If you didn't watch Super Bowl LX using a TV antenna of via cable, chances are you viewed it using one of the best streaming services. And, as it turns out, the service owned by the broadcaster who owned the rights to the game had a pretty good day — even it the game was snoozefest.

Stats Perform, an AI platform that looks at sports coverage, annually compares the lag time between different live streams for how long it takes the on-field action to reach your screen.

When it comes to streaming, Peacock had the best performance on Super Bowl Sunday, averaging 48 seconds behind the on-field action. That beat out both YouTube and Hulu + Live TV, which averaged 53 seconds. It also beat out DirecTV Stream and NFL+; 60 and 62 seconds, respectively.

Peacock was apparently quite consistent as well. Stats Perform also tests "audience drift" which is range of experience that users can have on each platform. The platform measures the difference between the lowest latency and the highest latency for different users.

Hulu was apparently the best with a 3-second difference on average and Peacock coming in around 32 seconds. However, YouTube TV apparently was the worst at a whopping 126 seconds.

As a regular YouTube TV user, anecdotally, it's regularly felt inconsistent between on-field action and the actual stream. I've had friends comment on a huge play and not seen for it until 20 seconds later.

But, neither of these apps are the best.

Cable and OTA still king

As you can see from the graphics, live streaming has caught up but has yet to beat Cable TV when it comes to latency. Cable sat around 38 seconds for both lag time and audience drift, fairly consistent performance.

This is also a semi-regular reminder that you should buy an HD antenna. Over-the-air TV is still king, with a lag time of 19 seconds between the live action and the time it takes to get to your screen. It also had an audience drift of 9 seconds, bested only by Hulu + Live TV.

If you are looking for a TV antenna, check out our picks for the three best TV antennas we've tested. You do want to select the right one for your home, so we have three essential tips for getting the best TV antenna.

If you're interested in live TV like sports, local news and the weather, the TV antenna is an old school friend that gets you the best performance.

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I’ve never been a passionate sports fan, but I love live music. In other words, I watch the Super Bowl for the halftime show. The energy, the talent and the excitement on such a big stage is fun to see regardless of the artist, in my opinion.

When I found out Bad Bunny was performing this year, I decided to run a small experiment. Instead of reaching for my phone when Bad Bunny started rapping in Spanish, I kept my hands in my lap — and my eyes on the stage. That’s because I was wearing Ray-Ban Meta Display smart glasses.

My question going in was simple: Could Meta keep up and translate the performance in real-time? Here’s what happened.

What I wanted to test

I wasn’t expecting to demo tech while watching the Super Bowl. But there I was literally seeing if these glasses could help me in a very normal, human way:

• Could they help me understand lyrics in real time?
• Could they provide context without forcing me onto my phone?
• Could they keep me in the moment instead of dragging me out of it?

What Ray-Ban Meta Display glasses actually are

Ray-Ban Meta Display glasses are the company’s most advanced consumer AR-style smart glasses to date — and the first from a major brand to include an in-lens display.

Unlike regular “smart glasses,” which are mostly cameras and speakers, these can actually show visual information directly in your field of view via a tiny screen visible only to you.

Here’s the quick, clean rundown:

• In-lens display: A full-color 600 × 600 pixel overlay that appears in your right lens
• Meta AI: You can ask for translations, context, directions or messages hands-free
• Neural Band: A wristband that lets you control the glasses with subtle muscle gestures
• Built-in camera: You can take photos or videos and see a viewfinder in your glasses
• Phone connectivity: Works with iOS and Android over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
• Battery: About 6 hours of use, plus a charging case
• Price: Around $799 (more for Rx lenses)

Importantly, the display does not block your vision. It feels more like a subtle heads-up overlay that appears only when you need it — similar to a floating notification in your peripheral view. That said, you should not drive a vehicle while wearing them.

The halftime moment: when Bad Bunny came on

When Bad Bunny hit the stage, I did what I normally do: I watched, listened and tried to keep up.

Then, I quietly switched to the translations with my wrist and forefinger and I said: “Hey Meta, what is he saying right now?”

Within seconds, text appeared in my lens. It wasn’t full karaoke subtitles streaming line by line all the time. Sometimes it only caught a few words or left some out (I know a little bit of Spanish and Bad Bunny’s lyrics well enough to notice).

But overall, I got concise, real-time translations of key phrases and themes — enough to understand the meaning without staring at words instead of the performance.I could still see the dancers. I could still feel the energy of the crowd. I could still watch the choreography and lighting.

For the first time, I didn’t feel “behind” in a multilingual performance. It was so cool.

What worked surprisingly well

• I didn't need my phone. This was the biggest win. Normally, I’d be pulled into a mini black hole of scrolling. Instead, I stayed focused on the show.
• The translations were fast enough to feel live. There was a slight delay, but not enough to break the experience. It felt like having a very quick translator sitting next to me.
• It deepened my appreciation of the performance. Understanding the lyrics gave me a better emotional connection to what Bad Bunny was doing on stage.

What didn’t work perfectly

No tech is magic — and these glasses are no exception. If I wasn’t facing the TV directly or the camera moved to dancers and not Bad Bunny, I would lose the lines of translations.
And, when that happened, it took a minute to get translations back on again. So, I probably missed a quarter of the lyrics in real time.

Gesture control is cool, but it’s not completely intuitive right away. I mostly relied on voice instead. I’ve been playing around with the wristband and hand motions and it’s still taking me a little while to get used to everything.

The takeaway

For the first time, AI didn’t pull me out of the experience — it pulled me deeper into it. I didn’t leave halftime thinking, “Wow, the glasses are amazing.” I left thinking, “Wow — I actually understood Bad Bunny.” It made the halftime show even more impressive and interesting to me.

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Super Bowl 2026 — aka the biggest advertising event of the year — has been and gone, and while it might have been a bad time to be a Patriots fan, it was a great game for people who tune in to get fresh looks at the latest trailers for some of the year's biggest upcoming movies (plus all the major Super Bowl commercials, of course).

In the run-up to the game, we had confirmation from studios and entertainment media outlets, giving us a rough idea of which teasers would premiere during Super Bowl LX — including "Scream 7."

Even though Marvel decided to skip the game and DC decided to give us a glimpse at "Supergirl" during the Puppy Bowl rather than the main event, Super Bowl LX still gave us a fresh look at the likes of "The Mandalorian and Grogu," Steven Spielberg's next sci-fi offering "Disclosure Day," and we even got a big surprise from Netflix, too.

Whether you need a recap or weren't able to watch live, here's a full breakdown of all the movie trailers that premiered during the Big Game — and which ones I liked the most.

Best Super Bowl 2026 trailers

'The Adventures of Cliff Booth'

Release date: Coming Soon

Netflix dropping a "The Adventures of Cliff Booth" teaser has to be the biggest surprise of the night, right? This follow-up to Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood" sees David Fincher taking over directing duties (but working from a Tarantino script) and sees Brad Pitt bringing back his character from that 2019 Oscar-winning hit. This heavily-censored teaser doesn't exactly give much away (we didn't even get a release date!), but it hints at drama, driving, drifting, drinking, and plenty of cussing.

'Disclosure Day'

Release date: June 12

Based on an original story by Spielberg, this sci-fi film stars Josh O'Connor as a man who has discovered that aliens exist, and they're here on Earth. He plans to show the entire world on a single day all the evidence he's found, setting up a potentially epic moment. The cast for this movie is loaded, and includes Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, Colman Domingo, and Emily Blunt.

Universal interrupted Super Bowl LX to offer a fresh look at Spielberg's forthcoming blockbuster, "Disclosure Day," with a Big Game Spot that offers us plenty of action and culminates in a glimpse at the extra-terrestrial visitors bound for the planet when the film hits theaters this summer.

'Scream 7'

Release date: Feb. 27

Paramount dropped "Scream 7's" latest trailer ahead of Super Bowl LX, though with the release date just around the corner, that's no huge surprise, and it looks like another tense horror.

In this installment of the Scream franchise, Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera are out, and Neve Campbell is back in. She's reprising her role as Sidney Prescott, the main target of several Ghostface killers. She's been living a quiet life in her new hometown of Pine Grove, Indiana, but now there's a new Ghostface on the loose. And they want Sidney to suffer by targeting her daughter, Tatum (Isabel May).

'Supergirl'

Release date: June 26

As rumored, "Supergirl" did indeed air a teaser for the next DC movie during Animal Planet's ever-adorable Puppy Bowl. Sure, it's not technically a Super Bowl movie trailer, but it aired the same day, so it's worth counting all the same. It was a fitting event to tease the film at, too, as it gave us a look at Kara Zor-El encountering what I can only assume is a very young Krypto.

You can read our "Supergirl" trailer breakdown from December for all the details on this upcoming DC movie, but here's the short version. Kara Zor-El (Milly Alcock) is having a rough life and has turned to drink. At a bar, she meets Ruthye Marye Knoll (Eve Ridley), whose father has been killed by Krem of the Yellow Hills (Matthias Schoenaerts). Kara agrees to go on Ruthye's quest for revenge and proceeds to go on a tirade of violence.

'Project Hail Mary'

Release date: March 20

If you don't want to know anything else about Phil Lord & Christopher Miller's upcoming Andy Weir adaptation, look away now. Amazon MGM Studios dropped the full final "Project Hail Mary" trailer on Sunday (and ran a spot for the movie during the game), and this new trailer offers another look at what's going on in this sci-fi adventure, though it is worth watching to see Ryan Gosling start a dance party and bond with his new alien pal, Rocky. I'm currently reading the book (it's great) and very excited for this high-stakes sci-fi adventure, and I'm sold on the bond that the pair clearly have formed in all the footage we've seen so far.

