- Best VPNs to watch NFL: tested and working in January 2026
- How to use a VPN to watch NFL games: a quick guide
- Why use a VPN for NFL games?
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Best VPNs for NFL: in-depth reviews
- Top 1. NordVPN – fastest speeds and SmartPlay VPN for NFL Game Pass
- Top 2. Surfshark – cheapest NFL VPN option with unlimited devices
- Top 3. Proton VPN – NFL VPN with strong privacy and solid streaming
- Top 4. IPVanish – strong US server network for NFL fans
- Top 5. ExpressVPN – premium VPN for streaming NFL anywhere
- VPN comparison for watching the NFL
- How to watch NFL games with a VPN on different platforms
- Cheapest way to watch NFL games with a VPN
- Final thoughts on the best VPN to stream all NFL games
- FAQ
For NFL fans in the US, blackout restrictions and geo-blocks prevent them from watching every game in the NFL 2025/26 season. This means that even if you subscribe to several NFL streaming services, like the Sunday Ticket or Amazon Prime Video, you will still not be able to watch all 272 NFL games or stream out-of-market games from anywhere. Additionally, subscribing to all US NFL streaming services is very costly, running over $800/per season in fees.
Luckily, there’s a solution to bypass NFL blackouts and unlock a much cheaper streaming service – using a VPN to watch the NFL. VPNs enable full access to Game Pass International on DAZN, allowing you to cut costs and watch all out-of-market games in one place. Alternatively, a VPN can help bypass blackout restrictions on Sunday Ticket, NFL+, Paramount+, and more. This article will guide you through how to use a VPN for NFL games, recommend the best VPNs for NFL, and ensure a cost-effective solution to streaming all NFL games live.
Best VPNs to watch NFL: tested and working in January 2026
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1.NordVPN: Best VPN for NFL overall. Fastest speeds and SmartPlay tech make it perfect for streaming NFL Game Pass International or bypassing US blackouts.
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2.Surfshark: Best budget choice. Unlimited devices and strong unblocking make it ideal for families or fans watching the NFL on multiple screens.
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3.Proton VPN: Best for privacy. A secure, Swiss-based service with strong streaming performance for NFL coverage worldwide.
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4.IPVanish: Best for US servers. Solid speeds, wide US coverage, and great if you only need a VPN for blackouts within the States.
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5.ExpressVPN: Most reliable premium option. Consistently works with all major NFL streaming services when others get blocked.
How to use a VPN to watch NFL games: a quick guide
- Choose one of the best VPNs for the NFL. I recommend NordVPN, now 77% off, as it proved to be the overall best NFL VPN.
- Download and install the VPN on your device.
- Connect to the right VPN server: Connect to a US city outside your local market to avoid blackout restrictions. Connect to a country with DAZN NFL Game Pass International to unlock all 272 games for cheaper.
- Open your NFL streaming service, such as Game Pass, Sunday Ticket, NFL+, Peacock, Prime, or ESPN.
- Watch NFL games live without restrictions.
Why use a VPN for NFL games?
Using a VPN for NFL games is the easiest way to avoid local blackout restrictions and unlock cheaper NFL streaming services abroad. Besides that, VPNs are also excellent at ensuring consistent access to the NFL 2025/26 season live streams and securing your data against cyber threats. Here are several of the key benefits of using a VPN for NFL streaming:
- Bypass local blackouts. You can easily access out-of-market NFL games simply by switching your virtual location through a VPN server connection.
- Unlock cheaper Game Pass International. By using a VPN to change your virtual location, you can subscribe to DAZN in regions where it is available and save a lot of money on NFL streams.
- Stream NFL games abroad. With a VPN, you can always connect to a server in the US and access your existing NFL US streaming subscription to watch games even when travelling internationally.
- Add privacy and security. A VPN encrypts your traffic, which prevents tracking and can reduce the risk of ISP throttling, as your online activities turn invisible.
