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:
- 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 (Standard) works perfectly for Youtube TV. - Surfshark: A fast and secure provider with no connection or bandwidth limits. Works great with YouTube TV, YouTube Premium, and similar services.
- IPVanish: Allows any number of simultaneous connections on a single account. Superb speeds for streaming a wide variety of media. Lowest monthly price without a long-term commitment.
- ExpressVPN: A large network capable of HD speeds. Secure and private connections. Servers in 105 countries. Secure apps for all platforms.
- CyberGhost: Easy to install and use. Perfect for beginners. Plenty of fast servers in the United States and in 100 other countries.
- PureVPN: A speedy, easy-to-use VPN that works flawlessly with YouTube TV. Doesn’t compromise where privacy is concerned, either.
- 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.
- PrivateVPN: Fast servers and can provide reliable access to most streaming services. 200 servers in 63 countries.
Many VPNs claim to work with Youtube TV but most (especially free VPNs) are often blocked.
We regularly test the top 70 VPNs with all major streaming sites and this list only includes VPNs which reliably unblock Youtube TV and offer a full money-back guarantee, allowing you to try them risk-free.
How to use YouTube TV abroad with a VPN
Using a VPN is easy, even if you’ve never used one before. Follow the simple steps below, and YouTube TV will think you are in the US and allow you to stream media from anywhere in the world.
Heres how to watch YouTube TV with a VPN:
- Start by signing up with a suitable VPN service provider (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download and install the VPN software. Most services offer apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android, so make sure to get the right version for your device.
- Log in to the VPN app and connect to one of your VPN’s American servers.
- 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 base subscription payment is $72.99 per month at the time of writing.
- Try loading a video or stream on YouTube TV. It should start playing almost immediately, but if not, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies before refreshing the page, or try a different server.
Note: 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 you need additional help, without missing the start of your favorite shows.
WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN FOR YOUTUBE TV RISK FREE?
NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for YouTube TV without limits or restrictions for a month – great for overcoming YouTube TV's geo-restrictions and watching on vacation.
There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
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.
| No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | PureVPN | Proton VPN | PrivateVPN |
| Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | IPVanish.com | ExpressVPN.com | Cyberghost.com | PureVPN.com | protonvpn.com | PrivateVPN.com | Ranking for YouTube | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | Avg Speed (Mbps) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 400 Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 74 Mbps | Devices Supported | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Chromebook, Routers | Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, Chromebook | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV | Total number of servers | 6,000+ | 3,200 | 2,200+ | Undisclosed | 11,000+ | 6,500+ | 3,800 | 200+ | Simultaneous Connections | 10 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 8 | 7 | 10 | Free: 1, VPN Plus: 10 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best deal (per month) | $2.99 74% off 2 year plans + 3 EXTRA months | $1.99 87% OFF + 4 months free | $2.19 The cheapest MONTHLY Black Friday plan! | $4.99 SAVE: 82% + 6 months free on 2 year plans | $2.03 SAVE 84% on the 2 year plan + 4 months free! | $1.99 85% off the 5-yr standard plan | $2.99 SAVE 70% on a 2-year plan | $2.00 Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free |
How to choose the right VPN for YouTube TV
With so many different VPN services available, it can be difficult to choose the right one. To find the best VPNs for YouTube TV, we measured them against the following criteria:
- Speed: We test the speeds of each provider’s US servers
- Streaming ability: We score providers on their compatibility with services such as YouTube TV as well as the number of US server locations they have
- Security and privacy: We use 16 different criteria for calculating security and privacy scores
- Ease of use: We use 10 different criteria for evaluating how easy each VPN service is to use
- Value for money: We use eight different criteria for gauging whether providers offer good value for money
You can see the details of this testing process — and the results — later in this article but first, let’s take a closer look at the providers that impressed us.
Best VPNs for YouTube TV
The following reviews are based on our extensive real-world testing.
Here is our list of the top VPN providers for YouTube TV.
1. NordVPN
Nov 2024
Unblocks YouTubeTested Nov 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 9.2 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 9.6 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 9.5 / 10 |
| Streaming ability: | 7.6 / 10 |
| US speed: | 10.0 / 10 |
| Value for money: | 9.5 / 10 |
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
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, 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.
