How to watch YouTube TV from abroad with a VPN in 2024

Navigating the maze of geographical restrictions on streaming platforms like YouTube TV can be daunting. Have you ever been overseas, away from the US, and encountered this disappointing message:

“Sorry, but YouTube TV is not available in your area just yet.”

or

“YouTube TV VPN proxy detected”

This isn’t just a mild inconvenience; it’s a barrier between you and your favorite shows. It’s like buying a ticket but being turned away at the door. But here’s the silver lining: After comprehensive research and rigorous testing, we’ve found the key – A VPN or Virtual Private Network.

By utilizing a VPN server, you can access your favorite YouTube TV shows on that beach vacation and arm yourself with a shield of encryption. Think of it as a private tunnel: bypassing prying eyes and accessing a world of content. A VPN also ensures your safety against fraud risks during online banking while you are out of the country. Imagine military-grade encryption working tirelessly so that no Wi-Fi provider, ISP, or even government bodies can track your digital footprints.

Discover as we explore the best VPN providers for watching YouTube TV without any fuss. Or if you’re pressed for time, check out our handpicked list of the best VPNs ready for seamless YouTube streaming:

1. NordVPN: Our top YouTube TV VPN. Boasts lightning-fast speeds and streaming-optimized servers. Exceptional at accessing geo-restricted content and a 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Basic) works perfectly for Youtube TV.
2. Surfshark: A fast and secure provider with no connection or bandwidth limits. Works great with YouTube TV, YouTube Premium, and similar services.
3. IPVanish: Allows any number of simultaneous connections on a single account. Superb speeds for streaming a wide variety of media.
4. ExpressVPN: A large network capable of HD speeds. Secure and private connections. Servers in 94 countries. Secure apps for all platforms.
5. CyberGhost: Easy to install and use. Perfect for beginners. Plenty of fast servers in the United States and in 89 other countries.
6. PrivateVPN: Fast servers and can provide reliable access to most streaming services. 200 servers in 63 countries.
7. PureVPN: A speedy, easy-to-use VPN that works flawlessly with YouTube TV. Doesn’t compromise where privacy is concerned, either.
8. ProtonVPN: Security-first service with a large network, a proven no-logging policy, and 24/7 customer support. Has no problems with YouTube TV or streaming apps that stump other VPNs.

How to use YouTube TV abroad with a VPN

Using a VPN is easy, even if you’ve never used one before. You can trick YouTube TV into thinking you are in the US to stream media from anywhere in the world.

Just follow these proven steps to watch YouTube TV with a VPN:

1. Start by signing up with a suitable VPN service provider (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Next, install the YouTube TV VPN software. Most services offer apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android, so make sure to get the right version.
3. Log in to the VPN app.
4. Connect to one of your VPN’s American servers.
5. If you haven’t already done so, create a YouTube TV account. Note that this will require a payment method linked to a US address. The subscription payment is $72.99 per month (correct as of mid-2023).
6. Try loading a video or stream on YouTube TV. It should start playing almost immediately, but if not, try refreshing the page or clearing your browser’s cache and cookies.

If you’d like to watch a specific show live, we recommend performing the steps above before it actually airs. This gives you time to contact customer support if anything doesn’t work as intended and means you may not have to miss part of your favorite shows.

Best YouTube TV VPNs – 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 YouTube TV abroad.

How to choose the right VPN for YouTube TV

With so many different VPN services available, it can be difficult to choose just one. Some offer expansive server networks, while others might prioritize speed, internet security, or the ability to access a greater range of services securely. To find the best VPNs for YouTube TV, we looked for services meeting the criteria below:

• Capable of unblocking local channels from YouTube TV and similar services from abroad
• It has a vast network, with several US servers to choose from
• Provides robust encryption and additional security features
• Never logs personally identifiable information or usage data
• Has both mobile device and desktop apps, with minimal differences between each version
• Offers great value for money, including a money-back guarantee
• Has helpful customer support, preferably with live chat

For more information about how we test and recommend VPNs for YouTube, check out our detailed VPN testing methodology article.

