- YouTube TV still works with high-end VPNs
- Cheap VPNs struggle to keep pace with YouTube TV’s IP address blacklisting
- Follow the steps below to diagnose why your VPN has stopped working with YouTube TV
- Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN work with YouTube TV – 27/11/24
Below I go into detail about two fixes for YouTube TV not working with a VPN. The TL;DR is that it’s either your VPN or Device that is the problem. So follow the steps below to determine which one it is.
Note that if it’s your device, then you will be able to get it working again in a matter of minutes. If your VPN is the problem, then you need to wait for your VPN to release a fix (which could take months) or upgrade your VPN.
TL;DR: When too many people access their YouTube TV account using the same VPN server, that offending IP address gets blacklisted. This happens to all VPNs, but cheaper VPNs are more vulnerable to this as they don’t have the necessary resources to fight back. If you want to watch YouTube TV through a VPN, I *only* recommend ExpressVPN ($6.67/month) or NordVPN ($3.19/month).
Is your Device or VPN the problem?
Right, let’s figure why your VPN is not working with YouTube TV. Follow the steps below, in order, to diagnose if your device and VPN settings are the problem. Note that if you’ve exhausted all of the steps below and your VPN still isn’t working with YouTube TV, then you can conclude that your VPN’s current range of American IP addresses has been blacklisted by YouTube TV.
YouTube TV not working with VPN: Quick Guide
- Connect to a different server
- Delete browser cookies or clear app cache
- Test VPN and YouTube TV on another device
- Switch VPN protocol
- Update your VPN (if required)
- Contact your VPN’s Support Team
- Upgrade your VPN
We tested YouTube with ExpressVPN ($6.67/month) and NordVPN ($3.19/month) on 27/11/24, and it worked flawlessly.
Things to note:
- Every internet connection originates from a single IP address. Your IP address is a bit like your landline phone number or ZIP Code – consisting of a string of numbers that reveal your approximate location.
- When you connect to a VPN, your internet traffic is rerouted through a server with an IP address in a location of your choosing – New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Salt Lake City, etc.
- Streaming services use a variety of methods to detect and blacklist IP addresses they suspect belong to VPNs.
- Only the best VPNs have reliable techniques to beat these bans.
YouTube TV not working with VPN: In-depth guide
Follow these steps to diagnose whether your device or VPN is the reason you can’t access YouTube TV.
1. Switch to a different server
Reconnect to another server in the same region. Use streaming-optimised servers if available. Check your VPN’s server guide for assistance.
2. Clear browser cookies and cache
Clear cookies and cached files to remove location data before reconnecting.
3. Use a Different Device
Try accessing YouTube TV on another device to rule out device-specific issues. See your VPN’s compatible devices list for more information.
4. Change VPN Protocol
Switch to a different protocol like WireGuard or OpenVPN in your VPN settings. Check your VPN’s guide on changing protocols.
5. Check for VPN Updates
Update your VPN app to ensure it has the latest fixes and enhancements. Visit your VPN’s update page for details.
6. Contact VPN Support
Ask your VPN provider for the best server recommendations for YouTube TV. Use live chat support or help centre.
7. Upgrade your VPN
If all the above steps fail, you only have two options:
i. You can either wait for your VPN to fix the issue itself by releasing new IP addresses, which normally takes weeks-to-months (before they get blacklisted again for the same reasons).
ii. Or you can upgrade to a more reliable VPN. I *only* recommend users use ExpressVPN ($6.67/month) or NordVPN ($3.19/month) with YouTube TV.
How does YouTube TV detect that I’m using a VPN?
There are two main ways streaming services identify and block VPNs. The first involves using a third-party database, such as those offered by MaxMind or ipapi.is. These providers supply something called an MMBD file, which can be integrated into the website’s .htaccess file to block IP addresses known to belong to VPN servers.
If you’re curious about how this works, you can run a similar IP test at IPQualityScore.com This service provides insights into how an IP address might be flagged.
This method is broad and heavy-handed, and it’s unlikely that every streaming platform would feel comfortable outsourcing such a critical process to a third-party company. But it’s still a popular option.
