Temps de lecture: 7 minutes
Best-VPN-for-streaming-sports-in-France

Finding the best VPN for streaming sports has become a necessity since the broadcasting rights for the majority of big sporting events are usually geo-restricted, this makes watching sports a challenge for people living abroad. Sports are an immense source of entertainment and have turned into a multi-billion dollar industry. Football, basketball, tennis, boxing, and the Olympics enjoy huge fan bases around the globe, and fans are always looking forward to watching their favorite team play.

However, you might face problems accessing the live streaming of different sporting events due to regional blackouts and geo-restrictions, especially when you are traveling abroad. Even if you have a premium subscription to these streaming sites, you will be unable to watch live sports streaming. Because Premium subscriptions do not guarantee access to geo-blocked content.

Luckily, you can overcome these geographical restrictions and bag better deals on different sports streaming subscriptions with a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN. A VPN is designed to encrypt your online data and send it through its encrypted remote servers. Once you hit the connect button on a VPN app, your real IP address and location change to the remote location of the VPN server, hence giving you access to geo-restricted live streams.

In this guide, we will find out the best VPN for live sports streaming, so let’s get the ball rolling.


Quick Overview: The best VPN for streaming sports

Keep in mind that not all VPNs are efficient enough to overcome the firewalls and geo-restrictions of sports streaming platforms like ESPN+, NBC Sports, BT Sport, Sportsnet, etc. Hence, choosing the best VPN for streaming sports must be taken seriously. Before we get into more details, here are the 3 best VPNs for streaming sports at a glance:

  1. ExpressVPN: The best VPN for streaming sports. Hosts a vast network of 3000+ in 94 countries. Offers lightning-quick speed, stable connections, and sophisticated security features. Unblocks all major sports streaming platform.
  2. Surfshark: The best budget-friendly VPN for streaming sports. Provides more than 3200 servers in 100 countries. A highly affordable option that offers cutting-edge security features and unlimited multi-logins.
  3. NordVPN: The best secure VPN for streaming sports. Offers an extensive network of 5500+ servers in 60 countries. A security-focused option that comes with powerful unblocking capabilities.

How we choose Best VPN for streaming sports | FAQs

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Why do I need a VPN for streaming sports?

The biggest reason you need a VPN for streaming sports is the geo-restrictions of sports streaming channels. It lets you watch local and international games by circumventing restrictions and providing fast speeds by bypassing ISP throttling. Due to content licensing reasons, copyrights, and broadcasting rights, streaming platforms are only allowed to air particular content in specific countries. Moreover, not all sports channels offer their live online streaming service, making them altogether unavailable internationally via the internet.

For instance, ESPN+ is exclusively available in the USA, while BBC iPlayer is only accessible in the UK. However, by using a reliable VPN, you can easily change your location virtually by connecting to a remote server located in the US, the UK, or any other location where your desired streaming service is operating. This enables you to access any sports streaming platform from anywhere in the world.

But geo-restrictions aren’t the only hurdle to cross. Another common nuisance often faced by sports lovers is black-out restrictions. Broadcasters and online streaming platforms limit the access of viewers from watching local matches in a bid to attract more people to the stadiums or to make them buy local cable TV subscriptions. A VPN also helps you bypass black-out restrictions on your favorite sporting events.


What Makes the Best VPN for Streaming Sports?

Streaming sports online has become a popular way to catch live events. As we know not all VPNs are cut from the same cloth, especially when it comes to streaming sports content. Here’s what makes the best VPN for streaming sports:

  1. Fast and Stable Connection: Streaming sports requires a consistent and high-speed internet connection. The best VPNs for streaming sports offer servers optimized for minimal buffering, bypassing ISP throttling and ensuring smooth and uninterrupted viewing.
  2. Wide Server Network: A diverse range of server locations allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and access sports events from around the world. Look for a VPN with servers strategically positioned in various countries with capability to circumvent these restrictions, enabling you to enjoy global sports content regardless of your location.
  3. Strong Security Features: While enjoying sports content, your online security remains vital. Opt for a VPN that offers robust encryption, advanced security protocols, and a strict no-logs policy to ensure your data remains private and protected.

In conclusion, the best VPN for sports streaming combines factors like speed, server network, security, bypassing geo-restrictions, and avoiding throttling. Prioritizing these features will ensure an enjoyable and uninterrupted streaming experience for your favorite sports events.


