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How to watch YouTube TV from anywhere with a VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) will allow you to access YouTube TV from anywhere in the world, allowing the user to watch live TV from 100+ channels. Here’s what you need to know.
If you’re not in the United States, you’ll find that YouTube TV is geo-blocked. In other words, you’ll only be able to watch YouTube TV content while you’re in the country. If you try to sign in or sign up from abroad, you’ll see the following error message: “It looks like you're outside of the United States. YouTube TV is only available in the US.”
However, you will be able to watch YouTube TV from abroad by using a VPN. It works by assigning the user a temporary IP address depending on the server location you’ve selected. By connecting to a server in the United States, the user will be able to access YouTube TV while on vacation or business abroad.
As well as the ability to access various international streaming services, a VPN is great for hassle-free online banking from abroad. You’ll be able to use the internet with improved privacy, blocking trackers, your ISP, or even the government from keeping tabs on what you’re up to.
Before we get into the guide properly, here’s a brief roundup of our top VPNs for streaming YouTube TV from anywhere.
Best VPNs for watching YouTube TV:
- NordVPN: Our top pick for YouTube TV. High speeds from US servers, excellent streaming support, SmartPlay built in by default, NordLynx protocol, and a 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Unlimited device connections, will access YouTube TV and more in the US, various affordable deals, and advanced features include Camouflage and No-Borders Mode.
- ExpressVPN: Top speeds and streaming capabilities, one of the best-known providers on the market, and proprietary Lightway protocol.
- Atlas VPN: US-based provider that is ideal for YouTube TV. Decent freemium tier, unlimited devices, and speedy and secure connections.
- PrivateVPN: Gives access to YouTube TV and much more despite fewer servers than the competition.
- IPVanish: Provider based in Dallas, with a strong emphasis on unblocking services in the US.
- CyberGhost: Beginner-friendly provider with 9,000+ servers in the United States that can also be used for P2P.
| Ranking | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Avg Speed (Mbps) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 71 Mbps | 463 Mbps | 100+ Mbps |
| Devices Supported | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux Android TV, Amazon Fire TV | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android Amazon Fire TV | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android Amazon Fire TV | Windows, MacOS, Linux (command line), iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV |
| Number of Servers | 5,400 | 3,200 | 3,000 | 750 | 200+ | 2,000+ | 9,308+ |
| Simultaneous Connections | 6 | Unlimited | 5 | Unlimited | 10 | Unlimited | 7 |
| Best deal (per month) | $3.29 SAVE 63% + FREE months |
$2.30 84% off 2yr plan |
$6.67 Save 49% |
$1.83 SAVE 83% |
$2.00 SAVE 85% on 3yr plan |
$2.50 SAVE 77% |
$2.11 SAVE 83% |
We used the following criteria to come up with this list of the best VPNs for watching YouTube TV from anywhere:
- Streaming support: Access to YouTube TV, as well as further streaming services in the United States and elsewhere.
- Speeds: Fast connection speeds will allow you to stream content in 4K with no buffering.
- Apps and usability: Usable apps for a range of popular mobile and desktop devices.
- Security: Strong encryption, a selection of protocols to choose from, and additional security features.
- Value for money: Can you get the VPN for a fair price?
To make the top three we only accept VPNs which tick all of the following boxes:
- Providers who have consistently pushed VPN technology forward.
- The VPN must not log identifying data on customers and must have had its logging policy audited by a reputable third party (such as PWC). This ensures that VPNs which claim to adhere to certain practices actually do so.
- They are based in countries not part of any known intelligence alliance (YouTube TV might be limited to the United States, but the ideal VPN will be located elsewhere).
- The VPN provider must operate a 100% diskless server network.
How to stream YouTube TV abroad with a VPN
Despite lots of technical jargon, most VPNs are reasonably easy to set up and use. As you’ll be attempting to bypass blocks to access YouTube TV, you’ll need to connect to a US server location.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to watch YouTube TV with a VPN:
- Sign up with a VPN that works with YouTube TV. We recommend NordVPN.
- Download and install the VPN app. Most providers support iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows devices.
- Sign in to the VPN app, and connect to a server located in the United States.
- Open YouTube TV. You’ll need to make an account if you haven’t done so already. This requires a payment method that is linked with a US-based address.
