I. Introduction
YouTube TV is a popular streaming service for live and on-demand TV content, including shows, movies, news, sports and more. It provides live streams from over 85 TV channels. However, YouTube TV availability and channel listings can vary across regions due to licensing restrictions. This is where using a VPN becomes useful.
A VPN or virtual private network allows users to change their virtual location by routing internet traffic through a remote secure server, hence hiding the actual IP address. This enables bypassing geo-blocks and accessing streaming services like YouTube TV abroad with full content libraries. It also provides security and online privacy benefits.
In this detailed guide, we will cover everything related to using a VPN service with YouTube TV – best VPN recommendations, setup guide, changing locations, using free VPNs, troubleshooting and more.
II. Best VPNs for YouTube TV
The top VPNs recommended for use with YouTube TV for optimum performance are:
NordVPN
NordVPN tops as the best VPN for unblocking and watching YouTube TV seamlessly from anywhere in the world. It offers:
- Fast server speeds with unlimited bandwidth
- Zero logging policy for privacy
- Allows P2P activity on servers
- 6,000+ servers with wide server coverage
- Apps for Windows, Android, iOS, macOS & Linux
- Easy connection to US servers ideal for YouTube TV
- Strict no-logs policy for total privacy
NordVPN is also running a massive sale on 2-year plans along with free months, making it the best value VPN.
Surfshark
Surfshark is a fast, secure and modern VPN known for its ease of use and strong unblocking capabilities. Key features include:
- Clean and intuitive apps with one-click connect
- 3200+ servers in over 100 countries
- Unlimited device support on a single connection
- Strong AES-256-GCM encryption
- Includes adware & malware blocking tools
- Allows torrenting/P2P downloads
- Ideal for new VPN users due to simplicity
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has very fast US and international servers that provide 99% uptime for stable YouTube TV streaming along with 256-bit encryption. It offers the following:
- Simple interfaces across many platforms/devices
- Uses RAM-disk servers for high speed connectivity
- Locations optimised for TV streaming (US, UK, AU)
- No activity or connection logs are stored
- 24/7 customer support via live chat app
- Works in high censorship regions like China
In our tests, all three VPN services provided exceptional streaming speeds and accessibility to watch YouTube TV channels without buffering or lag, making them ideal choices.
Comparison of the features of each VPN
| Features | NordVPN | Surfshark | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Locations | 60+ countries | 100+ countries | 94 countries |
| Servers | 5400+ | 3200+ | 3000+ |
| Speed | Extremely Fast | Blazing Fast | Ulta Fast |
| Unlimited Bandwidth | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Device Support | 6 devices | Unlimited Devices | 5 devices |
| Encryption | AES-256 bit | AES-256 | AES-256 bit |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2, Wireguard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, OpenConnect |
| Price | $3.29/month (2-year plan) | $2.21/month (2-year plan) | $6.67/month (1-year plan) |
III. How to use VPN to watch YouTube TV abroad
YouTube TV allows streaming only from within the United States based on licensing rules. So when travelling or living outside the US, it shows the “YouTube TV is only available in the United States” error.
A VPN provides access to US-based streaming services like YouTube TV from anywhere globally by changing your virtual location. Follow these steps:
1. Choose VPN Provider
Select a fast, reliable VPN service like ExpressVPN or NordVPN good for streaming.
2. Download & Install VPN App
Get the VPN app for your device like Windows laptop, iPhone, Android phone, etc.
3. Connect to US VPN Server
Launch the VPN app, login and connect to a server in any US city like Los Angeles or New York. This will assign a US-based IP address.
4. Visit YouTube TV
Launch the YouTube TV website or app. It will now appear to be streaming from within the United States.
5. Stream Live TV Channels
You can now watch live television channels and content from YouTube TV like CBS, ESPN, AMC, HBO and much more!
Importance of choosing the right VPN
Choosing the fastest and most reliable VPN server closest to your actual physical location is vital when accessing geo-blocked services like YouTube TV with large streaming bandwidth requirements. A closer VPN server means lower latency which ensures smooth video buffering. Checking factors like server load, speed test results before connecting is recommended.
VPN providers like ExpressVPN and NordVPN have excellent global VPN server infrastructure that is optimized for high speed video streaming. Their custom apps also allow easily connecting or switching servers if performance issues are faced. This helps unblock and watch YouTube TV seamlessly even at 4K resolution from anywhere worldwide.
IV. How to change YouTube TV location with VPN
In addition to accessing YouTube TV outside the US with VPN, you can also override geo-restrictions imposed within the US by changing location using VPN.
Since local channel availability depends on your physical location, YouTube TV limits streaming based on GPS location tracking. When temporarily relocating within US, YouTube TV will limit channel access showing “not available in your current area”.
