How to Watch Eurovision 2024 Live Online
- Quick Guide: How to Watch Eurovision With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps
- Best VPNs to Watch Eurovision Live in 2024
- ExpressVPN — Fastest Speeds for Watching Eurovision in UHD
- CyberGhost — Dedicated Servers Optimized for Streaming Eurovision
- Private Internet Access (PIA) — Extensive Network to Easily Find a Server for Securely Watching Eurovision
- Where Can I Watch the Eurovision Song Contest Online?
- How to Sign Up for BBC iPlayer to Watch Eurovision
- FAQs on Watching Eurovision With a VPN
- Watch Eurovision Live in Minutes
You can watch Eurovision for free on BBC iPlayer in the UK or RTÉ in Ireland when the 68th edition starts on 7 May 2024. I am a huge fan of Eurovision and its dazzling, over-the-top performances, so I also investigated where to watch the song content in the US.
A VPN can hypothetically change your IP address to stream Eurovision for free on BBC iPlayer or RTÉ from anywhere. However, this goes against the platforms' Terms and Conditions and could constitute a copyright infringement.
ExpressVPN is my top choice for securely watching Eurovision live in HD. It gave me the fastest speeds of the 50+ VPNs we tested, ideal for streaming without buffering. Apps are also user-friendly, with native ones for Apple and Android TV. Since it offers a money-back guarantee, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free for 30 days.
Quick Guide: How to Watch Eurovision With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps
- Get a VPN. To watch your favorite singers in UHD without buffering, ExpressVPN is my top recommendation because of its excellent speeds.
- Connect to a nearby server. The closer the server is to your location, the better the speed. For example, when streaming for free on your BBC iPlayer account, choose a server near you in the UK.
- Watch Eurovision live. To watch for free from Ireland, log in to your RTÉ Player, search for Eurovision.
Best VPNs to Watch Eurovision Live in 2024
1. ExpressVPN — Fastest Speeds for Watching Eurovision in UHD
Tested March 2024 Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Best Feature | Lightway protocol is designed for speed and uses less bandwidth — ideal for live-streaming |
Speed | With only a 3% speed loss, it's the fastest VPN I tested |
Server Network | 3,000 high-speed servers in 105 countries, with 5 UK locations |
Compatible With | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, Android TV, routers, and more |
I never experienced interruptions or drops in video quality when streaming Eurovision with ExpressVPN. Its proprietary Lightway protocol, which uses less code, allows you to watch Eurovision live without buffering. This is great for streaming on mobile, as your battery life will last longer. I tested several of its UK servers from London, and my average download speed clocked at 122.95Mbps, compared to my base connection of 127.29Mbps (only a 3% drop).
ExpressVPN has plenty of worldwide servers for watching Eurovision online from your location. My colleague in the US connected to servers near him and had no problem streaming Eurovision on his Sling TV account. Plus, more servers means less chance of congestion, which can slow you down significantly.
Apps are easy to install and user-friendly. With a one-click connection feature, you can connect to a UK server and live-stream Eurovision on BBC iPlayer from the UK. ExpressVPN is compatible with all major operating systems, and even has native apps for newer Apple and Android TVs — simply download it from the relevant store.
While more expensive than the other VPNs listed (starting at $6.67/month), you can get up to 49% off thanks to ExpressVPN's regular discounts. I signed up for the 12-month plan and even got 3 months of service for free. All subscriptions also have a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it for streaming Eurovision without risk.
Useful Features
- MediaStreamer. With support for various US and UK streaming services, this smart DNS feature is convenient for watching Eurovision on devices that don't support VPNs. I got it set up and streaming on my PS5 in 5 minutes.
- Shortcuts. You don't need to search for BBC iPlayer every time you want to watch Eurovision from the UK. The shortcuts feature lets you launch BBC iPlayer straight from the ExpressVPN app.
- Multiple device connections. Connect up to 8 devices with one account so the whole family can use the VPN to watch movies and TV shows simultaneously.
- Automatic connection. You can configure ExpressVPN to automatically connect to your last used location when you launch the app. This lets you connect to a server in your country and start watching Eurovision without delays.
2. CyberGhost — Dedicated Servers Optimized for Streaming Eurovision
Best Feature | Streaming-optimized servers for various Eurovision broadcasters |
Speed | Fast and reliable connections to watch Eurovision without delays |
Server Network | 11,690 servers in 100 countries, including 3 UK locations |
Compatible With | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, Android TV, routers, and more |
It's convenient to stream Eurovision with CyberGhost's optimized servers for BBC iPlayer, RTBF, RaiPlay, SBS, and RTVE. The VPN team regularly checks and updates these servers to ensure they work and provide smooth, reliable connections. I tested its BBC iPlayer-optimized server from the UK and watched Eurovision in seconds.
CyberGhost is overall one of the easiest VPNs to use, thanks to its intuitive design. Simply expand the app, click the For streaming tab, and type your country into the search bar to find a list of dedicated streaming servers on your right-hand side.
Nearly as fast as ExpressVPN testing local servers, CyberGhost only reduced my average download speed by 4%, great for uninterrupted streaming of Eurovision. I tested the VPN's UK servers from London and could watch the Eurovision Handover Ceremony and Draw without experiencing any frustrating delays or buffering.
On the downside, the VPN's monthly plans are costly. However, a long-term subscription is available at only $2.03/month and has all the same features. Even better, you can watch Eurovision with CyberGhost free for 45 days using the money-back guarantee. Every plan also includes up to 7 simultaneous connections.
Useful Features
- Smart DNS. This feature lets you configure CyberGhost on your smart TV, PlayStation, Xbox, and other devices that don’t usually work with VPNs. Smart DNS is handy when you want to watch Eurovision on the big screen.
- Automatic protocol selection. When you choose automatic selection in the VPN protocol settings, CyberGhost picks the fastest protocol based on your connection, providing optimal speed for watching Eurovision.
- Dedicated IP. If you’re in the UK and want to reliably watch Eurovision in HD, you can get a UK IP address exclusive to you for a small extra fee. With it, there’s a smaller chance you’ll get blocked for using a VPN, as other users can’t abuse it.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Extensive Network to Easily Find a Server for Securely Watching Eurovision
Best Feature | Many servers throughout Europe, and 53 US locations if you're streaming in America |
Speed | A smooth Eurovision streaming experience with only a 6% speed drop testing local servers |
Server Network | 29,650 servers in 91 countries, including Manchester, London, and more |
Compatible With | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, Android TV, routers, and more |
Of all the VPNs I tested for watching Eurovision, PIA has the largest network in Europe, with thousands of IP addresses available. This means you can easily find a server in your country to give you the fastest speeds possible. If one server is congested, leading to slowdowns, you have many alternatives, so you can watch Eurovision without buffering.
It also has streaming-optimized servers in the UK and several other Eurovision participating countries, including the US, Italy, Sweden, and Denmark. I tested its UK streaming server, and it worked reliably with BBC iPlayer from my location in London. These servers also gave me the best speed.
PIA's many customization options might be overwhelming for beginners. However, all the settings come pre-configured, so you can start watching Eurovision within seconds of downloading the app, regardless of your experience level with VPNs.
Starting at $2.03/month, PIA’s prices are pocket-friendly. I recommend getting a long-term plan for the best savings. All subscriptions also have a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, you can try PIA risk-free. If you don’t like it, simply massage 24/7 customer service via the live chat to get a refund.
Useful Features
- Unlimited simultaneous connections. This is useful for large households, especially when traveling or watching live entertainment at conflicting times.
- Server latency. PIA shows the latency next to each server. This refers to the amount of delay you'll experience. To Watch Eurovision in HD, select a server with low latency.
- Split tunneling. This allows you to route some traffic through the VPN while the rest uses your internet connection. This improves speeds, since not all your traffic gets encrypted.
Where Can I Watch the Eurovision Song Contest Online?
There are multiple broadcasters' streaming platforms that provide online access to Eurovision. As it’s considered a public service in the region, most European countries enjoy free Eurovision live streams from local broadcasters. Below are a few choices for live-streaming the Song Contest in the UK, Europe, US, and beyond:
Platform | Country | Cost |
Eurovision.tv | Most countries | Free |
BBC iPlayer | UK | Free |
RTE Player | Ireland (Republic of and Northern) | Free |
SBS On Demand | Australia | Free |
RTBF (French) and VRT Max (Flemish) | Belgium | Free |
DasErste.de (ARD Mediathek) | Germany | Free |
France.tv | France | Free |
RÚV | Iceland | Free |
SVT Play | Sweden | Free |
RTVE Play | Spain | Free |
Rai 1 | Italy | Free |
Peacock Premium | USA | $5.99 |
Sling TV (Blue) | USA | $45/month, no free trial |
FuboTV | USA | $79.99/month, with a 7-day free trial |
DIRECTV | USA | $69.99/month, with a 5-day free trial |
YouTube TV | USA | $72.99/month, with a 14-day free trial |
YouTube (without live commentary) | Most countries (except Australia, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, the U.S., the UK, and others) |
Free |
In the US, NBC owns the exclusive broadcasting rights for the Eurovision Song Contest. That means you should be able to watch it live with commentary with or without cable TV as long as your package includes NBC.
