How to watch Sportsnet from anywhere in 2026

Sportsnet is a premium sports platform that is available in Canada. With Sportsnet, you can watch sports such as soccer, the NHL, WNBA, NBA, and UFC. However, if you’re outside of Canada, you will encounter an error if you try to access the service.

Luckily, you can navigate this problem by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and connecting to a Canadian server. In addition to bypassing geographical restrictions, VPNs also protect your security and privacy online thanks to features such as encryption and no-logs policies.

So, if you wish to watch your favorite sports while traveling outside Canada, I have reviewed the best VPNs for Sportsnet in detail below. But first, let’s take a look at how to use a VPN to watch Sportsnet from anywhere.

How to watch Sportsnet with a VPN

Ready to get started? Follow these steps to watch Sportsnet from anywhere with a VPN:

1. Subscribe to a VPN that allows you to watch Sportsnet worldwide. I recommend using NordVPN since it has servers in Canada, is fast, and has great unblocking ability. Plus, it comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Download and install the VPN app onto the device(s) you want to watch Sportsnet on.
3. Log in to your VPN service and connect to a server in Canada. This gives you a Canadian IP address, allowing you to watch Sportsnet while overseas.
4. You should now be able to access Sportsnet without any issues. Head to the Sportsnet app/website, and you shouldn’t encounter any error messages.

If you run into any issues accessing Sportsnet with this method, try clearing your cache and cookies. If this still doesn’t work, contact your VPN’s customer support team.

Now you know how to watch your favorite Canadian sporting action, let’s explore the best VPNs for the job. In-depth VPN reviews will follow, but here’s a quick summary if you’re in a rush.

The best VPNs for Sportsnet:

1. NordVPN: My number one choice for watching Sportsnet from anywhere. It has 9,000+ servers in over 127 countries and offers fast streaming speeds and great unblocking abilities. Subscribers get a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: The best budget option for Sportsnet users. Offers an unlimited number of simultaneous connections, great unblocking ability, and fast streaming speeds.
3. Total VPN: An easy-to-use, affordable VPN with solid unblocking ability. It also has strong security measures in place.
4. ProtonVPN: Provides users with a very large number of servers, including 633+ in Canada. Can unblock a wide range of geo-restricted services.
5. ExpressVPN: Very fast and reliable service. It is also easy to use, making it a solid option for beginners. Excellent unblocking ability.
6. IPVanish: A popular choice for streaming, with fast speeds and plenty of servers in the US and Canada. Unlimited number of simultaneous connections.
7. CyberGhost VPN: Boasts a large network of servers that are optimized for activities such as streaming, gaming, and/or torrenting.
8. PureVPN: An easy-to-use option that makes unblocking Sportsnet easy for everyone. Decent privacy and security features as well.
9. PrivateVPN: A privacy-conscious option with great unblocking ability. Even though it has a smaller network, it is very effective and also secures users’ connections.

Unfortunately, not all VPNs are suitable for watching Sportsnet or for other online activities. That’s why I followed strict criteria to ensure I recommended the top VPNs for the job.

Here are the factors I considered to find the best VPNs for watching Sportsnet from anywhere:

• Fast connection speeds
• Ability to unblock Sportsnet and other popular streaming platforms
• Strong server network, with Canadian locations
• Robust security and privacy features
• Easy to use
• Excellent value for money

For more information about the criteria I used, check out the testing methodology section later in this guide.

Best VPNs for watching Sportsnet from anywhere

Having considered all of the above, here are the best VPNs for watching Sportsnet from anywhere:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is my number one option for watching Sportsnet from anywhere. It offers users a large network of 9,000+ servers across 127+ countries, including 300+ in Canada. It also has great unblocking capabilities, so you can access geo-restricted services such as Sportsnet, Amazon Prime Video, Crave, and Netflix Canada.

Fast streaming speeds mean that when users game and stream, they won’t have to worry about lag/buffering. It is also relatively easy to use. Robust security measures include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. There is also a strict no-logs policy in place.

NordVPN has apps available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It can also be manually installed on supported routers. If you need assistance, the customer support team is available 24/7. There is also an allowance for 10 simultaneous connections.

