How to watch DirecTV Stream outside the US with a VPN

Quick Summary
In Short

  • DirecTV Stream is only available in the US and blocks most VPNs so that it’s especially difficult to access this platform while traveling abroad.
  • Despite this, there are still some VPNs capable of unblocking DirecTV Stream from outside of the US.
  • We’ve tested 78+ major VPNs with popular streaming services and websites to find which avoid geo-restrictions and offer fast speeds and reliable connections.
  • NordVPN is our top recommendation for DirecTV Stream. It is simple and reliable to use and offers super-fast connections, ideal for streaming.

Want to watch DirecTV Stream (formerly AT&T TV Now) outside the US? Unfortunately, this service is region-locked and can’t normally be accessed abroad — if you try, you’ll simply see an “Access Denied” error. The good news is that there’s a quick and easy way to unblock DirecTV Stream while traveling: just connect to a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

VPNs enhance your privacy in two ways. First, they encrypt your traffic, meaning it can’t be read by public hotspot owners, your service provider, or the government. Then, this traffic is sent through a server in another country, hiding your real IP address and allowing you to spoof your location. Simply choose one of your VPN’s servers and you’ll be able to watch DirecTV Stream from anywhere in the world.

Short on time? Here’s a rapid rundown of the top VPNs for DirecTV Stream, ready to provide you with immediate access outside the USA.

Best VPNs for DirecTV Stream:

  1. NordVPN: Our #1 choice for DirecTV Stream and DirecTV Now. Over 1,900 servers in the US. Works with AT&T TV Now, Netflix, and more streaming sites. Highly secure with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
    TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for DirecTV Stream.
  2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for DirecTV. Unlimited simultaneous connections. Great access to geo-restricted services on any streaming device. User-friendly service with 24/7 chat and strict no-logs policy.
  3. Total VPNA fast, reliable VPN that works perfectly with DirecTV stream and most other US-only streaming sites. Strong on security, with 24/7 support.
  4. ProtonVPN: This privacy-first VPN has one of the largest networks we’ve seen and can bypass virtually any online restriction. Proven zero-logs policy.
  5. ExpressVPN: Secure VPN service that’s great for streaming your favorite content. Works with DirecTV Now and other platforms. Consistent data connections and an impressive selection of apps.
  6. IPVanish: US-based VPN service with servers in 20+ US cities to stream DirecTV and other sites like Amazon and Netflix. Uses encryption to protect your data. Unlimited devices supported.
  7. CyberGhost: Vast network of servers. Fast speeds for streaming sites like DirecTV. Secure up to seven devices simultaneously. Easy-to-use apps and safe with encryption and a no-logs policy.
  8. PrivateVPN: Solid VPN service for securely accessing DirecTV Stream as well as Netflix. Beginner-friendly apps, up to 10 simultaneous connections, and a high level of security.
  9. Hotspot Shield: Servers in 27 US cities for watching geo-restricted services like DirecTV abroad. Easy-to-use apps and 24/7 live chat support. Secures your device with encryption.
Get NordVPN - the #1 VPN for DirecTV Stream
Warning

Many VPNs claim to protect your privacy and offer a fast, reliable connection but most (especially free VPNs) limit your connection speed or leak information.

We regularly test the top 70 VPNs for security and speed and this list only includes VPNs which are fast, reliable and are highly rated for privacy and security. Plus we only recommend VPNs which offer a full-money back guarantee allowing you to try them risk free.

WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN FOR DIRECTV RISK FREE?

NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for DirecTV STREAM without limits or restrictions for a month – great if you want to stream DirecTV abroad.

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.

How to watch DirecTV Stream outside the US with a VPN

Setting up a VPN is simple, even if you’ve never used one. Follow this step-by-step guide to watch DirecTV outside the USA with a VPN.

Here’s how to watch DirecTV Stream online from anywhere using a VPN:

  1. Sign up for a VPN service with United States servers – we recommend NordVPN.
  2. Download and install the appropriate VPN app for your device. All of the best VPNs offer apps for desktop and mobile devices.
  3. Clear your browser cache and cookies. This ensures that DirecTV forgets your location and accepts the US IP address provided by the VPN.
  4. Open your VPN app or browser extension and connect to a US server to obtain a US IP address to unblock DirecTV Stream (formerly AT&T TV Now).
  5. Sign in to DirecTV and select your preferred on-demand content, which should now be unblocked.

If you’re having trouble watching DirecTV Stream outside the US, even when connected to a VPN, we have a few suggestions.

  • First, be sure to clear your cookies each time you connect to a new server before trying DirecTV again.
  • Trying more than one server is another potential fix in case the IP address you’re using has been blacklisted.
  • Last but not least, it may be worth contacting your VPN’s customer support for further help, or to point you towards the best server for DirecTV.

Our criteria for DirecTV Stream VPNs

So, how are you supposed to choose a VPN to unblock DirecTV abroad? We know that there are many VPNs to choose from. That’s why we’ve only selected VPNs that performed well in the following area:

  • Speed: All VPNs slow your connection to some extent. However, those that slow it too much make streaming impossible. To find the fastest providers, we connected to each VPN’s US servers and carried out multiple speed tests.
  • Streaming ability: As DirecTV Stream is region-locked to the US, we scored providers on how many US server locations they had. For more general streaming, we looked at the overall number of server locations, the existence of obfuscation, and providers’ ability to unblock a range of premium platforms.
  • Security and privacy: If you’re connecting to servers in the US it pays to make sure your online activities aren’t being monitored. To find the VPNs best able to keep you safe online, we evaluated them against 16 different security and privacy criteria
  • Value for money: While nobody wants to spend more than they need to on a VPN, it can be a mistake simply to choose the cheapest. We attempt to measure each provider’s true worth by using eight different value-for-money metrics.
  • Ease of use: If you don’t have much previous VPN experience, it’s a good idea to choose a user-friendly provider. To simplify the choice, we ranked VPNs according to 10 individual ease-of-use metrics.

For more information on how we tested VPNs, check out our VPN testing methodology later in the article. This section also contains the results of our tests.

The best DirecTV VPNs: a comparison

We’ve tested and compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for DirecTV Stream.

No valueNordVPNSurfsharkTotalVPNProton VPNExpressVPNIPVanishCyberGhostPrivateVPNHotspot Shield
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comTotalVPN.comProtonVPN.comExpressVPN.comIPVanish.comCyberghost.comPrivateVPN.comHotspotshield.com
Ranking for DIRECTV STREAM:123456789
Avg Speed for DIRECTV STREAM205.52 Mbps200.71 Mbps180.41 Mbps172.35 Mbps144.61 Mbps168.76 Mbps153.18 Mbps48.32 Mbps49.9 Mbps
Popular Sites Unblocked95%88% 88%87%86%85%85%85%85%
Simultaneous Connections10Unlimited5Free: 1, VPN Plus: 1014Unlimited710Up to 10
Devices SupportedWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, LinuxWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TVWindows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Apple TVWindows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, Chromebook Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TVWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Chrome, Smart TVs, Routers
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Best VPNs for watching DirecTV Stream outside the US

Here’s our list of the best VPNs to watch DirecTV Stream (formerly known as AT&T TV Now and AT&T Watch) from outside the US:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Dec 2025 works with DirecTVTested Dec 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background FireTV

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 9.3 / 10
Ease of use: 9.6 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.5 / 10
Streaming ability: 9.5 / 10
US speed: 10.0 / 10
Value for money: 7.9 / 10

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is the best overall provider for watching DirecTV Stream abroad. It operates more than 8,000 servers in more than 120 countries, with around a quarter of these spread across the United States. These are all RAM-only, meaning they’re completely wiped whenever they’re turned off, which is better for your privacy.

Screenshot showing NordVPN's USA servers
This provider has a large presence in the US, with servers in more than a dozen cities

Better still, this VPN can bypass just about any online restriction. NordVPN reliably unblocks popular streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video, so you’ll never be short of things to watch. it even works in high-censorship countries like the UAE and China, allowing you to stream DirecTV safely from anywhere.

Streaming Netflix using NordVPN.
Streaming Netflix using NordVPN.

Better still, NordVPN offers great value. It lets you connect up to 10 supported devices simultaneously and provides enviable connection speeds. In our tests, it averaged 205.52 Mbps, some 65 Mbps faster than the combined average speeds of the other tested providers. As you might expect, you can watch DirecTV Stream content in 4K without issue.

NordVPN has one of the most comprehensive security offerings of any major provider. It uses either AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption depending on which protocol you select, prevents DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, and has a kill switch that kicks in following an unexpected outage. There’s also a fully-audited no-logs policy in place, plus automatic ad and tracker-blocking.

This provider support split tunneling, includes a special NordWhisper protocol designed for bypassing strict censorship, and even offers specially-configured servers for accessing Tor over VPN.

NordVPN apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Android TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also offered. Manual setup is required for routers.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You need access to lots of reliable US servers
  • You want to use one of the fastest VPNs on the market
  • You like the option of having specialty servers for different tasks
  • You appreciate a novice-friendly interface and exceptional ease of use
  • You’d like a VPN that can access most popular streaming platforms

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You need more than 10 simultaneous connections for your household

BEST VPN FOR DIRECTV STREAM:NordVPN has over 1,900 servers in the US and more than 8,000 worldwide. Works with DirecTV Stream (formerly AT&T TV Now), Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more. Features 24/7 support and allows up to 10 connections. Protects your privacy with encryption and a no-logs policy. The 30-day money-back guarantee means you can try it risk-free.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark works with DirecTVTested Dec 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 9.1 / 10
Ease of use: 9.1 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.5 / 10
Streaming ability: 9.2 / 10
US speed: 9.7 / 10
Value for money: 8.1 / 10

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark is the best budget VPN for streaming DirecTV stream abroad. However, this low-cost service can actually compete with its pricier rivals on several fronts. For instance, it has around 4,500 servers in 100+ countries, with more than 600 in the US. Additionally, this is one of the only services that lets you connect every device you own at the same time.

