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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

5 Best VPNs for RaiPlay: Watch From Outside of Italy in 2024

Bonnie Clayton Updated on 30th December 2023 Cybersecurity Researcher

Recently, a friend recommended that I should check out a show called Wild Republic. However, when I tried to log in to RaiPlay (formerly known as Rai TV) from outside of Italy, I got an annoying error message: “The streaming of this content is available in Italy only. We apologize for the inconvenience.” I knew I had to use a VPN to watch RaiPlay from overseas, so I had some objectives in mind to find the best one.

Whether you’re in the US, the UK, or anywhere else in the world, you need a VPN that has servers in Italy, good speeds, and a reliable, stable connection. That’s why my team and I tested over 30 VPNs and came up with the best 5 for watching RaiPlay. The ones that we shortlisted have all the features needed for a good streaming experience.

However, my favorite is ExpressVPN. Not only is it lightning-fast, but it also has a dependable server network in Italy for streaming in HD. It is also backed by a money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free for 30 days. If it’s not right for you, you can get a full refund.

Try ExpressVPN Today

Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for RaiPlay in 2024

  1. Editor's Choice
    ExpressVPN
    ExpressVPN
    Fast, reliable Italian servers for buffer-free RaiPlay HD streaming; risk-free trial.
    70% of our readers choose ExpressVPN
  2. CyberGhost VPN
    CyberGhost
    Streaming-optimized for RaiPlay HD, but short-term plan is pricier.
  3. Private Internet Access
    Private Internet Access
    Multiple device streaming, but built-in adblocker is less effective.
  4. IPVanish VPN
    IPVanish
    20+ servers in Italy for smooth streaming, but limited for other services.
  5. PrivateVPN
    PrivateVPN
    User-friendly for VPN beginners, but with slightly slower speeds.

Best VPNs for RaiPlay — Full Analysis (Updated in 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Blazing-Fast Speeds for Streaming RaiPlay in HD

  • Lightning-fast speeds for watching RaiPlay without interruptions
  • Reliable Italian servers to watch RaiPlay from anywhere
  • 8 simultaneous device connections
  • Can unblock: RaiPlay, NBC, Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Vudu, and more
  • Compatible with: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, Apple TV, Fire Stick, Fire TV, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and more

ExpressVPN was consistently my #1 choice for watching RaiPlay because of its fast speeds. I tested a couple of servers and had minimal speed drops and consistently fast speeds. There was just a 13% drop from my base of 95 Mbps, meaning I got an average of 83 Mbps. With this kind of super-fast connection, you won’t have to worry about buffering while watching your favorite RaiPlay shows in HD or even UHD.

It has reliable Italian servers that make it simple to stream RaiPlay from almost anywhere in the world. I tested out both its Milan and Cosenza servers after finding them via the dropdown menu. Neither server had any issues connecting within seconds, and I was never kicked off a server while I was binge-watching Sopravvissuti.

Screenshot of ExpressVPN app connected while streaming RaiPlayThe connection was stable and I didn’t experience any interruptions

I also liked that ExpressVPN has easy-to-use apps to connect me to RaiPlay from many different devices. You can find your preferred server by typing the name of the country in the search bar. Then, just double-click on the server to connect. Also, saving servers as Favorites saved me a lot of time during testing because I could easily connect to the Italian ones whenever needed. I liked that its app and its website have the option to change the language to Italian too.

The only downside is that ExpressVPN has slightly higher prices, starting at $6.67/month. However, when considering the superior streaming experience I had when using ExpressVPN to watch RaiPlay, I think it is worth the price. Plus, the longer your subscription is, the more affordable it becomes as it is also offering a discount of 49%.

ExpressVPN is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free. I wanted to see if its claims were legitimate, so I contacted customer service via the 24/7 live chat and made a refund request. I connected to a representative within minutes and was able to get my money back in 3 days.

ExpressVPN Offer May 2024: For a limited time only, you can get an ExpressVPN subscription for up to 49% off! Don't miss out!

2. CyberGhost — Streaming-Optimized Servers to Reliably Access RaiPlay

  • Streaming-optimized server designed for watching RaiPlay in HD
  • Easy-to-use apps for connecting quickly to RaiPlay, no matter what device you use
  • 7 simultaneous device connections
  • Can unblock: RaiPlay, NBC, Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Vudu, and more
  • Compatible with: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, Apple TV, Fire Stick, Fire TV, browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and more

My favorite thing about CyberGhost is its streaming-optimized servers for RaiPlay and RaiPlay Diretta. These servers are consistently tested and monitored for performance on RaiPlay. With a streaming-optimized server, you don’t have to worry about finding the best server location yourself. I tried both of them to watch some of my favorite Italian shows and they were reliable throughout. I could access RaiPlay on each attempt.