Pros:

• Strong server network
• Robust security measures in place
• Great unblocking capability
• Polished, user-friendly experience
• Great customer support that is available 24/7

Cons:

• Split tunneling isn’t supported on all platforms

BEST VPN FOR SPORTSNET:NordVPN is a great option for unblocking Sportsnet outside Canada. It has a large server network and delivers fast speeds, ideal for streaming and gaming. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is the best budget option out there for watching Sportsnet abroad. While it is affordable, it doesn’t skimp on quality, with fast servers worldwide. Its vast network of 4,500+ servers across 100+ countries lets you unblock geo-restricted services with ease. Thanks to its Canadian servers, you can watch Sportsnet from anywhere.

This provider has robust security and privacy measures in place, including 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. There is a strict no-logs policy and a split tunneling feature.

Surfshark is a great option for those with lots of devices, supporting an unlimited number of simultaneous connections. Apps are available for macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, and even Linux. This service can also be installed on some routers. If you ever need assistance, 24/7 live chat support is provided.

Pros:

• Unlimited device connections
• Great budget option
• Fast streaming speeds
• Strong security measures

Cons:

• Some servers are a little slow

SUPERB BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark offers great pricing and has a diverse server network, which includes Canada. Has strong security measures in place and offers unlimited simultaneous connections. 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. Total VPN

Total VPN is an easy-to-use provider with server options spread across the globe, offering a network of 1,800 servers in 90+ countries. It has great unblocking ability and can provide access to Sportsnet and other Canadian streaming platforms, such as Crave and TSN, regardless of where you are in the world.

Many security features are on offer for subscribers, including a kill switch, 256-bit AES encryption, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. It also doesn’t keep any connection or activity logs.

Total VPN provides apps for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. If you need assistance, customer support is available via email. Users are allowed to connect five devices simultaneously.

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly option
• Affordably-priced
• Great unblocking ability
• Fast streaming speeds

Cons:

• Only five simultaneous connections are supported
• Doesn’t work in China

AFFORDABLE AND EASY TO USE:Total VPN is a good pick if you’re looking for an affordable option that’s easy to use. Provides users with a 14-day money-back guarantee and a 30-day money-back guarantee on longer plans.

4. Proton VPN

Proton VPN provides users with a very large number of servers, with 17,800+ servers in 129+ countries, including 633+ in Canada. It offers decent streaming speeds and can unblock services like Sportsnet, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video with ease. Proton VPN is relatively easy to use as well.

Security features include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, obfuscation, multi-hop connections, and Secure Core servers. It also keeps user data private thanks to its no-logs policy.

Proton VPN is available on a number of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. It can also be manually configured on some routers.

Pros:

• Strong security features
• Very large server network
• Great unblocking ability
• Multi-platform support

Cons:

• Can be complicated to use for beginner users
• Streaming servers aren’t labelled

LARGE SERVER NETWORK:ProtonVPN has a huge server network, giving users lots of options in Canada and worldwide. It also offers robust security features and is available on a number of different platforms. 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is very fast and has been respected as a strong streaming option for many years. In total, ExpressVPN has 3,000+ servers in over 105 countries, and can unblock streaming services in Canada like Sportsnet with ease.

When it comes to security, ExpressVPN does not slack off, either. This service offers users strong, 256-bit AES encryption, protection against DNS leaks, and a kill switch. No logs are stored either. There is also an .onion site available, accessible only via the anonymous TOR network. This protects users’ information when they are researching the service.

24/7 live chat support is provided. This is helpful even though ExpressVPN is easy to use. Apps are available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. In addition, this service can be manually installed on some routers. In fact, ExpressVPN even has its own line of Aircove routers, which can run the service.

Pros:

• Easy-to-use, beginner-friendly option
• Very fast streaming speeds
• Strong security options in place
• Works well in highly censored countries

Cons:

• On the expensive side
• No labelled streaming servers

VERY FAST STREAMING SPEEDS:ExpressVPN is very fast and also easy to use. It can unblock Sportsnet without any issues and has strong security measures in place. Offers its subscribers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

6. IPVanish

IPVanish is a solid option for streaming and has great unblocking ability. As a result, it has been well-regarded in the Kodi streaming community for many years. IPVanish has 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries, including locations in Canada, which makes it a wise choice for accessing services such as Netflix Canada, Crave, and Sportsnet.

Strong security measures include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, a true zero-logs policy, and DNS leak protection. There is also a traffic-scrambling option in place.

IPVanish offers its users unlimited device connections. If you need assistance, the customer support team is available 24/7 via the provided live chat. Apps are available on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. This service can be manually installed on some routers and Linux devices, too.

