How to Watch Rai TV Online in HD From Anywhere (2024)

Rai TV’s RaiPlay has some fantastic shows like Il Commissario Montalbano, but you can stream on RaiPlay only if you have an Italian IP address. Whenever you load up the service, it checks your IP to confirm if you’re in Italy, so you can’t normally watch it outside the country.

However, a reliable VPN can safely access Rai TV anywhere since it can provide a UK IP address. Besides, the VPNs on my list have top-grade security features and help you avoid ISP throttling.

After testing 35+ VPNs, ExpressVPN is my top choice for watching RaiPlay. It's easy to use and has fast servers to stream Rai TV live in UHD. Plus, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN with RaiPlay without risk. 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 Rai TV Anywhere in 2024

1. ExpressVPN — Impressive Speeds to Stream Rai TV Live Without Buffering

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

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol is the fastest for streaming RaiPlay. Its small code base makes it efficient, so my testing team had no issues watching Rai TV online. They tested servers in Italy and got speeds over 118Mbps. Since only 25Mbps is required for UHD streaming, ExpressVPN allows watching RaiPlay from anywhere without interruptions.

ExpressVPN's Italy servers unnoticeably lower the speeds

Thanks to its rotating IP addresses, it’s possible to securely access a RaiPlay account. ExpressVPN regularly monitors and refreshes IP addresses to confirm compatibility with popular streaming services, which tend to block VPNs. Our international testers tried servers in Naples, Cosenza, and Milan at different times throughout the week and confirmed they all worked flawlessly.

The apps are easy to install and use for all major devices, with native Android and Apple TV apps. If your device doesn't support VPNs, like my PS5, ExpressVPN's custom router software lets you watch Rai TV on any device connected to your home WiFi. This includes Roku, older smart TVs, and gaming consoles. Setting it up on my Asus router and connecting to a server in Naples only took 12 minutes.

On the downside, it costs more than others on this list, starting at $4.99/month. However, ExpressVPN offers frequent discounts, so you can save as much as 61%. I even got 3 extra months of service free with its long-term subscription. A 30-day money-back guarantee also backs all plans. I tested its refund policy by canceling via 24/7 live chat and got my money paid to my PayPal within 3 days.

Useful Features

• Shortcuts. It’s possible to create an app shortcut to RaiPlay on ExpressVPN's home screen to open RaiPlay directly from the VPN app when connected to an Italian server.
• Obfuscation technology. ExpressVPN automatically conceals VPN traffic as regular HTTPS to watch Rai TV even on restricted networks that block streaming sites like those in workplaces and schools.
• Browser extensions. With add-ons for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Brave, you can activate the VPN and stream Rai TV directly from your browser with a single click.

2. CyberGhost — RaiPlay-Optimized Servers for Reliable HD Streaming

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost's optimized streaming servers can safely access RaiPlay. They are constantly tested and updated to work for streaming RaiPlay. My international testing team watched Italian shows and movies in UHD without interruptions.

Its apps for various operating systems are user-friendly, even if you’ve never used VPNs. Quickly find and connect to the RaiPlay-optimized server when choosing For Streaming and typing 'Italy' into the search bar. Similar to ExpressVPN's Shortcuts, you can use Smart Rules to automatically open the RaiPlay app whenever you connect to its optimized server.

CyberGhost has plenty of streaming-optimized servers for Italy

One minor con is that some CyberGhost’s connections aren’t as fast. For instance, its Milano server dropped download speed by 27%, compared to the 15% drop of the Rome server. However, my colleagues could stream RaiPlay in HD without buffering, no matter which Italian server they tried.

A long-term subscription is available for as low as $2.19/month and includes a generous money-back guarantee. You can stream Rai TV with CyberGhost free for up to 45 days and request a refund if it doesn't meet your expectations. Customer support is available 24/7 via email and live chat.

Useful Features

• Automatic protocol selection. If you’re unsure which protocol is best for your network, CyberGhost will automatically choose the best one for streaming on RaiPlay from Italy.
• Block Content. Although this ad blocker won’t stop commercials on live TV streams, it prevents background trackers that use up bandwidth and can degrade streaming performance.
• Split tunneling. This lets you decide which apps use the VPN and which connect via your regular internet. This can improve your streaming performance on Rai TV since only some of your traffic is encrypted.

3. Private Internet Access — Customizable Settings to Improve Your Streaming on Rai TV

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

Private Internet Access (PIA) lets you tweak settings for a smooth Rai TV experience in Italy, even if your baseline internet is slower. For example, during my tests in Naples, the WireGuard protocol gave me the best performance while keeping my connection secure and private. I got an 8% speed increase compared to the OpenVPN protocol. However, if OpenVPN works best for your network, you could improve your speed by lowering your encryption level from 256-bit to 128-bit.

Choose WireGuard for the highest quality streams

Similar to CyberGhost, it also has an optimized streaming server in Italy to access RaiPlay without issues, although it isn't specifically designed for Rai TV. My team tested both the standard and streaming-optimized servers and found that both were functional. However, the optimized server provided slightly better performance.

You might find all the advanced options overwhelming if you're new to VPNs. Luckily, all essential settings required for streaming Rai TV securely come pre-configured, so you don’t have to adjust anything to get started. I like that the app's layout elements can be dragged around, so I could get it looking exactly how I wanted it.

Plans are competitively priced. However, a long-term subscription is the most affordable at $2.19/month. Plus, all plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

• Sort by latency. PIA provides real-time information on server latency. This feature tells how responsive a server is, so it’s easy to pick the best server for smooth Rai TV streaming.
• Automation. You can set PIA to automatically connect to the Italian streaming-optimized server so you can start streaming on RaiPlay right away.

Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for Rai TV

Not every VPN is reliable for streaming securely on RaiPlay. Some lack basic security features, while others aren’t fast enough for streaming without buffering. Here are the key factors I looked at when choosing the best VPN for Rai TV:

• Servers in Italy. There must be a server in Italy to safely watch Rai TV anywhere. Server listings are available on VPN’s websites. The more servers in Italy a VPN has, the less likely you'll experience slowdowns due to overcrowding.
• Fast speeds. A VPN should offer high-speed connections to ensure Rai TV content plays smoothly and in high definition. VPNs with Wireguard or their own proprietary protocols are usually fastest.
• Device compatibility. You might want to watch Rai TV on different devices like a smartphone, smart TV, or tablet. Check your VPN’s website to ensure it works with all the devices you regularly use for streaming.
• Value for money. Look for VPNs that offer a good balance between cost and features and ensure you’re not overpaying for unnecessary extras.
• Excellent customer support. Issues might arise, and when they do, prompt assistance is crucial. Each of the above VPNs has knowledgeable and responsive customer support agents available 24/7 via live chat or email.
• Trustworthy money-back guarantee. It’s a good idea to try a VPN before committing. All the VPNs I recommend here have reliable money-back guarantees, so you can try them with confidence and request a refund if they don’t work for you.

Where Can I Watch Rai TV Online?

You can only watch Rai TV online on RaiPlay, the network’s streaming service. However, the platform is usually not available outside Italy. RaiPlay determines your location by checking your IP. You get the error message below if you don’t have an Italy IP address.

Licensing agreements prevent RaiPlay from broadcasting outside Italy

All that being said, a quality VPN can offer an Italian IP address, meaning that RaiPlay can be accessed securely from anywhere. Keep in mind, though, that only the best VPNs provide the high speeds needed for quality streaming.

How to Sign Up for RaiPlay

1. Download a VPN. To keep your data safe while streaming RaiPlay, choose a VPN with military-grade encryption and reliable servers throughout Italy.
2. Open RaiPlay. Go to the RaiPlay website or download the RaiPlay app on your device. The app is available on various platforms, including Android, iOS, and smart TVs.
3. Create an account. Click on the Registrati (Register) button. Provide your personal information, like username, email address, and password. You can also sign in with your Google, Apple, Facebook, or Twitter account.
4. Confirm your registration. Check your email and confirm your registration by clicking the link Rai TV sent you.
5. Start streaming. Log in to your account and securely watch Italian movies and shows.

FAQs on Watching Rai TV With a VPN

Can I watch Rai TV for free?

Yes. You can watch most of what’s on Rai TV for free with a RaiPlay account. All you need to do is create an account. To find out what’s available for free, you can check RaiPlay’s social media pages on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. The platform posts updates when it introduces a new release or adds a popular show to the library.

Can I use a free VPN to watch Rai TV securely from Italy?

Although a free VPN to watch Rai TV from Italy is technically possible, it might not be the most secure or reliable option. For a more secure and enjoyable viewing experience, consider investing in a reputable low-cost VPN with a money-back guarantee.

Free VPNs often limit bandwidth, server options, and security features, resulting in slower streaming speeds, poor video quality, and increased vulnerability to cyber threats. Some free services have even been caught selling user data to advertisers for a profit.

Is it legal to use a VPN to watch Rai TV?

In most countries, including Italy, using a VPN is legal. However, using it to watch content not available in your region could violate RaiPlay’s terms of service and constitute copyright infringement. RaiPlay could potentially ban your account if it thinks you’re breaking the rules. You should only use a VPN to watch Rai TV securely if you’re in Italy.

Is there an app for watching Rai TV from outside Italy?

The RaiPlay app for iOS and Android can be downloaded in most regions. A good VPN can help you watch Rai TV securely from anywhere.

Will I enjoy HD streaming on Rai TV while using a VPN?

Yes, you can enjoy HD streaming on Rai TV while using a VPN, provided the VPN offers fast and stable connection speeds. High-quality VPNs are designed to minimize speed loss so you can stream content from Italy in HD without buffering.

Which devices can I use to watch Rai TV?

RaiPlay is available on many devices, including web browsers, Android, iOS, smart TVs, and Apple TV. It’s also accessible via streaming devices like NVIDIA Shield, Roku, and Amazon Fire Stick. Premium VPNs for Rai TV all work with all these devices, either with an app or through your router, so it’s easy to protect your data while streaming in Italy.

How can I watch Rai TV on Kodi?

Install Kodi for your device by downloading the zip file for the Rai TV add-on. Then open Kodi and:

1. Go to Kodi’s Add-ons menu.
2. Click the icon showing an open box, then choose Install from zip file.
3. Find the zip file for the Rai TV Kodi add-on you downloaded from GitHub. Select it, and it will start installing.
4. From the Kodi home screen, go to Add-Ons and then Video add-ons. Type Rai on Demand in the search bar. The Rai TV add-on should appear.
5. Select Rai TV and start watching via Kodi.

Watch Rai TV Anywhere in Minutes

A VPN is the easiest way to watch Rai TV securely in HD. All the VPNs on this list have Italian servers that work well with the site and are fast enough to stream Rai TV live without delays.

ExpressVPN is my top recommendation for securely streaming Rai TV. It stands out for its impressive speeds, ease of use, and reliable servers in Italy. Plus, with its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it without risk.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for watching Rai TV 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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