Watch NBC Sports with a VPN

  • 04/Jan/2022
  • 08:51 am

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If you’re a sports fan within America, chances are you’ve already got you an NBC Sports subscription. With coverage of various motorsports, including NASCAR and IndyCar, golf championships, Olympics, thoroughbred racing, the NFL, NHL, and more, its popularity in America isn’t the least surprising.

Originally available only on cable TV, you can now also watch NBC online This means you’re no longer restricted to only seeing your favorite games while at home.

However, NBC Sports viewership is only available to persons in the US. NBC Sports uses geo-blocks to identify the origin of your traffic, blocking you out of its network if it notices you aren’t currently resident in the US.

So, what if you find yourself abroad perhaps for a job or pleasure? With a Virtual Private Network (VPN), this wouldn’t be a problem.

A VPN works by routing your traffic through remote servers in other locations. This spoofs your online location, making your target website believe your connection is originating from the server location, rather than your true location.

By selecting an American server on a VPN, you can watch NBC online from anywhere. The same rings true for services like HBO and Netflix US which require your presence in the US before viewership is allowed.

In this guide, we’d be considering how to watch NBC online from abroad – whether you have a subscription or not. We’d identify the best VPNs for watching NBC online, as well as other viable (but not so trustworthy) ways of watching NBC.

How to Watch NBC Sports Online Using a VPN

Watching NBC Sports online with a VPN is a very easy and straightforward process. If you already have a US TV subscription, follow this step-by-step guide to setup and enjoy from abroad:

  • Select your desired VPN for accessing NBC Sports online. We strongly recommend CyberGhost.
  • Subscribe, download, install and launch the VPN app for your device type.
  • Choose a US Server on the VPN app and connect. If your VPN has a list of recommended servers for each service or network, be sure to use one of those.
  • Visit the NBC Sports website and click on ‘Watch’ or select any available live event.

How to Watch NBC Sports if you Don’t Have a Subscription

What if you don’t already have a US TV subscription? Perhaps you’re resident in the UK or Australia, but you also wish to enjoy what NBC has to offer?

Not to worry, you can subscribe to NBC Sports and begin watching any show you please by following these easy steps:

  • Download and install your desired VPN. Again, we recommend CyberGhost.
  • Select a fast American server, or a dedicated NBC server from the VPN server list.
  • You’d need an American credit card for your subscription. This can be gotten by purchasing a Sling TV gift card on MyGiftCardSupply.com.
  • Head over to the Sling TV website to redeem your gift card and sign up for the service.
  • Now, visit the NBC Sports website and click ‘Watch’ or select any available live event to watch.

How to Select the Best VPN for NBC Sports

Selecting the best VPN for NBC is the most critical step in your journey to watching NBC from abroad. Although there are hundreds of VPNs out there, they aren’t all suitable for online streaming.

To identify the best VPNs for NBC, we considered the following factors:

5 Best VPNs for NBC Sports

1. CyberGhost

  1. 6,000+ servers in over 90 countries
  2. Works with: MacOS, Windows, Android, Linux, iOS, Routers
  3. Unblocks: Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, BBC iPlayer
  4. Strict zero-logging policy
  5. Top streaming speeds
  6. Up to 7 simultaneous connections
  7. 45-day money-back guarantee

Based out of privacy hotbed Romania, CyberGhost boasts a good number of high-speed US servers. CyberGhost goes one step further to design and identify high-performing servers specifically for streaming – this includes a dedicated server for unblocking NBC.

CyberGhost makes it incredibly easy for first time users, with its easy-to-use interface. Users will be able to use the default settings, or refine encryption protocols to meet desired needs.

Security options on CyberGhost include a 256-bit AES encryption, forced HTTPS, a kill switch, ad and malware blocking features, port forwarding, DNS and IP leak protection, and a strong no-logs policy.

Your first purchase will be covered by an industry-high 45-day money-back guarantee; enough time to decide whether you’re okay with the service. You’d also enjoy up to 7 simultaneous connections, and benefit from a fully responsive 24/7 customer support system.

2. ExpressVPN

  1. 3,000+ servers in over 94 countries
  2. Works with: MacOS, Windows, Android, Linux, iOS, Routers
  3. Unblocks: Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, BBC iPlayer
  4. Strict zero-logging policy
  5. Superb streaming speeds
  6. Up to 5 simultaneous connections
  7. 30-day money-back guarantee

ExpressVPN boasts some of the fastest VPN speeds we’ve ever witnessed. This makes it a gem for many looking to unblock any streaming service, as well as those looking to download heavy files. ExpressVPN’s speed ensure you’d suffer no buffer or stutter issues when watching live games.

As with CyberGhost above, ExpressVPN successfully unblocks most streaming services out there, including NBC, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and more.

The VPN uses a solid 256-bit encryption plus perfect forward secrecy to provide you with top level protection. Other security and privacy features include a kill switch, DNS leak protection, a strict no-logs policy, and bitcoin payments for subscription.

ExpressVPN is one of the more expensive options out there. however, you can try it out risk-free thanks to a 30-day money-back guarantee cover for new users. You’d also be allowed 5 simultaneous connections and access to an always available support system.

3. NordVPN

  1. 5,500+ servers in 59 countries
  2. Works with: MacOS, Windows, Android, Linux, iOS, Routers
  3. Unblocks: Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, BBC iPlayer
  4. Strict zero-logging policy
  5. Top streaming speeds
  6. Up to 6 simultaneous connections
  7. 30-day money-back guarantee

NordVPN has made its name in the VPN world for its top-level security systems. You’d find its robust security protocols – including a 256-bit encryption and 1048-bit DH Key – super impressive. The same holds true for its verified no logs policy for your personal data.

NordVPN provides users with over 1,500 servers in the US alone. Thanks to this vast selection pool, plus optimized streaming protocols, you’d hardly suffer any buffering or stuttering while streaming HD videos online using your connection.

Users will be permitted up to 6 simultaneous connections, and is available on every major OS as well as select routers. Purchase protection comes in the shape of a 30-day money-back guarantee. To get the best possible deal, try the 2-year plan.

4. Surfshark

  1. 1,700+ servers in over 60 countries
  2. Works with: MacOS, Windows, Android, Linux, iOS, Routers
  3. Unblocks: Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, BBC iPlayer
  4. Strict zero-logging policy
  5. Top streaming speeds
  6. Unlimited simultaneous connections
  7. 30-day money-back guarantee

Based out of the British Virgin Islands, Surfshark is most recognized in the VPN world for its delivery of top-level services at very friendly prices. Once you subscribe, you’ll be free to simultaneously connect to as many devices as you please.

Despite being one of the newer VPNs around, it boasts 1,700 servers worldwide and consistently unblocks services like ESPN, HBO, Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video, and NBC. Thanks to its impressive speeds, you can stream or torrent on Surfshark with peace of mind.

For security, Surfshark boasts impressive features such as WebRTC, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, 256-bit AES encryption, and an ability to prevent certain apps from going through the VPN connection. Its NoBorders feature also helps you break through the toughest of geo blocks.

First time users will enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee. Users will also be able to pay using cryptocurrencies for better privacy protection.

5. PrivateVPN

  1. 150 servers in over 43 countries
  2. Works with: MacOS, Windows, Android, Linux, iOS, Routers
  3. Unblocks: Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, BBC iPlayer
  4. Strict zero-logging policy
  5. Top streaming speeds
  6. 7-day free trial
  7. 6 simultaneous connections
  8. 30-day money-back guarantee

PrivateVPN is one of the smaller names on this list, boasting a total of 150 servers worldwide, and just over 10 in the US. Yet, it does provide connections fast enough for HD streaming, and is easily one of the best VPNs for NBC.

PrivateVPN also does well enough to successfully unblock a number of streaming services. This includes Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and, of course, NBC. With support for P2P sharing on all servers, the VPN is ideal for torrent users.

Subscribers worldwide consistently hail PrivateVPN for its unblocking capacity and speed. Like NordVPN, you’d enjoy the best prices on the longer deals, with the protection of a 30-day money-back guarantee for first time users.

You should note that PrivateVPN doesn’t boast the fastest response time on its live chat feature, but this isn’t enough to detract from all of its benefits.

Other Options for Unblocking NBC Sports

1. Unblocking NBC Sports Using a Smart DNS

A Smart DNS is an online service that reroutes your DNS request. Using this service, you can bypass your ISP’s DNS resolver and resolve your DNS request in your preferred location. With your DNS request resolved in the US, for instance, you’d be able to access NBC Sports from anywhere.

Like a proxy, a Smart DNS service is unencrypted. This means that third parties, including your ISP, can still track what you’re doing online with some digging. However, Smart DNSs are typically more reliable than proxies, although not as reliable as VPNs.

You’d find that many VPNs come with Smart DNS services of their own. This allows you dial specific DNS addresses while also enjoying the encryption of a VPN. The typical Smart DNS is also almost as expensive as a regular VPN, making it much less value for money than a VPN.

Setting up a Smart DNS involves adjusting your computer settings. While the process differs from PC to PC, it’s all very simple. To set up a Smart DNS on your Windows PC, you should:

  • Select a Smart DNS provider, subscribe, and obtain your Smart DNS address.
  • Open your Control Panel and click ‘Network and Internet’ > ‘Network and Sharing Center’ > ‘Change Adapter Settings’.
  • Double-click your connected network name.
  • In the popup box, click on ‘Properties’ and uncheck ‘Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)’.
  • Double-click ‘Internet ‘Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)’. On the General tab in the new popup box, select ‘Use the following IP address’ and enter your Smart DNS address.
  • Click on ‘OK’ to accept the changes.

Once you’re done setting up your Smart DNS, you can go over to the NBC Sports website and begin browsing freely. You won’t have to alter any other thing.

2. Unblocking NBC Sports Using a Proxy Server

Proxies follow an almost similar route to unblocking NBC as VPNs. Like VPNs, they route your traffic through a server in your target location (in this case, America), spoofing your traffic location in order to grant you access.

Proxies could either be website or browser-based. Browser based proxies come in the form of browser-specific plugins or addons that provide location coverage within the browser. Website-based proxies only allow spoof your location after you’ve visited the proxy website.

Although these used to be very successful in the past, the development of VPN detectors has made it very difficult to find working proxies. The few that work are also typically slow. And with your connection totally unencrypted, you remain open to attacks and speed throttling by your ISP.

In all, with some searching you could find a proxy that gets you past NBC’s geo-blocks and into their network. Proxies are mostly free, so if you find one that works it’ll be a big win. However, finding a reliable proxy is always problematic.

Conclusion

NBC may no longer show the MLS, but it remains one of the most comprehensive sports packages in the US. This is one subscription that enables you to track the drama live in all of your favorite sports.

Although NBC aims to limit its services only to those in the US, it isn’t by any means impossible to watch NBC from outside the US. In this article, we’ve shown just how you can watch NBC online, even when you are abroad. We’ve also shown how you can subscribe to watch NBC from outside the US.

Although we have considered multiple options for watching NBC from abroad, you should know that our primary recommendation is the use of a VPN. The best VPNs for NBC Sport outlined above are safe, always reliable, and secure from ISP monitoring and criminal cyber activities.