Pros:

• Great streaming option
• Strong security measures
• Unlimited connections
• No logs are stored

Cons:

• Apps don’t work in China
• Some servers don’t work with Netflix

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish offers unlimited simultaneous connections, fast streaming speeds, and strong security. Popular choice for Kodi users and avid streamers. 30-day money-back guarantee.

7. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN has a large number of servers worldwide, with 11,500+ in around 100 countries. It also provides users with servers tailored to their needs, optimized for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. You’ll have no issues unblocking Sportsnet and watching sports lag-free.

Robust security measures include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, ad and tracker blocking, and automatic Wi-Fi protection. DNS leak protection and a strict no-logs policy are also in place.

CyberGhost is easy to use, too. However, if users run into issues, live chat support is available 24/7. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, and iOS, and can be installed manually on some routers as well. Users can connect up to seven devices simultaneously.

Pros:

• User-friendly apps
• Generous 45-day money-back guarantee
• Servers specialized for activities such as gaming, streaming, and torrenting

Cons:

• Doesn’t work well in highly-censored countries like the UAE and China
• Connections limited to seven devices

OPTIMIZED SERVERS:CyberGhost has a very large number of servers that are optimized for purposes such as gaming, streaming, and torrenting. There is a generous 45-day money-back guarantee in place.

8. PureVPN

PureVPN has 6,500+ servers in 100+ countries. It offers decent streaming speeds, allowing users to stream TV abroad without lag/buffering. In addition, it can unblock services such as Netflix, Disney+, and Sportsnet.

PureVPN is relatively easy to use, and it offers multi-platform support. These platforms include macOS, Android, Windows, and iOS. If you run into any trouble, you can get help thanks to PureVPN’s 24/7 live chat support.

There is strong security in place, too. Security measures include 256-bit AES encryption, a strict no-logs policy, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Users are allowed up to 10 simultaneous connections.

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly
• Strong security options available
• 10 simultaneous connections

Cons:

• Not the fastest VPN
• Doesn’t offer port-forwarding as a standard option

BEGINNER-FRIENDLY:PureVPN is a beginner-friendly option that can unblock services like Sportsnet with ease. In addition, it is a secure platform. It offers 24/7 live chat support and a 31-day money-back guarantee.

9. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a privacy-conscious VPN with around 200 servers in 63+ countries. It offers decent streaming speeds too, allowing users to watch services like Sportsnet without lag or buffering. Thanks to its unblocking ability, PrivateVPN can also access services such as Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.

Security measures include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS leaks. There is also a strict no-logs policy in place. Stealth mode is a laudable feature, offering extra protection in highly censored environments such as China.

PrivateVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections and gives users 24/7 customer support. This provider has apps available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, and can be manually configured on routers and on Linux.

Pros:

• Privacy-conscious option
• Works well in highly censored countries

Cons:

• Small server network
• Doesn’t provide a Linux app

PRIVACY-CONSCIOUS: option with a smaller network. It has great unblocking ability and works well in restrictive countries. It offers users a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Testing methodology: How I chose the best VPNs for Sportsnet

While looking for the best VPNs for Sportsnet, I considered a strict set of criteria to ensure I found the best options. Not all VPNs are created equally, so this was necessary.

Here is a list of the factors I considered when picking the VPNs reviewed above:

• Connection speeds: Fast connection speeds are important when streaming sports. Not all VPNs provide fast streaming speeds, which can be due to the VPN protocols used or to their inability to handle user traffic. However, the VPNs reviewed here can deliver speeds fast enough for bandwidth-intensive activities, such as streaming and gaming.
• Server network: Having a robust server network with options spread across the globe is important for users who travel frequently. For Sportsnet, it was important that the VPNs I chose offered fast VPN connections in Canada.
• Security and privacy features: In addition to bypassing streaming services like Sportsnet, VPNs also protect users in the online environment with features such as encryption and obfuscation. All of these VPNs have excellent security and privacy measures in place.
• Ease of use: There should be no technical barrier to using a VPN. It must be straightforward for anyone to set up a VPN and bypass any service they want. This is an important factor that ensures that users aren’t disheartened when setting up and using a VPN service.
• Value for money: Ensures there is no financial barrier to getting set up with a VPN service. I looked at criteria that included pricing, discounts, and money-back guarantees to assess good value for money.

For more information about the criteria I used, take a look at the full VPN testing process here.

How to watch Sportsnet FAQs