If you’re new to using a VPN, you’ll appreciate Surfshark’s beginner-friendly apps and browser extensions. There are plenty of interesting features available, including double VPN servers for improved privacy and an ad and malware blocker.

Surfshark's CleanWeb feature.
Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature also stops trackers.

It’s a strong choice where streaming is concerned too. Not only does this VPN work flawlessly with DirecTV Stream, it can also help you watch Netflix, Disney+, and Max, to name but a few well-known platforms. Surfshark’s obfuscation is even strong enough to help you browse the web freely in countries like China.

Streaming Amazon Prime Video using Surfshark.
Streaming Amazon Prime Video using Surfshark.

So how fast is this provider? To find out, our team tested the speed of its US servers at three different times of day. This way, we’re able to check not just Surfshark’s performance but also how consistent it is and how much slowdown you can expect during peak times. With an average speed of 200.71 Mbps, Surfshark is much, much faster than is needed to watch DirecTV Stream in 4K. Take a look:

There are all sorts of privacy tools built-in as well. For instance, Surfshark uses unbreakable 256-bit encryption to shield your activities from prying eyes. This is strengthened with DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and a professionally-audited no-logs policy. It also offers automatic ad and tracker-blocking, a Stealth mode, and split tunneling functionality. Just recently, Surfshark added in a new content blocker capable of filtering out adult content and profanity, making it easier to control what your kids see online.

You can use Surfshark to watch DirecTV Stream via the apps for Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. You can also download Chrome and Firefox browser extensions. Manual configuration is required for routers.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You need to protect unlimited devices simultaneously under one subscription
  • You want VPN coverage across 24+ US cities (more than most competitors)
  • You’re on a budget but still need reliable DirecTV Stream access
  • You need a VPN that offers cryptocurrency payment options

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You’d like a VPN with port forwarding support or streaming-optimized servers

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark lets you secure as many devices as you want simultaneously. It has servers across 24 US cities and works reliably with DirecTV and Netflix. Very easy-to-use apps, a low price, and 24/7 live chat support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

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3. Total VPN

TotalVPN works with DirecTVTested Dec 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.9 / 10
Ease of use: 9.4 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.1 / 10
Streaming ability: 9.2 / 10
US speed: 8.4 / 10
Value for money: 8.5 / 10

Website:  TotalVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Total VPN has servers in nearly two dozen US states, and its network covers 80 countries total, so it’s a natural choice for anyone hoping to access geo-blocked content abroad. We’ve had great results using this VPN to watch Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, for instance, as well as DirecTV. Customer support staff are ready to assist over email, regardless of the time of day. This VPN permits up to five simultaneous connections, which is lower than some of its rivals but still more than most people will need.

Screenshot showing Total VPN's US Indianapolis server
This provider has a huge presence in the US, making it as easy as possible to find a low-load, high-speed server for streaming DirecTV abroad

Streaming requires a fast, consistent connection and you’d be surprised how many VPNs are incapable of meeting this extremely low bar. Our experts performed speed tests on Total VPN’s American servers in the morning, at noon, and in the afternoon to see just how quick it actually is. Equally important, this approach allows us to measure how much its performance fluctuates over the course of a typical day. Let’s see those results:

Total VPN achieved an average speed of 180.41 Mbps, making it the third-fastest provider in this list (after NordVPN and Surfshark). For context, this is fast enough to download a 1 GB file in around 40 seconds, and is well above what’s needed for any day-to-day activity. Its speeds varied by 16 Mbps, which is a little higher than we’d like, but still functionally unnoticeable to most users.

Screenshot showing Total VPN's split tunneling settings
This VPN doesn’t have a ton of customizable features but we love the depth of its split tunneling feature

Let’s talk about security. Total VPN doesn’t have as many advanced features as some of its rivals, but it does still provide a robust set of tools, including uncrackable AES-256 encryption, a customizable kill switch, and automatic protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. This provider follows a strict no-logging policy too, meaning it couldn’t reveal details of your activities even if it wanted to. Finally, there’s a Hydra protocol designed to help you browse safely on networks that normally block VPNs outright (though this won’t help you stream DirecTV in places like China, unfortunately).

Total VPN provides its own Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS apps.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want high performance and strong security
  • You’re looking for a newcomer-friendly VPN
  • You’d like a VPN that works with most US streaming sites
  • You only have a few devices that you use regularly

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You were hoping to use this VPN on a router or Linux device

RELIABLE US SERVERS:Total VPN has a ton of servers in the US making it a fantastic option for unblocking DirecTV, Hulu, and Peacock while traveling abroad. Good level of security, easy-to-use apps, and a 30-day money-back guarantee on annual plans (and 14 days for anything shorter).

