How to watch Dish outside the US

If you’re a Dish customer, you have access to Dish Anywhere. Unfortunately, you can’t stream Dish Anywhere from, well, anywhere. Due to copyright restrictions, Dish Anywhere content is only available in the US. The good news is that a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can grant you access to Dish Anywhere from abroad, as well as other region-locked content.

With a VPN, you can connect to a server in a country outside the US. In doing so, your internet traffic is encrypted and your IP address is hidden. You’re provided with a new, temporary IP address. This lets you spoof your location and bypass content restrictions, such as those of Dish Anywhere. What’s more, a VPN’s encryption provides multiple security and privacy-related benefits, so you can stream (and browse) more safely.

If you’re in a rush, and just want to know the best VPNs for accessing Dish while abroad. Check out our quick summary below.

Best VPNs for watching Dish outside the US:

1. NordVPN: Best VPN for watching Dish outside the US. Roughly 2,000 US servers and also works with Netflix, HBO Max, and Hulu. Very fast and has specialty servers. TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Dish.
2. Surfshark: Best value VPN for Dish. Servers in 100 countries and over two dozen US cities. High-speed connections for streaming. MultiHop servers and no connection limit.
3. ExpressVPN: Unlimited bandwidth for uninterrupted streaming of Dish Anywhere (also works with Netflix). Servers available in 105 countries. Secure with excellent support.
4. CyberGhost: Vast network of servers (10,000+ in 100 countries). Particularly fast for streaming Dish or for P2P torrenting. VPN with 24/7 support and a Windows antivirus.
5. IPVanish: One of the fastest VPNs you can use for watching Dish. Compatible with Netflix US. Unlimited simultaneous connections per account and plenty of US servers.
6. PrivateVPN: Beginner-friendly VPN with respectable speeds and consistent unblocking. Easy-to-use apps and free remote help and installation. Operates a true no-logs policy.

How to watch Dish outside the US with a VPN

Before we take you through the best VPNs to watch Dish outside the US, we’ll explain exactly how. Don’t worry, it’s much simpler than you might think!

Here’s how you can use a VPN to stream Dish outside the USA:

1. To get started, you’ll need to sign up with a reputable VPN provider. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. The next step is downloading and installing the VPN app on your streaming device. This should take a minute or two at most.
3. Now you can open the VPN app (you may need to log in) and connect to a server in the US. This gives you the US IP address needed to watch Dish Anywhere outside the US.
4. Go to the Dish Anywhere website and sign in. You should now be able to stream content live and on-demand regardless of your location.
5. Still doesn’t work? You may need to clear your cookies for changes to take effect. You could also want to try switching servers to change your IP address.

Failing the above, your VPN’s customer support might be able to provide further assistance.

The Best VPNs for Dish – Our hands-on review

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

Our criteria for the best VPNs for Dish

You may be wondering how these VPNs made our list of the best VPNs for Dish (or why another VPN service didn’t make the cut). We were looking for VPN providers that offer all of the following:

• Servers in dozens of countries including the US
• Fast enough speeds for streaming live without lag
• High-end encryption to keep your data secure
• Privacy protection by not keeping identifying logs
• Live chat and email support (preferably around the clock)
• Risk-free money-back guarantee of at least 30 days

Best VPNs to watch Dish outside the US

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for watching Dish from anywhere outside the US:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024 works with dishTested Nov 2024

NordVPN has more US servers than most VPNs (nearly 2,000 in all). This makes up roughly a third of its server network which is spread across 60 countries. As such, not only can you use this VPN to access the likes of Dish and Hulu, it also works well with various Netflix libraries as well as BBC iPlayer. You can expect very fast server speeds. It uses its own proprietary protocol, NordLynx, and also offers unlimited bandwidth, so it’s ideal for streaming.

Unlike many VPNs, NordVPN has specialty servers which are optimized for P2P file-sharing. You can also find servers that provide you with an extra layer of security, as is the case with the Double VPN and Onion Over VPN servers. NordVPN is a no-logs VPN that uses high-end encryption, protects you from DNS and IPv6 leaks, and has a kill switch. With NordVPN’s user-friendly apps, you can secure six devices at once. 24/7 support is also included.

