Best VPNs for Streaming Sports in 2024: Bypass geo-restrictions

Live sports are 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 subscribe, you may face blackouts that prevent you from watching your home team online. This can be very frustrating for a sports fan. Worse still, if you travel, you might lose access to those subscription channels because they only let you watch from the country you signed up in. But don’t worry; in this article, we’ll show you how to bypass all that and stream live sports from anywhere with a VPN.

With a VPN (Virtual Private Network), you can get around regional restrictions, freely watch all your favorite team’s games, and get a better deal on sports subscriptions. A VPN 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 got 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.

The best VPNs for streaming sports in 2024:

1. NordVPN: is the best VPN for sports streaming. A security-focused choice that doesn’t skimp on unblocking capabilities. Fast and secure servers make for reliable streaming of ESPN, Sky Sports, HBO Max, MLB.tv, and many more. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: the best budget VPN for sports streaming. A quick, reliable VPN at a very affordable price. Unlimited connections at no additional cost. Excellent speed and works with ESPN+, TSN, Sky Sports, Fox Sports, and other sports streaming websites.
3. IPVanish: Fast enough to stream sports from abroad in high quality, plus strong security and a no-logs policy. Allows unlimited device connections.
4. ExpressVPN: Large server network geared with fast speeds. Makes short work of accessing most sports streaming sites and other popular services from almost anywhere.
5. CyberGhost: Vast network of servers in over 100 countries, including streaming-optimized servers. Works with a huge list of sports streaming sites. Easy to use and ideal for beginners.
6. PrivateVPN: Good speeds and can unblock almost anything from abroad, including major sports streaming platforms like Sky Sports and Fox Sports.
7. Private Internet Access: Robust security features, servers in over 70 countries, and no device connection limit.

TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for streaming sports.

How we select the top sports streaming VPNs

There are a huge number of VPNs on the market, but they won’t all be suitable for your sports-watching needs. In order to take the guesswork out of it, we prioritized the following factors when looking for the best VPN providers for streaming sports:

• A large global server network, giving you the flexibility to watch both national and international sports
• Fast speeds suitable for uninterrupted streaming of live HD video
• Unlimited data. Data caps will seriously limit your streaming abilities, so a VPN without restrictions is ideal.
• Proven ability to bypass regional restrictions and blackouts on a range of sports streaming platforms.
• Apps for a range of devices and a large connection limit so you can stream on whichever device suits you best
• Good value for money and a money-back guarantee

This is just a snapshot of our criteria, if you want to know more, check out the more detailed methodology section below. For now, let’s take a closer look at the providers that met our criteria.

Best VPNs for streaming sports: at a glance

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

The best VPNs for streaming sports online

At Comparitech, we personally test a huge range of VPNs to find the best ones for streaming sports, ones that will give you uninterrupted streaming without impacting your speeds. So let’s dive into the features, pros, and cons of the providers that impressed us.

Here are our first-hand reviews of the best VPNs for streaming sports:

1. NordVPN

Dec 2024

NordVPN is our #1 VPN for streaming local and international sports and the best choice for any sports fan. It operates more than 6,000 servers in 100+ countries, including the USA, Canada, and the UK. There is even a “recommended server” utility on 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, NFL Game Pass, Sky Sports, NBC Sports, HBO Max, MLB.tv, YouTube TV, and Sling TV.

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 connection 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.

NordVPN speed test data

BEST VPN FOR SPORTS:NordVPN is our first choice. An extremely fast option that works reliably with popular streaming sports sites. Connects up to 10 devices simultaneously. Try it risk-free thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Dec 2024

Surfshark is a budget VPN that can handle just about anything. It offers access to 3,200 servers in 100+ countries and reliably accesses popular services like NBC Sports, Kayo, NFL Game Pass, and ESPN+ abroad. Better still, unlike many of its rivals, Surfshark VPN lets you enjoy unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can watch your favorite content over all of your devices.

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.

Surfshark speed test data

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.

Check out our full Surfshark review for more information.

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3. IPVanish

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 2,000 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.

IPVanish apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV devices. You can load it onto Linux systems or a router, which will cover your set-top box as well as all the computers and mobile devices in your home.

IPVanish speed test data

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

Read our full review of IPVanish.

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4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has all of the qualities that you need in order to stream sports events. The company operates servers in 100+ 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.

ExpressVPN speed test data

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.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

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5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost lets you connect 7 devices to its service at once. It has over 10,000 servers in 100+ 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 data 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.

CyberGhost speed test data

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

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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6. PrivateVPN

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 and is one of the few VPNs that works with NFL Game Pass. 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.

PrivateVPN speed test data

GREAT SPEEDS: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.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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7. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access, or PIA, is another solid choice for sports streaming enthusiasts. It boasts an extensive network of 29,000+ servers in 90+ countries, making it a breeze to unblock your fave sports platforms. PIA is also quite wallet-friendly, giving you more bang for your buck.

This VPN supports 10 simultaneous connections, so you can share it with friends and family. Plus, it has apps for all major platforms, so you can catch the big game on any device you want. PIA is big on privacy, too, with a strict no-logs policy.

You’ll enjoy top-notch security with PIA’s AES encryption, which keeps your connection safe from prying eyes. It also packs in cool features like split tunneling, a kill switch, and ad-blocking tools. Oh, and it’s great for accessing other streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.

PIA offers round-the-clock support, so help’s always just a click away. Want to give it a shot? They’ve got a 30-day risk-free trial, so you can take it for a spin without any worries. Happy streaming!

Private Internet Access speed test data

BIG ON PRIVACY:PIA includes WireGuard support, for ultrafast sports streaming, solid security features, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

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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 the steps below, and you’ll be watching the game in no time.

Here’s how to use a VPN to watch sports streaming services from anywhere:

1. First, sign up for one of the VPNs above (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download the app and sign in.
3. 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. Some of the VPNs on this page also have streaming-optimized servers, so select those where possible.
4. 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.

Methodology: How we found the best sports streaming VPNs

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.
• No data limits. Data caps can be a real barrier to sports streaming, so choosing a VPN with no caps is ideal.
• 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 unlock than others. For example, NFL Game Pass, DAZN, and Netflix are 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!) to know 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 so that we can provide you with accurate and up-to-date information. We hope that this helps make your decision that much easier.

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, although it’s probably not an exhaustive account of all the US sports streamers:

Using a free VPN for streaming sports

You may have seen that there are a number of free VPNs out there. So you might be wondering why you should 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 for free VPNs are not fast enough to watch live video streams. Plus, free VPNs are often lacking in security features and have been known to collect user data to sell to third parties.

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.

VPNs for Sports Streaming: FAQs

See also

• How to avoid MLB.tv blackouts
• The 5 Best Kodi Sports Add-ons
• How to watch Premier League on Kodi and without Cable
• How to unblock DraftKings Fantasy Sports with a VPN