If you are outside the US or traveling, then you may experience that you cannot access your DirecTV Stream account anymore. This is because DirecTV Stream is region-locked, limiting access to the US only. So, if you are anywhere outside the US, DirecTV will automatically get your location through your IP address and block the access.
Luckily, you can easily restore your streaming using a VPN. A VPN encrypts your internet connection and reroutes it through a server in the United States. This gives your device a US IP address, tricking the system into thinking you are accessing from within the US. This not only allows access to DIRECTV STREAM from any location but also enhances your online privacy and security.
In this article, we will introduce the best VPNs for watching DIRECTV STREAM outside the USA and guide you through their usage for an uninterrupted streaming experience.
How to watch DirecTV Stream outside the US with a VPN
- Choose a VPN with many UK servers. We recommend ExpressVPN, now 61% off.
- Download and install the VPN on your device.
- Launch the VPN application and connect to a server located in the US.
- Visit the DirecTV Stream and start streaming.
Why I need a VPN to watch DirectTV STREAM?
You need a VPN to watch DirecTV STREAM outside the US due to geo-restrictions. DirecTV STREAM is available exclusively to US viewers. If you try to access it from another country, you'll likely face access denial.
A VPN allows you to disguise your actual geographic location. It provides you with an IP address from the US, making it seem like you're browsing from within the country. This clever trick bypasses the geo-restrictions, enabling access to DirecTV STREAM's extensive content library, including live TV and exclusive shows.
Moreover, a VPN offers more than just access to content. It encrypts your internet connection, adding a significant layer of security to your online activities. This encryption safeguards your privacy, keeping your online behavior and personal information secure from potential intrusions.
However, make sure you are always using a well-reputed and reliable VPN like ExpressVPN to access DirecTV Stream outside the US as the choice of VPN can affect your streaming quality and online security significantly.
Best VPNs for DIRECTV STREAM
We tested 20 VPNs for DirecTV Stream outside the US. These VPNs were gauged on various parameters including speed, geo-restriction bypassing ability, security, and value for money. After thorough study and testing here are the 3 best VPNs for DirecTV we shortlisted:
1. ExpressVPN – The best VPN for DirecTV Stream
2. NordVPN – VPN for DirecTV that offers advanced security.
3. Surfshark – Budget-friendly VPN for all DirecTV platforms.
Now, let's go into the details of these VPNs so you can select what suits you best:
1. ExpressVPN - The Best VPN for DirecTV Stream
- Buffering free streaming
- Great unblocking capabilities
- Robust security and privacy features
- Easy to use with multiple device compatibility
- 8 simultaneous device connection.
- 24/7 customer support on live chat
- A bit pricier than other VPN options
ExpressVPN is the best VPN choice for DirecTV Stream, due to its exceptional speed and reliability. With a vast network of over 3000+ servers in 105 countries, including numerous servers in the United States, it ensures you can access DIRECTV STREAM from any location.
Location | The British Virgin Islands |
Number of servers | 3000+ servers in 105 countries |
Price starting | from $4.99/month |
During our testing, ExpressVPN offered great streaming speeds and a buffering-free experience even for live transmissions on DirecTV Stream. It achieves this through its proprietary Lightway protocol, designed to offer fast, secure, and stable connections.
ExpressVPN employs robust encryption standards and a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your online activities remain private. Furthermore, the VPN supports a wide range of devices and platforms, including Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and even routers, making it versatile for any setup.
You can get ExpressVPN in its yearly price plan starting from $4.99/month along with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. NordVPN - VPN for DirecTV that Offers Advanced Security
- Advanced security features
- Great streaming speeds
- Excellent capability to bypass geo-barrier
- Multiple automation and customization options
- 6 simultaneous device connection.
- Some platform apps might not be very easy to use for beginners
- Speed inconsistency on some servers
NordVPN is another good option for DIRECTV STREAM users, focusing heavily on security without compromising on streaming quality. It boasts a large server network with over 7,000+ servers in 113 countries, including a substantial presence in the United States, which is ideal for accessing DIRECTV STREAM.
Location | Panama |
Number of servers | 7,000+ servers in 113 countries |
Price starting | from $3.46/month |
NordVPN offers advanced security features like Double VPN and Onion Over VPN, providing an extra layer of encryption and privacy. This means not only can you access DIRECTV STREAM securely, but you also get the added benefit of enhanced online protection.
Moreover, it is known for its reliable speeds, thanks to its NordLynx protocol, ensuring a smooth streaming experience. Also, a SmartPlay feature is there to allow you to automatically select the best server for streaming, making it user-friendly for those new to VPN.
