watch Italian TV Abroad

Are you struggling to watch your favorite Italian TV shows while on vacation? You’re not alone. Geo-restrictions often ruin the entertainment experience for travelers longing for a taste of home. But don’t worry, we have the solution! A VPN helps you seamlessly unblock Italian TV from the USA, UK, or anywhere else in the world.

Our comprehensive article will introduce you to how VPNs work to mask your location and gain access to Italian TV platforms without a hitch. VPNs also encrypt your web connection for added privacy. This allows you to watch your favorite Italian channels like Canale 5, La5, Italia 1, TV8, and even Netflix Italia, from anywhere without the fear of prying eyes.

However, not all VPNs are created equal. Some fall short when unblocking geo-restricted channels, and others may not provide the speed you need for buffer-free streaming. Below, you’ll find detailed summaries of the best VPNs for watching Italian TV abroad, tested and vetted for optimal performance. But we’ll start with a quick rundown of our top picks for those on a tight schedule.

Best VPNs for live-streaming Italian TV

  1. NordVPN: Our top choice for watching Italian TV abroad. Comes packed with security features, offers solid speeds, a no-logs policy, and exceptional unblocking ability. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
    TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Italian TV.
  2. Surfshark: The best budget VPN for streaming outside of Italy. A speedy, security-first provider that’s as comfortable unblocking Italian TV abroad as it is bypassing country-wide internet censorship. Permits an unlimited number of connections.
  3. ExpressVPN: A fast, security-conscious service that’s capable of unblocking a wide range of Italian streaming platforms. Knowledgeable 24/7 customer service available.
  4. CyberGhost: A simple yet highly versatile service. It provides high speeds, streaming-optimized servers, and plenty of pre-configured security and privacy features.
  5. IPVanish: A zero-logs VPN with fast, reliable connections and a strong track record on security. Unblocks several major streaming platforms and allows any number of simultaneous connections.
  6. PrivateVPN: With higher speeds than most and excellent unblocking capabilities, this VPN is ideal for streaming Italian TV abroad. It offers a no-logs policy and strong security features.
  7. Atlas VPN: Capable of unblocking some of Italy’s most popular streaming services abroad. With high speeds and solid security, you’ll be able to stream safely from anywhere.

How to stream Italian TV from anywhere with a VPN

Never used a VPN before? There’s no need to panic; they’re actually very simple. Follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll be watching your favorite shows from outside Italy in minutes.

To unblock and watch Italian TV abroad, just follow these steps:

  1. Start by signing up for one of the VPNs below (we particularly recommend NordVPN).
  2. Install the app on your device and log in. Note: most providers let you connect around five devices at once, so feel free to install the software on any device you use to stream.
  3. Connect to any of your VPN’s Italian servers. This will get you an Italian IP address and allow you to access region-locked Italian services from abroad.
  4. Finally, visit your favorite streaming service. You should now be able to use it as though you were actually in Italy.
  5. If not, we recommend clearing your browser’s cookies and reloading the page. If this still doesn’t work, try another Italian server or contact customer support for further assistance.

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How we found the top Italian TV VPNs

There are so many VPNs on the market, but they don’t all offer the same level of service. They aren’t all as safe or secure and won’t all have the ability to access the services you want.  We’ve taken the guesswork out of it for you by only recommending VPNs that meet the following criteria:

  • Proven ability to access Italian TV channels and other geo-restricted media streams
  • Offers servers in Italy – the more, the better – for gaining you an Italian IP address
  • High speeds for HD streaming without any noticeable lag
  • Resolute privacy and encryption features
  • Friendly and knowledgeable customer support should you need it

This is just an overview, but you can read more about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend in our methodology section below the VPN reviews.

