Best VPNs for streaming sports in 2024
With extensive analysis and hands-on VPN testing, our cybersecurity experts collaborated with the research team to craft 750+ articles over the years.
Using first-hand expertise, our main goal is to help our readers make the most informed purchasing decisions.
Learn more-
Kristina Jarusevičiūtė
Writer
While most sports fanatics are looking forward to their favorite games, broadcasters often black out local games and geo-block live sports events. That’s because TV broadcasters buy the rights to stream local games, so you either have to purchase the TV package or go watch the match live.
Luckily, these issues are easy to bypass with a streaming-focused VPN, such as NordVPN. NordVPN is one of the best VPNs for streaming sports from wherever you are, as it has 6300 servers in 111 countries. During NordVPN testing, it delivered high-definition streams for sports channels like ESPN and Sky Sports with minimal buffering, making it ideal for seamless sports streaming.
Whether you're into football, basketball, or any other sport, a VPN can help you bypass blackouts and unblock geo-restricted streaming services. Not to mention that getting a streaming platform with a VPN lets you access much more sports content than regular viewers.
However, few VPNs are capable of unlocking popular streaming services without compromising speeds. To help you out, with the help of the research team, I tested 43 of services and ranked the best VPNs for streaming sports in 2024.
Best VPNs for sports streaming
- NordVPN – overall best VPN for streaming sports in 2024
- Surfshark – wallet-friendly VPN for streaming games on any device
- PureVPN – server-loaded VPN for watching sports from anywhere
- ExpressVPN – premium VPN to watch football or any other match live
- CyberGhost VPN – secure sport VPN with specialized streaming servers
How to watch sports using VPN?
- Choose a reliable VPN. I recommend NordVPN since it offers fast speeds and unblocks sports streaming sites effectively
- Download and install the VPN app on your device
- Open the app and connect to a server in a country where your sports event/stream is available
- Go to the sports streaming site or app you want to use, like ESPN or Sky Sports
- Log in if required and enjoy your sports event without regional restrictions
We spare no effort to test the products & their features. All information is gathered by our in-house research team & fact-checked by our team of experts. Discover the ins and outs of our testing procedures.
How to choose the best sports VPN for geo-restricted or blacked-out games?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) helps you stream sports by masking your real IP address and letting you connect to a server in another country. This allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and access sports content unavailable in your region. It also helps avoid local blackouts and ISP throttling, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted streaming. Here are the criteria that make a VPN best for streaming sports content:
- Unblocking capabilities. Choose a VPN that prevents IP leaks and has strong unblocking abilities to bypass geo-restrictions and local blackouts. This is essential to access sports streaming platforms that are available only in certain countries.
- Server network. Opt for a VPN with a vast network of servers, especially in countries where your favorite sports streaming services are available. This ensures you can always find a server that provides access to the content you want.
- Speed. The best VPN for streaming sports should offer fast connection speeds to support smooth, interruption-free sports streaming. High-speed servers are crucial to avoid buffering during live games.
- Security and privacy. Select a VPN with top-notch security features, such as AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy, to protect your online activities from hackers and malicious entities. This is vital to ensure your data and identity remain secure while streaming.
- Device compatibility. Ensure the VPN works with your streaming device, whether it’s an Amazon Fire Stick, smart TV, or gaming console. Compatibility across multiple devices guarantees you can stream sports on any platform you choose.
I find a trustworthy VPN irreplaceable when it comes to streaming sporting events. Since many of them are geo-restricted, I usually go for a VPN provider that has a huge server fleet. This way, I get to connect to any server worldwide and access location specific content. Plus, I pay close attention to the provider’s security suite and look for features like a kill switch and split tunnelling.
That’s why my go-to VPN is NordVPN. Not only does it have plenty of servers to choose from, but ensures maximum security as well.
The best VPNs for streaming sports – detailed list
With the help of the Cybernews research team, I tested 43 VPNs based on speed, reliability, and access to sports platforms. NordVPN, Surfshark, PureVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost stand out as the best options for sports streaming in 2024. So, without further ado, here are detailed descriptions, pros, and cons of the best VPNs for streaming sports:
1. NordVPN – overall best VPN for sports streaming in 2024
| Based in: | Panama |
| Servers/countries: | 6300+ servers in 111 countries |
| Streaming services: | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more |
| Current deal: | Now up to 74% OFF + 3 months for free! |
NordVPN is the best VPN as it can unblock virtually any streaming service and ensures blazing-fast speeds.