To find out how fast it was, we carried out speed tests while connected to its US servers.
NordVPN was exceptionally quick in all three tests, with an average download speed of 335 Mbps. This was more than 100 Mbps greater than the combined average speed of the other providers. In practice, NordVPN is easily fast enough to stream YouTube TV in 4K and is also a great choice for gaming and torrenting.
The 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.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want seamless access to YouTube TV and all other major platforms
- You want the fastest US connection speeds available
- You want simplified Tor access
- You want access to servers in lots of countries
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You want port forwarding
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.
2. Surfshark
Unblocks YouTubeTested Nov 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 9.1 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 8.9 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 9.5 / 10 |
| Streaming ability: | 7.9 / 10 |
| US speed: | 9.6 / 10 |
| Value for money: | 9.7 / 10 |
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark has around 3,200 servers in 100+ 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.
We tested the provider’s speeds while connected to its servers in the US. We carried out three speed tests in all, the results of which you can see below.
Like NordVPN, Surfshark was notably fast, with an average speed of 327 Mbps. It was more than 100 Mbps faster than the combined average speed of the other providers. This makes it a great option for streaming YouTube TV in the highest resolution available.
Surfshark 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.
Buy this VPN if:
- You use lots of streaming platforms
- You want to share an account with friends and family
- You have a device running Linux
- You want a low-cost subscription
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You want a VPN that isn’t based in a Nine Eyes country
BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is an inexpensive yet powerful service that works great with YouTube TV. Strong on security. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of Surfshark here.
3. IPVanish
Unblocks YouTubeTested Nov 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 7.8 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 9.4 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 8.9 / 10 |
| Streaming ability: | 7.3 / 10 |
| US speed: | 4.0 / 10 |
| Value for money: | 9.6 / 10 |
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
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 2,400 servers across 60+ countries, including 500+ in the US.
We tested the provider’s speeds while connected to its US servers. We carried out three tests overall. You can see the results below.
IPVanish performed reasonably well overall, with an average speed of 199 Mbps. This was just under the combined average speed of the other providers, which was 215.4 Mbps.
Provided you have a decent base connection speed, IPVanish is fast enough to watch high-definition live streams without interruptions.
The service can reliably unblock YouTube services and a whole host of other streaming platforms — including stubborn providers such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer. 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.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want hassle-free access to YouTube TV and other streaming services
- You want to share an account with friends or family
- You like being able to choose between individual US servers
- You want a budget-friendly VPN without a long-term commitment
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You’re connecting from China
- You want a provider based outside of the US
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.
Get Deal >4. ExpressVPN
Unblocks YouTubeTested Nov 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 7.4 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 9.3 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 9.2 / 10 |
| Streaming ability: | 8.0 / 10 |
| US speed: | 1.9 / 10 |
| Value for money: | 8.4 / 10 |
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
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.
The platform works seamlessly with a large number of streaming platforms beyond YouTube TV. It can also help VPN-incompatible devices access geo-restricted content.
To find out whether the provider was fast enough for streaming, we carried out several speed tests over the course of a day.
ExpressVPN performed consistently, pegging an average speed of 153 Mbps. This was 69 Mbps slower than the combined average speed of the other providers. Nevertheless, it’s still fast enough to watch high-definition streams without any noticeable buffering (provided you have a fast base connection speed).
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.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want to watch YouTube TV on a VPN-incompatible device
- You’ve never used VPN software before
- You routinely need to evade VPN blocks
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You want a cheap subscription
- You want the fastest available connection speeds
STRONG ON SECURITY:ExpressVPN is a privacy-focused provider that excels at streaming. Provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of ExpressVPN.
5. CyberGhost
Unblocks YouTubeTested Nov 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 7.4 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 9.1 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 8.9 / 10 |
| Streaming ability: | 5.6 / 10 |
| US speed: | 4.1 / 10 |
| Value for money: | 9.5 / 10 |
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
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 10,000 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.
We tested the provider’s speeds three times over the course of a day. We connected to CyberGhost’s US servers and carried out the tests on a virtual machine.