Using a VPN allows spoofing GPS location to unlock full YouTube TV functionality even after moving. Just follow these steps:
1. Detect Actual Location
Go to YouTube TV and note down blocked local channels or error message showing current location tracking.
2. Launch VPN, Pick Different City
Connect to VPN server located in a US city or state where entire YouTube TV channel lineup is available.
3. Refresh YouTube TV
YouTube TV will now refresh location to updated VPN server place enabling full channel and content access.
4. Stream Content
Enjoy streaming your favorite shows on YouTube TV based on new virtual city location set via VPN.
Importance of using a GPS-spoofing tool
An alternate method to alter detected GPS coordinates for services like YouTube TV is by using a location spoofer tool alongside VPN. Apps like LocationGuard (Android/iOS) or LocationSpoofer (Windows) can feed false GPS data to override device location at system level.
This provides an additional layer of location anonymity while avoiding dependence on IP tracking. Explicitly changing GPS coordinates while connected to VPN server ensures YouTube TV believes you are accessing it from a different allowed US region or city.
Advanced users can combine VPN and GPS spoofers to avoid geo-restrictions. But for most usage, connecting to out-of-country-state VPN server itself is sufficient to bypass YouTube TV blackouts after moving locations.
V. Best free VPNs for YouTube TV
While paid options like NordVPN and ExpressVPN provide the best speeds and reliability, free VPNs present a tighter budget option for accessing YouTube TV. The top recommendations with decent performance are:
PrivadoVPN
PrivadoVPN is an unlimited and fast free VPN good for online streaming with no logs policy. It offers these features:
- No account creation needed
- 10GB monthly data transfer
- No activity logs are stored
- Decent peak speeds up to 50 Mbps
- Allows P2P sharing on servers
- Easy-to-use apps for Windows & Android
In testing, performance was adequate for SD quality YouTube TV streaming with occasional buffering at peak hours.
Proton VPN
ProtonVPN is a highly secure Swiss VPN provider with good free plan offering:
- No account or payment information required
- 128-bit AES encryption with no logs stored
- P2P support for torrent downloading
- United States & Netherlands servers available for free users
- Unlimited bandwidth with medium speeds
- Data privacy guaranteed based in Switzerland
ProtonVPN free servers easily accessed YouTube TV with average speeds sufficient for 480p / 720p streaming in our checks. However, server load issues can cause lag at peak times.
Comparison of the features of each free VPN
| Features | PrivadoVPN | ProtonVPN Free |
|---|---|---|
| Locations | 23 countries | 3 countries |
| Servers | 50+ | 50+ |
| Speed | Average | Average |
| Data Limit | 10GB monthly | Unlimited |
| Encryption | AES-128 | AES-128 |
| Supported Platforms | Windows, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| Ease of Use | Simple | Simple |
Hence both these free VPN options can allow limited access to YouTube TV and other geo-restricted content but premium paid VPNs still provide better overall experience.
VI. Conclusion
Summary
Using a good VPN service expands access to streaming platforms like YouTube TV by changing virtual location beyond geo-blocked regions. It lets subscribers watch full live channel and VOD libraries from anywhere globally – whether travelling abroad or moving residences within the US.
Top paid VPN recommendations for YouTube TV include NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Surfshark for their blazing fast servers optimized for HD streaming experience without buffering issues or lag. Many free VPN options also exist but come with reliability and speed trade-offs.
The setup process for unblocking YouTube TV simply involves signing up with a suitable VPN provider followed by connecting to United States-based VPN server and launching YouTube TV website/app which will now consider your location as being within allowed streaming region. Advanced users can combine VPN along with GPS spoofing apps as well.
By understanding VPN capabilities to override geo-restrictions, users can enjoy complete YouTube TV functionality with complete channel availability and VOD catalog access irrespective of their actual physical location.
Final thoughts on using VPN for YouTube TV
YouTube TV continues to aggressively expand channel offerings and streaming features, making their service an extremely cost-effective replacement for traditional cable TV. With local channel streaming now tied to GPS location tracking, VPNs provide a useful mechanism to retain full access when moving temporarily or permanently changing residences.
The tiny additional latency of routing traffic through VPN servers is worth it to regain disabled channels or missing programs. An added benefit is being able to securely watch YouTube TV when outside the country as well, especially for frequent travellers who wish to continue enjoying their favorite cable shows abroad.
Simple setup apps from reputed VPN providers like NordVPN and Surfshark provide easy switching between worldwide locations, making geo-restrictions a concern of the past. For the best YouTube TV experience irrespective of travel plans or relocations – using a reliable VPN service is definitely recommended.