Worst Super Bowl 2026 movie trailers

'The Mandalorian and Grogu'

Release date: May 22

Ahead of their first big-screen Star Wars adventure, "The Mandalorian and Grogu" appeared in a brief Big Game spot that saw the pair venturing across a snow-covered landscape in a Western-esque teaser that saw Pedro Pascal's Din Djarin handing over the reins to a wagon pulled by Tauntaun to his tiny green pal. It's a nice piece of mood-setting, but compared to the main trailer that dropped a while back, it feels pretty throwaway.

If you haven't watched "The Mandalorian" before, it starred Pedro Pascal as Din Djarin, aka The Mandalorian. He's a bounty hunter in the Outer Rim, and he comes to adopt Grogu, a Jedi youngling of the same species as Yoda. They go on all sorts of adventures, and in this movie, they've been enlisted by the New Republic to deal with some problems, including pesky Imperial warlords.

'Hoppers'

Release date: March 6

Aside from a brief Woody cameo in a Levi's ad, Pixar didn't offer us anything from "Toy Story 5," but the animation studio did offer another quick look at "Hoppers," their forthcoming animal adventure. It's a concise spot that tees up the film's conceit — Mabel has her conscience put inside a robot beaver and heads out into the animal kingdom for a zany adventure — and ends with an annoyingly catchy little rhyme. "Lizard, lizard, lunchtime snack. Giant snake, ants fight back..." will be going round my head all day. While I'm glad Pixar is working hard to promote its latest original movie (and not just another sequel), I'm not sure this will get more people into theaters.

'Minions & Monsters'

Release date: July 1

After "Despicable Me 4," Gru's beloved pals are returning to theaters to spread more chaos this summer, and it's getting a little Lovecraftian. This latest installment will see the Minions setting their sights on a new venture: conquering Hollywood.

In "Minions & Monsters," we'll learn the "rambunctious, ridiculous and totally true story" of how the Minions became movie stars, then lost everything, then unleashed monsters (including an adorable tiny Cthulu-like critter) onto the world, and then banded together to try and save the planet from the mayhem that they themselves caused. If you're a Minions fan, I'm sure you're excited; I am not, hence their appearance in this section.

'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie'

Release date: April 1

Not content with teasing the Minions' latest adventure, Illumination also treated us to another brief glimpse at "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie," and it hints at serious jeopardy for some of the Mushroom Kingdom's heroes. I know we've already seen plenty of footage from the "Galaxy" movie, and I know it's primed to be a huge success, but I can't say this spot has me any more interested in seeing the teaser than I already am.

Here, Toad pushes his way through some jungle grass to find Baby Mario using T-Rex as a xylophone to bash out the iconic Mario theme... only for the terrifying creature to wake up and bear down on Mario, Baby Luigi, Toad, and Yoshi.

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It wasn't just the Seahawks and the Patriots clashing at this year's Super Bowl. Anthropic, the company behind Claude, dropped some not-so-subtle digs at its chief rival, OpenAI, in commercials that criticised the latter's decision to start introducing ads.

Anthropic had several commercials that played during the game, including one where a young guy asks a jacked personal trainer to help him get a six pack quickly.

The trainer responds in the manner of a chatbot, asking for personal details to create a tailored workout plan. Right before he drops in a plug for a pair of insoles, complete with a code to use for a discount.

It's a pretty slick ad and, at no point, does it directly reference ChatGPT, which confirmed back on January 16 that it would soon be introducing ads. However, that didn't stop Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, from responding with a 420-word long post on X last week when the ads were first teased.

While Altman claimed the ads "are funny" and that he "laughed", he also said they were "so clearly dishonest."

"Our most important principle for ads says that we won’t do exactly this; we would obviously never run ads in the way Anthropic depicts them. We are not stupid and we know our users would reject that."

Altman returns fire at Anthropic, accusing it of "doublespeak" and saying the company wants to "control what people do with AI."

He then goes on to talk about Codex, ChatGPT's new coding agent. Unfortunately, he also doesn't give us any further concrete details about the rollout of ads on ChatGPT and what to expect.

How will ChatGPT display ads?

OpenAI has previously confirmed that the Plus, Pro and Enterprise subscriptions will not get ads, and also that ChatGPT's responses "will not be influenced by ads" and that subscribers' conversations will remain private and won’t be used to target advertising.

The commercials themselves will be separate and clearly labeled. In an example that OpenAI described as one of the formats it plans to test, the advertisement shows up at the bottom of your chat with a linkout.

Meanwhile, the company says that chats which cover sensitive topics like health, mental health or politics also won't receive ads. Currently, only users aged over 18 will be part of the testing procedure and OpenAI says it will seek feedback to ensure ads "support broad access to AI."

Sam Altman's full response to Anthropic's 'dishonest' commercials

If you want to know everything that Sam Altman said in response to Anthropic's Super Bowl adverts, here's his full statement:

First, the good part of the Anthropic ads: they are funny, and I laughed.

But I wonder why Anthropic would go for something so clearly dishonest. Our most important principle for ads says that we won’t do exactly this; we would obviously never run ads in the way Anthropic depicts them. We are not stupid and we know our users would reject that.

I guess it’s on brand for Anthropic doublespeak to use a deceptive ad to critique theoretical deceptive ads that aren’t real, but a Super Bowl ad is not where I would expect it.

More importantly, we believe everyone deserves to use AI and are committed to free access, because we believe access creates agency. More Texans use ChatGPT for free than total people use Claude in the US, so we have a differently-shaped problem than they do. (If you want to pay for ChatGPT Plus or Pro, we don't show you ads.)

Anthropic serves an expensive product to rich people. We are glad they do that and we are doing that too, but we also feel strongly that we need to bring AI to billions of people who can’t pay for subscriptions.

Maybe even more importantly: Anthropic wants to control what people do with AI—they block companies they don't like from using their coding product (including us), they want to write the rules themselves for what people can and can't use AI for, and now they also want to tell other companies what their business models can be.

We are committed to broad, democratic decision making in addition to access. We are also committed to building the most resilient ecosystem for advanced AI. We care a great deal about safe, broadly beneficial AGI, and we know the only way to get there is to work with the world to prepare.

One authoritarian company won't get us there on their own, to say nothing of the other obvious risks. It is a dark path.

As for our Super Bowl ad: it’s about builders, and how anyone can now build anything.

We are enjoying watching so many people switch to Codex. There have now been 500,000 app downloads since launch on Monday, and we think builders are really going to love what’s coming in the next few weeks. I believe Codex is going to win.

We will continue to work hard to make even more intelligence available for lower and lower prices to our users.

This time belongs to the builders, not the people who want to control them.

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NBC is shaking up Super Bowl Sunday again in 2026. Instead of handing the biggest TV audience of the year to a sitcom or reality show, it’s rolling straight into Winter Olympics coverage from Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. It’s all part of NBCUniversal’s broader “Legendary February” push, which puts the "Super Bowl" and the Games on the same day.

Below is the simplest way to watch from anywhere with a VPN, along with what you need to know if you are travelling and your usual stream is geo-blocked.

The key thing to know is timing. Once the game is over and the Lombardi Trophy presentation wraps up, NBC’s Olympic coverage starts at around 10:45 p.m. ET, with the post-game show branded as “Primetime in Milan.”

If you’re streaming, Peacock will carry the same handoff, and NBC is also promoting a “4K All Day” experience that covers both its Winter Olympics coverage and Super Bowl programming.

Watch post Super Bowl Olympic coverage from anywhere

Travelling and blocked from your usual apps? A VPN, or virtual private network, lets your device appear to be back in your home country, so you can securely use your existing subscriptions while you’re abroad.

We’ve tested many services, and the best VPN currently available is NordVPN. It offers fast, reliable connections, works on most devices, and you can try it risk-free for 30 days thanks to its money-back guarantee.

Using a VPN is simple:

1. Install the VPN of your choice (NordVPN is our favourite).

2. Choose the location you want in the VPN app. For example, pick a U.S. server to use Peacock as normal while overseas.

3. Open your streaming service and start watching.

Watch the post Super Bowl Olympics coverage in the U.S.

In the U.S., NBC and Peacock are your main destinations. NBC will show the post-game Olympic coverage live, with “Primetime in Milan” expected to start at around 10:45 p.m. ET.

Peacock will stream the same coverage, and NBCUniversal is also touting a 4K HDR feed that spans both the day’s "Winter Olympics" action and "Super Bowl" programming.

If you want the full Sunday experience, NBC’s schedule has live Winter Olympics coverage running through the morning, Super Bowl build-up from early afternoon, then the Winter Olympics handoff late at night.

U.S. subscriber abroad? If you’re traveling and find your usual apps blocked, you can securely access your subscription with a VPN.

Watch the post Super Bowl Olympics coverage in the U.K.

The “post-game” handoff is really a U.S. broadcast quirk, because the Super Bowl"finishes overnight in the U.K. Instead of one long run, your Winter Olympics viewing is usually split between Sunday daytime coverage and Monday morning competition, depending on which events you want to watch live.

For U.K. coverage, check BBC channels and iPlayer for broad live and on-demand coverage, while Discovery+ and TNT Sports are your go-to options if you want every event, live and on demand.

If you’re travelling and want to use your usual BBC iPlayer or Discovery+ account, a VPN like NordVPN can help you securely access your apps as normal.

Watch the post Super Bowl Olympics coverage in Canada

Canada doesn’t receive the same single‑network handoff as the U.S., because Olympic and Super Bowl rights are held by different broadcasters. In practice, you’ll usually finish the game on one channel or app, then switch over to Olympic coverage elsewhere.

CBC is the primary Olympic broadcaster, with extra coverage on partner networks, and CBC Gem streams events live and on demand (account required).

You’ll also find coverage across the major Canadian sports networks and streaming services.

If you’re a U.S.-based Peacock subscriber visiting Canada, you can still use your account by connecting to a U.S. server on a VPN like NordVPN and streaming as you would at home.

Watch the post Super Bowl Olympics coverage in Australia

In Australia, Super Bowl Sunday in the U.S. falls on Monday, February 9, locally, and Winter Olympics coverage is separate from the NFL broadcast. In practice, you’ll switch apps rather than stay on a single channel all day.

For Winter Olympics coverage, check Nine’s broadcast channels plus 9Now for free-to-air and streaming. Stan Sport is the place to watch every discipline, live and on demand, with many events available in 4K Ultra HD.

Seven and its streaming partners carry the "Super Bowl" game locally.

Travelling from the U.S. and don’t want to miss the castle drama? Use a VPN, such as NordVPN, to sign in to your Peacock account and watch as you would at home.

Post Super Bowl Olympics coverage — schedule

Here’s the basic outline of NBC and Peacock’s day, including the late-night Olympic handoff.

Exact times may shift slightly depending on how long the game and trophy presentation run. NBC itself lists the "Winter Olympics" restart as “approximately” 10:45 p.m. ET.

More from Tom's Guide

• Premier League Streaming Guide 25/26
• How to watch Super Bowl 2026
• How to watch Winter Olympics 2026

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.

Enjoyed the Super Bowl that much that you want to watch it all over again? Good news: you can watch Super Bowl 2026 REPLAYS free in the USA – including the full Patriots vs Seahawks game.

The trick: YouTube TV's free trial will give you access to NBC, so you can watch Super Bowl LX replays without paying a dime.

Read on for the simple way to watch Super Bowl free in the USA.

How to watch Super Bowl 2026 for free from outside USA

Traveling away from the U.S. and blocked from watching Super Bowl free in the USA?

You can still watch Super Bowl LX live online with a fast, stable VPN (don't get a cheap one, they're useless for streaming).

We use NordVPN (save 70%) — it works with Peacock and other streaming services. Plus, we have a huge sale discount below... only for NFL fans.

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're in Canada and want watch the Super Bowl for free, you'd select 'United States' from the server list.

3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head to YouTube TV and tune into the Super Bowl free stream from Canada.

What other ways can you watch Super Bowl for free?

Snagging a free trial is only one way to watch Super Bowl 2026 without paying.

The Super Bowl is also streaming for free in select countries:

🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Channel 5 — free stream on website and app

🇦🇺 Australia
7plus — free live stream

🇳🇿 New Zealand
TVNZ+ — watch at no cost

Again, if you're outside your home country, you can always unlock your local free trials and streams using a VPN – NordVPN works best for this.

More from Tom's Guide

• How to watch Super Bowl
• How to watch Super Bowl Halftime Show
• How to watch YouTube TV in the USA

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.

Pumped for the Super Bowl and want to watch Peacock for free? This handy trick helps out do just that – we'll show you how to get a Peacock free trial below so you can tune into Patriots vs Seahawks at no cost, even if you're away in Canada or the U.K.

The trick: Walmart Plus is offering a Peacock free trial, so you can tap into Peacock's Super Bowl stream without paying a dime.

The Super Bowl is live on Peacock now ahead of the full game from 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT and Bad Bunny's halftime show.

Read on for the Peacock free trial trick as we countdown to the Super Bowl 2026...

How to watch Peacock free from anywhere

Traveling away from the U.S. and blocked from watching Peacock free?

You can still watch Peacock free – and Super Bowl LX live – with a fast, stable VPN (don't get a cheap one, they're rubbish for streaming).

We use NordVPN (save 70%) — it works with Peacock and we have a huge sale discount below... for Super Bowl fans.

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're in Canada and want to get a Peacock free trial, you'd select 'United States' from the server list.

3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head to Peacock and catch the Super Bowl free from Canada.

Do you need a Peacock free trial to watch Super Bowl free?

Snagging a Peacock free trial is only one way to watch Super Bowl 2026 without paying.

The game is also streaming in select countries free.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Channel 5 — free stream on website and app

🇦🇺 Australia
7plus — free live stream

🇳🇿 New Zealand
TVNZ+ — watch at no cost

Again, if you're outside your home country, you can always unlock your local free trials and streams using a VPN – NordVPN works best for this.

More from Tom's Guide

• How to watch Super Bowl
• How to watch Super Bowl Halftime Show
• How to watch YouTube TV in the USA

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.

If you're streaming Super Bowl 2026 this afternoon, there's a real possibility that you're using a Fire TV device. While we currently don't have a Fire TV device in our guide to the best streaming devices we've tested, there's no denying they're quite popular. Especially since they all have access to the best streaming services and the best cable TV alternatives.

If you're still looking for a Fire TV device to stream the big game, my top pick is the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus. It's the best bang for your buck, but still includes important features like support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ and it works with the newly upgraded Alexa+ AI assistant. Unfortunately, it's not on sale at the moment, but it's what I'd recommend for streaming Super Bowl 2026 in 4K or watching all the Super Bowl LX commercials and Super Bowl 2026 movie trailers.

Of course, you could ditch the need for a streaming device and get a Fire TV instead. These TVs integrate the Fire TV OS with all the best features you come to expect from a great TV. Right now, our top-rated Fire TV is the Hisense U65QF Mini-LED TV, which is an excellent TV for under $500.

Once you have the perfect Fire TV device or a new Fire TV, you'll need to know which Fire TV apps to use to stream Super Bowl LX. Our top (and only) streaming service pick is Peacock Premium, which will allow you to stream Seahawks vs. Patriots in 4K for just $10.99 a month.

If you already have a live TV streaming service, you likely have access to NBC, which will be broadcasting the game. Our top pick is YouTube TV, which streams the game in 1080p normally, but offers a 4K HDR stream with its 4K Plus add-on (for an additional charge).

So now, you should have a pretty good idea of what streaming devices and apps you need, but let's dive into the full details. Here's everything you need to know to watch Super Bowl 2026 on Fire TV.

Super Bowl 2026 on Fire TV: Which device is right for you?

When it comes to the Fire TV streaming devices, there are five different devices you can choose from: Fire TV Stick HD, Fire TV Stick 4K Select, Fire TV Stick 4K Plus, Fire TV Stick 4K Max and Fire TV Cube.

The Stick HD doesn't stream 4K video, and the Cube is nearly $140, so both of those are tough to recommend. For me, the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is the sweet spot, giving you 4K streaming with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, for $10 less than the Stick 4K Max. The Max is better (I have one), but it's not $10 better.

Right now, you can get the Fire TV Stick 4K Max at Amazon for $49.99. It's a great choice for streaming 4K content, and if you like being in the Amazon ecosystem, it's the streaming device I'd recommend.

Super Bowl 2026 on Fire TV in 4K: Which app is right for you?

Peacock is the exclusive streaming home of Super Bowl 2026, and right now, you can get it for $10.99 a month. If you just want to watch the game, Peacock has a far lower price point than a live TV streaming service, plus, it comes with tons of other shows and movies to stream after the game is over.

If you want something that can truly replace your cable package, then YouTube TV is the top choice. It's great for streaming sports, thanks to features like Multiview and Catch up with key plays. If you're looking to stream the game in 4K, that's an option too, though you'll need to spring for the 4K Plus add-on, which costs an extra $9.99 per month.

Right now, Tom's Guide is offering YouTube TV for $62.99 a month for your first five months. That's a total savings of $75, which is better than what YouTube TV is currently offering most customers. Plus, if you haven't already signed up for the 4K Plus add-on, you can try it for free right now for 30 days.

Finally, if you want the cable TV experience but are looking for something wallet-friendly, then Sling TV is an alternative worth considering. Starting at $29.99 for your first month, Sling Orange & Blue gives over 50 channels, including NBC in some markets. Or, you can check out Sling Select, starting at just $19.99. This package offers a lot less; just 10+ channels. But it also costs a lot less.

While Sling can be great, there is one major problem: Sling might not offer NBC in your market. For example, in Atlanta, I can't get NBC through Sling. So using it to watch the Super Bowl isn't viable for me.

More from Tom's Guide

• There's only one way to watch Super Bowl 2026 lag-free — and all you need is an antenna
• Super Bowl 2026 on Roku: How to watch Seahawks vs Patriots
• HBO Max just moved up the release date of 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' and 'Industry' to avoid Super Bowl 2026

If you're watching Super Bowl 2026 today, you might want to know how to change the YouTube TV broadcast delay setting. YouTube TV is the best live TV streaming service we've tested, and it's incredibly popular. I even use it all the time for watching sports, including the NFL. So chances are, you're either planning or debating about using it to watch the Big Game this year.

However, if you're a sports fan, you probably know that one downside to watching sports on YouTube TV is that it can suffer from serious lag. I know I'm probably not the only one who's called their parents only to find out they're watching the same game as me ... and they're a minute ahead. According to Phenix, the average lag time while watching Super Bowl 2025 on YouTube TV was 67 seconds. That's over a minute behind the live action on the field.

The good news is that there is a way to reduce some of that lag time without ditching YouTube TV and opting to watch the Super Bowl 2026 with an antenna. In its user interface, YouTube TV has a broadcast delay setting that allows you to reduce your lag time while watching live sports.

There are two caveats: The setting is only adjustable while watching on a TV (no smartphones or tablets), and if you decrease your broadcast delay time, you increase your risk of playback issues. That said, with a strong internet connection, you should be fine. At least, based on my own personal testing, where I've had no issues.

So, without any further delay (because I hate delay), here's how to change your YouTube TV broadcast delay setting so you can watch Super Bowl 2026 with less lag.

Now that you've learned how to change your broadcast delay setting on YouTube TV, you might want to know more about how to watch Super Bowl LX.

Lucky for you, we've got you covered. Check out guides on how to watch Super Bowl 2026 on Roku, how to watch this year's Super Bowl on Fire TV, how to stream Super Bowl 2026 in 4K and how to use a sneaky trick to stream the Winter Olympics, Super Bowl and T20 World Cup for free this February.

If you're streaming Super Bowl 2026 today, there's a good chance you're using a Roku device. Roku streaming devices are among the best streaming devices we've tested, and they all have access to the best streaming services and the best cable TV alternatives.

If you're still looking for a Roku device to stream the big game, our top pick is the Roku Streaming Stick 4K. It's the perfect device for most people, offering 4K streaming, premium features, all at the affordable price of $34.34 at Amazon (normally $49.99). That leaves you money leftover for pizza and wings for when you stream Super Bowl 2026 in 4K or head to YouTube to watch all the Super Bowl LX commercials and Super Bowl 2026 movie trailers.

Of course, you could ditch the need for a streaming device and get a Roku TV instead. These TVs integrate Roku's features and smart TV operating system with a gorgeous Mini-LED display. Right now, the Roku Pro Series Mini-LED TV is our top pick amongst the best Roku TVs, and it's ideal for the Big Game.

Once you have the perfect Roku device or a new Roku TV, you'll need to know which Roku apps to use to stream Super Bowl LX. Our top (and only) streaming service pick is Peacock Premium, which will give you a 4K stream of Seahawks vs. Patriots for $10.99 a month. If you already have a live TV streaming service, you likely have access to NBC, which will be broadcasting the game. Our top pick is YouTube TV, which streams the game in 1080p normally, but offers a 4K HDR stream with its 4K Plus add-on (for an additional charge).

That gives you a good outline, but let's dive into the details. Here's everything you need to know to watch Super Bowl 2026 on Roku.

Super Bowl 2026 on Roku: Which Roku device is right for you?

We've test all of the best streaming sticks and devices we can get our hands on to make sure we're only recommending the best. And right now, our top pick among all streaming devices is a Roku. Specifically, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K.

Right now, you can get the Roku Streaming Stick 4K at Amazon for just $34.34. This tiny workhorse is a great choice for streaming 4K content, and its built-in Wi-Fi extender ensures you get crisp, uninterrupted streaming quality throughout the entire event.

Super Bowl 2026 on Roku in 4K: Which app is right for you?

If you want to stream the Big Game in 4K, there are a few options. You can opt for a streaming service, like Peacock, or you can use a cable TV alternative like YouTube TV. They have pros and cons; if you just want to watch the game, Peacock has a far lower price point, but YouTube TV will give you a more cable-like experience with 100 channels, including NBC.

If a streaming service is more your vibe, then you only have one choice. Peacock is the exclusive streaming home of Super Bowl 2026, and right now, you can get it for $10.99 a month.

If you want something that can truly replace your cable package, then YouTube TV is our top choice. It's great for sports, thanks to features like Multiview and Catch up with key plays. If you're looking to stream the game in 4K, that's an option too, though you'll need to spring for the 4K Plus add-on, which costs an extra $9.99 per month.

Right now, we're offering YouTube TV for $62.99 a month for your first five months. That's a total savings of $75, which is better than what YouTube TV is currently offering most customers. Plus, if you haven't already signed up for the 4K Plus add-on, you can try it for free right now for 30 days.

Now, if you want the cable TV experience but are looking to save some money, Sling TV is an alternative worth considering. Starting at $29.99 for your first month, Sling Orange & Blue gives over 50 channels, including NBC in some markets. Or, you can check out Sling Select, starting at just $19.99. This package offers a lot less; just 10+ channels. But it also costs a lot less.

While Sling can be great, there is one major catch. Sling might not offer NBC in your market. For example, in Atlanta, I can't get NBC through Sling. So using it to watch the Super Bowl is a no-go for me.

More from Tom's Guide

• There's only one way to watch Super Bowl 2026 lag-free — and all you need is an antenna
• How to watch Super Bowl 2026 for free from anywhere
• HBO Max just moved up the release date of 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' and 'Industry' to avoid Super Bowl 2026

Today the New England Patriots take on the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX, in what is expected to be a closely contested matchup between the Patriots and Seahawks – two the NFL’s standout teams. Whether you’re tuning in for the gridiron action or the commercials, watching the game in 4K will elevate the experience with stunning clarity.

Pregame coverage typically begins several hours before kickoff, around noon, and this year’s game is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT, which is a late evening for fans in Europe and beyond. With streaming technology continually improving, it’s easier than ever to catch the action in ultra‑high definition, but choosing the right streaming service, device compatibility and subscription options can be overwhelming.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to stream Super Bowl LX in crystal‑clear 4K, including services with UHD coverage, compatible devices, and any subscription details you might need. Also, here are the best cable TV alternatives for experiencing the big game in 4K UHD.

Streaming services with Super Bowl 2026 in 4K

Peacock is offering one of the most comprehensive ways to stream Super Bowl LX live in 4K HDR on Sunday. As part of NBCUniversal’s “4K All Day” programming, Peacock will broadcast the entire game, including pregame coverage starting at noon ET in ultra‑high definition, alongside extended coverage of the Milan‑Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

This marks a significant expansion of Peacock’s live sports offerings, giving subscribers access to clear picture quality on compatible devices such as 4K‑capable smart TVs and streaming players. Since Peacock’s stream is tied to NBC’s official broadcast, it’s one of the few streaming options delivering the Super Bowl in true 4K HDR without requiring traditional cable.

If you’re focused on the best possible picture and want the game streamed in ultra‑HD, Peacock’s 4K coverage is the MVP option this year!

• How to watch Peacock online and from anywhere with a VPN

YouTube TV will also stream Super Bowl LX, including NBC’s broadcast of the New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks as part of its standard live TV service, and you can upgrade to 4K Ultra HD with the optional 4K Plus add‑on.

The regular Base Plan costs about $82.99/month, giving you access to 100+ live channels, unlimited DVR space and multiple user profiles. To unlock 4K streaming, unlimited home streams and offline downloads of recordings, you’ll need the 4K Plus add‑on for $9.99/month on top of your base plan — though promotional rates or free trial offers may be available for new users.

With the 4K Plus upgrade and a compatible 4K TV or streaming device, YouTube TV can deliver the Super Bowl in crisp UHD quality, making it a solid option for fans who want to watch the big game in the highest definition available.

For the upcoming Super Bowl, Comcast’s Xfinity is rolling out its new RealTime4K technology to give customers one of the most immersive and low‑latency 4K viewing experiences available. RealTime4K delivers the live game feed with reduced delay (up to 30 seconds faster than traditional 4K streams) and combines Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio to enhance picture and sound quality.

Xfinity TV customers with compatible 4K TVs and devices can access the dedicated Peacock 4K channel on Super Bowl Sunday, which will carry NBC’s full Super Bowl coverage (pregame, halftime, postgame) and morning Olympics programming in 4K.

The RealTime4K feed is also available through the Xfinity X1 guide and Xfinity Stream app, making it an appealing option for fans who want crisp Ultra HD visuals and audio when watching the game.

While Hulu + Live TV doesn’t currently offer native 4K live streaming, it will still stream 2026’s Super Bowl live because the subscription includes major broadcast networks like NBC, which holds the rights for this year’s game.

That means if you already pay for Hulu + Live TV (or sign up before kickoff) you can watch the full game, pregame and halftime show in HD (typically up to 1080p) on a wide range of supported devices.

I’m including this option here for convenience because many viewers may already have Hulu, making it an easy way to stream the Super Bowl without subscribing to a separate service. It also includes unlimited cloud DVR, so you can record the game and watch later if needed.

How to watch Super Bowl 2026 in 4K

If you’re planning to catch the New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks this Sunday, you’ll be happy to know there are plenty of ways to stream the game in 4K. NBC, the official broadcaster, is going big this year with its “4K All Day” event, running from pregame coverage at noon ET right through kickoff and beyond, including Winter Olympics programming.

Peacock is the most straightforward option for 4K streaming since subscribers can watch live in 4K HDR with Dolby Vision and Atmos for about $10.99/month (Premium) or $16.99/month (Premium Plus). If you already have YouTube TV, the optional 4K Plus add‑on unlocks UHD streaming on compatible devices, making it a great choice for fans who want clear picture quality.

For Xfinity TV customers, the RealTime4K / Peacock 4K channel offers a premium viewing experience with ultra-low latency, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos audio, which is perfect for those who want every detail of the game and halftime show in good quality. Even if you don’t want to pay extra, Hulu + Live TV is still a convenient choice for many viewers, since it carries NBC live. Just keep in mind it will only stream in HD, not 4K.