The best VPNs for Italian TV: at a glance

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

No valueNordVPNSurfsharkExpressVPNCyberGhostIPVanishPrivateVPNAtlasVPN
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comExpressVPN.comCyberghost.comIPVanish.comPrivateVPN.comAtlasVPN.com
Ranking for Italian TV1234567
Popular Sites Unblocked95%88%86%85%70%85%93%
Avg Speed (Europe)100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps20 Mbps100+ Mbps
Simultaneous Connections10Unlimited87Unlimited10Unlimited
Devices SupportedWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, LinuxWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TVWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TVWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV
Best deal (per month)$3.39
67% off NordVPN for you. 3 months free for a friend
$2.29
Save 82% + Get 2 Months FREE
$6.67
SAVE: 49% + 3 months free
$2.19
SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan
$2.75
SAVE 78% on the 2 yr plan
$2.00
Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free
$1.64
SAVE 86% on a 2 year plan + 6 months free

Best VPNs for watching Italian TV abroad

At Comparitech, we never recommend a VPN that we haven’t used and rigorously tested ourselves. The following reviews are based on our personal real-world experiences. Let’s take a closer look at the ones that impressed us. 

Here’s our list of best VPNs for live-streaming Italian TV from anywhere:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Mar 2024

Apps Available:

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

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our top choice VPN for watching Italian TV. It has 60+ servers in Italy and over 5,500 others in a further 60+ countries. As if that wasn’t enough, it also boasts exceptional streaming abilities, so whether you’re looking to watch Netflix Italia, Canale 5, or RaiPlay, you’re covered. Speeds are more than fast enough for HD live streaming, and with up to six simultaneous connections allowed, you’re free to stream on the go.

This VPN’s security offering is one of the strongest around. It uses 256-bit encryption, a customizable kill switch, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks to ensure your traffic stays hidden at all times. Users can choose to connect to the VPN automatically when using a public wifi network. There are special obfuscated servers for bypassing internet firewalls as well as VPN blocks in countries like China. NordVPN follows a strict zero-logs policy, so your activities can’t be traced back to you. Support is available via 24/7 live chat or email.

NordVPN comes with Windows, iOS, MacOS, Linux, and Android apps. If you’d like, you can manually configure the VPN for use with select home routers.

Pros:

  • Faster speeds than any other VPN we’ve tested
  • Great for streaming
  • Plenty of security features built in
  • Doesn’t keep any logs whatsoever
  • 60+ Italian servers and more than 5,500 gloablly
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

  • Desktop apps sometimes take a little longer to connect

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

BEST VPN FOR ITALIAN TV:NordVPN is our #1 choice for unblocking Italian TV channels from the USA, UK or anywhere. Also works with major platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer. This VPN offers a no-logs policy, high speeds, a wide range of security protections, and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Take a look at our complete NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark has more than 3,200 servers spread across over 100 countries, Italy included. It’s more than fast enough for lag-free streaming and, as a bonus, works seamlessly with popular platforms like Netflix US, RaiPlay, and Cielo. One of the biggest things that sets Surfshark apart from the competition is that it lets users connect as many devices as they like.

This VPN puts major emphasis on the user’s security. There’s 256-bit encryption, for starters, as well as DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and a built-in malware scanner. Surfshark even has a NoBorders mode that lets you access the internet freely in countries like China. This service doesn’t keep any identifiable data and can’t reveal details of your activities even if asked to. If you need help, you can contact support 24/7 over live chat and email.

Surfshark has apps for iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, and Linux. Select wireless routers are supported via manual installation.

Pros:

  • Allows unlimited devices
  • Fast enough for HD streaming
  • Works well with Netflix Italia and RaiPlay
  • Strong security and privacy credentials
  • Zero-logs provider

Cons:

  • Some slow speeds

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a low-cost VPN that doesn’t limit the number of connections you can have, so it’s perfect for families. It also comes with a suite of security and privacy features, strong speeds, real streaming potential, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full Surfshark review.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN has a network of over 3,000 servers in 100+ countries, not just Italy. This makes it an extremely strong choice for streaming, especially if you want to access stubborn platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video securely. Additionally, with fast speeds, a five-connection limit, and unlimited bandwidth, you’ll be able to watch in the highest possible quality wherever you are.

