How to watch NBC Live without cable in 2024

NBC, or the National Broadcasting Company, is a famous American TV network offering hundreds of live sports broadcasts, including NFL, NBA, NHL, and the Olympics, as well as popular TV shows such as This Is Us, The Voice, and Saturday Night Live. Besides a cable subscription, you can find NBC on streaming services on fuboTV, Sling TV, Hulu+, and DirectTV Stream. Additionally, all of these streaming platforms offer free trials, allowing you to watch NBC for free for a limited time.

Unfortunately, NBC is only available in the US, so you’ll need to use a trusted VPN service if you want to access it from abroad. A VPN will change your virtual IP address to the US in seconds – you simply need to connect to a server located in the US and then navigate to the website or app to stream live TV, sports, or your favorite shows.

After testing around 20 of the most popular VPNs, NordVPN stood out as the best VPN for watching NBC from anywhere, as it has 2000+ servers in the US and high speeds for smooth streaming. Other suitable VPNs for NBC include Surfshark, PrivateVPN, IPVanish, and CyberGhost, which performed excellent at unblocking NBC Sports outside the US during testing. Continue reading this article to learn how to watch NBC abroad with a VPN, and I will provide in-depth reviews of the best VPNs for the task.

How to watch NBC from anywhere

To stream NBC on your PC in the US, you simply need to head to the official NBC website and sign in. After signing in, you can watch NBC in your browser without additional steps. If you’d like to stream it on your mobile, you can download the NBC app and stream it on the go.

However, if you have an NBC cable subscription or an OTT provider like Sling, to watch NBC outside the US, you’ll need to use a reliable VPN service to change your location. Here’s how to do it:

1. Subscribe to a reliable VPN with servers in the US. I recommend NordVPN, now 74% off!
2. Install the VPN on your device.
3. Connect to a US server from the list.
4. Head over to the NBC website as if you were back home.
5. Sign in with your details and start watching!

Unblock NBC with NordVPN

Top streaming services to watch NBC online without cable

• Stream NBC on: DirecTV Stream, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, Peacock, YouTube TV

A lot of streaming services have NBC on their rosters and a lot of them allow for free trials, so you can stream NBC completely free while the trials last. If you’re looking for the cheapest streaming service subscription with NBC, Peacock subscription is just $5.99/month, making it the most affordable choice. However, if you’d rather watch NBC for free, then DirectTV Stream, FuboTV, and YouTube TV offer unpaid trials.

Watch NBC on DirectTV Stream (5-day free trial)

DirectTV Stream is an excellent streaming service offering a comprehensive list of local channels, including NBC programming and NBC Sports. Depending on regional availability, some blackouts may apply, but that can easily be solved by changing a VPN server. However, while DirectTV Stream offers a 5-day free trial, the paid subscription is one of the most expensive, with plans starting from $74.99/month.

Watch NBC on fuboTV (7-day free trial)

fuboTV is one of the best streaming services for sports fans. It has an extensive sports content library that includes regional coverage and NBC broadcasts. Similar to other platforms, blackouts may apply here, too, but you can bypass blackouts by connecting to a server in a different US state for your games. For this, I recommend NordVPN, which has 2000+ servers in the US. Additionally, you can watch NBC for free on fuboTV during the 7-day free trial, but the paid subscription will set you back a hefty $74.99/month.

Watch NBC on Hulu + Live TV (3-day free trial)

Hulu+ Live TV is the perfect choice for cord-cutters who want to enjoy Hulu’s vast on-demand library in addition to NBC broadcasts. Hulu+ Live TV supports all NBC Sports broadcasts but may face some blackouts. As I mentioned earlier, that can be fixed by switching to another US server. You can stream NBC on it for free during the 3-day free trial. However, a paid subscription, which includes Disney+ and ESPN,+ will set you back $76.99/month.

Watch NBC on Sling TV (best paid subscription)

Sling TV is a great budget-friendly streaming platform that includes NBC Sports and many other broadcasters. It also has a huge on-demand library with popular shows and movies. Similarly to other streaming sites, Sling TV may also have blackouts, but they can be bypassed with a VPN for streaming. Sling TV does not offer a free trial; however, the subscription is significantly cheaper, standing at $40.00/month.