If you’re after the least lag possible, there’s still one old‑school route worth considering: use a TV antenna. Over‑the‑air broadcasts often have lower delay than even 4K streaming, and local NBC broadcasts (which can include the Super Bowl) are free once you have an antenna set up.

Finally, don’t forget that a 4K-compatible device or TV is essential to get the full UHD experience. Apple TV 4K, Fire TV Stick, and Roku devices all work well, and pairing them with any of the services above will make your Super Bowl viewing feel like you’re right there in the stadium!

Can I watch Super Bowl in 4K from outside the U.S.?

The official U.S. 4K stream is only directly available inside the U.S. unless you use geo-unblocking tools such as a VPN. If you have a valid U.S. streaming subscription (e.g., Peacock Premium) then you can use a VPN a access your usual 4K stream from anywhere. You'll need a fast, stable VPN to support high-quality Super Bowl streaming. We've tested the best options and NordVPN (try it risk-free for 30 days) works brilliantly in these types of situations.

More from Tom's Guide

• How to watch Super Bowl 2026 online from anywhere
• Every Super Bowl 2026 commercial so far
• Best TVs of 2026 tested

Sports fans will tell you that there's one major downside to cutting the cord to watch Super Bowl 2026: lag time. Now, unless you're literally going to be in Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, to watch Super Bowl LX today, any streaming service or cable alternative is going to be slightly behind the action. Heck, even over-the-air broadcasts are delayed by a few seconds to avoid ... well, wardrobe malfunctions, among other things.

But live TV streaming services are far behind what you get from an over-the-air broadcast, at least according to data from Phenix. If you used Fubo to watch Super Bowl 2025, you were 78 seconds behind the live game. Even last year's free Tubi livestream of Super Bowl 2025, which was a revelation, was 26 seconds behind the game.

Now, this year, you won't have to worry about either of those options. Fubo currently doesn't offer NBC livestreams due to an ongoing contract dispute, and Tubi won't offer a livestream of Super Bowl 2026. If you want to watch today's Super Bowl LX on one of the best streaming services, you're going to need Peacock, which is broadcasting the game in 4K.

Still, there's really only one solution to watching the game with the least lag time possible: Buy a TV antenna. Specifically, buy one of our choices for the best TV antennas we've tested.

No, you won't get features like multiview and catching up with key plays with an antenna, but you will be able to stream channels over the air for free, even in 4K. That includes NBC's broadcast of Seahawks vs. Patriots in Super Bowl LX.

If you're looking for the best we've ever tested, you'll want the Mohu Gateway Plus HDTV Indoor Antenna. Its built-in FirstStage amplifier allows you to pull in channels broadcast over-the-air within a 60-mile radius. It's not the cheapest at $79.99, but it outperforms both cheaper and more expensive models.

If you're looking to save a little money by picking up our former pick for the best TV antenna overall, we recommend the Mohu Leaf 50 Amplified. This antenna has the same range of 60 miles, but the excellent reception dips a bit towards the fringes compared to the Gateway Plus. It also doesn't have a built-in stand or amplifier, like the Gateway Plus, so there's some assembly required.

But, you still get 1080p HD, 4K and even 8K broadcasts, so the performance difference isn't massive. And while you need to connect the in-line amplifier and find a home to hang your antenna, it's still relatively easy to install. Its 12-foot detachable cable could even be considered an advantage over the pricier Gateway Plus.

Opting for an antenna is nothing new. In fact, it's the way things used to be done. But despite cable and satellite nearly killing over-the-air broadcasts for good, antennas are now growing in popularity again. Particularly for watching live sports broadcasts. That's because over-the-air broadcasts have a decreased lag time, and they're free to watch once you account for the cost of the antenna itself.

Of course, an antenna isn't the only watch to watch Super Bowl LX. So make sure to check out our guide on how to watch the Super Bowl 2026 livestream from anywhere for free to find the best solution for you.

More from Tom's Guide

• Super Bowl commercials 2026: All the ads and teasers we’ve seen so far
• There's a sneaky way to watch the Winter Olympics, Super Bowl and T20 World Cup for free this February
• HBO Max just moved up the release date of 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' and 'Industry' to avoid Super Bowl 2026

We’re hours away from the biggest televised sporting event of the year, and while snacks, drinks and seating arrangements are on the minds of viewers everywhere, plenty of people overlook their TV — the portal to all of the action.

Even as a TV-reviewer, I get the impulse not to tinker with your TV. But the truth is, most people are just a few simple steps away from improving their TV’s picture by a considerable margin.

Whether you’re planning to stream the Super Bowl for free or you’re angling to watch the Super Bowl in 4K on Peacock or YouTube TV, here are five settings to tweak for a better-looking broadcast. (And, if you’re worried about tinkering with your TV, fear not: These changes are just as easy to undo as they are to make.)

1. If it’s still enabled, turn off Eco mode

Most TVs arrive with at least one energy-saving setting enabled by default. You can read all about these settings in our Eco mode explainer, but here's the gist: Energy-saving picture modes (or eco-friendly brightness settings) dynamically adjust a TV's brightness in order to reduce energy consumption.

This process is managed by a light sensor on the TV that adjusts the backlight (or OLED pixel brightness) in real time. In my experience, this picture mode or setting is, more often than not, too aggressive in its approach. As a result, this can lead to a dull, dim picture — especially in well-lit rooms.

To disable this setting, check your TV's settings menu for options like Power and Energy or Energy Saving. Some TV brands stick their brightness toggle in the TV's Brightness menu, while others relegate this setting to a General Settings menu.

As mentioned, there’s a possibility that your TV’s primary energy-saving step has been folded into an entire picture mode. I recommend using a different mode — and it’s probably not the mode you’d expect.

2. Choose a better picture mode than Sports or Vivid

Look, I know the word “sports” is right there in the name of the Sports picture mode, but in my twelve years of testing and reviewing TVs, I can’t recall a single TV whose Sports mode was worth using.

This mode might look fine if you’re squinting at it from across a dark pub or sports bar, but you can almost certainly achieve a better-tuned picture by avoiding its bluish, highly-saturated look. The same can be said for Vivid or Dynamic, two picture modes to avoid on every TV.

Instead of setting your TV to Sports and walking away, start with a more accurate picture mode (like Cinema, Movie, Filmmaker, Theater, or even Standard) and make finer adjustments to your viewing preferences. These modes are closer to reference accuracy, which means they allow your TV to more closely replicate the colors of everyday life.

When it comes to making those finer adjustments, a good place to start is with your TV’s backlight. Believe it or not, your TV could be holding itself back.

3. Crank up the backlight

Unless you’re trying to go easy on your eyes, increasing your TV’s brightness will go a long way towards improving the picture. On most LED TVs, this setting will be called Backlight, but depending on the type of LED TV, you should also check that Local Dimming is set to High and Peak Brightness is set to High, too.

OLED TVs don’t rely on LED-based backlights. For these sets, the overall brightness of the picture can be adjusted via the OLED Pixel Brightness and/or Peak Brightness setting.

4. Double-check the color temperature

If you’ve already switched into a more-accurate picture mode, you might not need to change your TV’s color temperature setting. However, it’s worth double-checking.

While some people favor a cooler-looking picture for sports, I recommend using Warm or Low for a more accurate presentation. If you’ve been using a cooler color temperature setting regularly, it might take a few moments to adjust to a warmer setting, but in my experience, it makes for a more pleasing picture in the long term.

5. Reduce (or disable) motion-smoothing

Motion-smoothing settings might not be ideal for filmic content shot at 24fps, but football is an entirely different story. Sports are typically broadcast at 60fps, which means there’s some wiggle room for motion-smoothing settings to potentially improve your viewing experience.

If you’re lucky enough to own a TV whose motion enhancements are granular and not just an on/off toggle, I recommend starting with a light touch. Despite the fast-paced nature of football, the players’ movement can start to look a little rubbery if you crank up motion interpolation too high.

Most TVs keep these settings within the Picture menu, sometimes tucked away in a submenu marked Clarity. As mentioned, depending on the make and model, your TV might have several motion-related options.

On Samsung TVs, for example, you’ll find both Blur Reduction and Judder Reduction. Blue Reduction smooths out fast-moving objects by reducing the smearing effect that often comes with them. This is relevant for sports.

Judder Reduction, on the other hand, is less relevant for 60Hz broadcasts, so I wouldn’t recommend using it. (For what it’s worth, I also wouldn’t enable Judder Reduction for movies and shows.)

I’m confident that making these simple changes to your TV’s settings will result in a better picture, regardless of your TV’s capabilities. Don’t fumble the ball this Sunday.

More from Tom's Guide

• How to watch Super Bowl 2026: free live streams, TV channels for Patriots vs Seahawks
• I just showed these 6 Super Bowl gadgets on TV — here’s how to level up your party without blowing your budget
• Every Super Bowl 2026 commercial so far: Full spots and teasers ahead of the big game

So the biggest televised sporting event of the year is mere hours away and you’ve suddenly been struck with the overwhelming desire to upgrade your living room with a flashy new TV. Perhaps you’ve also decided to be a savvy spender rather than to throw a stupendously large amount of cash at a high-end, ultra-premium TV.

If you’re about to grab your keys and high-tail it out the door to Best Buy, Walmart or any other brick-and-mortar store for a last-minute deal on a brand-new TV, let me bend your ear for a second about one of my favorite affordable TVs on shelves right now: The TCL QM7K is a popular, mid-range Mini-LED TV that I’ve been suggesting to friends, family and acquaintances for months now, and as luck would have it, it’s on sale in every one of its screen sizes.