- Once you’ve signed in, you’ll be free to watch YouTube TV from anywhere in the world.
The best VPNs for YouTube TV
Here's our list of the best VPNs for YouTube TV:
OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Linux
Money Back Guarantee: 30 days
Speed: 7.5/10
Value for Money: 9/10
Streaming: 10/10
Ease of use: 10/10
Privacy: 10/10
Customer Support: 10/10
NordVPN is one of the more powerful providers on the market, offering access to a collection of popular streaming services in the United States and elsewhere. A collection of 5,500+ servers in 60+ countries is a good spread, with 1,900+ in the US that are found in the following cities:
- Atlanta, Buffalo, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, New Jersey, Miami, New York, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, St. Louis, and Manassas
If you’d prefer, you’ll also be able to get a dedicated IP address in the United States. This is a personal static IP address that will solely belong to you and can be used to access lots of regional services with minimal fuss.
The custom NordLynx protocol ensures high speeds while streaming, and SmartPlay is implemented by default in all NordVPN apps. SmartPlay uses Smart DNS to bypass VPN blocking, ensuring your real IP remains hidden. As a consequence, it can access almost any streaming site you can think of.
In the US alone, it can access Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, HBO Max, ESPN, NBC, ABC, CBS, and Hulu.
Based in Panama, Nord is audited, and there are apps for Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and Linux. Also, NordVPN's Meshnet private tunnel feature for Windows, macOS, and Linux is now free for everyone, including users who do not have a subscription to NordVPN. This allows users to create private, encrypted tunnels between devices they trust to pass network traffic.
One downside is that its servers were hacked in 2019, as attackers stole and leaked the private keys associated with certificates used to secure their web servers and VPN configuration files. In response, NordVPN switched to RAM servers.
Pros:
- Exceptional connection speeds
- NordLynx protocol
- A large server network capable of accessing multiple geo-blocked services
- Audited no logs policy
- Advanced features like SmartPlay and Meshnet
- Diskless infrastructure
Cons:
- Can take a bit of time to switch servers
- Lacks port forwarding
BEST VPN FOR YOUTUBE TV: NordVPN will handle streaming YouTube TV from abroad without breaking a sweat. Heaps of additional security features, fully audited service, custom NordLynx protocol, blistering speeds, and a 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee.
OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Linux
Money Back Guarantee: 30 days
Speed: 7/10
Value for Money: 9/10
Streaming: 10/10
Ease of use: 10/10
Privacy: 9.8/10
Customer Support: 10/10
Surfshark is a worthwhile alternative, especially if you’re working with a smaller budget. The affordable provider still packs a punch, with a collection of performant apps, and servers in a total of 100+ countries worldwide. You’ll be able to use a single account with unlimited simultaneous devices.
It’s great if you’re hoping to access state-level services (such as regional TV broadcasts), as Surfshark provides servers in 24+ US cities. Of course, this means that there are multiple options on the East and West coasts, so you should always be able to find a speedier server that is closer to you physically.
In terms of streaming, Surfshark works with platforms like Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime, and there’s a free Smart DNS service given away with every subscription. Here are some of the services we tested with Surfshark:
- Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, Sky Go, BT Sport, Hotstar, Disney+, HBO Max, YouTube TV, Sling TV, DirecTV Stream, ABC, Peacock, and CBS
Connection speeds are also impressive, especially from US locations like New York. For example, an average speed of 205 Mbps is much faster than the 20 Mbps minimum recommended for streaming 4K content.
Nord Security and Surfshark announced a merger in February 2022, promising to operate as separate VPN infrastructures.
Pros:
- Private search engine
- Audited zero logs policy
- Advanced features including an IP rotator
- Ideal for streaming YouTube TV
- RAM-only servers
Cons:
- Lacks port forwarding
- No dedicated IPs, either in the US or elsewhere
GREAT FOR BUDGET US STREAMING: Surfshark has 24+ US server locations to choose from that work with YouTube TV. Smart DNS, advanced features, and affordable deals. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Linux
Money Back Guarantee: 30 days
Speed: 6/10
Value for Money: 6/10
Streaming: 9/10
Ease of use: 10/10
Privacy: 9.5/10
Customer Support: 6/10
ExpressVPN is a premium service with high-speed servers in 17+ US cities, all of which are compatible with the proprietary Lightway protocol. Lightway is designed to be more performant, it uses less battery, and it is easier to audit and maintain compared to the likes of OpenVPN.
