Best VPNs to watch the NFL: watch all NFL games
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Using a VPN to watch the NFL remains the ultimate workaround for bypassing frustrating local broadcasting blackouts, securely accessing official streaming platforms, and watching every single game live from anywhere on the globe.
With the highly anticipated 2026 NFL season officially kicking off on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, configuring a reliable VPN setup early is the best way to ensure you don't miss a single game. From the opening week matchups all the way through the grueling playoff stretch, the Conference Championships, and the Super Bowl, a VPN guarantees uninterrupted, high-definition access to every crucial game on the schedule.
Here are the most effective streaming methods to prepare for the upcoming season and exactly what you can expect from each:
My recommended VPNs to watch the NFL
- NordVPN – best VPN to watch NFL in 2026
- Surfshark – reliable and budget-friendly NFL VPN
- Proton VPN – all-around VPN for smooth NFL streaming
- ExpressVPN – effective NFL VPN service
- CyberGhost – VPN for NFL with streaming-optimized servers
For my testing, I created new DAZN and Amazon Prime accounts while connected to a server in the UK. I also used incognito mode on my browser for more reliable geo-block bypassing, as the browser’s cache and cookies can sometimes reveal your real location. While DAZN required a local credit card to subscribe, I was able to sign up for NFL Game Pass International on Amazon Prime UK using a non-UK credit card.
How to choose the best VPN for NFL games
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best VPN for watching the NFL. Finer details will vary individually, but the primary aspects everyone should pay attention to are:
- Geo-restrictions bypassing capabilities. A VPN must have a good track record of bypassing geographical restrictions on various online services, such as streaming platforms and restricted websites. This is crucial because not all VPNs have the technical features to bypass geographical restrictions. In this article, I recommend VPNs that are capable of bypassing geo-restrictions on NFL streaming services.
- Server locations. You’ll need a wide range of servers in the US or wherever your desired streaming service is available. After all, most NFL games are broadcast only in specific regions, meaning you’ll greatly benefit from servers categorized by cities. The number of servers is also essential since many people will use VPNs to bypass NFL restrictions and stream NFL blackout games.
- Speed. Fast connections are crucial for streaming VPNs to ensure lag-free video while watching the NFL in HD or 4K video quality. You can be confident that a VPN will be fast if it has thousands of servers worldwide and modern VPN tunneling protocols like WireGuard.
- Price. Buying the most expensive VPN is unnecessary if you want to unblock the NFL. Many affordable VPN providers are suitable for this task and offer free trials and money-back guarantees for risk-free testing. However, I recommend avoiding free VPNs because they’re ineffective at unblocking NFL matches.
- Privacy. While not essential for streaming the NFL, you should ensure that the VPN you get has strong privacy practices, such as a no-logs policy and strong encryption. That way, you’ll be able to use the VPN daily to keep all your online activities private.
Best NFL VPNs in 2026 – full list
The research team and I reviewed 15 VPN services to identify the most reliable options for streaming the upcoming NFL season. NordVPN remains my top VPN for NFL games, but Surfshark, Proton VPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost are also strong alternatives for watching NFL streams. We selected the providers that met our criteria and tested them for speed, streaming reliability, usability, features, and other key factors that matter when watching live sports online. Our final shortlist includes the 5 best VPNs for the NFL, each offering useful streaming features and strong results in our in-house tests.
1. NordVPN – best VPN to watch NFL in 2026
| Based in: | Panama |
| Servers/countries: | 8,000+ servers in 149 countries |
| Unblocks NFL Game Pass: | ✅ Yes |
NordVPN is my top recommended VPN to watch NFL games in the upcoming season, based on its impressive feature set and our latest hands-on streaming tests. The provider is also competitively priced and offers a well-rounded package with everything you need to stream NFL games smoothly, making it the number one option in my opinion.
Our NordVPN tests confirm that it’s one of the best VPNs for streaming. Thanks to its unique SmartPlay feature, the service bypasses geographical restrictions on countless popular streaming services, including YouTube TV, Netflix, Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
NordVPN’s fleet spans 8,000+ servers across 149 countries, making it one of the best in the industry. NordVPN has 300+ servers in Canada, 440+ in the UK, and 240+ in Germany. Getting a VPN with a large number of servers in these countries is important because you want to connect to them to access NFL Game Pass International.