The best VPNs for streaming sports – In-Depth Analysis

After thoroughly testing 40+ VPN services, we have finally come across the best VPNs that are exceptional at unblocking geo-blocks placed on various sports streaming sites. Let’s go through an in-depth analysis of the best VPNs for streaming sports:

1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for Streaming Sports

ExpressVPN

Key Features:

  • 3000+ servers in 94+ countries
  • Download speed: 89.64 Mbps
  • Simultaneous connections: 5 devices
  • Unlimited bandwidth for streaming sports in HD quality
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • 27/7 customer service
  • 7-day free trial
  • Unblocks ESPN+, Sling TV, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Kayo, Peacock, BT Sport

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for streaming sports USA. An excellent choice for sports lovers, this VPN provides you with quick connections, plus all top-notch features for accessing geo-restricted streaming sports platforms.

With its global reach in over 94 countries with 3000+ servers, there are a lot of international high-speed servers to choose from. We faced no major problems using ExpressVPN to stream Netflix, ESPN+, Sling TV, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Kayo, Peacock, BT Sport, or any other sports services. Thanks to its lightning-fast speed, it is also one of the best VPNs for football streaming.

watch-uefa-women-euro-on-espn-using-expressvpn

We had the most amazing time streaming UEFA Women’s Euro on ESPN using ExpressVPN servers.

ExpressVPN’s in-house Lightway protocol and compatible router app help users achieve upstanding streaming performance, improving latency for constant playback. Also, with its MediaStreamer tool, you can install a VPN on devices that aren’t compatible with it hence it is the best VPN for multiple devices.

When we performed the ExpressVPN speed test over a 100 Mbps connection, it presented a top-notch download speed of 89.42 Mbps and an upload speed of 84.64 Mbps. It’s definitely one of the fastest VPNs amongst all VPN providers

Expressvpn-speed-test-on-100-mbps

This speed is enough to stream in high resolution.

ExpressVPN’s best streaming features let us unblock various streaming platforms including ESPN+, Fox Sports GO and MLB.TV, in fact ExpressPVN is one of the best VPN for MLB.TV.

You can also unlock the excitement of Belgian sports content with the best VPN for Telenet Play Sports in France, ensuring seamless and unrestricted streaming of your favorite matches and events from anywhere in the world.

ExpressVPN provides compatible apps for iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux. It’s also among the Best VPNs for Android, and can also be used on various streaming devices, like Firestick, Roku, Smart TV, NVidia Shield, and Chromecast. And by the way, One ExpressVPN subscription can support 5 simultaneous connections.

Moreover, it offers better security and privacy with features like strong AES-256-Bit Encryption with leak protection, Threat Manager and a strict no-logs policy. ExpressVPN’s Kill Switch ensures you’re disconnected from the internet the moment your VPN connection drops.

Even if ExpressVPN costs more, you don’t have to worry about it as it will provide you with top-quality service to make amends. Its yearlong subscription bundle EUR 6.33/mo (US$ 6.67/mo) (Get 49% Off + 3 Months FREE on its 12-Month Plan). New mobile phone users can also make good use of its 30-day return policy with a 7-day ExpressVPN free trial. Customer Support is available to all users 24/7.

Read our ExpressVPN review, for more information.

Pros
  • Overall good performance with all live streaming
  • Unblock all sports platforms
  • MediaStreamer option
  • Excellent security mechanism
  • 30-day refund guarantee

Cons
  • Only 5 connections simultaneously
  • Upload speeds are less consistent
  • More expensive than its peers

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2. Surfshark – Budget-friendly VPN for streaming Sports

Key Features:

  • More than 3200 servers in 100 countries
  • Download Speed: 81.32 Mbps
  • Unlimited Concurrent Connections
  • Infinite bandwidth for streaming content in Ultra HD quality
  • 1-month money-back policy
  • Live Chat service is available all day long
  • Free Trial for 7-days
  • Unblocks ESPN+, fuboTV, Sling TV, RDS, BBC iPlayer, Kayo, Eurosport

Surfshark is the best cheap VPN for streaming sports thanks to its first-class services for the best price of EUR 2.18/mo (US$ 2.30/mo) (Get 84% + 2 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan). This VPN service presents a gigantic network of over 3200 servers distributed in over 100 countries.

This VPN offers fast access to all popular streaming services thanks to its enhanced privacy. It unblocks internationally renowned services like Kayo, NBC Sports, ESPN+, YouTube, Disney+, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and Netflix with Surfshark with no problem whatsoever.

unblocking-bt-sport-using-surfshark

Using Surfshark’s budget-friendly plans, we were able to unblock BT Sport to stream Champions League matches with ease.