One of the best picks for streaming, it’s hard to think of many services that ExpressVPN can’t unblock. It works with roughly 24 Netflix catalogs, and accessed Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll, Sky TV, YouTube, DAZN, ITV Hub, Disney+, Paramount+, and HBO Max during testing.
MediaStreamer is a free Smart DNS add-on that allows the user to spoof their location. It only works to access Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Max, and other American streaming platforms, but it’s great if you want to use the VPN with game consoles, smart TVs, routers, or any other devices without traditional app support.
ExpressVPN is also a strong choice for privacy, with a strict no-logging policy, diskless servers, and audits for its policies, infrastructure, and its apps.
One major caveat is that Express is one of the most expensive VPNs on the market, even if it doesn’t feel overpriced. Users are limited to five device connections, which isn’t generous by any means.
Pros:
- Easily able to access YouTube TV, and multiple other services
- Proprietary Lightway protocol
- Diskless servers, fully audited
- Functional apps available for all devices
- Audited no logs policy
Cons:
- The most expensive service on the list
- Only five simultaneous connections
EXPERT STREAMING VPN: ExpressVPN is a high-end service in every sense. Advanced features, fully audited, functional apps, and strong streaming support. Works with YouTube TV, and offers a free Smart DNS service. 30-day money-back guarantee.
OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Linux
Money Back Guarantee: 30 days
Speed: 8/10
Value for Money: 9/10
Streaming: 9/10
Ease of use: 10/10
Privacy: 8.6/10
Customer Support: 8/10
Atlas VPN is another worthwhile option for YouTube TV, with a total of 750+ servers found in 38+ countries. It’s a smaller selection, so look elsewhere if you plan to connect to lots of different regions.
The free plan includes two US server locations, found in Los Angeles and New York. But only the premium tier offers streaming support.
Premium Atlas VPN users will find servers optimized for streaming, which are also P2P friendly. As the provider is based in the USA, you’ll be able to access lots of American content via platforms like Hulu, HBO Max, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, ABC, and NBC.
There’s a collection of responsive apps for iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows, and you’ll be able to share with friends and family thanks to unlimited device connections. You’ll find advanced features like SafeSwap and MultiHop+, with the latter picking a random exit server for increased online security.
It’s ideal if you’re looking for a cheaper VPN for streaming. It’s also deceptively fast, with US server speeds averaging 260 Mbps during testing. This result makes it one of the quickest on the market, which is great for 4K YouTube TV videos, or anything that is data-intensive.
Pros:
- Speedy WireGuard connections
- Decent free tier
- Advanced features like SafeSwap and MultiHop+
- Streaming optimized servers
Cons:
- Smaller network of servers
- Based in the USA
SPEEDY WIREGUARD CONNECTIONS: AtlasVPN comes with a capable premium tier. Speedy US servers, strong streaming support, freemium plans, advanced features, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TVs
Money Back Guarantee: 30 days
Speed: 4/10
Value for Money: 9/10
Streaming: 8/10
Ease of use: 10/10
Privacy: 8/10
Customer Support: 9.4/10
PrivateVPN works with a variety of popular streaming services, including YouTube TV.
You’ll find US locations in Atlanta, Buffalo, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Phoenix, and Seattle, so there’s a healthy selection of cities to pick from.
The Swedish provider allows for 10 simultaneous connections, and it doesn’t rent servers from third parties. Speeds are quick enough for streaming in 4K thanks to WireGuard, but an average of 50 Mbps in the US isn’t the fastest result by any means.
Notable features include port forwarding, and the ability to set up the provider remotely with help from support staff. Obfuscation (Stealth VPN) helps to hide VPN usage from your ISP, but PrivateVPN does lack a few advanced options like MultiHop and Smart DNS.