Find out more in our full Total VPN review.

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4. ProtonVPN

Proton VPN works with DirecTVTested Dec 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.6 / 10
Ease of use: 9.6 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.3 / 10
Streaming ability: 9.1 / 10
US speed: 7.9 / 10
Value for money: 7.3 / 10

Website:  www.ProtonVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ProtonVPN is another fantastic option for anyone hoping to watch DirecTV Stream from outside of the US. For starters, it has over 15,000 servers spread throughout 120+ countries and works flawlessly with just about every streaming platform we’ve tested. For instance, you’ll be able to access stubborn services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu from anywhere in the world. There’s also a generous connection limit (10 devices) and 24/7 customer support via live chat.

Screenshot showing ProtonVPN's US servers
This provider operates roughly 3,500 servers in the US alone, so you shouldn’t have any problems finding one that works with DirecTV

So, how quick is this service? After all, you’ll need a fairly fast connection for live streaming. To find out, our experts tested ProtonVPN’s American servers at three points throughout a typical day (morning, noon, and afternoon). Note that these tests were run on a 250 Mbps connection designed to replicate the average US broadband experience. Let’s see how well ProtonVPN did:

With an average speed of 172.35 Mbps, this provider has shown that it’s on the quicker end of the spectrum. ProtonVPN is significantly faster than most of its rivals, and you shouldn’t have any performance issues even when doing data-intensive tasks like streaming, torrenting, or playing fast-paced online games.

Screenshot showing ProtonVPN's settings menu
Users can access a wide range of settings and importantly, each option explains exactly what it does

When it comes to security, very few providers can compete with ProtonVPN. It uses unbreakable 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and automatic protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks to ensure your traffic is kept private at all times. There’s also an independently-verified no-logging policy, a Stealth protocol designed to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN at all, and a combined ad/tracker-blocking tool.

ProtonVPN has apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. It can also be manually configured to work with most home routers.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want a reputable, zero-logs VPN
  • You’re interested in streaming geo-blocked content abroad
  • You’d prefer to have fine-grained control over your connection
  • Speed is one of your top priorities

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  •  You’re planning a visit to China

ROCK-SOLID SECURITY:ProtonVPN puts your privacy above all else and has proven it doesn’t keep logs of your activities. Highly versatile too, capable of unblocking DirecTV anywhere. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our complete ProtonVPN review.

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5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN works with DirecTVTested Dec 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.2 / 10
Ease of use: 9.0 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.2 / 10
Streaming ability: 9.4 / 10
US speed: 6.2 / 10
Value for money: 7.0 / 10

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN is another fantastic choice for watching DirecTV Stream during a vacation abroad. Its network covers more than 105 countries and it offers servers in all 50 states. Naturally, this makes it well-suited to streaming American platforms like Netflix USA, DirecTV, fuboTV, Sling TV, and Peacock. Users can connect up to 10 devices at once on the Basic plan, 12 on the Advanced plan, and 14 with a Pro subscription. There’s also 24/7 support via live chat, which is a huge bonus.

ExpressVPN's US servers.
ExpressVPN has plenty of US servers to choose from.

We tested ExpressVPN’s US servers at three different times of day using a 250 Mbps connection since that’s the average US household broadband speed. ExpressVPN achieved an average speed of 144.6 Mbps, which is highly impressive, despite not being the fastest result we’ve seen. There was around 9 Mbps of variance though, so that could still be improved upon. Here are our full results:

This VPN keeps things simple, with most of its security features enabled by default. These include uncrackable encryption, a kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. If you’d like a little more control, you can switch over to ExpressVPN’s custom Lightway protocol, which can keep you safe even when swapping networks. There’s also ad, tracker, and shady site-blocking, plus automatic obfuscation that kicks in when ExpressVPN thinks you’re in a country with extreme censorship. Crucially, this is a zero-logs provider and it’s proven this with multiple audits.

IP leak test.
ExpressVPN didn’t leak our UK-based IP address while we were using one of its US servers.

ExpressVPN is often criticized for costing more than most other VPN services. To improve affordability, they recently rolled out a tiered pricing model, letting you choose the plan that fits your needs and budget: Basic at $3.49/month, Advanced at $4.49/month, and Pro at $7.49/month. It still isn’t the cheapest option out there, but the update shows progress. For those wanting zero cost, there’s also their new free option, EventVPN.

