Updated on: April 23, 2024
Only 3 Steps (Quick + Easy) to Watch IPTV Online With a VPN in 2024:
- Step 1: Download and install a VPN. ExpressVPN is my top choice, as it has an extensive server network and reliably works with all major IPTV services. It also has the fastest speeds on the market and high-end security features.
- Step 2: Connect to a VPN server. Select a server in a location where your chosen IPTV service is available. In theory, if the service isn’t available in your location, a VPN can still let you watch it. However, this is likely to be considered copyright infringement and also violates IPTV’s Terms and Conditions.
- Step 3: Log into your account on the IPTV service. Look up your favorite show and start binge-watching it!
IPTV platforms offer expansive content libraries worldwide, but not all of the content is universally available to every subscriber. This is because of IPTV’s licensing restrictions — some content is only licensed in specific regions. IPTV looks at your IP address to see your location and determine which content library you can watch.
A VPN changes your IP address to one from a new location. In theory, if you change your IP to one from a country with a different IPTV library, you could trick the site into letting you watch it. However, doing so would violate the Terms and Conditions of the service, plus it may be regarded as copyright infringement (which SafetyDetectives doesn’t condone).
That said, there are some good VPNs for watching IPTV if you want extra protection online. ExpressVPN is my favorite, as it has servers in 105 countries, fast speeds, and excellent streaming support. However, all the VPNs on this list are great for watching IPTV.
Disclaimer: The SafetyDetectives team and I do not condone copyright infringement. Since the VPNs we recommend have no-logs policies and don’t monitor your activities, it’s up to you to use the VPN responsibly and legally.
How to Watch IPTV Content on Any Device
PC or Mac
- Pick a VPN that works well with IPTV. I recommend ExpressVPN, as it works well with IPTV services and has user-friendly apps for Windows and macOS devices.
- Download and install the VPN’s desktop app. Follow the on-screen instructions, and the process will be completed in a few minutes.
- Open the app, choose a local server, and log into your IPTV account. You can now watch IPTV content and all your favorite shows!
iPhone or iPad
- Select an IPTV-compatible VPN. ExpressVPN is a great choice for watching IPTV on iOS devices, thanks to its strong security features and fast speeds.
- Download and install the VPN app. The instructions are straightforward, and the app will be installed in less than 2 minutes.
- Connect to a local VPN server and open the IPTV site or app. You can now log into your IPTV account and look up your favorite content.
Android Smartphone or Tablet
- Choose a good IPTV VPN. My recommendation is ExpressVPN, as it has great speeds and strong security features for Android devices.
- Download and install the VPN app. The installation wizard will help you to set it up in less than 2 minutes.
- Open the app, pick a local server, and open the IPTV site or app. Log into your IPTV account and start binge-watching shows!
Amazon Fire Stick
- Choose a good IPTV VPN. ExpressVPN has an excellent app that works with the Fire Stick devices.
- Download & install the VPN app. Download the VPN app from the Amazon Appstore or sideload the app onto your Fire Stick.
- Connect to a server. Open the VPN app and select a server. Then, launch the IPTV app and enjoy streaming.
Gaming Console
- Pick a VPN with good streaming support. My favorite is ExpressVPN because it has a dedicated router app that’s easy to install and use.
- Set up the VPN on your router. Configure your VPN on your network router to cover all devices, including your gaming console.
- Launch your preferred IPTV service. Open the app and stream your favorite IPTV content.
Best VPNs for Watching IPTV Content in 2024
Quick summary of the best VPNs for watching IPTV Content in 2024:
- 🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best overall VPN in 2024 for watching IPTV content buffer-free and in high resolution.
- 🥈2. Private Internet Access — Customizable and feature-rich mobile apps for streaming IPTV content on the go.
- 🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — Dedicated servers for streaming IPTV (works consistently + fast speeds).
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Watching IPTV in 2024
ExpressVPN is my favorite VPN for watching IPTV, as it reliably works with all major IPTV providers, including Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and YouTube TV. It uses obfuscation technology on all of its servers, disguising your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, and its server network spans 105 countries, so you’re very likely to find a fast local server for streaming IPTV content.
ExpressVPN is excellent for streaming — it consistently works with 100+ streaming sites, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Max. It also offers a smart DNS feature, which allows you to stream IPTV content on devices that don’t have a native VPN app, like gaming consoles and smart TVs. What’s more, ExpressVPN has an intuitive router app that allows you to use the VPN on devices that don’t support VPN apps (like gaming consoles) — and it’s much easier to set up than the smart DNS. Also, ExpressVPN offers its own router, Aircove, that has built-in VPN features.
ExpressVPN has plans starting at $6.67 / month. It’s a little pricier than some of its competitors, but it’s the best VPN on the market in 2024 — it’s well worth it for IPTV users. In any case, all plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it out risk-free.