NordVPN provides apps for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions are also available. To use NordVPN with a compatible wifi router, you’ll need to manually set up the connection.

BEST VPN FOR DISH:NordVPN works well with Dish and other popular streaming platforms, Netflix included. It’s fast as well as highly secure with specialty servers including Onion Over VPN. No-logs service that offers 24/7 support. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it out risk-free.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

works with dishTested Nov 2024

Surfshark is unique in that it has servers in two dozen US cities which is far more than most VPNs. It’s easier to find a fast server closer to your physical location for unblocking and watching Dish outside the US. Notably, Surfshark works with 30+ Netflix libraries. It ranks among the fastest VPNs we’ve tested thanks to the lightweight WireGuard protocol, and it offers unlimited bandwidth. Streaming is therefore free from lag and buffering.

With a single Surfshark account, you can secure as many devices as you like at the same time. This is quick and easy to do thanks to the simple installation process and beginner-friendly apps. Surfshark operates a no-logs policy, allowing you to browse anonymously. Although this VPN uses encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch, you can add an extra layer of protection with its MultiHop servers. Live chat support is available around the clock, too.

You can use Surfshark via apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. Alternatively, browser extensions are offered for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. Surfshark can be used with select compatible routers, although manual configuration is required.

BEST VALUE VPN:Surfshark stands out for its servers in over two dozen US cities. It has servers in 100 countries in all. High-speed connections, Multi-Hop, and reliable unblocking of Dish. Use it to secure all of your devices at once. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. ExpressVPN

works with dishTested Nov 2024

ExpressVPN consistently unblocks major streaming platforms. Not only can you use it with Dish Anywhere, it works well with Amazon Prime Video and HBO Max. What’s particularly impressive is that servers are located in 105 countries. You can access even more geo-restricted websites while at home or traveling abroad. Speeds are more than fast enough for streaming content in high resolution, and you can expect absolutely no bandwidth throttling.

This VPN provider has excellent customer support available 24 hours a day. Whether you use ExpressVPN for browsing or streaming, your internet traffic is secured by 256-bit AES encryption. A kill switch cuts your traffic should the VPN connection drop, preventing exposure of data. You can also expect DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection. ExpressVPN doesn’t keep any logs by which you can be identified.

ExpressVPN has desktop (Windows, Mac, and Linux) and mobile (Android and iOS) apps. You can also find an Amazon Fire TV app as well as Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions. ExpressVPN even provides custom firmware for use with routers.

STRONG ALL-ROUNDER:ExpressVPN is highly compatible with Dish, Netflix, and more. It’s very fast with high-speed servers and unlimited bandwidth. Servers in 105 countries, the US and Canada included. Secure 8 devices with encryption. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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4. CyberGhost

works with dishTested Nov 2024

CyberGhost has an ever-growing network of servers that now stands at over 10,000 in 100 countries. With nearly 1,500 servers in the US alone, you’ll have little trouble accessing Dish Anywhere, Netflix US, or other popular streaming platforms from the country. Speed-wise, CyberGhost is one of the fastest VPNs for streaming. It includes unlimited bandwidth and lets you connect up to seven of your devices simultaneously via just one account.

There’s no shortage of security features to keep you safe online. Most important is the 256-bit encryption. There’s also DNS leak protection, an automatic kill switch, and a Windows security suite that includes an antivirus. CyberGhost is a no-logs provider, so personal data such as your IP address isn’t shared with anyone. 24/7 support is available, although the apps are easy to use even for beginners.

You can download and install CyberGhost on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available. There’s no app for wi-fi routers, but you can manually configure a connection with VPN-compatible routers.

VAST SERVER NETWORK:CyberGhost has more servers than any other VPN on this list (10,000+ in 100 countries). It’s very fast with unlimited bandwidth. Security includes encryption and even a Windows antivirus. 24/7 support. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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5. IPVanish

works with dishTested Nov 2024

IPVanish allows unlimited simultaneous connection per account, which is great if you have a lot of devices to secure (or plan on sharing your VPN with family). It’s one of the fastest VPNs available thanks to the WireGuard protocol. It averaged 277 Mbps in recent tests, which is more than fast enough for streaming Dish. What’s more, IPVanish works with Netflix US (many VPNs aren’t capable of accessing this streaming platform).