You can get the 55-inch TCL QM7K for just $599 at Best Buy today, and that’s a full $700 off its original price. This is a TV whose bright, colorful picture will not only do the big game justice, but it’ll serve you well for future games, movie nights and afternoon TV binges. Let me tell you why you should keep your eye out for it when you’re browsing the TV section.

While ultra-affordable, entry-level TVs typically leverage simplistic LED backlighting, the mid-range QM7K makes use of Mini-LEDs. This is its best feature, and one of the reasons I've been recommending it to sports fans for a while now.

As the name suggests, Mini-LEDs are smaller-sized LEDs that usually deliver better backlight control due to their size. Better backlight control not only allows for better overall contrast, it's the primary reason why the QM7K delivers a bright enough picture for watching daytime sports.

And when it comes to brightness, it's worth noting that the QM7K has more horsepower under the hood than entry-level LED TVs, as well. According to the tests we carried out for our TCL QM7K review, this TV is capable of over 1,700 nits of highlight brightness in HDR.

For context, the QM7K's little sibling — the entry-level TCL QM6K — tops out at around 700 nits. If you're hosting a Super Bowl watch party and you've got a relatively bright living space, you'll definitely appreciate the QM7K's added brightness.

If you're streaming the Super Bowl this year, the QM7K will get you there in a smooth, fuss-free style. It comes with Google TV's easy-to-use smart platform pre-installed. It's my second-favorite smart platform behind Roku, and its robust app support and friendly interface makes it a superb daily driver.

Those planning on doing some gaming in the months and years ahead stand to squeeze even more value out of the QM7K due to its fantastic array of gaming features for this mid-range price point. It comes with a pair of HDMI 2.1 ports that support 4K gaming up to 144Hz. This means the QM7K can take full advantage of the Xbox Series X and PS5 Pro.

In the last week alone I've recommended the QM7K to two people in my personal life. Neither of them were looking to upgrade specifically for a Super Bowl watch party, but in both cases, the QM7K proved versatile enough to earn my recommendation.

More from Tom's Guide

• How to watch Super Bowl 2026: free live streams, TV channels for Patriots vs Seahawks
• I just showed these 6 Super Bowl gadgets on TV — here’s how to level up your party without blowing your budget
• Every Super Bowl 2026 commercial so far: Full spots and teasers ahead of the big game

Update: See our Super Bowl 2026 commercials live blog now for the latest ads, trailers and more.

Water cooler talk after each year's Super Bowl focuses just as much on the most eye-catching commercials as it does the final score. With the clock ticking down to watching Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, we've already seen plenty of brands release their multimillion-dollar ads, and they're really upping the ante this year for the crown of most memorable spot of the night.

In this year’s Super Bowl commercials, the protein craze returns in full force, Elijah Wood turns into a Skittles-producing woodland creature, and Andy Samberg makes a compelling case (not to mention a super catchy jingle) for a deli-themed cryptid. Here's our rundown of the best Super Bowl 2026 commercials that have caught our attention so far.

1. DoorDash

50 Cent's has a long history of legendary clapbacks and feuding with other artists online, but he takes trolling to a new level in this cheeky DoorDash spot. The rapper-turned-entrepreneur shows off a series of mock products built around visual gags and not-so-subtle references to his history of public beefs. “They sell combs, what a coincidence" took me out.

2. Hellmann's

"Brooklyn 99" star Andy Samberg kills it as a deli-haunting cryptid in this delightfully bizarre Hellmann's commercial. Transforming into "Meal Diamond," he belts out a rendition of "Sweet Caroline" that gets increasingly unhinged, which is saying something considering it kicks off with "I was born in this deli." I love a bold swing, and it's impressive how much bonkers lore they managed to fit into a one-minute spot.

3. Skittles

Skittles' Super Bowl commercial will look a bit different this year. So will Elijah Wood, who transforms into a Skittles-producing woodland fairy creature in an early teaser. Skittles partnered with the "Lord of the Rings" star and delivery platform Gopuff for a unique spin on the traditional Super Bowl TV commercial. Fans can enter online for a chance to win a live, in-person "commercial" performed at their front door on game day.

4. Squarespace

A brooding, cinematic teaser stars Oscar winner Emma Stone in black and white as she frantically tries to secure the domain emmastone.com. When she discovers it's already taken, she shows off her flair for the dramatic with an impeccably shot tantrum. Now I really need to see her in a horror movie, because damn girl.

5. Ritz

I always need more Bowen Yang in my life (especially now that he's left SNL), and he's at his saltiest in this lighthearted Ritz commercial. He and Jon Hamm are whisked off to a Ritz island beach party, where Yang is thoroughly unimpressed with the vibes until Scarlett Johansson arrives on a Ritz-branded jet ski to get them to join the party.

6. Pringles

Pop singer Sabrina Carpenter discovers her secret to finding a soulmate in this salty Super Bowl spot. Girls, it's simple, really: Just build a boyfriend out of Pringles. Problem solved.

7. Raisin Bran

Raisin Brand's 30-second spot rebrands the Star Trek icon William Shatner as "Will Shit," a name that tells you everything you need to know about the tone. He beams fiber and chucks boxes of Raisin Brand at people like the constipation-fighting superhero no one asked for.

8. OIKOS

Protein, 2025’s hottest complex biomolecule, is front and center in OIKOS' Super Bowl commercial. When NFL running back Derrick Henry gets stuck on a stalled trolley on one of San Francisco's iconic hills, actor and comedian Kathryn Hahn taps into her inner Hulk to get him where he needs to go.

9. Ramp

Ramp plops "The Office's" Brian Baumgartner back into a cubicle for its Super Bowl spot this year. The ad positions its finance software as a "force multiplier" capable of churning out enough clones of Baumgartner to keep an entire office running.

10. Amazon

Amazon's Super Bowl spot leans into the anxiety around AI's meteoric rise with a bite-size horror movie of a commercial. Chris Hemsworth is convinced the Alexa device his wife just bought is secretly plotting to kill him. He spins wild scenarios to that effect, only for Alexa's AI to prove more helpful than murderous.

More from Tom's Guide

• How to watch Super Bowl 2026 online from anywhere
• Super Bowl TV deals to know about before Sunday's game
• Don't miss these 18 shows and movies in February 2026

You’ve already scored a massive TV deal and prepped the ultimate game-day spread, but there’s one silent party-killer left to tackle: your home network. Imagine the frustration of a 4K stream freezing during a game-winning drive because your Wi-Fi couldn't handle the heat. Well, despite the rest of your rigorous planning, a crowded or sub-par home network could leave your guests talking about a blurry, low-res stream instead of who's hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy up into the air at the end of the night.

Thankfully, that’s where I can help. Whether you want to go all out and upgrade to one of the best mesh Wi-Fi systems for whole-home connectivity or you’re looking for the fastest speeds possible with one of the best Wi-Fi 7 routers, I’ve rounded up a few of my top picks below. Likewise, maybe you’re not ready for a new router but just want a better connection in your living room, game room or den. Well, that’s where one of the best Wi-Fi extenders could help.

If you’ve tried using a Wi-Fi extender before with no luck, then it might be time to consider either a powerline extender or even a MoCA adapter. The former uses your home’s powerlines to send internet to previously unconnected areas of your house, while the latter does the same thing but uses coaxial cable jacks in your walls — like for that old satellite dish up on your roof — instead.

When all else fails, though, you might want to forget Wi-Fi altogether and use a direct, wired connection to your router instead. For that, you’ll definitely need a super long Ethernet cable, and I’ve picked out a great flat one that’s easy to hide under a carpet so you and your guests don’t trip over it. If you’re running out of free ports on your router, then a network switch easily lets you add more. And if you’re in a warmer climate and want to watch the game outside, well, I’ve included an outdoor mesh extender for that too.

The Super Bowl is one of the best Sundays of the year, and by picking out the right upgrades for your home network now while you still have time, you can ensure that you and everyone you’re hosting can watch the Super Bowl in crisp 4K, even while scrolling on their phones in between plays. And the best part, these are upgrades you and the rest of your household will be able to enjoy and benefit from for years to come.

The Super Bowl is one of the biggest TV events of the year, and if you're hosting or planning to watch the Super Bowl at home, you want the best possible picture and sound. But if your TV's settings aren't optimized, you might struggle with muffled commentary, washed-out colors, or blurry action during fast plays.

Most TVs ship with default settings that prioritize showroom appeal over accurate picture quality and clear dialogue. A few quick adjustments before kickoff can dramatically improve both what you see and what you hear during the game. Here are three settings to check before the Super Bowl starts.

More from Tom's Guide

• Your TV is watching you — how to turn off data collection on LG, Samsung, Roku and more
• 5 free ways to upgrade your smart TV right now
• How to fix muffled TV dialogue — 3 settings that make speech clearer on your Samsung TV

Privacy suites are the new trend in the VPN industry, with many of the best VPNs packing their plans with tonnes of great features.

I use Proton VPN's suite every day, but ExpressVPN is turning my head thanks to its new apps and limited-time deal. For just over $5 per month you can access premium versions of ExpressVPN, ExpressMailGuard, ExpressKeys, and Identity Defender, with ExpressAI coming soon.