Best VPNs for YouTube TV

Based on our real-world testing, here is our list of the top VPN providers for YouTube TV. Use these summaries to pick the perfect VPN for your needs:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024 Unblocks YouTubeTested Nov 2024

NordVPN boasts a network of more than 6,200 servers worldwide, with clusters all over the US. Its specialized servers cater to users who want to share files and access Tor or games without fear of DDoS attacks, making it a robust general-purpose VPN. However, thanks to its high speeds, it’s also excellent for streaming content. NordVPN works with platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, and, of course, YouTube TV from anywhere in the world.

This service uses 256-bit encryption and includes various additional security options. It has an application-specific kill switch, a dual-VPN feature, an automatic ad blocker, a malware scanner, and protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks. This VPN has a strict no-logs policy, so you can rest assured that your activities will always remain private.

NordVPN has Windows, Android, MacOS, iOS, and Linux-supported apps. However, it has to be manually configured on wireless routers.

NordVPN speed test data

BEST VPN FOR YOUTUBE TV:NordVPN is our top choice for YouTube TV. A superb all-rounder with powerful security features and fast servers for streaming. Try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Unblocks YouTubeTested Nov 2024

Surfshark has around 3,200 servers in 65+ countries, including dozens of US cities, to stream YouTube TV. Surfshark VPN also works with services like Netflix US, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video abroad. Plus, with no connection limit, you’re free to browse and stream safely across all your devices.

This VPN protects your digital privacy using 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, traffic scrambling, IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leak protection. As Surfshark doesn’t log any information that could identify you, you’ll be untraceable online. If you’d prefer even greater anonymity, you can sign up using a throwaway email address and pay via cryptocurrency. 24/7 support is available over live chat in case of any problems.

Surfshark offers apps for Linux, MacOS, Android, Windows, and iOS. It can be manually installed on supported wireless routers.

Surfshark speed test data

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is an inexpensive yet powerful service that works great with YouTube TV. Strong on security. 30-day money-back guarantee.

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3. IPVanish

Unblocks YouTubeTested Nov 2024

IPVanish has long been a favorite for streaming thanks to its expansive server network and strong multi-platform support. It currently has a smaller network of servers than some of the competition but with over 2,000 servers across 60+ countries, including 500+ in the US. IPVanish is fast enough to watch high-definition live streams without interruptions and can reliably unblock YouTube services. Further, this service permits unlimited simultaneous device connections.

On the security front, there’s 256-bit encryption, a kill switch (in both the mobile and desktop versions), and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. IPVanish also includes several features that most other VPNs don’t. You can block local traffic, for instance, or obfuscate OpenVPN traffic.  As IPVanish doesn’t log any information that could identify you—and allows you to switch through IP addresses automatically regularly—it makes users very difficult to track online. Support is available over live chat, 24/7, in case of any issues.

IPVanish has lightweight Windows, MacOS, Amazon Fire, Android, and iOS apps. Linux devices and select wireless routers are supported but must be configured manually.

IPVanish speed test data

NO CONNECTION LIMIT:IPVanish is great for families since it allows any number of connections. Unblocks YouTube and provides strong security. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

4. ExpressVPN

Unblocks YouTubeTested Nov 2024

ExpressVPN has servers in 15+ different US cities (and more than 3,000 globally), which means that you can use it to access YouTube TV and watch various city—or state-specific local channels. This VPN is ideal for streaming because it’s fast enough to watch live high-definition streams without any noticeable buffering.

256-bit encryption is enabled by default, and ExpressVPN keeps your activities private using DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch (desktop apps only), and perfect forward secrecy. No personally identifiable information is logged, so if you pay with Bitcoin and use a throwaway email address when signing up, you’ll be effectively untraceable. If you have any problems, customer support is available via 24/7 live chat.

This service offers apps for Linux, MacOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. Manual installation is required for supported network routers, but ExpressVPN’s custom firmware makes this process quick and easy.

ExpressVPN speed test data

STRONG ON SECURITY:ExpressVPN is a privacy-focused provider that excels streaming. Provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

5. CyberGhost

Unblocks YouTubeTested Nov 2024

CyberGhost works slightly differently from most VPNs in that you can choose a server for a specific task (such as securely accessing streaming sites or browsing anonymously) and have a suitable server assigned to you. It offers over 9,000 high-speed servers worldwide, with over 1,100 US-based servers. With the ability to connect up to seven devices at once, CyberGhost makes it easy to access whatever you want, wherever you want, regardless of your current location or device type.

