There’s nothing worse than getting hyped for a big game only to be hit with blackout restrictions. Remember the time when you had to rely on social media updates because your local network blocked the stream? Yeah, let’s not repeat that.
This time, make sure you’re all set to stream your favorite games in high quality without any annoying interruptions.
One solid way to bypass blackout restrictions is to change an IP address to watch local sports. By changing your IP, you can fool the platform into thinking you’re in a region where the game is available.
There are a few ways to pull this off, but the easiest and most effective option is using a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN gives you full control over choosing your virtual location while offering good speeds.
In this guide, you’ll learn how you can change your IP address to watch local sports using a VPN and discover some of the best VPNs for streaming sports. Let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Can You Change Your Location To Watch Local Sports?
Have you ever tried tuning in to your favorite team’s game only to find it unavailable in your area? It’s even more frustrating when the game is happening right in your city. Shouldn’t fans living in the city have easy access to watch their team play?
This inconvenience is due to blackout restrictions, which aim to encourage ticket sales or boost local TV subscriptions. If local sports were free to watch from home for all, stadiums and streaming platforms wouldn’t generate as much revenue.
But don’t worry, there’s a way around this. You can change your IP address to watch local sports from home using a virtual private network. A VPN bypasses georestrictions by replacing your actual IP address with one from a virtual location.
Some VPNs let you choose the location you want to connect to. All you need to do is select an area that you know is showing the blackout games of your area.
After a successful connection, all your internet traffic will appear to originate from the VPN’s location, not your real one.
This trick also works for streaming services that are only available in a few countries while leaving others out in the cold. Just connect to a server in the country where the service is available, and you’re virtually there in seconds.
VPNs are also good for reducing buffering or lag while streaming. Often, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) slows down your internet connection if they notice heavy data usage. But with a VPN, your ISP can’t snoop on your activity, which gives you faster speeds and smoother streaming.
How To Use a VPN to Watch Local Sports
Want to change your IP address to watch local sports using a VPN? Here’s how you can switch to a different geographical location virtually and cheer for your team:
- Find out which regions are broadcasting the game you want to watch.
- Look for VPNs with wide server locations, including the specific region where your game is available.
- Once you’ve picked your VPN, download its app on your device. Some VPNs also offer their browser extensions.
- Open the app, log in, and choose the location where your game is available.
- For the best performance and access to all server locations, you may need to sign up for a paid plan.
- Activate the VPN, and your current location will change virtually.
- Go to the sports streaming site or app that’s showing your game. Log in if required, and you’re good to go!
5 Best VPNs To Change Your IP Address To Watch Local Sports
When regional sports networks stand between you and your favorite games with blackout restrictions, the right VPN can save the day.
Below, we’ve rounded up five of the best VPNs that do a stellar job at unblocking blackout games.
1. ExpressVPN
If you’re serious about watching blackout games in full resolution without interruptions, ExpressVPN is a top pick.
It has 10Gbps servers globally which make high-resolution streaming smoother than ever. Another factor that contributes to its lightning-fast performance is its ultra-fast servers in 105 countries.
One subscription of ExpressVPN can support up to eight devices simultaneously, which can easily suffice for a family.
While it’s not the cheapest option, the 30-day money-back guarantee lets you try it out without commitment.
ExpressVPN also has an app for pretty any device and operating system like Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, routers, you name it.
- Cheapest Plan: $4.99/month (2 Years)
2. Surfshark
Unlike the rather pricey ExpressVPN, Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN with plenty of perks.
For example, there’s no limit on the number of devices you can use with a subscription. It also has pretty much global coverage thanks to over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries.
While it’s cheaper, it doesn’t cut corners on performance. It keeps your online activities buffer-free by unblocking most platforms with no noticeable speed drops.
It also offers the GPS override facility that comes in handy against platforms that use GPS location for georestricting.
And like other top VPNs, you can test it out without worrying about commitment, thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Cheapest Plan: $1.99/month (2 Years)
3. NordVPN
No VPN beats NordVPN when it comes to reliable speed and broad server coverage. To put it in figures, it boasts over 6,500 ultra-fast servers in 111 countries.
This means you have plenty of options to change your IP address to watch local sports if some servers are slow.
NordVPN is compatible with almost every platform, from your mobile device to your router and smart TV. However, it might face occasional hiccups when streaming on Fire TV or Android TV.
Moreover, with one subscription, you can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. This means a single plan is enough for an entire family or a friend group.
NordVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee like other VPNs so there’s zero risk if you’re just trying it out.
