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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.
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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.

How to Watch the VMAs 2024 Live Online in HD

Husain Parvez Fact-checked by Ryan Jones Cybersecurity Researcher

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.

Watch the VMAs in HD >>

Quick Guide: How To Watch the VMAs Online in 3 Easy Steps

  1. Download a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN; it has excellent speeds and works well with streaming services that offer MTV, like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and others. Plus, with its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free.
  2. Connect to a server. For example, if you’re in the US, connect to a US server near you to get the best speeds.
  3. Start watching. Log in to a streaming service showing the VMAs and enjoy.
Important. My team and I don't support breaking copyright laws. The VPNs listed below adhere to strict no-logs policy and won’t keep track of your online actions. So, it's up to you to use VPNs the right way and follow all the rules and guidelines that apply.

Best VPNs to Watch the VMAs Online in 2024

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

Best Feature Fast and reliable server network to watch the VMAs without buffering
Server Network 3,000 servers in 105 countries to avoid overcrowding
Speeds 95.1Mbps (3% slower than my usual connection)
Compatible With Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, Smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and more
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.

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.

Screenshot of streaming VMA on MTV Play with ExpressVPNExpressVPN 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 48% discount, reducing the price to just $6.67/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.
ExpressVPN Offer October 2024: For a limited time only, you can get an ExpressVPN subscription for up to 48% off! Don't miss out!

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

Best Feature Servers optimized for streaming platforms that show the VMAs
Server Network 11,690 servers in 100 countries
Speeds 92.4Mbps (6% slower than my usual connection)
Compatible With Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, Smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and more
Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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.

Screenshot of CyberGhost's server networkThe 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.
October 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. Private Internet Access — Large Global Network With Servers in Every US State

Best Feature One of the largest server networks to avoid delays due to overcrowding
Server Network 29,650 servers in 91 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia
Speeds 87.9Mbps (10% slower than my usual connection)
Compatible With Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, Smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and more
Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process.

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.
October 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 82% off!

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).

Screenshot of MTV error message trying to access it outside the USPopular 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.

Platform Locations Free Trial
Pluto TV US
(forever free)
MTV Website US
(24-hour pass)
MTV Play (iOS, Android app) US
Paramount+ Many international locations, including the US, UK, and more
(7 days)
YouTube TV US
(14 days)
Philo US
(7 days)
Hulu + Live TV US
Fubo TV US (and the US territories)
(7 days)
DirecTV US
(5 days)

Pro Tip: The VMAs will also be broadcast live on various TV channels, such as MTV, VH1, BET, Nickelodeon, CMT, Comedy Central, TV Land, Logo TV, Channel 5 (UK), and 10 Peach. Many of these channels are available across many countries, including the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, and more. However, access to them may require a cable subscription. Please also bear in mind that local versions of the MTV website will not offer a live stream of the MTV VMAs — this is solely available on the MTV US site.

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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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

Husain Parvez is a Cybersecurity Researcher and News Writer at vpnMentor, focusing on VPN reviews, detailed how-to guides, and hands-on tutorials. Husain is also a part of the vpnMentor Cybersecurity News bulletin and loves covering the latest events in cyberspace and data privacy.

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