Live sports are a global phenomenon, a multi-billion dollar industry fueled by passionate fans. However, accessing these events can be a frustrating experience. Broadcast rights are often locked down by subscription channels, many of which offer limited or unreliable online streaming. Even with a subscription, you might encounter blackouts, preventing you from watching your local team. And if you travel internationally, your access to these channels might be completely cut off due to geographical restrictions. But there's a solution: using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to bypass these limitations and stream live sports from anywhere in the world.

A VPN allows you to circumvent regional restrictions, giving you the freedom to watch your favorite teams and events without limitations. It works by encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through a server in a location of your choice. This masks your actual location, making it appear as though you're browsing from the VPN server's location. This effectively unblocks geo-restricted content, allowing you to access sports streams that would otherwise be unavailable.

If you're short on time, here's a quick rundown of the top VPNs for streaming sports in 2025:

Top VPNs for Streaming Sports in 2025:

• NordVPN: The premier choice for sports streaming. It offers robust security features without compromising unblocking capabilities. Its fast and secure servers ensure reliable streaming of platforms like ESPN, Sky Sports, HBO Max, and MLB.tv. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
• Surfshark: The best budget-friendly VPN for sports streaming. It provides fast and reliable connections at an affordable price. It supports unlimited simultaneous connections and works seamlessly with ESPN+, TSN, Sky Sports, Fox Sports, and other sports streaming websites.
• IPVanish: Offers fast speeds for high-quality sports streaming from anywhere, coupled with strong security and a strict no-logs policy. It also allows unlimited device connections.
• ExpressVPN: Boasts a large server network with exceptional speeds, making it easy to access most sports streaming sites and other popular services from almost any location.
• CyberGhost: Features a vast network of servers in over 100 countries, including servers optimized for streaming. It's compatible with a wide range of sports streaming sites, user-friendly, and ideal for beginners.
• PrivateVPN: Provides good speeds and can unblock almost any content from abroad, including major sports streaming platforms like Sky Sports and Fox Sports.
• Private Internet Access: Offers robust security features, servers in over 70 countries, and no device connection limit.

Tip: During testing, the standard NordVPN plan proved perfectly adequate for streaming sports.

Want to try the top VPN risk-free? NordVPN offers a 30-day trial with full features. You can use the 1 rated VPN for sports streaming without restrictions for a month. If you're not satisfied, contact support within 30 days for a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

How We Select the Best Sports Streaming VPNs

The VPN market is saturated, but not all VPNs are suitable for streaming sports. To simplify your choice, we prioritize the following factors:

• Extensive Global Server Network: Provides the flexibility to watch both national and international sports.
• Fast Speeds: Ensures uninterrupted streaming of live HD video.
• Unlimited Data: Data caps can severely limit your streaming, so a VPN without restrictions is essential.
• Proven Unblocking Ability: Successfully bypasses regional restrictions and blackouts on various sports streaming platforms.
• Multi-Device Compatibility: Apps for various devices and a generous connection limit allow you to stream on your preferred device.
• Value for Money: Offers a good balance of features and price, along with a money-back guarantee.

This is just a glimpse of our criteria. For a more detailed explanation, refer to the methodology section below. Now, let's examine the providers that meet our criteria.

Best VPNs for Streaming Sports: A Quick Comparison

Here's a comparison of the most important features of the top VPNs. Prefer in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN, our top pick for streaming sports.

The Best VPNs for Streaming Sports Online

At Comparitech, we conduct thorough tests on a wide range of VPNs to identify the best options for streaming sports, ensuring uninterrupted streaming without compromising speed. Let's delve into the features, pros, and cons of the providers that impressed us.

Here are our firsthand reviews of the best VPNs for streaming sports:

1. NordVPN

February 2025

NordVPN is our top choice for streaming both local and international sports, making it the ideal VPN for any sports enthusiast. With over 6,000 servers in 100+ countries, including the USA, Canada, and the UK, NordVPN offers extensive coverage. The recommended server utility on their website helps you find the best server based on your location, which is crucial for high-speed sports streaming. It effortlessly unblocks platforms like ESPN+, Sportsnet, NFL Game Pass, Sky Sports, NBC Sports, HBO Max, MLB.tv, YouTube TV, and Sling TV.

Security is a key strength of NordVPN, featuring 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, along with an ad-blocker and malware scanner. NordVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your privacy. Support is available 24/7 via email and live chat.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, and manual setup is possible on select routers.

NordVPN Speed Test Data

Pros:

• Fastest speeds observed
• Unlimited bandwidth and no data caps
• Unblocks most popular geo-locked streaming services
• Strong emphasis on security and privacy
• Apps for all major platforms
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

• Desktop apps can sometimes be slow to connect

Best VPN for Sports: NordVPN is our top pick. An extremely fast option that works reliably with popular streaming sports sites. Connects up to 10 devices simultaneously. Try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

February 2025

Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN that delivers impressive performance. It offers access to 3,200 servers in 100+ countries and reliably accesses popular services like NBC Sports, Kayo, NFL Game Pass, and ESPN+ from abroad. Unlike many competitors, Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can enjoy your favorite content on all your devices.

Security is a priority, with 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leak protection. Users can automatically block ads, malware, and trackers. Surfshark adheres to a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your activities remain private. 24/7 support is available via live chat and email.

Apps are available for iOS, Android, MacOS, Linux, and Windows. Manual installation is required for home routers.

Surfshark Speed Test Data

Pros:

• Steady speeds and unlimited bandwidth
• Connect as many devices as you like
• Strong security and privacy credentials
• Unblocks some of the most popular streaming services abroad
• Accepts Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple

Cons:

• Customer support could be improved

Best Budget VPN: Surfshark is a solid low-cost option with a lot to offer. It's fast, reliable, and able to unblock plenty of stubborn services from abroad. Further, it boasts powerful security features and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our full Surfshark review for more information.

3. IPVanish

IPVanish offers very good speeds, making it a great choice for streaming sporting events over the internet. It has over 1,000 servers in the US alone and 2,000 in total across 60+ other countries, ideal for bypassing local sports blackouts. Best of all, IPVanish has no connection limit.

It includes security features like 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Users can also scramble their traffic to bypass stubborn geo-blocking. IPVanish is a zero-logs provider and offers 24/7 live chat support.

IPVanish apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV devices. It can be loaded onto Linux systems or a router, covering your set-top box and all computers and mobile devices in your home.

IPVanish Speed Test Data

Pros:

• Operates in over 60 countries, great for unblocking geo-restricted content
• Good unblocking capabilities and streams in HD speeds
• Connect any number of devices
• Preferred by Kodi and Firestick TV for its remote-friendly apps

Cons:

• Look elsewhere if you need to use apps in China
• Doesn't offer any browser extensions

Fast and Reliable: IPVanish has a large network of servers as well as very fast speeds. Strong security and privacy features. No connection limit. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has all the qualities you need to stream sports events. The company operates servers in 100+ countries, including the USA, Canada, and the UK. This provider's extensive network gives you a better chance of unblocking services from a wide range of smaller countries too.

You won't have any difficulties using this VPN because it is designed to cater to novice users. It provides a wealth of security features, too, including 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. ExpressVPN refuses to log any personally identifiable information. The customer support team is available around the clock via live chat.

You can get ExpressVPN apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. You can manually install it on supported routers, and there are browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

Pros:

• Fast secure, and stable connections ideal for HD streaming
• Unblocks all major streaming services
• Operates over 3,000 servers in 100+ countries
• 24/7 chat support are well well-trained to handle complex situations
• Allows payment in cryptocurrencies

Cons:

• Streaming servers aren't labeled
• Slightly more expensive than some of its rivals

Quick and Reliable: ExpressVPN is a blazing fast option that unblocks all major streaming sports sites. Great security and privacy features and keeps no logs. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost lets you connect 7 devices to its service at once. It has over 10,000 servers in 100+ countries, including the USA, Canada, and the UK, many of which are designed for live streaming. As well as RDS and ESPN+, CyberGhost works well with Netflix, NBC, and more.

This VPN's security features are excellent. It integrates automatic wifi protection, 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection, and better still, all of these features are enabled by default. CyberGhost doesn't store any data that could identify you. Customer support can be reached 24/7 via live chat.

CyberGhost apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. The VPN can also be set up manually on routers.

Pros:

• Very good at unblocking geo-restricted sites and content
• Our tests revealed above-average HD streaming speeds
• Connect up to 7 devices simultaneously
• Easy-to-use apps for most platforms support manual installation on routers
• Generous 45-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

• Apps are great for beginners but lack advanced configuration features for power users
• Doesn't work reliably in China

Strong All-Rounder: CyberGhost has a simple set up and is great at securely accessing geo-blocked streaming platforms. Vast server network. Good on privacy and security. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN has servers in 63 countries, including the USA, Canada, and the UK. This service is a good option for streaming and offers particularly high speeds, so it's also great for other activities, such as file sharing. This VPN has no issues securely accessing Netflix, ESPN, or TSN and is one of the few VPNs that works with NFL Game Pass. Up to 10 devices can be connected simultaneously.

If you are traveling and you have to connect to the internet through hotel and café hotspots, PrivateVPN's automatic wifi protection will stand you in good stead. The app also includes a kill switch, 256-bit encryption, and a stealth mode designed for bypassing especially strict online blocking. PrivateVPN doesn't keep any logs.

You can get a PrivateVPN app for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. You can also install the VPN manually on Linux systems and select routers.

Pros:

• Great for streaming
• Speeds are very impressive
• Strong security and privacy protection features

Cons:

• Fewer servers to choose from than other providers higher on this list
• Doesn't offer 24/7 support

Great Speeds: PrivateVPN is a good family choice. Unblocks most popular streaming sports and allows up to 10 devices on the same account. Small network of servers but fast connections. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access, or PIA, is another solid choice for sports streaming enthusiasts. It boasts an extensive network of 29,000+ servers in 90+ countries, making it a breeze to unblock your fave sports platforms. PIA is also quite wallet-friendly, giving you more bang for your buck.

