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vpnMentor was established in 2014 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering 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 the independent, 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.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering 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 the independent, 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.

How to Watch Sports Free Online: Live Stream & Replay 2024

Andjela Nikolic Updated on 10th January 2024 Fact-checked by Kate Veale Cybersecurity Researcher

Many websites and apps that offer free sports live streams, but most are unsafe and riddled with ads and pop-ups. After extensive research, I’ve shortlisted legitimate options for safe, free sports streaming (like My5) without risking your online data. I've listed several of the best free streaming sites for different countries below.

An essential tool for maintaining your online security while streaming sports online in HD is a VPN. However, it's important not to use a VPN for streaming geo-restricted games from another region — although it’s theoretically possible, this constitutes copyright infringement which I’m strictly against.

Proton VPN was the best entirely free VPN I tried, but its free servers are only in three countries. In most places, you won’t be able to safely watch local sports. ExpressVPN is my top choice for the best balance of security and streaming speed. Though it doesn't have a free plan, its 30-day money-back guarantee allows you to test it without risks.

Watch Sports Free in HD >>

Quick Guide: How to Watch Sports Online With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps

  1. Download a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN as the fastest VPN for safely streaming live local sports. It’s highly secure and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it without any risks.
  2. Connect to a local server. For example, if you’re in the US, connect to a US server to watch ESPN+ safely in HD without interruptions.
  3. Start streaming. Now you can safely watch games live in HD.
Important: My team and I are firmly against copyright infringement. The VPN services we suggest adhere to stringent no-logging policies, so they don’t record or store your online activities. It's important to remember that how you utilize a VPN falls under your responsibility. Always adhere to T&Cs on streaming sites you use as well as all relevant laws and rules.

Best VPNs to Live Stream Sports Online for Free in 2024

1. ExpressVPN — Fast Speeds to Stream Live Sports Safely Without Lag

Best Feature Automatically chooses the quickest nearby server so you can stream in HD
Server Network 3,000 servers in 105 countries, so it’s easy to find one nearby
Device Compatibility Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, Linux, routers, Smart TVs, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, Kodi, and more
Simultaneous Connections Pay for one subscription and use it on up to 8 devices

ExpressVPN's proprietary Lightway protocol provides better speeds than other VPNs since it uses fewer lines of code. While testing ExpressVPN, I experienced minimal speed loss from 127.78Mbps to 121.77Mbps when connected to servers in my country. This was barely noticeable — I watched live games broadcasting in my local area without buffering.

Screenshot of streaming 9Now with ExpressVPN connected to a local server in AustraliaMy speeds didn’t drop even streaming a local tennis match on two other devices

The VPN is compatible with most streaming services my global team and I tested for our respective countries. This includes free platforms like ESPN, BBC iPlayer, France TV, ProSieben, Sling TV, and 9Now. So, you can watch your local streaming platforms safely from your home country without any issues.

Your data is secured with military-grade encryption — a virtually uncrackable encryption standard. Its servers run exclusively on RAM, so your data is never written to a hard drive and gets erased each time the server reboots. Plus, I detected no data leaks in my tests. All this means you’re safe from potential digital surveillance or data theft when using ExpressVPN.

Unfortunately, ExpressVPN doesn’t offer a free plan. However, it has a no-questions-asked 30-day refund policy, so you can try it risk-free. To get my refund, I simply contacted its customer support via 24/7 live chat. The agent issued my refund without pressuring me to change my mind, and the money was back in my account in 3 days.

Useful Features

  • MediaStreamer. If you live in the US, this lets you use ExpressVPN on devices that don't support VPNs directly. That way you can watch US-based games within the US even on smart TVs and gaming consoles.
  • Threat Manager. It blocks trackers and malicious sites, so you can stay safe if you accidentally land on an illegitimate streaming site. While testing ExpressVPN, I noticed fewer ads on local sports sites.
  • Audited no-logs policy. ExpressVPN doesn’t store, share, or sell your real IP or browsing activity. Its privacy policy has been independently audited, confirming the no-logs claims.
  • Obfuscated servers. All ExpressVPN’s servers are specially designed to hide the fact that you're using a VPN. This feature is beneficial if you’re trying to watch sports at your school, office, or another restricted network.
ExpressVPN Offer March 2024: For a limited time only, you can get an ExpressVPN subscription for up to 49% off! Don't miss out!