The provider averaged 200.67 Mbps overall, which was 26 Mbps slower than the combined average speed of the other providers we tested. It’s more than fast enough to stream YouTube TV content in 4K, though only if you have a decent connection speed to start with.
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.
Buy this VPN if:
- You only want a VPN for streaming YouTube TV and other platforms
- You prefer beginner-friendly software
- You don’t like searching round for suitable streaming servers
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You’re connecting from a restrictive country such as China
- You want features such as multi-hop servers or port forwarding
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.
Get Deal >6. PureVPN
unblocks YouTubeTested Nov 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 7 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 9.1 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 8.7 / 10 |
| Streaming ability: | 5.8 / 10 |
| US speed: | 3.4 / 10 |
| Value for money: | 8.1 / 10 |
Website: www.PureVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 31 DAYS
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 always-on obfuscation, 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 tested the speed of PureVPN’s US servers to gauge its suitability for streaming YouTube TV. We carried out three tests over the course of a day.
The provider was consistent, though not the fastest. It averaged 185.67 Mbps overall, which was around 30 Mbps slower than the combined average speed of the other providers that we tested. If you’ve got a good base connection speed, then you’ll have no problem watching YouTube TV video in 4K. If not, try one of the faster providers in this list.
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.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want streamlined access to YouTube TV and other platforms
- You’re looking for a low-cost, long-term subscription
- You regularly need to bypass VPN blocks
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You want access to multi-hop servers
- You want a built-in ad-blocker
VERSATILE AND SECURE:PureVPN provides plenty of 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.
7. ProtonVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 6.7 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 8.8 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 9.3 / 10 |
| Streaming ability: | 4.8 / 10 |
| US speed: | 3.4 / 10 |
| Value for money: | 7.4 / 10 |
Website: www.protonvpn.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
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 112 countries), increase the connection limit to 10, and remove the speed cap.
To judge how suitable ProtonVPN was for streaming YouTube TV, we carried out a series of speed tests while connected to its US servers.
The provider averaged 186.33 Mbps over the day of testing, which was just over 30 Mbps slower than the combined average speed of the other providers. Nevertheless, it’s a decent enough result — particularly if, like us, you have a good base connection speed. If not, look to one of the other providers in this list.
In addition to YouTube TV, ProtonVPN works with numerous other streaming platforms. If you struggle to find a working server for a particular service, you can ask the company’s support team, which is available day or night.
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.
Buy this VPN if:
- Security and privacy are important to you
- You like being able to choose between individual servers
- You do a lot of torrenting as well as streaming
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You’re on a tight budget
- You’re connecting from China
WATCH YOUTUBE TV ANYWHERE:ProtonVPN is a fantastic option for anyone looking to stream YouTube TV. It’s 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.
8. PrivateVPN
Unblocks YouTubeTested Nov 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 5.9 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 8.6 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 8.6 / 10 |
| Streaming ability: | 3.6 / 10 |
| US speed: | 0.5 / 10 |
| Value for money: | 8.2 / 10 |
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN is ideal for live streaming, thanks to its 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 ten simultaneous connections allowed, PrivateVPN lets you protect all of your most commonly used devices with a single account.
We tested PrivateVPN’s speeds using a virtual machine connected to the provider’s US servers.
PrivateVPN consistently achieved speeds above 100 Mbps. Overall, it averaged 120 Mbps, which was more than 97 Mbps slower than the combined average speed of the other providers. If you have a fast base connection speed, PrivateVPN will allow you to stream YouTube TV without buffering. Anyone with a download speed less than 100 Mbps might prefer to opt for one of our other recommended providers.
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.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want to pay as little as possible for a subscription
- You do a lot of torrenting and want port forwarding
- You’re new to VPNs and want responsive customer support
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You have a slow connection speed
- You want access to a large server network
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.
Methodology: Finding the best VPNs for watching YouTube TV from abroad
Our testing process involves evaluating each VPN provider on a number of fronts. This ensures that we only recommend providers that are solid performers across the board. Specifically, we tested the following:
Speed
We regularly carry out speed tests to find the fastest overall VPN provider. However, in the case of YouTube TV, we were only interested in how fast each provider’s US servers were.