The second method is more manual. It involves YouTube TV’s technical team actively monitoring IP addresses for suspicious activity. For instance, if multiple accounts log in from the same IP address, the platform might flag it and block that IP to prevent further use.
How does YouTube TV detect that I’m using a VPN?
Allow me to take a long run up here…
YouTube TV tries to block *all* VPNs. It has to have strict “no VPN” policies in place to protect its contracts with content rights holders.
To understand why this is, you have to take a wider view of the streaming market.
VPNs have exploded in popularity over the past decade. VPN companies will insist privacy is their main selling point, but unblocking geoblocked streaming services is where they really resonate with users’ actual needs.
Now let’s localise things a bit and use NFL fans as an example.
NFL, as you know, is huge business in the US. Networks spend billions for broadcasting rights inside America. But outside the US, the popularity of NFL is much more lukewarm, and broadcasters aren’t prepared to pay the same as domestic broadcasters for the exact same product (because their customers won’t pay as much to watch live games).
Stay with me.
Here in New Zealand, where I live, rugby is king. The price my local broadcasters would be willing to pay, per customer, for rugby broadcasting rights would be more than it would for NFL rights.
So the price to watch Live NFL in New Zealand is much lower than it is in American. It’s just basic economics.
VPNs threaten to disrupt all of this, though.
A NFL fan in the US could use a VPN (with a New Zealand server) to watch NFL on New Zealand’s Sky Sport streaming service… for USD $24.26/month. That’s a lot lot lot less than the $72.99 base price of YouTube TV in the US. And, I don’t think I’m overstating this here, has the ability to tear down the entire Live Sports industry.
Without VPN-blocking tools, the pricing model for streaming would collapse. YouTube TV doesn’t want this, nor do rights holders like the NFL, for obvious reasons.
Best VPNs for YouTube TV
1. ExpressVPN
The fastest and most reliable VPN of 2024
- ✔Physical servers in 104 countries
- ✔Brilliant for unblocking streaming services
- ✔Very high-speed Lightway protocol
- ✔Available on almost any device
- ✔Very secure
- ❌Pricey
- ❌Only 8 simultaneous devices
- ❌No addons
Score: 99/100
TL;DR: This is the best VPN money can buy for streaming reliability and transfer speeds. It’s easy to use and will unblock all major streaming services. It’s the best VPN on the market.
Streaming: ExpressVPN shines at cracking geo-restricted walls, effortlessly streaming your favourites even in VPN-restricted regions. Expect NBA League Pass, Netflix, BBC iPlayer and more to work seamlessly.
Servers: With a massive network across 104 countries and dwarfing the 71-country average, ExpressVPN prioritizes real servers for rock-solid speed and reliability. With many servers based in the US, you can easily use it for NBA League Pass.
Privacy: ExpressVPN’s privacy measures include passing independent audits by cybersecurity firms like Cure53 and F-Secure, ensuring a strong level of security and no significant weaknesses in its macOS, Linux, and Windows apps. More details can be found in the audit reports available online.
Price: ExpressVPN offers three payment plans: a 1-month option at $12.95/month, a 6-month option at $9.99/month, and a 12-month option at $6.67/month. Payment methods include major credit cards, PayPal, Bitcoin, and other systems, accommodating a wide range of users.
Speeds: ExpressVPN maintains high download speeds with minimal drop-off, ensuring efficient performance. Tests showed a slight decrease in upload speeds, but download speeds remained fast across various server locations, including the US, UK, and Vietnam.
| Download Speeds (Mbps) | Upload Speeds (Mbps) | |
| VPN off | 937.07 | 520.93 |
| ExpressVPN US server | 824.62 | 6.96 |
| ExpressVPN UK server | 794.95 | 3.70 |
| ExpressVPN Vietnam server | 761.90 | 3.81 |
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
2. NordVPN
An excellent, affordable, and fast VPN option for 2024
- ✔Affordable pricing
- ✔Effective streaming access
- ✔Diverse server types
- ✔Solid speeds
- ✔Useful add-ons
- ✔Strong security
- ❌Limited server locations
- ❌No virtual servers
Score: 98/100
TL;DR: NordVPN is represents an exceptional choice for it’s price-point. It’s a premium VPN with a mid-range price. It’s the option I would recommend for most users who are not going to use their VPN everyday but still want a service that unblocks their favourite streaming services with fast transfer speeds.
