How to watch DirecTV Stream outside the US

DirecTV Stream (formerly AT&T TV Now) is only available in the US. This means that if you’re overseas, you won’t be able to access your subscription to watch your favorite live TV shows, sports, and movies. However, thanks to VPNs, you can connect to a US server and access DirecTV Stream regardless of where you are in the world.

VPNs allow access to geographically restricted services and protect users’ privacy online. They can also protect users from viruses on open WiFi networks and prevent ISPs from throttled speeds due to activities such as streaming.

To access DirecTV Stream outside of the US, you will need a top-tier VPN service. I have reviewed the best VPNs in detail below. However, if you’re in a rush, here’s a quick summary.

The best VPNs for DirecTV Stream:

1. NordVPN: My number one choice for DirecTV Stream. It has over 7,200 servers, with nearly 2,000 located in the US. This service also has strong security measures in place and stores no logs. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to try the service risk-free.
2. Surfshark: The best budget choice for DirecTV Stream. It has over 3,200 servers, with 600+ in the US. Streaming speeds are fast and strong security measures are provided. This service also offers an unlimited number of connections.
3. IPVanish: An excellent streaming option with strong security measures in place. It offers unlimited connections and supports many platforms.
4. ExpressVPN: Another strong streaming VPN. It supports payment with cryptocurrency and has robust security measures.
5. CyberGhost VPN: Has over 11,000 servers around the world and servers in 11 locations in the US. It has servers that are optimized for streaming as well.
6. PrivateVPN: A security-focused option that provides fast speeds and strong security when you’re traveling outside the US.
7. Private Internet Access: An easy-to-use provider with 35,000+ servers around the world, including in the US. A solid and reliable choice.

How to watch DirecTV Stream outside the US with a VPN

Once you’ve decided which VPN provider suits your needs best, you can follow these simple steps to watch DirecTV stream outside the US with a VPN:

1. First, you will need to subscribe to a VPN service. I recommend NordVPN since it has thousands of servers in the US and can easily unblock DirecTV Stream.
2. Download the VPN app onto the device you will be watching DirecTV Stream on.
3. Log in to your VPN app. Connect to a US VPN server.
4. Finally, head to DirecTV Stream and you should be able to watch your favorite shows without issue.

If you encounter any issues, you should clear your browser’s cookies and cache. If you still have problems, contact your VPN’s customer support team.

Best VPNs for DirecTV Stream

While looking for the best VPNs for DirecTV Stream, I considered the following criteria to ensure I selected the best options:

• Servers in the US
• Fast streaming speeds
• Strong unblocking capabilities
• Robust security measures
• Ease of use
• Value for money

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

So, without further ado, here are my extensive reviews of the best VPNs for DirecTV Stream.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN has a large, global network of 7,200+ VPN servers spanning 100+ countries. Its fast connection speeds make it an excellent option for streaming, capable of unblocking many different services such as DirecTV Stream.

NordVPN also has strong security measures in place. These include 256-bit AES encryption, an app-specific kill switch, an automatic ad-blocker, a malware scanner, and protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks. This service also doesn’t store any logs and accepts cryptocurrency payments. These payments don’t associate users’ names with payments, unlike traditional credit cards.

Users can download the client apps for NordVPN for many different devices. This includes apps for Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, and Linux. Some routers can have this service manually installed on them. Users have the option of connecting 10 of their devices simultaneously and the customer service team is available 24/7 via the provided live chat.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds
• Strong security measures in place
• No logs are stored
• Apps are available for many different platforms
• The customer service team is available 24/7

Cons:

• The desktop app can be slow at times

BEST VPN FOR DIRECTV STREAM:NordVPN is the best option available for DirecTV Stream. It has over 7,200 servers, including over 2,000 in the US, strong security measures, and it can unblock a wide variety of services in addition to DirecTV Stream. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is an excellent budget VPN. Although it is an affordable service, it doesn’t mean that it’s subpar. This VPN has 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries that are fast and secure. Plus, with over 600 servers in the US, it’s an excellent choice for DirecTV Stream.

Surfshark has strong security measures in place, such as 256-bit AES encryption, protection against IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks, and a kill switch. Traffic scrambling is also provided and it stores no logs. Another positive aspect of this provider is its support for cryptocurrency payments.

Apps are available for Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. Some routers can also have this service manually installed. Surfshark offers an unlimited number of simultaneous connections, which is a great option for users who have several different devices that they may need to protect. The customer service team is available 24/7 via live chat, ideal for people in different time zones.