The provider’s country variety is definitely the most impressive, while server numbers are outshone by Proton VPN, which has over 20,700 servers worldwide. Moreover, NordVPN has no specialized streaming servers, but that didn’t impede our efforts to unblock the NFL. Plus, many countries had server categories for cities, making it more convenient to unblock region-specific content.
NordVPN is also the fastest VPN on this list, delivering an average speed retention of around 80%. We attribute these results to the VPN’s proprietary NordLynx tunneling protocol, which is based on the open-source WireGuard.
As expected, the best NFL VPN isn’t the cheapest. NordVPN pricing starts at $3.49/month, which is more than what you’d pay for Surfshark or CyberGhost. Still, it’s not as expensive as Proton VPN, and I think the service is definitely worth it. There’s even a 3-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee if you have second thoughts.
2. Surfshark – budget-friendly NFL Game Pass VPN
| Based in: | Netherlands |
| Servers/countries: | 4,500+ servers in 100 countries |
| Unblocks NFL Game Pass: | ✅ Yes |
Surfshark remains a solid NordVPN alternative for streaming NFL games this season. In our latest tests, it delivered fast connection speeds and reliable geo-block bypassing, making it a strong option for live NFL streams. With the “OFFCN” promo code, it gets even more affordable and supports unlimited device connections, making it a better choice for frugal users with large households. However, its smaller server fleet may affect performance in some locations.
Like NordVPN, Surfshark is great at unlocking foreign streaming content, even though it doesn’t have a feature like SmartPlay. Thankfully, Surfshark has Smart DNS, which is perfect for unblocking US streaming content on devices that lack VPN app support. With Surfshark, I was able to unblock Netflix, Max, FuboTV, SlingTV, and more.
Surfshark offers 4,500+ servers in 100 countries, which is fewer than NordVPN but practically on par with ExpressVPN. There are a handful of specialty options like MultiHop and Static IP, but nothing optimized specifically for streaming. Thankfully, large countries like the US are categorized by cities, making it easier to find the perfect server to unblock specific NFL matches.
Surfshark’s fastest tunneling protocol is WireGuard, a standard option among the industry’s fastest VPNs. During our Surfshark VPN tests, the provider delivered an 81% average speed retention rate. Such speeds are more than enough for streaming live sports like the NFL in 4K quality without any stuttering issues.
Surfshark ranks highly on this list because of its affordable $2.49/month starting price. This price covers the Starter tier, which includes all the essentials you need for care-free streaming. Moreover, there’s a 7-day trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee to test the service beforehand.
3. Proton VPN – privacy-focused VPN for streaming NFL
| Based in: | Switzerland |
| Servers/countries: | 20,700+ servers in 149 countries |
| Unblocks NFL Game Pass: | ✅ Yes |
Proton VPN remains a secure and most privacy-friendly VPN for watching NFL games this season. It includes the essential privacy and streaming features needed for safe browsing and reliable access to NFL platforms. While it still lacks a Smart DNS feature offered by some competitors, it is a dependable choice for users who want a robust everyday VPN that can also handle NFL streaming.
Our Proton VPN tests showed that it performs very well with many streaming platforms. It successfully unblocked HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and even Netflix and Hulu in various regions, showcasing its streaming capabilities. It also includes specialized servers for streaming. And while it doesn’t have SmartDNS, which would let you use it on devices that don’t support VPN software, Proton VPN’s excellent performance in unblocking content puts it among one of the best options for streamers.
When it comes to server options, Proton VPN provides an impressive 20,700+ servers across 149 locations worldwide. This network offers great country and city-level variety, making it easier to connect to specific regions, particularly when trying to unblock local NFL games.
ProtonVPN is one of the more reliable VPNs, retaining 78% of baseline speeds on average. While it’s still slower than Surfshark and NordVPN, the connection speeds are good enough to ensure smooth streaming without buffering. It uses a proprietary VPN Accelerator to enhance speed and performance.
