A VPN changes your IP address and replaces it with one from a country of your choice. All you need to do is connect to a server location where your IPTV provider is available so that you can access your account. For example, connecting to a US server gives you access to US IPTV providers such as Xumo, Sling TV, Pluto TV, or Hulu + Live TV. But not all VPNs are reliable. After testing over 50 services, my top recommendation is ExpressVPN. Its high-speed servers worldwide make it a breeze to bypass geoblocks and enjoy uninterrupted live streams. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free since it comes with the 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, you can get a full refund. Start Using IPTV Today
Why You Need a VPN for IPTV
Even though it should be technically available everywhere, IPTV differs by country due to broadcasting rights and copyright deals with different content holders. Similarly to on-demand streaming platforms, IPTV providers can only stream live TV in licensed regions. So, if you’re traveling abroad, your account might be blocked. The quickest and safest way to overcome these limitations is to use a VPN. It can make it appear like you are accessing the platform from a location of your choice. A VPN changes your IP address by rerouting your traffic through its private servers. This allows you to bypass geoblocks, and watch your favorite shows and live TV. Just connect to a server in the UK, US, or wherever you got your IPTV subscription and stream as you normally would. Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free Today
Best VPNs for IPTV to Watch Live TV From Anywhere in 2023
All the VPNs on my shortlist are great for accessing IPTV anywhere and provide the best speeds for live streaming without buffering. On top of that, they’re easy to set up and use on various devices simultaneously. Importantly, they all come with a reliable money-back guarantee, so you can test the service risk-free. You can always claim a full refund if it doesn’t suit your needs.
1. ExpressVPN — Blazing-Fast Speeds for Uninterrupted Live IPTV Streams
Thanks to ExpressVPN’s super-fast speeds, you can live stream in UHD buffer-free. The average speed loss with a VPN is 20%, but my speed remained almost the same. I used its proprietary Lightway protocol because it is the fastest, perfect for streaming. My download speed dropped by only 7.85% during my tests — to 141.43 Mbps from a baseline of 153.48 Mbps. This means you can easily watch live TV using IPTV in 4K quality. With over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, it also allows you to access your IPTV account from anywhere. Having enough servers is crucial since streaming services are country-specific. My subscription is from the US, so I tested different US locations to see if I could access my account while traveling. Each one I used (DC, NY, LA, etc.) let me access my IPTV provider, and I could enjoy my favorite live channels. Plus, you can use the VPN on virtually any device, thanks to its compatibility with all major operating systems. You can even install it on your router to connect all WiFi-enabled devices, like those that don’t support VPNs, such as smart TVs and gaming consoles. It took me less than 10 minutes to install it on my Asus router and log in to my IPTV account to watch live TV on my LG smart TV. Despite the excellent performance, the VPN has one minor con — plans are pricier than expected, starting at $6.67/month. However, ExpressVPN regularly has great deals that help you save. I got 49% off my 12-month subscription and a few extra months for free. While all plans provide the same features, you get the best value for money with long-term options. Additionally, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN with IPTV risk-free. If you’re not completely satisfied, you can get a full refund. To check how easy it is to cancel your subscription and get a refund, I contacted support via the 24/7 live chat. The agent approved my request immediately without asking any probing questions. The money was back in my bank account 3 days later. Use IPTV With ExpressVPN Now
2. CyberGhost — Easy to Use So You Can Start Streaming Live TV in No Time