Surfshark features the perfect blend of infinite bandwidth and reliable connections. On the Surfshark speed test performed over a 100 Mbps connection, it attained an amazingly fast downloading speed of 81.32 Mbps and an uploading speed of 76.12 Mbps.

Surfshark-speed-test

We achieved blazing-fast speed results on the US servers.

With a given subscription, unlimited simultaneous connections are actually its selling point. Its app is simple to use and is supported by Windows, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Android. It is also one of the best VPNs for multiple devices like Chromecast, Routers, Apple TV, FireStick with Surfshark, Roku, and more.

As far as security is concerned, a Kill Switch, Camouflage Mode, AES 256-bit encryption, and No-logs policy are the top privacy and security features offered by Surfshark. It is one of the best-encrypted VPNs.

If you are looking for the best-quality VPN at an affordable price, Surfshark costs are more than reasonable. With a 100% refund guarantee within the first month, you can cancel the Surfshark subscription with no problem. A one-month Surfshark free trial for Android, macOS, and iOS devices. Surfshark’s live chat for customer service is open 24/7.

For more detail, check out our comprehensive Surfshark review.

Pros
  • Unblocks all popular sports streaming services
  • Great download speeds for live streaming
  • Huge server network
  • Surfshark sports streaming servers recorded good speed
  • Smart DNS function
  • Unlimited connections simultaneously
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons
  • Poor Customer support

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3. NordVPN – Secure VPN services with largest server network

NordVPN

Key Features:

  • About 5500+ servers in 60countries,
  • Downloading speed of 83.82 Mbps
  • Simultaneous Connections: 6
  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • 1-month money-back guarantee
  • Customer service 24/7
  • 1-week free trial
  • Unblocks ESPN+, Netflix, Sling TV, BBC iPlayer, Eurosport, BT Sport, Kayo

NordVPN is the most secure VPN service for streaming sports. It boasts a huge network of about 5500 high-speed servers in over 60 countries.

We checked NordVPN’s streaming abilities, and you can bank on accessing such streaming platforms and services as Sportsnet, ESPN+, and NBC Sports, along with Amazon Prime Video, Netflix with NordVPN, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, HBO, Sling TV and more.

nordvpn-unblocked-sky-sports-outside-uk

No buffers or stutters were reported while live streaming Premier League on Sky Sports.

In terms of performance, its proprietary NordLynx mechanism endorses 4K streaming and provides Great speeds for gamers. It is known as the fastest VPN and it actually proved it. On our NordVPN speed test, it achieved an amazing download speed and upload speed of 83.82 Mbps and 44.64 Mbps over a 100 Mbps connection.

NordVPN speed test

NordVPN proved to be a true streaming VPN by delivering fast-speed results during our test.

NordVPN provides a maximum of 6 simultaneous connections per account and has appropriate apps for all major OSs like iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, and Android, along with many popular streaming devices like game consoles, Roku, Playstation, Apple TV, Firestick with NordVPN, and Chromecast, NordVPN is the best VPN for iPhone.

NordVPN also delivers top security features like AES 256-bit encryption, a Built-in malware blocker, Double VPN, DNS leak protection, a no-logs policy, Split-tunneling, and a kill switch.

You can now get its 2-Year subscription package for as little as EUR 3.79/mo (US$ 3.99/mo) (Get 57% Off + 3 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan). Plus, you can enjoy a 30-day money-back policy, so you can cancel your NordVPN membership if you don’t like it. A seven-day NordVPN free trial is also on tap for android users. Customer support is open 24/7.

Check our extensive NordVPN review, if you want to know more.

Pros
  • Access all sports services
  • Outstanding speed for live streaming
  • Large server network
  • Smart Play
  • 6 concurrent users
  • 30-day return guarantee

Cons
  • Desktop apps take some time to connect

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Methodology: Choosing the best VPNs for sports streaming

If you want a VPN just for sports streaming you may like choosing the one that provides good streaming quality, however, it is not it. There are many things that matter when picking up a sports VPN like the unblocking ability, speed, and the number of servers provided by the VPN.

