How to watch YouTube TV from abroad with a VPN

Like most popular TV streaming services, YouTube TV geo-blocks its content. This means you can only watch from a specific country—in this case, the US. If you try to access your favorite TV channels outside the US, you’ll see the following message:

“Sorry, but YouTube TV is not available in your area just yet.” 

Luckily, you can watch YouTube TV on vacation using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). When you connect to a VPN server, you get a temporary IP address in a remote location of your choice. By connecting to a server in the US, you can trick streaming platforms into serving you regional content.

VPNs have other advantages too. They reduce the risk of triggering automated fraud-prevention measures when accessing online banking from abroad. They also allow you to use the internet with added privacy by preventing third parties like wi-fi hotspots providers, ISPs, and government agencies from tracking you.

We cover many details on each of the VPN providers below, but if you are just looking for a quick summary, here is our list of the best VPNs for streaming YouTube TV from anywhere:

1. NordVPN: Our top choice for YouTube. Boasts super-fast servers, exceptional streaming ability, and a 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: A fast and secure provider with no connection or bandwidth limits. Works great with YouTube TV and similar services.
3. ExpressVPN: A large network capable of HD speeds. Secure and private connections. Servers in 94 countries. Secure apps for all platforms.
4. CyberGhost: Easy to install and use. Perfect for beginners. Plenty of fast servers in the US and in 89 other countries.
5. IPVanish: Allows any number of simultaneous connections on a single account. Superb speeds for streaming media.
6. PrivateVPN: Fast servers. Works to securely access most streaming services. 200 servers in 63 countries.
7. Atlas VPN: Speedy, secure, and capable of protecting every device you own. Ideal for streaming YouTube TV.

How to stream YouTube TV abroad with a VPN

Using a VPN is easy, even if you’ve never used one before. You can trick YouTube TV into thinking you are in the US to stream media from anywhere in the world.

Just follow these steps to watch YouTube TV with a VPN:

1. Start by signing up to a suitable VPN service provider (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Next, install the VPN software. Most services offer apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android, so make sure to get the right version.
3. Log in to the VPN app.
4. Connect to one of your VPN’s US servers.
5. If you haven’t already, create a YouTube TV account. Note that this will require a payment method linked to a US address.
6. Try loading video on YouTube TV. It should start playing almost immediately, but if not, try refreshing the page or clearing your browser’s cache and cookies.

If you’d like to watch a specific show live, we recommend performing the steps above before it actually airs. This gives you time to contact customer support if anything doesn’t work as intended and means you may not have to miss part of your favorite shows.

Best VPNs for YouTube TV abroad – at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for YouTube TV abroad.

How to choose the right VPN for YouTube TV

With so many different VPN services available, it can be difficult to choose just one. Some offer expansive server networks, while others might prioritize speed, internet security, or the ability to securely access a greater range of services. To find the best VPNs for YouTube TV, we looked for services meeting the criteria below:

• Capable of unblocking local channels from YouTube TV and similar services from abroad
• It has a vast network, with several US servers to choose from
• Provides powerful encryption and additional security features
• Never logs personally identifiable information or usage data
• Has both mobile device and desktop apps, with minimal differences between each version

For more information about how we test and recommend VPNs for YouTube check out our detailed VPN testing methodology article.

Best VPNs for YouTube TV

Below, you’ll find our list of the top VPN providers for YouTube TV. Use these summaries to pick the perfect VPN for your needs:

1. NordVPN

May 2023 Unblocks YouTubeTested May 2023

NordVPN boasts a network of more than 5,000 servers worldwide, with clusters all over the US. With specialized servers catering to users who want to share files, access Tor, or game without fear of DDoS attacks, it’s a robust general-purpose VPN. However, it’s also excellent for streaming content thanks to its high speeds. NordVPN works with platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and of course, YouTube TV, from anywhere in the world.

This service uses 256-bit encryption and includes a wide range of additional security options. There’s an application-specific kill switch, a dual-VPN feature, an automatic ad-blocker, a malware-scanner, and protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks. This VPN has a strict no-logs policy, so you can rest assured that your activities will remain private at all times.

NordVPN has apps for Windows, Android, MacOS, iOS, and Linux supported devices. It has to be manually configured on wireless routers, however.