This service doesn’t compromise when it comes to security. It keeps your activities hidden using WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and 256-bit AES encryption. Equally important, ExpressVPN doesn’t log any personally identifiable data, which means you’re effectively untraceable once connected. Users can even pay in Bitcoin for an extra layer of anonymity. If you need help, you can reach support staff 24/7 via email.

ExpressVPN provides apps for MacOS, Windows, Android, iOS, and Linux systems. There’s also custom firmware for routers that makes it fairly straightforward to protect all of your devices at once.

Pros:

  • Thousands of high-speed servers in 100+ countries
  • Works with all kinds of region-locked services
  • Puts your security and privacy first
  • Pay anonymously with Bitcoin
  • 24/7 live chat support

Cons:

  • A little more expensive than some rivals
  • Could offer more control over advanced features

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

STRONG ALL ROUNDER:ExpressVPN has fast, reliable connections, excellent security and privacy credentials, plus the ability to access all kinds of Italian streaming services from abroad securely. Still not convinced? This VPN even includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Looking for more info? Why not check out the full ExpressVPN review?

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4. CyberGhost

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost has a huge network, with over 10,000 servers spread across 100+ countries and over 300 Italian servers. With so many servers to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find one that can stream Italian TV from the US, UK, or anywhere. Its fast, reliable connections allow you to stream without any noticeable lag or buffering, and with great unblocking capabilities, you’ll never be short of something to watch. This service allows you to connect up to seven devices at once.

There’s very little setup required since all of CyberGhost’s security features come pre-configured. As such, as soon as you connect, you’re protected by 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, an ad-blocker, a malware scanner, and a kill switch that stops sending data the moment your connection to the VPN drops. CyberGhost doesn’t store any data that could be used to identify you. While this service is very user-friendly, you can still reach customer support over live chat, 24 hours per day, in case of any problems.

CyberGhost has powerful yet easy-to-use apps for Windows, Android, MacOS, iOS, and Linux. It supports select internet routers too.

Pros:

  • Vast server network in 100+ countries, including over 300 in Italy
  • High speeds
  • All security features enabled by default
  • Very user-friendly
  • 45-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

  • Not suitable for those who need control of advanced features
  • Doesn’t work from China

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

300+ ITALIAN SERVERS:CyberGhost is ideal for anyone who wants to stream with minimal fuss. It’s fast, very user-friendly, and able to access some of the most popular services outside of Italy. Further, a generous 45-day money-back guarantee is included.

Interested? Read the in-depth CyberGhost review for more details.

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5. IPVanish

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.IPVanish.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

IPVanish has over 2,000 servers across 60+ countries, including Italy. It’s an excellent way to watch Italian TV since it offers very high speeds and the ability to safely stream popular services like La 5 and RaiPlay from outside of Italy. Better still, IPVanish lets users connect all of their devices at once, which is far more generous than many of its rivals.

Considering how lightweight this service is, there are a surprising number of security features built-in. It secures your traffic with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch, for instance. There’s also the option to block local connections and scramble your data to help you access networks or services that usually block VPN users outright. IPVanish is a zero-logs provider. If you run into any issues, you can reach support around the clock over live chat.

IPVanish offers apps for MacOS, Windows, iOS, and Android devices. It can be manually configured for use with Linux systems and select network routers.

Pros:

  • Fast and reliable connections
  • Strong on privacy and security
  • Works with RaiPlay, La 5, and more
  • Allows unlimited simultaneous connections

Cons:

  • Struggles with some major streaming services
  • Based in the US – a 5 Eyes member

Our score:

4 out of 5

FAST AND RELIABLE:IPVanish allows you to safely watch all of your favorite Italian shows from anywhere, thanks to its high speeds and powerful security features. Additionally, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

We take a closer look at this service in our full review of IPVanish.

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6. PrivateVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.PrivateVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

PrivateVPN doesn’t have the largest network, with around 200 servers in 60 countries. It does, however, have far faster speeds than many of its competitors. This makes it a natural choice for anyone looking to stream Italian TV from abroad. In fact, PrivateVPN works not just with DMAX and La 5 but also with major international platforms like Netflix Italy and BBC iPlayer.