Pros:

• Able to unblock many different services
• Fast connection speeds
• Strong security measures
• Supports an unlimited number of connections
• Cryptocurrency payments are accepted

Cons:

• Doesn’t have as many servers as a service like NordVPN
• Some servers can occasionally be slow

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is affordable but it doesn’t skimp on performance. It can handle streaming services like DirecTV Stream without buffering and an unlimited number of simultaneous connections are supported. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. IPVanish

IPVanish is one of the top providers on the market for Kodi users due to the fast streaming speeds offered by this service. It can unblock many different online services when you’re overseas and is a good option for torrenters. Thanks to its US servers, it is also a solid option for DirecTV Stream.

The provider has strong security measures in place as well. These 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 macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. In addition, this service can be manually installed on some routers and Linux. It supports an unlimited number of simultaneous connections and live chat support is available 24/7.

Pros:

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

Cons:

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

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish is secure and it offers fast streaming speeds. Users can connect an unlimited number of connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee is included.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is an excellent option for users who stream a lot thanks to some of the fastest streaming speeds around. It has a network of over 3,000 servers in 100+ countries, including the US. It is also very easy to use, making it one of the better choices for beginners.

The provider has strong security measures in place. These include 256-bit AES encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, a strict no-logs policy, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. It also has a .onion site which can only be accessed via the anonymous TOR network. The TOR network is heavily encrypted and therefore is an excellent option for those who want to browse anonymously. Another privacy measure is the company’s acceptance of cryptocurrency payments.

ExpressVPN has apps available for iOS, Android, macOS, and Linux too. It can also be installed on supported routers. The customer support team can be reached 24/7 via the provided live chat and eight simultaneous device connections are allowed.

Pros:

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

Cons:

• More expensive than some other options
• Lack of customizability could be frustrating for advanced users

GREAT FOR STREAMING:ExpressVPN offers very fast streaming speeds and prioritizes security and privacy, as seen by its .onion site and acceptance of cryptocurrency. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN has one of the largest number of servers on this list. In total, it has over 11,000 servers in 100+ countries. It can also unblock many different services without hassle, including DirecTV Stream.

There are also strong security measures in place. These include 256-bit AES encryption and a kill switch. This service also doesn’t store any logs and it accepts cryptocurrency payments too. These are more anonymous than traditional credit card payments.

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

Pros:

• Apps are easy to use
• 24/7 customer support provided
• Huge network spread across a large number of countries
• Strong security and privacy measures are in place

Cons:

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

LARGE SERVER NETWORK:CyberGhost apps can be downloaded for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android. It has one of the largest server networks in the business, so you can stream your favorite shows and movies no matter your location.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN has over 200 servers in 63+ countries, including the US. It can unblock many different services and the quality of this provider is high, with fast streaming speeds to cater to top-tier streaming services. This includes services such as DirecTV Stream.

The provider has several security measures in place. These include 256-bit AES encryption and protection against leaks (DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6). No logs are stored either and the provider accepts cryptocurrency payments, allowing 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. 10 devices can be connected simultaneously with this service.

Pros:

• Can unblock many services
• Fast connection speeds
• Works in China
• No logs are stored

Cons:

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

PRIVACY-FOCUSED VPN:PrivateVPN is a security-focused VPN. It has strong encryption in place and no logs are stored. Connection speeds are also fast and many services can be unblocked. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee too.

7. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a lightweight option with a massive 35,000+ servers in over 90 countries, including the US. It can unblock streaming services such as DirecTV Stream, along with access to region-locked IPTV services.

Strong security is offered by this provider, such as AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and split tunneling to keep users safe while online. Note that this service stores no logs.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. PIA’s customer service is available via their 24/7 live chat and an unlimited number of device connections are allowed.

Pros:

• Strong security measures
• WireGuard VPN protocol supported (faster, more efficient protocol)
• Several customization options

Cons:

• Doesn’t work reliably in China
• App design is lacking in some ways

LIGHTWEIGHT AND EFFECTIVE:PIA is a lightweight option that can provide users with secure access to many streaming services. It supports an unlimited number of simultaneous connections and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Testing methodology: Choosing the best VPNs to watch DirecTV Stream

Not all VPNs are created equally. I reviewed several VPNs while writing this article to find the best providers for DirecTV Stream. Here are some of the criteria I used to find the best VPNs for DirecTV.

• Server network: Having a large server network gives users lots of choices for bypassing geo-restrictions. In the case of DirecTV Stream, having US servers is important if you want to access your favorite shows and sports no matter where you are in the world.
• Fast connection speeds: Fast speeds ensure that users can carry out their regular internet activities without buffering or lag. This is essential when watching live TV.
• Unblocking ability: Not all VPNs are capable of unblocking services. This is because services employ measures to block VPNs. However, the services on this list can get past these blocks with ease.
• Security: Having strong security protects users in the online environment. With these VPNs, users’ connections are encrypted and protection is even offered on open WiFi networks.

Check out my full VPN testing process for more information.

How to watch DirecTV Stream outside the US FAQs