There are different factors that one needs to consider in order to get the most out of your VPN subscription. Here are some of the key features that the best VPN for streaming sports should provide:

  • Fast speed: The best VPN for sports streaming has enough speed capacity that is not affected by heavy sports channel streaming. Slow speeds can interrupt the streaming with buffering, low resolution, and delays in video downloading. The VPNs we have recommended in this guide provide high speed to stream HD content.
  • Unblocking ability: Most of the big streaming services prevent and block VPNs from accessing their websites, so having the ability to bypass these blocks is very important. The VPNs suggested in this article all have strong unblocking capabilities and are compatible with many streaming services.
  • Server locations: Sports fans know that all the streaming services do not air all sporting events nor are available around the world as these are geo-specific services. Thus, to access and watch a specific game or sport you will need to access the streaming channel that is broadcasting the event. So to unblock these sports streaming services around the world a VPN should offer servers all around the world.
  • Security and privacy: Another vital feature a VPN should have is the security and privacy functions. A VPN should provide high-performance and advanced security features as you are probably violating the T&C of the sports streaming service by accessing it through a VPN. Security features like 256-bit encryption, kill switch, leak protection, and split tunneling are some advanced methods. For users’ privacy, a strict no-logs policy also should be present.
  • Value: As VPNs, most of the time run promotional ads it is important that they keep their prices down. Premium VPNs should be priced reasonably and should bring value to them as well. A Pricey VPN may lose its clientele due to its high prices as many other VPNs in the market will be providing the same value but at less cost.
  • Customer relations: Whenever faced with a hurdle, a problem, or an error, the VPN customer service should always be at hand to help. Having customer service adds to the value of the VPN and a good sporting VPN must provide this service to its users.

What are the best sites for streaming sports?

Your geological location and the country determine which popular streaming service for sports you will have access to without a VPN. Here is a list of a few major sports streaming services and the sports that they broadcast along with their available countries:

Streaming site Sports broadcasted Countries of origin
ESPN+ UFC, Baseball, Tennis, Hockey, and more The United States
Sky Sports NFL, Football, F1, Basketball, Netball, MMA, GAA, Rugby Union, Racing, Rugby League, Tennis, Boxing, and more The United Kingdom and Ireland
NBC Sports NHL, NFL’s Sunday Night Football, Premier League, NASCAR, and more The United States
Sportsnet NOW NHL, MLB, NBA, and more Canada
fuboTV NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, NASCAR, Golf, MMA, Boxing, college sports, Tennis, and more The United States, Canada, and Spain
BBC iPlayer Football, Cricket, sports stories, Bellator MMA, Commonwealth games The United Kingdom

How to use a VPN to watch sports

If you want to use the best VPN for live sports streaming, just follow the steps given below:

  1. Subscribe to a high-rated and premium VPN service. We recommend using ExpressVPN as it offers high streaming speed with a large server network.
  2. Download and install the VPN client app on the streaming device of your choice.
  3. Log in to your account and open the servers list.
  4. Connect to the country’s server your required sports service is available.
  5. Open the website of the required service or app and start streaming your favorite sports with help of the best VPN for live sports streaming.
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Best VPN for streaming sports – FAQs

Yes, a VPN will reduce your streaming speed when it encrypts your traffic. However if you use a VPN that provides fast speeds, this reduction of speed will feel less significant. ExpressVPN is a good option as it provides superior speed and fast connections.

A common reason is blacked-out games. This is the practice of blocking local games so that more fans will go watch the game in the stadium. Fans coming to stadiums and buying tickets is way more profitable for sports organizations than fans watching it on TV.

Yes, you should use a VPN when streaming sports. Suppose you are traveling to another country or the sports you want to watch do not broadcast on the services available in your country, so having a VPN can be handy at this time.

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for streaming sports in the US or anywhere in the world. It is compatible with many searing services and has strong unblocking capabilities. ExpressVPN also has high-speed servers that give you a break-free streaming experience.

Yes, you can give it a try and use a free VPN for sports, but keep in mind that it is not a recommended way and we strongly advise against it. Free VPNs are not a good idea as usually, they are blacklisted by most streaming services.

When it comes to security or the privacy of the users, free VPNs are nil in this domain as well. Some free VPNs are even loaded with viruses and malware that affect your devices and software. Overall, free VPNs do not bring any value and you should avoid them.


Conclusion

Do you want to know what the Best VPN for streaming sports is? In conclusion the answer is ExpressVPN. Watching sports is all fun and games until an annoying geo-restriction error pops up on your screen. Streaming sports can be difficult due to regional blackouts and geo-restrictions. Sports streaming platforms are bound to keep their coverage restricted to specific regions or countries due to limited broadcasting rights and copyright laws for which you will be needing the best VPN for streaming sports.

However, you need to stop fretting over it if you aren’t able to stream a game that you have been anxiously waiting for. We have a perfect hack for you to overcome these hurdles. Get a premium VPN app and this best VPN for streaming sports will let you access any geo-restricted sports streaming platform or blacked-out game from anywhere.