I tested NordVPN and easily accessed ESPN+, Sling TV, FuboTV, DirecTV, and MLB TV, along with other platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. The high-speed servers ensure a smooth experience, even during high-traffic events like NBA games or UFC fights.
The NordLynx protocol, an improved version of WireGuard, offers the best performance for streaming due to its speed and security. Not to mention that NordVPN has over 6300 servers in 111 countries, with some of them in 15 US locations, which is crucial for accessing popular sports streaming services that are based there.
The strong point of NordVPN is the NordLynx tunneling protocol. It’s a great combo of speed and security, not letting any buffering issues ruin your experience mid-play. In my experience, NordVPN consistently delivered excellent performance for streaming sports. Watching NBA games on NBA League Pass was smooth, with no buffering or lag during intense moments. Switching between servers in different U.S. states to access sports channels like ESPN and NBC Sports was easy and quick, ensuring uninterrupted viewing.
Plus, thanks to the Smart DNS feature, I was able to unlock streaming sites even on devices that don’t support VPN connections, such as smart TVs, gaming consoles, the old generation of Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. Aside from that, you’re guaranteed security with a reliable kill switch that protects you from data leaks.
NordVPN offers 10 simultaneous connections and has apps for all major platforms – Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. In terms of interface, the apps look very similar, and you’ll get a hang of each one in no time. And in terms of pricing, you can get NordVPN for sports streaming for as little as $3.09/month. Plus, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee available in case you change your mind.
For more information about this provider, check out NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark – affordable VPN to watch sports on multiple devices
| Based in: | The Netherlands |
| Servers/countries: | 3200+ servers in 100 countries |
| Streaming services: | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more |
| Current deal: | Now up to 86% OFF + 3 months FREE |
Surfshark stands out as the most affordable VPN for watching sports. It unlocks a wide range of streaming sites, delivers blazing-fast speeds, and offers unlimited simultaneous connections, all for just $2.19 per month.
You can expect to unblock such streaming sites as ESPN, NBA League Pass, Sky Sports, UFC, MLB.tv, and others. And with more than 100 server locations, you’ll find servers in most countries around the globe, including 25 American locations.
Surfshark impressed me with its ability to handle multiple devices simultaneously. I tested it during a weekend with several family members streaming different sports on ESPN, Sky Sports, and UFC. The connection remained stable across all devices, and the streaming quality was excellent, even during peak times. This makes it ideal for families or groups where multiple users want to stream different sports simultaneously. Occasionally, some less popular server locations may experience slower speeds, but switching servers usually resolves this issue.
Surfshark offers the WireGuard protocol, ensuring excellent speeds. My tests tests show that there won’t be any visible speed drops that could affect your streaming experience. Just like NordVPN, Surfshark also includes the Smart DNS feature that allows you to unblock streaming services on devices that don't support VPNs. Aside from that, there’s a functional kill switch to avoid accidental data leaks and even traffic obfuscation. It is particularly important because it helps bypass any attempts at VPN blocking or detection by streaming platforms or ISPs, ensuring uninterrupted and secure streaming.
The best part about Surfshark is the fact that you can use one account on as many devices as you wish. And whether you’re a Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS user – there are minimalistic apps for every OS.The prices of Surfshark start from $2.19/month, which is very little considering you get unlimited simultaneous access. Plus, you can test the service out by making use of the 30-day money-back guarantee.
For more information about this provider, check out Surfshark review. Or see how it differs from the top choice in Surfshark vs NordVPN comparison.
3. PureVPN – VPN with many servers for easily bypassing local sports blackouts
| Based in: | British Virgin Islands |
| Servers/countries: | 6500+ servers in 65 countries |
| Streaming services: | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube |
| Current deal: | Now 82% OFF + 2 FREE months! |
Another VPN that’s suitable for streaming sports games from wherever you are is PureVPN. As an excellent VPN to watch football, it effectively bypasses blackouts, ensuring you can catch all the live-action without any interruptions. It can flex not only its streaming capabilities but also its big server fleet.
PureVPN has over 6500 servers in 65 countries, with some of them in 13 US locations. My tests have shown that the VPN is capable of not only accessing such services as Hulu but also ESPN, MLB.tv, Sky Sports, and others.
