and privacy credentials

  • Unblocks some of the most popular streaming services abroad

  • Accepts Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple

  • Customer support could be improved

Check out our full Surfshark review for more information.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN has all of the qualities that you need in order to stream sports events. The company operates servers in 94 countries, including the USA, Canada, and the UK. This provider’s extensive network gives you a better chance of unblocking services from a wide range of smaller countries too.

You won’t have any difficulties using this VPN because it is designed to cater to novice users. It provides a wealth of security features too, including 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. ExpressVPN refuses to log any personally identifiable information. The customer support team is available around the clock via live chat.

You can get ExpressVPN apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. You can manually install it on supported routers and there are browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

QUICK AND RELIABLE:ExpressVPN is a blazing fast option that unblocks all major streaming sports sites. Great security and privacy features and keeps no logs. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Fast secure and stable connections ideal for HD streaming

  • Unblocks all major streaming services

  • Operates over 3,000 servers in 94 countries

  • 24/7 chat support are well trained to handle complex situations

  • Can only connect 5 devices at once

  • Slightly more expensive than some of its rivals

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost lets you connect 7 devices to its service at once. It has servers in the 89 countries including the USA, Canada, and the UK, many of which are designed for live streaming. As well as RDS and ESPN+, CyberGhost works well with Netflix, NBC, and more.

This VPN’s security features are excellent. It integrates automatic wifi protection, 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection, and better still, all of these features are enabled by default. CyberGhost doesn’t store any dat that could identify you. Customer support can be reached 24/7 via live chat.

CyberGhost apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. The VPN can also be set up manually on routers

STRONG ALL-ROUNDER:CyberGhost has a simple set up and is great at securely accessing geo-blocked streaming platforms. Good on privacy and security. 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Very good at unblocking geo-restricted sites and content

  • Our tests revealed above-average HD streaming speeds

  • Connect up to 7 devices simultaneously

  • Easy to use apps for most platforms, supports manual install on routers

  • Apps are great for beginners but lacks advanced configuration features for power users

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish offers very good speeds. If you want to stream sporting events over the internet, this service is a great choice. It has over 1,000 servers in the US alone and 1,900 in total, across 60+ other countries. This makes it ideal for bypassing local sports blackouts. Best of all, IPVanish has no connection limit.

There are all kinds of security features built-in, like 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Users can also scramble their traffic, which could help them get around particularly stubborn geo-blocking. IPVanish is a zero-logs provider and offers around the clock, live chat-based support.

FAST AND RELIABLE:IPVanish has a large network of servers as well as fast speeds. Strong security and privacy features. No connection limit. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Operates in over 60 countries, great for unblocking geo-restricted content

  • Good unblocking capabilities and streams in HD speeds

  • Connect any number of devices

  • Preferred by Kodi and Firestick TV for its remote-friendly apps

  • Look elsewhere if you need to use apps in China

  • Doesn’t offer any browser extensions

Read our full review of IPVanish.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN has servers in 63 countries, including the USA, Canada, and the UK. This service is a good option for streaming and offers particularly high speeds, so it’s also great for other activities, such as file sharing. This VPN has no issues securely accessing Netflix, ESPN, or TSN. Up to 10 devices can be connected simultaneously.

If you are traveling and you have to connect to the internet through hotel and café hotspots, PrivateVPN’s automatic wifi protection will stand you in good stead. The app also includes a kill switch, 256-bit encryption, and a stealth mode designed for bypassing especially strict online blocking. PrivateVPN doesn’t keep any logs.

You can get a PrivateVPN app for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. You can also install the VPN manually on Linux systems and select routers.

GREAT SPEED:PrivateVPN is a good family choice. Unblocks most popular streaming sports and allows up to 10 devices on the same account. Small network of servers but fast connections. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Great for streaming

  • Speeds are very impressive

  • Strong security and privacy protection features

  • Fewer servers to choose from than other providers higher on this list

  • Doesn’t offer 24/7 support

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. AtlasVPN

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.atlasvpn.com

AtlasVPN is a favorite among sports streaming fans as it has servers in over 40 countries that unblock streaming platforms effortlessly. A big highlight of AtlasVPN is its low prices combined with an infinite connection limit, allowing you to share the account with friends and family. It has apps for every major platform, so you can stream your favorite sports worldwide on any size screen.

AtlasVPN doesn’t keep logs of your data and operates from Panama which isn’t a five eyes member. It uses AES encryption to protect your connection from snoopers like internet hackers and ISPs and includes split tunneling, a network kill switch, alongside ad blocking tools. It also has a breach monitor which looks for data breaches and notifies end users.

Aside from popular sports streams, AtlasVPN unblocks services like BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Netflix, and more with ease. It has support available year-round 24/7. Give AtlasVPN a try risk-free for 30 days.

ULTRAFAST SPEEDS:AtlasVPN includes an unlimited device limit, unblocks most sports streaming services, and has 24/7 support available all year.

  • Lots of powerful security tools

  • Streaming speeds are fantastic

  • Beginner-friendly apps and 24/7 support

  • Goes undetected bya wide range of games and streaming services

  • Canceling is tricky

  • Relatively small network

Read our complete AtlasVPN review.