Read our full ExpressVPN review
🥈2. Private Internet Access — Great for Streaming IPTV on Mobile Devices
Private Internet Access (PIA) has excellent mobile apps for streaming IPTV. The mobile apps allow you to personalize 20+ settings — you can change encryption levels and protocols to get faster speeds. It’s also one of the few VPNs to show the server ping on its iOS and Android apps, so it’s really easy to find the fastest server for streaming in your chosen location.
PIA is excellent for streaming, and it’s compatible with major IPTV platforms such as YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV, along with 30+ other streaming sites, like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. What’s more, PIA has a smart DNS feature, and it comes with easy-to-follow tutorials for manual setup on your smart TV or gaming console. While it works with routers, PIA doesn’t have a router app (unlike ExpressVPN).
Private Internet Access offers plans that cost as low as $2.03 / month. Each plan is backed with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Private Internet Access review
🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — Dedicated Servers for Streaming IPTV
CyberGhost VPN has 100+ dedicated streaming servers for 50+ apps, including IPTV providers like Sling TV, PeacockTV US, Discovery+, YouTube TV, and DAZN US. These servers have faster speeds for streaming, change IP addresses frequently to bypass VPN blocks, and are tested daily to ensure they always work with the streaming platforms and IPTV services they’re designed for — this is why it’s ranked high as one of the best VPNs for streaming.
I like CyberGhost’s interface — it’s user-friendly with servers separated by category for streaming, torrenting, and gaming, and you can designate the servers you use most as your favorites. I’m also a huge fan of the Smart Rules feature, which allows you to customize your connection preferences. For example, you can set up CyberGhost to auto-connect you to your favorite server whenever you open your IPTV app or launch your favorite IPTV app, like Fubo, when you connect to a specific server location.
CyberGhost VPN’s plans ($2.03 / month) are very budget-friendly, and long-term plans have a generous 45-day money-back guarantee — the monthly plans have a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost VPN review
Comparison of the Best VPNs for Watching IPTV in 2024
How to Choose the Best VPN for Watching IPTV Content in 2024
- Pick a VPN that can consistently work with IPTV. All the VPNs on this list work with IPTV platforms (as tested by my colleague in the US).
- Look for fast streaming speeds. All VPNs slow down your speeds because they encrypt your traffic. However, top brands are able to maintain fast speeds across all servers and minimize speed loss. All the VPNs on this list deliver fast speeds for streaming IPTV.
- Consider ease of use. Each VPN on this list has apps for all major devices and an intuitive interface, which makes it easier to find the optimal server for streaming IPTV content.
- Choose a VPN with strong security features. I only recommend VPNs that have industry-standard security features like 256-bit AES encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch feature which disables your internet connection if the VPN connection drops.
- Check device compatibility. The VPNs I recommend have dedicated apps for all major OS, including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux. They also have a smart DNS feature for devices that don’t support VPNs and router support.
- Find a VPN that offers good value. All the VPNs on this list offer affordable plans, allow generous money-back guarantees, and additional features, like smart DNS and split-tunneling.
Different Types of IPTV Services
IPTV is Internet Protocol Television, which delivers TV programs and videos that are either live or on-demand. It uses Internet Protocol technology to stream content through your internet connection, rather than the satellite dishes or fiber-optic cables that traditional television providers use. Most IPTV services today offer a hybrid model, where they offer live TV as well as access to packages of streaming platforms. Here are the different types of IPTV services:
- Live Television. IPTV services offer live TV, which you can watch in real-time through the IPTV site, app, or set-top box. You’ll usually purchase a subscription for a range of channels, with different packages available for different tastes (e.g. sports, movies, family).
- Video on Demand. Video on Demand is exactly what it sounds like — it delivers on-demand video content to the subscriber. It lets you select and watch content whenever you want, instead of having to watch shows at the scheduled broadcast time.
- Time-shifted TV. Time-shifted TV allows you to watch live broadcasts later than the original start time, at your own convenience. It also means that you can pause and rewind live TV streams.
What Are the Best Legitimate IPTV Services?
- Vidgo. Vidgo is an American streaming television service that has 100+ channels showing sports, news, and general entertainment in English and Spanish. It offers thousands of hours of on-demand programming.
- Fubo. Fubo is a popular IPTV service available in the US, Canada, and Spain. It primarily focuses on delivering live sports. It offers over 200+ channels.
- Sling TV. Sling TV is an American streaming service that allows you to stream live television and on-demand content over the internet. With the Sling Blue plan, you’ll get access to 50+ channels.
- YouTube TV. YouTube TV is a subscription streaming service that includes live TV from 100+ broadcast, and popular cable networks. It has channels such as Disney Channel, ESPN, and Nickelodeon. It’s only available in the US.
- Hulu + Live TV. Hulu + Live TV is a popular live TV streaming service that provides access to 80+ channels, and it comes bundled with the Hulu streaming library. The streaming service is only available in the US.