To this end, we carried out three speed tests over the course of day while connected to a US server. Speeds were measured using the desktop version of the Ookla speed-testing app. We used a virtual machine for stability.
As you can see from the above chart, NordVPN and Surfshark were, by far, the fastest providers. IPVanish and CyberGhost were the next-best options, with average speeds around the 200 Mbps mark.
Streaming ability
If you want to access YouTube TV in the US, you’ll need to connect to servers in the US. To gauge how many servers each provider has in the US, we looked at the number of server locations. This acts as a good barometer in lieu of the actual number of servers (some providers are reluctant to reveal specific server numbers).
Having scored providers on their US server locations, we then scored them on the number of streaming platforms they were compatible with. As well as YouTube TV, we tested them with big-name services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, and more.
We then averaged these two scores to give us our overall streaming ability score. You can see how the providers compare in the chart below.
ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN are particularly good at accessing a wide range of streaming platforms, including YouTube. Furthermore, they have numerous US server locations and plenty of availability.
Security and privacy
It’s important to remember that a VPN is first and foremost a security tool. To find out which providers are best able to keep you safe online, we evaluate them according to the criteria outlined in the table below.
| VPN Provider | Activity logs | IP logs | Encryption | Authentication | Keys | Perfect Forward Secrecy | DNS leak protection | IPv6 leak protection | Private DNS | Torrenting allowed | Kill switch | HQ outside 9 eyes | Obfuscation | Supported protocols | Anonymous payment options | Additional security features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Security | Security | Security | Security | Security | Security | Security | Security | Security | Security | Security | Security | Security | Security | Security | Security |
| NordVPN | No activity logs | No IP logs | AES-128 or higher | SHA-384 | 4096-bit | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | All platforms | Yes | Stealth | Own protocol | Multiple | Yes |
| Surfshark | No activity logs | No IP logs | AES-128 or higher | SHA-512 | 4096-bit | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Mobile app-level | No | Stealth | Secure protocols only | Multiple | Yes |
| IPVanish | No activity logs | No IP logs | AES-128 or higher | SHA-256 | 4096-bit | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | All platforms | Yes | Stealth | Secure protocols only | None | No |
| ExpressVPN | No activity logs | No IP logs | AES-128 or higher | SHA-512 | 4096-bit | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Mobile app-level | Yes | Automatic | Own protocol | Multiple | No |
| CyberGhost | No activity logs | No IP logs | AES-128 or higher | SHA-256 | 4096-bit | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | All platforms | Yes | Stealth | Secure protocols only | Multiple | No |
| PureVPN | No activity logs | No IP logs | AES-128 or higher | SHA-256 | 4096-bit | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Some platforms | Yes | Automatic | Secure protocols only | One | No |
| Proton VPN | No activity logs | No IP logs | AES-128 or higher | SHA-512 | 2048-bit | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | All platforms | Yes | Stealth | Secure protocols only | One | Yes |
| PrivateVPN | No activity logs | No IP logs | AES-128 or higher | SHA-256 | 2048-bit | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Some platforms | Yes | Stealth | Secure protocols only | One | No |
We then assign a score to each of these criteria so that we’re left with an overall score out of ten. This makes it easier to compare providers.
NordVPN and Surfshark provide secure connections with highly effective obfuscation and audited no-logs policies. ProtonVPN is a great alternative.
Ease of use
If you’re eager to access YouTube TV, then it’s likely you want to spend as little time as possible using VPN software. To find which services provide a hassle-free experience, we evaluate them according to the criteria outlined in the table below.