Pros:
- High speeds for streaming YouTube TV
- Port forwarding
- Works with various popular streaming services
- Servers in 12+ US cities
Cons:
- Fewer servers overall
- Lacks split tunneling and some advanced features
BARE-METAL STREAMING SERVERS: PrivateVPN is great for streaming and torrenting, with multiple US server locations to choose from. Comes with port forwarding, bare-metal servers, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TVs
Money Back Guarantee: 30 days
Speed: 8/10
Value for Money: 8/10
Streaming: 6/10
Ease of use: 9.5/10
Privacy: 8/10
Customer Support: 6/10
IPVanish is based in Dallas, so there’s a large collection of US-based servers that are perfect for accessing streaming services in the country. With 20+ locations to choose from, it should be easy to bypass any regional blackouts, and it’s a superb pick for the United States.
In terms of US streaming platforms, it worked with HBO Max, Prime Video USA, Disney+, CBS, and NBC during testing, but failed to unblock Hulu or ABC. IPVanish isn’t the best choice for international streams, but it works well with most American options.
There are some disadvantages to being based in the United States: the shadow of the NSA, the prospect of warrants and gag orders, and the infamous Five Eyes surveillance agreement. Check out the top three if you’d prefer a VPN based outside of Europe or America.
On the plus side, US servers recorded average speeds of 307 Mbps, making IPVanish one of the fastest providers on the market.
Pros:
- Exceptional speeds from US server locations
- 20+ locations in the United States for bypassing any regional blocks
- Provides a SOCKS5 proxy
- Scramble feature for obfuscation
Cons:
- Based in the USA
- Lacks some notable features
LOTS OF USA COVERAGE: IPVanish offers superb streaming support within the US, backed by average speeds of over 300 Mbps. Beginner-friendly apps and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
Money Back Guarantee: 45 days
Speed: 9/10
Value for Money: 10/10
Streaming: 8/10
Ease of use: 10/10
Privacy: 9/10
Customer Support: 9/10
CyberGhost openly advertises that it is able to access YouTube TV from abroad. Boasting one of the largest networks altogether, it includes over 1,300 servers in the US alone, located in 11+ cities coast to coast (Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, Miami, New York, Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington).
It’s a great choice for streaming, with servers specifically for Netflix US, YouTube, YouTube TV, DAZN USA, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Hulu, NBC, Fox, Sling TV, Comedy Central, Crunchyroll, Peacock, Disney+, and Paramount+. It also works with ESPN+ and NFL+, so is a good choice for streaming sports.
As with NordVPN, you’ll be able to get a dedicated IP address, and it can be used with up to seven simultaneous devices. Average speeds of 392 Mbps from CyberGhost’s US servers make it one of the fastest providers on the market.
Once again, being based in the United States isn’t ideal, especially if you’re also aiming to improve online privacy while accessing YouTube TV. However, the service was independently audited by Deloitte Romania in September 2022.
Pros:
- Over 1,000 servers in the United States alone
- Dedicated USA IP address
- Affordable deals
- Includes ad blocking and malware filtering
Cons:
- USA headquarters
- Shorter guarantee for monthly subscriptions
1,300 USA SERVERS: CyberGhost is a dependable provider with over 1,000 US servers that can unblock YouTube TV and more. Seven simultaneous devices, fast speeds, and 14-day or 45-day money-back guarantees.
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VPN service for YouTube TV testing methodology
As you can see, using a VPN can solve many of your problems when it comes to watching YouTube TV while traveling abroad. However, this is only the case if you choose the right provider. That's why we evaluated all of the providers using our VPN testing methodology, so you can make an informed decision about the VPN that's right for you. We considered the following criteria:
- Streaming: The most obvious place to start would be the ability to access YouTube TV from abroad. It’s also worth factoring in additional streaming services, such as US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more. We’ve predominantly focused on the United States in this instance.
- Speeds: YouTube TV is one of the few platforms to allow for streaming in 4K (with a 4K Plus subscription). The VPN must offer speedy connections from US servers.
- Apps and usability: At the very least, we expect apps for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. Ideally, the VPN will offer support for a range of streaming devices compatible with YouTube TV.
- Security: The provider must support powerful encryption and additional security features.
- Customer support: We check out the quality of customer service, including live chat and email support.
Bonus points
As well as the criteria above, our top three VPN companies provide all of the following:
- Providers who have consistently pushed VPN technology forward. NordVPN and ExpressVPN bucked industry trends by creating their own unique connection protocols, while Surfshark was one of the first (along with CyberGhost) to offer tools like antivirus software and ad-blocking directly in its apps.