ExpressVPN has apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and routers. Browser extensions are available for Chrome and Firefox. It also offers custom firmware for routers and a Smart DNS service called MediaStreamer, giving you plenty of ways to watch DirecTV on smart TVs, game consoles, and other devices that don’t support full VPN apps.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You’d like a VPN with server clusters in every US state
  • You’re looking for a service that doesn’t require much setup
  • You want to be able to access any streaming app from anywhere in the world

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You prioritize advanced features over simplicity
  • You want a service offering cheap short-term coverage

QUICK AND RELIABLE:ExpressVPN is a solid choice. for streaming DirecTV. Boasts high speeds and servers in 105 countries. Wide range of user-friendly apps, 24/7 support, and excellent security with encryption. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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6. IPVanish

IPVanish works with DirecTVTested Dec 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.1 / 10
Ease of use: 8.1 / 10
Security & privacy: 8.7 / 10
Streaming ability: 8.9 / 10
US speed: 7.7 / 10
Value for money: 7.3 / 10

Website:  www.IPVanish.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

IPVanish is actually based in the United States, and has about a third of its network spread throughout 20+ American cities including Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. All in all, there are 3,200 servers to choose from in 100+ countries. You can connect any number of devices at the same time and speak directly with staff using IPVanish’s 24/7 live chat service.

IPVanish's US servers.
Users can select a server from a map of the US.

This provider used to struggle to access larger geo-blocked platforms but thankfully, that’s no longer the case. IPVanish works flawlessly with DirecTV Stream, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ to name but a few major services. It also works well with apps like Kodi thanks to its remote control-friendly design.

IPVanish generally delivers very impressive results whenever we test its performance but we wanted to see specifically how quick its American servers are. Following three tests, this VPN achieved an average 168.76 Mbps with around 3 Mbps of variance throughout the day. Here’s a look at our full test results:

This is another fantastic option for privacy-minded consumers. IPVanish secures your browsing activities using 256-bit AES encryption (or ChaCha20 on the WireGuard protocol), a kill switch, and protection against IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks. There’s a strict no-logs policy in place, as verified by several independent audits. Advanced features include split tunneling, OpenVPN traffic scrambling, automatic ad and tracker-blocking, a link safety checker, and newly-added multi-hop servers.

IP leak test.
IPVanish didn’t reveal our UK IP address while connected to one of its servers in the US.

This VPN offers one enhanced subscription option, the Advanced plan. This costs around a dollar more each month but includes IPVanish’s VPN, a cloud-based sandboxed browser, and 1 TB of secure online file storage. Needless to say, you’ll usually pay more than this for just the cloud storage, so IPVanish’s Advaned plan is a great deal.

IPVanish provides apps for Windows, Mac, Amazon Fire Stick / Fire TV, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. Manual setup is needed in the case of Linux and routers.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You need a VPN that doesn’t have any connection limits
  • You’re looking for a versatile but newcomer-friendly service
  • You’re in the market for a secure VPN with great streaming ability

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You’re looking for a VPN with its own Linux app
  • You’re concerned about using a VPN based in the US

SERVERS IN 20+ US CITIES:IPVanish has plenty of servers in the US in cities such as Los Angeles and New York. Unlimited bandwidth makes it easy to watch DirecTV Stream (formerly AT&T TV Now). Allows any number of internet connections. Keeps you safe online and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee on annual plans.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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7. CyberGhost

CyberGhost works with DirecTVTested Dec 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 7.4 / 10
Ease of use: 9.1 / 10
Security & privacy: 8.9 / 10
Streaming ability: 4.9 / 10
US speed: 6.7 / 10
Value for money: 7.2 / 10

Website:  www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost is another beginner-friendly VPN worth trying. It has servers in more than 100 countries, many of which are actually optimized for specific tasks. For instance, there are some designed for torrenting, maximizing your online privacy, or unblocking major streaming platforms abroad. Users can connect up to seven devices simultaneously and there’s 24/7 support over live chat.

Streaming Netflix using CyberGhost.
Streaming Netflix using CyberGhost.

Needless to say, CyberGhost works perfectly with DirecTV Stream, as well as Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and BBC iPlayer. Our team tested this VPN’s speeds in the morning, at noon, and in the afternoon, resulting in an average speed of 153.18 Mbps on a 250 Mbps connection. That’s fast enough for virtually any task, whether it’s live streaming, making video calls, or playing online games.

CyberGhost’s apps are very simple, so you shouldn’t have any difficulty finding the features you need. The main page is divided into three, with navigation on the left, general info in the center, and a connection information on the right.

CyberGhost's content-blocker.
CyberGhost’s content-blocker helps stop trackers from following you around as you browse.

There’s no need to worry about privacy either since most of CyberGhost’s security features are enabled by default. These include uncrackable 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, automatic ad and tracker-blocking, and an independently-verified no-logs policy. There’s also basic obfuscation (though this won’t help you in countries like China) and a Smart Rules feature that lets you create custom routines such as opening specific apps or connecting to specific servers in certain situations.