There’s one thing to remember when using a VPN to stream the NFL: choose only a reliable VPN service that will ensure smooth streaming and easy access to restricted streaming services. From my experience, NordVPN is the best VPN for any NFL, as it exceeded expectations during my performance tests.
Best VPNs for NFL: in-depth reviews
My in-depth review section goes way beyond the shortlist at the beginning of the article to give you detailed reviews of each recommended VPN from a true NFL fan’s perspective. I tested every VPN on this list with DAZN NFL Game Pass International, NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube TV), NFL+ Premium, Peacock, Prime Video, and ESPN/ABC to ensure smooth access to NFL streams whenever you need it. I focused my research on unblocking reliability, speed, ease of use on various devices, and value for money. Below, you’ll find my descriptions of the top 5 NFL VPNs:
Top 1. NordVPN – fastest speeds and SmartPlay VPN for NFL Game Pass
| Rating: | 9.3⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Servers: | 9300 servers in 137+ countries |
| Price: | From $ 3.49/month + 3-day free trial |
NordVPN is the best VPN for the NFL because it consistently unblocks all major services and offers the fastest, smoothest streaming experience. Additionally, the service’s advanced features ensure you stay safe while streaming NFL games online, no matter what.
During my tests, NordVPN easily unblocked all major NFL streaming services, such as NFL Game Pass International on DAZN, which I unblocked with servers in the UK, Canada, Germany, and Brazil with no issues. This alone made it easy for me to get the cheapest DAZN subscription. NordVPN also easily unblocked the Sunday Ticket and NFL+ from outside the US, plus I had no issues bypassing NFL blackouts on Paramount+ and ESPN by switching virtual locations inside the US. Again, this was easy because NordVPN has over 1,970 servers in 16 US states alone.
NordVPN promotes itself as the fastest VPN in the industry, and I confirmed it during my speed tests, by getting an average connection speed of 461Mbps with a 94% initial speed retention rate. This meant I could stream NFL out-of-market games live in HD/4K and with no buffering at all.
I found NordVPN to be very easy to use for streaming, thanks to its compatibility and the SmartPlay feature that automatically combines VPN security with Smart DNS to let you securely access geo-restricted streaming content without extra setup. Additionally, you can use the service with Smart TVs, Fire TV Stick, mobile devices, and plenty more.
NordVPN offers an excellent price-to-feature ratio, considering the features you get and the low subscription price starting at $ 3.49/month. You can test out the service during a 3-day free trial or subscribe immediately risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Why I recommend NordVPN
- Over 1,970 servers in 16 US states
- Fastest connection speeds for smooth streaming
- Unblocks all major NFL streaming services
NordVPN weaknesses
- Only up to 10 simultaneous connections
Top 2. Surfshark – cheapest NFL VPN option with unlimited devices
| Rating: | 9.0⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Servers: | 4500 servers in 100+ countries |
| Price: | From $ 2.49/month + 7-day free trial on Android and iOS |
Surfshark is the best budget VPN for NFL fans, especially families who want to share one subscription. Besides unlimited device connections, Surfshark also offers excellent connection speeds and high compatibility with various streaming devices.
During my tests, I successfully used Surfshark to unblock all NFL streaming services, including the cheapest option on DAZN Game Pass International Canada, as well as the Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV, the NFL+ app, and others, including ESPN, Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, and more. I found the geo-unblocking process to be very easy, thanks to Surfshark’s widespread server network, which includes over 400 servers in the US.
Same as with NordVPN, I also did speed tests for Surfshark. Ultimately, I got an excellent average of 459Mbps with a 93% initial speed retention rate. Such fast connection speeds meant I was in for a smooth NFL live streaming experience in full HD and without any lagging.
One thing I really liked about Surfshark is the unlimited device connections you get with just one subscription. This means Surfshark is a great selection for families or if you own a lot of devices that need to be protected. The unlimited connections are even more useful, considering you can use Surfshark with smartphones, Smart TVs, tablets, laptops, Fire TV Stick, and many more.
