How to Watch the VMAs 2024 Live Online in HD

The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) is one of the most popular award shows in the world, but MTV and other platforms that show the VMAs are not available worldwide. The availability of the VMAs broadcast varies based on the year, region, and current distribution deals.

If the VMAs isn’t available in your region, a VPN and change your IP address to theoretically watch the show from anywhere. However, using a VPN for this purpose is considered copyright infringement, and I advise against it. You can still use a VPN to stay safe online while watching the VMAs from your country.

After testing over 40 VPNs, my team and I found that ExpressVPN stands out as the best choice for watching the MTV VMAs. It’s highly reliable and offers fast speeds for streaming live TV in the best quality. What's more, you can try ExpressVPN without risks, thanks to its trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee. If it doesn't meet your expectations, it’s easy to get a refund. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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Best VPNs to Watch the VMAs Online in 2024

1. ExpressVPN — Excellent Speeds to Stream the VMAs Without Buffering

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Tested December 2024

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www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN ensures fast speeds for streaming, so you can watch the MTV VMAs live in the highest quality without buffering issues. In my tests from a friend's house in Miami, my download speed was excellent — it only dipped by 3% when I connected to US servers closeby. This is impressive, especially when you consider that many VPNs reduce your speed by more than 50%. ExpressVPN also offers unlimited bandwidth, so you never have to worry about hitting any data caps.

ExpressVPN works with multiple platforms that show the VMAs

The network is vast, with 24 US server locations. So, if you’re in the US, you have plenty of server options to connect to and watch the VMA action on platforms like the MTV website, the MTV Play app, and Paramount+. I connected to a US server From Miami in under 5 seconds, and there were zero unexpected connection drops. Across all my tests, ExpressVPN worked well for streaming the VMAs.

The app is beginner-friendly and compatible with most devices, including Android, iOS, Windows, or Mac. Setting up the service is straightforward, and it also offers lightweight and convenient browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

A slight drawback is the pricing. However, ExpressVPN often rolls out discounts and promotions to bring the cost down. I received a 61% discount, reducing the price to just $4.99/month, along with an additional 3 free months of subscription. Plus, with its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can test the ExpressVPN without risk.

Useful Features

• MediaStreamer. If you're keen on watching the MTV VMAs on a larger screen, ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer service lets you connect on devices that typically don't support VPNs, like specific Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL) or gaming consoles (Xbox and PlayStation).
• Works on restrictive networks. ExpressVPN employs cutting-edge obfuscation tech to mask your VPN activity as regular web traffic when it senses network restrictions. This ensures you can consistently stream the MTV VMAs, even from school, work, or a public library.
• Split tunneling. This feature lets you choose which applications use the VPN tunnel and which don't. For example, you can route your browser through a US VPN server near you to securely watch the VMAs while using your regular connection for working on your company server.
• 8 simultaneous connections. You can connect up to 8 devices on one subscription. This ensures that your family can stream the VMAs on their own devices without disconnecting each other.

2. CyberGhost — Beginner-Friendly Apps With a List of Servers Optimized for Streaming

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost offers easy-to-use apps with specialized streaming servers that work with popular platforms like Paramount+. The VPN setup is swift; I had the app up and running on my Android tablet in just a few moments. The streaming-optimized servers are also clearly listed, so even total VPN beginners should have no trouble finding them.

The server list is easy to browse through

Each of the streaming-optimized servers are regularly tested with its allocated platform, to always provide a reliable connection. I tested CyberGhost’s US streaming servers from the US, and they worked with my Paramount+ account on the very first attempt. Plus, I never faced any random connection drops while watching MTV.

The impressive speeds I experienced also let me stream the VMAs live without any disruptions. Furthermore, the service doesn't impose any bandwidth limitations, allowing for uninterrupted viewing of all the award show performances and parts without reaching a data limit.

One downside I noticed was that the monthly subscription costs a lot more and has a shorter refund window (only 14 days). However, long-term plans bring the price down to $2.19/month and offer an extended money-back guarantee — meaning you can try CyberGhost for 45 days free.

Useful Features

• Smart rules. This feature lets you automate CyberGhost’s behavior. For example, I configured the VPN to auto-connect to my local US server whenever I launched my browser to stream the MTV VMAs, which was a time-saver.
• Ad blocker. The “Block Content” feature works to prevent annoying ads and pop-ups on streaming sites. This lets you watch the whole awards show without distractions.
• Smart DNS. Similar to ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer, CyberGhost’s Smart DNS service allows you to watch the MTV VMAs on your Smart TV or game console.

