How To Watch the Olympics Live From Anywhere in 2024

The Olympics are broadcast globally, with some countries offering free live coverage. These include Australia, Canada, France, and more. Those in the US can watch the Games on Peacock for free. However, these platforms are geo-blocked to specific regions.

With a VPN, you can securely access the Summer Olympic Games on free platforms from anywhere. A VPN changes your IP address by routing your connection through secure servers. This keeps your real IP address hidden from hackers, your ISP, and the websites you visit. VPNs also encrypt your internet connection, making your data unreadable to anyone trying to intercept it.

After my team and I tested over 50 VPNs, ExpressVPN is my #1 recommendation for watching the Olympics in HD. Its global network of fast servers consistently streams live sports from anywhere without buffering. Plus, it's easy to use on all major devices. You can try it risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. 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 Olympics in HD >>

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

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.

How To Watch the Olympics Online for Free

There are plenty of free platforms that stream the Summer Olympics, but an account is usually needed. The steps are similar for each streaming service, but I used BBC iPlayer as an example.

1. Download a VPN

Install a reliable VPN. Make sure your VPN is compatible with your streaming device. For live sports broadcasts, I recommend getting a VPN with Smart TV apps so you can watch all the action live on your big screen. ExpressVPN has native Apple and Android TV apps. If your TV isn’t VPN compatible, you can install it on your router to securely stream on all devices connected to your home network.

There are video guides for easy installation on any device

2. Connect To a Server

Choose a VPN with servers in the UK to get a secure UK IP address and stream the Olympics for free on BBC iPlayer. ExpressVPN offers several reliable servers in the UK, and also in tons of different countries where free platforms are available for streaming the Summer Olympic Games.

You can connect to a server by clicking on the big power button

3. Open the Streaming App or Website

You can watch BBC iPlayer through your browser or an app on various devices, including phones, PCs, and TVs. Simply download the app to your device or visit the BBC iPlayer registration page from your web browser, and confirm you’re older than 13.

When I tried a free VPN, I couldn’t create an account. I encountered a slightly different page that indicated that BBC iPlayer had detected my VPN use. So, it’s important to choose a reliable VPN that’s proven to work with BBC iPlayer.

It took me around 3 minutes to sign up for BBC iPlayer

4. Enter Your Details

BBC iPlayer requires your username, gender, and birth date. You won’t be asked for your name, and you don’t need to confirm your registration using verification emails.

I like that the platform doesn't ask for too many personal details

5. Confirm You Have a TV License

Some streaming platforms, including BBC iPlayer, request a TV license confirmation. However, the platform didn't require me to provide proof of my TV license; I just clicked I have a TV license. After that, I was directed to the entire BBC iPlayer library, which includes the Olympics.

You can start streaming the Olympics right away

6. Start Watching the Olympics

Once registered and logged in, you can start streaming the Summer Olympics. Enjoy all the action from the comfort of your home, with the added security of your VPN protecting your online activity.

All ExpressVPN's UK servers work well for streaming BBC iPlayer

I’ve just used BBC iPlayer as an example above, but here are a few additional resources for accessing the Olympics via alternative free platforms (and locations).

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.

Where To Watch the Summer Olympics Online in 2024

The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris will be broadcast globally, and you can stream the events online from various countries. Below is a detailed breakdown of the streaming options, including subscription prices, and free trial availability.

Best VPNs to Stream the Olympics in 2024

The top VPNs for watching the Summer Olympic Games can provide safe access to live coverage from anywhere. The VPNs I shortlisted offer compatibility with various streaming services, fast speeds for smooth HD streaming, and robust security features to protect your online privacy.

1. ExpressVPN — Fast Speeds To Stream the Olympics Live in HD From Anywhere

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested December 2024

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol allows you to stream without interruptions. Lightway uses a leaner codebase, to process data faster than older VPN protocols. It's also ideal for streaming on mobile since it drains less battery. Connecting to local servers in the UK only reduced our speed by 2% during tests​. With such fast speeds, it's possible to stream the Olympics live in HD from anywhere.

With an extensive worldwide network, ExpressVPN can securely access popular sports streaming services like BBC iPlayer, Peacock, 9Now, CBC, and TVNZ from anywhere. Its automatic obfuscation helps maintain access to these platforms by disguising VPN traffic as regular internet traffic. You can also use its MediaStreamer (smart DNS feature) to watch US and UK content on devices that don’t usually support VPNs, like older smart TVs and game consoles.

The VPN’s subscriptions are pricier than those of its competitors, starting at $4.99/month. However, you can get up to 61% off longer plans, and an extra three months free. Additionally, ExpressVPN offers a money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free for 30 days. I got my money back 2 days after requesting a refund via its 24/7 live chat.

2. CyberGhost — Dedicated Servers to Easily Stream the Olympics

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost offers optimized servers for Peacock, BBC iPlayer, 9Now, and more. These servers are easy to find. Expand the app, click For streaming, and type your preferred platform into the search bar. You can also save these servers as favorites by clicking the star icon. This means streaming the Olympic torch live in HD from anywhere with just 2 clicks is possible. CyberGhost's BBC iPlayer server dropped our speed by only 3% during tests — nearly as fast as ExpressVPN.