| VPN Provider | Apps for all major platforms | Novice-friendly design | Ease of signup (reviewer to score) | Router support | Unblocking consistency | Task specific servers | Network | Ease of cancellation | Interface | Feature parity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Ease of Use | Ease of Use | Ease of Use | Ease of Use | Ease of Use | Ease of Use | Ease of Use | Ease of Use | Ease of Use | Ease of Use |
| NordVPN | Yes | Yes | 5 (easy) | Standard | Great | Yes | 60+ countries | Very easy | Well-organised | Most features available on all versions |
| Surfshark | Yes | Yes | 4 | Standard | Great | No | 60+ countries | Very easy | A little cluttered | Most features available on all versions |
| IPVanish | Yes | Yes | 5 (easy) | Standard | Great | No | 60+ countries | Very easy | Well-organised | Most features available on all versions |
| ExpressVPN | Yes | Yes | 5 (easy) | App | Generally works | No | 60+ countries | Very easy | Well-organised | All features available on all versions |
| CyberGhost | Yes | Yes | 4 | Standard | Great | Yes | 60+ countries | Very easy | A little cluttered | Most features available on all versions |
| PureVPN | Yes | Yes | 3 | App | Great | Yes | 60+ countries | Very easy | A little cluttered | Most features available on all versions |
| Proton VPN | Yes | Yes | 4 | Standard | Great | Yes | 60+ countries | Very easy | Takes some getting used to | Most features available on all versions |
| PrivateVPN | Yes | Yes | 4 | Standard | Generally works | No | 60+ countries | Very easy | Well-organised | Most features available on all versions |
Each of these ten criteria is given a score, which we combine to create an overall score out of ten. We can then use this to meaningfully compare providers.
As you can see from the above, NordVPN provides the easiest-to-use service overall. IPVanish and ExpressVPN are good alternatives, with a smooth sign-up process and well-designed interfaces.
Value for money
We all like getting a good deal, though this can be difficult to judge when it comes to VPNs. While it’s tempting to focus on the monthly cost alone, there are other factors to take into consideration. You can see the criteria we used for testing in the table below.
| VPN Provider | Money-back guarantee | Connection limit | Subscription terms | Sale frequency | Monthly pricing | Lowest price | Free trial available | Student discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Value for Money | Value for Money | Value for Money | Value for Money | Value for Money | Value for Money | Value for Money | Value for Money |
| NordVPN | Yes | 6+ | 3 terms+ | Frequently running deals | <$13 | <$5 | Yes | Yes |
| Surfshark | Yes | Unlimited | 3 terms+ | Frequently running deals | <$10 | <$5 | Yes | Yes |
| IPVanish | Yes | Unlimited | 3 terms+ | Frequently running deals | <$13 | <$5 | Yes | Yes |
| ExpressVPN | Yes | 6+ | 3 terms+ | Frequently running deals | $15+ | $5+ | Yes | Yes |
| CyberGhost | Yes | 6+ | 3 terms+ | Frequently running deals | <$13 | <$5 | Yes | Yes |
| PureVPN | Yes | 6+ | 3 terms+ | Frequently running deals | <$13 | <$5 | Yes | No |
| Proton VPN | Yes | 6+ | 3 terms+ | Frequently running deals | <$10 | $5+ | Yes | No |
| PrivateVPN | Yes | 6+ | 3 terms+ | Frequently running deals | <$10 | <$5 | Yes | No |
Scores for each metric are combined to produce a total score out of ten, which we can use to conveniently compare providers.
Surfshark is the best-value provider, closely followed by IPVanish. Both providers allow unlimited simultaneous device connections and have low-cost subscriptions. Good alternatives to these two providers are NordVPN and CyberGhost.
Unblocking YouTube TV with a free VPN
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 avoiding the freebies and using a reputable VPN with a clear, user-first privacy policy.
Read more YouTube articles here:
YouTube TV FAQs
Is it legal to use a VPN for YouTube TV?
Yes, it’s legal to use a VPN to access your YouTube TV account while traveling overseas. This is because you are a paying subscriber, and you have every right to be able to stream your account.
That said, it is worth noting that bypassing YouTube’s geo-restrictions to stream content in an unlicensed region is technically in breach of YouTube’s Terms of Service. Thankfully, YouTube opts to deal with the problem by blocking VPN servers there rather than by canceling user accounts.
This makes it essential to subscribe to a recommended VPN that knows how to stay one step ahead of YouTube’s VPN blocks. All of our recommendations have been tested and have servers ideal for streaming YouTube TV while abroad.