You can get NordVPN starting from $3.46/month in 24 monthly pricing plan along with 24/7 customer support and a 30 days money back guarantee
3. Surfshark - Budget-Friendly DirecTV Stream VPN
- Very affordable prices
- Excellent for family use
- Great security and privacy
- Good streaming experience.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Speed is inconsistent and slower as compared to ExpressVPN
- Doesn't offer advanced features
Surfshark offers an affordable yet powerful VPN solution for DIRECTV STREAM viewers. Despite being a newer player in the VPN market, it has quickly established itself as a top choice due to its balance of price and performance. Surfshark has over 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, including several in the US, making it effective for accessing DIRECTV STREAM from abroad.
Location | The Netherlands |
Number of servers | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries |
Price starting | from $1.99/month |
One of Surfshark's unique selling points is its unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you can use it on as many devices as you like - ideal for households with multiple users who want to access DIRECTV STREAM on different devices.
We checked Surfshark for its streaming speed and were surprised by the great results at this affordable price. It also comes with a CleanWeb feature that blocks ads and malicious links, enhancing your viewing experience on DIRECTV STREAM. Additionally, it offers features like Whitelister and MultiHop for added security and privacy.
You can get Surfshark starting from $1.99/month with a 30-day money-back guarantee in its 24-monthly plan and 24/7 customer support.
Can I use a free VPN to watch DirectTV?
Yes, it's possible to use a free VPN like Proton VPN to watch DirecTV, but it's not recommended for several reasons.
Free VPNs often have limited server options, which can make it challenging to find a reliable US server for DirecTV. Additionally, they typically have data caps and slower speeds, leading to buffering and a compromised streaming experience.
More concerning are the privacy issues. Free VPNs may lack robust security features and sometimes monetize their services by tracking and selling user data. This can be a significant risk, especially when streaming content from services like DirecTV.
For a more reliable and secure experience, premium VPNs like ExpressVPN are recommended. They offer extensive server networks with fast, stable connections, ensuring a smooth DirecTV streaming experience.
Premium VPNs also uphold stringent privacy policies and advanced security protocols, protecting your online activities. Investing in a service like ExpressVPN guarantees not just access but also quality and peace of mind while streaming DirecTV.
Why am I getting a DirecTV location error?
If you try to access DirecTV or DirecTV Stream outside the US, you will encounter an access denied message saying:
"You don't have permission to access "http://streamtv.directv.com/" on this server."
This error occurs because DirecTV uses geolocation technology to determine where you are accessing its service from. If you're outside the United States, DirecTV will recognize this and restrict access based on your geographic location.
DirecTV, like many streaming services, has licensing agreements that limit where its content can be viewed. These agreements require DirecTV to block access to its service from locations outside the United States. When you try to access DirecTV from a non-US IP address, the service detects this and prevents you from viewing its content, resulting in a location error message.
To resolve this issue, you need a way to make it appear as though you are accessing the internet from within the United States using a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN.
A VPN can mask your real location by rerouting your internet connection through a server in the US. This gives you a US IP address, bypassing DirecTV's geolocation blocks and allowing you to access its content without encountering the location error.
What content I can watch on DirectTV Now?
DirecTV Stream offers a wide range of popular TV shows, movies, sports, and live TV channels. Here are some of the popular programs you can watch on DirecTV Stream:
Content Type | Program Names |
Popular TV Shows | Game of Thrones, The Big Bang Theory, The Bachelor |
Movies | The Godfather, Recent Releases |
Sports Content | NFL, NBA, MLB, Premier League |
News and Documentaries | CNN, Fox News, National Geographic, Discovery |
Family and Kids Content | Family-Friendly Shows and Channels |
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can watch DirecTV outside the US by using a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN. A VPN masks your actual location and provides you with a US IP address, enabling access to DirecTV's content as if you were in the US.
Yes, you can watch your favorite shows on DirecTV Stream while traveling using a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN. The use of a VPN is necessary to bypass the geo-barrier and allow you access to DirecTV streaming anywhere around the globe.
DirecTV is officially available only in the United States. However, with a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN, you can access its content from any country by connecting to a US server, effectively overcoming the geographical limitations set by the service.
Yes, AT&T TV and AT&T TV NOW have been rebranded as DIRECTV STREAM on August 26, 2021. However, it is noteworthy that this change was only in the name, while the underlying services, features and programs remained the same.