They also generally offered better streaming speeds while testing. I experienced a 19% drop in speeds using the regular servers as opposed to the 18% with the optimized ones, giving me an average of 72 Mbps. This is more than enough for HD streaming without buffering.

Screenshot of CyberGhost app connected while streaming RaiPlayI could stream any show I liked in great quality while connected to its RaiPlay-optimized servers

I also enjoyed how CyberGhost’s apps were super easy to use and they come with an in-built ad blocker. With similar-looking native apps for nearly every operating system, it takes no time at all to connect to RaiPlay. You can easily find its RaiPlay-optimized servers in the “For streaming” menu just by typing the platform’s name in the search bar. In addition, there’s an option to view the app and the website in Italian. Similar to ExpressVPN, CyberGhost also lets you favorite your most-used servers, so you can quickly access them the next time you log in.

CyberGhost has different pricing tiers for its plans that vary widely. I didn’t like that its shorter-term plan is more expensive while also having a shorter money-back guarantee period. However, long-term plans are more fairly priced, so you can get CyberGhost for just $2.19/month.

It offers a 45-day money-back guarantee on yearly plans, so if you aren’t satisfied, you can get a full refund. To test this, I used the live chat feature to talk to a representative. Within 5 days, I received a full refund.

May 2024 Deal: CyberGhost is currently offering 84% off its most popular plan! Take advantage of this offer now and save more on your CyberGhost subscription.

3. Private Internet Access — Unlimited Simultaneous Connections for Watching RaiPlay on Many Devices

  • Unlimited simultaneous device connections for ease in streaming RaiPlay at home
  • One regular Italy server and one streaming-optimized server for watching RaiPlay buffer-free
  • Intuitive apps for all major operating systems
  • Can unblock: RaiPlay. NBC, Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Vudu, and more
  • Compatible with: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Opera, Firefox, Android TV, Linux, routers, Apple TV, Fire Stick, Fire TV, and more

PIA allows Unlimited simultaneous device connections, which means that you can stream RaiPlay without thinking about disconnecting one device and connecting to another. I tested PIA out on multiple devices, and had no problems with speed drops and buffering. With this many device connections, your whole family can use PIA at the same time while still getting good streaming speeds.

There are 2 options for streaming RaiPlay using PIA, which you can easily find by searching “Italy” in its app’s search box. I tested both its regular Milan server location and its Italy streaming-optimized server, plus 2 US servers. My base speed was 86.60 Mbps and the average I got with PIA was 74 Mbps, which was just a 16% drop. I was able to stream Stasera tutto è possibile with no buffering at all.

Screenshot of PIA app connected while streaming RaiPlayThere were no interruptions while watching Stasera tutto è possibile

PIA has a built-in ad blocker called MACE, but I found that it didn’t work that well. While connected to PIA’s streaming-optimized server in Italy, I tried watching the newest episode of Ossi de Seppia and still saw ads. Although it doesn’t block all of the ads, they were less frequent using PIA than on other apps.

Its pricing starts at $2.03/month. For an additional fee, you can add features like its antivirus program and a dedicated IP address to your plan.

It also offers a money-back guarantee for all of its plans, so you can try it risk-free for 30 days. After having PIA for 14 days, I tested out its claims by requesting a refund through its 24/7 live chat customer support. I answered a few simple questions, and the agent approved my request. Within a week, I received my money back in my bank account.

May 2024 Update: PIA doesn't usually have deals or discounts (it's already so affordable), but right now you can get a new subscription for a crazy 83% off!

4. IPVanish — Over 20 Italian Servers For Watching RaiPlay From Anywhere

  • 20+ servers in Italy so you won’t have to deal with overcrowding
  • Unlimited simultaneous device connections for streaming RaiPlay on as many devices as you want
  • Consistently solid streaming speeds while watching RaiPlay
  • Can unblock: RaiPlay, NBC, Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Vudu, and more
  • Compatible with: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, Apple TV, Fire Stick, Fire TV, Kodi, and more

IPVanish has over 20 servers located in Italy so you can stream shows on RaiPlay without worrying about connecting to an overloaded server. When a VPN only has a few server locations in Italy, there is a risk of them overcrowding, causing slower speeds and interruptions. During testing, I was able to easily access RaiPlay and my connections were stable and reliable. Its app also shows the load next to each server, which helps a lot when choosing the best server.

Screenshot of IPVanish app connected while streaming RaiPlayConnecting to IPVanish’s Milan location was easy and only took 1 click

This also provides the benefit of limitless concurrent device connections. This feature eliminates the need to keep track of the number of devices connected at any given moment. As I was using IPVanish's Milan server on my laptop, everyone in my home was also using it on their respective devices. Despite this, we didn't experience any reduction in speed and could all simultaneously stream our preferred shows.

