How to watch AT&T TV Now outside the US with a VPN

Update: AT&T TV Now has now been rebranded as “DirecTV Stream”.

Trying to watch DirecTV Stream (previously AT&T TV) outside the US? Unfortunately, this service is region-locked and only available in the US. These kinds of geo-restrictions are common with streaming platforms, and they can be frustrating for users who want to keep up with their favorite content while traveling. Luckily, a VPN can help you get a US IP address, which will let you watch DirecTV Stream from anywhere in the world.

Short for “Virtual Private Network”, VPNs encrypt your device’s internet traffic and route it to a server in another country, in this case, the US. This will spoof your location, making it appear as if you are in the US and allowing you access to DirecTV Stream abroad. In doing so, you’ll be provided with a US IP address, leading websites, and online services to believe that you’re browsing from within the US.

Don’t have time to read the full article just yet? Here’s a quick summary of the best VPNs for watching DirecTV Stream outside the USA. Scroll down for more detailed reviews.

1. NordVPN: Our #1 VPN for DirecTV Stream. Over 1,900 servers in the US. Works with Hulu, Netflix, and more. Highly secure with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for AT&T TV Now.
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for DirecTV Stream. Unlimited simultaneous connections. Great for DirecTV Stream, Netflix, and more. User-friendly service with 24/7 chat and strict no-logs policy.
3. IPVanish: US-based VPN service with servers in 15 US cities for watching DirecTV Stream. Uses encryption to protect your data. No connection limit.
4. ExpressVPN: High-speed VPN service that’s great for streaming. Consistent data connections and an impressive selection of apps.
5. CyberGhost: Over 2,000 fast and reliable US servers, ideal for streaming DirecTV Stream. Easy-to-use apps and safe with encryption.
6. PrivateVPN: Fast VPN service for securely accessing DirecTV Stream as well as Netflix. Beginner-friendly apps and up to 10 simultaneous connections.
7. Hotspot Shield: Servers in over two dozen US cities for accessing DirecTV stream and Netflix US. Very fast and has a generous money-back guarantee.

How to watch DirecTV Stream outside the US with a VPN

Setting up a VPN is simple, even if you’ve never used one before. Follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll be watching all your favorite content in no time.

Here’s how to watch DirecTV Stream online from anywhere using a VPN:

1. Sign up for a VPN service with servers in the United States – we particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Download and install the appropriate VPN app for your device. All of the best VPNs offer apps for desktop and mobile devices.
3. Open your VPN app or browser extension and connect to a server in the US to obtain a US IP address.
4. Sign in to DirecTV Stream and select your preferred on-demand content, which should now be unblocked.

If you’re having trouble watching DirecTV Stream outside the US, even when connected to a VPN, we have a few suggestions:

1. First, be sure to clear your browser cache and cookies. This ensures that DirecTV Stream forgets your location and accepts the US IP address provided by the VPN.
2. Trying more than one server is another potential fix in case the IP address you’re using has been blacklisted.
3. Last but not least, it may be worth contacting your VPN’s customer support for further help. They can usually point you toward the best server for the job.

How we selected the top DirectTV VPNs

So, how are you supposed to go about choosing a VPN to unblock DirecTV Stream abroad? We know that there are many VPNs to choose from. That’s why we’ve only selected VPNs that can provide the following:

• Multiple servers across the US
• Fast and reliable connections
• Secure with encryption and kill switch feature
• Strict no-logs policy to protect your privacy
• Easy-to-use apps for desktop and mobile
• Customer support available via live chat and email

You can read more about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend in the methodology section below. But for now, let’s take a closer look at the ones that made the list. 

Best VPNs for DirecTV Stream: 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 DirecTV Stream.

Best VPNs for watching DirecTV Stream outside the US

Here’s our list of the best VPNs to watch DirecTV Stream abroad (outside the US):

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024

NordVPN is our number one VPN choice for unblocking DirecTV Stream outside the US. The reason for this is that NordVPN has around 1,900 servers in the United States. Indeed, it has one of the largest networks of servers of any VPN, with more than 6,500 in 60 countries. This means you’ll be able to securely access all sorts of services, including Netflix and BBC iPlayer. Better still, NordVPN offers great value, letting you connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.

Having tested out the NordVPN apps for ourselves, we can say that this service is great for beginners. We particularly like NordVPN, which offers specialty servers for even stronger security. There are servers designed for accessing Tor over VPN, getting a dedicated IP address, and browsing from countries with strict censorship. NordVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, provides protection from DNS leaks, and has a kill switch feature. What’s more, this service has a strict zero-logs policy.

NordVPN apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Android TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also offered. Manual setup is required for routers.

BEST VPN FOR DIRECTV STREAM:NordVPN is our #1 choice. Has over 1,900 servers in the US and more than 6,000 worldwide. Works with DirecTV Stream, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more. Features 24/7 support and allows up to 10 connections. Protects your privacy with encryption and a no-logs policy. The 30-day money-back guarantee means you can try it risk-free.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN provider that doesn’t compromise on service. Has servers in at least 24 US cities, which is far more than most VPNs. This makes it easy to find a fast, reliable server for streaming DirecTV Stream from anywhere in the world. Indeed, this VPN also works with the likes of Netflix, Disney+, and HBO, among other popular streaming content services. However, one of the standout features of Surfshark is that it lets you connect an unlimited number of compatible devices simultaneously, ideal for connecting the whole family’s streaming devices at once.

