The best VPN for live streaming the NFL
Overview
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Table of Contents
We hate to break it to you, but the online world is full of restrictions, surveillance, hackers, and advertisements. You might think that you can navigate this world freely, but unless you're using a VPN, you're wrong.
VPNs are clever security tools that encrypt all of your internet traffic. This means that all of your online activity is hidden and your data is protected. The best VPNs also offer a wide range of advanced security features like ad blocking, malware defence, and much more. Cybersecurity is obviously absolutely vital these days, but there's another reason that these services are getting more and more popular, and it concerns streaming.
VPNs hide your real IP address, which means you can bypass online restrictions to access more of the content you love. Whether you want to stream films, shows, or sports, VPNs can unblock leading sites from around the world, significantly boosting your content options. This is particularly useful if you follow a sport or team from another country, because you can use a VPN to watch live games without relying on a seriously dodgy stream with adverts, viruses, and other nasty online threats.
What makes a VPN good for streaming sport?
We know that the world of VPNs can be a complicated place, so we've researched everything you need to know about these services. We've done all of the hard work for you and highlighted a selection of features that matter when it comes to streaming sport:
Bandwidth — There are some cheap services that only let you download a certain amount of data per month. These should be avoided at all costs, because it simply isn't possible to stream with a limit on your bandwidth. Instead, you should opt for a VPN with unlimited bandwidth, so you can stream and download as much sport as you want.
Connection speed — Every VPN is going to cause a drop in connection speed, but it shouldn't result in lag or buffering. This interference completely ruins a streaming session, so you should make sure you select a VPN with consistently strong connection speeds.
Number of connections — Some VPNs let you connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously with the same account, so everyone can securely watch the NFL at the same time. Most of the best services let you connect at least five devices simultaneously, which is still great for large households or people with multiple devices.
Server network — The best VPNs provide access to thousands of servers located all around the world. It's important to pick a VPN with a large and diverse selection of servers so that you can always find a reliable and speedy connection to the NFL Game Pass.
Take all of this into consideration when selecting a VPN for streaming the NFL. Weigh up these features against your own set of personal priorities, and then you should have a much clearer idea about what really matters to you.
Should you use free VPNs?
We have some good news for you: There are plenty of free VPNs on offer that provide users with a decent set of features. There is a catch though, and it's that these free VPNs always come with limits on data, server network, and connection speed. There are free trials available that don't have limitations, but these don't tend to last very long. What we're saying is that if you want to stream sport freely, we really wouldn't recommend a free VPN (unless you're using a free trial for one game).
Fortunately, there are a lot of great deals available on the leading services, especially if you're willing to commit to a particular provider. The cheapest monthly rates are reserved for the longest contracts, so if you find a VPN that works for you, it might be worth making a big commitment.
If you want something that lets you stream without constant interruptions, whilst providing you with advanced online protection for your data and identity, you're going to have to pay. That doesn't mean it needs to be expensive though. Be patient, because new deals drop all the time. It's all about taking your time and picking your moment to invest.
What is the best VPN for watching the NFL?
There are plenty of VPNs out there that claim to be great for streaming sport, but only a small selection of services provide everything you need and more. We have checked out everything on offer and matched up providers against the most important features for streaming, and highlighted the best VPNs for the NFL.
There should be something for everyone and every budget on this list, with popular providers like ExpressVPN and CyberGhost VPN making the cut. All you need to do is consider everything on this list, and pick something that works for you.
These are the best VPNs for watching the NFL in 2025.
ExpressVPN
Best For Streaming
The Good & The Bad
- Fast connection speeds
- Good selection of servers
- Can unlock just about anything
- It's not cheap
Why We Like It
ExpressVPN is far from the cheapest service on offer, but that's because users get an awful lot for their money.
ExpressVPN can unlock just about any streaming service, and it's a great option for watching sports due to its fast connection speeds and diverse server network. It's also pretty strong when it comes to security and privacy, which is always important.
If you're looking for a VPN that can unlock your favourite sites from around the world without buffering, ExpressVPN should be something to seriously consider.
Details
NordVPN
Best For Security
The Good & The Bad
- Strong server network
- Advanced security features
- Easy to use
- Browser extensions
Why We Like It
NordVPN offers beefy protection for your data and identity, with a bunch of advanced security features that are tough to beat. It's also pretty handy when it comes to streaming thanks to a strong server network.
Connection speeds are respectable, and the app is attractive and easy to use. Browser extensions are a bit basic, but it shouldn't put you off.
If you're looking for something that combines security with steaming, NordVPN is a solid choice.
Details
CyberGhost VPN
Best For Beginners
The Good & The Bad
- Server network is solid
- Intuitive app
- Clear privacy policy
- Advanced security features
- Connection speeds
Why We Like It
Data privacy can be an issue with VPNs, especially when they aren't clear on what they're doing with your information. That's not an issue with CyberGhost VPN, because it has a very clear and strong stance on privacy.
Users also get access to a decent selection of servers located all around the world, with advanced security features and an intuitive app. The app makes this a good service for beginners, because it's attractive and easy to use.
Connection speeds aren't always the best, but CyberGhost VPN more than makes up for it elsewhere.
Details
Private Internet Access
Best For Server Network
The Good & The Bad
- Number and spread of servers
- Connection speeds
- Powerful encryption
- Updated interface that's easy to use and stylish
- No free version
Why We Like It
Private Internet Access doesn't come with all the bells and whistles like some other options in this roundup, but that's doesn't mean you shouldn't consider it.
Private Internet Access focuses on the essentials, like speed, security, and server network. If you want something straightforward and powerful, this is probably the service for you.
Everything does look a little outdated, but this is an example of substance over style.
Details
Surfshark
Best For Multiple Connections
The Good & The Bad
- Unlimited multi-logins and bandwidth
- Fast connection speeds
- One of the best unblockers
- Security audit leaves something to be desired
Why We Like It
Surfshark is a relative newcomer to the VPN scene, but it's already making a big impression due to its wide range of impressive features that make streaming easy.
Surfshark also stands out from the competition when it comes to the number of permitted connections with the same plan. Users can connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously, which is great for large households with a lot of devices.
We're not saying that Surfshark is perfect, but it does offer a lot for a relatively low monthly fee.
Details
Topics Cybersecurity Streaming Sports
Joseph Green is the Global Shopping Editor for Mashable. He covers VPNs, headphones, fitness gear, dating sites, streaming, and shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day.
Joseph is also Executive Editor of Mashable's sister site, AskMen.