How to watch DirecTV STREAM overseas with a VPN

Want to Watch DirecTV STREAM on vacation? DirecTV is US-only, but with a VPN for DirecTV, you can watch your account from anywhere. Learn how to watch DirecTV STREAM with a VPN.

If you have left the US on vacation or for work, then DirecTV STREAM is unavailable and serves you an error message. As with most other US streaming platforms, DirecTV is region-locked for licensing reasons. This means you must be located within the US to stream your account. Luckily, you can use a VPN to get a US IP address from abroad. 

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an online privacy tool that encrypts your internet connections and hides your location from the websites you visit. In addition to giving you watertight online privacy, you can use a VPN to pretend to be in a different location. You can also bypass blocks at work or on campus with complete privacy.

The caveat is that many VPNs have already been blocked by leading US streaming providers like DirecTV, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max. You must pick a VPN provider carefully. The good news is that we have done the hard work for you.

In this guide, we explain how to watch DirecTV STREAM overseas with a VPN. To make your experience as seamless as possible, we’ve also pinpointed the best VPNs for watching DirecTV.

How to watch DirecTV STREAM on vacation

VPNs can seem confusing if you’ve not used one before. To help you out, we have provided a step-by-step guide that explains how to watch DirecTV abroad. 

Most VPNs have already been blocked by DirecTV, so it is vital that you pick a VPN with servers that are optimized for streaming US TV platforms. Below, we have included our top picks, but you can scroll down for a more comprehensive list of options.

How to watch DirecTV with a VPN:

1. Choose a VPN that works to watch DirecTV abroad. We recommend NordVPN because it is exceptionally secure, fast, and reliable for streaming DirecTV on vacation. Alternatively, you can use Surfshark, which is the best cheap VPN for DirecTV, or ExpressVPN, which is a fantastic all-rounder.
2. Follow one of the links in this guide to purchase a VPN subscription. Our link will automatically implement a coupon code that makes the subscription cost as cheap as possible.
3. Download the VPN software onto your streaming device. Our recommendations have Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Firestick apps to let you watch DirecTV on laptops, smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
4. Log in to the VPN app using your credentials from sign-up. You can use the VPN on multiple devices simultaneously, which means you and your family can use it on all your devices.
5. Select a VPN server in the US from the list of server options. Click Connect and wait for the VPN to establish the connection.
6. Launch your browser and navigate to DirecTV in your browser. You can try streaming by using the DirecTV app, but bypassing region locks using the browser-based version DirecTV STREAM is more reliable.

Once your VPN connects to the US server, you can stream DirecTV on vacation or at work. If you have any issues, we suggest clearing your browser's cookies and cache. Trackers lingering in your browser from previous streaming sessions can conflict with your VPN. After clearing them, restart your browser and navigate back to the DirecTV website. 

What are the best VPNs for watching DirecTV?

The best VPNs to watch DirecTV have been thoroughly tested and have a choice of streaming-optimized servers across America – perfect for watching DirecTV at work, in school, or on vacation. 

Remember that each VPN differs slightly, so it is worth reading our summaries to get the provider that best suits all your personal needs. You can find out more about the best VPNs for DirecTV by reading in-depth summaries in our streaming VPNs guide.

The best VPNs for watching DirecTV:

1. NordVPN: Ideal for watching DirecTV. Fast NordLynx protocol and US servers that unlock DirecTV STREAM, Netflix, Hulu, Sling TV, Paramount+, NBC Sports, ESPN+, and many more. Strong encryption, no-logs policy, and numerous reliable privacy features. NordLynx protocol's speed is perfect for streaming and gaming. Offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Super useful server network extends to 100+ countries, including the US. Fast WireGuard protocol for watching DirecTV, HBO Max, Netflix US, Hulu, ESPN+, and more. Allows unlimited connections, suitable for sharing accounts. Strong encryption and no-logs policy. Outstanding value for money.
3. ExpressVPN: Well-known for its fast connections, security, and reliability. Connects to servers in 94+ countries, including the US. Unlocks DirecTV STREAM, Hulu, Paramount+, HBO Max, and more. Has a kill switch and AES encryption. No-logs policy.
4. CyberGhost VPN: Budget-friendly and beginner-friendly. Clearly labels US servers by streaming provider (DirecTV STREAM, Hulu, ESPN+, etc.). Offers secure connections and robust privacy while keeping apps easy to use. 
5. Proton VPN: Optimal for US TV streaming and torrenting. Fast servers in 69+ countries work to securely access services like DirecTV, Netflix, YouTube TV, Hulu, and more. Features high-speed servers, robust security, and port forwarding.

Summary Table

How we choose the best VPN to watch DirecTV

Finding the right VPN for watching DirecTV can be daunting, especially for VPN newcomers. The internet is flooded with numerous competing services, each boasting (and often exaggerating) their offerings.

At BleepingComputer, we prioritize VPNs that offer robust online privacy with top-notch encryption to safeguard against ISP, website, and government tracking, as well as protect against potential threats on public WiFi.

Our VPN testing methodology involves examining security features before evaluating their ability to access content like DirecTV STREAM. We rigorously check for DNS leaks, scrutinize encryption methods, review privacy policies, and assess the reliability of VPN apps.

We test VPN speeds to ensure we only recommend VPNs that work without unnecessarily slowing down your internet. The VPNs listed in this guide have successfully passed all our tests, meaning we are confident they are secure and suitable for streaming DirecTV.