Having WireGuard as one of the tunneling protocols in its arsenal lets PureVPN keep its place as one of the fastest VPNs out there. PureVPN stood out for its extensive server network options. I used it to watch MLB.tv and found the split tunneling feature particularly useful, allowing me to stream games through the VPN while using local services without any issues. The streaming quality was high, with minimal buffering, making it a great choice for users who require access to a wide range of sports channels across various states. Although some users may experience slightly slower speeds during peak times, this is generally mitigated by choosing less crowded servers.
Like with every reliable VPN provider, you receive a functional kill switch. Additionally, the obfuscated servers will help you hide the fact, that you're using a VPN, preventing VPN detection and streaming blocking by platforms or ISPs.
PureVPN allows you to use the VPN on 10 devices with one account. This lets you stream sports games from any device in your home, be it Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS. The apps are modern and won’t be difficult to figure out even for complete novices.
It’s no secret that the longer the subscription, the cheaper the prices. This way, you can get PureVPN for as low as $2.14/month. Not to mention that there’s also a 31-day money-back guarantee.
For more information about this provider, check out PureVPN review.
4. ExpressVPN – premium sports VPN with top extra features
| Based in: | British Virgin Islands |
| Servers/countries: | 3000+ servers in 105 locations |
| Streaming services: | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more |
| Current deal: | Now up to 48% OFF + 3 months FREE! |
ExpressVPN is an excellent VPN for streaming sports and accessing other geo-restricted content. It offers top-notch performance and plenty of additional features for increased security and privacy – without compromising your broadcast quality.
With over 3000 servers in 105 countries, there are plenty of international servers to pick from. I’ve had no major issues connecting this VPN to watch Hulu, ESPN, and several other live sports platforms.
ExpressVPN implements its proprietary Lightway protocol to achieve solid media streaming performance, offering consistent and buffer-free playback. Plus, with its Media Streamer functionality and a solid router app, you can set up a VPN connection to work on devices that don’t support it natively.
ExpressVPN lived up to its reputation for speed. Streaming live events on DAZN and FuboTV was incredibly smooth, with no noticeable delay or buffering. The MediaStreamer DNS feature made it easy to set up on devices that don’t natively support VPNs, like my smart TV, enhancing my overall experience.
ExpressVPN offers RAM-only servers, meaning your information is regularly purged from the database. It’s also based in the British Virgin Islands and offers a solid no-logs policy – this combination guarantees your personal data is safe.
One ExpressVPN account can be used on 8 devices simultaneously – while that is lower than some other providers, it should be plenty for your desktop, mobile, and media streaming devices.
It’s a premium VPN provider, with prices starting at $6.67/month. If you want to see whether it’s worth it, don’t worry – there’s a solid 7-day trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. ExpressVPN is best for users prioritizing speed and reliability, especially those streaming high-demand sports events. While the slightly higher cost might concern budget-conscious users, the performance justifies the price.
To find out more, check out ExpressVPN review. Or see how it stacks against another in NordVPN vs ExpressVPN.
5. CyberGhost – affordable and convenient VPN for streaming sports live
| Based in: | Romania |
| Servers/countries: | 11500+ servers in 100 locations |
| Streaming services: | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ |
| Current deal: | Now up to 84% OFF + 4 months FREE! |
CyberGhost is a solid VPN choice for watching sports events live. Its specialized streaming servers ensure smooth streaming and uninterrupted viewing, no matter where you are. Even though I noticed it takes a while for it to connect to various services, I successfully accessed Hulu, ESPN, and several other live sports platforms. With no latency or lag, it’s a solid all-around solution for watching sports broadcasts.
This VPN offers a massive server fleet: with over 11500 servers in whopping 100 countries, it’s great for streaming sports from all over the world and bypassing blackouts. Therefore, you can easily find servers in locations where your favorite sports are available for streaming.
CyberGhost’s user-friendly interface made it simple to select optimized servers for streaming. I used it to watch various sports on Sling TV and NBC Sports, and the connection was consistently reliable. The specialized servers for streaming ensured high-quality video without interruptions, making it a great choice for less tech-savvy users. This VPN is ideal for users looking for a user-friendly VPN with specialized servers for streaming. In certain cases, users may need to switch servers to find the optimal connection, but this process is generally straightforward.