NordVPN speed test data

BEST VPN FOR YOUTUBE TV:NordVPN is our top choice for YouTube TV. A superb all-rounder with powerful security features and fast servers for streaming. Try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Unblocks YouTubeTested May 2023

Surfshark has around 3,200 servers in 65+ countries, including dozens of US cities to stream YouTube TV in Japan. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to stream US TV, especially so if you’d like to stream regional TV stations. Surfshark also works with services like Netflix US, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video abroad. Plus, with no connection limit, you’re free to browse and stream safely across every one of your devices.

This VPN protects your digital privacy using 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and traffic scrambling, as well as IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leak protection. As Surfshark doesn’t log any information that could identify you, you’ll be effectively untraceable online. If you’d prefer even greater anonymity, you can sign up using a throwaway email address and pay via cryptocurrency. 24/7 support is available over live chat in case of any problems.

Surfshark offers apps for Linux, MacOS, Android, Windows, and iOS. It can be manually installed on supported wireless routers.

Surfshark speed test data

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is an inexpensive yet powerful service that works great with YouTube TV. Strong on security. 30-day money-back guarantee.

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3. ExpressVPN

Unblocks YouTubeTested May 2023

ExpressVPN has servers in 15+ different US cities (and more than 3,000 globally), which means that you can not only use it to access YouTube TV, but you’ll also be able to watch various city- or state-specific local channels. This VPN is ideal for streaming: it’s fast enough to watch live high-definition streams without any noticeable buffering, and even enables you to securely access platforms like Hulu and Sling TV from abroad.

256-bit encryption is enabled by default, and ExpressVPN keeps your activities private using DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch (desktop apps only), and perfect forward secrecy. No personally identifiable information is logged, so if you pay with Bitcoin and use a throwaway email address when signing up, you’ll be effectively untraceable. If you have any problems, customer support is available via 24/7 live chat.

This service offers apps for Linux, MacOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. Manual installation is required for supported network routers but this can be done quickly and easily with ExpressVPN’s custom firmware.

ExpressVPN speed test data

STRONG ON SECURITY:ExpressVPN is a privacy-focused provider that excels streaming. Provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

Unblocks YouTubeTested May 2023

CyberGhost works slightly differently from most VPNs in that you can choose a server for a specific task (such as securely accessing streaming sites or browsing anonymously) and have a suitable server assigned to you. It offers more than 7,000 high-speed servers worldwide, with more than 1,100 of them in the US. With the ability to connect up to seven devices at once, CyberGhost makes it easy to access whatever you want, wherever you want.

This service uses 256-bit encryption as well as DNS, IPv6, port forwarding, and WebRTC leak protection to keep your traffic secure. It includes a kill switch in every version of the software, an ad-blocker, and an anti-malware scanner.

CyberGhost does not log any personally identifiable information, and accepts Bitcoin for maximum anonymity. This VPN comes with user-friendly Android, Windows, MacOS, and iOS apps. Manual installation is required for selected internet routers.

CyberGhost speed test data

VALUE & PERFORMANCE:CyberGhost is fast and affordable. It has a simple set up with strong privacy credentials. Streams HD video reliably from all streaming platforms. Has a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

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5. IPVanish

Unblocks YouTubeTested May 2023

IPVanish has long been a favorite for streaming thanks to its expansive server network and strong multi-platform support. It currently has more than 1,300 servers across 60+ countries, including 500+ in the US. IPVanish is fast enough to watch high-definition live streams with no interruptions and can reliably unblock YouTube services. Further, this service permits any number of VPN connections, making it a strong choice for those looking to protect all of their devices at once.

On the security front, there’s 256-bit encryption, a kill switch (in both the mobile and desktop versions), and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. IPVanish also includes several features most other VPNs don’t. You can block local traffic, for instance, or obfuscate OpenVPN traffic.  As IPVanish doesn’t log any information that could identify you—and allows you to switch through IP addresses automatically on a regular basis—it makes users very difficult to track online. Support is available over live chat, 24/7, in case of any issues.

IPVanish has lightweight apps for Windows, MacOS, Amazon Fire, Android, and iOS. Linux devices and select wireless routers are supported but must be configured manually.

IPVanish speed test data

NO CONNECTION LIMIT:IPVanish is great for families since it allows any number of connections. Unblocks YouTube and provides strong security. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

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6. PrivateVPN

Unblocks YouTubeTested May 2023

PrivateVPN is ideal for live streaming thanks to its excellent streaming capabilities and high speeds. It has around 200 server locations globally, and 11 of these are in the US (in nine different states). This service has no problems streaming HD content on platforms like YouTube TV, Netflix, and Hulu, even from abroad. With six simultaneous connections allowed, PrivateVPN lets you protect all of your most commonly used devices with a single account.