This service keeps your traffic secure using 256-bit encryption, DNS, IPv6, port forwarding, and WebRTC leak protection. Every version of the software includes a kill switch, an ad blocker, and an anti-malware scanner. You can also get a dedicated IP address with CyberGhost, but an additional charge may apply.

CyberGhost does not log any personally identifiable information and accepts Bitcoin for maximum anonymity. This VPN comes with user-friendly Android, Windows, MacOS, and iOS apps. Manual installation is required for selected internet routers.

CyberGhost speed test data

VALUE & PERFORMANCE:CyberGhost is fast and affordable. It has a simple setup with strong privacy credentials. Streams HD video reliably from all streaming platforms. Has a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

6. PrivateVPN

Unblocks YouTubeTested Nov 2024

PrivateVPN is ideal for live streaming, thanks to it’s fast speeds. It has around 200 server locations globally, and 11 of these are in the US (in nine different states). This service has no problems streaming HD content on platforms like YouTube TV, Netflix, and Hulu, even from abroad. With six simultaneous connections allowed, PrivateVPN lets you protect all of your most commonly used devices with a single account.

This VPN has a strict no-logs policy and accepts Bitcoin, meaning you can register anonymously as long as you use a disposable email address. It uses 256-bit encryption by default, includes a kill switch that stops traffic when your internet connection is lost and protects against WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leaks. Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat, and with your permission, the staff can even remotely install the software for you.

This service includes dedicated Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS apps. PrivateVPN also works on Linux-based systems and routers but requires manual configuration first.

PrivateVPN speed test data

GOOD STREAMING SPEED:PrivateVPN is consistently reliable. Good for general-purpose use and HD Streaming. Could do with having more servers and lacks 24/7 support. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

7. PureVPN

unblocks YouTubeTested Nov 2024

PureVPN not only works with YouTube TV, it also allows you to securely stream content from platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime video, and Hulu. This service boasts exceptional speeds (almost 400 Mbps in our latest round of tests), doesn’t limit your bandwidth, and permits up to 10 simultaneous connections. In other words, it’s a great option for anyone planning on going abroad. Equally important, PureVPN offers around-the-clock customer support just in case of any problems.

We’re big fans of any VPN that simplifies security, and this one qualifies. By default, it prevents IPv6 and DNS leaks, uses effectively uncrackable encryption, and prevents you from browsing unprotected after an unexpected disconnection. PureVPN has undergone several independent audits, confirming beyond all doubt that it doesn’t keep logs. There is a tracker-blocking feature, too, but this is only included with Plus or Max plans. That’s a shame since many competing services include this as standard.

PureVPN has its own Android, iOS, MacOS, Windows, and Linux apps. Alternatively, it can be manually installed on a wide range of routers.

PureVPN speed test data

VERSATILE AND SECURE:PureVPN provides fast American servers, a high level of security, and 24/7 support via live chat. It works great with YouTube TV and many other streaming platforms. New customers can take advantage of a 31-day money-back guarantee.

For more info, take a look at our full PureVPN review.

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8. ProtonVPN

unblocks youtubeTested Nov 2024

ProtonVPN is best known for its free offering, but if you’re looking to stream YouTube TV (or anything, for that matter), you’ll have to upgrade to a paid plan. These grant access to the full server network (spanning 90 countries), increase the connection limit to 10 and remove the speed cap. That’s a huge deal since, in our latest testing, ProtonVPN delivered average speeds of around 330 Mbps. You’ll also be able to chat with support staff, day or night, if anything goes wrong.

If you’re the type of person who likes to customize their setup, you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied. For instance, there’s port forwarding and split tunneling functionality (on Windows, at least), WireGuard support, and a VPN accelerator that boosts your speeds even higher. Not bad, considering the apps already block ads and prevent data leaks. On that note, ProtonVPN refuses to keep any logs. It also allows you to sign up anonymously by paying in cryptocurrency or cash.

ProtonVPN apps are available for iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, and Linux. It also provides manual setup instructions for all of the most popular router firmware.

ProtonVPN speed test data

WATCH YOUTUBE TV ANYWHERE:ProtonVPN is a fantastic option for anyone looking to stream YouTube TV. It’s ultra-fast, highly-secure, and very customizable. What’s more, all plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee, so there’s no harm in trying it out.