3. Private Internet Access — Large Global Network With Servers in Every US State

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA offers an expansive network that covers every US state, so you can connect to a server near you in the US for the best speeds. Thanks to the vast network, I never encountered issues like server overcrowding, which can lead to unexpected disconnections and slowdowns.

Similar to CyberGhost, PIA has US servers optimized for streaming, that work with platforms showing the VMAs, such as MTV Play and Paramount+. While testing these servers from the US, I got speeds of 87.9Mbps — more than enough for streaming the awards in UHD.

PIA also offers unlimited simultaneous connections. This means everyone in your home can stream the MTV VMAs and other shows on their favorite devices at the same time. While testing PIA, I connected 10 devices and didn’t notice any slowdowns or connection issues.

The app also offers a range of customization features, including adjustable security settings (like encryption levels and protocols). You can tweak these to optimize streaming speeds for the VMAs. The only issue is that this can be confusing if you’ve never used a VPN before. Luckily, the default settings are pretty good for streaming anyway, so you can start watching the show without changing anything if you prefer.

Useful Features

• MACE. PIA's MACE feature enhances your MTV VMAs streaming experience by filtering out pesky ads and intrusive trackers.
• Budget friendly. PIA’s prices go as low as $2.19/month, allowing you to securely stream the VMAs from the US without breaking the bank. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try the service for free.

Where Can I Watch the VMAs Online?

Most streaming platforms that broadcast the VMAs are only available in the US, including MTV Play. Even international services — like Paramount+ — don’t cover every region (Paramount’s streaming site is currently only available in the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, and a handful more countries in Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East).

Popular platforms like Paramount+ and MTV Play often come with broadcasting restrictions

The MTV VMAs will air on September 12 at 8PM ET. To help you find the right platform for streaming the VMAs in all supported locations, I've compiled a list of streaming services. Here are the platforms that have broadcasting rights, the regions they're accessible in, and whether they offer a free trial.

FAQs on Watching the VMAs With a VPN

When are the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards?

The MTV Video Music Awards are scheduled to take place at the Prudential Center in Newark on September 12, 2023. If you’re in a supported country, you can catch the show live online on MTV’s official website, or a streaming platform that offers MTV as part of its channel lineup. Here’s a list of platforms that have broadcasting rights.

Who’s nominated at the 2024 VMAs?

Taylor Swift, Doja Cat, Nicki Minaj, Miley Cyrus, Olivia Rodrigo, Renee Rap, SZA, and Ice Spice are all up for multiple awards this year. Other nominees include Sam Smith, Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Post Malone, Ed Sheeran, Diddy, Paramore, Lana Del Rey, Adele, and Alicia Keys. Use a fast and reliable VPN to secure your connection.

The Colombian sensation Shakira is also set to receive the Video Vanguard Award at the 2023 VMAs. In line with VMA customs, she will also deliver a special performance, showcasing a mix of her iconic hits from over the years. Demi Lovato, Anitta, Kelsea Ballerini, Lil Wayne, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, Karol G, Måneskin, and Stray Kids have also been announced to perform.

Can I watch the 2024 VMAs for free?

Yes, Pluto TV allows you to watch the MTV VMAs in the US for free without having to sign up. Alternatively, many other platforms that stream the VMAs offer a trial that lets you watch the VMAs 2024 free. Just remember to cancel before the free trial period ends.

Can I use a free VPN to watch MTV VMAs online?

It’s not a good idea. Free VPN services are really unreliable — they often don't provide the speed, data capacity, or server range required to stream the VMAs without constant buffering and disruptions. Not to mention that many free VPN services have already been blocked by the platforms broadcasting the VMAs. Going for a premium VPN with a reliable money-back guarantee is a wiser choice.

Even if you find a free VPN that somewhat works with the VMAs, many invade your privacy by recording what you do online and selling it to the highest bidder. Others will even hide malware in their downloads.

Watch the VMAs in Minutes

To safely watch the VMAs online from a supported country, use a VPN. The services mentioned above offer swift speeds and a vast global server network, ensuring uninterrupted streaming of the live event.

That being said, my top recommendation for streaming the VMAs online is ExpressVPN. Among all the VPNs I've tested, it stands out for its extensive server network, excellent speeds, and user-friendly apps. What's more, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free, thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don’t like it, getting a refund is easy.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for watching VMAs online…

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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