Best VPNs for streaming sports in 2026
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Sometimes broadcasters buy exclusive rights to a sports event and only let users in certain regions watch it. You’re then left with the choice of buying an expensive TV package just for one game or missing out entirely, but a VPN can bring back access to your favorite matches.
With a VPN for sports streaming, you can view platforms like MLB TV, ESPN+, NBA League Pass, and many more, regardless of your actual location. You can also take advantage of a high-speed connection and additional privacy benefits.
The Cybernews research team and I evaluated 41 providers and their features and drawbacks to select the 5 best VPNs for streaming sports in 2026.
Top 5 VPNs for streaming sports in 2026
- NordVPN – overall best VPN for streaming sports
- Surfshark – budget-friendly VPN to stream sports, even cheaper with discount code OFFCN
- Proton VPN – privacy-friendly VPN for sports with a vast server network
- CyberGhost – VPN for streaming sports with specialized servers
- ExpressVPN – fast and reliable sports VPN
How to stream sports using a VPN?
- Pick a reliable VPN. I recommend NordVPN because of its excellent speeds, vast server fleet, and strong geo-unblocking abilities
- Download and install the VPN app on your preferred device
- Open the app and choose a server in a country where your sports event/stream is available
- Go to the sports streaming site or app, such as ESPN or Sky Sports
- Log in if required and watch your favorite sports from anywhere
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 I tested and ranked these sports VPNs
What to consider when choosing a VPN for streaming sports
For a smooth streaming experience, you will need a reliable app. But with so many VPNs on the market, it can be hard to pick. Here are the key factors to look for when choosing a VPN for streaming sports:
For a smooth streaming experience, you will need a reliable app. But with so many VPNs on the market, it can be hard to pick. Here are the key factors to look for when choosing a VPN for streaming sports:
- Speed and performance. Fast servers and solid bandwidth should be a priority if you’d like to run live game streams smoothly in HD or 4K with minimal buffering.
- Server locations and coverage. You should choose a VPN with plenty of servers in the countries where your sports platforms and regional broadcasts are available, so you can access different leagues and bypass local blackouts.
- Streaming and unblocking reliability. The VPN should consistently unblock major sports services and get around geo‑restrictions without frequent errors.
- Connection stability and kill switch. Live sports events require stable connection, and a reliable kill switch helps prevent IP leaks or sudden exposure if the VPN briefly disconnects mid‑match.
- Device and app support. The VPN should work on different devices (start TVs, phones, laptops, Fire TV sticks, and others). Ideally, the app would support routers are well, so your home devices would be covered as well.
- Security and privacy. Strong encryption and a strict no‑logs policy keep your streaming activity private and reduce the chance of ISP throttling.
- Simultaneous connections. If you use multiple screens or share the account with family, pick a VPN that supports multiple devices simultaneously.
- Pricing and value. If you’re using a VPN mainly for streaming sports, avoid overpaying for bundles with extra features you won't use. For example, Surfshark offers solid streaming performance at a budget-friendly price, and you can save even more by using Surfshark's OFFCN discount code at checkout.
The best VPNs for streaming sports – detailed list
During my testing, NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, CyberGhost, and ExpressVPN were the VPNs that stood out as the best options for sports streaming in 2026. Continue reading to learn more about each provider's performance, features, pros, and cons.
1. NordVPN – overall best VPN for sports streaming in 2026
| Based in: | Panama |
| Servers/countries: | 9,500+ servers in 149 countries |
| Sports channels: | ESPN+, Sling TV, FuboTV, DirecTV, and MLB.TV |
| Streaming services: | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more |
| Current deal: | Get 75% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free |
NordVPN remains the best VPN for streaming sports. It removes geo-blocks, so you can easily access sports platforms such as ESPN+, Sling TV, and MLB.TV from anywhere. And it’s not limited to sports-only services, since NordVPN works with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Additionally, high-speed servers support smooth streaming of popular events like NBA games, UEFA Champions League, or F1 races.
