Best VPNs for streaming sports in 2024
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Most sports fans look forward to their favorite games, but 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.
However, you can bypass these restrictions with a streaming-focused VPN that unlocks geo-restricted content and offers fast connection speed. Whether you're into football, basketball, or any other sport, a good streaming VPN will let you watch popular sports platforms like MLB TV, ESPN+, and NBA League Pass without buffering.
I teamed up with the Cybernews research team to review 41 providers and carefully ranked the best VPNs for streaming sports in 2024.
Best VPNs for sports streaming
- NordVPN – the best VPN for streaming sports in 2024. It has an impressive network of over 6800 servers in 111 countries, ensuring you can unblock geo-restricted sports content nearly from anywhere. Also, NordVPN provides fast connection speeds and maintains excellent streaming quality with almost no buffering. Its plans start at an affordable price of $2.99/month, and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee if you change your mind.
- Surfshark – wallet-friendly VPN for streaming games on any device. It offers a network of 3200+ servers in 100 countries, so bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing popular sports platforms will be easy. Surfshark delivers fast connection speeds and unlimited device support, allowing you to watch on any device simultaneously without interruptions. Its price starts at only $1.99/month, and it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it a risk-free option for sports fans on a budget.
- PureVPN – server-loaded VPN for watching sports from anywhere. It provides a vast network of over 6000 servers in 65 countries, making it an excellent choice for streaming sports from almost anywhere. The connection speeds are also fast and stable, providing a smooth streaming experience without buffering. You can start using PureVPN for as low as $2.14/month. Not to mention that there’s a 31-day money-back guarantee.
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 I chose these VPNs
Together with the research team, I reviewed 41 VPNs based on the Cybernews VPN testing methodology. Then, I ranked the best sports streaming VPNs based on various factors. Here's what I focused on when picking the best ones.
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Streaming capabilities (35%). I made sure that my picked VPNs can bypass geo-restrictions and local blackouts. This feature is crucial for sports streaming because it lets you access sports streaming platforms like ESPN, Sky Sports, NBA League Pass, UFC, and other platforms from anywhere in the world.
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Connection speed (25%). A good sports streaming VPN should have fast connection speeds for uninterrupted streaming during live games. I tested the speed performance of various VPNs and only picked the ones that deserve a spot on my list.
- Server network (15%). Having a vast choice of available networks, especially in countries where your favorite sports are streaming, is essential. It ensures you can always find a server that gives access to your desired content.
- Privacy and security (15%). A good sports streaming VPN should also offer top-notch security features to protect your online activities from malicious hackers. I ensured that my top picks have features like AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy.
- Device compatibility (10%). It's nice to watch sports from any device, whether it's an Amazon Fire Stick, smart TV, or gaming console. I picked providers with good device compatibility, ensuring you can stream sports on any device.
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
Based on my research 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: | 6800+ servers in 111 countries |
| Streaming services: | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more |
| Current deal: | Get 74% OFF NordVPN + 3 months 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 6800 servers in 111 countries, with almost 2000 of them in 16 US locations, which is crucial for accessing popular US-based sports streaming services.
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 for streaming sports events. 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 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 $2.99/month. Plus, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee available in case you change your mind.
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 87% OFF Surfshark + 4 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 $1.99 per month.
You can expect to unblock such streaming sites as ESPN, NBA League Pass, Sky Sports, UFC, MLB.tv, and others. With more than 3200 server locations, you’ll find servers in most countries around the globe, including 22 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 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 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 start from $1.99/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. PureVPN – VPN with many servers for easily bypassing local sports blackouts
| Based in: | British Virgin Islands |
| Servers/countries: | 6000+ servers in 65 countries |
| Streaming services: | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube |
| Current deal: | Now 83% OFF PureVPN + 3 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 6000 servers in 65 countries, with some of them in 14 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 8 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.
4. ExpressVPN – premium sports VPN with top extra features
| Based in: | British Virgin Islands |
| Streaming services: | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more |
| Current deal: | Now up to 82% OFF ExpressVPN + 6 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.
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’s safety.
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 $4.99/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 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.
5. CyberGhost – affordable and convenient VPN for streaming sports live
| Based in: | Romania |
| Streaming services: | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ |
| Current deal: | Get 84% OFF CyberGhost + 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.
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.
Comparison of VPNs for sports streaming
| Brand | Rating | Servers | Streaming services | Speed retention | Compatibility | Price |
| NordVPN | 6800 | ESPN, Sky Sports, NBA League Pass, and UFC | 90% | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS | $2.99/month | |
| Surfshark | 3200 | ESPN, Sky Sports, NBA League Pass, and UFC | 86% | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS | $1.99/month | |
| IPVanish | 2400 | UFC, MLB.tv, DAZN, FuboTV, and NBC Sports | 80% | Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS | $2.19/month | |
| ExpressVPN | Undisclosed | DAZN, FuboTV, NBC Sports, and Sling TV | 77% | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | $4.99/month | |
| CyberGhost | Undisclosed | ESPN, Sky Sports, NBA League Pass, and UFC | 86% | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | $2.03/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, even if you’re a complete beginner. All you have to do is follow these steps:
- Choose a reliable streaming VPN with a vast server network. My suggestion is NordVPN, now 74% OFF
- Download the VPN app and install it on your device.
- Launch the VPN app and go to the 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, unblocking 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 that 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 to stream sports?
Yes, technically, you can use a free VPN to stream sports events. However, I don’t recommend it. 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 effectively bypass geo-restrictions, 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 6800 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, and golf | The United Kingdom and Ireland |
| ESPN+ | Baseball, tennis, UFC, hockey, MLB, NHL, MLS, golf, rugby | The United States |
| MLB TV | Major League Baseball games with a coverage of live games from all 30 MLB teams | The United States 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 United States |
| DAZN | Soccer, boxing, MotoGP, Moto2, Moto3, EuroLeague and EuroCup basketball, and UFC | The United States, 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 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, and college sports | The United States, 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.
Conclusion
Streaming sports games, especially the 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, since 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 – get 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 6800 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, and DAZN.
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 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.
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