The Best VPNs for NFL Streaming 2025

Catching every NFL game in 2025 can be a challenge, as blackout rules block local broadcasts and regional networks decide which matchups to air. Traveling can also change your access mid-season. A reliable VPN can get around those hurdles by connecting you to a server in the game’s broadcast area.

In our testing, three services proved to be the most dependable for watching NFL games: NordVPN for fast, private connections, Surfshark for unlimited device streaming, and PIA for broad U.S. server coverage ideal for regional content. Here's our hands-on breakdown on why these are our top picks for NFL VPNs.

The best VPNs for NFL streaming in 2025

Best NFL VPNs at a glance

	Best for	Starting price	Streaming support	Learn more
	Best for private streaming	Lowest price starts at $3.39/mo (billed every two years)	Supports NFL+, Peacock, YouTube TV, and other major NFL broadcasters	Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review
	Best for streaming on unlimited devices	Lowest price starts at $1.99/mo (billed every two years)	Supports NFL+, Peacock, YouTube TV, and regional NFL streams	Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review
	Best for streaming regional content	Lowest price starts at $2.19/mo (billed every two years)	Supports NFL+, Peacock, YouTube TV (with strong coverage for regional broadcasts)	Get PIA Read PIA Review

NordVPN: Best for private streaming

Who it’s best for

NordVPN is an excellent virtual private network (VPN) for NFL fans who prioritize speed and security. Its encrypted connections keep streams private on public Wi-Fi, and its large network of U.S. servers makes it easy to access the right broadcast whether you’re at home or traveling abroad.

What we liked

Advanced privacy and security: NordVPN is one of the most secure VPNs on the market. It boasts strong proprietary encryption protocols, a no-logs policy that has been repeatedly verified via third-party testing, and a stellar reputation as part of the Nord Security suite. Additionally, it offers double VPN, Onion over VPN, and NordVPN Threat Protection for enhanced privacy and security.

Speciality servers: Its SmartPlay feature combines VPN and Smart DNS technology, making it easier to bypass location restrictions without any extra setup. Specialty servers, including those with obfuscation for more secure (and private) networks, are useful if you’re streaming from airports or offices.

Fast, reliable streaming: NordVPN consistently delivered in our NFL streaming tests, even when connected to servers across the country. High-definition games loaded quickly and stayed stable through entire broadcasts, even during peak viewing hours.

What we didn’t like

Kill switch hiccup: During testing, NordVPN’s kill switch kept blocking our internet connection even when it was turned off, necessitating a support chat to resolve the issue. Although the fix was straightforward, it could still frustrate first-time users.

Can’t select servers by city: Although NordVPN offers an extensive server network, we can only choose our location based on the country instead of the city. While connecting to the country is sufficient for bypassing international content restrictions, connecting to specific cities could help with regional geo-blocks.

NordVPN specs

Price range	$3.39–$17.99/mo
Money-back guarantee	Yes – 30 days
Number of servers	8,000+ servers in 120+ countries
Number of connected devices	10
Average download speed change	30%
DNS leak test	Pass
Kill switch test	Pass
VPN protocol	OpenVPN, NordLynx (WireGuard), NordWhisper
Headquarters	Panama
No-logs policy	No logs
Learn more	Get NordVPN Read Our NordVPN Review

Surfshark: Best for streaming on unlimited devices

Who it’s best for

Surfshark is an excellent choice for households that stream on multiple screens simultaneously, offering unlimited device support so you can watch on TV, laptop, phone, or tablet without hitting a connection cap.

What we liked

Unlimited devices: During testing, Surfshark handled 4K NFL streams without a single stutter, no matter how many devices were connected. It works across a wide range of platforms, including smart TVs, streaming sticks, gaming consoles, and mobile devices, so every screen in the house can stay connected.

Ad blocker bundle: Surfshark’s built-in CleanWeb tool eliminates ads and trackers, ensuring streams load quickly and without interruptions. In our testing, it blocked most ads and pop-ups, reducing page clutter and helping streams start faster.

Usability: Navigating between server locations in the app was quick and hassle-free, requiring only a few clicks to find the right feed for a specific NFL matchup.

What we didn’t like

High monthly cost: While long-term plans are competitively priced, the month-to-month option is less budget-friendly. However, Surfshark compensates by offering a 7-day free trial for Android, iOS, and macOS devices (as long as you download the app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store).