NordVPN has over 9,500 servers in 149 countries, so you can easily watch international sports events. Whether you want to stream MLB, NBA, UK’s Premier League, or Germany’s Bundesliga, with NordVPN you’ll easily find the right server for any of these sports events.
A strong selling 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, retaining 86% of the original connection speeds when streaming sports. Watching NBA games on NBA League Pass was smooth, with no buffering or lag during intense moments. Switching between servers in different US 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 sports streaming sites even on devices that don’t support VPN connections, such as smart TVs, gaming consoles, older generations 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 the hang of each one in no time. And in terms of pricing, you can get NordVPN for sports streaming for as little as $3.49/month. Plus, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee available in case you change your mind.
For more information check out our NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark – affordable VPN to watch sports on multiple devices, cheaper with code OFFCN"
| Based in: | The Netherlands |
| Servers/countries: | 4,500+ servers in 100 countries |
| Sports channels: | ESPN+, Fubo TV, Sky Sports, and MLB.TV |
| Streaming services: | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more |
| Current deal: | Now up to 85% OFF Surfshark + 3 months FREE |
On this list, Surfshark is the best pick if you’re looking for a cost-effective VPN for sports streaming. With Surfshark, you can get access to various streaming platforms, watch your preferred sports events on an unlimited number of devices, and enjoy fast speeds – all for $2.49/month.
With Surfshark, you can expect to unblock such streaming sites as ESPN, NBA League Pass, Sky Sports, UFC, and MLB.tv. With 4,500+ servers in 100 countries, you’ll find servers in most countries around the globe to unlock sports from various regions.
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 at the same time. Occasionally, some less popular server locations may experience slower speeds, but switching servers usually resolves this issue.
Surfshark offers the WireGuard protocol, which during my tests, retained around 78% of original speed. Also, I didn’t experience any visible speed drops that could potentially affect streaming experience.
Much like NordVPN, Surfshark used to have the Smart DNS feature, but it was discontinued in 2026. The app has a functional kill switch to prevent accidental data leaks and even offers traffic obfuscation. It's particularly important because it helps bypass attempts by streaming platforms or ISPs to block or detect VPNs, ensuring uninterrupted, secure streaming. You can learn more about these features by reading our Surfshark review.
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 start from $2.49/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.
3. Proton VPN – privacy-first open-source VPN with an extensive server fleet
| Based in: | Switzerland |
| Servers/countries: | 20,300+ servers in 148 countries |
| Sports channels: | ESPN+, Kayo Sports, Eurosport, and F1 TV |
| Streaming services: | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, HBO Max, Disney+ |
| Current deal: | Get up to 70% OFF Proton VPN |
Proton VPN is an open-source VPN and is a solid choice for streaming global sporting events. This VPN has many servers worldwide, which simplifies connectivity, and you can stream sports smoothly regardless of the event's location. Additionally, the provider offers extensive privacy features, including a no-logs policy and DNS leak protection.
Proton VPN has over 20,300 servers in 148 countries. With servers in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania, there are barely any limits on the sports events you can stream. During my tests, it was able to access services like ESPN+, Kayo Sports, Eurosport, and F1 TV.
To check streaming quality while using Proton VPN, I used its Plus servers. They are specialized servers and, in my tests, ensured smooth sports streaming. Proton VPN also offers a wide range of advanced security features. I was impressed with the level of online protection I got with this VPN – Secure Core, NetShield, Proton Pass, and DNS leak protection are just a few of its features.
Proton VPN uses WireGuard as one of its tunneling protocols. However, despite using the same protocol as my top VPN NordVPN, Proton VPN was slower and retained 80% of the original speed. Yet, the speed it delivered was good for sports streaming.
One potential issue for me when testing Proton VPN was its lack of a Smart DNS feature. This limits the VPN’s compatibility and makes it unsuitable for use on devices such as smart TVs and game consoles.
Proton VPN supports 10 simultaneous connections. This lets you stream sports from several devices at once that run on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS. The apps look similar across devices and are clean, simple, and intuitive. So, even if you’re a complete beginner, figuring out the app won't take much time.
In terms of pricing, Proton VPN costs from $2.99/month. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you change your mind.