CyberGhost offers apps for Windows, Android, Mac, Linux, iOS, Amazon Fire Stick, and Android TV. There are also browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Routers require manual configuration.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want to know which US servers are best for streaming
  • You want highly consistent speeds even during peak times of day
  • You prefer a longer money-back guarantee period (45 days vs the industry standard 30 days)

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You need to stream from highly restrictive countries like China or UAE
  • You need more than seven simultaneous connections

AMAZING VALUE:CyberGhost has fast and reliable connections for streaming DirecTV abroad. It has apps that are easy to use and allows up to 7 simultaneous connections. Security features include a kill switch and a no-logs policy. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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8. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN works with DirecTVTested Dec 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 6.2 / 10
Ease of use: 8.2 / 10
Security & privacy: 8.6 / 10
Streaming ability: 6.5 / 10
US speed: 1.0 / 10
Value for money: 6.5 / 10

Website:  www.PrivateVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

PrivateVPN is a smaller provider operating roughly 200 servers in around 63 countries and more than a dozen US cities. these are all owned outright to limit the number of people who have access to your data. Further, this VPN is capable of beating virtually any online restriction. Not only can it access platforms like DirecTV Stream, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu abroad, it’s even able to bypass China’s Great Firewall (there’s live chat-based support if you need help).

Streaming Netflix with PrivateVPN.
Streaming Netflix with PrivateVPN.

This provider has around a dozen US server locations including in Las Vegas and New York. It might never been the fastest on the market but it’s still capable of handling day to day tasks like streaming. With an average speed of 48.32 Mbps, PrivateVPN was quick enough to watch 4K broadcasts with no noticeable lag or buffering. Here are our full test results:

PrivateVPN’s security offering is one of the strongest we’ve seen. It has adjustable encryption (128-bit or 256-bit AES), several supported protocols, a customizable kill switch, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. There’s also a strict no-logs policy in place, though this VPN hasn’t been professionally audited at the time of writing. There’s also a Stealth mode capable of beating the world’s strictest online censorship, with split tunneling and port forwarding functionality as standard.

PrivateVPN offers desktop (Windows and Mac) and mobile (Android and iOS) apps. Manual setup is necessary for Linux and routers.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want a simpler VPN interface specifically designed for beginners
  • You need Stealth mode for streaming in countries where VPNs are restricted
  • You want one of the most affordable options (as low as $2.00/month)

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You require a large server network (only around 200 servers total)
  • You need browser extensions

HIGH SPEED STREAMING:PrivateVPN is fast and ideal for DirecTV Stream as well as Netflix. Its apps are easy to use, and it allows you to connect up to 10 supported devices. It includes all of the essential security features, including encryption, kill switch, and no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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9. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield works with DirecTVTested Dec 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 6.2 / 10
Ease of use: 9.1 / 10
Security & privacy: 8.6 / 10
Streaming ability: 6.0 / 10
US speed: 1.0 / 10
Value for money: 6.1 / 10

Website:  www.Hotspotshield.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

Editor's Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Point Wild, Comparitech's parent company.

Hotspot Shield boasts a large network, with 1,800 servers spread throughout 80+ countries. It has a strong US presence, with servers in 27 US cities, including Los Angeles and New York. Usefully, there’s a dedicated US streaming server that works great with DirecTV abroad. In our tests, it also worked with Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. The UK streaming server worked with BBC iPlayer and ITVX.

Streaming ITVX using Hotspot Shield.
Streaming ITVX using Hotspot Shield.

To find out whether Hotspot Shield was really suitable for streaming DirecTV abroad, we had our experts run three speed tests at different times of day. This provider managed to achieve an average speed of 49.9 Mbps, with around 8 Mbps of variability. That’s a solid result, and well above what’s needed for watching 4K video. Let’s see how well this VPN did:

Hotspot Shield does a great job of keeping your browsing habits private. Not only does it unbreakable 256-bit AES encryption, it blocks DNS and IPv6 leaks and includes a kill switch that’ll stop sending data if you lose connection unexpectedly. There’s also automatic wifi protection and a strict no-logging policy in place. This VPN has been audited for additional peace of mind. Finally, you can use its split tunneling feature to let certain apps pass through your VPN’s encryption.

Hotspot Shield's kill switch.
The kill switch prevents you exposing your true IP address if the VPN connection drops out.

Hotspot Shield apps are available for iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, and Windows. It can be manually configured for use with supported routers.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You’d like to have access to servers in 20+ US cities
  • You want dedicated streaming servers optimized specifically for DirecTV stream access
  • You’d like a 45-day money-back guarantee rather than 30

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want a provider that works in high-censorship countries
  • You’re looking for more advanced features

SERVERS IN 20+ US CITIES:Hotspot Shield unblocks DirecTV and has lots of reliable servers in the US. Also works with Netflix. Includes 24/7 live chat support and uses encryption to keep your data secure. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Hotspot Shield review.

