How to watch DirecTV anywhere with a VPN – including regional sports networks

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DirecTV is one of the best live TV streaming services available in the U.S., especially for sports fans, but it's now making a concerted effort to shake things up.

In recent months, its operator DirecTV has taken steps to not only address long-standing criticisms but to lay down the gauntlet to its rivals, most notably Sling TV, the cable replacement service that we rate as the best overall.

For all of the interesting developments it's making right now, DirecTV only works in the U.S. Leave the country for a vacation or a work trip and you'll leave all of DirecTV's goodies behind – unless you use a good VPN.

How to watch DirecTV live in the U.S.

To watch DirecTV live in the U.S., you first need to select a plan.

There are many to choose from, with Signature Packages starting at $89.99 (before tax) per month, and Genre Packs starting at $19.99 (before tax) per month.

Once you've made your choice, you'll need to create a user ID with your personal details, accept the terms of service, and submit your payment details.

How to watch DirecTV live abroad

Watch DirecTV live abroad

(Image credit: DirecTV)

NordVPN is our #1 recommendation for accessing DirecTV outside the U.S.. With excellent speeds, unrivalled location spoofing power and easy-to-use apps, it's the perfect choice for watching DirecTV from anywhere.

DirecTV operates exclusively in the U.S.. Even if you're able to access the website or app from abroad, you won't be able to watch anything.

This is what's technically known as a geo-restriction, but there is an easy way to get around it.

If you sign up for the best VPN, you'll be able to connect to a server based in virtually any country in the world.

If you leave home to go on holiday, for instance, a VPN will let to connect to a server in the U.S., thereby granting access to DirecTV's full lineup of channels.

Is DirecTV free?

While best of DirecTV is locked behind a paywall, new users typically get a free trial (5 days free at the time of writing). Also, a limited number of TV channels and shows are available for free, courtesy of MyFree DirecTV.

The free tier essentially allows you to familiarize yourself with the DirecTV user experience, without parting with your cash or committing to a contract.

At the time of publication, beIN Sports Xtra, ESPN8: The Ocho and Yahoo Finance are the biggest-name channels included in MyFree DirecTV.

The plan also features a small, rotating selection of TV shows and movies.

Meanwhile, the paid DirecTV plans offer new users a five-day free trial.

What's on DirecTV?

Until recently, DirecTV was a like-for-like alternative to competing streamers like Sling, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV and Fubo. However, it has since radically expanded and diversified its offering.

There are now two very distinct DirecTV tiers: Signature Packages and Genre Packs.

Signature Packages are kitchen-sink cable replacement plans, packed with an enormous number of TV channels, loosely curated by theme.

There are four Signature Packages to choose from: Entertainment ($89.99 per month before tax), Choice ($94.99 per month before tax), Ultimate ($124.99 per month before tax), and Premier ($144.99 per month before tax).

DirecTV has also introduced five cheaper – much cheaper in some cases – and tighter Genre Packs: MySports ($69.99 per month before tax), MyNews ($39.99 per month before tax), MyEntertainment ($34.99 per month before tax), MyKids ($19.99 per month) and MiEspañol ($34.99 per month before tax).

MyEntertainment carries 60+ channels, including FX, but the real draw is that it comes bundled with subscriptions to Disney Plus, Hulu and Max, which would ordinarily cost $20.98 per month.

Similarly, MySports carries 20+ channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC and USA, but also comes bundled with a subscription to ESPN Unlimited, which is worth $29.99 per month.

Live sports on DirecTV

As mentioned above, arguably the best thing about DirecTV is its live sports offering.

In addition to ESPN Plus and the sports channels already listed, the MySports Genre Pack offers ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPNews, ESPNU, Golf Channel, MLB Network, NBA TV, NFL Network, NHL Network, SEC Network, TBS, TNT and TruTV.

That's already much more than you'll get from rival over-the-top streaming services.

However, DirecTV carries more than 30 regional sports networks (RSNs) on top. You can find out which channels and team you can watch using DirecTV's dedicated RSN checker.

Why should you use a VPN to watch DirecTV live?

A VPN can unlock DirecTV's lineup of TV channels, allowing you to gorge on everything that's on offer no matter where you are.

However, that's not all they're useful for. VPNs also encrypt and anonymize your browsing data, keeping it private not only from cybercriminals and government snooping, but from your internet service provider too.

What is the best VPN for DirecTV?

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Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Aatif is a freelance journalist and copywriter based in the UK. He’s written about technology, sport and politics for a wide range of publications including TechRadar, What Hi-Fi?, The Independent, Trusted Reviews, and Newsweek. These days, he focuses mainly on streaming at Future, an arrangement that combines two of his greatest passions: live TV and penny-pinching. When he's not attending a top-flight English soccer match, you can find him perfecting his table tennis skills.

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