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Best VPNs to Watch DirecTV Stream Outside the US in 2024
Last updated May 11, 2024
DirecTV Stream is a popular US-based IPTV platform previously known as DirecTV Now and AT&T TV. It offers 90+ live channels and a wide range of on-demand content from services like (HBO) Max, Hulu, and more. Unfortunately, due to licensing restrictions, DirecTV Stream isn’t available outside the US. Hence, you can’t watch it when traveling overseas.
But, we have a solution for you. If you have a valid US-based payment method (credit/debit card or PayPal) or an existing DirecTV account, you can use a VPN to watch DirecTV outside the US. That said, keep in mind that you can stream on 3 devices simultaneously while away from the home network, even with a VPN.
We’ve covered everything that you need to know about the best VPN for DirecTV Stream, how to watch it outside the US, why you need a VPN, and how to watch DirecTV on various devices. We’ll also touch on the different channels and shows available on the platform. In the end, there’s a round of FAQs.
Best DirecTV Stream VPNs - Our Shortlist
- NordVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch DirecTV Stream Outside the US
- Surfshark - Access DirecTV Stream With Unlimited Simultaneous Connections
- ExpressVPN - Streaming-Friendly VPN With Network-Wide Obfuscation
How to Watch DirecTV Stream Outside the US?
The best way to watch DirecTV Stream online from anywhere is by using a VPN. All you need to do is choose a server location in the US. After that, DirecTV will be unblocked. Here are all the steps involved:
- Subscribe to a VPN that works with DirecTV (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download and install the VPN provider’s app on your device.
- Clear browser cache and cookies to reset DirecTV’s saved data.
- Connect through your VPN to a US server.
- Open the DirecTV Stream website and review its subscription packages.
- Include optional add-ons if you want.
- Click ‘Start 5-day free trial.’
- Create a new account or enter your existing ID.
- Check the platform’s terms of service and click ‘Continue to payment.’
- Input a valid US-based payment method and confirm.
- Now, you can start streaming DirecTV online.
Note that DirecTV does not accept foreign credit/debit cards or PayPal accounts registered outside the US. You can also use a prepaid card issued within the US and with a Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover stripe.
Why Do You Need a VPN for Streaming DirecTV Stream Outside the US?
A VPN is necessary to watch DirecTV outside the US because it is restricted to US residents only. Hence, you require an IP address from the United States to access DirecTV Stream.
If you try to access it from any other location’s IP address, you’ll see an error message that says, “We couldn’t figure out your location, which is required for streaming this program. Please try again.”
Your IP address location is what exposes your location to DirecTV. Other than that, the platform may also check your browser’s cookies and your device’s location services to confirm your location. A DirecTV Stream VPN will temporarily change your virtual location. As a result, the platform will think that you’re from a valid country, and you’ll gain access.
After reviewing dozens of VPN providers, NordVPN is our top choice for DirecTV, as this VPN can seamlessly bypass even the most robust geo-blocks. Combined with superfast server speeds, you can stream channels in 4K resolution.
The Best VPNs to Watch DirecTV Stream Away From Home
When choosing the right VPN to watch DirecTV from abroad, you need to look for certain essential features. For starters, the VPN should readily unblock the platform and offer a vast server network in the United States and worldwide. Now, that gets you access to the platform, but to enjoy content in 4K resolution, it should have stable connections with superfast speeds.
Obfuscation masks your VPN usage on the Web, so you’re less likely to get detected. A kill switch also complements this feature by shutting down your network traffic and keeping your IP hidden in case of a disconnection. For maximum security, the provider should have sufficient security and privacy, with secure protocols, 256-bit encryption, and an audited no-logs policy.
That said, it’s important to always look for VPNs that offer simultaneous device connections so that your entire household can stream at the same time. While affordability is also an important factor, the VPN should come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, as well as 24/7 live customer support.
Based on these criteria, here are the top 3 VPNs to use with DirecTV Stream outside the US:
1. NordVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch DirecTV Stream Outside the US
NordVPN is the best VPN for watching DirecTV outside the US because all its servers seamlessly unblock DirecTV. Based on our tests, it also works with other US-based platforms like Hulu, Starz, and more. You can also use it to access all major services from other countries.
With over 6,300+ servers spread across 111 countries and 1,970+ servers in the US alone, you can easily change your virtual location anywhere. All NordVPN servers boast exceptionally fast speeds and consistent performance. We tested servers nearby and further away in the US and were able to watch DirecTV Stream in 4K without buffering delays.
On top of that, this provider features a responsive kill-switch mechanism, with obfuscation on a select number of servers to hide your VPN usage. And it’s one of the most secure VPNs out there as it offers unbreakable encryption (AES-256 bit and ChaCha20) and protocols like OpenVPN, NordLynx, and IKEv2/IPsec. Its no-logs policy further ensures that no government agency can track your data.
This VPN will let you enjoy DirecTV Stream on any device, as it supports all major platforms, such as Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. Furthermore, it allows 10 simultaneous device connections, which means that your friends and family can stream under one account.
You can get all of these features for only $3.09/month (2-year plan), and you can test it for a month, thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. If you encounter any issues, you can contact its fast, 24/7 customer support via live chat.
PROS
- Bypasses DirecTV geoblocks.
- Over 1,970 US servers.
- Ultra-fast server speeds.
- Top-notch privacy and security.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
- 24/7 live chat support.
CONS
- Lack of network-wide obfuscation.
2. Surfshark - Access DirecTV Stream With Unlimited Simultaneous Connections
Surfshark is another well-reputed VPN that unblocks DirecTV Stream and all other streaming platforms, thanks to its decently sized network of 3,200+ servers across 100 countries. It has servers in 15 US states, including Texas, New York, California, Florida, and more.