This VPN uses 256-bit encryption and has a zero-logs policy, ensuring your data stays private. Also bundled with your subscription is built-in DNS leak protection and an optional kill switch. Something that makes IPVanish quite unique compared to most VPNs is that it owns and operates all of its own servers. Most providers rent servers, which run the risk of third party interference. If you need any help, live chat support is available 24 hours a day.

Connect to IPVanish servers in the US and abroad with the IPVanish apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. Use with Linux and compatible wireless routers requires manual configuration.

UNLIMITED DEVICES:IPVanish is a very fast VPN for streaming Dish Anywhere without interruption. It has plenty of North American servers (1,400+), and an unlimited simultaneous connection allowance. High level of security with encryption. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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6. PrivateVPN

works with dishTested Nov 2024

PrivateVPN may be one of the best unblockers of content you can get. It can bypass the restrictions of many major streaming services, be it Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and, of course, Dish Anywhere. Although PrivateVPN has a relatively small network of servers, they are located in 60 countries. A dozen US cities are covered including New York, Dallas, and Los Angeles. Speeds are fast and consistent thanks to unlimited bandwidth.

If this is your first time using a VPN service, PrivateVPN offers free remote help and installation. There’s also live chat and email support. PrivateVPN boasts a high level of security, which consists of 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. PrivateVPN operates a true no-logs policy; it doesn’t even keep the connection logs that many other VPNs keep.

PrivateVPN has apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. PrivateVPN provides manual setup instructions to help with Linux and compatible wi-fi routers.

STREAMING-FRIENDLY:PrivateVPN is one of the best VPNs you can use for streaming thanks to its consistent connections and reliable unblocking. Internet traffic is secured with a high level of encryption. It has a comprehensive no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

VPN testing methodology: Finding the best VPNs for watching Dish

While there are hundreds of VPNs available for you to choose from, but many aren’t suitable for watching Dish outside the US. This may be due to poor unblocking or inadequate server speeds. There are a number of factors to take into consideration when choosing a VPN. We list those we looked for below.

• Servers in the US: Dish (and Dish Anywhere) is only available in the US. So if you travel overseas, you’ll need a US IP address to continue watching. We’ve included VPNs that provide plenty of servers in the US for this purpose. At the same time, we know you may need to access other content, so we’ve looked for VPNs with servers worldwide.
• Speed: Another primary consideration is server speed. Many VPNs were ruled out due to slow streaming speeds that resulted in lag and buffering. Indeed, some also engage in bandwidth throttling, which certainly doesn’t help! Our speed tests identified the fastest VPNs so you can stream without having to contend with performance issues.
• Navigate blocks: Dish Anywhere is not the only streaming platform that’s unavailable outside the US. Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, and the US Netflix library are all region-locked. We test each VPN across a variety of websites and services in an effort to find those that help you bypass the most restrictions.
• Security: A VPN should secure your internet traffic with encryption and protect your data from leaks. Despite this, there are many VPNs that fail to do this (particularly free VPN services). Some may lack other security features such as a kill switch. The best VPNs for watching Dish tick every security-related box so you can stream safely while abroad.
• Privacy: When a VPN properly encrypts your data, snoopers and your ISP won’t be able to see what you’re doing online. However, this isn’t much good if the VPN is logging and sharing your data! By looking at 140 VPN logging policies, we found those that protect your privacy. None of those listed above keep any identifying logs whatsoever.
• Ease of use: A VPN doesn’t have to be overly complicated. In testing each VPN, we look for a quick and easy signup and setup process, single click connections to servers, and live chat and email support.
• Value for money: We’ve included discount coupon links for each VPN covered in this post so you can get the best possible deal. Choose between a monthly subscription for minimal commitment and long-term plans for the biggest savings. All our recommendations come with risk-free money-back guarantees.

We go into greater detail regarding our process for analyzing VPNs in our VPN testing methodology post.

Dish outside the US: FAQ