Here are some of the more unique features each of our top picks has to offer:
- NordVPN: Tor over VPN servers and MeshNet for creating secure point-to-point connections
- Surfshark: A GUI for Linux, private search engine, and rotating IP addresses
- ExpressVPN: A custom app for routers and parallel connection technology for faster access
The VPN must not log identifying data on customers and must have had its logging policy audited by a reputable third party (such as PWC). This ensures that VPNs which claim to adhere to certain practices actually do so. The VPN must have been through a technical security audit by a third party. As opposed to a logging policy audit, this tests the security of the VPN product itself.
They are based in countries not part of any known intelligence alliance. YouTube TV might be limited to the United States, but the ideal VPN will be located elsewhere. A huge number of countries share intelligence amongst themselves. The best known-such alliance is The 14 Eyes (officially called SIGINT Seniors Europe, or SSEUR) which includes the UK, USA, Germany, France, Spain, and nine others, though other alliances (such as Maximator and the Afghanistan SIGINT Coalition) also exist, and it’s likely there are more partnerships that we are not aware of.
Diskless infrastructure is another must to make it in our top three providers. While the data stored on a VPN server should be minimal, it could, theoretically, be accessed if the servers were seized or hacked. Moving processes to RAM means that no information can be physically taken from servers and it is wiped on shutdown. It can also easily be wiped as a part of regular security procedures.
Can I sign up for YouTube TV from abroad?
Not without using a VPN to do so. You’ll be hit by an error message, even if you’re a US national who happens to be abroad at the time, entering the correct details. A VPN is the easiest way to sign up or sign in from anywhere, ensuring you’ll be able to catch up with the latest YouTube TV streams.
What can I watch on YouTube TV?
YouTube TV contains content from a number of popular major US networks including ABC, CBS, NBC, ESPN, AMC, HGTV, and TNT. The Spanish Plan offers access to 30+ extra channels such as ESPN Deportes and Univision.
There are currently over 100 channels that may differ depending on your ZIP code.
YouTube TV VPN FAQs
Can I download content on YouTube TV?
Yes, depending on the YouTube TV plan you’ve signed up with. The 4K Plus add-on allows users to view recordings offline using either a phone or tablet.
Will a free VPN work with YouTube TV?
It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to find a free provider that has what it takes to access YouTube TV with no issues. There are numerous ‘free VPNs’ with a few servers in the United States, but these will probably have already been blocked by most streaming platforms.
Many free VPNs cap connection speeds or bandwidth. Others, like Atlas VPN, don’t allow freemium users access to streaming sites in the first place without paying a fee.
Free VPNs are also inadvisable when it comes to privacy and security. Some lack the ability to encrypt user data in the first place, and there’s always a chance that the service will sell your data to third parties without your knowledge.
How does YouTube know I'm using a VPN?
As with many online services, YouTube will block the use of a VPN if it is detected. YouTube does so by checking the IP address used to connect to the service. If it recognises the VPN IP, the user will be denied access to YouTube TV content.
If you see the message “youtube tv vpn proxy detected”, try switching to a different server, or remove cookies from your device.
Is it legal to use a VPN with YouTube TV?
Yes, you’re not going to get in trouble for using a VPN with YouTube TV. However, that doesn’t mean that you aren’t violating YouTube’s Terms of Service (after all, content is only supposed to be viewed within the US).
In practice, the chances of the user being blocked by YouTube for using a VPN are low.
What are YouTube TV location requirements?
YouTube TV might ask you to verify your region or area via your device location permissions. This can be troublesome if you’re using a VPN with a mobile device, so you might have to use a GPS-spoofing app to ensure access with no issues. Otherwise, it might be easier to stick with a desktop device.
Will a VPN for YouTube TV cause buffering?
Due to the nature of the encryption process, a VPN will probably reduce speeds to an extent while you’re connected. However, any difference in speeds is likely to be negligible if you’re using a premium provider.
For example, you’ll need a download speed of at least 3 Mbps for YouTube TV, while services like CyberGhost recorded average speeds of 392 Mbps in the United States during testing.
Did you know
The following information is available to any site you visit:
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Using a VPN will hide these details and protect your privacy. We recommend using NordVPN - #1 VPN in our tests. It offers outstanding privacy features and is currently available with three months extra free.
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