2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers for Safe Streaming on Major Sports Sites

Best Feature Quickly find the best server for your country and streaming platform
Server Network 11,690 servers in 100 countries, including the UK, the US, Australia, and more
Device Compatibility Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, Linux, routers, Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, browsers, and more
Simultaneous Connections You can use it on up to 7 devices at the same time

CyberGhost’s streaming-optimized servers are sorted by country and let you safely watch your region’s paid sports sites, like ESPN+ and DAZN. Additionally, there are servers for free platforms like BBC iPlayer, NBC, and CBC, where sports events occasionally air. From Australia, I used its 10play server and watched Formula 1 live in HD safely.

Like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost has AES 256-bit encryption to keep your streaming secure. It also uses a kill switch to protect your data from accidental exposure by cutting your connection if the VPN unexpectedly drops. Although CyberGhost never malfunctioned during my tests, this is a nice safety net to secure your data while watching live local sports matches.

Screenshot of CyberGhost's streaming-optimized servers with 10Play in the backgroundIf you’re in the US or UK you’ll have the widest choice of streaming servers

It took me three minutes to install the CyberGhost app and connect to a server. You can also configure it to automatically connect to a preferred server in your country upon launch, saving you some time when a local game you want to watch safely is just about to begin.

The only drawback is that CyberGhost isn’t 100% free and its monthly plan has a short refund period compared to ExpressVPN. However, it offers discounts of up to 83% and a 45-day money-back guarantee on longer subscriptions.

Useful Features

  • App rules. The VPN can automatically connect when you open your favorite streaming site. For example, if you’re in the UK, you can connect to a UK server instantly when you launch ITVX and never watch without protection.
  • Block content. CyberGhost can prevent malicious content and ads. This was quite useful when I was searching for free streaming services, as I ran into several that were plagued with pop-ups and even malware.
  • Exceptions. This lets you choose which websites or services bypass the VPN. If your connection speed isn’t the best, you can exclude some safe apps from the VPN tunnel to improve your speed for streaming.
  • Favorites. You can mark specific servers as 'Favorites', so you don’t need to search through a long list of servers each time you’re looking for the right one for your country.
March 2024 Deal: CyberGhost is currently offering 83% off its most popular plan! Take advantage of this offer now and save more on your CyberGhost subscription.

3. Proton VPN — Unlimited Free Data for Safe Sports Streaming Without Interruptions

Best Feature 100% free VPN with no speed or bandwidth caps
Server Network 4,221 servers in 91 countries, with free servers in 3 countries
Device Compatibility Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, Linux, routers, and more
Simultaneous Connections You can only use it on one device with the free account

Proton VPN stands out as one of the few free VPNs offering unlimited data, so you can safely stream matches without running out of data mid-game. It doesn't support as many streaming services as ExpressVPN or CyberGhost, but it worked with more sites than most free options. My colleague in the US watched local sports on Peacock and Max without issues.

It includes robust security features like AES 256-bit encryption and powerful protocols. While testing Proton VPN, I didn't detect any data leaks that would have revealed my data to third parties. It also has a verified no-logs policy and is based in Switzerland, known for some of the best internet privacy laws. This makes me confident my data is handled properly.

ProtonVPN free Windows app interfaceI was surprised by the number of security features Proton VPN let me use for free

The free plan limits you to servers in only three countries: Japan, the Netherlands, and the US. So, if you live outside of these, you won’t be able to use it to watch sports securely. While its free plan has reduced speeds compared to the paid options, it was generally fast enough for my colleague in the US to watch local sports broadcasts safely in HD with only very short buffering pauses.

The VPN's apps are user-friendly and compatible with various devices, though some versions have limited features. While it has live chat support, it’s not available 24/7, and it’s limited to premium users. So, if you’re looking for more features, including an expanded server network and support, opt for CyberGhost or ExpressVPN.

Useful Features

  • Quick Connect. This automatically selects the fastest server available to help you avoid buffering and give you optimal streaming quality on local sports broadcasts.
  • Perfect Forward Secrecy. Proton VPN generates a unique encryption key for each session. Even if one session's security were to become compromised, previous and subsequent ones stay secure while you watch your favorite sports.
  • Works with several sports sites. My US-based tester confirmed he could safely watch HD NFL, NBA, MLB, and other sports. His Sling TV, fuboTV, MLB.TV, and DirecTV accounts all worked. Some of these have free trials.

Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for Watching Sports Securely

Not every VPN is capable of safe and uninterrupted local sports streaming. To select the best ones, I used criteria including connection speed, security, and compatibility with streaming services. If you prefer doing your own research, here’s what you should consider:

  • Speed. Most VPNs will slow you down at least a little bit. I only included the fastest providers that will let you stream live games without buffering, so you don’t miss any important moments.
  • Security. Strong security features protect your online safety while streaming. I evaluated VPNs based on their encryption standards, logging policies, and security protocols for safe sports streaming.
  • Server network. A wide range of servers means there’s a high chance a VPN has servers in your country, so you can safely stream your local matches.
  • Device compatibility. The VPN should work seamlessly across different devices. I tried the listed VPNs on various platforms including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
  • Unlimited data. A good VPN should let you stream safely as much as you want, without leaving you vulnerable in the middle of a game.
  • 24/7 customer support. Reliable support is essential for resolving issues promptly. I tested the responsiveness and helpfulness of each VPN's customer support team.
  • A free plan or a money-back guarantee. This provides flexibility and risk-free testing. I explored VPNs that offer either a free plan or a money-back guarantee, allowing you to try their services without financial commitment.

Where Can I Watch Free Sports Online?

Websites that stream your local live sports for free and don't violate copyright law are rare to come by. Most require you to have a subscription to stream live sports, but I found a few that you can visit to enjoy the full thrill of your favorite sports events for free.

I’ve sorted them by sport, so it’s easier for you to find the right platform in your country. Remember that you have to be located in the right country to watch on any given service, even if you use a VPN.

AFL
7plus (Australia)
Track and Field
CBC (Canada)
DR TV (Denmark)
France TV (France)
RTBF (Belgium)
RTÉ Player (Ireland)
SBS On Demand (Australia)
7Plus (Australia)
SVT Play (Sweden)
Badminton
BBC iPlayer (UK)
DR TV (Denmark)
Basketball
BBC (UK)
CBC (Canada)
9Now (Australia)
RaiPlay (Italy)
SVT Play (Sweden)
10 play (Australia)
FOX Sports (US)
Bellator
BBC iPlayer (UK)
10 play (Australia)
Boxing
BBC iPlayer (UK)
My5 (UK)
ProSieben (Germany)
TVNZ (New Zealand)
Commonwealth Games
BBC (UK)
CBC (Canada)
7plus (Australia)
Cricket
7plus (Australia)
TVNZ (New Zealand)
Curling
CBC (Canada)
SVT Play (Sweden)
Cycling
CBC (Canada)
DR TV (Denmark)
NOS (Netherlands)
RaiPlay (Italy)
RTBF (Belgium)
SBS On Demand (Australia)
Darts
ITVX (UK)
ProSieben (Germany)
Figure Skating
BBC iPlayer (UK)
CBC (Canada)
SBS On Demand (Sweden)
Football (NFL)
ITVX (UK)
My5 (UK)
7plus (Australia)
ProSieben/Ran (Germany)
TF1 (France)
Peacock TV (US)
Formula 1
Channel 4 (UK)
NOS (Netherlands)
RTBF (Belgium)
Servus TV (Austria)
10play (Australia)
TF1 (France)
Golf
The CW (US)
LIV Golf+ (US)
Masters.com (US)
9Now (Australia)
Servus TV (Austria)
7plus (Australia)
Handball
ARD (Germany)
DR TV (Denmark)
France TV (France)
SVT Play (Sweden)
TF1 (France)
Horse Racing
ITVX (UK)
RaiPlay (Italy)
7plus (Australia)
10play (Australia)
Ice Hockey
CBC (Canada)
ProSieben/Ran (Germany)
Servus TV (Austria)
SVT Play (Sweden)
MotoGP
RTBF (Belgium)
Servus TV (Austria)
10play (Australia)
Rugby
BBC iPlayer (UK)
CBC (Canada)
Channel 4 (UK)
France TV (France)
ITVX (UK)
9Now (Australia)
ProSieben (Germany)
RTÉ Player (Ireland)
Rugby Sevens Match Centre
TF1 (France)
Soccer
ARD (Germany)
BBC iPlayer (UK)
Channel 4 (UK)
DR TV (Denmark)
France TV (France)
ITVX (UK)
ProSieben (Germany)
RaiPlay (Italy)
RTBF (Belgium)
SBS On Demand (Sweden)
Servus TV (Austria)
7plus (Australia)
SVT Play (Sweden)
10 play (Australia)
Table Tennis
7plus (Australia)
Tennis
BBC iPlayer (UK)
BBC (UK)
France TV (France)
ITVX (UK)
9Now (Australia)
RaiPlay (Italy)
RTBF (Belgium)
Servus TV
Skiing
ARD (Germany)
CBC (Canada)
DR TV (Denmark)
Servus TV (Austria)
SVT Play (Sweden)
Swimming
CBC (Canada)
France TV (France)
9Now (Australia)
SVT Play (Sweden)
Pro Wrestling
ITVX (AEW) (UK)
My5 (WWE) (UK)
ProSieben (Germany)

