How to Watch Out-of-Market NFL Games With a VPN From Any Location and Device
While this NFL season is full of exciting games, not everyone gets a chance to go to the stadium or watch them live on cable TV. The good news is that most football matches are available on media streaming platforms, like NFL Game Pass, NFL Plus, ESPN, and Amazon Prime Video. However, even if you’re subscribed to one of those services, out-of-market games may still be blacked out in your location. Looking for a way out? Read along to learn how to watch out-of-market NFL games with a VPN, no matter where you are and what device you’re using.
Why is it challenging to watch out-of-market NFL games?
You’re probably familiar with the main broadcasting problem of NFL matches – but let’s state it clearly, once again. Out-of-market NFL games aren’t aired on the local market of the team involved. For instance, if you’re in or around LA, some of the Los Angeles Rams games won’t be available on major streaming platforms in this area. In this case, such events are considered out-of-market.
Besides, it’s worth noting that there are national and regional broadcasts. And if a regional broadcast isn’t available in a particular location, you can’t watch it, even with an NFL Sunday Ticket.
To be more specific, let’s look at the two key methods applied to prevent you from streaming the desired NFL games.
- Broadcasting blackouts. The NFL blackouts specific live broadcasts, which means they are blocked for local viewers. This technique pushes people to watch games in stadiums, spending more money for tickets. Besides, blackouts may occur if a specific local channel or another service provider owns exclusive rights to broadcast a particular event. In this case, when trying to access a particular event online, you will only see the disappointing “This video isn’t available in your location” error.
- Geoblocking. It’s a broader term that indicates any media content (including live sports events) that are blocked in certain locations. Most NFL games are difficult to watch when you’re abroad if streaming services broadcasting them are region-locked. For example, you can’t watch Hulu, ESPN+, and YouTube TV outside the US. At the same time, NFL Game Pass International is available everywhere except for the US, Canada, and China.
Luckily, there is an effective solution to those challenges. If you’re currently visiting a location where your favorite NFL team’s games are unavailable, a reliable VPN service will come in handy. Such a tool alters your IP address and runs your Internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel. As a result, when you’re connected to a remote VPN server, the websites and online services you’re using can’t detect your real physical location. So when traveling to another country, city, or state, you can live-stream out-of-market NFL games despite blackouts and geo-blocks.
Here is how to set up and run a VPN to watch NFL games on any preferred streaming platform.
How to watch out-of-market NFL games with a VPN
First and foremost, you need to choose a reputable VPN service provider. Note that free VPNs are often unreliable and inefficient. Sometimes, they don’t just compromise your connection speed, but also pose a real threat to your cybersecurity. In particular, a free VPN may collect and sell your personal data to third parties.
That said, consider VeePN – a reputable VPN service that offers good speeds, a rich server network, and decent security features. Here is how to use a VPN to watch out-of-market NFL games on different devices and platforms.
PC (macOS, Windows)
- Sign up for VeePN.
- Download VeePN for macOS or VeePN for Windows from the official website.
- Install VeePN and open the app on your PC.
- Choose the most appropriate server location.
- Turn your VPN on.
- Open the streaming platform of your choice and watch the game.
Mobile or tablet (iOS, Android)
- Sign up for VeePN.
- Download VeePN for iOS from AppStore or VeePN for Android from Play Store.
- Install the VeePN app on your smartphone or tablet and open it.
- Choose the preferred server location.
- Turn your VPN on and watch NFL games on the selected streaming service.
For more details, check out our comprehensive guides on how to use a VPN on iPhone and Android devices.
Smart TV device
- Go to the VeePN website and sign up.
- Download VeePN for Smart TV, Fire TV, or Android TV. Also, there are solutions for game consoles (Xbox and PlayStation).
- Install the VeePN app on your device.
- Enjoy the unlimited streaming experience.