Here are the criteria we considered when picking the best VPNs to watch DirecTV abroad:

• US servers that are fast enough for streaming and have been tested with DirecTV.
• Also works to access popular services such as Netflix US, Hulu, and HBO Max.
• Fast speeds for streaming content in HD, gaming, and torrenting.
• Reliable customer support with live chat that is available on its website.
• Reliable privacy features, including strong encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and a choice of secure protocols.
• Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Firestick, and compatibility with other devices such as smart TVs and routers.
• A money-back guarantee so you can try the VPN to watch DirecTV on your own devices.
• Excellent versatility with access to international services from around the world, and the ability to bypass blocks and censorship no matter where you connect to the internet.
• A strict no-logging policy ensures the VPN never keeps records of your home IP address, the servers you use, or any of your browsing activities.

To be considered for the top three positions, the VPN must have completed a third-party security audit and have a network of diskless servers. Audits ensure you can trust that the VPN doesn't have any underlying vulnerabilities. RAM-only servers never store user data on disk and give the VPN provider the means to remotely erase any server in an emergency.

How to watch DirecTV STREAM with a VPN – FAQs

Can I use a free VPN to watch DirecTV?

No. Although there are a few reliable free VPNs available on the market, these are not suitable for watching US TV streaming services like DirecTV, Hulu, HBO Max, YouTube TV, and Netflix US. 

Trustworthy premium VPNs that offer a free plan only do so to advertise their service and offer users limited free use of their VPN as a loss leader. This can be extremely useful for people living in countries that are suffering from website blackouts and censorship during elections or protests for example. 

However, while a basic free plan can be a godsend during these times, premium VPN providers want people to upgrade to a paid plan. Their free plans are limited (access to few server locations, slower speeds, download limitations, and blacked access to popular streaming platforms like DirecTV STREAM).

At this time we know of no free VPNs that have US servers that work to watch DirecTV, so you still need to upgrade. Many free VPNs found on popular app stores like Google Play should be avoided.

Studies have revealed that many free VPNs suffer from DNS leaks, have insufficient or badly implemented encryption, and suffer from other vulnerabilities. They have even been found to contain spyware in their apps. We strongly recommend avoiding most free VPNs, because they put your data privacy at risk.

Why is DirecTV blocked outside of the US?

DirecTV licenses content from copyright holders and content distributors for the US only. These licenses allow copyright holders to sell their content to different services abroad. 

Because of these contractual limitations, DirecTV must monitor each visitor to its website. If a viewer is found to be outside of the licensed region, the website will serve them a location error message, which informs them that they cannot stream anything.

These types of blocks are primarily designed to stop people from outside of the US from using DirecTV. However, they also block legitimate US subscribers on vacation from being able to stream their accounts.

By using a VPN, you can get a valid IP address in the US and regain access to US streaming services from abroad. The only caveat is that many VPNs have already been blocked by DirecTV. Stick to our recommended services to avoid disappointment.

Can I watch DirecTV at work or in school with a VPN?

Yes. When you connect to a VPN you can bypass any restrictions placed on a local WiFi network. This allows you to access anything that has been blocked by your employer or school campus. 

Many employers block access to services like DirecTV and Netflix to prevent their staff from becoming distracted during work hours. The same is true on many university and college campuses.

A VPN can let you bypass these blocks privately. The encryption provided by the VPN means that local network admins cannot detect what you are doing while connected to the WiFi.

Although a VPN can improve your online privacy, it cannot stop your boss from walking up behind you when you are watching TV on a work computer. Always stick to using a VPN on your own devices and take care not to break company rules by watching TV or accessing social media, games, and anything else that could get you in trouble.

Do I need a fast VPN to watch DirecTV?

Yes. Dozens of consumer-facing VPNs are available online, but they are not all suitable for watching DirecTV. Many VPNs have slow servers and protocols that will cause a lot of buffering when you try to stream.

The VPNs recommended in this guide operate fast servers in the US and around the world. They also provide speedy protocols such as WireGuard and OpenVPN UDP. This makes them suitable for streaming HD video, playing games, torrenting, and doing other data-intensive tasks.

What can I watch on DirecTV STREAM?

Depending on which plan you choose, you can watch between 75 and 150 channels on DirecTV STREAM. Some of the most popular channels available on DirecTV include:

• HBO
• ESPN
• CNN
• Fox News
• TNT
• USA Network
• Disney Channel
• AMC
• TBS
• HGTV

How much is a subscription to DirecTV?

DirecTV STREAM offers plans starting at $69.99 USD per month for 75 channels, with higher-tier options priced at $154.99 per month for approximately 150 channels. These prices exclude any optional add-ons, like subscriptions to Epic, Showtime, or Starz, which each cost an additional fee.

If you are interested in trying DirecTV, there's a five-day free trial available. To avoid unintended charges, we recommend setting a reminder; DirecTV STREAM will automatically charge you once the trial period expires.

Is it legal to watch DirecTV abroad with a VPN?

Yes, it is legal to use a VPN to watch your DirecTV STREAM account abroad. You are a paying subscriber and there is nothing illegal about watching your account on vacation. We know of nobody who has ever been prosecuted for watching US TV on vacation, and it is perfectly legal to use a VPN to access your account privately at work if you so wish (though this could be against company policy).

Using a VPN is against most streaming services' Terms of Service. DirecTV and other streaming services are aware that consumers use VPNs to bypass region locks. They must show some effort in preventing outside access to comply with licensing obligations.

US streaming services do not shut down user accounts for using a VPN. They are aware that many people use VPNs for privacy reasons, and that VPN use does not guarantee that a user is outside of the licensed region. This makes it hard for streaming services to shut down user accounts for suspected VPN use.

You are a paying customer, and streaming services like DirecTV want you to keep paying your bill. DirecTV invests time and energy in blocking VPN servers rather than penalizing users.