- PeacockTV. PeacockTV is a streaming service with over 50 channels. It’s available in most countries in Europe, Australia, Canada, and the UK.
- Tubi TV. Tubi TV is a free on-demand video streaming app with over 50,000 movies and television shows. Tubi TV is currently available in the US, Mexico, Australia, and Canada.
- Pluto TV. Pluto TV is a free, ad-supported streaming service with 250+ TV channels and thousands of on-demand movies and TV shows. It’s available in the US, the UK, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and Latin America.
- Philo. Philo is a live TV streaming service with access to 70+ channels and over 70,000 hours of on-demand content. However, Philo is only available in the US.
- Xumo. Xumo is a free live TV and on-demand streaming service that has more than 250+ different channels, spanning from live events to national news. Xumo is only available in the US and Canada.
- AT&T TV. AT&T TV is a streaming service that includes live TV, on-demand video, and cloud DVR recording. It offers over 200+ channels. It’s available in countries in Asia Pacific, EMEA, Latin, and North America.
- DistroTV. DistroTV is a free streaming service that provides access to live TV streams and an on-demand library of shows and movies. It has 270+ channels and it’s available in the US, the UK, and Canada.
- Roku Channel. Roku Channel is a VOD streaming service that gives you access to free and premium 350+ television channels. It’s only available in the US, the UK, and Canada.
Disclaimer: Though you could theoretically use a VPN to watch these channels from other locations, doing so may constitute copyright infringement and is most likely against the Terms and Conditions of the service.
What Are the Consequences of Using an Illegal IPTV Service?
We do not condone the use of illegal streaming platforms. Make sure to inform yourself of the regulations regarding illegal streaming in your location so you don’t break any laws.
By using illegal IPTV services, you might face legal action or fines, as these services distribute copyrighted content without proper authorization. Moreover, internet service providers could throttle your speeds or terminate your service if they detect illegal streaming activities.
Illegitimate IPTV services could be shut down at any time due to a lack of authorization for the content they’re distributing. You could lose access to content and suffer financial losses if you paid for a subscription. In addition, you can face issues like poor video and audio quality, frequent buffering, and unreliable streams. These services also expose you to security risks, like malware and spyware.
The best way to protect your data and device is by using a VPN. The strong security features of a VPN will protect your data from leaking and minimize the amount of data potential hackers could access. For an extra layer of protection, I recommend using an antivirus like Norton or Bitdefender.
What To Do If IPTV Isn’t Working With Your VPN
There’s a chance you may encounter an issue even with a decent IPTV VPN. Here’s why that may happen and how to fix it.
- The VPN server is under maintenance. If they’re working on a certain server, you may not be able to connect to it. The easiest way to solve this issue is to connect to another server in the same location.
- Blocked server IP addresses. IPTV services block VPN addresses to make sure that they’re not showing content in locations where they’re not allowed to broadcast it. If the VPN you’re using doesn’t regularly update their VPN servers and addresses, you may get blocked from watching your favorite IPTV content in your location. The only way you can try to fix this problem is to connect to a different server — or try a different VPN that works well with IPTV services.
- VPN service doesn’t work in reserve countries. If you’re in a location where the government heavily censors the internet and restricts VPN use, your VPN may not be able to get around these restrictions. To protect your online privacy and securely watch IPTV content in such places, I recommend getting a VPN with a great obfuscation tool, like ExpressVPN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are IPTV services available?
IPTV services are available pretty much everywhere, including North, South, and Central America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia. That said, due to copyright issues and licensing of various providers, not all IPTV content is available everywhere.
For watching IPTV securely, I recommend using ExpressVPN. It has an extensive server network and fast speeds, and it works with IPTV 100% of the time.
Do I need a VPN to watch IPTV?
Technically, no. You can still watch IPTV content without a VPN, but I strongly recommend getting a good IPTV VPN to protect your connections. A lot of the VPNs on my list also block malicious sites to safeguard you from phony IPTV sites.
What’s the best VPN for watching IPTV?
My top choice for watching IPTV is ExpressVPN. It has user-friendly apps for all devices (including routers), the fastest speeds for streaming, and it consistently works with all major IPTV services. In addition, it has excellent security measures to protect your connection from potentially unsafe IPTV platforms.
Will IPTV work on my phone?
Yes, but you’ll need to use a VPNwith a good mobile app. Luckily, all the VPNs on this list have user-friendly apps for both iOS and Android devices. To watch IPTV content while on the go, check out our quick guides to accessing IPTV on any device.
Can I watch IPTV with a free VPN?
Maybe, but I don’t recommend it. Many free VPNs have poor streaming support, and they don’t work reliably with IPTV. Moreover, they have slow connection speeds and put a cap on how much data you can use daily and monthly (which is almost never enough for streaming).
Instead, I recommend purchasing a premium VPN like ExpressVPN. It works well with IPTV and has the fastest speeds on the market.