Watch NBC on Peacock (cheapest subscription)

Peacock is by far the cheapest option for NBC shows and events. However, NBC Sports broadcasts are select and limited, so remember to get a VPN service before subscribing to bypass the likely blackouts. Additionally, the live streams are only available to the Premium Tier subscribers. However, there’s a massive upside to Peacock, too, as the subscriptions start at only $5.99/month.

Watch NBC on YouTube TV (free trial for up to 30 days)

YouTube TV offers an extensive library of broadcasts and on-demand videos, including NBC and NBC Sports. Additionally, YouTube TV offers unlimited DVR storage, so you can re-watch your favorite matches anytime you want. As with all the other platforms, YouTube TV may be afflicted by regional blackouts, but a VPN will help you out there. The subscription starts at $72.99/month, and you can get a free trial of up to 30 days with the Family Pack.

Stream NBC from anywhere with NordVPN >

Why do you need a VPN to watch NBC Sports?

NBC is only available in the US, but by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), you can easily bypass these geo-restrictions and watch NBC from anywhere in the world. Accessing NBC with a VPN is completely legal; however, some streaming platforms, such as Peacock and NBC, employ active anti-VPN measures. This means they are capable of detecting VPN use and may block you from using the platform. Thus, to enjoy NBC streams without any worries of being detected, you’ll need a capable premium VPN that bypasses the anti-VPN measures.

Similarly, all NBC streaming platforms may be affected by local and regional blackouts. Even if you watch the streams from the US, some games might be unavailable to you due to local network agreements. Your best bet is using a VPN, connecting to a state where the game is available, and streaming it like that.

To find the best VPNs to watch NBC from anywhere, I tested around 20 of the most popular services. Out of the list, I picked the top 5 VPN providers for NBC, which were able to bypass the geo-restrictions undetected, had many available US servers, and had excellent speeds for smooth streaming. So, continue reading to learn more about my top choices.

Top 5 NBC VPNs to watch it abroad: detailed list

1. NordVPN – best NBC VPN to get around region restrictions
2. Surfshark – affordable VPN to watch NBC Sports outside USA
3. PrivateVPN – Streaming-focused VPN for NBC Sports
4. IPVanish – NBC VPN with malware protection
5. CyberGhost – NBC Sports without a cable TV subscription VPN

The best streaming VPN for NBC has to include several vital things if you want everything to run without a hitch. First and foremost, it must have plenty of American servers with as many US IP addresses as possible. Then, to avoid needless buffering and lag, excellent speeds and no data limits are mandatory.

Besides the expected features like leak protection, military-grade encryption, and a kill switch, you want to be able to connect to NBC from any platform. This is where broad device compatibility comes into play. Last but not least, the service should offer at least 5 simultaneous connections per account – this way, your family won’t be fighting over what to watch.

1. NordVPN – the best NBC VPN with 2000+ high-speed US servers

NordVPN is the best VPN to watch NBC Sports as it has over 2000 US servers and incredible geo-unblocking capabilities. Additionally, I was able to access NBC with NordVPN completely undetected and stream my favorite sports events without any lag due to the high-speed connections.

The more US servers a VPN service has available, the easier it will be to find the right one. With NordVPN, I could choose from over 2000 US servers located in cities like Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Seattle, and Chicago, to name a few. This made it super easy to bypass any NFL or other blackouts. Additionally, I had no issue whatsoever accessing platforms with NBC on them, such as Hulu+, DirectTV Stream, and others. NordVPN also unlocked various Netflix libraries, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video for me.

I was thrilled to find that NordVPN offers consistent 10+ Gbps connection speeds on all its US servers. This meant I could stream the NFL games in HD without any buffering or lagging. These speeds are made available because of NordVPN’s ultra-fast NordLynx tunneling protocol.

Besides the usual security features such as AES-256 encryption and a kill switch, NordVPN also offers obfuscated servers and Stealth Mode. Both of these features make it even easier to access geo-restricted sites without detection. Additionally, my real IP address was safeguarded by IP & DNS leak protection.

NordVPN supports a huge list of various devices, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and routers, and operates with all major OS. One subscription works for up to 10 simultaneous connections, and you can get your plan starting at $2.99/month if you use one of your special NordVPN coupons. Don’t forget to try it out with a 7-day free trial and use the 30-day money-back guarantee if you need it.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark VPN – cheap VPN to unblock and watch NBC outside the US

Surfshark is a great VPN for NBC, with unlimited connections and excellent geo-unblocking capabilities. Additionally, Surfshark has over 600 US servers in 20 cities, making it very easy to bypass NBC’s geo-restrictions.