It also has decently fast speeds with stable servers. Hence, you can stream content in full HD and QHD resolutions without interruptions. This applies to all its servers regardless of how far they are from you.
This VPN is also very secure, employing a reliable kill switch with network-wide obfuscation. It pairs these features with secure VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and WireGuard. You also get unbreakable military-grade encryption like AES-256 and ChaCha20 and a no-logs policy that guarantees the safety of your confidential information.
Another good thing about this VPN is that you can use unlimited devices simultaneously. It also supports a wide range of platforms like macOS, Android, iOS, and Windows. It costs only $2.29/month for its 2-year plan, making it one of the most affordable providers.
In addition, it has a 30-day refund policy, meaning you can test it without any risks. Finally, you can contact its friendly 24/7 customer support via live chat if you have any concerns or queries.
PROS
- Great for bypassing geo-blocks.
- Plenty of US server locations.
- Very easy to set up and use.
- Audited no-logs policy.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
- 24/7 live chat support.
CONS
- Spotty connection times.
3. ExpressVPN - Streaming-Friendly VPN with Network-Wide Obfuscation
ExpressVPN is a user-friendly VPN that unblocks DirecTV Stream regardless of where you’re located. It offers thousands of servers in 105 countries and in several different locations within the US where DirecTV works.
It also comes with lightning-fast server speeds. During our tests, we connected to multiple US servers, and they all performed exceptionally well. Overall, we were able to stream DirecTV and other major streamers in 4K quality.
It also features obfuscation across its entire server network with a strong kill switch feature. Also, it has an independently audited no-logs policy, which guarantees that government agencies won’t be able to access your confidential information.
This VPN is revered for its high-end security as it offers exceptionally secure protocols like Lightway, IKEv2/IPsec, and OpenVPN. At the same time, your data is encrypted with unbreakable algorithms like AES-256 and WolfSSL, which are among the strongest.
You can use it on up to 8 devices simultaneously and connect a wide range of devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. However, this provider is costlier, starting at $6.67/month (annual plan). On the positive side, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you face any problems, you can contact its 24/7 customer chat support.
PROS
- Unblocks DirecTV Stream from anywhere.
- Many US server locations.
- Advanced security protocols.
- Lightning-fast server speeds.
- 30-day refund period.
- 24/7 customer chat support.
CONS
- Pricier than other providers.
How to Watch DirecTV on Your Devices?
You can watch DirecTV Now outside the US by installing a VPN on your streaming device(s), and then accessing the platform after connecting to the VPN. Let’s take a look at the steps for different devices.
How to Watch DirecTV Stream on Computer
You can watch DirecTV Stream on your Mac or Windows PC by opening stream.directv.com in a browser like Google Chrome after connecting to a US VPN. Here are the detailed steps:
- Sign up for a VPN that unblocks DirecTV (we recommend NordVPN).
- Install the VPN, launch it, and connect to a US server.
- Open your browser and enter stream.directv.com in the search bar.
- Log in with your username and password.
- Click ‘Watch Online’ for live TV.
- Choose ‘On Demand’ to browse on-demand titles. That’s it!
Note that if you select a program and see a button that says ‘Activate’ or ‘Upgrade,’ it means that you’re not subscribed to the channel airing that title. You’ll have to add that channel’s subscription or choose another title.
How to Watch DirecTV Stream on Smart TV
You can watch DirecTV Stream on various smart TVs by setting up its app. You’ll need an Internet connection, a compatible TV, and a DirecTV Stream account. At the same time, your TV should be connected to a VPN via a native app or router. Do the following:
- Get a Smart TV-compatible VPN for DirecTV (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download the VPN app on your Smart TV or install it on your router.
- Launch the VPN and connect to a US server.
- Add the DirecTV Stream app on your smart TV from its ‘Downloads’ hub.
- Open the app and log in. That’s it!
How to Watch DirecTV Stream on Roku
To access DirecTV Stream on Roku, you need to add its app to your Roku channels. Also, you’ll need a workaround for your VPN, as Roku devices don’t support VPNs. Let’s take a look at how it’s done:
- Subscribe to a VPN that can unblock DirecTV (we recommend NordVPN).
- Install the VPN to your router (here’s our complete installation guide).
- Set the VPN’s server to a US location.
- Turn on Roku and press the ‘Home’ button on your remote.
- Scroll and choose ‘Streaming Channels.’
- Search for DirecTV.
- Choose ‘Add Channel’ to download the DirecTV Stream app.
- Enter your Roku PIN.
- Input your DirecTV Stream login details. That’s it!
What to Watch on DirecTV Stream?
DirecTV Stream offers 90+ live TV channels and on-demand video streaming from various platforms, such as Showtime, Starz, Cinemax, MGM+, Max, Paramount+, and more. Due to its vast library, many people want to watch DirecTV outside the US.
You can also access on-demand shows from streaming platforms like Netflix, Max, Hulu, and more, depending on your chosen platform. These include Star Trek: Discovery, American Dad, American Horror Story: Delicate, Chrisley Knows Best, Shogun, The Sopranos, BMF, and more.
Here’s a table featuring some of the most popular channels with live and recorded shows:
Final Thoughts
Many users want to watch DirecTV Stream outside the US since it offers a huge selection of channels and on-demand shows. Unfortunately, this platform is not available outside the United States. But if you have a valid US payment method, you can use a VPN to access it from anywhere in the world.
After thorough testing, our top choice is NordVPN because we’ve determined it to be the best VPN for watching DirecTV Stream. This is precisely due to its superfast streaming speeds and unblocking capabilities. It also comes with high-end security features for your protection on the Internet.
We hope this article helped you choose the best VPN for DirecTV Stream. Please share your experience in the comments below.