How to watch RaiPlay outside Italy

RaiPlay (formerly known as Rai TV) is the digital platform of the Italian national public broadcasting company Rai. It offers a diverse range of content, from TV shows and movies to live broadcasts of its channels. However, due to licensing agreements and broadcasting rights, RaiPlay's content is exclusively available within Italy. This geographical limitation prevents viewers in the USA or anywhere else from accessing its rich library of Italian programming.

Fortunately, there is a workaround to this restriction through the use of a VPN. A VPN allows users to connect to Italy servers and appear as if they are browsing from Italy, thereby overcoming geo-restrictions.

Not all VPNs work with RaiPlay, thats;s why we tested and found the best VPNs for Rai TV, so read on how to use a VPN to access it from the USA or anywhere in the world.

Why is Rai TV blocked in the USA, and how can a VPN help?

Whenever you try accessing Rai TV in the USA, you meet the error screen saying,

“Siamo spiacenti. RAI detience i dirtii per lo streaming del contenuto esclusivamente per connessinoni dall’ltalia.

The streaming of this content is available in Italy only. We apologize for the inconvenience.”

Rai TV is blocked in the USA primarily due to licensing agreements and broadcasting rights. Content producers and distributors often impose geographical restrictions to control where their content can be accessed.

This means that Rai, like many other national broadcasters, has the right to show certain programs only within its home country, Italy. These restrictions are in place to respect the contractual agreements Rai has with content creators, which may limit distribution to specific regions due to various legal and commercial considerations.

A VPN offers a powerful solution to bypass these geo-restrictions. By encrypting your internet connection and routing it through a server in Italy, a VPN makes it appear as though you are accessing the internet from within Italy. This effectively masks your real location in the USA and tricks RaiPlay's geo-blocking technology into granting you access.

Moreover, a VPN enhances your online privacy and security by encrypting your internet traffic, making it difficult for third parties to track your online activities or steal sensitive information. This is particularly useful when accessing content over public Wi-Fi networks or in regions with strict internet surveillance.

So, using a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN to watch Rai TV in the USA not only allows you to enjoy a wide range of Italian content but also protects your online footprint, offering a blend of entertainment and security.

Best VPNs for RaiPlay in 2024

To find the VPNs that work best with Rai TV in the USA, we tried and tested 20 most popular VPNs in the market for their geo-bypassing ability, speed, security, and value for money. After a comprehensive review, we could shortlist these 3 best VPNs for Rai:

1. ExpressVPN – the overall best VPN for Rai TV

2. NordVPN – great VPN for Rai TV with advanced security features

3. Surfshark – economical and beginner-friendly Rai TV VPN

 

1. ExpressVPN - the overall best VPN for Rai TV

ExpressVPN

1

9.7

/10

Visit ExpressVPN

Pros & cons

• Fast speeds for streaming
• Strong encryption and no-logs policy
• Wide server network, including Italy
• User-friendly interface
• Excellent customer support

• Pricier than some competitors
• Limited advanced features for power users

ExpressVPN stands out as the top choice for accessing RaiPlay in the USA, thanks to its exceptional speed and reliability. Its extensive server network, including locations in Italy, ensures a seamless streaming experience without buffering.

ExpressVPN's ability to consistently bypass geo-restrictions makes it ideal for Rai TV enthusiasts looking to enjoy Italian content abroad. One of the main selling points of ExpressVPN is its strong commitment to security and privacy. It offers best-in-class encryption, ensuring your online activities remain private.

Moreover, ExpressVPN's no-logs policy guarantees that your browsing history is not stored, further protecting your online anonymity. Its user-friendly interface, available on a wide range of devices, makes setting up and connecting to an Italian server hassle-free.

ExpressVPN's servers are optimized for streaming, providing fast and uninterrupted access to RaiPlay. This is crucial for enjoying live broadcasts and high-definition content without lag. Moreover, ExpressVPN offers 24/7 customer support, ensuring that any issues encountered can be quickly resolved. You can get ExpressVPN from $4.99/month.