Read our Proton VPN review to learn more.
4. CyberGhost – VPN with specialized streaming servers
| Based in: | Romania |
| Servers/countries: | Undisclosed number of servers in 100 countries |
| Sports channels: | ESPN, Sling TV, NBC Sports, and MLB.TV |
| Streaming services: | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ |
| Current deal: | Get 88% OFF CyberGhost + 2 months FREE |
CyberGhost is a reliable VPN that lets users watch live sports and other content while bypassing regional blocks. The app offers secure, uninterrupted streaming via specialized servers. I was able to access popular platforms, such as ESPN, Hulu, and others, for live sports. However, it’s worth noting that, during my tests, CyberGhost took a while to connect to these services.
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 streaming servers 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 were slower, but overall, it was good, retaining 68% of the original connection speeds. Everything else also works as you would expect from any solid sports streaming VPN. Based in Romania, this VPN operates in a secure, privacy-friendly jurisdiction that goes 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 $1.59/month, it’s a solid all-around option for streaming sports and staying secure. Plus, it has an extended 45-day money-back guarantee.
To learn more about this provider, read our CyberGhost review.
5. ExpressVPN – premium sports VPN with top extra features
| Based in: | British Virgin Islands |
| Servers/countries: | Undisclosed number of servers in 105 countries |
| Sports channels: | ESPN+, Kayo Sports, FuboTV, and DAZN |
| Streaming services: | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more |
| Current deal: | Now up to 80% OFF ExpressVPN + 4 months FREE |
ExpressVPN is a good choice if you want to stream various geo-locked content, including sporting events. The provider offers privacy and security features, including leak protection and automatic obfuscation. This VPN also has solid connection speeds, allowing users to stream sports in seamless HD.
ExpressVPN implements its proprietary Lightway protocol to delicer 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.
A key downside is that the ExpressVPN router app no longer works with non-Aircove routers, potentially narrowing setup choices for some users.
ExpressVPN retained a solid 75% of the original connection 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’s safety.
One ExpressVPN account can be used on 14 devices simultaneously with a Pro plan. 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 $2.49/month. ExpressVPN is the best for users prioritizing speed and reliability, especially those streaming high-demand sports events. While the higher cost might concern budget-conscious users, performance justifies the price.
Read our ExpressVPN review to learn more.
Comparing sports streaming VPNs
VPNs are a great tool that will give you access to plenty of geo-blocked content while keeping you safe online. To help you make an informed decision, I compiled the key information in a table for easier comparison. Read on and choose the VPN that fits your needs best:
| Brand | Rating | Servers | Streaming services | Speed retention | Compatibility | Price |
| NordVPN | 9,500+ | ESPN, Sky Sports, NBA League Pass, and UFC | 86% | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | $3.49/month | |
| Surfshark | 4,500+ | ESPN, Sky Sports, NBA League Pass, and UFC | 80% | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | $2.49/month | |
| Proton VPN | 20,300+ | ESPN+, Kayo Sports, Eurosport, and F1 TV | 81% | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | $2.99/month | |
| CyberGhost | Undisclosed | ESPN, Sky Sports, NBA League Pass, and UFC | 68% | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | $1.59/month | |
| ExpressVPN | Undisclosed | DAZN, FuboTV, NBC Sports, and Sling TV | 75% | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | $2.49/month |
Why do you need a VPN to stream sports?
A VPN allows you to bypass restrictions and watch a wider selection of sports content, while also keeping your data safe. Here are some of the reasons to use VPNs for streaming sports:
- Geo-locked content. You can watch live sports events without being blocked due to your region.
- Wider access. A VPN will let you access platforms like ESPN+, DAZN, Sky Sports, and BBC iPlayer, even when you’re abroad.
- No market restrictions. With a VPN, you can catch up on out-of-market games that aren’t broadcast in the local market.
- International games. You can watch games that would otherwise be unavailable in your country.
- Uninterrupted streaming. A VPN will keep ISPs from slowing down your connection, so you can enjoy smoother streaming.