600 of Surfshark’s 3200+ servers are located across 20 US cities. This made it very easy for me to find the exact right server for my needs, and I never encountered an overpopulated or poorly working server when I used Surfshark. Besides granting me access to NBC and platforms such as Hulu+, StreamTV Direct, Peacock, and YouTube TV, I also had no issues streaming content on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and other popular streaming services.

Surfshark’s servers, including those in the US, can handle 10+ Gbps speeds. This is made possible by the speedy WireGuard tunneling protocol Surfshark uses. Overall, this means I can stream NBC Sport events in HD without any lags.

Surfshark includes all the necessary safety features, such as AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and IP & DNS leak protection. However, it also has obfuscated servers, double hop, and NoBorders features which are very handy to access NBC from abroad undetected.

Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, and the service can be used on all major OS and is compatible with various devices, including routers, laptops, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more. You can get a Surfshark subscription for just $2.19/month if you pick one of our exclusive Surfshark coupon codes. Lastly, you can try out the service with a 7-day free trial and rely on the 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

3. PrivateVPN – streaming-focused VPN to watch NBC Sports anywhere

PrivateVPN is the best NBC VPN if you want something affordable and focused on streaming. The service works great at unblocking NBC from anywhere worldwide, and the fast servers provide a smooth streaming experience.

Overall, PrivateVPN operates a tight-knit fleet consisting of 200+ servers in 63+ countries. Naturally, the US is included on the list with 12 available server locations in the country. I tried connecting to several of them and experienced no trouble unblocking NBC from abroad. Additionally, I easily accessed various Netflix libraries, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer with the help of this VPN service.

PrivateVPN connection speeds are a bit slower than NordVPN or Surfshark, standing at around 8+ Gbps. However, this is still a very sufficient speed for streaming, and I was able to watch NBC online in HD without any disruptions.

As a trustworthy VPN, PrivateVPN has a strict no-logs policy, is based on AES-256 encryption, has a kill switch, and offers the speedy WireGuard tunneling protocol as an option. Lastly, the whole infrastructure is optimized for streaming and is very effective in bypassing bandwidth throttling imposed by ISPs.

You can get a PrivateVPN app for almost all smart devices operating on Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS operational systems. One subscription allows for 10 simultaneous connections, and you can get it for just $2.00/month if you use one of our special PrivateVPN coupon codes. If you’d like to try it out first, you can do so during the 7-day free trial or using the 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. IPVanish – NBC VPN with malware protection

IPVanish is a superb VPN to watch NBC outside the US, because it has 1250+ available US servers with reliable connection speeds. Additionally, IPVanish is known for its great geo-unblocking capabilities and for accessing various streaming platforms undetected.

Overall, IPVanish operates a sizeable fleet of 2200+ servers in 51+ countries, with almost half of the fleet located in the US. In total, the service has around 1250+ servers in 10 US cities, which made it easy for me to stream NBC from abroad. In addition to NBC, with IPVanish, I successfully streamed movies on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.

As for the quality of streams, I got a consistent 8+ Gbps connection speed with the US servers. Such speed is more than sufficient for streaming, and I did not experience any issues at all. These stable and fast connections are primarily made possible by the WireGuard protocol supported by IPVanish.

As any good VPN should, IPVanish comes with AES-256 encryption to keep your traffic imperceptible, a kill switch to prevent your true location from showing, and additional IP & DNS leak protection to bypass geo-restrictions. Besides these features, IPVanish also offers split tunneling to efficiently route your internet connection and obfuscated servers to mask the VPN use.

IPVanish has apps for all kinds of devices, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones, and it supports all major OSs. One IPVanish subscription covers unlimited connections, and you can subscribe for just $2.19/month if you get one of our special IPVanish coupons. And while there’s no trial version for IPVanish, you can use the 30-day money-back guarantee to try it out.

5. CyberGhost - VPN for NBC Sports streaming abroad

CyberGhost is another great NBC VPN, especially if you’re looking for something very affordable. The service operates a massive server fleet that covers 11 locations in the US, and I had no problem accessing NBC from abroad with this VPN.