Surfshark is very fairly priced at only $ 2.49/month, making it the most affordable choice on my list. You can check if Surfshark is the right fit for you during the 7-day free trial or subscribe no-strings-attached with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
Why I recommend Surfshark
- Unlimited device connections
- Very affordable subscriptions
- Great at unblocking NFL streaming platforms
Surfshark weaknesses
- Some features cost extra
Top 3. Proton VPN – NFL VPN with strong privacy and solid streaming
| Rating: | 8.9⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Servers: | 20300 servers in 148+ countries |
| Price: | From $ 2.99/month + free version |
Proton VPN combines Swiss privacy protections with reliable NFL streaming. If you’re looking for privacy in exchange for a bit slower connection speeds, then Proton VPN might be the best NFL VPN option for you.
Thanks to its advanced security and privacy features, Proton VPN works pretty flawlessly at unblocking NFL streaming services. I used the server in Canada to access DAZN Game Pass International. In contrast, local US servers made it easy for me to avoid NFL blackout restrictions on NFL+, Paramount+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube TV Sunday Ticket. Switching virtual locations with Proton VPN is very easy, thanks to its massive server fleet and thousands of servers in the US.
As I mentioned earlier, Proton VPN is a bit slower compared to NordVPN and Surfshark, and I got 428Mbps average with an 85% initial speed retention rate. While this is not a bad result at all, you might feel a bit of a slowdown if your initial speed is already on the slower side. The one thing that helps in this case is the Proton’s VPN Accelerator feature, which can boost faraway connection speeds up to four times.
Overall, I found Proton VPN a pretty beginner-friendly app, despite its multiple advanced feature choices. I also liked the fact that it is a highly compatible service, and I had no issues using it with smartphones, tablets, laptops, gaming consoles, smart TVs, and Fire TV Stick, to name a few.
Proton VPN is slightly pricier than my top two choices, with subscriptions starting at $ 2.99/month. Instead of a free trial, Proton VPN offers a completely free version, which is great for testing out the service but does not reliably work for streaming. Subscribing to Proton VPN is risk-free, thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee.
Why I recommend Proton VPN
- Massive server fleet
- Works with major NFL streaming services
- Focused on privacy and security
Proton VPN weaknesses
- Slightly slower connection speeds than NordVPN and Surfshark
Top 4. IPVanish – strong US server network for NFL fans
| Rating: | 8.5⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Servers: | 3200 servers in 113+ countries |
| Price: | From $ 2.19/month + 7-day free trial |
IPVanish is a good choice for NFL fans who mainly want blackout-free streaming inside the US. Additionally, IPVanish has higher-than-average connection speeds and can also be used with unlimited devices.
I found IPVanish to be very helpful at avoiding blackout restrictions on local NFL streaming services, such as NFL+, Sunday Ticket, ESPN, Paramount+, and others. However, it wasn’t as easy to get into DAZN to subscribe to the Game Pass International – while I did manage to unblock the Canadian version, it took me a couple of server changes before I was in. Despite that, I liked the IPVanish server network locations and the quality of the self-owned hardware.
During my speed tests, IPVanish showed quite good results with 459Mbps average connection speeds and just around 92% initial speed retention rate. This wasn’t far off from my top two choices – NordVPN and Surfshark – and meant I could stream NFL live in HD and without interruptions.
I liked the multiple device use options offered by IPVanish, making it quite a versatile NFL VPN choice. Personally, I tested it with smartphones, tablets, laptops, Fire TV Stick, and gaming consoles, and it worked great every time. Additionally, I appreciated the fact that IPVanish does not limit device connections.