2. NordVPN - great VPN for Rai TV with advanced security features

NordVPN

1

9.6

/10

Visit NordVPN

Pros & cons

• Strong security features
• Large server network with Italian servers
• No-logs policy for privacy
• Fast speeds for HD streaming
• User-friendly apps

• Occasional slow server connections
• Complex setup for specific features

NordVPN is a highly effective choice for accessing Rai TV in the USA, particularly for users prioritizing security. With its advanced encryption technologies and specialized servers, NordVPN ensures a secure and smooth streaming experience.

Its extensive server network includes several locations in Italy, making it easy to find a reliable connection for RaiPlay. NordVPN's emphasis on security is evident in features like Double VPN and CyberSec, which provide an extra layer of protection against cyber threats.

These features, combined with a strict no-logs policy, make NordVPN a fortress for your online privacy.Despite its focus on security, NordVPN does not compromise on speed or performance, offering dedicated streaming servers to enjoy RaiPlay content without interruptions.

Another advantage of NordVPN is its user-friendly apps for various devices, making it accessible for both beginners and tech-savvy users. The SmartPlay technology automatically chooses the best server for RaiPlay, simplifying the setup process for uninterrupted streaming.

You can get NordVPN from $3.46/month along with 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. Surfshark - economical and beginner-friendly Rai TV VPN

Surfshark

1

9.5

/10

Visit Surfshark

Pros & cons

• Affordable with unlimited connections
• No-logs policy and strong encryption
• Ad-blocking and malware protection
• Easy-to-use interface
• Excellent customer support

• Fewer servers in Italy compared to competitors
• Lower speeds on distant servers

Surfshark offers an affordable and user-friendly solution for watching Rai TV in the USA. Its competitive pricing and unlimited simultaneous connections make it an attractive option for individuals and families alike.

Despite its lower price point, Surfshark does not skimp on quality or features, providing reliable access to RaiPlay through its Italian servers. Surfshark's CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware, enhancing your streaming experience on RaiPlay.

It's no-logs policy and strong encryption protect your online privacy, while the Whitelister feature allows specific apps or websites to bypass the VPN. This can be particularly useful for accessing local content simultaneously.

The VPN boasts an intuitive interface, making it easy for beginners to navigate and connect to the best server for RaiPlay. Surfshark's commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in its 24/7 live chat support, ready to assist with any queries or setup issues. You can get Surfshark from $1.99/month.

Why use a VPN to watch Rai TV?

Using a VPN to watch Rai TV offers several benefits that enhance your viewing experience while ensuring your online activities remain secure.

Firstly, a VPN allows you to bypass geographical restrictions that RaiPlay enforces outside Italy. By connecting to an Italian server, you can access the full library of Rai TV content as if you were physically located in Italy, including live broadcasts and exclusive shows. This is particularly advantageous for Italian expatriates or enthusiasts of Italian culture residing in the USA who wish to stay connected with Italian media.

Secondly, a VPN provides an essential layer of privacy and security. When you connect to a VPN, your internet traffic is encrypted, safeguarding your online activities from prying eyes.

This means that your ISP, government agencies or potential cyber attackers cannot monitor what you watch or collect your personal data. This feature is crucial, especially when using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, as it prevents unauthorized access to your sensitive information.

Furthermore, a VPN can improve your streaming experience by potentially avoiding ISP throttling. Some internet service providers may intentionally slow down your internet speed when detecting heavy data usage like streaming.

A VPN hides your online activity, making it difficult for ISPs to apply these restrictions, thus ensuring smoother, buffer-free streaming of your favorite Rai TV shows and movies.

How to watch Rai TV on your device

Watching Rai TV on your device, regardless of its type, can be super simple with the right setup. By using a VPN to connect to an Italian server, you can access RaiPlay's extensive catalog from anywhere, including the USA.