If you’re new to using a VPN, you’ll appreciate Surfshark’s beginner-friendly apps and browser extensions. There are plenty of interesting features available, including Double VPN servers for improved privacy and an ad and malware blocker. Surfshark uses 256-bit AES encryption to safeguard your data, while there’s also a kill switch and protection from DNS leaks. This is a no-logs VPN service that allows you to pay in cryptocurrency to protect your anonymity.

You can use Surfshark to watch DirecTV Stream via the apps for Linux, Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. You can also download Chrome and Firefox browser extensions. Manual configuration is required for routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark lets you secure as many devices as you want simultaneously. It has servers across 24 US cities and works reliably with DirecTV Stream and Netflix. Very easy-to-use apps, a low price, and 24/7 live chat support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

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3. IPVanish

IPVanish is a US-based VPN service that is able to unblock DirecTV Stream abroad. It offers just over 2,000 servers, approximately half of which are in the United States. The US-based servers of IPVanish are spread across more than a dozen US cities, including Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. IPVanish states that it offers unlimited access, and this is apparent in the fast speeds you’ll experience when browsing and streaming. This VPN is known to be particularly easy to use with Kodi and Amazon Fire Stick / Fire TV.

Best of all, IPVanish allows you to connect as many devices as you like (most VPNs allow 3-6). Its apps are simple enough to use, though live chat support is offered should you need it. IPVanish ticks all of the boxes when it comes to security, protecting your data with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and a zero-logs policy.

IPVanish provides apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. Manual setup is needed in the case of Linux and routers.

SERVERS IN 15 US CITIES:IPVanish has plenty of servers in the US in cities such as Los Angeles and New York. Unlimited bandwidth makes it easy to watch DirecTV Stream. Allows any number of internet connections via a single account. Keeps you safe online with encryption and a kill switch. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is great for watching DirecTV Stream outside the US. This is thanks to its combination of speed and security. ExpressVPN has a vast network of over 3,000 servers in 100 countries, including the US. We’ve tested ExpressVPN’s servers extensively and found them to be perfect for streaming movies and TV shows in high definition. We’ve also found that the VPN connection almost never drops.

Aside from offering user-friendly apps for desktop and mobile, it also has MediaStreamer, a smart DNS proxy service that allows you to use the VPN with select smart TVs and games consoles. Another reason to choose ExpressVPN is its fast and efficient live chat support, which is available 24/7, allowing you to get help in a matter of seconds.

The best VPNs can unblock geo-restricted content, such as DirecTV Stream, while keeping you safe online. ExpressVPN is no exception. It secures your data with 256-bit AES encryption and provides DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection. ExpressVPN offers a kill switch, split tunneling, and a no-logs policy, so your privacy is in good hands. It’s even possible to sign up for the service anonymously by using a throwaway email address and paying in Bitcoin.

ExpressVPN has apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and routers. Browser extensions are available for Chrome and Firefox.

QUICK AND RELIABLE:ExpressVPN is a good choice. for streaming DirecTV Stream, with both speed and security. Over 3,000 servers in 100+ countries. Wide range of user-friendly apps, 24/7 support, and excellent security with encryption. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a beginner-friendly VPN provider with a vast network of over 10,000 servers, over 2,000 of which are in the US. When you combine this with the high data speeds offered, CyberGhost is an excellent VPN for watching DirecTV Stream abroad. We’ve tested CyberGhost with a wide range of content and found it offers high-quality performance with little to no downtime. It’s worth mentioning that you can secure up to seven supported devices with CyberGhost, which is more than most VPNs allow.

You’ll find that CyberGhost offers a variety of user-friendly apps. These are easy to navigate and, therefore, well-suited to those using a VPN for the first time. The CyberGhost apps include several features, such as access to dedicated streaming servers, an ad-blocker, and a malware scanner. CyberGhost offers a high level of security with 256-bit AES encryption and DNS and IP leak protection. An automatic kill switch ensures your internet traffic is cut in the event of the VPN connection dropping. Last but not least, there’s a strict no-logs policy.

CyberGhost offers apps for Windows, Android, Mac, Linux, iOS, Amazon Fire Stick, and Android TV. There are also browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Routers require manual configuration.

GOOD VALUE PROVIDER:CyberGhost has fast and reliable connections for streaming DirecTV Stream abroad. It has apps that are easy to use and allows up to 7 simultaneous connections. Security features include a kill switch and a no-logs policy. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a smaller VPN service with around 200 servers. However, this service offers very high speeds and allows you to connect to 12 different US cities, including Las Vegas and New York. PrivateVPN is one of the better VPNs when it comes to streaming. In fact, it not only lets you watch DirecTV Stream outside the US, but it’s also able to securely access major platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

You can use this service to protect up to 10 compatible devices simultaneously via a single account. Offering easy-to-use apps for desktop and mobile, this VPN is very accessible. PrivateVPN offers security in the form of 256-bit AES encryption, IPv6 leak protection, Stealth mode (for using the service in places where VPNs are usually blocked), and a kill switch. This VPN service is headquartered in Sweden and states that it operates a zero data-logging policy.

