How to bypass ESPN blackouts: Get around restrictions

ESPN blackouts can lead to users not being able to watch their sport of choice, depending on their location. As one of the biggest sports broadcasters in the US, ESPN is the home of MLB, NBA, MLS, NHL, NFL, and more.

Unfortunately, ESPN implements blackout restrictions in some parts of the US to protect the rights holders in those areas. This means that users will occasionally be unable to watch their favorite sports game, whether they’re traveling around the US or overseas.

With the help of a VPN, users can bypass these geographic restrictions and ensure they never miss their favorite team in action again because of pesky blackouts.

How do ESPN blackouts work?

ESPN blackouts are usually put in place to protect primary rights holders and affect major sports leagues, including MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL. Users typically encounter blackouts if they live in the home territory of a team that is playing a game at home.

For example, if you live in San Francisco, you’re in the home market for the San Francisco 49ers. If they play a regular-season game and ESPN is broadcasting it nationally, the broadcast would be blacked out in California if it’s airing on the local network.

Blackouts may happen due to a local broadcaster having the rights to air a game, or they may occur to encourage fans to watch a game in person.

How to bypass ESPN blackouts with a VPN

Fortunately, navigating ESPN blackouts is easy if you use a reputable VPN provider, allowing you to watch your favorite team in just a few clicks.

Follow these steps to bypass ESPN blackouts with a VPN:

1. First, you will need to subscribe to a top-tier VPN service. I recommend using NordVPN since it has a server network of 1,970+ servers in more than 20 US cities. Plus, it offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Download the VPN app for the provider you subscribed to on the device you will be watching ESPN on.
3. Connect to a VPN server in a city where the game isn’t blacked out. This should work for a city outside of your home territory.
4. Open your browser or ESPN app and access the game that was previously blacked out.

If you still experience issues watching the game, try clearing your cache and cookies. If this doesn’t work, try contacting your VPN’s customer support team.

So, now you’re familiar with how to bypass ESPN blackouts using a VPN, let’s take a look at the top VPN providers for the job.

In this guide, I have reviewed the best VPNs for bypassing ESPN blackouts in detail. However, if you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary.

The best VPNs for bypassing ESPN blackouts:

1. NordVPN: My number one choice for bypassing ESPN blackouts. It has 1,970+ servers in the US across 20+ cities and 7,400+ servers globally. Plus, it offers fast streaming speeds and excellent security features. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: A great budget-friendly option for dodging ESPN blackouts. In addition to its great pricing, it has 790+ servers in the US and can bypass blocks on streaming services with ease.
3. IPVanish: An excellent streaming VPN. It has 1,100+ servers in the US, which makes it a great option for unblocking ESPN and other US-based platforms.
4. ExpressVPN: Trustworthy and reliable, this provider is easy to use and has servers in more than 24 US locations – ideal for ESPN users.
5. CyberGhost VPN: Has more than 11,500 servers globally, with a strong presence in the US. This makes it a solid option for bypassing ESPN blackouts.
6. Private Internet Access: Lightweight, easy to use, and has several server locations located in the US. Boasts a huge global server network – 35,000+.
7. PureVPN: Has a decent-sized server network that consists of 6,000 servers across the world. Offers fast connection speeds.
8. Proton VPN: Easy to use and has over 400 servers in the US. It is a great pick for streaming and gaming.
9. PrivateVPN: A privacy-focused provider with server locations in the US. Offers a good balance of streaming speed and security.

While looking for the best VPNs for bypassing ESPN blackouts, I considered several different factors, some of which I have listed below:

• Servers in the USA and good coverage around the world
• Fast streaming speeds for watching live sports
• Excellent unblocking ability
• Strong security and privacy measures
• User-friendly and great customer support
• Value for money

I go into more detail about these factors in the testing methodology section of this article.

Best VPNs for bypassing ESPN blackouts

So, without further ado, here are my best VPNs for bypassing ESPN blackouts:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is a fast and secure provider with over 7,400 servers in more than 118 countries (including the US). NordVPN has 1,970+ servers in 20+ US cities, giving users lots of choice for bypassing ESPN blackouts.

In addition, NordVPN has strong security measures in place. These features include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch (app-specific), an automatic ad-blocker, protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks, and a malware scanner. This service doesn’t store logs either, and cryptocurrency payments are accepted. These payments don’t associate users’ names with payments, unlike traditional credit card payments.

Users can download NordVPN apps for many different devices, too. This is great for those who may be watching ESPN on a variety of devices. Apps are available for Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, and even Linux. Plus, some routers can have this service manually installed on them. Users have the option of connecting 10 of their devices simultaneously. The customer service team is available 24/7 via the provided live chat.