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Recent VPN product updates

Our ongoing VPN provider monitoring ensures recommendations stay current with the latest innovations. Here are the newest developments:

NordVPN

  • Linux version is now fully open-source for better transparency and user access (October 2025)
  • Timezone masking added to browser extensions to enhance location spoofing (October 2025)
  • Scam call shielding upgraded to detect additional unwanted call types (September 2025)
  • Network stability enhanced through smart reconnection capabilities (June 2025)
  • File collaboration revolutionized via Meshnet’s drag-and-drop transfer system (June 2025)
  • Identity monitoring scaled to include 50 email addresses in Dark Web surveillance (June 2025)

Surfshark

  • Installed 100Gbps servers in Amsterdam to support rising bandwidth needs (October 2025)
  • Global server count increased to more than 4,500 for greater regional options (October 2025)
  • Introduced a new online content filter to keep minors safe from harmful pages (October 2025)
  • Architectural breakthrough achieved through Nexus technology’s software-defined networking (February 2025)
  • Routing flexibility perfected via Bypasser’s cross-platform implementation (April 2025)
  • Global infrastructure strengthened with seven new dedicated IP cities: Istanbul, Warsaw, Las Vegas, plus others (April 2025)

Total VPN

  • Apple TV integration completed through tvOS application development
  • Android security reinforced via “always on” killswitch mechanism
  • iOS and macOS efficiency improved through “connect on demand” functionality
  • Performance benefits delivered through WireGuard protocol universal implementation
  • Traffic control sophistication enhanced via Android split tunneling

Proton VPN

  • Threat detection enhanced via NetShield’s anti-phishing capabilities (Spring 2025)
  • Streaming freedom expanded to encompass approximately 100 entertainment platforms (Spring 2025)
  • Living room privacy delivered through Apple TV app introduction (October 2024)
  • Protocol modernization achieved via IPv6 support in browser extensions and Linux client (2024)
  • Instant access enabled through Android guest mode without registration (2024)

ExpressVPN

  • iPad app redesigned to integrate more naturally with tablet interfaces (October 2025)
  • Rolled out simple tiered plans: Basic ($3.49), Advanced ($4.49), Pro ($7.49) (September 2025)
  • Announced EventVPN, a free product aimed at challenging free VPN competitors (September 2025)

IPVanish

  • Security intelligence augmented with QR code threat analysis functionality (April 2025)
  • User engagement strengthened through dedicated suggestions and ideas portal (February 2025)
  • Device ecosystem broadened to include Apple TV, Google TV, and Vision Pro compatibility (December 2024)

Using a free VPN to watch DirectTV Stream outside the US

Free VPNs can seem like a great idea. After all, why pay if you can get the same result for free? However, DirecTV Stream has a pretty strong VPN-detection system so the vast majority of free VPNs just won’t work.

That’s not the only reason we suggest staying away from free providers though. Free VPNs tend to have more users than their networks can support, leading to slow speeds and potentially even queuing systems, in addition to the low monthly bandwidth cap that most impose.

It’s not just performance issues that plague free VPNs, either. When it comes to security, free VPNs are rarely fit for purpose.  In many cases, your data is not secured with robust encryption. Even if they are, the VPN may lack crucial features like a kill switch or leak protection. Additionally, some free VPNs knowingly breach your privacy by keeping logs and selling your data to third parties.

AT&T TV’s name change

If you’re wondering why AT&T TV has changed its name, in August of 2021, they finalized a deal in which it spun off DIRECTV, U-Verse, and AT&T TV (including AT&T TV Now and AT&T TV Watch) into a separate entity. The deal involved selling a 30% stake of the business to the private equity firm TPG Capital. AT&T retains a 70% stake in the new standalone firm.

The new company, which is called DirecTV, has now taken over all of AT&T TV’s operations. As a result of the shake-up, the new corporation has decided to close down all its former TV streaming services. For this reason, the new business has rebranded its streaming platform with the name DirecTV Stream.

DirecTV Stream will now replace all the other iterations of AT&T’s online streaming TV services. It will be available in three different plans starting at $84.99 per month plus tax. The most expensive plan (the Ultimate Package) will cost $109.99 and will include 160+ channels, including regional sports networks.

The DirecTV location error

One problem some users have when trying to watch DirecTV Stream abroad is that they’re asked to enable location data on their device. The problem is that this can override the VPN connection, providing your true location and blocking the content as a result. In this case, you may see a message that looks like this:

DirecTV Now location error

We couldn’t figure out your location, which is required for streaming this program. Please try again.”

If this is happening to you, you may be out of luck. To bypass such restrictions, you’d need to find a way to spoof your location, such as with a GPS spoofing app. It may simply be better to find a service without such strict geo-restrictions. If you do go ahead, exercise caution as GPS spoofing can have a negative impact on other apps.

Using a smart DNS proxy to watch DirecTV abroad

A Smart DNS service sends traffic from your device through a server elsewhere in the world, similar to a VPN but without the privacy benefits. The main advantage of these services, however, is that you don’t have to install anything. Instead, all you have to do is edit your device’s DNS settings, making this a good choice for stremainf DirecTV Stream on games consoles or older smart TVs.