Streaming: NordVPN unlocks the world of streaming, effortlessly bypassing geo-restrictions on NBA League Pass, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more. It has shown consistent success in connecting to various streaming services without noticeable issues.
Servers: NordVPN’s 6,000 servers spans 60 countries, with many in the US. That’s ideal for NBA League Pass users. While this is below the average of 71 countries for the top 20 VPNs, you can still expect lightning-fast speeds and rock-solid stability thanks to its physical servers.
Privacy: NordVPN’s secure connection and no-logs policy have been verified via three independent audits, including one by Deloitte. The audits have confirmed NordVPN’s adherence to its no-logs policy, ensuring user privacy.
Price: NordVPN offers three pricing plans: Complete, Plus, and Standard. The 2-year plan for the Standard package is priced at $3.19/month, the 1-year plan at $4.99/month, and the monthly plan at $12.99/month. It accepts major credit cards and various payment systems.
Speeds: Below is a table showing the speeds tested for NordVPN. From our tests in New Zealand, NordVPN displayed very good speeds, although slightly behind ExpressVPN, but significantly faster than many other VPNs on the market.
| Download Speeds (Mbps) | Upload Speeds (Mbps) | |
| No VPN (New Zealand) | 937.07 | 520.93 |
| NordVPN US server | 710.90 | 6.98 |
| NordVPN UK server | 531.12 | 3.73 |
Read our full NordVPN review.
3. Private Internet Access
Affordable and secure VPN with wide device compatibility
- ✔Affordable pricing plans
- ✔Unlimited simultaneous devices
- ✔Extra features like ad blocker and email protection
- ✔Verified no-log policy
- ✔Compatible with streaming services like Netflix and Hulu
- ❌High use of virtual servers
- ❌Not as fast as top-tier VPNs
- ❌Lacks proprietary protocol options
Score: 70/100
TL;DR: Private Internet Access is owned by the same company as ExpressVPN (Kape). That’s where the similarities end. It’s “the best of the rest” and works well with streaming services a lot of the time, but it’s not as reliable as ExpressVPN or NordVPN for streaming. The cynic in me thinks Kape’s $95.5m USD purchase was a monopolist move to keep PIA a second-tier VPN and prevent it from taking market share from ExpressVPN – allowing it to continue to charge a premium price for its product.
Streaming: Private Internet Access excels with Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max, and works great with NBA League Pass. Though initial BBC iPlayer issues have been resolved, consider other options if that’s your priority.
Servers: PIA has over 35,000 servers in 84 countries, which is well above the average of 71 countries. That’s great news for NBA League Pass viewers. However, 50% of these servers are virtual, impacting reliability compared to VPNs with more physical servers.
Privacy: PIA’s app is open-source, inviting third-party scrutiny and verification. It has also passed an independent no-log policy audit conducted by Deloitte, affirming its commitment to privacy.
Price: PIA offers three subscription options: 1-month at $11.95/month, 1-year at $3.33/month (upfront cost $39.95), and 3-year at $2.03/month (upfront fee $79). Payment methods include credit cards, PayPal, cryptocurrencies, and Amazon payments.
Speeds: Speed tests for PIA showed significant drops in download speeds across various servers. While using WireGuard protocol, speeds were faster than OpenVPN but still slower compared to top-tier VPNs like ExpressVPN.
| OpenVPN Download Speeds (Mbps) | OpenVPN Upload Speeds (Mbps) | WireGuard Download Speeds (Mbps) | WireGuard Upload Speeds (Mbps) | |
| VPN off (New Zealand) | 930 | 516 | ||
| PIA US server | 238.52 | 7.17 | 300.65 | 8.65 |
| PIA UK server | 245 | 3.77 | 315.78 | 7.23 |
| PIA Vietnam server | 445 | 6.55 | 489 | 8.24 |
Read our full Private Internet Access review.