CyberGhost has a huge fleet of 11700+ servers in 100+. It’s a fact that there are servers in 11 US locations, but the provider keeps the exact number a secret. Despite that, I quickly found available US servers and accessed NBC from abroad. While I did not experience any issues getting into other streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, some users reported that CyberGhost might not work with these services sometimes.

The bar is a bit lower here for the speeds. During my testing, the average connection stayed at 6+ Gbps. While that’s lower than what you can expect from NordVPN and Surfshark, I still managed to stream NBC quite successfully, with some minor lags here and there.

Same as all the VPNs I listed here, CyberGhost has a strict no-logs policy, relies on AES-256 encryption, and offers a well-working kill switch to protect your real IP address. What I really liked, though, that it has streaming-optimized servers in the US, and when I used those, I saw a huge difference in unblocking capabilities and speeds.

CyberGhost is compatible with all major OSs and offers apps for smartphones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more. Just one subscription covers up to 7 simultaneous connections with plan prices starting at $2.03/month. Remember to use one of our CyberGhost coupons to secure the best price. You can try this service out during the 7-day free trial or use the generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Comparison of VPNs for NBC Sports

How to watch NBC from abroad on various devices

Like numerous other services, NBC has dedicated apps for many commonly used devices. Accessing its extensive library won’t be a problem, no matter what you’re using. And if you’re outside the US, then here’s how you can access NBC from abroad: simply get a premium VPN, connect to a server in the US, and stream NBC no matter where you are. I added a list of top VPNs for various devices below; click on the links for more information:

• VPNs for Windows
• VPNs for Linux
• VPNs for Mac
• VPNs for Android
• VPNs for iPhone

Watch NBC on PC and phone

Getting a VPN to stream NBC on your laptop or phone from abroad is a must. Without a VPN, you’ll be stopped by NBC’s geo-restrictions that won’t allow you to stream sports events and shows. Additionally, it’s generally unsafe to stay connected without a VPN, as your vulnerable data might be exposed to snoopers and onlookers. So, here’s how to watch NBC on PCs and smartphones:

1. Subscribe to a robust VPN for NBC. I recommend NordVPN, now 74% off!
2. Install the application on your computer or smartphone and connect to a US server
3. Open your browser and navigate to the NBC website
4. Create an account or log in if you have one
5. Select a show and begin watching!

Get NordVPN for your PC >

Watch NBC on Smart TV

1. Download a reliable VPN. We’ve found that you can never go wrong with NordVPN.
2. Install the VPN on your router, and pick a US server
3. Download the NBC application from the TV’s app store
4. Log in or create an account if necessary
5. Enjoy unlimited entertainment!

Stream NBC on Smart TV with NordVPN >

How to watch NBC with VPN on streaming devices

The NBC application is widely available on numerous streaming devices for your convenience. The setup process is quick and easy, though it differs slightly in each case. Don’t forget to snatch a VPN suitable for the device of your choice. You will be able to access NBC from abroad with it and unlock numerous other streaming devices that might otherwise be unavailable to you without a VPN:

• VPNs for Roku
• VPNs for Kodi
• VPNs for Apple TV
• VPNs for Amazon Fire TV Stick

How to watch NBC Live on Roku from outside the US

1. Reset your Roku device
2. Install the VPN for NBC on your router. I recommend choosing NordVPN as it has 2000+ US servers.
3. Pick a US server
4. Connect the device to the newly configured VPN router network
5. Connect Roku to your TV and go to the Channel Store
6. Find NBC and connect to it
7. Sit back and relax with your favorite movies!

Watch NBC Live outside US with NordVPN >

How to watch NBC on Firestick from anywhere

1. Download a VPN with plenty of US locations. You can never go wrong with NordVPN.
2. Install the software on your router or get an add-on, and connect to a US server
3. Open the Firestick dashboard and install the NBC app
4. Create an account or log in to an existing one
5. Enjoy quality entertainment!

Get NordVPN and watch NBC from anywhere >

NBC not working with VPN: solutions

If NBC is not working with your VPN, it’s likely because your IP address is leaking, you haven’t cleared your browser cookies and cache in a while, or your VPN service is simply incapable of bypassing NBC’s geo-restrictions.

Here’s what you can try depending on the issue:

• The VPN IP may be blacklisted. NBC is known for blocking popular VPN ports, so before you do anything drastic, connect to another US server and restart the streaming service.
• Your location is leaking. Your actual IP address might be visible due to stored browser cookies or disabled security features. Clear out your cache if you’re using a phone or computer, and cycle through the available protocols until you find the one that works. Remember to restart NBC as well.
• The VPN software is outdated. NBC is likely inaccessible because you’re running an older version of the VPN. Check if you have the latest update, and get it if you don’t.
• The TAP drivers are corrupted. It is more applicable to those who tried installing multiple VPNs on their router while looking for the one that works. The router’s TAP drivers were messed up during the process, so you have to delete them and install new ones.

You can always try contacting customer support for further guidance. But if the VPN for NBC is not working after all these steps, it’s time to switch to better services. We’ve found NordVPN to be especially reliable, offering outstanding performance when streaming, gaming, downloading files via P2P, and more.

How to watch NBC for free

NBC is free to watch if you have cable, so cord-cutters often find themselves in a bind. To watch NBC for free, you can use the various trial periods offered by streaming services that carry NBC on their lists:

• Hulu (3-day free trial)
• fuboTV (7-day free trial)
• YouTube TV (up to 30 days free with the Family Pack)
• DirectTV Stream (5-day free trial)

However, these services are only available to those who have a US IP address. So, you’re going to have to subscribe to the appropriate premium VPN or use free USA VPNs if you’re not a citizen.

Just don’t download the first free provider you stumble upon in your search on how to watch NBC for free. If you’re not careful, you’re bound to experience many disadvantages the zero price tag usually has in store.

For instance, free VPNs usually offer very few available servers with blacklisted IP addresses, making it impossible to unblock NBC from abroad. What’s more, free VPNs often come with daily data caps insufficient for streaming. Lastly, free VPNs are known to monetize your data, making them unsafe to use.

Instead of risking it with a potentially dangerous VPN, I recommend using one of the premium services, such as NordVPN, which offers a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. This way, you’ll enjoy excellent speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and all the security perks for up to 37 days for free.

Try NordVPN for free now >

What can you watch on NBC?

You can enjoy a wide range of programming on NBC – TV shows, documentaries, news, sports, movies, and so on. While the platform is best known for streaming movies and shows in HD, you can still catch live sports and breaking news through the on-demand service. It also provides local and international news stories in addition to entertainment, business, politics, and scientific content.

This service has a bit of something for every kind of viewer, even the pickiest ones. Bypass the pesky geo-blocks and unlock all the streaming possibilities with the best NBC VPNs we’ve listed above.

Bottom line

You can stream NBC on various streaming platforms, such as DirectTV Stream, YouTube TV, fuboTV, and Hulu+ Live TV, just to name a few. What’s better is that you can watch NBC for free on these sites during the free trials they offer.

However, no matter the streaming platform you choose, NBC is only available in the US. Luckily, you can bypass these geo-restrictions by using a reliable VPN service. My top recommendation for the task is NordVPN, which has over 2000 available US servers with fast and stable connections. Plus, with its geo-unblocking capabilities, you’ll never be left out of your favorite sports events or series.

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You may also like to read:
VPNs for HBO Max
Top 5 VPNs for Disney+
Best VPN for Android TV Box
Best VPN for Amazon Prime Video
Watch Hulu outside the US
Watch CBS from anywhere

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FAQ

How can I watch NBC outside the US?

The only way to watch NBC outside the US is with a VPN. Because the streaming service is US-only, you have to mask your IP address to make it look like you live in America. You can do that by connecting to US servers through VPNs.

Can you watch NBC with a VPN?

Yes, you can use a VPN to watch NBC. Keep in mind that the platform bans IPs if the system detects that it comes from a VPN. To avoid this, subscribe only to the best VPNs with numerous US locations, like NordVPN.

How to watch NBC Sports with VPN?

Download a trusted VPN, install it on the device of your choice, and connect to a US server. Now, live NBC Sports broadcasts should be available once you navigate to the correct webpage.

Can you watch NBC on Netflix?

You can only watch select NBC shows on Netflix, like Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The Office. The entire catalog of movies, series, reality TV, sports broadcasts, etc., is only available through official NBC websites and applications, which can be viewed just by US residents.