Here's how you can enjoy Rai TV on various devices:

Watch Rai TV on your Smart TV

1. Choose a VPN compatible with smart TVs and has Italy servers e.g., ExpressVPN.
2. Install the VPN on your router or use a smart DNS feature provided by the VPN.
3. Connect to an Italian server to obtain an Italian IP address.
4. Download the RaiPlay app on your smart TV from the app store.
5. Log in or sign up on RaiPlay and start streaming.

Watch Rai TV on your computer

1. Select a VPN with fast servers in Italy like ExpressVPN.
2. Download and install the VPN software on your computer.
3. Connect to an Italian server to spoof your location.
4. Navigate to the RaiPlay website and log in or create an account.
5. Enjoy streaming Rai TV on your computer.

Watch Rai TV on your mobile device/tablet

1. Choose a VPN with a mobile/ tablet app and has Italian servers e.g., ExpressVPN.
2. Download and install the VPN app on your mobile device (iOS or Android).
3. Connect to an Italian server within the VPN app.
4. Download the RaiPlay app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
5. Log in or sign up within the RaiPlay app to access Rai TV content on the go.

Watch Rai TV on Amazon Firestick

1. Choose a VPN compatible with Amazon Firestick e.g., ExpressVPN.
2. Install the VPN app from the Amazon Appstore.
3. Connect to an Italian server to change your IP address to Italy.
4. Search for the RaiPlay app on your Firestick and install it.
5. Open RaiPlay and log in or sign up to access Rai TV’s content.
6. Start streaming your favorite Italian shows and movies on Firestick.

Watch Rai TV on Gaming Consoles (PlayStation/Xbox)

1. Install a reliable VPN on your router such as ExpressVPN.
2. Connect the console to the router you’ve installed the VPN on.
3. Change your console’s location to Italy in the settings, if necessary.
4. Access RaiPlay through the console’s web browser.
5. Log in or create an account on RaiPlay and enjoy streaming.

Watch Rai TV on Roku

1. Set up a premium VPN on your router e.g., ExpressVPN.
2. Connect your Roku device to the VPN-enabled router network.
3. Change your Roku’s region to Italy through the settings.
4. Stream RaiPlay via a web browser on Roku and enjoy streaming.

Can I use a free VPN to watch Rai TV?

Using a free VPN to watch Rai TV might seem like a tempting option to bypass geo-restrictions without incurring any costs. However, there are several important considerations and potential drawbacks to keep in mind:

• Limited server locations: Free VPNs often have a limited number of servers, and there's no guarantee that they will have servers in Italy. This can make it challenging to find a reliable connection to access Rai TV.

• Data caps and bandwidth limitations: Many free VPN services impose data usage limits and restrict bandwidth. Streaming content, especially in high definition, requires a lot of data and a stable, fast connection. These limitations can result in buffering, poor video quality, and interrupted service, severely impacting your viewing experience.

• Security risks: Security is a major concern with some free VPNs. They might not offer the same level of encryption and online protection as paid services, potentially exposing your data and personal information to third parties. Some have been known to log user activity or inject ads and malware.

• Privacy concerns: Free VPN providers need to make money somehow, and in some cases, this involves tracking your browsing habits and selling your data to advertisers. Using such a service could compromise your privacy rather than protect it.

• Performance Issues: Paid VPNs invest in their infrastructure to ensure fast, reliable connections. Free VPNs, lacking these resources, often suffer from overcrowded servers and slower speeds, which can be frustrating when trying to stream live or high-definition video content.

So, it's technically possible to use a free VPN to watch Rai TV, but the limitations and risks are quite significant. For these reasons, investing in a reputable VPN service like ExpressVPN is recommended for consistent access and a safer, more enjoyable streaming experience.

What content can I stream on Rai TV?

Rai TV offers a rich and diverse array of Italian programming, catering to a wide range of interests and age groups. Below are some recommended streaming on Rai TV for you: