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Jordon Cox and Mike Williams

The best VPNs for streaming live sports in 2026

GOAL looks at the best VPN services for following your favorite team from anywhere in the world

Best overall

NordVPN

  • Unbeatable for live sports across multiple regions
  • Hassle-free streaming with quick, uninterrupted connections
  • Easy to use, supports up to 10 devices for live streaming, especially efficient on mobile devices

Monthly from

$3.39

Get NordVPN

Watching live sports in the US is not always as easy as it should be. Between blackout laws restricting the airing of certain matches and other leagues/tournaments not having a broadcast home, it can be surprisingly difficult to follow along with a high-quality stream.

It’s important to stay connected and secure when watching live sport. Luckily, with the right VPN service, you can stream your favorite sports without worrying about data security and, specifically when trying to access broadcasts outside of your country or state.

Whether you're looking to watch the Premier League in HD or just want to access a local sports channel elsewhere, or be able to keep up-to-date with your sports team while travelling the world, GOAL has put together a list of the best VPN services that can help you enjoy the big game without any worries.

Read on to discover the best VPN providers for watching live sports in the US. We'll also answer some of the most commonly asked questions, ensuring you make the best choice possible when choosing the VPN service that’s right for you.

If you'd prefer, you can jump straight ahead to our list of the 8 best VPN services for streaming sports.

Best VPN services at a glance

To help you make a quick decision, we've broken down the key specs, prices, and features of the top VPNs in the comparison table below:

VPN ServicePrice FromServer CountConnections
NordVPN$3.19 /month8,400+ in 167 countries10 Devices
SurfShark$2.39 /month4,500+ in 100 countriesUnlimited
ExpressVPN$6.67 /month3,000 in 105 countries5 devices
CyberGhost$2.19 /month11,000 in 100 countries7 devices
StrongVPN$3.97 /month950 servers in 30+ countries12 Devices

What is a VPN?

What is a VPN Getty Images

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a type of technology that helps to create a secure and encrypted connection between your device and another network while online.

This is done by routing your internet traffic through an external server, which makes it appear as if you are accessing the internet from a different location.

With a VPN, you can access restricted websites, bypass geo-restrictions, and protect your data from hackers too.

What are the benefits of using a VPN for sports streaming?

Steelers vs SeahawksGetty Images

Using a VPN service for sports streaming has several advantages. Firstly, it allows you to access content that may otherwise be unavailable due to geographic restrictions.

Secondly, it provides a secure connection so you can stream your favorite sports without worrying about data security and privacy.

Finally, the cost of using a VPN can be much cheaper than buying a subscription to various sports streaming services.

Choosing a VPN for sports: How We Tested

VPN FeaturesPetter Lagson / Unsplash

Geo-Unblocking Capabilities

We know that "content not available in your region" is the most frustrating message a fan can see. To test this, we didn't just log in; we actively attempted to bypass the toughest blackout restrictions in sports broadcasting.

  • The Blackout Test: We tested each VPN against US blackout laws (such as local MLS or MLB blackouts) and international restrictions.
  • Platform Variety: We verified access across a wide range of dedicated sports platforms including ESPN+, Peacock, Paramount+, and DAZN, connecting from servers in the UK, US, Canada, and Europe.
  • Consistency: A VPN might work once but fail the next. We performed repeated connection attempts over several days to ensure the IP addresses weren't immediately flagged and blocked by these streaming giants.

Speed and Latency Impact

Live sports demand more bandwidth than standard Netflix streaming because the signal is real-time. Even a split-second delay (latency) can mean getting a goal notification on your phone before you see it on your screen.

  • The 4K Threshold: We measured download speeds to ensure they consistently stayed above 25 Mbps, the minimum required for live UHD/4K sports streaming without buffering.
  • Latency (Ping) Checks: We prioritized VPNs with low latency scores. High ping causes "rubber-banding" and lag, which is unacceptable during fast-paced action like a counter-attack or a final-lap sprint.
  • Distance Testing: We ran speed tests from servers both nearby (for best speed) and halfway across the world (e.g. connecting to the UK from the US) to see how well the VPN protocols handled long-distance data transfer.

fubo sports at homefubo

Device Compatibility

Most fans don't watch the big game on a laptop; they watch on the big screen. We evaluated how easy it is to get these VPNs running on a typical living room setup.

  • Smart TV & Console Support: We installed apps directly on Amazon Fire TV Stick, Android TV, and Apple TV (via DNS settings) to test interface navigability with a standard remote control.
  • Simultaneous Connections: We stress-tested "multi-device" claims by streaming live matches on a phone, tablet, and TV simultaneously on a single account to ensure the connection didn't drop or throttle performance.
  • Router Setup: For devices that do not natively support VPNs (like older Smart TVs or some games consoles), we checked how easy it was to configure the VPN at the router level.

Customer Support Response Times

When the match kicks off in 5 minutes and your stream isn't working, you can't wait 24 hours for an email reply.

  • Live Chat Stress Test: We contacted 24/7 live chat support during peak match times with simulated technical issues (e.g. "I can't unblock Premier League stream").
  • Time-to-Resolution: We timed exactly how long it took to connect to a human agent and, crucially, how long it took them to provide a working server or solution.
  • Knowledge Base Quality: We reviewed their self-help guides to see if they offered specific, up-to-date troubleshooting steps for sports streaming services, rather than just generic "turn it off and on again" advice.

How do I choose the best VPN for sports?

choose the best VPN for sportsGetty Images

Now that you know the benefits of using a VPN service for sports streaming, let’s take a look at how to choose the best VPN for live sports.

The first step is to make sure that the VPN provider has a good number of servers that are located in the locations you want to access. This will ensure that you can access the sports streaming services of your choice without any issues.

Secondly, it is important to check the speeds and connection quality of the VPN. This is vital when streaming live sports as you want a fast and reliable connection without encountering any lag.

Finally, you should also check the security features of the VPN and make sure that it offers strong encryption and other safety features.

  • The best VPNs for streaming sports in 2026

    Best overall VPN

    NordVPN

    NordVPNDownload at NordVPN

    Overall score - 5/5

    When it comes to streaming and watching live sports across multiple regions, NordVPN does an unbeatable job.

    Pricing

    You can pick up a subscription to NordVPN from $3.19 a month - but that’s only when getting a 2-year subscription. That works out to $76.56 for the 2 years.

    A 1-year plan will cost from $4.99 a month ($59.88 over the year). If you wanted to try it out short-term, you can get a rolling monthly membership from $12.99 a month.

    This is one of the more expensive VPNs, but if you were totally sure you wanted to go for NordVPN, then locking into a 2-year contract is the cheapest option. It's also one of - if not the - highest rated on the market.

    While there's no free version, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you find it’s not suitable, you can get a refund.

    Reliability

    Streaming with NordVPN is hassle-free and quick, with no connection issues, with the most servers available worldwide (currently at 7,400+)

    NordVPN has a whole page dedicated to streaming live sports and boasts that you can watch matches, games, fights, and more around the world without interruption.

    NordVPN is currently the fastest VPN provider for streaming, thanks to the number of servers they hold (so the number of people accessing won’t slow it down), the lack of speed loss compared to its rivals, and overall reliability.

    Ease of use

    Connecting to the VPN is pretty simple. Once you’ve downloaded the app onto your device, it takes a couple of clicks through the ‘quick connect’ function to get you online.

    You’re automatically connected to the fastest server available and can then start streaming.

    You can use up to 10 devices to stream live for each account, so you have some options if you wanted to share. It also works great on mobile devices.

    Pros

    Unrivalled streaming speeds: Uses the proprietary NordLynx protocol to ensure 4K sports streaming doesn't buffer

    Massive server network: Over 6,400 servers in 111 countries, making it easy to find a working connection anywhere

    Reliable unblocking: Consistently bypasses tough geo-blocks on platforms like Sky Sports, Peacock, and DAZN

    Cons

    Higher renewal price: The introductory price is low, but the price increases after the first term

    Clunky map interface: The desktop app's map view can feel crowded and difficult to navigate compared to a simple list

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  • Best budget VPN

    Surfshark

    Surfshark VPNDownload at Surfshark

    Overall score - 4.5/5 

    Surfshark VPN is one of the cheaper paid-for VPN services, but it still delivers on performance and speed - making it a good budget-friendly option.

    Pricing

    Surfshark VPN offers a reasonably priced service if you wanted all the bells and whistles of a paid VPN provider.

    The cheapest package is based on a 2-year plan, at $2.39 a month ($57.36 in total). You can also get a 1-year plan for the price of $38.28, which is $3.19 a month.

    And finally, for the rolling monthly plan, starts from $15.45 a month, which is still a cheap monthly plan. Like with most VPN subscriptions, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee if you didn’t find it useful.

    Reliability

    Surfshark VPN is one of the fastest VPNs on the market and is well-rated by tech reviewers for its speed.

    It offers many streaming services around the world and has basically no buffering when watching live.

    There are no limits on bandwidth or data usage when using its VPN. Streaming live sports can use significant amounts of bandwidth, so to have no cap makes things very appealing.

    Ease of use

    This works in the exact same way as other VPN services. Once downloaded, you click a button to connect to the VPN, and it will automatically connect you to the fastest server.

    It has a nice user-friendly interface, even if you don’t know too much about the technical side.

    You can use the same account for as many devices as you like, which is a nice feature as some others are capped.

    Pros

    Unlimited simultaneous connections: You can watch on your TV, phone, tablet and laptop at the same time on a single account

    Very affordable: One of the lowest monthly costs for 2-year plans on the market

    "Camouflage mode": Hides the fact you are using a VPN, which helps bypass strict anti-VPN blocks used by some streaming sites

    Cons

    Inconsistent customer support: Live chat response times can sometimes be slower than competitors

    Variable speeds on distant servers: While generally fast, connecting to servers on the other side of the world (i.e. UK to Australia) can sometimes result in lag

  • Best VPN for streaming speed

    ExpressVPN

    ExpressVPNDownload at ExpressVPN

    Overall score - 4.5/5

    ExpressVPN isn’t cheap, but it’s one of the fastest for connection speed, the best at customer service, and gives you a list of supported streaming services.

    Pricing

    ExpressVPN is one of the most expensive to buy. A standard monthly subscription costs $12.95 per month.

    You can get a cheaper deal by purchasing a yearly plan at $6.67 per month ($80.04 in total). They do offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not happy.

    Reliability

    ExpressVPN boasts that you can watch sports in blazing-fast HD, and there was no interruption in streaming when tested.

    You can actually find a breakdown of each sport, with the easiest and fastest way to watch each one on its website - which is a nice feature. You won’t have to worry about finding a low-quality stream.

    Ease of use

    It takes one click to connect to the VPN once the app is downloaded to your device.

    If you’re using the VPN for streaming, it actually has a list of different sports streaming services on its website, along with an international sports calendar for you to access.

    Also, a handy feature of 24/7 live chat support in case you are struggling to connect.

    A small downside is, you’re only able to connect 5 different devices to the same account, which is a shame as some competitors allow more.

    Pros

    Lightway protocol: Extremely lightweight and fast protocol designed specifically for stable streaming without drops

    Best-in-class unblocking: Works on almost every major sports platform immediately without needing to switch servers multiple times

    Router app: Has a dedicated app for routers, making it easy to cover devices that don't support VPNs (like Apple TV or PlayStation)

    Cons

    Premium price tag: It is significantly more expensive that SurfShark or NordVPN

    Device limit: Only allows a limited number of simultaneous connections

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  • Best VPN for security

    CyberGhost

    CyberGhostDownload at CyberGhost

    Overall score - 4/5 

    CyberGhost offers fast speeds and robust security features, so you remain secure watching your favorite sports while also being able to easily access geo-restricted streaming services.

    It has secure servers in 100+ countries and a good range of security settings with dedicated IP addresses available. 

    Pricing

    CyberGhost is affordable, with several plans to choose from. If you want to try it out for a month, you pay

    $12.99 for the four weeks.

    For six months, the price reduces to $6.99 a month. The long-term 2-year plan is priced at an exceptional value of $2.19 a month, with an extra two free months added upon purchase.

    Reliability

    Privacy and anonymity are one of CyberGhost’s biggest concerns. They don’t share data with others, including ISPs and government organizations.

    They state that they don’t record your personal details like IP addresses, accessed websites, browsing history, session durations, bandwidth usage, and VPN server connections. 

    CyberGhost also offers seven devices to be simultaneously secured against malicious threats, no matter what device you’re on. You can use it on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux devices, as well as gaming consoles, smart TVs, and routers. 

    Ease of use

    All you have to do to set up Cyber Ghost is download and install the app on your device. Log into your account, and then you will be able to connect to the list of geo-located servers you would like. 

  • Best VPN for traveling

    StrongVPN

    StrongVPNDownload at StrongVPN 

    Overall score - 3.5/5 

    If you like to keep up with sports regardless of where you are in the world, StrongVPN is the best option for travelers. It has a number of servers in underserved regions and allows a mammoth 12 simultaneous connections with a single subscription. 

    Pricing

    There is no free plan for StrongVPN. Instead, you’ll have to choose from a monthly or an annual plan.

    For an annual subscription, you get a discounted price of $3.97 per month, which works out to $47.64 a year. For the annual plan, you get a 30-day payback guarantee if you change your mind.

    The monthly plan is priced at $11.99 per month, which is average when compared to other options. 

    Reliability

    The server has good distribution across several geo-location sites, including underserved locations, which makes it a perfect option for globetrotters who also want to keep up with the latest scores and big games.

    It’s also a speedy VPN, so you won’t be let down by lagging streams. 

    StrongVPN also supports multiple devices, so you don’t have to pack a laptop or tablet, your phone will suffice if that’s what you choose to stream on. But, a clunky and outdated interface lets down what is otherwise a great VPN option. 

    Ease of use

    Downloading and installing StrongVPN is easy. Depending on what device you're installing on, all you have to do is download the zip file or app. Log into your account, where you will be able to select your geo-location to connect to the VPN. 

  • In conclusion...

    VPN for sportsGetty Images / GOALRead GOAL's reviews of the best VPNs

    Using VPN services to stream soccer and other sports is a great way to access geo-restricted content, bypass regional restrictions, remain anonymous, and protect your data from hackers.

    Choosing the best VPN service doesn't have to be a gamble. There are plenty of great VPNs available, such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN,  and Surfshark VPN - all of which have their own unique advantages.

    Be sure to check out the cost, speed, security and privacy, protection, and user reviews before making your decision. Most importantly, always make sure to read the terms of service of any streaming service you are using.

Frequently asked questions

Setting up a VPN on your computer is a fairly simple process. First, you will need to select a provider and purchase a subscription.

Then, you'll need to download and install the software from the VPN provider. Once you have the software installed, you'll need to input the login credentials that they provided you.

After that, you can connect to the VPN, and you'll be all set to go. All VPN services will have their own easy-to-follow setup guide to help you along with the process.

When streaming sports using a VPN, it's important to check local regulations to make sure that your activities are legal.

In the US, streaming copyrighted content without permission is illegal, so you should always make sure to read the terms of service for any streaming service you are using.

Additionally, streaming services may be blocked in certain countries, so make sure to check this before you start streaming.

The answer to this question is: it depends. Generally speaking, a VPN will not significantly slow down your internet connection, but there are some factors that can impact your speeds.

The most common factors include the distance between the VPN server and your device, the number of people using the server at the same time, and the speed of the server's connection.

Some of the best VPN providers offer more optimized speeds than others, so it might be worth trying out a few different providers to see which one gives you the best connection speeds.

The cost of a VPN will vary depending on the VPN provider and the plan you choose. Generally speaking, most providers offer a range of plans at different prices.

You can get a basic plan for a few dollars a month, or you can opt for a more premium plan for a higher price.

Additionally, some providers offer discounts for long-term plans, so it's always worth shopping around to find the best deal.

Most of the best VPN services also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Yes, there are free VPN options available. However, it is important to note that many of these free VPNs may not be as secure as their paid counterparts.

Therefore, it is vital to do research on each one to make sure that you are getting a reliable service.

Additionally, some of these free VPNs may limit the amount of data or bandwidth that you can use, so be sure to take into account your likely VPN usage before choosing one.

Ultimately, if you are looking for a secure and reliable service, a paid VPN is always the best option over a free VPN. If you’re dead set on a free VPN, though, we’d recommend going for Windscribe.

Using a VPN for sports streaming can be a safe way to watch your favorite games online, so long as you take the time to research the VPN you are using and ensure it's reputable.

A good VPN will have strong encryption protocols in place, which will keep your data secure from potential cyber criminals.

Additionally, it will have a no-logs policy, so your streaming activity will remain anonymous and private.

As mentioned above, it's always best to double-check the security setting when using a free service.

Yes, you can use a VPN on your mobile device - most VPNs have their own apps to make the task of connecting even easier.

All you need to do is download the appropriate app to your device, and follow the instructions for setup.

Once your device is connected to the VPN, you can start browsing the Internet with complete privacy and security.

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