- Threat protection. Some VPNs have built-in tools that keep you safe: from malware detection to ad blockers.
How do I change my location to stream sports with a VPN: full guide
Using a VPN, whether it’s for watching sports or doing anything else, is very simple, even if you’re a complete beginner. Continue reading to learn how to set up a VPN and stream your favorite sports.
Step 1: sign up for a VPN service
First, you have to pick a reliable VPN service, sign up, and create an account. I recommend NordVPN due to its excellent performance and exceptional sports streaming unblocking capabilities.
Step 2: download and install the VPN app
Next, download and install the VPN app on the device you’re planning to use for streaming sports. If you choose NordVPN you can get 75% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free.
Step 3: launch the VPN app and log in
Once you have downloaded the VPN app, open it and log in. Then you can proceed to selecting a server.
Step 4: select a server
Now you can choose the server that best suits your preferred sports event. Then head to the website where the sporting event is currently available and enjoy streaming.
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, and golf | The UK and Ireland |
| ESPN+ | Baseball, tennis, UFC, hockey, MLB, NHL, MLS, golf, rugby | The US |
| MLB TV | Major League Baseball games with a coverage of live games from all 30 MLB teams | The US and Canada |
| NBA League pass | All NBA Basketball games, including regular season games, summer league games, preseason games, all-star weekend, playoffs and NBA finals | The US |
| DAZN | Soccer, boxing, MotoGP, Moto2, Moto3, EuroLeague and EuroCup basketball, and UFC | The US, Canada, Japan, Germany |
| Kayo sports | Cricket AFL, NRL, Racing.com content | Australia |
| Sportsnet NOW | NHL, NBA, MLB, UFC, WWE, and rugby | Canada |
| NBC Sports | NFL's Sunday Night Football, NHL, NASCAR, Premier League, NBA, MLB, NASCAR racing, golf, horse racing, and Olympics | The US |
| BBC iPlayer | Football, sports stories, cricket, rugby, tennis, F1, athletics | The UK |
| FuboTV | NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, NASCAR, MLS, MMA, golf, boxing, tennis, and college sports | The US, Canada, and Spain |
While many of the sports streaming sites aren’t available in most countries, you can 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.
Best VPN country for streaming football
Unfortunately, different countries have different TV rights to different leagues. For the viewer, this means there is no one country from which they could access all the football leagues. The viewers have to do their own research to know which channels broadcast their preferred matches and where.
To help you find out what football games you can access from which country, I put together this table:
| Country | Best for | Recommended platforms | Why choose it |
| UK | Premier League and FA Cup | BBC iPlayer and Sky Sports | Broad coverage, reliable streams with HD quality |
| US | MLS and EPL replays | ESPN+ and Peacock | Wide variety of sports with excellent coverage |
| Germany | Bundesliga | DAZN and Sky Deutschland | High-quality streams with minimal blackouts |
| Canada | International leagues and UEFA games | FuboTV and DAZN Canada | Strong global football coverage and availability |
Is using a VPN to stream sports legal?
Yes, using a VPN for sports streaming is legal in most places, including the US, UK, and European Union countries. Because a VPN changes your virtual location, you can access a wider selection of sporting events.
However, sports broadcasting is often licensed for specific regions. Watching it outside the intended area could break the platform’s terms of service, and your account might be suspended or banned. So, while you won’t get into any legal trouble using a VPN to stream sports, your account might be penalized if the discrepancy between your virtual location and your account’s designated location is detected
Wrapping up
Based on my experience, many sports game organizers tend to limit their events to certain regions. So, streaming sporting events can be a hassle because you have to overcome geo-blocks.
Fortunately, there’s a way to gain access to global sports games without traveling all over the world. A reliable VPN will unlock otherwise-limited content without you leaving the comfort of your home.
I recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for sports streaming. With it, you can unlock most of the popular sports streaming platforms, such as ESPN+, Sky Sports, or even NBA League Pass. And a fast, consistent connection will make your streaming experience seamless and comfortable.
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 9,500 servers in 149 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, and DAZN.
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 and let 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 certain local 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.