And what better time to protect your data than the Super Bowl weekend. Connect to a VPN to stream Super Bowl LX as if you were at home, securely store your Peacock login details in your shiny new password manager, and be warned of any Super Bowl-themed scams.

Two-year plans start at $2.44 per month ($68.40 upfront pre-tax). But the best value, ExpressVPN Pro, costs $5.24 per month ($146.80 upfront pre-tax). All two-year plans include four extra months of protection for free and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

The cheapest privacy suite out there

ExpressVPN isn't the first VPN company to transition to a privacy suite, but it's jam-packed full of unique features – for an incredibly affordable price.

I've never seen a privacy suite this cheap before and there are three tiers of plans to choose from:

• ExpressVPN Basic: $2.44 per month ($68.40 upfront pre-tax)
• ExpressVPN Advanced: $3.14 per month ($88.00 upfront pre-tax)
• ExpressVPN Pro: $5.24 per month ($146.80 upfront pre-tax)

ExpressVPN Pro gets you everything ExpressVPN has to offer and you'll get the most out of its five apps. You'll have access to all apps with ExpressVPN Advanced, albeit slightly watered down versions. ExpressVPN Basic doesn't get you the ExpressKeys password manager or Identity Defender.

ExpressVPN Pro is even better value for money if you're US-based. Identity Defender is a US-exclusive but Dedicated IP is also bundled in for all ExpressVPN Pro plans.

What I like about Dedicated IP is it grants you your own VPN IP address and it's the reason I'd consider subscribing to the Pro plan. You don't have to share an IP address with any other VPN user, meaning you can select a US IP and stream the Super Bowl with no interruptions, connectivity issues, or annoying CAPTCHAs.

You can only select one Dedicated IP location however, so make sure you pick the best one for your needs. Dedicated IP usually costs a few dollars per month as a paid extra, so the fact it's included at a total cost of $5.24 per month is amazing value.

ExpressVPN Pro will also see you receive five days of unlimited holiday.com eSIM data.

Industry-leading core VPN

I run ExpressVPN everyday on both my phone and laptop. Its giant on/off button makes it very easy to use – even if you're a VPN beginner you'll know what to do.

Using ExpressVPN to stream the Super Bowl is helped by its US server coverage. It boasts a server in every US state, ideal for connecting to your home NBC or Peacock coverage.

Servers are super secure and ExpressVPN performed very well in my streaming testing, unblocking most major platforms including Peacock. If you're on Windows, the exclusive Lightway Turbo is capable of exceeding 1,000+ Mbps. Speeds sit between 500-700 Mbps for other devices. It's not the fastest VPN out there, but you only need 25 Mbps to stream in 4K and ExpressVPN won't slow you down. I've never had any trouble with daily streaming and browsing.

The apps have been fully audited and you can protect 10, 12, or 14 devices on one plan – perfect for if family and friends want to catch the Super Bowl too.

If there's one sporting event that's simply unmissable, it's the Super Bowl. This year, the Pats meet the Seahawks at the Levi's Stadium, in what promises to be a tantalising clash in the Santa Clara night.

We've got a complete guide on how to watch Super Bowl LX – but if you're outside the US this weekend, you'll likely still want to watch the full NBC coverage and commentary, ads and all. Sure, the Brits and Aussies have free streams available, but they're just not as good.

Thankfully, for many of you, there's a super simple way to tap into NBC's coverage. If you subscribe to Peacock, you'll know you have NBC access back home. And by using one of the best VPNs, you can make yourself appear to be in the US, no matter where you are.

As VPN Editor at Tom's Guide, I've done the hands-on testing to make sure all of my recommendations below are reliable for accessing Peacock, and also offer great privacy and security to boot.

The best VPNs for Super Bowl LX at a glance

Why use a Super Bowl VPN?

If you're abroad, it shouldn't come as a surprise to you that you can't access your regular streaming services. Due to different companies licensing and distributing content around the world, even if you pay for a TV package that includes NBC – like Peacock – you won't be able to watch the Super Bowl.

The quickest and, realistically, the only fix for this is to use a VPN to make yourself appear to be back home.

So, for example, if you're a US resident who's away with work in Germany, you might be able to get local coverage for free. However, you'll probably want the NBC commentary and – of course – watch all the Super Bowl ads, too.

By firing up your VPN and connecting to a US location, you'll then be able to head to your streaming service's website, log in, and get watching as if you were in your own living room.

The same goes if you're from a country that offers a free broadcast, but you're abroad.

For example, Brits that pay their TV licence can watch the Super Bowl totally free, but if they're abroad, that'll be inaccessible. Again, by connecting to a UK location within the VPN app, access will be restored, and you'll be able to watch Super Bowl LX totally free.

Of course, it goes without say that no matter where you are, it's illegal to stream content that you haven't paid for.

The best Super Bowl VPNs in detail

It's likely you've heard of NordVPN – from TV ads to sponsoring your favorite podcasts, it's everywhere. Thankfully, it's an excellent VPN, and in my NordVPN review it scored highest out of every VPN I've tested. It currently sits at the top of my guide to the best VPNs, and subsequently it's my top pick for anyone who wants to watch the Super Bowl.

Most importantly, in my testing this week I found that it very reliably unblocked Peacock and Sling – both which carry NBC in the States. NordVPN also ranks top on our guide to the best VPNs for streaming, so you can trust you're in good hands.

I found getting NordVPN set up a simple process. If you're on a computer, just head to the site and download the app, and on any other device just head to your app store and download it there. Then, it's a case of logging in, which is made a smoother process on TVs by the use of a QR code you can scan with your phone.

Finding the right server is simple too – although I did find the interfaces of ExpressVPN and PrivadoVPN to be less cluttered and more straightforward. Still, I doubt many people will have an issue navigating NordVPN.

Of course, VPNs aren't just about streaming – privacy is important as well. In my hands-on testing, I found absolutely no data leaks. NordVPN's no-logs policy, which is a document in which a VPN promises to never store or sell your data, has been fully audited by a third-party multiple times, so you can trust it does what it says it does.

Higher tiers of subscription get you extras like Threat Protection Pro, which helps you avoid malware and pop-ups on less trustworthy sites. However, for many people, the Basic plan will offer more than enough.

Buy NordVPN if:

✅ You want to reliably access streaming sites anywhere.
NordVPN has been reliable for streaming for years – and can unblock the likes of Peacock, Sling, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and more.

✅ You want a VPN for more than just streaming.
From enhanced privacy to gaming, streaming, shopping, and more, NordVPN delivers the best all-round privacy package.

✅ You use an Apple TV or Fire Stick
Setting NordVPN up on devices without a keyboard is super simple thanks to its streamlined installation process.

Avoid NordVPN if:

❌ You're on a tight budget.
There's no getting away from the fact that NordVPN is the most expensive VPN on this list. If you want to spend as little as possible, pick PrivadoVPN.

❌ You're a technophobe.
NordVPN isn't too difficult to use, but ExpressVPN is a better choice if you want a simpler alternative.

The cheapest Super Bowl VPN worth using

If you're just looking for a VPN to get access to sites that carry NBC – and plenty of others, for that matter – PrivadoVPN is the most cost-effective choice. While other very cheap VPN services don't hold up their end of the bargain by logging your data and showing you ads, the best cheap VPNs keep you protected at a reasonable price. From my testing, PrivadoVPN is one of those.

PrivadoVPN actually tops my guide to the best free VPNs, but unfortunately the free plan isn't best suited to streaming. However, at $30 for a 27-month subscription (equivalent to $1.11 per month) it still works out cheaper than a single month of many TV subscriptions. But the price isn't the only thing that led me to include PrivadoVPN here.

Unlike lots of VPNs – more expensive ones included – PrivadoVPN claims to specialize in unblocking streaming sites. From my testing, this is true. Although in our PrivadoVPN review we struggled to unblock a couple of Netflix catalogs, I was able to unblock Peacock and Sling with it just this week.

While there's not a huge amount beyond the VPN on offer, the Control Tower feature helps to protect you from malware and blocks ads. It comes free with all premium plans, and I found it worked fairly well. It's not as good as a dedicated malware-blocking service, but it's nice to have.

One issue I have with PrivadoVPN is that, unlike NordVPN and ExpressVPN, it hasn't undergone any independent audits to back up its no-logging policy. However, in our technical testing we noticed nothing to imply it's not doing what it says. Overall, it's an effective, cheap way of accessing your streaming services from abroad.

Buy PrivadoVPN if:

✅ You need a cheap VPN
PrivadoVPN is the cheapest VPN I can confidently recommend to my readers.

✅ You want reliable streaming
Outdoing many more expensive competitors, streaming is PrivadoVPN's specialty.

✅ You want simple apps
Despite their slight lack of polish, PrivadoVPN's apps are very easy to set up and use on all devices.

Avoid PrivadoVPN if:

❌ You want tons of extra features.
PrivadoVPN is pretty basic, and while it's perfect for simply streaming the Super Bowl, there aren't a whole host of additional cybersecurity tools bundled in.

❌ You're a privacy purist.
Although our testing has convinced us PrivadoVPN is safe to use, NordVPN and ExpressVPN have both proven their infrastructure and privacy policies through rigorous independent audits.

The best Super Bowl VPN for beginners

If PrivadoVPN is the bargain choice with a few rough edges, ExpressVPN is the opposite. It feels very premium, and its beginner-friendly apps on all devices a slick, stable, and incredibly easy to get started with.

What's more, over the last year or so I've seen ExpressVPN drop its price multiple times, and it's now even cheaper than NordVPN. Considering it used to be the "reassuringly expensive" option, this is great news.