Streaming device
Unfortunately, most streaming devices do not support native VPN applications. So to use VeePN on your Kodi, Roku, Firestick, or Apple TV device, you will need to install it on your Wi-Fi router. This way, you can cover your entire network with a reliable VPN connection. Here is how to set it up in a few simple steps:
- Create a VeePN account.
- Enter your IP address in the browser’s search bar to access your router’s settings.
- Find the VPN section (its name and location varies depending on your router’s firmware).
- Get Configuration Files on the VeePN website and follow the instructions on how to install them on your specific router.
- Check if your VPN connection works properly.
You can find more details in our recent guide on how to set up a VPN on a router.
At this point, it’s important to note that not NFL streaming services vary in terms of their pricing, number of games streamed, and other factors. So, how to choose the best option for watching out-of-market NFL games with a VPN? Here are our top picks to consider.
Where to watch out-of-market NFL games
While cable TV seems to be the most obvious choice to watch NFL games, many online services provide access to the majority of top football matches, including Sunday, Monday, and Thursday Night Football – and even the Super Bowl. Let’s take a closer look at the most notable NFL-broadcasting streaming platforms.
1. NFL Game Pass International
NFL Game Pass International is a decent streaming service dedicated solely to the National Football League games and events. It includes NFL RedZone and is compatible with most devices. The main advantage of NFL Game Pass is its extensive coverage – the service works almost everywhere in the world and broadcasts every NFL game of the season. Note that you can use a VPN for NFL Game Pass, for example, when temporarily visiting the US or Canada.
Availability: Worldwide, excluding the US, Canada, and China.
Monthly price: $3.20
Game coverage: All NFL games
Free trial: 7 days
NFL RedZone: Yes
2. DAZN Canada
DAZN is the best option to watch all NFL games (including out-of-market and preseason matches) in Canada. The service also covers an impressive number of other sports, including European soccer, darts, snooker, and boxing. All in all, it’s a great alternative to NFL Game Pass International, which you can easily access with a VPN while traveling.
Availability: Canada
Monthly price: $24.99
Game coverage: All NFL games
Free trial: 30 days
NFL RedZone: Yes
3. Hulu + Live TV
Hulu offers quite an appealing add-on to its main platform. It includes live streaming of NFL and other sports events on various TV channels available with an extended subscription plan. In particular, you can watch the majority of games on CBS, FOX, NBC (Monday Night Football), ESPN (Sunday Night Football), and the NFL Network channel. However, NFL RedZone comes only with the sports add-on.
Availability: The US
Monthly price: $69.99 ($50 for first three months)
Game coverage: All NFL games
Free trial: No
NFL RedZone: As a paid add-on
4. YouTube TV
YouTube TV provides access to a vast number of American TV channels, including ABC, NBC, NFL Network, ESPN, NBC Sports, and NBA TV. Since 2023, this streaming platform has let fans enjoy every NFL game, including local, national, and out-of-market matches, with NFL Sunday Ticket. The NFL RedZone, however, comes as an add-on with an additional fee. Also, note that YouTube TV is one of the most expensive options on our list (but also with the longest free trial period).
Availability: The USA
Monthly price: $72.99
Game coverage: All NFL games
Free trial: 60 days
NFL RedZone: As a paid add-on
5. FuboTV
FuboTV is another over-the-top media service covering over 220 live channels, including ESPN, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and NFL Network. NFL RedZone is also available for an extra $10.99 per month. FuboTV allows you to watch all NFL games, including Sunday regional matches and the Super Bowl. However, the service’s price is relatively high, and the trial period is shorter than with YouTube TV.
Availability: The USA
Monthly price: $74.99 (Pro), $84.99 (Elite), $94.99 (Premier)
Game coverage: All NFL games
Free trial: 30 days
NFL RedZone: As a paid add-on
6. NFL Plus
Previously, there were two versions of NFL Game Pass – international and American. The latter has recently been replaced with NFL Plus. This app provides access to both live matches and the games from the foregoing seasons. However, there are two major cons of this service. First, NFL Plus doesn’t provide access to all out-of-market matches. And second, its basic plan is available only for tablets and smartphones (while the ad-free premium plan available for all devices is quite pricey).