Pros:

• Excellent server network in the US
• Fast connection speeds
• Strong security measures
• No logs stored
• Apps available across several different platforms

Cons:

• The desktop app is sometimes slow

BEST VPN FOR WORKING AROUND ESPN BLACKOUTS:NordVPN has 1,970+ servers in the US. Couple this with its fast connection speeds, cross-platform availability, and its strong security measures, and users have a great VPN for watching their teams play. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is hard to beat when it comes to finding a VPN on a budget. It offers over 3,200 servers in around 100 countries. Connection speeds are fast as well, making it a good option for streaming sports on ESPN. Surfshark has 790+ servers in the US, giving users who are looking to bypass blackouts a lot of different choices when looking for a server in a specific city.

Surfshark has strong security measures in place. These include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and traffic scrambling. Plus, users can benefit from a strict no-logs policy.

There are apps available across many different platforms. Apps can be downloaded for macOS, Linux, Windows, Android, and iOS. Some routers can also have this VPN manually installed on them. Users are allowed an unlimited number of connections. The customer service team is available 24/7 via the provided live chat, making it easy for customers from all time zones to get any technical help they need.

Pros:

• Plenty of servers across the US
• Can unblock many different services
• Fast connection speeds
• Strong security measures
• Supports an unlimited number of connections

Cons:

• Some servers are a little slow at times

BEST BUDGET VPN FOR BYPASSING ESPN BLACKOUTS:Surfshark is hard to beat when it comes to price. It is fast, secure, and has lots of US servers too. This makes it a great candidate for bypassing ESPN blackouts. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. IPVanish

IPVanish has always been a go-to option for those looking to stream. This is why it has been a top choice for Kodi users for many years. It can unblock many different streaming services and is a solid option for bypassing ESPN blackouts, thanks to its more than 1,100 servers in the US.

In addition to its ability to bypass ESPN blackouts, IPVanish is also a great provider for securing your device in the online environment. IPVanish’s security features include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. A traffic scrambling option is also included and it stores no logs.

IPVanish apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android. Plus, this service also works on Linux and can be manually installed on some routers. Supports an unlimited number of device connections and live chat support is available 24/7.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds and US servers
• Unlimited number of connections
• No logs are stored
• Great option for torrenters and Kodi users

Cons:

• Some servers don’t successfully bypass streaming service blocks
• Apps don’t work in China

GREAT STREAMING VPN FOR LIVE SPORTS:IPVanish has long been proven as a good option for streaming and gaming. Thanks to its 1,100+ servers in the US, it is a great choice for bypassing ESPN blackouts. It has strong security features and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee for added peace of mind.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a top provider when it comes to streaming speeds. In addition, with its more than 3,000 servers in 105+ countries (including the US), it is a great choice for those looking to find a way around ESPN blackouts. It is also easy to use, making it a good option for beginners.

The provider has many security features in place to protect users. These measures include perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, leak protection, and 256-bit AES encryption. In addition to the regular ExpressVPN site, this provider also has a .onion site in place, which can only be accessed via the anonymous TOR network. The TOR network protects identities by routing connections to websites through a series of encrypted nodes.

ExpressVPN has apps available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Plus, some routers can have this service installed on them. The customer service team can be reached 24/7 via the provided live chat and eight simultaneous connections are allowed.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds and US servers
• Can unblock top-tier streaming services
• .onion site and acceptance of cryptocurrency payments
• Strong security measures

Cons:

• An expensive service

RELIABLE VPN FOR BYPASSING ESPN BLACKOUTS:ExpressVPN is one of the best options out there when it comes to streaming and unblocking ESPN. It is fast and has strong security measures in place. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN has a very large number of servers (11,500+) in more than 100 countries, including hundreds in the US. It offers fast speeds and has servers that are optimized for streaming. This makes CyberGhost a solid choice for users looking to bypass ESPN blackouts.

On top of its suitability for bypassing sports blackouts, CyberGhost has strong security measures in place. These include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy. In addition, this provider accepts cryptocurrency payments.

CyberGhost apps can be downloaded for macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS. Some routers can also be manually configured to work with this service. The customer support team is available 24/7 and seven simultaneous connections are supported.

Pros:

• Clients are easy to use
• 24/7 live chat service
• Huge server network in the US and globally
• Strong security and privacy measures

Cons:

• Blocked in the UAE and China
• Torrenting and P2P may not work on all servers

LARGE SERVER NETWORK:CyberGhost has a very large server network, which gives users plenty of choice for getting a different IP address. It has strong security measures and rewards users with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

6. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a lightweight option with thousands of servers globally. It also has servers in all 50 of the US states, which makes it an excellent choice for ESPN users wishing to bypass blackouts.

PIA also ensures users’ security in the online environment through several excellent security features. These include a kill switch and 256-bit AES encryption. This service doesn’t store logs either.

In addition, PIA offers apps for a variety of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. PIA’s customer service can be reached via the provided live chat 24/7 and an unlimited number of connections is supported.

Pros:

• Unbeatable server coverage in the US
• Can provide secure access to many different streaming services
• WireGuard VPN protocol supported (fast and efficient)
• Several customization options

Cons:

• Doesn’t work well in China
• App design could be improved

SERVERS IN ALL 50 US STATES:PIA is a great option for bypassing ESPN blackouts, with servers in all 50 US states. It is also a secure provider that boasts top-notch privacy features. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

7. PureVPN

PureVPN has 6,000+ servers in more than 65 countries, including the US. It offers fast connection speeds and is a reliable option for bypassing ESPN blackouts and unblocking other streaming services.