Proton VPN has a limited free version, but in my experience, it’s not enough for proper NFL streaming. This is because the free version barely unblocks Netflix, let alone other streaming services. Plus, there are only 5 server locations available. Proton's for premium plans starts at $2.99/month, which is competitive given its excellent performance in streaming and security. The VPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test it risk-free.
4. ExpressVPN – fast and reliable NFL VPN service
| Based in: | British Virgin Islands |
| Servers/countries: | Undisclosed number of servers in 113 countries |
| Unblocks NFL Game Pass: | ✅ Yes |
ExpressVPN remains an effective and reliable VPN for watching NFL games this season. It delivers strong performance, consistent streaming access, and a polished feature set, although it can get pricey if you choose its higher-tier plans. Still, I think it’s a great option for users who are willing to pay more for top-tier quality and a smooth NFL streaming experience.
Our internal ExpressVPN tests and user testimonials on the web confirm that ExpressVPN is an excellent VPN for streaming. Firstly, its MediaStreamer feature is similar to NordVPN’s SmartPlay tool, which improves geo-block bypassing while running the VPN app. Using ExpressVPN, we unblocked practically every streaming platform we tested. Successful unlocks include Disney+, HBO Max, Sky, Peacock, YouTube TV, and AppleTV+. On the downside, the ExpressVPN router app is no longer compatible with non-Aircove routers, which may restrict flexibility for some users.
ExpressVPN has servers in 113 countries, though it no longer advertises exact server figures. I contacted customer support to find out more, and they said they couldn’t give precise numbers because the network is constantly updated. In any case, the country variety is superb and almost on par with NordVPN. Plus, many country locations are categorized by city, making it much easier to unblock region-specific NFL matches.
Unlike other providers, ExpressVPN uses its unique Lightway protocol to conduct speedy connections. Moreover, this protocol is built from scratch and isn’t a WireGuard fork like NordLynx. During our tests, it achieved an average speed retention rate of 61%, which is less than expected but still enough for lag-free streaming in UHD.
ExpressVPN cost starts at $2.99/month and is one of the more affordable NFL VPNs on my list. It has 3 subscription tiers and a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you can get a VPN service tailored to your needs.
5. CyberGhost – VPN for NFL with streaming-optimized servers
| Based in: | Romania |
| Servers/countries: | Servers in 100 countries |
| Unblocks NFL Game Pass: | ✅ Yes |
CyberGhost remains one of the most affordable NFL VPNs on my list for the upcoming season, but price is not its only advantage. It is also secure, fast, and offers a large server network worldwide. I also like that it includes streaming-optimized servers, which is a useful perk for finding reliable NFL streaming connections compared to many competitors.
CyberGhost VPN is a solid choice for streaming, thanks to its wide array of streaming-optimized servers. These servers are categorized by countries and platforms, making it very convenient to unblock your desired streaming platforms. In our CyberGhost tests, the provider easily unlocked various Netflix libraries, Amazon Prime Video, Max, Hulu, and more.
CyberGhost’s fleet spans servers across 100 countries, but like ExpressVPN, the provider no longer advertises its numbers on the website. Conversely, the country variety is accurate and impressive for such an affordable provider. There are also many other specialty servers, such as gaming and torrenting.
Like Surfshark, CyberGhost uses WireGuard as its fastest tunneling protocol. The provider musters an average 78% speed retention rate, which is very good. You’ll have no trouble streaming the NFL in high definition without lagging issues.
CyberGhost’s prices start at $2.19/month, which is quite a bargain for such a feature-packed VPN. It also offers the lengthiest 45-day money-back guarantee for extensive testing.
