Best VPNs to watch the NFL: watch all NFL games
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Using a VPN to watch the NFL is the simplest way to bypass blackouts, access official services, and stream every game worldwide. With the 2025/26 season now in the playoffs and the Divisional Round, Conference Championships, and Super Bowl coming up, it is also the most reliable way to catch every remaining matchup. Here are the main methods and what to expect:
- Best VPNs for NFL games – NordVPN (fastest and most reliable), Surfshark (best budget with unlimited devices), Proton VPN (privacy-first).
- NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV – Official US package for out-of-market regular-season Sunday games only (from $276/season). It does not include NFL Playoff games, and with the season now in the postseason stage, it will not show upcoming matchups. Travelers can connect to a US server with an NFL VPN to keep watching abroad.
- NFL Game Pass VPN (DAZN / Prime Video UK) – Streams every game live with RedZone and NFL Network (~$150–$200/season). A VPN for NFL games lets you subscribe in countries without blackouts, making it cheaper than Sunday Ticket.
- NFL+ and VPN issues – US-only, mobile-only service ($6.99–$14.99/month) that requires GPS location data. A VPN alone no longer removes local blackouts. It’s useful mainly for replays when traveling, not for bypassing restrictions.
- Best value method – DAZN’s NFL Game Pass International + VPN usually costs less than half of Sunday Ticket while including every game live.
- More guides – If you want detailed instructions on how to watch out-of-market NFL games, read our out-of-market NFL VPN guide.
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.
- 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 – detailed list
The research team and I evaluated around 41 VPN services to find out which are the most reliable for streaming the NFL. While NordVPN is my top choice VPN for NFL games, other VPNs like Surfshark, ProtonVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost are viable options for watching NFL games. We selected these VPNs that met our criteria and tested their overall speed, usability, features, and other vital aspects when it comes to streaming online content. Our final selection includes the 5 best VPNs for the NFL, each with great features and that performed exceptionally well in in-house tests.
1. NordVPN – the best VPN to watch NFL
| Based in: | Panama |
| Servers/countries: | 9,500+ servers in 149 countries |
| Unblocks NFL Game Pass: | ✅ Yes |
NordVPN is the best VPN to watch NFL games, considering its impressive feature arsenal and our hands-on streaming tests. The provider is pretty affordable and offers a comprehensive package with everything you need to stream the NFL anywhere without any issues, 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 9,500+ 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 20,300 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 $3.09/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 – affordable NFL Game Pass VPN
| Based in: | The Netherlands |
| Servers/countries: | 4,500+ servers in 100 countries |
| Unblocks NFL Game Pass: | ✅ Yes |
Surfshark is a solid alternative to NordVPN as a reliable NFL VPN. It has similar connection speeds and excellent geo-block bypassing capabilities. 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, it has a smaller server fleet, which could impede performance.
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 $1.99/month starting price. This Surfshark cost 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 – private VPN for smooth NFL streaming
| Based in: | Switzerland |
| Servers/countries: | 20,300+ servers in 148 countries |
| Unblocks NFL Game Pass: | ✅ Yes |
Proton VPN is a secure and speed-focused VPN that can also unblock NFL games. It offers essential features for safe online browsing and streaming. While it doesn’t have a Smart DNS feature like some competitors provide, it’s a highly reliable option for users who need a robust VPN for everyday use.
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 20,300+ servers across 148 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 VPN’s pricing 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 – reliable NFL VPN service
| Based in: | British Virgin Islands |
| Servers/countries: | Undisclosed number of servers in 105 countries |
| Unblocks NFL Game Pass: | ✅ Yes |
ExpressVPN is an effective and reliable VPN for watching the NFL. It offers outstanding performance and many excellent features, but its can get pricey if you opt for its higher-tier plans. Still, I think it's a great option for people willing to spare no expense for top-tier quality.
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 105 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 $2.79/month and is one of the more affordable NFL VPNs on my list. It has 3 subscription tiers, meaning you can get a VPN service tailored to your needs. It also offers a 3-day free trial, and you can utilize the 30-day money-back guarantee to test the service.
5. CyberGhost – VPN for NFL Game Pass with servers optimized for streaming
| Based in: | Romania |
| Servers/countries: | Servers in 100 countries |
| Unblocks NFL Game Pass: | ✅ Yes |
CyberGhost is one of the most affordable NFL VPNs on my list, but that's not its only noteworthy benefit. It's also secure, fast, and packed with servers worldwide. It even includes streaming-optimized servers, a unique perk compared to the competition.
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 $1.75/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. Regarding CyberGhost’s free trials, durations vary based on your platform.
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 $3.09/month | |
| Surfshark | ✅ Yes | 81% | Unlimited | Android TV, FireTV, Apple TV | From $1.99/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 $2.79/month | |
| CyberGhost | ✅ Yes | 78% | 7 | Android TV, FireTV, Apple TV | From $1.75/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
So you’ve made your predictions, got your team’s jersey, and are all set for the NFL 2025/26 season. Now, the only thing left is to ensure you can watch every game on NFL Game Pass, no matter where you are. For this, I suggest you get an Amazon Prime or DAZN subscription and add the NFL Game Pass add-on, which is available in select countries like Australia and the UK.
To ensure you can watch every NFL game in the US, use a reliable VPN, and NordVPN is the top choice. NordVPN is highly recommended because it offers fast and stable connections crucial for streaming live sports without interruptions. It also has a vast network of servers worldwide, allowing you to access NFL games from anywhere and bypass local blackouts.
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.