PureVPN also has strong security features in place to protect its user base. These features include AES 256-bit encryption with the L2TP/IPSec protocol, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. PureVPN also logs minimal information. This provider only stores a timestamp and the total amount of bandwidth used when connected to a server, but logs no personally identifying information.

This provider has apps available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. You can also encrypt your phone with apps for Android and iOS. PureVPN allows 10 simultaneous connections.

Pros:

• Ease of use
• Strong encryption and security features
• Torrenting permitted
• US server locations

Cons:

• Speeds are sometimes unstable
• Unable to bypass Netflix blocks

TRUSTWORTHY AND PRACTICAL:PureVPN is a good provider for accessing blacked-out ESPN games. Plus, it is easy to use and keeps your data secure, which makes it suitable for VPN newbies. This service comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

8. Proton VPN

Proton VPN is a decent service that is easy to use and bypasses geo-blocks. It has over 12,000 servers across 117+ countries, including more than 400 servers in the US. It allows 10 simultaneous device connections and it even has its own CLI app.

The provider has several security measures in place, including leak protection, a kill switch, and 256-bit AES encryption. In addition, no logs are stored.

Proton VPN is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer live chat support, but it does come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

• Strong security
• Bypasses ESPN blackouts and streaming services with ease
• Works for torrenting

Cons:

• No live chat support available
• Could be more user-friendly

EASY TO USE:Proton VPN’s app is easy to navigate and familiarize yourself with, allowing you to get set up and start watching your favorite sports quickly. It’s also a reliable choice for torrenting and gaming. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

9. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN has over 200 servers in 63+ countries, including some US servers. Therefore, ESPN users will be able to bypass blackouts and watch their sports teams no matter their location in the US.

The provider has several security measures in place, including 256-bit AES encryption and leak protection. This service also doesn’t store logs and cryptocurrency payments are supported for greater anonymity.

PrivateVPN apps can be downloaded for several platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Some routers and Linux devices can be manually configured to work with this service. The customer service agents are only available during regular Swedish business hours. However, the quality of customer service is excellent, and 10 devices can be connected simultaneously.

Pros:

• Can unblock many services
• Fast connection speeds
• Works in China

Cons:

• Small server network
• Customer support not available 24/7

PRIVACY-FOCUSED VPN:PrivateVPN is a privacy-focused option with strong security and a strict no-logs policy. US servers allow you to bypass ESPN blackouts and a 30-day money-back guarantee is on offer so you can try before you buy.

Testing methodology: How I chose the best VPNs for bypassing ESPN blackouts

I researched many different options when looking for the right VPNs to bypass ESPN blackouts. Not all VPNs are created equally, so I used a strict set of criteria to determine the best options for watching ESPN, no matter your location in the US or overseas. Here are the factors I considered:

• Strong server network: In addition to a large global network for general use, US servers are necessary for making bypassing ESPN blackouts simpler. All of these providers have servers in the US across a number of different cities.
• Fast streaming speeds: Fast speeds ensure users can stream ESPN games without lag or buffering. This means you can enjoy an uninterrupted viewing experience.
• Unblocking ability: VPNs allow users to bypass geographically restricted content, whether you wish to access streaming platforms or online banking services. The VPNs in this list will help you to unblock all of your favorite streaming services, including Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Disney+, TNT Sports, Eurosport, and more.
• Strong security measures: Strong security features, such as encryption and a kill switch, protect users’ privacy in the online environment and ward off cyber threats. A strict no-logs policy is also an essential requirement.
• Great customer support: Responsive and helpful customer support allows users to get help with any issues they have. Preferably, the team should be available 24/7.

Want to find out more about the criteria I used? Take a look at my VPN testing process guide for more information.

Bypassing blackouts: Mobile vs desktop (and other devices)

Blackouts are implemented based on a user’s location. If the user is in a restricted zone, their access will be blocked.

Location is determined based on your IP address and a GPS location (if this is available). Devices such as your desktop, Chromecast, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and Android TV don’t usually come equipped with GPS. This means that by changing your IP address with a VPN, you will usually be able to bypass blackouts.

Most of these devices (save for the Fire TV) don’t natively support VPN apps. However, with a VPN router, you can achieve the same result as having a native VPN app. If you’re using a web browser on your desktop/laptop, you will usually be able to connect to a VPN app and easily bypass blackouts.

Bypassing ESPN live blackout restrictions on Android or iOS

If you have a mobile device, such as an Android or iOS device, it will be able to track your location with GPS. This is because if you use the mobile app version of ESPN, you will be required to turn on your location services to watch any sports events. This makes it tricky to bypass blackout restrictions on these mobile devices.

At present, I don’t know of any reliable methods to bypass ESPN live blackouts on Android or iOS.

How to bypass ESPN blackouts: FAQs