You can subscribe to IPVanish for around $ 2.19/month, which makes it one of the cheaper options on my list. If you’d like, you can test it out during the 7-day free trial or subscribe instantly with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
Why I recommend IPVanish VPN
- Higher-than-average connection speeds
- Works great at avoiding NFL blackouts
- Does not limit device connections
IPVanish VPN weaknesses
- Smaller server fleet
Top 5. ExpressVPN – premium VPN for streaming NFL anywhere
| Rating: | 8.5⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Servers: | Undisclosed+ servers in 105+ countries |
| Price: | From $ 2.49/month + 7-day free trial |
ExpressVPN is one of the most reliable premium VPN for watching NFL games abroad. In its feature set, ExpressVPN has a unique feature, MediaStreamer, which allows streaming on devices that don’t normally support VPN apps, such as Apple TV, PlayStation, and some smart TVs.
In my tests, ExpressVPN consistently unblocked NFL+, Sunday Ticket, ESPN, Paramount+, and DAZN’s Game Pass International without any issues. Unlike some providers, I didn’t need to switch servers multiple times to get into DAZN, which made it a very smooth experience. I also liked that ExpressVPN has a good-sized global server network in 105 countries and covers all US states.
ExpressVPN showed surprisingly good results on my speed tests, averaging 455Mbps with around 92% retention from my baseline connection. This meant I could stream live NFL games in HD/4K without buffering or lagging.
Device support was another strong point as ExpressVPN worked great on smartphones, tablets, laptops, Fire TV Stick, and gaming consoles during my tests. However, ExpressVPN offers the fewest simultaneous connections, limiting them to just 8 per subscription.
ExpressVPN is the priciest NFL VPN on my list, with subscriptions starting at a steep $ /month. You can check if this service is the right fit for you during the 7-day free trial, and if you decide to subscribe, your purchase will be protected with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Why I recommend Private Internet Access
- Covers all US states
- Unblocks NFL streaming services
- Good connection speeds
Private Internet Access weaknesses
- Costly subscriptions
VPN comparison for watching the NFL
| Best VPN to watch the NFL | VPN Rating | Best for | US servers | Streaming tested (Game Pass, Sunday Ticket, NFL+) | Price | Devices allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. NordVPN | 9.3⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Fastest speeds, SmartPlay | ✅ Yes, 1,970+ | ✅ Works with all | From $ 3.49/month | 6 |
| 2. Surfshark | 9.0⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Budget-friendly, unlimited devices | ✅ Yes, 600+ | ✅ Works with all | From $ 2.49/month | Unlimited |
| 3. Proton VPN | 8.9⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Privacy-first, strong EU servers | ✅ Yes, 1,000+ | ✅ Works with most | From $ 2.99/month | 10 |
| 4. IPVanish | 8.5⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Reliable blackout workaround in the US | ✅ Yes, 1,200+ | ✅ Works with Sunday Ticket + NFL+ | From $ 2.19/month | Unlimited |
| 5. ExpressVPN | 8.5⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Best premium choice for travelers | ✅ Yes, 24 US locations | ✅ Works with all | From $ 2.49/month | 8 |
How to watch NFL games with a VPN on different platforms
All NFL content in the 2025/26 season is divided among six streaming platforms – YouTube TV Sunday Ticket, NFL+, Paramount+, ESPN, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video. Subscribing to each of them to stream all 272 NFL games will cost you around $800 just for the season. Instead, I found a cheaper option through DAZN NFL Game Pass international, which has the most comprehensive NFL content roundup, plus offers the cheapest subscriptions. Below, you’ll find my detailed breakdown on how to watch NFL games with a VPN on different platforms, including DAZN Game Pass.
DAZN NFL Game Pass International – full access with VPN
DAZN NFL Game Pass International is the best and cheapest way to watch all 272 NFL games live and on demand. DAZN’s Game Pass has the most comprehensive lineup of available NFL content and includes preseason, regular season, playoffs, and Super Bowl. The subscription prices range depending on the region (the service is available in 200 countries worldwide), but as an example, a subscription in Canada costs just around $20/month. Compare that to the wildly expensive US NFL streaming options, and you’ll see why I recommend this option as the best.