PrivateVPN offers apps for desktop (Windows and Mac) and mobile (Android and iOS). Manual setup is necessary for Linux and routers.

HIGH SPEED STREAMING:PrivateVPN is fast and ideal for DirecTV Stream as well as Netflix. Its apps are easy to use, and it allows you to connect up to 10 supported devices. Includes all of the essential security features, including encryption, kill switch, and no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield has made huge improvements to its server speeds in recent years. With an average download speed of 271 Mbps, it ranks among the fastest VPNs we’ve tested. There’s further good news in that it works well with DirecTV Stream outside the US. Indeed, it provides servers in over two dozen US cities – far more than most VPNs on the market. This also makes it a good choice for Netflix US.

It’s worth noting that Hotspot Shield provides streaming and gaming-optimized servers. You’ll also have access to 24/7 live chat support. When connected to a server, your internet traffic is secured with 256-bit AES encryption. You can also expect protection from DNS and IPv6 leaks as well as a kill switch in all of its apps. It’s possible to secure up to five devices simultaneously under a single account.

With Hotspot Shield, you’ll have access to apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. Browser extensions can be downloaded for Chrome and Firefox.

STREAMING-FRIENDLY:Hotspot Shield is particularly fast, has streaming-optimized servers, and works with DirecTV Stream as well as Netflix US. Secure with a kill switch in all apps. 24/7 support included. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Hotspot Shield review.

Using a free VPN to watch DirecTV Stream

Due to the strict geographic restrictions in place, most free VPNs simply won’t work with DirecTV Stream. Besides, we don’t recommend the use of a free VPN for many reasons. In particular, free VPNs are very slow. When too few servers are combined with too many users, the result is limited bandwidth and a lot of buffering and lag! Needless to say, this makes streaming DirecTV Stream a frustrating experience.

It’s not just performance issues that plague free VPNs. When it comes to security, free VPNs rarely meet the standard required. In many cases, this means that your data is not secured with a high level of encryption. It may also be that your VPN lacks important security features, such as a kill switch. Additionally, some free VPNs knowingly breach your privacy by keeping logs and selling this data to third parties.

For these reasons, we cannot recommend using free VPNs. Instead, opt for one of the tried and tested VPNs listed above. If you’re worried about the cost, why not make use of VPNs with a free trial or a money-back guarantee so you can be sure you’re 100% happy before you commit?

Methodology: Finding the best VPNs for DirecTV Stream

If you choose a good VPN, you’ll probably forget that it’s even turned on. However, choosing a service that’s poorly suited for streaming can lead to extremely slow speeds, videos that buffer endlessly, and, overall, a disappointing experience. To ensure we find the very best VPNs for DirecTV Stream, we’ve put together a list of strict requirements that our top VPNs must meet:

• US servers: This service is only available in the US, so if you’re traveling, you’ll need to use an American server to access it. We looked for providers with a strong presence in the US, preferably with server clusters on both coasts. This way, wherever you are in the world, there’ll be a server relatively close by.
• Performance: We can’t overstate how important your VPN’s speed and stability are. Our team regularly runs hundreds of tests to monitor which VPNs are the fastest, and only those that stand out are eligible for a spot in our list.
• Streaming potential: The first requirement is that these VPNs work with DirecTV Stream. However, we also check to see if they provide secure access to other US platforms like Netflix, FuboTV, HBO Max, and Sling TV. This way, you’ll never be short of something to watch.
• Security: VPNs were designed to keep your online activities private, which is why we only recommend those that include 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. We require our top VPNs to follow a no-logs policy as well.
• Price: It’s immediately obvious to us if a service charges more than is really fair. Needless to say, these providers don’t make our list. What’s more, whenever we recommend a service, we’ll let you know about available deals and discounts so that you pay as little as possible.

Our testing process is intensive and looks at each service from several different angles. Find out how we put VPNs to the test in our complete methodology post.

AT&T TV Now is now DirecTV

In August of 2021, AT&T finalized a deal in which it spun off DIRECTV, U-Verse, and AT&T TV (including AT&T TV Now and AT&T TV Watch) into a separate entity. The deal involved selling a 30% stake in the business to the private equity firm TPG Capital. AT&T retains a 70% stake in the new standalone firm.

The new company, which is called DirecTV, has now taken over all of AT&T TV’s operations. As a result of the shake-up, the new corporation has decided to close down all its former TV streaming services. For this reason, the new business has rebranded its streaming platform with the name DIRECTV STREAM.

DirecTV Stream will now replace all the other iterations of AT&T’s online streaming TV services. It will be available in four different plans, starting at $69.99 per month plus tax and going up to $154.99.

Watching DirecTV Stream abroad: FAQs