Read our complete ProtonVPN review.

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Can I unblock YouTube TV with a free VPN service?

Free VPNs often claim to provide the same level of service as their premium rivals, but this is far from reality. These VPNs usually have much larger user bases yet fewer servers to spread the load. As a result, you can expect extremely slow browsing speeds and digital videos that stutter, have low resolution, and frequently pause to buffer. Furthermore, as YouTube is one of the largest TV streaming services in the world, it’s unlikely that a free VPN will be able to bypass its geo-restriction measures in the first place.

Maintaining an international server network is expensive, so how can free VPNs afford to operate? The truth is that they’ve found various ways to profit from their users, whether it’s by placing ads on the sites you visit or using tracking cookies to amass a detailed dossier of your online activities. VPNs are designed to increase your online privacy, but by selling your data to unknown third parties without your knowledge, free services can actually reduce it instead.

To stay as safe as possible, we recommend using a reputable VPN with a clear, user-first privacy policy.

Can I sign up for YouTube TV from abroad?

Although YouTube TV is technically only available in the US, signing up from anywhere is possible as long as you have a PayPal account. When using a credit or debit card to pay, YouTube TV requires it to be registered to a US address, but unlike many similar services, YouTube TV doesn’t check to see if you have an American PayPal account.

Don’t want payments to be taken via PayPal? There’s a third payment option, one that’s not presented to the user during registration: Google Play gift cards. Just log in to the same Google Play account you signed up to YouTube TV with, redeem a gift card, and if you have enough credit, you’ll find that this service deducts the subscription fee from your balance instead of charging your card or PayPal account.

What can I watch on YouTube TV?

YouTube TV currently offers 90+ available channels as part of its standard subscription and there are an additional 16 that can be added for a small additional payment. Below, we’ve listed some of this service’s most popular networks:

1. ABC
2. BBC America
3. CBS
4. Disney Channel
5. ESPN
6. FOX
7. MLB
8. NBC
9. SyFy
10. TNT

Watch the NBA on YouTube TV with a VPN

The 2023/2024 NBA season is about to kick off, and whether you’re traveling abroad for vacation, work, or studying, you’ll need a VPN to access your YouTube TV account and watch NBA games.

Basketball’s global popularity is rising fast, but catching live NBA games on local TV services isn’t always an option. Luckily, basketball enthusiasts worldwide can feast their eyes on US coverage of the NBA by using a VPN.

By connecting to a US VPN server from abroad, you can get a valid US IP address. This allows you to stream YouTube TV from anywhere in the world. This makes a VPN the perfect way to get around geo-restrictions that would usually stop you from streaming the NBA where you live.

No matter where your travels take you, a VPN is your ticket to streaming the NBA. YouTube TV provides access to NBA games on ESPN, TNT, and ABC. However, it is vital to remember that YouTube TV has already blocked many VPNs. This makes it important to stick with our recommended VPNs for streaming the NBA.

The VPNs in this guide not only have servers in the US that are optimized for streaming the NBA on YouTube TV, but they also provide the fastest VPN protocols for streaming basketball without worrying about buffering.

How do I share YouTube TV with family in different locations?

You need to set up a family group to share YouTube TV with family in different locations, but it’s important to follow YouTube’s rules. Here’s a quick guide:

• Family Group Basics: The person setting up the group (the family manager) must be over 18 and have a Google Account. All members should live in the same household as the manager.
• Creating the Group: Log into YouTube TV, go to your profile, then Settings > Family sharing.
  1. Click on Manage, then create a Google family group.
  2. Accept the terms of service and privacy policy.
  3. Invite your family members (who must be 13 or older) by email.
• Important Rules: Family members need to watch YouTube TV at the home location from time to time. If they don’t, they might have to log in from the home network every three months to keep access.
• Be Careful: Sharing with people in different locations is technically not allowed, and YouTube TV has been cracking down on this. If you don’t follow the rules, you could run into problems with your account.

In essence, while you can share YouTube TV with your family, everyone is supposed to live at the same address and use the service there occasionally. Sharing across different locations goes against the terms of service and risks account issues.

YouTube TV FAQs