Availability: The US
Monthly price: $4.99 (basic), $9.99 (premium)
Game coverage: Local team’s games
Free trial: 7 days
NFL RedZone: No
7. Amazon Prime Video
This streaming giant also offers some NFL content, though it doesn’t cover all the games and lacks NFL RedZone. The service only offers Thursday Night Football, but you can’t watch postseason games and Super Bowl on the platform. All in all, it’s a good option if you’re already subscribed to Prime Video. Other than that, there are some cheaper alternatives with better coverage.
Availability: Worldwide, excluding China, Russia, Syria, Iran, and North Korea
Monthly price: $14.99
Game coverage: Thursday Night Football only
Free trial: 30 days
NFL RedZone: No
As you can see, there are not many options allowing you to watch every single NFL game, including out-of-market, regional, national, and preseason matches. Moreover, some of the options are quite costly. So, if you’re looking for a way to stream NFL games for free, prioritize services that offer a longer trial period.
Note that we do not recommend watching NFL on free streaming services since they are mostly illegal and may be dangerous for your cybersecurity. Such websites often contain malware-infected pop-ups, intrusive ads, phishing links, and more, so you’d better keep yourself away from them.
Now, let’s sum up our comparison of the best NFL live-streaming options you can watch with a VPN.
The best places to watch NFL with a VPN: The round-up
Streaming platform | Game coverage | Availability | Monthly price | Free trial | NFL RedZone |
✅ All NFL games | Worldwide, excluding the US, Canada, and China | $3.20 | 7 days | ✅ Yes | |
✅ All NFL games | Canada | $24.99 | No | ✅ Yes | |
✅ All NFL games | The US | $59.99 ($50 for first 3 months) | No | As a paid add-on | |
✅ All NFL games | The US | $72.99 | 60 days | As a paid add-on | |
✅ All NFL games | The US | $74.99 (Pro), $84.99 (Elite), $94.99 (Premier) | 30 days | As a paid add-on | |
Local team’s games only | The US | $4.99 (basic), $9.99 (premium) | 7 days | No | |
Local team’s games only | Worldwide, excluding China, Russia, Syria, Iran, and North Korea | $14.99 | 30 days | No |
Enjoy the desired football games with VeePN
Looking for a trustworthy VPN for out-of-market games? Check out VeePN! It provides access to over 2,500 VPN servers across 89 locations worldwide – just pick the one you need and enjoy the unlimited football streaming experience. Moreover, VeePN will protect your private data from prying eyes and take your online security to the next level, thanks to multiple robust features and top-notch AES-256 encryption.
Download VeePN now and watch live NFL matches without compromising your Internet speed and security.
FAQ: How to Watch Out-of-Market NFL Games With a VPN
Take the following steps to securely watch all desired NFL games with a VPN while traveling:
- Pick a streaming service where the desired NFL games are available.
- Sign up for a reliable VPN like VeePN.
- Download and install a VPN app on your device.
- Choose the most appropriate server location and turn your VPN on.
- Stream NFL games on the platform of your choice.
For more details, check out this article.
You can choose a streaming service that offers a free trial and watch the desired out-of-market NFL games for free with a VPN. However, most NFL-focused providers have quite short trial periods (only 7 days on NFL Game Pass and NFL Plus). Over-the-top media services like FuboTV, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV offer 30- or 60-day trial periods, but their subscription plans are way more expensive. Read this article to learn more.
All in all, using a VPN to watch NFL games is perfectly legal if you do it on a legit streaming service like NFL Game Pass, NFL Plus, or YouTube TV while traveling. But make sure to carefully study the Terms of Service of a particular streaming platform before doing so. Note that VeePN does not promote, condone, or encourage using a VPN in ways that would potentially violate Terms of Service of streaming service providers.
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