Best NFL VPNs compared
Here’s a table summarizing each provider’s most important features when choosing a VPN to watch the NFL. It will allow you to quickly compare my suggested providers and pick one that best suits your needs.
| NFL VPN | Our rating | Unblocks NFL streaming services | Speed Retention | Simultaneous connections | Smart device apps | Price |
| NordVPN | ✅ Yes | 80% | 10 | Android TV, FireTV, Apple TV | From $3.49/month | |
| Surfshark | ✅ Yes | 81% | Unlimited | Android TV, FireTV, Apple TV | From $2.49/month | |
| Proton VPN | ✅ Yes | 78% | 10 | Android TV, FireTV, Apple TV | From $2.99/month | |
| ExpressVPN | ✅ Yes | 61% | 14 | Android TV, FireTV, Apple TV | From $2.99/month | |
| CyberGhost | ✅ Yes | 78% | 7 | Android TV, FireTV, Apple TV | From $2.19/month |
Is there a way to watch the NFL for free?
Yes, you can watch some NFL games for free. For example, you can watch Monday Night Football games for free on Channel 5 in the UK. All you need to do is connect to a UK server and start watching. You can also read our detailed guide on how to watch Monday Night Football for free.
What’s more, there’s also a way to watch Sunday Night Football for free. Australian streaming service 7plus shows Sunday Night Football games at no cost, and since the 2025/26 NFL season is now in the Playoffs stage, TVNZ+ and 7plus will stream every remaining Playoffs matchup and the Super Bowl for free. These services are geo-restricted to New Zealand and Australia, but fans abroad can use a reliable VPN like NordVPN to securely access their home-country streams for free. Check our guide on how to watch Sunday Night Football for free.
Watching NFL with VPN – final thoughts
With the upcoming 26/27 NFL season around the corner, it’s worth making sure your streaming setup is ready before kickoff. If you want broad NFL coverage outside the US, NFL Game Pass on DAZN remains the main option in many international markets, including the UK. In some regions, NFL Game Pass may also be available through Prime Video Channels, but availability and pricing vary by country.
For streaming NFL games securely and reliably, I recommend using a trusted VPN, with NordVPN remaining my top pick. In our tests, it delivered fast, stable connections, which is essential for live sports streams where buffering or sudden drops can ruin the game. Its large server network also gives you more flexibility when accessing your usual NFL streaming services while traveling.
With NordVPN, you can connect to a server in a country where NFL Game Pass is available to watch both in-market and out-of-market games that might otherwise be unavailable in your area. This way, you get the whole NFL experience, ensuring you don’t miss a single play of the season, no matter where you are.
FAQ
How to watch NFL games with VPNs?
To watch NFL games with a VPN, choose a provider with servers in accessible locations like Canada or the UK. You will need to connect to a server in a country where NFL Game Pass is available. Then, go to the streaming platform, such as DAZN or Amazon Prime Video for NFL Game Pass, and start streaming. For the best experience, I recommend using a VPN with fast servers and a large selection of servers, like NordVPN, to avoid lag and geo-restrictions.
Can I change my location on the NFL app with a VPN?
No, VPNs don’t work on the NFL+ app anymore. NFL+ requires location services to be turned on the device for it to work, meaning it uses GPS to determine your location. Because of this, a VPN cannot change your virtual location on the NFL+ app.
Does NFL+ work internationally?
No, the NFL+ app is only available in the United States. Users outside the US can use NFL Game Pass International to watch NFL matches abroad. Another option is using a VPN and GPS spoofing software to change your location to the US to access NFL+ anywhere.
Can I use a VPN to watch NFL games?
Yes, you can use a VPN to watch the NFL. A VPN like NordVPN can mask your real IP address and make it appear as if you are located in a different country. This can be used to get around blackout restrictions and watch NFL games that aren’t available in your region.
Is it legal to watch the NFL with a VPN?
Yes, it is legal to use a VPN to watch the NFL in most countries, though some, like China, Russia, and North Korea, restrict VPN use. While some streaming services may ban the use of VPNs, even if you’re caught, the worst that will happen is that the VPN server you’re using might be blocked. You won’t ever have a ban, or a fine, or anything serious to deal with. I recommend NordVPN as the most reliable VPN service.
Does NFL Game Pass work internationally?
Yes, with NFL Game Pass International, you can watch all regular-season NFL games, the NFL Playoffs, and the final game, Super Bowl. NFL Game Pass International also grants you access to NFL RedZone and NFL Network. It is available in most EU countries, plus Brazil and Mexico. But you can watch it in the US by using a VPN to connect to a country where Game Pass is available.