How to unblock sports streaming services abroad

It’s really quite easy to use a VPN to stream local sports while traveling abroad. Just follow these steps:

  • First, sign up for one of the VPNs above (we recommend NordVPN).
  • Download the app and sign in.
  • Connect to a server in the required country. You’d use a US server for NBC Sports, for instance, or a European server for Eurosport.
  • Now just try using the service as normal. If you run into any problems, you can try clearing your cookies or get in touch with your VPN’s support team for more assistance.

Sports streaming channels

There are a very large number of internet sports streaming services out there. If you can switch countries to check on the services available around the world, the list of sites that you can access sports from goes on and on. For example, here is a list of sports streaming services in the USA. This is probably not an exhaustive account of all the US sports streamers:

Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for streaming sports

It’s not uncommon to encounter geographic restrictions while trying to watch your favorite sports content. Local sports blackouts in particular are commonplace, making it all the more challenging to watch your local team. Then there’s the issue of slow streaming speeds with performance issues including lag and buffering. Fortunately, the best VPNs for streaming sports help you get around such issues. Below, we outline our methodology for finding them.

  • Servers worldwide: The sport you watch may be via a streaming platform in the US, UK, or Australia. Whatever the case, this means you’ll need a VPN with a global network of servers covering dozens of countries around the world. The benefit of this is that you can then unblock the likes of ESPN, beIN Sport, and BT Sport from abroad.
  • Speed: Live sports streaming requires fast speeds. Otherwise, you’re likely to encounter frequent interruptions in the form of buffering and lag. We’ve tested the fastest VPNs for ourselves to ensure you won’t have to miss out on your sports events. Note that they also include unlimited bandwidth for non-stop streaming.
  • Unblocking: Just because a VPN has a server in a particular location, doesn’t mean it unblocks every website and service from that country. Indeed, some platforms are simply tougher to unblock than others. For example, DAZN is notoriously tricky to access. The only way to find out a VPN’s unblocking ability is to test it ourselves!
  • Security: The purpose of a VPN is to create an encrypted tunnel for your data as it travels from your device to the websites you visit. All of the VPNs listed provide 256-bit AES encryption, keeping you safe from hackers. In some cases, you’ll even find extras including Double VPN servers, password managers, and ad-blockers.
  • Privacy: What good is a VPN if it doesn’t let you browse anonymously? If you don’t want your ISP (or the government!) knowing what you’re doing online, you need a VPN that doesn’t keep identifying logs. We’ve studied over 140 VPN logging policies and found those with no-logs policies that best protect your privacy.
  • Ease of use: You’re likely looking for an easy-to-use VPN service that comes with beginner-friendly apps. After all, you want to be able to quickly connect to a server and start streaming sports content from abroad. The VPNs in this post have apps for a wide range of operating systems and even include 24/7 live chat and email support.
  • Value for money: There are VPNs to suit all budgets and you needn’t spend a lot of money in order to get a good one. Indeed, some VPNs are very much overpriced for what they offer. We’ve aimed to strike a balance in finding high quality yet affordable VPNs. With our VPN discount coupons, you can get them at an even better price!

Looking for the above features is just part of our comprehensive VPN testing methodology. This involves rigorously testing each VPN for ourselves in order to provide you with information that is both accurate and up-to-date. We hope that this helps make your decision that much easier.

Can I use a free VPN for streaming sports?

You may have seen that there are a number of free VPNs out there. Why should you pay for one of these services when you can get a VPN for free? The answer is that free VPNs are not very good. Some are scams and others are slow and don’t have many server locations.

Some excellent paid VPNs have free versions. These are available in order to help train potential customers on how to use the service. This is a loss leader intended to entice people into the paid service. Naturally, in these cases, the VPN company makes sure that the free version has a lot of restrictions on it. These restrictions are usually a limit on the server locations, a speed limit, and a monthly data throughput quota.

These restrictions mean that you won’t be able to use the free version for very long before your data allowance runs out. In many cases, the speeds allowed to free VPNs are not fast enough to watch live video streams. These factors are why we do not recommend free VPNs for sports streaming. You are much safer choosing a VPN provider with a privacy-first policy and a good reputation.

See also

It’s highly unlikely you’ll face a ban for doing so, though; most of the time, you’ll simply be shown an error asking you to disconnect (assuming the streaming service even realizes you’re using a VPN).

Disclaimer: Although we’ve spent hours researching this topic, we are not legal experts. As such, nothing we’ve said above should be taken as legal advice. We encourage you to consult local laws or before attempting to stream live sports using a VPN. 

Normally, sports blackouts prevent you from watching your local team from playing. As such, bypassing local sports blackouts is as simple as choosing a VPN server in a different city.

Generally, you can expect a roughly 30% speed reduction. Of course, live HD video usually only requires around a 5 Mbps connection, so you shouldn’t have any issues unless your internet is extremely slow to begin with.

VPNs that have servers in several cities in the United States can help you get around the blackout problem. The streaming service doesn’t check on your home address when you try to access a game. Instead, it checks on your location through your internet address. If you choose a VPN location in a different city, then you can get access to a live stream of a game that includes your local team.

In terms of broadcast contracts, it doesn’t matter where the broadcaster is located. What counts is where the viewer is. So, BT Sports may have the rights to show a particular event in the UK, but not in France. Therefore, you can only watch that event through BT sports if you are physically located in the UK. If you are in France, you will be blocked from watching BT Sports over the internet and you should subscribe to a video streaming service in France to see that event.

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