It comes with a wide range of security features too. These include a customizable kill switch, 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a stealth mode capable of bypassing even the strictest VPN blocking measures. Further, PrivateVPN doesn’t keep any logs at all, so your privacy is in good hands. Staff can be contacted over live chat for 22 hours every day, and support is also available over email, ensuring you never have to wait too long to get help.

PrivateVPN apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. If you’d prefer to install it directly on your home router via manual configuration. You can install it on Linux systems too.

Pros:

  • Exceptionally high speeds
  • Works with plenty of Italian services, including La 5 and DMAX
  • Powerful security features and a true zero-logs policy

Cons:

  • Live chat goes offline for two hours per day
  • Fewer servers to choose from than other providers higher on this list

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

PERFECT FOR STREAMING:PrivateVPN boasts exceptionally high speeds, but it’s also able to access many Italian streaming platforms securely. This, coupled with its strong security focus and no-logging policy, makes it a great choice for anyone looking to stream safely abroad. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our comprehensive review of PrivateVPN.

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7. AtlasVPN

AtlasVPN

Apps Available:

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

Website:  www.AtlasVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

AtlasVPN is a great option for those looking for a secure and reliable VPN at an affordable price. Its 256bit AES encryption and robust privacy features ensure that your data and identity remain private both at home and on public wifi.

It allows unlimited simultaneous connections, and it has user-friendly apps available for iOS, Android, MacOS, and Windows. Plus, it can be manually installed on supported internet routers.

Servers are available in over 40 countries, including Italy. These work to access Sky Italia, Rai Play, Mediaset, and other Italian streaming services. Plus, it is fast for streaming, thanks to its WireGuard protocol.

The VPN has a kill switch, protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, and the option to automatically connect to a secure network when using unsecured wifi networks, which is good if you regularly connect to public wifi. Help is available 24/7 via live chat and email.

Pros:

  • Decent speeds for streaming
  • Works with Netflix in various regions
  • Strong on privacy and security

Cons:

  • Kill-switch leaks for a second during reconnection
  • Based in the US

Our score:

4 out of 5

GOOD FOR STREAMING:AtlasVPN has fast servers and WireGuard connections that make it good for gaming and streaming. Works to watch Netflix, RaiPlay, Infinity, NOW TV, Mediaset Play, and other Italian streaming services. Allows unlimited connections. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full AtlasVPN review.

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Finding the best VPNs for streaming Italian TV: our methodology

It’s important to realize that every VPN is different, and some providers are better suited for streaming than others. They may have more Italian servers, for instance, or the ability to fly under the radar more effectively. To help separate the wheat from the chaff, we decided to create a list of must-have characteristics, and you’ll find these below.

  • Reliable servers in Italy: Without Italian servers, you won’t be able to change your IP address and access Italian streaming services. The more servers there are, the better since this usually means a more reliable connection.
  • Strong streaming potential: Our recommended VPNs should be able to securely access services like Netflix Italy, RaiPlay, Now TV, La 7, and DMAX. Naturally, they must also have speeds that are fast enough for HD live streaming.
  • Powerful security tools: At a bare minimum, we require VPNs to offer 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. However, we prefer providers that go further with split-tunneling, stealth, or Smart DNS features.
  • A no-logs policy: The whole point of a VPN is to increase your digital privacy. For this reason, we will not recommend VPNs that log personally identifiable information.
  • Easy-to-use apps: We only recommend services that are easy enough for complete beginners to use. If a provider offers other experience-enhancing features like 24/7 live chat, no connection limit, or streaming-optimized servers, so much the better.
  • Fair pricing: Part of our process involves comparing a VPN’s price to that of its competitors. If you can get a better service for less money, we’ll tell you. Of course, we’ll also let you know about any available discounts or money-back guarantees as well.

This might seem like a fairly extensive list of requirements, but it’s only the first step of a larger testing process. If you’re interested, we have a whole post breaking down how we test VPNs.