Please bear in mind that nothing in this article should be taken as legal advice. So please do your own research and check the rules in the country you are in.
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.
Will a VPN cause buffering?
Your VPN will almost always reduce your internet speeds to some degree. That said, thanks to faster protocols and better optimization, VPNs are significantly quicker than they used to be.
YouTube TV says you’ll need a download speed of at least 3 Mbps for an optimal experience, but obviously, live streams and 4K content have higher speed requirements. As long as your base connection can deliver around 30 Mbps, you shouldn’t notice any lag or buffering with the VPN active.
Still having problems? You might want to consider lowering the video quality, asking your VPN’s support team whether there’s a specific server you should use, or plugging your computer directly into the router instead of using a wireless connection.
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.
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:
Hello, We are building a home in Costa Rica and want to install a set up that allows us to watch US television. We already have Nord VPN installed on our iPhone and computer but don’t have it tied to our Play Station… Can we do that? Also do we need to purchase a specific router to install in the new home to assist us in accessing the US TV stations? Or is it already installed in a new “Smart TV”? My neighbor has Express VPN and told us we needed to sign up with a Utube router in order to access the US channels. Can you please explain?
Hi Larry, because there’s no way to install a VPN directly onto a PlayStation, your best bet is to install it directly onto your home router. Because there are so many different types of router available and each is slightly different, I’d recommend you ask NordVPN support to walk you through the process. On the plus side, this approach will ensure that any device on your network (including a smart TV) gets the benefits of the VPN. As far as router choice goes, there’s really no wrong answer except to say that most major VPNs support DD-WRT, Asus, and Tomato firmwares. Please feel free to reply with any more questions, I’m always happy to help. Ian
Hello Lan, I got NordVPN on my laptop, but I can not acces to YTTV , by giving any the zip code It says ” Sorry, but YouTube TV is not available in your area just yet. ” Could you please help me
Thanks and regards since Mèxico
Hi Bob, I’ve just tried this and was able to reach the payment screen with no problems. It’s possible that the server you tried had been blacklisted, or perhaps you were just unlucky with your choice of ZIP codes. I’d also recommend clearing your browser’s cookies to force the site to forget you before trying again. Thanks, Ian
Greetings! My daughter lives in Luxembourg, installed nordvpn on her iPhone and uses USA ip, can access live USA programs on youtube tv. Cannot access recorded youtube tv programs or cast anything to chromestick on her tv. Please let me know if you have advice. Thanks.
Hi Bruce, most live streaming platforms won’t let you cast to a second screen, so I think that’s probably unrelated to the VPN use. If your daughter is using the YouTube TV app, I’d recommend turning off location services and watching on the actual website instead since apps often cross-reference the user’s IP address with their GPS data. Hope this helps, Ian
I’ve disabled locations in my iphone and I am using ExpressVPN. The result is that I am able to login to Youtube TV from Europe and I am able to watch on my iphone. But when I try to cast it to my smart TV, I get the message on the TV screen “Playback error YouTube TV’s unavailable in this country.” Is there a way to get around this? Youtube TV isn’t detecting my iphone is outside the US, but somehow it detects that the TV I’m casting to is outside the US. Any suggestions?
Hi Howard, I’m not entirely sure why this would be happening. If your TV has access to a major app store, you may be able to install ExpressVPN directly on it. If not, perhaps MediaStreamer can help. Here’s a quick setup guide for Samsung TVs: https://www.expressvpn.com/support/vpn-setup/samsung-smart-tv-mediastreamer/
Thanks, Ian
I’ve tried to sign up with a paypal account but unfortunately youtube tv said: Your PayPal account country is different from your payments profile country.
And since I’m not an American citizen and get a US credit or debit card or get an American paypal account is not possible.
Is there any way to get around?
Hi Phil, it might be possible to pay using a prepaid Mastercard that’s loaded with US dollars. In many cases, though, you’ll have to call the card provider and add an address over the phone. Ian
Hi Ian – how do you unlock local channels (most networks) that require location services enabled?
Hi David – services like these are much more difficult to access from a mobile device for this exact reason. It should technically be possible to spoof your GPS location data but I haven’t personally tried this with YouTube TV. In most cases, it’d be easier to just use a desktop computer instead. Hope this helps, Ian
how do I pay for this service if I don’t have a US credit card??
Hi Mitch, you will need a US credit card to sign up. I’ve edited the article to make this more clear. Thanks, Ian
I am using ExpressVPN on a PC. I have tried all of the US servers, clearing my cache and cookies every time and was not able to watch the YouTube TV service because it detected the VPN. Any other ideas?
Hi Eduardo, it’s possible that YouTube TV is accessing your browser’s location data. Can you try installing the ExpressVPN browser extension and then watching YouTube TV? ExpressVPN has confirmed that it’s still able to unblock YouTube TV, so if this doesn’t work, let me know and I’ll try to find another solution. Thanks, Ian
Here is what I do not understand.
1. I added extensions to browsers (FF & Chrome).
2. I set ExpressVPN to Seattle & went to Google Maps.
3. I set ExpressVPN to SanFrancisco & went to Google Maps.
4. In both cases Google Maps showed U.S. Location.
5. But when I go to https://tv.youtube.com/ it detects I am using your proxy.
6. I thought VPN was supposed to make it appear I was in a specific location – but https://tv.youtube.com/ is able to tell this is not the case. Again, I am from Washington State in the U.S. Visiting Scotland for 2 weeks. Unable to watch any of the U.S. news channels that I could do were I physically in the U.S. Does this help your understanding of the VPN issues I am having?
steven@shippee.org
Hi Steven – when it comes to major services like YouTube TV, there are usually a few specific servers that you’re supposed to use. Generally, I’d recommend contacting ExpressVPN directly to find out which ones work. That said, I’m also in Scotland, and at the moment, the New Jersey server appears to be working. Hope this helps (and enjoy your vacation), Ian
Thank you kind Ian –
New Jersey works for me.
I always used Seattle from within different locations when in the U.S. – never dawned on me to jump over to the east coast – so I tried San Francisco after Seattle – to no avail.
New Jersey/New York work.
Thanks for saving a news junkie’s bacon.
Hi, I have had ExpressVPN on my router and my mobile devices but for whatever reason it YouTube tv detects the vpn and blocks it on mobile devices. Worse yet periodically asks you to update the area and will not allow you to do anything. Any suggestions?
Hi Fred, unfortunately our phones often give websites other ways to track us. While your IP address might be from America, YouTube TV might be able to see from your phone’s GPS that you’re actually in another country. I’d recommend contacting ExpressVPN directly to confirm whether or not this is the case and to see if there’s a workaround. Hope this helps, Ian
I fear this is not correct… YouTube TV does recognize now the use of VPN networks and blocks the viewing. I have used it for a month in Switzerland, but now they changed something! I tried with HMA and NordVPN – both were recognized by YouTube TV.
Not sure how to solve the issue now…
Hey Tim, I’ve just contacted NordVPN to make sure – they say the service still unblocks YouTube TV without any issues. I think part of your problem might be that YouTube detected HMA and stored a cookie on your device saying so. Can you try clearing your cache and cookies, then trying NordVPN again? If this still doesn’t work, customer support should be able to help you out. Thanks, Ian
Hi Ian, I installed NordVPN on my IPhone but I noticed that the YouTube TV app does not recognize the VPN location and still works on my home location. Do you know how can I change that?
Hi Vicente, can you try closing the YouTube TV app, clearing its cache and restarting for me? As far as I know, NordVPN should still work. Thanks, Ian
I am using Astrill. I used to be able to connect but now I cannot. My husband, using the same router, can. Youtube TV senses my proxy/vpn. I cannot get around it. Any ideas? I have worked with the Astrill agents to no avail.
Hi Eileen, there are a few different reasons why this might be happening. The good news is that we can rule out the router entirely. Further, since every Astrill user on a specific server has the same IP address, we know that’s not the problem either. Are you and your husband using the same kind of device? I ask because sometimes mobile apps check your location via GPS as well as your IP address, and VPNs don’t change your GPS location. Assuming you’re both using a PC – make sure you use the same browser as your husband, and try clearing its cache and cookies. Thanks, Ian