With IPVanish, you can watch your favorite shows on RaiPlay at super-fast speeds. I tested it by watching La veritaaaà and had great average download speeds of 78 Mbps. Compared to my base speed of 86 Mbps, this was an impressively small difference. With results like these, you can enjoy bufferless HD streaming. Just connect to one of its servers in Italy and you’re ready to go.

IPVanish is fairly priced, with subscriptions starting at $2.99/month. Though yearly plans are the most affordable, you can also choose from one of its monthly or quarterly plans. For an additional fee, you can also add in its antivirus protection software.

My only complaint is that it only offers a money-back guarantee on its long-term plan. So even if you need it for a shorter time, your only option to try out its services for yourself at no risk is with its yearly subscription. I tested its 30-day money-back guarantee by canceling my subscription through the IPVanish app. After submitting the request, my refund was issued to me in 3 days.

5. PrivateVPN — Simple App to Easily Connect to RaiPlay

  • Easy-to-use apps for quickly connecting to RaiPlay
  • Reliable Italian server location to watch your favorite shows from anywhere
  • 10 simultaneous device connections
  • Can unblock: RaiPlay, NBC, Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Vudu, and more
  • Compatible with: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, Apple TV, Fire Stick, Fire TV, and more

PrivateVPN has an app that’s super easy to use, whether or not you are new to VPNs. I tested out its “Simple View,” so I could quickly connect to a server location in Italy. If you’re more familiar with VPNs, you can use its “Advanced View,” which allows you to adjust its features to meet your needs. Whether you want to keep your experience simple for streaming purposes or choose more advanced features like enabling new protocols, PrivateVPN allows you to do so with little effort.

The VPN comes with a reliable Italian server location that accessed RaiPlay on each attempt while testing. I was watching shows at different times of the day and never experienced disconnections. This means you can stream your favorite RaiPlay content from anywhere.

Screenshot of PrivateVPN app connected while streaming RaiPlayIt took only 2 clicks to find an Italian server and connect to it

In comparison to the other VPNs on this list, my speed results were not as favorable. My internet speed decreased by an average of 27% from my base speed of 86 Mbps, which exceeds the acceptable limit of 20%. Nonetheless, I was still able to watch RaiPlay shows in HD quality.

PrivateVPN offers both long and short-term plans, with its lowest price being $2/month. As with my other recommendations, its pricing is much more affordable when you choose to sign up for a longer subscription.

It also comes with a 30 money-back guarantee so you can try it out for yourself. If it doesn’t work for you, you can get a full refund. I tried this out by contacting its customer service. They asked me why I’m requesting a refund before moving forward. Soon after, the person I spoke to accepted my request. I received my money back within 7 days.

Quick Comparison Table: RaiPlay VPN Features

Lowest Price Speed Servers in Italy? Simultaneous Device Connections Compatibility
🥇ExpressVPN $6.67/month Lightning-fast Yes 8 Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, gaming consoles, Apple TV, and more
🥈CyberGhost $2.19/month Very fast Yes 7 Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, gaming consoles, and more
🥉PIA $2.03/month Good Yes Unlimited Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, gaming consoles, routers, and more
IPVanish $2.99/month Decent Yes Unlimited Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more
PrivateVPN $2/month Slightly slower Yes 10 Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more

Quick Guide: How to Watch RaiPlay From Anywhere in 3 Easy Steps

  1. Get a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN for its super-fast speeds and dependable Italian server network, so you can watch your favorite RaiPlay shows without buffering or disconnects.
  2. Connect to an Italian server. When you log in to your VPN, select a server location in Italy from the dropdown list. This will make it appear as though you’re in Italy.
  3. Start watching RaiPlay! Go to the RaiPlay website and watch all of your favorite shows.

Tips on Choosing the Best RaiPlay VPN for You

Within this guide, I have provided my top 5 recommendations for VPNs that enable you to stream RaiPlay. Additionally, I will highlight key factors to consider when selecting a VPN for enjoying your beloved Italian shows.

  • Fast speeds. In order to watch RaiPlay from outside of Italy, you’ll need a VPN that has only minimal speed drops once you’re connected. Otherwise, you’ll experience annoying buffering. Though ExpressVPN was the fastest, all of my top picks were fast enough for HD streaming.
  • Dependable Italian servers. With a large server network, you don’t have to worry about overcrowding, which can cause you to lose your connection. Not all VPNs have servers in Italy, so it’s important to find one that has them and that they offer reliable connections.
  • Easy-to-use native apps. I chose VPNs that were all easy to use for beginners while also having options for more advanced users. All of my picks have native apps for the most popular devices, so you don’t have to configure them yourself. You can just log in from any compatible device and start watching RaiPlay right away. If the VPN doesn't have a native app for your preferred device, you can install it on a router (if compatible) and all your devices connected to that router will be covered by the VPN connection.
  • Responsive customer service. If you have an issue with the VPN, it’s good to have a customer support team there to answer your questions quickly. Look for whether or not they have a 24/7 live chat as well as options to contact them via email or phone. I tested out each VPN’s customer service features to make sure they were present and helpful.