CyberGhost had no issues accessing Hulu, ESPN, and several other top options. The initial access times can be slower, but everything else works as you would expect from any solid sports streaming VPN. Based in Romania, this VPN is in a secure, privacy-friendly jurisdiction, going against the EU’s strict data retention laws. Plus, its Romanian-only NoSpy servers will offer you fast and secure browsing and streaming performance throughout.
With up to 7 simultaneous connections, you can connect CyberGhost to a wide array of your streaming devices and enjoy sports, wherever you are. Last but not least, CyberGhost is very affordable: starting at $2.03/month, it’s a solid all-around option for streaming sports and staying secure. Plus, it has an extended 45-day money-back guarantee.
Find out more about it on extended CyberGhost VPN review.
Best ESPN+ VPNs compared
| Brand | Rating | Servers | Streaming services | Speed retention | Compatibility | Price |
| NordVPN | 6300 | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | 90% | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS | $3.09/month | |
| Surfshark | 3200 | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more | 86% | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS | $2.19/month | |
| IPVanish | 2400 | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+, and more | 80% | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS | $2.19/month | |
| ExpressVPN | 3000 | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | 77% | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | $6.67/month | |
| CyberGhost | 11500 | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ | 86% | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | $2.03/month |
How the best sports streaming VPNs were found
Together with the research team, I tested 43 VPNs to find out which ones are the best for streaming sports. When ranking these VPN services, I took into consideration various criteria. This includes:
- Streaming. I made sure that all of the VPNs I provided can unblock various streaming services, like ESPN, Sky Sports, NBA League Pass, UFC, MLB.tv, DAZN, FuboTV, NBC Sports, and Sling TV, which sports fans can use to watch their favorite games.
- Performance. While getting to watch geo-restricted content with a VPN is a perk, the service shouldn’t visibly affect your speed performance. That's why I tested 43 providers to see which VPNs deserve a spot on our list.
- Servers. I checked that the VPNs I suggest would provide you with huge server networks. That’s because the more servers you have, the more streaming service libraries you can access. Plus, you can always find servers with optimal speeds that aren’t overcrowded.
- Compatibility. Premium VPNs usually support multiple simultaneous connections. For this reason, it’s important that the service you choose has apps for the most popular OS so you could use it on multiple devices.
- Privacy and security. Even if you’re looking for a VPN for streaming, you wouldn’t want to find out that instead of masking your IP address and keeping you anonymous, a VPN is leaking your data. I ensured the VPNs I offer include secure tunneling protocols, such as WireGuard, and a reliable kill switch.
- Price. Getting a streaming VPN, no matter if it’s for watching geo-restricted movies or blackout games, should not cost you a fortune. Even the best VPNs come for as little as a few dollars a month.
How do I change my VPN location to watch sports?
Using a VPN, whether it’s for watching sports or doing anything else, is very simple. That is, even if you’re a complete beginner. All you have to do is follow these simple steps:
- Choose a reliable streaming VPN with a vast server network. My suggestion is NordVPN, now 74% OFF!
- Download the VPN app and and install it on your device.
- Launch the VPN app and go to Locations menu.
- Connect to a server where sport is currently available.
- That's it! Enjoy smooth, buffer-free streaming!
The process of bypassing restrictions when streaming sports depends on the streaming service itself. For instance, unlocking such services as MLB.tv or BBC iPlayer requires creating a new account with details of the region you want to connect to. This includes the payment method or zip code.
A VPN can help connect you to a server in the desired region, masking your actual location. This makes it appear you are accessing the streaming service from that region, bypassing regional restrictions. Additionally, a VPN secures your connection and protects personal information when creating new accounts or entering payment details, ensuring your data remains private and safe.
Can I use a free VPN for streaming sports?
Yes, technically, you can use a free VPN to stream sports events. However, it's not recommended. For starters, because they’re free, they’re usually already blacklisted by streaming services.
In terms of security, unreliable free services can sell your data in order to make money. Free VPNs often have slower speeds, data caps, and fewer server locations, resulting in buffering and lower video quality. They may lack strong security features, putting your data at risk. Additionally, free VPNs often fail to bypass geo-restrictions effectively, limiting access to desired sports content.
If you really want to give free services a shot, freemium VPNs are the way to go. They are free introductory services of premium VPN services, so you know they’re reliable. ProtonVPN, for example, has a free version, but its slow speeds, limited server locations, and inability to consistently bypass geo-restrictions make it unsuitable for sports streaming
For the best experience streaming sports, you should take a shot at premium services and make use of their money-back guarantees.