- Cheapest Plan: $2.99/month (2 Years)
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost innovates by highlighting the best servers for activities like streaming, gaming, or torrenting. So, if you use streaming-optimized servers, you’ll get ultra-fast speeds as those servers only allow streaming traffic.
CyberGhost covers 100 countries and lets you use it on up to seven devices at once with just one subscription. It also lets you mark your favorite servers so you can whitelist servers you’ve had a satisfying streaming experience with.
And with a 45-day money-back guarantee, CyberGhost has one of the longest trial periods in the VPN market.
- Cheapest Plan: $2.03/month (2 Years)
5. Windscribe
For those wanting a completely free VPN that doesn’t ask for your payment details, Windscribe is worth a look.
It has servers in over 69 countries and 134 cities. Also, unlike most free VPNs with only one or two US-based servers, Windscribe offers 10 server locations in the US. What’s even more impressive is that almost all of these 10 servers can unblock games on MLB.TV.
Windscribe has a Location Warp tool, which changes your GPS location on Android devices. This is especially useful when certain apps rely on your GPS coordinates to enforce regional sports networks restrictions.
That said, Windscribe comes with a 10GB monthly data cap, which is barely enough for two full games. So, if you don’t want to commit to a paid VPN service and want to enjoy a game or two, you may consider Windscribe.
But even within those few hours of streaming, buffering and blurriness are recurring issues due to slower speeds. This makes Windscribe better suited for casual online activities and light streaming rather than binge-watching an entire season of games.
- Cheapest Plan: Free with a 10GB monthly data cap. Paid plan available at $2.42/month (Yearly)
What To Look for in a VPN for Seamless Sports Streaming
Simply finding a VPN that lets you change your IP address to watch local sports may not be enough.
Aside from your budget, you need to keep several things in mind while selecting a VPN for streaming.
The VPN should check the following key requirements to be considered good for streaming sports:
- Wide server coverage: A wide network of server locations gives you access to more regional sports networks. Moreover, if one server does not work, you have the option to use another.
- Top unblocking capabilities: Just because a VPN has servers in a location doesn’t mean it can unlock all the streaming services of that region. So, make sure your VPN can unblock the major sports streaming platforms and, specifically, the platform showing your game.
- Unlimited data: Live streaming consumes data like a beast. A VPN with a limited data cap will leave you hanging mid-game. Look for one that offers unlimited data so you don’t run out of MBs in the middle of the game.
- Fast speeds: A good VPN should deliver blazing speeds for smooth HD streaming without interruptions.
- Device compatibility: Check that the VPN has a dedicated app or solution for smart TVs and streaming devices like Firestick.
- Generous refund period: At least a 30-day money-back guarantee is a must. This gives you enough time to test it and see if the service meets your expectations. Always double-check the VPN’s terms of service for any catches in the refund policy.
Apart from looking for these qualities, make sure to read reviews. There’s a high chance sports fans like you have rated the VPN you are eyeing for performance.
Use geoPlugin for Website Traffic Analysis
Sure, sports fans using VPNs to change their IP address to watch local sports often have good intentions. However, not everyone using a VPN is playing fairly. VPNs are one of the essential tools for cybercriminals to mask their shady activities.
So, you can use geolocation tools like geoPlugin to get details about each IP surfing your website. geoPlugin gives you access to an IP’s location, such as the country it originates from, along with information about the city, zip code, timezone, and other handy insights.
Aside from georestricting visitors, you can also use geoPlugin data for geomarketing strategies.
So, add geoPlugin to your toolbox to secure your site and connect with your audience better.
FAQ
Can I use a VPN to watch local sports?
Yes, a VPN can help you bypass blackout restrictions and watch local sports. By connecting to a server in a region where the game isn’t blacked out, the VPN enables you to access the stream.
How do I change my location to watch sports?
To change your current location, use a VPN. Install a reliable VPN, select a server in a region where the game is available, and activate it. This changes your IP address and virtual location and lets you access sports streams as if you were in the selected region.
How do I change my IP address for streaming?
There are several things you can do to change your IP address:
- Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and ask them for a new IP.
- Use a VPN.
- Use a proxy server.
- Use a different device with a different network, like your mobile phone.
What is the best VPN for me?
The best VPN for you will be the one that offers servers in a wide range of countries to give you access to the content you want to access. Moreover, you should ensure that the virtual private network you choose has great unblocking capabilities and can provide fast speeds for uninterrupted streaming.
Some of the best VPNs on the market include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost.
