As a sports fan, there is nothing more frustrating than getting ready for the big game, turning on your TV and then ... blackout.
Regional restrictions and disputes between broadcasters and leagues can leave viewers searching for alternative streams.
Here are the best ways to stream sports while avoiding blackouts or regional restrictions.
The best VPNs for streaming sports
Blacked out from the local NFL game? Need to watch the big soccer match, but can't find a great stream? Here are some options for fans looking to stream the biggest games with a safe connection.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is an ultra-fast service that gives users access to crystal-clear streams. It's easy to download the service, and if you run into any issues, there is a 24/7 live chat available.
Right now, you can also save big on an ExpressVPN. All new subscribers can get four months of ExpressVPN for free when they sign up for a 24-month plan. If that's too much of a commitment, you can still save by choosing a 12-month plan and getting three months for free.
- Monthly plan: $12.95/month
- One-year plan: $6.67/month plus three months FREE
- Two-year plan: $4.99/month plus four months FREE
With ExpressVPN, you can use up to eight devices on one account, allowing you to stream multiple games. You'll also have access to 105 countries for your VPN server location.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN claims that it is the fastest VPN provider on the market because it has a massive amount of servers. You rarely have to deal with connection issues, and the setup is simple.
When it comes to plans, NordVPN has four options: Basic, Plus, Complete and Prime. The monthly cost is cheap if you decide to buy a long-term plan.
- Monthly plan: $12.99 (Basic), $13.99 (Plus), $14.99 (Complete), $17.99 (Prime)
- One-year plan: $4.99 per month (Basic), $5.99 per month (Plus), $6.99 per month (Complete), $8.99 per month (Prime)
- Two-year plan: $3.09 per month (Basic), $3.99 per month (Plus), $4.99 per month (Complete), $6.99 per month (Prime)
For a limited time, you can get NordVPN for three extra months with any two-year plan.
3. Surfshark
In addition to solid speed, Surfshark offers the ability to connect to an unlimited number of devices on one account.
Surfshark has three plans: Starter, One and One+. The one- and two-year plans in particular are great deals.
- Monthly plan: $15.45 (Starter), $17.95 (One), $20.65 (One+)
- One-year plan: $2.99 per month (Starter), $3.09 per month (One), $5.69 per month (One+)
- Two-year plan: $1.89 per month (Starter), $2.39 per month (One), $4.09 per month (One+)
VPN FAQs
Getting a VPN could seem like a daunting task, but we hope to ease your mind with a couple of common questions readers like yourself may ask.
What sports can you stream with a VPN?
Want to watch every Premier League game or out-of-market NFL contest? Traveling for work and want to watch everything you would at home? A VPN is a perfect option to help you get over the barrier. There's really no limit to the amount of sports you can stream with a VPN.
Is it safe to use a VPN for sports streaming?
A VPN is a good way to keep your data away from cybercriminals. Some of the more reputable VPN options on the market have strong encryption protocols in place.
Are VPNs legal?
When using a VPN, it's important to check your local regulations to make sure that your activities are completely legal. In some countries, streaming copyrighted content without permission is illegal. It is always a good idea to read the terms and conditions before using a VPN.
Does a VPN slow down my internet connection?
A VPN shouldn't slow down your connection speed significantly, but there are some factors that can make a small impact. Distance between the VPN server and your device should be considered as well as the amount of devices using the VPN at the same time.
How much does a VPN cost?
The cost of a VPN will vary. We've laid out the best plans from the best services we could find. Some VPN services also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you aren't comfortable committing to a long-term plan.
Are there any free VPNs?
Yes. Windscribe, for example, is a free VPN option. There are many others, but free VPNs tend to offer less security than paid services.
Can I use a VPN on mobile devices?
Yes. Most VPN services have mobile apps that you can use to connect without any issues.
Why you should trust The Sporting News
Our writers and editors have had hands-on experiences using VPNs in the United States and around the world. Through streaming live sports — both for professional and personal use — we've been able to thoughtfully examine the various attributes these VPNs bring to the table.
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