On the downside, the monthly plan is a bit expensive and comes with a shorter, 14-day money-back guarantee. However, you get a 45-day money-back guarantee on longer-term subscriptions, so there is more than enough time to test it out. Additionally, you can get help whenever you need it, thanks to 24/7 live chat support.

3. Private Internet Access — Extensive Network to Reliably Watch the Olympics Online

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ FIFA+ Netflix

Disney+ APV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

Private Internet Access (PIA) has one of the largest networks, with over 29,650 servers in 91 countries. With plenty of connection options, avoiding overcrowding and getting stable speeds for streaming the Olympics from any location is possible. Additionally, the VPN supports unlimited device connections. We connected PIA to 9 devices at once and noticed no performance issues streaming the Olympics.

With many configuration options, PIA might seem overwhelming to new VPN users. However, its default settings are sufficient for streaming the Olympics without any adjustments. Additionally, PIA includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it a risk-free option to try to watch the Summer Olympics.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for Watching the Olympics Online

The deciding factor is compatibility with streaming services broadcasting the Summer Olympics since very few VPNs work with the platforms airing the Summer Olympic Games live. We conducted speed tests to see if the VPNs could handle the HD streams without buffering and provide stable connections during peak viewing times. Security features were also thoroughly evaluated to confirm that each VPN could maintain privacy while streaming.

Summer Olympics 2024 Schedule

The Summer Olympics 2024 will feature a wide range of sports events spanning several weeks. Key dates include the opening ceremony, daily competitions, and the closing ceremony, all spread across various venues in the host city.

Key Dates

• Opening Ceremony, July 26. The grand inauguration with performances, parade of nations, and lighting of the Olympic flame.
• Competitions Begin, July 27. Start of preliminary rounds for various sports including soccer, archery, and rowing.
• Mid-Games Highlight, August 3. Midway through the games, major finals like the 100m sprint and gymnastics all-around finals.
• Finals Week, August 5-10. Key finals in athletics, swimming, and team sports.
• Closing Ceremony, August 11. A celebration marking the end of the games, featuring cultural performances and the handover to the next host city.

Daily Breakdown

• Morning Sessions. Athletics heats, swimming preliminaries, and early rounds of tennis.
• Afternoon Sessions. Team sports such as basketball and soccer, along with beach volleyball.
• Evening Sessions. Finals for swimming and gymnastics, plus track events like the 100m dash.

By Sport

• Athletics, July 27 - August 10 — Events like the 100m, 200m, 400m races, long jump, and decathlon.
• Swimming, July 27 - August 3 — Includes freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, and medley events, with daily heats and finals.
• Gymnastics, July 28 - August 6 — Artistic gymnastics featuring all-around and apparatus finals, followed by rhythmic gymnastics.
• Team Sports (throughout the Games) — Soccer, basketball, and volleyball matches held daily, leading to finals in the last week.

Venues

• Olympic Stadium. Hosts the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as track and field events.
• Aquatics Centre. Dedicated to swimming, diving, and synchronized swimming.
• Gymnastics Arena. Equipped for both artistic and rhythmic gymnastics competitions.
• Multiple Stadia. Venues across the city for sports like soccer, basketball, and beach volleyball.

Event Highlights

• July 27. Early heats in swimming and athletics, and the first rounds of basketball and soccer.
• August 1. Finals in swimming's 100m freestyle and gymnastics' all-around.
• August 8. Track and field finals, including the 4x100m relay.
• August 10. Men’s and women’s basketball finals.
• August 11. Closing ceremony featuring cultural performances and the traditional extinguishing of the Olympic flame.

FAQs on Watching the Olympics Without Cable

Can I watch the Olympics online for free?

Yes, free coverage is available online in several countries. However, the streams are geo-restricted, so you can only watch with a local IP address. In the UK, you can stream the Olympics for free on BBC iPlayer. Additionally, countries like Australia, Canada, and New Zealand also offer similar coverage.

When will the Olympics' opening and closing ceremonies be broadcast?

The opening ceremony is scheduled for July 26, 2024, and the closing ceremony will take place on August 11, 2024. If you’re in the US, you can watch the opening ceremony at noon ET live on various online platforms, including Peacock and NBCOlympics.com. Similar coverage of the Paris 2024 Olympics will be available on BBC in the UK and 9Now in Australia.

How can I watch the Olympics gymnastics and volleyball online?

You can watch gymnastics and volleyball events online using various streaming services. In the US, live streaming is available on NBCOlympics.com and Peacock. Channel 9 (9Now) is the official broadcaster for Australia, and CBC will broadcast the events in Canada. You can watch these platforms safely online with a VPN.

What are the new sports at the Paris Olympics?

The new sports include breaking (breakdancing), sport climbing, skateboarding, and surfing. If you want to watch these events, make sure to check the 2024 Summer Olympics schedule, since breaking will debut as a competitive sport this year, and it’s only available on specific dates.

Where will the next Olympics be held?

The next Summer Olympics will be held in Los Angeles, USA, in 2028, and just like any year, it will be available to stream on various platforms from around the globe. The Los Angeles Games will mark the third time the city has hosted the Summer Olympics, following previous events in 1932 and 1984. Following Los Angeles, the 2032 Summer Olympics are scheduled to take place in Brisbane, Australia, marking the first time this city will host the Games.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for watching the Olympics from anywhere...

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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