How to Sign Up for BBC iPlayer to Watch Eurovision
As a public service broadcaster, the BBC streams British content for free via iPlayer, including Eurovision. That means that if you’re in the UK and have a valid TV license, you can watch Eurovision live for free on BBC iPlayer.
- Visit iPlayer’s website. Go to the BBC iPlayer site and create an account. You’ll need to provide your UK ZIP code and confirm that you have a TV license.
- Log in to BBC iPlayer. Use your account details to log in.
- Find Eurovision. You can browse the channels or use search. If there’s currently a live Song Contest, click the LIVE menu button.
- Confirm you have a TV license. The BBC iPlayer uses an honor system, so you don’t need to provide your TV license number. However, it’s technically against the law to stream BBC iPlayer without it.
- Start Watching Eurovision. You can now watch radio, on-demand, and live Eurovision Song Contest streams on BBC iPlayer.
Note. While you can theoretically use a VPN to get a UK IP and watch Eurovision on BBC iPlayer from anywhere, this breaks copyright law, which we don't support.
FAQs on Watching Eurovision With a VPN
Can I watch Eurovision for free?
Yes, you can watch Eurovision for free on BBC iPlayer and RTÉ. In most European countries, you can also find free Eurovision live streams on RTVE and SVT. In many other countries, you can watch free live broadcasts on YouTube (without commentary) or Eurovision.tv.
Is the Eurovision app free?
The Eurovision app is free to download from the App Store or Google Play. However, the availability of the app depends on your location and the official broadcaster of your country. If you’re located in a region where Eurovision is available, you can stream it securely with a VPN. The VPNs recommended here offer generous money-back guarantees, so you can try them out risk-free.
Is it legal to watch Eurovision with a VPN?
Yes, it's legal to watch Eurovision with a VPN if you're in a country with broadcasting rights. Using a VPN to change your IP and access a stream not available in your country is likely against the law and the platform’s T&Cs. If you’re in a country where Eurovision is broadcasted on a locally available platform, you can use a VPN to securely stream without causing noticeable delays.
However, it’s also important to bear in mind that some countries, such as China and Turkey, don’t allow VPN use. Therefore, it’s always best to check local laws before using a VPN to watch Eurovision.
Is Eurovision on Hulu, Netflix, HBO, or YouTube?
No, only the Eurovision comedy movie is available on Netflix. You can live-stream the Song Content on the official YouTube channel, but it’s only available in select regions. There are many free European streaming platforms broadcasting Eurovision live.
How can I watch Eurovision from the USA?
You can watch Eurovision from the US via the NBC channel. NBC holds exclusive broadcast rights to the Eurovision Song Contest in the US, so you can watch it on Peacock Premium.
Even though you can technically change your IP address with a VPN and hypothetically let you watch Eurovision from anywhere, doing this goes against the streaming platforms’ Terms and Conditions and could be considered copyright infringement.
Can I use a free VPN to stream Eurovision live?
Using a free VPN to stream Eurovision live is generally not recommended. Free services often restrict speed, bandwidth, and data, so you'll likely experience buffering and delays trying to watch Eurovision. A premium VPN with a money-back guarantee is a more reliable alternative since they have fast servers worldwide.
Many free VPNs lack the security and privacy features needed to keep you safe when streaming. Some even infect your device with malware or sell your data to advertisers to make money.
What is the Eurovision 2024 schedule?
The Eurovision Song Contest kicks off on 7 May 2024 with the first semi-final. The second semi-final is on 9 May, with the Grand Final taking place on 11 May. Live contests will be broadcast on all streaming services at 21:00 CEST (15:00 ET / 12:00 PT). However, there will also be other live events and behind-the-scenes shows throughout the course of the contest.
Can I watch Eurovision on TikTok?
Yes, you can watch Eurovision on TikTok. However, the TikTok content combines the official broadcast and backstage views during performances. You won’t be able to watch entire TV episode broadcasts in full. Eurovision is available on some other platforms in multiple countries, so depending on where you live, you might have a better option than TikTok.
Watch Eurovision Live in Minutes
Eurovision broadcasters are limited to showing the event only in their licensed locations. The good news is that, as a widely popular global phenomenon, there are many streaming options to watch Eurovision worldwide. The best part is that many of them are free.
ExpressVPN is the best choice to stream Eurovision online securely. It offers many fast European servers that allow you to stream without buffering, so you won’t miss out on any performances. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN risk-free.
To summarize, these are the best VPNs for watching Eurovision…
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