Note: While VPNs could allow you to get an IP address from a supported country while you’re elsewhere, this breaks the terms and conditions of most streaming platforms and could even constitute copyright infringement. The vpnMentor team strictly condemns this.

How to Sign Up for 9Now to Watch Sports for Free

If you’re in Australia, here’s how you can sign up for 9Now and watch local live sports without having to pay. If you’re in another country, your local free platforms might have a different signup procedure and may require your home postal code or a TV license.

  1. Open 9Now. From Australia, simply go to the 9Now website and click on Live Sport.

    Screenshot of 9Now's homepageI found it a bit confusing that there wasn’t a signup button right away

  2. Click on the live stream you want to watch. You’ll immediately be redirected to a login/signup page. Enter your details to create the account. It took me only 2 minutes to do this.

    Steps required to create a 9Now free accountAfter creating the account, I also had to enter the code I received via email

  3. Start streaming. That’s it. Now you can watch live local sports for free in Australia.

FAQs on Streaming Live Sports Online for Free

What is the best website to watch live sports for free?

The best source for free live sports depends on the sport and your location. There are many free streaming sites, but most are illegal and have popups and malware. However, there are legitimate, safe options to try. Just be sure you’re in the correct country for any given service.

Which devices can I use to stream sports for free?

Most free sports streaming websites are optimized for mobile and desktop browsers. However, some platforms that broadcast live sports are available on a variety of devices including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs. Remember to always use a VPN for secure streaming.

Do some premium sites let you watch sports with a free trial?

Only a few premium streaming services offer free trials. However, there are legitimate, 100% free platforms that broadcast live sports in many countries. To secure your online data while streaming, remember to use a reliable VPN that’s tested for streaming.

Is there a website that lets you download live sports broadcasts?

Websites that allow you to download live sports broadcasts are rare and often fall into a legal gray area. Instead, consider official streaming services, though they may require a subscription. For example, if you’re in Australia, you can sign up for 9Now and stream live sports for free.

Are there free sports channels on Fire Stick and other streaming devices?

Yes, devices like the Amazon Fire Stick have free sports channels available. Apps like Pluto TV and Red Bull TV offer sports content at no cost. However, the range of sports can be limited compared to premium services. To stream safely, use a VPN that’s compatible with Fire Stick.

Can I stream sports for free without signing up?

It’s possible to stream sports for free without signing up on some websites. However, be cautious as these sites might not be legal in all regions. and could expose you to malware and other security risks. It's recommended that you use a VPN to keep your sensitive data hidden in case you accidentally land on one of those sites.

Watch Sports for Free in Minutes

Finding free sports live streams can be challenging and fraught with risks, including exposure to malicious software and privacy breaches. This is a significant issue if you’re an avid sports fan and want to stream local matches securely. Using a VPN is a way to protect your online data while watching your favorite live sports on local channels.

To safely stream sporting events in HD, I recommend ExpressVPN. Its fast speeds ensure smooth streaming without lags, and its compatibility with a wide array of streaming services is a major advantage. There’s also no risk in trying ExpressVPN with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for streaming live sports safely online...

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 83%!
3
9.5 /10
9.5 Our Score
Save 50%!
Privacy Alert!

Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!

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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 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering 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 the independent, 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

Andjela is a technology and cybersecurity writer for vpnMentor, dedicated to helping readers protect their privacy online with detailed VPN reviews, testing all features, and providing the facts.