A virtual private network (VPN) can be the best way to access streaming services and stay entertained while you're away from home. Now that the Olympic games are starting, you may need to use a VPN to watch events you're interested in, especially if you are outside the US and traveling or on vacation.
A reliable VPN service assigns you a new IP address, allowing you to appear from somewhere else in the world. So, if you are already a subscriber to a service hosting Olympic live streams, you still might be able to access your service abroad. That said, using a VPN to access streaming services outside your typical location can be a gray legal area, even if you have the right to said content at home, so keep terms of service in mind.
I've tested every major VPN on the market, and found the top three VPNs for you to use while you are away to access Olympic sessions, live competitions, and streaming services.
Also: How to watch the 2024 Summer Olympics: Every streaming option
The best VPN for streaming the Olympics in 2024
ExpressVPN
Best VPN for streaming the Olympics overall
ExpressVPN supports many platforms and devices and has an exceptionally large network of servers, making it an ideal VPN for streaming the Olympic games.
With ExpressVPN, you can access various streaming services, including Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, HBO, Showtime, and Amazon Prime Video. This is also one of the few VPNs that includes ESPN, Sky Go, the BBC, Fubo, and Peacock on its compatibility list, giving you the best chance to tap into your service to watch the games while you're away from home.
During testing, I found ExpressVPN consistently fast, with a download speed reduction that is unlikely to impact most streaming services. It is also easy to download, install, and use.
Review: ExpressVPN
At the time of writing, a subscription to ExpressVPN costs $9.99 per month for six months or $12.95 for one month of access. If you take advantage of ExpressVPN's deal for a yearly subscription, you will pay for the service for $6.67 a month and get three additional months free.
Express VPN guide: How to stream sports live with a VPN
ExpressVPN features: Native Streaming Apps: Fire TV, Android TV, Nvidia Shield TV | Simultaneous Connections: 8 | Kill Switch: Yes | Platforms: A whole lot (see the full list here) | Logging: No browsing logs, some connection logs | Countries: 105 | Money-back guarantee: 30 days
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The best alternative VPN for streaming the Olympics
NordVPN
A close second for the best VPN to stream the Olympics
NordVPN came in an extremely close second when we decided on the top VPN for streaming the Olympics.
NordVPN provides the server network, speed, and reliability necessary for live streaming and accessing your favorite services. I've found that NordVPN consistently performs well on PC and mobile, and I've yet to come across any IP blocks activated by streaming service providers.
NordVPN works with major streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and the DAZN channel, to provide live and on-demand sports streaming. Try it out with your chosen content provider (as we can't guarantee NordVPN will work with every service broadcasting the games), and if you have trouble accessing content, try another server. Alternatively, you can cancel within 30 days of a new subscription and try a different VPN.
FAQ articles detail how to stream securely with most of these services and how to use the VPN provider's native apps. If you run into problems or are unsure which server to connect to for unlocking a specific service, live chat and email support are available.
Review: NordVPN
Prices start at $3.39 per month on a Standard two-year plan and $4.99 on one-year plans. At the time of this writing, NordVPN is offering free eSim data when you sign up for a one- or two-year agreement.
NordVPN guide: How to watch paid streaming services with NordVPN while traveling
NordVPN features: Native Streaming Apps: Fire TV, Android TV | Simultaneous connections: 10 | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, Chrome, Firefox | Logging: None, except billing data | Countries: 111 | Servers: 6,000+ | Money-back guarantee: 30 days
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The best budget VPN for streaming the Olympics
Surfshark
Best budget VPN for streaming the Olympics
Surfshark offers a solid VPN at an excellent price and could be a cheap option for live streaming the Olympic Games.
In our Surfshark VPN review, we found no DNS leaks, and the service has a strong security focus — although, sometimes, speeds can be slower than other VPNs, so you should keep this in mind if you will already be relying upon a mid- to low-tier internet connection.
Surfshark usually works with the most popular streaming services, including Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. A caveat: Surfshark's published streaming compatibility list is limited, so we can't guarantee it will work with your chosen streaming service for the games — but, in my own experience, I've yet to come across a block when I'm using this VPN.
Remember that if you're having trouble streaming, you could try a different server or country location. Sometimes, streaming services will block IPs specifically connected to a VPN, so switching servers can remove these barriers.
Surfshark's VPN costs start at $2.19/month for a two-year subscription plan (three months free) and $2.79/month for a one-year subscription. Alternatively, you can sign up for one month with plans starting at $15.45.
Surfshark guide: Stream sports privately with a VPN
Surfshark VPN features: Native streaming apps: Fire TV, Android TV, Nvidia Shield TV | Simultaneous connections: unlimited | Kill Switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Firefox, Chrome | Locations: 100 | Servers: 3,200+ | Logging: No activity logs | Money-back guarantee: 30 days
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