CyberGhost is straightforward to install, and navigating settings is simple, no matter the device you’re using — apps look and function almost identically. It took me only 10 seconds to launch the VPN and unlock my IPTV account. Plus, by clicking the “For streaming” tab in the expanded app view, you’ll conveniently be provided with a list of servers optimized for specific country/streaming platforms. I accessed my United States/Sling TV account in just 2 clicks during testing. You can also create a favorites list of servers by clicking the star icon. That way, you don’t have to search for your preferred ones. You can simultaneously use the VPN on up to 7 devices. I connected it to my Android phone, 2 Windows computers, my smart TV, and an iPad at the same time. But despite the multiple connections, I didn’t notice any loss in streaming quality. CyberGhost’s speeds are second-best only to ExpressVPN, so you can use it with IPTV to watch live TV without buffering. Its servers in Europe, the US, and Asia gave me an average speed of 37 Mbps, around 25% slower than my baseline. The minimum speed requirement for streaming in HD is 5 Mbps, and for UHD, it’s 25 Mbps. With CyberGhost, you won’t miss a second of the live-action. I found the monthly plan very expensive with only a 14-day money-back guarantee. However, a long-term subscription is available at only $2.11/month and provides a generous money-back guarantee. Since all plans have the same features, I chose the 3-year one as it’s the cheapest. Its extended money-back guarantee lets you use CyberGhost with IPTV free for 45 days. To test how straightforward the refund process is, I canceled using its 24/7 live chat. I only had to briefly explain why I wanted to end my subscription, after which the agent approved my request. Within 4 days, the full amount was back in my PayPal account. Use IPTV With CyberGhost Now
3. Private Internet Access — Wide Server Network to Access IPTV From Any Location
PIA has an impressive global network, with 53 US server locations. No matter where you are, you’ll be able to access your IPTV account. Having so many servers also means it’s less likely to become congested due to overcrowding, meaning you can rely on stable and fast connections. I tested over 20 PIA US servers and easily accessed my subscription on USTVNow every time — watching Two and a Half Man on FOX 8 was seamless. There’s also a proprietary built-in ad-, tracker-, and malware blocker called MACE. This feature is really useful since it blocks annoying (potentially malicious) ads while you use IPTV to stream. It also prevents malware and trackers from collecting your data. This feature is automatically switched on, so you don’t have to worry about configuring anything. Plus, PIA can be used on up to Unlimited devices simultaneously and is compatible with almost all operating systems. It took me only 5 minutes to set up on my Windows laptop and stream various live sports events using IPTV. My connection remained stable, and there was only a minor speed drop with far-away servers. I found only one minor con — the app is not a perfect choice for inexperienced VPN users because of its many customization options. But, it comes pre-configured, so you can stream using IPTV without changing any settings. The VPN is very budget-friendly. With the current discounts, a long-term subscription will cost you only $2.03/month. PIA also offers monthly plans, but they cost more without additional benefits, so I prefer the 2-year option. It’s also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test PIA with IPTV risk-free and decide if it meets your needs. Getting a refund is simple if you’re not completely happy with it I used the 24/7 live chat to contact support — the agent approved my request in minutes. The money was back on my credit card after 5 days. Use IPTV With PIA Now
How to Use IPTV Apps on Any Device
You can set up IPTV apps on most streaming devices. It is relatively straightforward, especially if you follow the setup guides for that device. First, you need to install a streaming app such as IPTV Smarters or Smart IPTV. The apps alone do not provide any IPTV services or host any playlists of their own. You need to have an existing subscription for an IPTV service provider to stream. First, you need to get the Downloader app that allows you to install the IPTV streaming app. Some verified IPTV applications are, for example, IPTV Smarters or the Smart IPTV app.
How to set up IPTV on iOS or Android devices
There are many IPTV apps available on the App Store and Google Play Store — IPTV Smarters, Smart IPTV Lite, and Pro, Perfect Player IPTV, etc. On both platforms, the process is more or less similar:
How to set up and use IPTV on Roku
One of the easiest ways to set up IPTV on Roku is to use the Android mirroring option. However, make sure that your Android device has cast support. You need to set up IPTV on your Android device to use this setup method.
How to set up IPTV on Chromecast
To use IPTV on Chromecast, you need an IPTV app with cast support, such as IPTV Smarters Pro, VLC Media Player, Smart IPTV, or Perfect Player IPTV.
