If you’re a British sports fan, you might have noticed you can’t always watch the English Premier League (EPL) games while abroad. While some games air on TV, most streaming services like Sky Go and BT Sport use regional blocking to prevent viewing from countries other than the UK. That said, it is possible to bypass these restrictions and keep your online activities private by connecting to a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and watch the EPL while traveling in the US or anywhere else internationally.
VPNs encrypt your network traffic, meaning it can’t be read by an outside observer. This includes hackers, network administrators, and your own Internet Service Provider (ISP). You can mask your IP address with one from another country by connecting to a server in that location. This means you can trick websites into thinking you are somewhere else, for example, back home in the UK – so you can watch your usual home streaming services from anywhere.
The best VPNs for watching EPL matches
We get into plenty of detail on each of the VPNs we have selected for this list, but if you are short of time, below is a summary list of the best VPNs for watching EPL matches.
Best VPNs for watching EPL:
Choosing the right VPN provider is crucial. There are hundreds of different services, but not all of them are suitable for streaming live content. To find the best VPNs for watching EPL matches, we looked for those with the following characteristics:
There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
- Fast speeds and stable network connections
- Numerous servers in the UK
- Strong encryption and security features
- Minimal logging or no logging at all
Disclaimer: Comparitech does not encourage or condone using a VPN to stream content illegally. We recommend thoroughly researching your country’s laws and the terms of use for specific streaming sites before using a VPN to watch Premier League matches.
Best VPNs for live streaming the Premier League
Let’s jump right in with the first of our seven reviews:
1. NordVPN
Jan 2023
Unblocks EPL AbroadTested Jan 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- Background
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our first choice for watching the Premier League. It has more than 400 British servers, and ranks highly for speed, so you shouldn’t experience much, if any, buffering when streaming EPL games on a fast connection. Additionally, this VPN is able to securely access a huge range of platforms including BT Sport, Sky Go, and Now TV.
This provider makes staying safe online very simple. It includes anti-malware and ad-blocking features, as well as a highly customizable kill switch, leak protection, and 256-bit AES encryption. There are no logs of personally identifiable information, a fact that is periodically verified by independent auditors (most recently in July 2020). In case you have any difficulties, 24/7 live chat is available to help.
NordVPN apps are available for Linux, Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. It can be manually installed on select routers.
BEST VPN FOR EPL STREAMING:NordVPN is our top choice. A speedy option which can unblock EPL matches while abroad. Exceptional privacy and security credentials. Includes a risk-free 30-day money back guarantee.
Pros:
- Works with most popular UK streaming content
- Doesn’t skimp on security or privacy features
- Hundreds of fast British servers
- Apps for all major mobile and desktop platforms
- Customer service available via 24/7 live chat
Cons:
- Takes multiple clicks to disconnect
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
Unblocks EPL AbroadTested Jan 2023
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
It boasts an impressive set of security tools too, from 256-bit encryption to leak protection, a kill switch, and automatic malware-scanning. Surfshark even has a zero-logs policy in place, and just recently introduced support for the WireGuard protocol. If you run into any issues, support is available 24/7 over live chat and email.
Surfshark apps are available for iOS, Windows, Android, MacOS, and Linux. It’s also possible to manually install this VPN on supported wireless routers.
BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is our top budget pick. Not only is it one of the fastest VPNs around, it works flawlessly with some of the UK’s most popular sports streaming platforms. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Unblocks Prime Video and other streaming channels
Strong commitment to your security
Connect all of your devices at once
Lower impact on speed than its rivals
Customer support could be improved
Read the full Surfshark review.
3. ExpressVPN
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
ExpressVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption to keep your activities secure. It includes DNS leak protection, perfect forward secrecy, and a kill switch that stops network traffic if the VPN is disconnected abruptly. This provider logs no identifiable data, has a .onion version of its site, and accepts Bitcoin payments, making it a strong choice for users who want to be as anonymous as possible.
QUICK AND SECURE:ExpressVPN is a solid everyday option. Its fast servers and powerful security tools make it a reliable choice for watching the English Premier League matches abroad. All plans include a 30-day money back guarantee.
Superfast servers are great for streaming EPL in HD
No issues unblocking UK streaming content while abroad
High-grade encryption, security and privacy throughout
Limited configuration options
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
4. CyberGhost
Unblocks EPL abroadTested Jan 2023
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
One of the best things about this service is that its security tools all come pre-configured. These include leak protection, a kill switch, an ad-blocker, and 256-bit encryption. A recent update even added WireGuard support, boosting CyberGhost’s security credentials even further. This provider doesn’t keep any logs that could identify you and offers around the clock support over live chat and email.
CyberGhost has apps for Android, iOS, MacOS, Linux, and Windows. Manual configuration is required for use with supported routers.
PERFECT FOR NOVICES:CyberGhost is a fast, user-friendly VPN that makes it easy to watch Premier League matches abroad. Not only that, but it offers strong security features and a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
Fast, streaming-optimized servers
Strong encryption and solid privacy policy
Reliable and knowledgeable 24/7 live chat support
Doesn’t offer much control over advanced features
Read the full CyberGhost review.
5. IPVanish
Website: www.IPVanish.com
IPVanish is a popular VPN provider for streaming thanks to its fast speeds, consistent connections, and extensive server coverage. There are roughly 100 servers to choose from in the UK and best of all, these were recently upgraded to provide even higher speeds. IPVanish has no connection limits, meaning users are free to secure all of their devices at the same time.