FAQs on VPNs for RaiPlay

How do I watch RaiPlay from the USA or UK?

You can watch RaiPlay from the US or UK using a VPN. The platform restricts users outside of Italy from watching its programming. If you’re in the US, the UK, the Netherlands, or anywhere else in the world, you’ll not be allowed to stream its content. This is due to the fact that it uses geoblocks, which detect your IP address and determine whether or not you’re located in Italy.

By using a VPN with servers in Italy, you can access RaiPlay from anywhere. Since a VPN masks your true location by assigning you a new IP address, you can appear as though you’re in Italy and start watching RaiPlay right away.

Is RaiPlay free?

Yes, RaiPlay is free. If you are located in Italy, RaiPlay is free to sign up for and stream your favorite shows. However, if you’re in the US, the UK, or anywhere outside of Italy, you can watch RaiPlay by signing up for a premium VPN. A VPN masks your true physical location, so you can appear as though you’re located in Italy.

Can I watch RaiPlay on Fire Stick and Roku?

You can watch RaiPlay on Fire Stick, but unfortunately, not on Roku since it is not available on it. To install the RaiPlay app on your Fire Stick, you just have to go to the Amazon Appstore and download it from there.

If you’re traveling outside of Italy, you need an extra step — downloading a VPN. That way, you can watch RaiPlay on your Fire Stick from anywhere. Just make sure that your VPN has servers in Italy to access the platform.

Why isn't RaiPlay working with my VPN?

Sometimes, RaiPlay won’t work while using a VPN, but there are a few quick fixes. I tested out dozens of VPNs, and all of my recommendations above worked for watching RaiPlay outside of Italy. If RaiPlay isn’t working, try these steps:

  • Disconnect from your current server and reconnect to another server location in Italy.
  • Clear your browser’s cookies and cache, then reopen your browser or app.
  • Sign in and out of RaiPlay.
  • If you’re using an app and it isn’t working, try connecting to RaiPlay from your browser.
  • Try enabling or turning on the IP/DNS leak protection if the VPN offers it in its settings.
  • If you’re still having trouble, contact the VPN’s customer support center.

Can I use a free VPN to watch RaiPlay?

I don’t recommend using a free VPN to watch RaiPlay. Though it might seem like a good idea, free VPNs usually can’t even access RaiPlay at all, and many don’t even have servers in Italy. All of my choices were tested for their ability to watch RaiPlay outside of Italy, allowing you to connect to the platform quickly and easily. They also come with money-back guarantees, so you can test them risk-free.

Free VPNs often have servers that are overcrowded, which leads to slower streaming speeds. Some of them don’t even have servers in Italy. They also usually have limited data and bandwidth, so you can’t watch your favorite shows for very long without exceeding those limits. What’s worse, they also can be loaded with malware and can track your internet activity, which can then be sold to third-party companies.

Get the Best VPN for RaiPlay Today

Geo-blocking can pose challenges when trying to access RaiPlay from outside Italy unless you employ a reliable VPN. Nevertheless, not every VPN has servers located in Italy. And even among those that do, many don't provide the speed necessary for a smooth streaming experience.

Though all of my top recommendations are effective for watching RaiPlay, my top pick is ExpressVPN. It has the fastest speeds of all of the VPNs I tested, no matter how far away the servers were from me. Additionally, I had steady, dependable connections using both the Milan and Cosenza servers. Best of all, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free with RaiPlay, as it has a 30-day money-back guarantee. If it’s not for you, you can request a full refund.

To summarize, here are the best VPNs for RaiPlay

Rank
Provider
Our Score
Discount
Visit Website
1
medal
9.9 /10
9.9 Our Score
Save 49%!
2
9.7 /10
9.7 Our Score
Save 84%!
3
9.5 /10
9.5 Our Score
Save 83%!
4
9.2 /10
9.2 Our Score
Save 78%!
5
9.2 /10
9.2 Our Score
Save 85%!
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The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.

VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 49% off.

Visit ExpressVPN

We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

About the Author

Bonnie Clayton is an editor with a focus on cybersecurity. She is especially interested in helping the average person better understand how they can make their web experience more private and secure.

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