Just be aware that unlike a VPN, which usually offers at least 60 locations to choose from, Smart DNS proxies tend to only work with US streaming platforms. That’s fine if your goal is to watch DirecTV Stream abroad but you won’t be able to unblock BBC iPlayer, for example.

DirecTV Stream: FAQ

Is it legal to connect to DirecTV via a VPN?

Most countries don’t have laws specifically against using a VPN to access geo-restricted content. However, as DirecTV Stream (formerly AT&T TV Now) is only usually available in the US, doing so almost certainly violates its terms of service. Still, even if DirecTV realizes you’re using a VPN, it’ll most likely just ask you to disconnect before streaming.

Note: We are tech experts but cannot possibly claim to understand every country’s digital copyright laws. Nothing we’ve said above should be taken as legal advice. If you have any doubt about the legality of using a VPN, we recommend researching local laws for yourself beforehand.

What devices can I watch DirecTV Stream on?

There are plenty of ways to watch DirecTV Stream. This service has apps for Android, iOS, Apple TV, select Samsung Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV / Firestick, Roku, and Chromecast. Technically, it’s accessible via any internet-connected device since you can always watch on the website too.

What sports can I watch on DirecTV?

DirecTV Stream has a ton of sporting coverage, with everything from live fixtures to replays, highlights, and commentary. There’s even a separate subscription option for customers who are only interested in watching sport (the MySport plan, $69.99 USD per month). So what exactly can you watch on this service? Here’s a short guide to what sports are available on DirecTV Stream:

  • Football: NFL games, NCAA, SEC, ACC, Big Ten college football
  • Motorsports: Formula 1 Grand Prix,
  • Combat sports: UFC, boxing, WWE, NCAA wrestling
  • Tennis: US open, Australian Open, Wimbledon, NCAA tennis
  • Soccer: Serie A, FA Cup, Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Champion’s League
  • Golf: PGA events, Alfred Dunhill Championship, Grant Thorton invitational
  • Basketball: NBA and NCAA fixtures (mens and womens), G League
  • Hockey: Professional Women’s Hockey League, NHL matches, NCAA fixtures
  • Cricket: The Ashes, T20 World Cup, Indian Premier League, and more

Now, it’s important to recognize that the channels and content available will depend on your location. For example, sports networks usually employ regional limitations to encourage you to attend local teams’ matches in person. However, with the right VPN, it’s easy to bypass NHL blackouts, stream NFL fixtures from anywhere, or watch your favorite squad’s NBA games from the comfort of your own home.

What can I watch on DirecTV Stream?

DirecTV Stream offers a wide range of live and on-demand content from traditional cable channels. Some of the entertainment channels include:

How much does DirecTV Stream cost?

This provider actually lets you watch more than 130 channels without paying a cent, thanks to its MyFree DirecTV catalog. However, if that’s still not enough, DirecTV Stream has five premium subscription options to choose from. These are:

  • Entertainent plan: $89.99 per month plus tax, 90+ channels
  • Choice: $94.99 per month plus tax, 125+ channels
  • Ultimate: $124.99 per month plus taxes, 160+ channels
  • Premier: $169.99 per month plus tax, 185+ channels
  • MySports: $69.99 per month plus taxes, 31 sports channels

All of these paid plans come with a five-day free trial. That’s not long enough to watch most series as they air, but if there’s a one-off event or you feel like marathoning a particular show, this trial may be all you need. Just be sure to cancel so you’re not billed for the full month.

Additionally, DirecTV Stream has 19 optional addons. Most of these are other streaming services, giving you an easy way to watch all of your favorite content in one place. Signing up for all of them would cost a combined $133.84 monthly, in addition to the price of your base subscription. Here’s a breakdown of every addon available at the time of writing:

  • Netflix: Prices start at $7.99 per month, all the way up to $24.99
  • Apple TV+: Costs $12.99 monthly
  • Peacock: $10.99 per month on top of your DirecTV Stream subscription
  • Prime Video: Prime account required ($14.99 per month), no additional cost for existing customers
  • Pandora: No charge for existing subscribers (plans start at $4.99 monthly)
  • AMC+: Plans start at $9.99 per month
  • Discovery+: Add this service to your DirecTV Stream plan for $5.99 monthly
  • Acorn TV: Prices begin at $8.99 per month
  • ALLBLK: This addon costs $6.99 each month
  • A&E Crime Central: Reality TV shows for just $5.99 per month
  • BET+: Plans cost $10.99 per month
  • Curiosity Stream: Ad-free documentaries for just $4.99 monthly
  • DOGTV: Sign up for an extra $4.99 monthly
  • Fox Nation: Charges $8.99 extra each month plus tax
  • Hallmark+Movies, reality shows, and original content for $7.99 monthly
  • History Vault: This addon costs $5.99 monthly
  • Lifetime Movie Club: This provider has 200+ movies and costs just $4.99 per month
  • Revry: LGBTQI+ focused streaming platform that only costs $6.99 per month
  • UP Faith & Family: Christian streaming service that costs $5.99 monthly