This VPN offers an impressive suite of security tools. For instance, there’s 256-bit encryption with both DNS and IPv6 leak protection enabled by default, plus a kill switch. Further, there are options to block all LAN traffic, reconnect automatically when the VPN’s connection is lost, and obfuscate OpenVPN traffic. This is a zero-logs provider so there’s no need to worry about anyone seeing what you do online.
FAST AND RELIABLE:IPVanish has lots of British servers and is capable of achieving good speeds. Strong security and privacy features. Secure every device you own. 30-day money back guarantee.
Unblocks EPL matches from abroad
Top notch security and privacy considerations
No connection limit
Doesn’t accept Bitcoin
Read our full IPVanish review.
6. PrivateVPN
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
PrivateVPN only has two British servers, it offers higher speeds than many of its rivals. It’s also capable of securely acccessing popular streaming platforms including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Sky Go, making it perfect for watching EPL live streams. Further, you can connect up to six devices at once, allowing you to view games on whichever device you prefer.
This service recently became its own server host and ISP, ensuring no other company has access to your data. Of course, that’s not the only way it keeps you safe; the apps include 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and a true no-logs policy, plus a Stealth mode for bypassing country-wide censorship.
Apps are available for Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS. Manual setup is required for Linux and wireless routers.
GREAT SPEED:PrivateVPN is a good family choice. Works with many popular UK streaming platforms and allows up to six devices on the same account. Could do with having more servers in the UK and lacks 24/7 support. 30-day money back guarantee.
Has great streaming potential
Consistently scores well in our speed testing
Privacy and security are top notch
Live chat not available 24/7
No Linux app
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
7. Hotspot Shield
Website: www.Hotspotshield.com
Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.
Hotspot Shield has clean, well-organized apps that make it extremely simple to protect yourself online. Not only that, but it works with a huge range of services including Netflix, BT Sport, and Now TV. Users can secure five of their devices at once, and with generally high speeds, nothing should come between you and your EPL live streams.
Despite its simplicity, Hotspot Shield provides a good degree of security. It uses 256-bit AES encryption, protects against DNS and IPv6 leaks, and automatically connects whenever you use an unsecured wireless network. There’s also a kill switch that blocks traffic when the connection to the VPN is lost, and newer versions have IKEv2 support as well. Hotspot Shield doesn’t keep any logs that could be traced back to you. Customer support is on-hand 24/7 over live chat.
Hotspot Shield offers apps for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It can be manually installed on supported network routers.
WATCH EPL ABROAD:Hotspot Shield boasts impressive speeds, great streaming ability, and a solid set of security tools, so it’s a great choice for almost any task, not just streaming EPL matches. It even has a 45-day money-back guarantee!
Good range of security settings
Steady speeds and unlimited bandwidth
User-friendly apps with around-the-clock support
Working to repair reputation after past privacy issues
No way for users to sign up anonymously
Read our full Hotspot Shield review.
Methodology: Finding the best VPNs for streaming the EPL online
Finding a VPN that works reliably for EPL streaming is remarkably difficult. There are a few reasons for this with a lack of suitable UK servers, unreliable speeds, and poor unblocking abilities chief among them. To ensure we only recommend the best of the best, we paid particularly close attention to the following areas:
Can I use a free VPN to watch the English Premier League?
Free VPNs can be attractive at first glance but we advise against using them for several reasons. Because free VPNs often have fewer servers and more users than the VPNs above, you’re likely to experience slow speeds and disconnections. There may be queues for individual servers and data caps, depending on the provider. Live streams require decent connection speeds and as such, a free VPN is unlikely to suit your needs.
This isn’t mere speculation. In the past, we’ve seen free VPN services mislead their users about the logs they keep, infect systems with malware, and even sell their users’ bandwidth without their knowledge. To prevent any of this and keep your private information safe, we recommend using a reputable VPN with clearly defined logging and privacy policies.
Can I watch Premier League games for free?
Unfortunately, not legally. Unlicensed streams have become such a problem that the EPL got an injunction requiring British ISPs to block access to these streams as soon as they’re reported. This means that even if you manage to locate an unlicensed stream, there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to watch the entire game.
While this does mean you’ll probably have to pay to watch EPL matches, most sports streaming platforms offer low-cost daily, weekly, or monthly passes. By paying to watch, you’re helping to ensure that the players, club staff, and broadcasters are able to continue making this content possible.
Where can I watch EPL matches?
EPL games are available on different streaming services depending on which country you’re in. Some services only have partial broadcasting rights, so to make things easier we’ve listed some sources where you can watch every single game. If your country isn’t included, you can find the official broadcaster for your region here.
It’s worth noting that games with a kickoff time between 2:45pm and 5:15pm aren’t broadcast in the UK. This measure is intended to increase match attendance, but unfortunately means more than half of the Premier League games won’t be shown. If you want to view every game, a UK site might not be the best choice.
The sites listed above may be accessible from a different country using a VPN. That said, if paying with credit or debit card, there could be the issue of an out-of-country billing address. For instance, Now TV checks the address associated with credit cards to ensure users live within the UK. If a particular service accepts payment through an online wallet like PayPal, however, and no equipment (TV boxes, etc) are required, there likely won’t be any issues.
What does the Premier League schedule look like?
You can find a complete list of English Premier League games on the official site. You should note that the times given are correct for the UK, but due to the clocks going forward an hour, working out what time they’ll be airing in your country might not be as straightforward as you might think.
To simplify things, we’ve made an EPL cheat sheet for the US, Canada, and Australia.