However, since DAZN Game Pass International is not available in the US, you will need to use a reliable NFL VPN to bypass geo-restrictions and access DAZN locally. From my experience, NordVPN works the smoothest at bypassing DAZN geo-restrictions, thanks to its high-quality server fleet.
NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV – expensive, VPN needed abroad
NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV covers all Sunday afternoon games, including out-of-market games. However, with the Sunday Ticket, you still won’t get access to Monday, Thursday, and other NFL games. In addition to limited NFL content, the Sunday Ticket is also very expensive, with bundles starting at $276/per season for new users and running up to $480/per season for return users. To access the Sunday Ticket, you will also need a valid YouTube TV subscription, which currently costs $82.99/month.
The NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV is only available in the US. So, if you want to access it from abroad, you will need a YouTube TV VPN to change your virtual location and bypass the geo-restrictions. For this, I recommend using NordVPN, as it offers close to 2,000 servers in 16 US states for an easy location change.
NFL+ Premium – VPN lets you watch outside the US, but limited
You can watch live NFL local games with NFL+ Premium. NFL Plus Premium is a US-limited official NFL app available for mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, only. The app subscriptions are very fairly priced at $14.99/month for the Premium option and offer on-demand game replays, NFL Network, and RedZone access. However, you cannot stream live out-of-market games on the NFL+ app.
There’s also a bit of an issue accessing NFL+ from outside the US, for instance, when traveling. Since this is a mobile device app, it also uses GPS data to determine your location, which makes it impossible to bypass the geo-restrictions with a VPN alone. In addition, you will also need to use a GPS spoofing app or subscribe to Surfshark, which has it built in. With the VPN plus GPS spoofer combo, you will be able to access NFL+ from abroad or bypass possible restrictions when travelling locally.
Other platforms – Peacock (SNF), Prime Video (TNF), ESPN (MNF), Netflix (Christmas Day)
Besides the main NFL streaming services, four more have exclusive rights to specific NFL content, such as Sunday Night Football or the Christmas Day game. For instance, if you want to watch Monday Night Football, you will need to subscribe to ESPN with the ESPN+ plan, which costs around $29.99/month. For Thursday Night Football, Prime Video has exclusive rights, and to access the games, you will need to subscribe to the service for $14.99/month. Sunday Night Football is only available on Peacock, a subscription to which costs $10.99/month. Lastly, for special events, such as Christmas Day games, you will need to subscribe to Netflix, currently at around $7.99/month for the ad-supported US subscription.
What’s more, all of these streaming services are geo-locked to the US, so if you want to access them from abroad, you will have to use a VPN. For the smoothest experience, I recommend using NordVPN, as it shows great results at bypassing geo-blocks on all NFL streaming services.
Cheapest way to watch NFL games with a VPN
Here’s how much it costs to stream every NFL game, depending on the service you choose. With a VPN, DAZN Game Pass International is the cheapest and most complete option. Here’s how the NFL streaming options compare in terms of price and content-wise:
| NFL Service / Bundle | NFL games coverage | Price (approx.) | VPN needed | Verdict |
| Full US bundle (YouTube TV + Sunday Ticket + Peacock + Prime + ESPN + Netflix) | All games across 6+ platforms | ~$868/season | ❌ Only if abroad | ❌ Too expensive & fragmented |
| NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube/YouTube TV) | Out-of-market Sunday games only | $350–$500/year | ✅ Abroad only | ⚠️ Limited coverage |
| DAZN NFL Game Pass International | All 272 games + RedZone + playoffs + Super Bowl | ~$185/year | ✅ Yes (to subscribe from the US) | ⭐ Cheapest + easiest |
As the comparison shows, the cheapest and easiest way to watch every NFL game is with DAZN NFL Game Pass International and a VPN. It offers full coverage for less than a quarter of the US bundle price.
Final thoughts on the best VPN to stream all NFL games
Watching all NFL 2025/26 season games in the US requires subscriptions to at least 6 streaming services and costs up to $800 per season. However, fans looking for cheaper ways to stream all 272 NFL games can use a VPN service to unlock a much cheaper option through DAZN NFL Game Pass International. Alternatively, a VPN can easily assist in bypassing blackout restrictions on your preferred NFL US streaming services.
For the best experience, I recommend choosing one of the best NFL VPNs – NordVPN, Surfshark, or ExpressVPN. All of these VPNs showed great performance at bypassing NFL blackout restrictions and geo-blocks. Additionally, they have incredibly fast speeds for smooth HD streaming and are compatible with various streaming devices for maximum usability. Choose one of my recommended VPNs for NFL and stream all 272 games without restrictions right away.
You may also like to read:
- Best VPNs for Sling TV
- Watch American TV abroad
- Best VPNs for MLB.TV
- How to watch NBA games online from anywhere
- How to watch F1 TV Pro
- How to watch blackout NHL games
- How to watch Kayo Sports outside Australia
- How to watch the Kentucky Derby for free
FAQ
Yes, you can use a VPN to watch NFL games. In fact, this is the easiest way to access out-of-market NFL games, no matter where you are. Start by selecting a reliable NFL VPN, like NordVPN, and install the app. Connect to a server in a location where the game you want to watch is available and stream it without blackout restrictions.
Using a VPN to watch NFL games is very easy. First, select one of the best NFL VPNs, such as NordVPN. Then, download and install the app on your device. Launch the app and connect to a server in the location where the game you want to watch is available. Open your NFL streaming service and enjoy the game without restrictions.
The best VPN for NFL games is NordVPN. That’s because it offers close to 2000 servers in 16 US states, plus thousands of servers in DAZN Game Pass locations. Additionally, NordVPN has the fastest connection speeds for smooth streaming and shows excellent geo-restriction bypassing capabilities for all NFL streaming services.
Yes, DAZN NFL Game Pass International is the cheapest option to stream all 272 NFL games in the 2025/26 season. However, since it is not available in the US, you will need to use a reliable VPN, such as NordVPN, to change your virtual location and access DAZN as if from a country where it is available. I found the best DAZN subscription prices when connected to Brazil, Canada, the UK, and Germany.
No, NFL+ does not work with a VPN alone. Because NFL+ is a mobile device app, it also uses GPS data to determine your location. To switch your location and access out-of-market NFL games on NFL+, you will also need to use a GPS spoofer app in addition to a VPN. In this case, I recommend using Surfshark, as it has a built-in GPS spoofing feature for Android devices.
Yes, you can use a VPN for NFL Sunday Ticket as the technology works great for accessing the Sunday Ticket from abroad. Remember to choose a VPN with lots of servers in the US for an easy virtual location change, reliable geo-block bypassing capabilities, and fast connection speeds, such as NordVPN.
No, I do not recommend using a free VPN to watch NFL. Free VPNs are not capable of bypassing blackout restrictions and geo-blocks due to poor security features. Additionally, they often have very slow connection speeds, unfit for live NFL streaming. If you need a free VPN, I recommend choosing one of the best NFL VPNs, such as NordVPN or Surfshark, and taking advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee.
You can bypass NFL blackouts with a VPN. The technology allows you to change your virtual location to one where the game you want to watch is available. Select a reliable NFL VPN, such as NordVPN, install the app, launch it, connect to the correct server, and watch NFL games on your streaming service without restrictions.
The best and cheapest way to watch NFL without the Sunday Ticket is using the DAZN NFL Game Pass International and VPN combo. Since DAZN Game Pass is not available in the US, use a VPN, like NordVPN, to connect to one of the service’s countries, like Canada. This will allow you to bypass geo-restrictions and subscribe to the service for just $20/month as if you were a local. For this price, you will get access to preseason, regular season, playoffs, and Super Bowl games.
The best and cheapest way to watch NFL games not in your area is by using a VPN. With a VPN, like NordVPN, you can change your location virtually, unlock out-of-market streams, and avoid paying high prices for NFL Sunday Ticket or Game Pass, making it the most cost-effective option.