Performance dip during testing: During a location switch, the kill switch failed to trigger, briefly exposing our real IP; this is a rare but noteworthy issue for those seeking uninterrupted privacy.

Surfshark specs

Price range	$1.99–$20.65/mo
Money-back guarantee	Yes – 30 days
Number of servers	3,200+ servers in 100 countries
Number of connected devices	Unlimited
Average download speed change	10%
DNS leak test	Pass
Kill switch test	Fail
VPN protocol	OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2
Headquarters	The Netherlands
No-logs policy	No logs
Learn more	Get Surfshark Read Our Surfshark Review

Private Internet Access (PIA): Best for streaming regional content

Who it’s best for

PIA works well for fans who want specific NFL broadcasts tied to certain regions. Its 50-state server coverage makes it easier to find the right feed for out-of-market NFL games in any region.

What we liked

Servers in every U.S. state: PIA’s servers in all 50 states offer flexibility to target the right broadcast zone. Speeds were steady enough for HD streaming, and the apps provide customization for experienced users. Plus, PIA is one of the best VPNs for accessing sports betting and gambling sites while traveling.

Unlimited device connections: PIA supports an unlimited number of devices on a single account, making it simple to stream NFL games on multiple screens at home or on the go. The mobile app mirrors the desktop experience, delivering reliable performance for travel or game-day streaming outside the house.

What we didn’t like

Undisclosed servers: Unlike NordVPN and Surfshark, PIA doesn’t disclose the number of VPN servers in its network. It only discloses the number of countries with VPN servers, which at 100 countries is still fewer than its top competitors. Most top VPNs operate in over 100 countries.

Headquartered in the U.S.: PIA operates out of Colorado, in the United States, which means it is a part of the Five Eyes Alliance, an international intelligence sharing alliance. For some, this may raise concerns.

However, PIA has a no-logs policy that has been tested by independent auditor Deloitte, who found that they uphold that policy.

PIA specs

Price range	$2.19–$11.99/mo
Money-back guarantee	Yes – 30 days
Number of servers	Unlisted in 91 countries
Number of connected devices	Unlimited
Average download speed change	4%
DNS leak test	Pass
Kill switch test	Pass
VPN protocol	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec (iOS only)
Headquarters	Denver, Colorado, United States
No-logs policy	No logs
Learn more	Get PIA Read Our PIA Review

Speed tests

Smooth streaming depends on more than just unblocking a feed; it’s about keeping that feed stable once the game starts. In our tests, all three VPNs kept NFL streams running without stutter, but two stood out for their unexpected speed gains.

PIA topped the list with a 24.86% improvement over its baseline, and Surfshark wasn’t far behind at 21.49%. NordVPN’s numbers dipped by 15.87%, yet its high starting speed meant the drop never caused buffering, even on international hops.

In previous testing, NordVPN actually increased our speeds, so we’re hoping these most recent results are a fluke.

	VPN speed to U.S. server	Normal speed	Speed loss
	463.73 Mbps	551.20 Mbps	-15.87%
	540.80 Mbps	445.13 Mbps	+21.49%
	165.42 Mbps	132.48 Mbps	+24.86%

How to watch out-of-market NFL games

Regional broadcast rules often prevent NFL fans from watching every game, whether due to local blackouts in the U.S. or country-specific streaming restrictions abroad.

A VPN solves this by allowing you to connect through a server in the area where the game is being broadcast. For example, you can choose a Los Angeles server to watch a West Coast feed from Chicago, or switch to a U.S. server overseas to access NFL Game Pass.

Here’s a simple way to do it:

1. Choose and install one of the best VPNs from our list.
2. Open the VPN app.
3. Connect to a server in the city or country that has the game you want to watch.
4. Launch your streaming platform or network app.
5. Refresh the page or app so it recognizes your new location.
6. Start streaming your game in HD with minimal lag.

FAQs

Bottom line: The best VPNs for NFL games

NordVPN, Surfshark, and Private Internet Access offer the best mix of speed, streaming reliability, and coverage for watching NFL games anywhere. We think NordVPN is the best overall based on its performance, price, and perks.

NordVPN excels at private streaming with consistently fast connections. Surfshark adds unlimited device support for multi-screen households, while PIA’s servers in every U.S. state make it great for regional game access. Whether bypassing NFL blackouts or watching the NFL from abroad, these three deliver a smooth, game-day-ready experience.