This VPN has a strict no-logs policy and accepts Bitcoin, meaning you can register anonymously as long as you use a disposable email address. It uses 256-bit encryption by default, includes a kill switch that stops traffic when your internet connection is lost, and protects against WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leaks. Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat, and with your permission, the staff can even remotely install the software for you.

This service includes dedicated Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS apps. PrivateVPN also works on Linux-based systems and routers but requires manual configuration first.

PrivateVPN speed test data

GOOD STREAMING SPEED:PrivateVPN is consistently reliable. Good for general purpose use and HD Streaming. Could do with having more servers and lacks 24/7 support. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

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7. Atlas VPN

Unblocks YouTubeTested May 2023

Atlas VPN has around 750 servers in 45 countries including the US. It’s a particularly speedy service too, averaging over 200 Mbps in our latest tests. This means that it’s a great choice for anyone looking to stream live TV on platforms like YouTube TV, Hulu, or fuboTV. Unlike most other providers, Atlas VPN lets you connect as many devices as you like at the same time.

There’s a lot to like when it comes to security. This VPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and automatic wifi protection to keep your activities hidden at all times. It also follows a true no logs policy, so your privacy is in good hands. Live chat is available 24/7 just in case you run into any issues.

Atlas VPN has its own iOS, Android, MacOS, and Windows apps.

GOOD FOR STREAMING:Atlas VPN does it all, from securing your connecting to helping you stream safely. Better still, it allows any number of connections and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Take a look at our complete Atlas VPN review.

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The “youtube tv vpn proxy server detected” error

If you see the message “youtube tv vpn proxy detected”, YouTube TV has detected and blocked your VPN. At the time of testing, VPNs listed in this article are working. However, it’s a cat and mouse situation with YouTube blocking VPNs and VPNs implementing workarounds.

While all VPNs are susceptible to blocks we recommend NordVPN as it has proved to be the most reliable at evading VPN blocks from a whole host of local TV streaming services. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee should you find it is blocked.

Can I unblock YouTube TV servers with a free VPN?

Free VPNs often claim to provide the same level of service as their premium rivals, but this is far from reality. These VPNs usually have much larger user bases yet fewer servers to spread the load. As a result, you can expect extremely slow browsing speeds and digital videos that stutter, have low resolution, and frequently pause to buffer. Furthermore, as YouTube is one of the largest TV streaming services in the world, it’s unlikely that a free VPN will be able to bypass its geo-restriction measures in the first place.

Maintaining an international server network is expensive, so how can free VPNs afford to operate? The truth is that they’ve found various ways to profit from their users, whether it’s by placing ads onto the sites you visit, or using tracking cookies to amass a detailed dossier of your online activities. VPNs are designed to increase your online privacy, but by selling your data to unknown third parties without your knowledge, free services can actually reduce it instead.

It’s always difficult to choose which VPN to use, but it’s even harder with a free service. According to a 2015 study, the Google Play Store hosts dozens of supposed VPN apps that actually install malware on your device. Even if you find a seemingly legitimate service, there’s a good chance it doesn’t encrypt your internet traffic or protect against IPv6 leaks. Well-known services don’t guarantee your safety either, as we found when Hola was caught selling user bandwidth to help run a botnet.

To stay as safe as possible, we recommend using a reputable VPN with a clear, user-first privacy policy.  

Can I sign up for YouTube TV from abroad?

Although YouTube TV is technically only available in the US, it’s actually possible to sign up from anywhere as long as you have a PayPal account. When using a credit or debit card to pay, YouTube TV requires it to be registered to a US address, but unlike many similar services, YouTube TV doesn’t check to see if you have an American PayPal account.

Don’t want payments to be taken via PayPal? There’s a third payment option, one that’s not presented to the user during registration: Google Play gift cards. Just log in to the same Google Play account you signed up to YouTube TV with, redeem a gift card, and if you have enough credit, you’ll find that this service deducts the subscription fee from your balance instead of charging your card or PayPal account.

What can I watch on YouTube TV?

YouTube TV currently offers 90+ available channels as part of its standard subscription and there are an additional 16 that can be added for a small additional payment. Below, we’ve listed some of this service’s most popular networks:

1. ABC
2. BBC America
3. CBS
4. Disney Channel
5. ESPN
6. FOX
7. MLB
8. NBC
9. SyFy
10. TNT

YouTube TV FAQs