This VPN supports 10 simultaneous connections, so you can share it with friends and family. Plus, it has apps for all major platforms, so you can catch the big game on any device you want. PIA is big on privacy, too, with a strict no-logs policy.

You'll enjoy top-notch security with PIA's AES encryption, which keeps your connection safe from prying eyes. It also packs in cool features like split tunneling, a kill switch, and ad-blocking tools. Oh, and it's great for accessing other streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.

PIA offers round-the-clock support, so help's always just a click away. Want to give it a shot? They've got a 30-day risk-free trial, so you can take it for a spin without any worries. Happy streaming!

Pros:

• Supports WireGuard
• Customizable encryption level
• Keep no logs, DNS leak protection and kill switch are included

Cons:

• Some outdated info in forums and support documentation
• Unblocking can be inconsistent
• App design could be refined

Big on Privacy: PIA includes WireGuard support, for ultrafast sports streaming, solid security features, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

How to Unblock Sports Streaming Services Abroad

Using a VPN to stream local sports while traveling abroad is quite easy. Just follow these steps:

1. Sign up for one of the VPNs mentioned above (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download the app and sign in.
3. Connect to a server in the required country (e.g., a US server for NBC Sports or a European server for Eurosport). Some VPNs have streaming-optimized servers, so select those when possible.
4. Try using the service as normal. If you encounter problems, clear your cookies or contact your VPN's support team for assistance.

Methodology: How We Found the Best Sports Streaming VPNs

Geographic restrictions are common when trying to watch your favorite sports content. Local sports blackouts, in particular, make it challenging to watch your local team. Slow streaming speeds with lag and buffering are also issues. The best VPNs for streaming sports help you get around these problems. Here's our methodology for finding them:

• Servers Worldwide: The sport you watch may be via a streaming platform in the US, UK, or Australia. You'll need a VPN with a global network of servers covering dozens of countries to unblock platforms like ESPN, beIN Sport, and BT Sport from abroad.
• Speed: Live sports streaming requires fast speeds to avoid buffering and lag. We've tested the fastest VPNs to ensure you won't miss out on your sports events. They also include unlimited bandwidth for non-stop streaming.
• No Data Limits: Data caps can be a real barrier to sports streaming, so choosing a VPN with no caps is ideal.
• Unblocking: A server in a particular location doesn't guarantee unblocking every website and service from that country. Some platforms are tougher to unlock than others (e.g., NFL Game Pass, DAZN, and Netflix). We test each VPN's unblocking ability ourselves.
• Security: A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel for your data. All listed VPNs provide 256-bit AES encryption, keeping you safe from hackers. Some offer extras like Double VPN servers, password managers, and ad-blockers.
• Privacy: You need a VPN that doesn't keep identifying logs to browse anonymously. We've studied over 140 VPN logging policies and found those with no-logs policies that best protect your privacy.
• Ease of Use: You're likely looking for an easy-to-use VPN service with beginner-friendly apps to quickly connect to a server and start streaming sports content from abroad. The VPNs in this post have apps for a wide range of operating systems and even include 24/7 live chat and email support.
• Value for Money: There are VPNs to suit all budgets, and you needn't spend a lot of money in order to get a good one. We've aimed to strike a balance in finding high-quality yet affordable VPNs. With our VPN discount coupons, you can get them at an even better price!

Looking for the above features is just part of our comprehensive VPN testing methodology. This involves rigorously testing each VPN for ourselves so that we can provide you with accurate and up-to-date information. We hope that this helps make your decision that much easier.

Sports Streaming Channels

There are a vast number of internet sports streaming services. Switching countries to check available services expands the list of accessible sports sites. Here's a list of sports streaming services in the USA, though it's likely not exhaustive:

Sports Streaming Services in the USA

Using a Free VPN for Streaming Sports

While free VPNs exist, they are generally not recommended. Some are scams, while others are slow and have limited server locations.

Some excellent paid VPNs have free versions to train potential customers. However, these free versions have restrictions, such as limited server locations, speed limits, and monthly data throughput quotas.

These restrictions mean you won't be able to use the free version for very long before your data allowance runs out. In many cases, the speeds allowed for free VPNs are not fast enough to watch live video streams. Plus, free VPNs often lack security features and have been known to collect user data to sell to third parties.

Therefore, we do not recommend free VPNs for sports streaming. You are much safer choosing a VPN provider with a privacy-first policy and a good reputation.

VPNs for Sports Streaming: FAQs

Is using a VPN to stream sports legal?

There's no law against using a VPN to stream sports in most countries. However, doing so likely goes against your chosen service's terms of use.

It's highly unlikely you'll face a ban for doing so; most of the time, you'll simply be shown an error asking you to disconnect (assuming the streaming service even realizes you're using a VPN).

Disclaimer: Although we've spent hours researching this topic, we are not legal experts. As such, nothing we've said above should be taken as legal advice. We encourage you to consult local laws or before attempting to stream live sports using a VPN.

Can I use a VPN