Unblocking Italian TV abroad with a free VPN

Although it’s tempting to try and watch Italian TV abroad with a free VPN, and a quick search will turn up plenty of them, but we do not recommend it. They’re a particularly poor choice for anyone looking to stream because, despite their huge number of users, these services usually only have a handful of servers. This causes very slow speeds, which means your video will almost certainly lag, buffer for long periods of time, or simply refuse to play. There’s also no guarantee that your chosen VPN will have an Italian server (or that it hasn’t already been blacklisted by major streaming sites).

There’s a more serious problem with free VPNs to consider, too: at least one popular app store is flooded with hundreds of Trojans looking to capitalize on your desire for better security for free. Some free VPNs have also been found to collect users’ data to sell to third parties, while others failed to use any encryption, completely defeating the purpose of using a VPN in the first place.

To stay as safe as possible when streaming, it’s best to use a reputable, paid VPN with strong security features and a clearly-worded, user-first privacy policy. However, if you’re dead set on watching Italian TV abroad for free, here are some tips on how to do so safely.

How to watch Italian TV abroad with a free VPN:

  • Opt for a VPN that offers a free trial. These range from 1 – 7 days, which could be enough if you just want to catch a couple of shows.
  • Make the most of the money-back guarantees of the providers we’ve listed here. They last 30-45 days, so that should be enough to cover you for a vacation or short work trip. Unlike free trials, you do have to pay upfront but can at least rest assured that if you’re not 100% happy with the service, you can claim a full refund. Check out our step-by-step guide to claiming a full refund from NordVPN to see how simple it is.

Watching Italian TV abroad: FAQs

Is it legal to stream Italian TV outside of Italy?

In most parts of the world, it’s perfectly legal to use a VPN to access geo-restricted content such as news sites and TV platforms. However, doing so almost always goes against streaming services’ terms of use.

In theory, the TV provider could ban your account if it detects that you’re connected to a VPN, but this is essentially unheard of; you’re much more likely to be asked to turn the VPN off.

Laws concerning the internet are extremely complex and differ from one country to another. If you’re in any doubt, we recommend you read up on your current location’s relevant legislation before attempting to stream with a VPN.

Which Italian TV channels can I watch with a VPN?

Once you’re connected to an Italian VPN server, you should be able to access all of your usual services while traveling abroad. Below, we’ve listed some of the most popular TV channels and streaming platforms you’ll be able to stream securely outside of Italy:

How can I watch Italian TV in the UK?

If you’re traveling in the UK, the easiest way to stream Italian TV is with a VPN. Just follow the steps above to connect to a server back home, and you should be able to access geo-blocked platforms like RaiPlay, DMAX, and La 7 like you normally would. If you’re having problems, your VPN’s customer support team should be able to tell you what’s wrong and point you in the direction of a server that works with your chosen service.

What else can I use a VPN for?

There are plenty of uses for a VPN outside of unblocking streaming sites. Let’s say you’re traveling, for instance. Depending on where you are in the world, you might find that Facebook and WhatsApp are blocked, making it difficult to contact friends and family back home. You may even be in a country where the government monitors your internet activities and the contents of your emails. In each of the examples above, a VPN would help, either by unblocking the previously inaccessible site or by encrypting your traffic and making it unreadable.

Have you ever tried to log in to your online banking or PayPal account from abroad and found that your access was restricted by an automated fraud-prevention mechanism? VPNs can reduce the chance of this happening. If you connect to a server in your home country before attempting to log in, it’s less likely the service will realize you’re in a foreign country.

Can I watch Serie A soccer from the US with a VPN?

Serie A is broadcast on Sky Sports and Premium Sport in Italy, and if you’re an existing subscriber, you should be able to access these services from anywhere with the right VPN. That said, if you’re visiting the US, you could just tune into CBS Sports; this channel is included with fuboTV, Hulu with Live TV, and YouTube TV packages, all of which offer a free trial.

How do I install Italian TV on my Firestick?

It’s easy to watch Italian TV on your Firestick with a VPN. Download the VPN app on your Firestick, connect to an Italian server, and choose the streaming app of your choice.

Need more help? Check out our article on how to load a VPN onto a Firestick, or watch the video tutorial below.