How to set up IPTV on Sony, LG, or Samsung smart TVs
Install and Use IPTV on Xbox One
All the VPNs on this list are compatible with Xbox, but the easiest VPN to set up and use is ExpressVPN. Start Watching IPTV With ExpressVPN
How to Know You’re Using Verified IPTV Streaming Platforms
Unverified IPTV services, on the other hand, are available to download only via third-party websites. Since it’s hard to check if an unverified IPTV service follows broadcasting laws, it’s better not to use them. While you can’t get in trouble for watching, these unregistered platforms are often streaming pirated content. As a result, they are often taken down, and you’ll lose access to your account. Either way, it’s a good idea to use a VPN with IPTV to protect your data from snoops and hackers. Try ExpressVPN with IPTV Risk-Free
Best IPTV Service Providers for 2023
There are numerous IPTV streaming platforms that offer free and paid subscriptions and access to hundreds of channels and live and on-demand content. Some of the best platforms to choose from are: DirectTV — It provides live and on-demand content, with a mix of 140+ live channels and 65,000+ on-demand titles. Access to Showtime, Starz, Cinemax, HBO Max, and more are included for the first three months. All plans come with a free trial. Falcon TV — Affordable service with a variety of subscription plans. Offers 4,000+ channels and 40,000+ on-demand titles, plus PPV channels. You get access to NBC, CBS, Fox, Comedy Central, Discovery, and more. Plans come with a 3-day free trial. Xumo — A choice of 180+ channels for free. A TV login or monthly subscription is not required. You get access to news, movies, TV, and sports channels, including NBC News, Fox Weather, CBS News, and more. Peacock TV — You can choose between on-demand content and live channels, including TNBC, Telemundo, E!, and more. Choose between the free and premium plans. Both subscription options ( Premium and Premium Plus) offer a 7-day free trial. Sling TV — You can get a paid subscription plan with 40+ sports, family, entertainment, and news channels. Plus, all the channels are available on Sling Free. All plans are really affordable, but there’s no free trial. Cloud DVR is included in the subscription. Hulu + Live TV — Get access to the entire Hulu Streaming library and around 100 TV channels, including ABC, Animal Planet, Fox News, ESPN, Disney+, and much more. There’s only one subscription plan and no free trial. fuboTV — Get access to 100+ channels, live and on-demand, and cloud DVR storage. You can watch ABC, Fox, FX, NBC, ESPN, and more. There is a 1-day free trial, several different monthly plans, and available add-ons. USTVNow — Provides you with access to free TV channels and movies. Or you can upgrade to a paid plan and get HD streaming, DVR, and access to Animal Planet, ABC, Fox News, PBS, CW, and more. All plans have a 5-day free trial. Comstar TV — A premium provider that offers 10,000+ channels from around the world. Plus over 8,000 on-demand movies and TV shows, and PPV events. You can choose between monthly or yearly plans. You can use the 48 hours free trial to test it. Xtreme HD IPTV — Watch 20,000+ live international TV channels and on-demand content. Subscription plans range from monthly to lifetime. All plans come with anti-freeze technology. There’s a 36 hours paid trial. Use IPTV With ExpressVPN
Can I use a free VPN for IPTV?
Perhaps, but I wouldn’t recommend it, as free VPNs aren’t great for streaming. They limit server networks and suffer from overcrowding, resulting in slow speeds and connection drops. Top-tier VPNs with a global network of fast servers are a more reliable option to enjoy your favorite live TV shows without interruption. Also, free services don’t provide the security features to keep you safe online. Some even sell your data to marketers. On the other hand, Premium VPNs have excellent security and privacy measures, so none of your personal data will be exposed. Plus, they come with money-back guarantees, so you can try them without risk.
Can I use IPTV for free?
It’s possible, depending on your provider. Many IPTV services, including LiveNet TV, Locast, Pluto TV, and Sling Free, are free to use. However, these platforms usually have more ads, and limited streaming quality and content. Launch your VPN and connect to a server in a country where free IPTV subscriptions are available.
Is it legal to use a VPN for IPTV?
Yes, it’s legal to use a VPN for IPTV. Although, a VPN’s primary function is to protect your online privacy. Take note that some countries ban VPNs. Also, using a VPN might go against your IPTV provider’s T&Cs. So, to ensure you don’t break any laws or rules, carefully review your country and providers’ stance regarding VPN use.
What devices can I use IPTV on?
How do I set up IPTV on Perfect Player?
You can easily set up IPTV on Perfect Player through M3U or M3U8 links. The process is similar to installing an IPTV app on a Fire Stick
Can I run IPTV on VLC Media Player?
Yes, you can use IPTV on VLC Media Player. However, to stream your favorite Live TV channels on IPTV you need to have an IPTV subscription linked to it. You can set it up in a few steps, similar to using IPTV on Android, and iOS. Use ExpressVPN With IPTV Today
Start Watching Live TV Using IPTV Now
To access your IPTV account while traveling abroad, you need a VPN with a global network of fast servers. All the VPNs on my list are great at accessing IPTV providers worldwide and are easy to use. I highly recommend ExpressVPN for watching live TV on IPTV because it’s ideal for buffer-free streaming with its super-fast speeds and vast server network. You can even try ExpressVPN risk-free. It is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, if you find it’s not the best fit, you can ask for a full refund.
To summarize, the best VPNs for watching IPTV are…
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