4. Surfshark
Affordable and secure VPN with unlimited device policy of 2024
- ✔Attractive pricing for long-term subscriptions
- ✔Supports unlimited simultaneous connections
- ✔Robust security and privacy
- ✔24/7 responsive chat support
- ✔Extensive server network in 100 countries
- ❌Has trouble with services like Hulu
- ❌Lacks a unique proprietary protocol
- ❌App can be overwhelming
- ❌Not the fastest among competitors
Score: 60/100
TL;DR: Surfshark is another VPN without any real standout features. It shares a lot of the specs you’d expect to see in a paid-for VPN and does a reasonable job of ticking the boxes that matter most to customers from a technical perspective. However, my real-world tests (accessing streaming services) found it to be much less reliable at unblocking streaming services than NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
Streaming: Surfshark’s NoBorders mode makes it a formidable option for streaming US Netflix in Mexico, as it’s specifically designed to overcome restrictions in regions with tight controls. Plus, its unlimited simultaneous connections mean everyone in the household can enjoy their shows.
Servers: Surfshark provides access to over 3,200 servers in 65 countries, including multiple locations in the US optimized for streaming, making it a solid choice for watching US Netflix in Mexico. Its unique feature, CleanWeb, ensures an ad-free streaming experience while bypassing geo-blocks efficiently.
Privacy: Surfshark emphasizes its commitment to privacy with successful DNS leak tests and independent security audits by Cure53, ensuring robust online security and privacy. You can find more about their security audits here.
Price: Surfshark offers a 1-month option costing $12.95/month, a 12-month option at $3.99/month, and a 24-month option at $2.49/month. It accepts major credit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, and various cryptocurrencies.
Speeds: Below is a table that gives you an idea of the speed performance when using Surfshark. From our tests, we observed decent speeds, suitable for general use, but not the fastest compared to some rivals.
| Download Speeds (Mbps) | Upload Speeds (Mbps) | |
| No VPN (New Zealand) | 940.55 | 520.24 |
| Surfshark US server | 775.9 | 6.15 |
| Surfshark UK server | 587.79 | 3.79 |
Read our full Surfshark review.
5. PureVPN
A mid-range VPN that balances performance and price
- ✔Affordable
- ✔Unblocks major streaming services
- ✔Use on up to 10 devices simultaneously
- ✔Streamlined user interface
- ✔No log audit verified by KPMG
- ✔Several free add-ons
- ❌Buffering on BBC iPlayer at peak times
- ❌Past concerns with “no log” policy
Score: 50/100
TL;DR: PureVPN is an easy to use VPN that looks like every other premium VPN on the market. It can unblock major streaming services like BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu, Paramount+ etc, but it performs terrible when you’re trying to watch live TV via one of its servers. I can’t recommend this provider to anyone when it’s price is so close to NordVPN’s.
Streaming: PureVPN has stepped up its game, offering reliable access to major streaming services like NBA League Pass, Netflix, and Hulu. While BBC iPlayer had hiccups in the past, performance has improved, especially during off-peak hours.
Servers: PureVPN boasts an extensive global server network, with 6,000 servers in over 65 countries. Its server offerings are robust, allowing users to access various regions easily, such as NBA League Pass in the US.
Privacy: PureVPN has faced criticism in the past for its privacy policies. However, it has recently undergone a no-log audit verified by KPMG in the past 12 months, aiming to reassure users about its commitment to privacy.
Price: PureVPN offers three payment options: a 1-month plan at $10.95/month, a 1-year plan at $3.74/month, and a 2-year plan at $1.96/month. PureVPN accepts all major credit cards, PayPal, and a variety of other digital payment options.
Speeds: Below is a table that gives you an idea of the speed performance you can expect when using PureVPN. The VPN has shown variable download speeds across different streaming servers, with some experiencing significant drop-offs during peak times.
| Download Speeds (Mbps) | Upload Speeds (Mbps) | |
| No VPN | 189.44 | 139.82 |
| PureVPN UK Server | 24.31 | 98.99 |
| PureVPN US Server | 49.83 | 106.52 |
Read our full PureVPN review.