- NordVPN – with over 6300 servers in 111 countries, unmatched speeds, and streaming features, you’ll be able to virtually access sports streaming services on any side of the world. You can try it out for free using the 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark – great performance, loads of servers, and streaming features all in one VPN package for streaming sports. Test it out using a 30-day money-back guarantee.
What are the best sports streaming sites?
The most popular streaming services for sports depend on the country you live in or are currently visiting. Here are some of the best sports streaming sites, the sports they broadcast, and the countries they’re available in:
| Streaming site | Sports broadcasted | Countries where it’s available |
| Sky Sports | Football, F1, NFL, basketball, netball, GAA, MMA, Rugby Union, Rugby League, racing, tennis, boxing, cricket, darts, golf and more | The United Kingdom and Ireland |
| ESPN+ | Baseball, tennis, UFC, hockey, MLB, NHL, MLS, golf, rugby, and more | The United States |
| Sportsnet NOW | NHL, NBA, MLB, UFC, WWE, rugby and more | Canada |
| NBC Sports | NFL's Sunday Night Football, NHL, NASCAR, Premier League, NBA, MLB, NASCAR racing, golf, horse racing, Olympics and more | The United States |
| BBC iPlayer | Football, sports stories, cricket, rugby, tennis, F1, athletics | The United Kingdom |
| fuboTV | NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, NASCAR, MLS, MMA, golf, boxing, tennis, college sports, and more | The United States, Canada, and Spain |
While many of the sports streaming sites aren’t available in most countries, you can simply access many of them from anywhere by using a VPN. All you need to do is connect to a server in a country where your chosen streaming service is available, sign up for it, and that’s it.
Conclusion
Streaming sports games, especially local ones, can be difficult because of all the geo-restrictions. Local games are blacked out in order for fans to come watch games live, while most streaming services are only available in certain regions.
But what if you want to watch any game on your own sofa? There’s a simple solution for this – getting a reliable VPN. After numerous tests, NordVPN stood out as the best VPN for sports streaming due to its excellent performance, high speeds, and ability to unblock all popular sports streaming websites. It consistently provides high-definition streams for services like ESPN, Sky Sports, NBA League Pass, UFC, MLB.tv, DAZN, FuboTV, NBC Sports, and Sling TV.
FAQ
What is the best VPN for live sports?
The best VPN for streaming sports games is NordVPN. It has a vast server network with over 6300 servers in 111 countries, ensuring you can access sports streams globally. NordVPN provides high-speed servers for smooth, buffer-free streaming, and its strong unblocking capabilities make it effective for accessing geo-restricted sports streaming services like ESPN, Sky Sports, NBA League Pass, UFC, DAZN, and more.
Can you use NordVPN to watch sports?
Yes, you can watch various sports streaming services with NordVPN. It successfully unblocks streaming platforms such as MLB.tv, ESPN, NBA, UFC, Sky Sports, and more.
Is it legal to use a VPN for sports?
Yes, using a VPN for sports streaming, including in the US, is generally legal. However, it might violate the terms of service of some streaming platforms, potentially leading to account restrictions. Always check the specific laws and platform terms to ensure compliance.
Can I use a VPN to stream local sports?
Yes, you can use a VPN to stream local sports. However, it may violate the streaming platform's terms of service, so reviewing their policies is important before proceeding
Can I use a VPN to avoid blackouts?
Yes, you can avoid blackouts by connecting to a VPN server. It will make you appear in a different location, tricking the streaming service, and letting you enjoy local games. NordVPN is the best option for streaming sports because of its massive server fleet and streaming features.
How to use a VPN to watch out-of-market sports?
To watch out-of-market sports using a VPN, select a reliable VPN service and connect to a server in a location where the game is available. This makes it appear as if you are in that location, allowing you to bypass regional restrictions and stream the event.
Why are some sporting events geo-blocked?
Most streaming services are only available in one or multiple countries, for instance, ESPN+ is only available in the US due to copyright restrictions. There’s also such geo-blocking as blackouts of local games. Broadcasters blackout such games in order to sell more tickets to live games or sell subscriptions to TV packages. Whatever the case, connecting to a VPN will help effortlessly bypass these restrictions.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are markedmarked