When I tested ExpressVPN's streaming performance, it delivered well. Peacock and Sling are fully accessible, as are sites like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney Plus. However, it did struggle with Amazon Prime Video, so if that's a dealbreaker for you, go with NordVPN.

On Windows, speeds are fantastic. However, this is down to the Lightway Turbo protocol, which isn't available on other devices. On TVs, Macs, and mobile devices, you'll need to choose between regular Lightway, WireGuard and OpenVPN, all of which are a little slower – but still quick enough for most uses. You can find the raw data in our ExpressVPN review.

ExpressVPN is currently running a sale, and if you go for the second tier of subscription – which works out at $3.14 per month over two years – you'll get an ad, tracker and malware blocker, alongside the excellent Identity Defender.

Identity Defender includes data removal, ID alerts, ID theft insurance, a credit scanner, and a credit report. This is similar to NordVPN's NordProtect, but considering that costs more than twice as much, ExpressVPN looks very appealing.

If you're an expert, it's likely that ExpressVPN will feel a little limiting. While it's excellent at what it does, there's not a lot of customizable settings. However, ExpressVPN is clearly designed for people who want a powerful but simple VPN – and there's no denying it delivers.

Buy ExpressVPN if:

✅ You're new to VPNs
ExpressVPN's apps are the most polished and accessible for any VPN I've used.

✅ You want a bargain
Although it's more expensive than PrivadoVPN, ExpressVPN's current deal offers a huge discount.

✅ You want additional protection
ExpressVPN's higher tiers of subscription are the cheapest way to get personal data removal and credit tools bundled with a VPN.

Avoid ExpressVPN if:

❌ You want customizable apps.
ExpressVPN's focus on simplicity inevitably means some advanced features have been omitted.

❌ You subscribe to Amazon Prime Video
In my testing, one of the few failures ExpressVPN had was when trying to unblock Amazon Prime. If that's a dealbreaker, go with NordVPN.

If you're watching Super Bowl 2026, you might want to know how to change the YouTube TV broadcast delay setting. YouTube TV is the best live TV streaming service we've tested, and it's incredibly popular. I even use it all the time for watching sports, including the NFL. So chances are, you're either planning or debating about using it to watch the Big Game this year.

However, if you're a sports fan, you probably know that one downside to watching sports on YouTube TV is that it can suffer from serious lag. I know I'm probably not the only one who's called their parents only to find out they're watching the same game as me ... and they're a minute ahead. According to Phenix, the average lag time while watching Super Bowl 2025 on YouTube TV was 67 seconds. That's over a minute behind the live action on the field.

The good news is that there is a way to reduce some of that lag time without ditching YouTube TV and opting to watch the Super Bowl 2026 with an antenna. In its user interface, YouTube TV has a broadcast delay setting that allows you to reduce your lag time while watching live sports.

There are two caveats: The setting is only adjustable while watching on a TV (no smartphones or tablets), and if you decrease your broadcast delay time, you increase your risk of playback issues. That said, with a strong internet connection, you should be fine. At least, based on my own personal testing, where I've had no issues.

So, without any further delay (because I hate delay), here's how to change your YouTube TV broadcast delay setting so you can watch Super Bowl 2026 with less lag.

Now that you've learned how to change your broadcast delay setting on YouTube TV, you might want to know more about how to watch Super Bowl LX.

Lucky for you, we've got you covered. Check out guides on how to watch Super Bowl 2026 on Roku, how to watch this year's Super Bowl on Fire TV, how to stream Super Bowl 2026 in 4K and how to use a sneaky trick to stream the Winter Olympics, Super Bowl and T20 World Cup for free this February.

If you're streaming Super Bowl 2026 later this week, there's a real possibility that you're using a Fire TV device. While we currently don't have a Fire TV device in our guide to the best streaming devices we've tested, there's no denying they're quite popular. Especially since they all have access to the best streaming services and the best cable TV alternatives.

If you're still looking for a Fire TV device to stream the big game, my top pick is the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus. It's the best bang for your buck, but still includes important features like support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ and it works with the newly upgraded Alexa+ AI assistant. Unfortunately, it's not on sale at the moment, but it's what I'd recommend for streaming Super Bowl 2026 in 4K or watching all the Super Bowl LX commercials and Super Bowl 2026 movie trailers.

Of course, you could ditch the need for a streaming device and get a Fire TV instead. These TVs integrate the Fire TV OS with all the best features you come to expect from a great TV. Right now, our top-rated Fire TV is the Hisense U65QF Mini-LED TV, which is an excellent TV for under $500.

Once you have the perfect Fire TV device or a new Fire TV, you'll need to know which Fire TV apps to use to stream Super Bowl LX. Our top (and only) streaming service pick is Peacock Premium, which will allow you to stream Seahawks vs. Patriots in 4K for just $10.99 a month.

If you already have a live TV streaming service, you likely have access to NBC, which will be broadcasting the game. Our top pick is YouTube TV, which streams the game in 1080p normally, but offers a 4K HDR stream with its 4K Plus add-on (for an additional charge).

So now, you should have a pretty good idea of what streaming devices and apps you need, but let's dive into the full details. Here's everything you need to know to watch Super Bowl 2026 on Fire TV.

Super Bowl 2026 on Fire TV: Which device is right for you?

When it comes to the Fire TV streaming devices, there are five different devices you can choose from: Fire TV Stick HD, Fire TV Stick 4K Select, Fire TV Stick 4K Plus, Fire TV Stick 4K Max and Fire TV Cube.

The Stick HD doesn't stream 4K video, and the Cube is nearly $140, so both of those are tough to recommend. For me, the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is the sweet spot, giving you 4K streaming with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, for $10 less than the Stick 4K Max. The Max is better (I have one), but it's not $10 better.

Right now, you can get the Fire TV Stick 4K Max at Amazon for $49.99. It's a great choice for streaming 4K content, and if you like being in the Amazon ecosystem, it's the streaming device I'd recommend.

Super Bowl 2026 on Fire TV in 4K: Which app is right for you?

Peacock is the exclusive streaming home of Super Bowl 2026, and right now, you can get it for $10.99 a month. If you just want to watch the game, Peacock has a far lower price point than a live TV streaming service, plus, it comes with tons of other shows and movies to stream after the game is over.

If you want something that can truly replace your cable package, then YouTube TV is the top choice. It's great for streaming sports, thanks to features like Multiview and Catch up with key plays. If you're looking to stream the game in 4K, that's an option too, though you'll need to spring for the 4K Plus add-on, which costs an extra $9.99 per month.

Right now, Tom's Guide is offering YouTube TV for $62.99 a month for your first five months. That's a total savings of $75, which is better than what YouTube TV is currently offering most customers. Plus, if you haven't already signed up for the 4K Plus add-on, you can try it for free right now for 30 days.

Finally, if you want the cable TV experience but are looking for something wallet-friendly, then Sling TV is an alternative worth considering. Starting at $29.99 for your first month, Sling Orange & Blue gives over 50 channels, including NBC in some markets. Or, you can check out Sling Select, starting at just $19.99. This package offers a lot less; just 10+ channels. But it also costs a lot less.

While Sling can be great, there is one major problem: Sling might not offer NBC in your market. For example, in Atlanta, I can't get NBC through Sling. So using it to watch the Super Bowl isn't viable for me.

More from Tom's Guide

• There's only one way to watch Super Bowl 2026 lag-free — and all you need is an antenna
• Super Bowl 2026 on Roku: How to watch Seahawks vs Patriots
• HBO Max just moved up the release date of 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' and 'Industry' to avoid Super Bowl 2026

If you've ever had to use the pre-installed streaming apps on your smart TV, you'll know how terrible they can be. That's why most people, including myself, will suggest one of the best streaming devices instead. They're not expensive and work a heck of a lot better, which is super important when you want to watch big events like the Super Bowl without technical issues.

It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Roku devices, despite their flaws, and streaming wouldn't be the same without one plugged into my TV.

The good news is that you can pick up a healthy discount on two fantastic Roku devices ahead of Super Bowl Sunday. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is now just $34 at Amazon, which is half the usual price, while the more premium Roku Ultra is now $78 at Amazon — a $21 discount.

There's a lot to like about Rokus, even if they aren't exactly perfect. One of my favorite things is that the software is nice and clean, with minimal effort to push you towards specific services and content. There may be ads, but you don't get constantly pushed towards the Roku Channel the same way you would with an Amazon Fire TV Stick.

I'm also a big fan of the fact that the higher-end models come with dedicated TV controls. Both the Roku Streaming Stick 4K and Roku Ultra let you control TV power and volume, with a dedicated mute button to silence everything instantly.

Roku Ultra's Voice Remote Pro takes it a step further, too, with a rechargeable battery, a customizable button, Live TV toggle and backlit keys to make sure you can see what you're doing. The preset buttons are kind of a pain if you don't subscribe to the specific services, but they can be a quick timesaver if you do.

Both streamers support 4K and HDR video playback, but they still offer quite different hardware. The Streaming Stick 4K is designed to be discreet and hidden behind your TV, while the Ultra puts its size to good use with better performance. There's Wi-Fi 6, ethernet for a consistent hardwired internet connection, faster performance, plus a dedicated USB port.

That means not only can you watch the Super Bowl in the best possible quality, you should also get a solid, consistent internet connection to ensure you don't miss a second of the action. If you're not sure where the game is streaming, check out our guide on how to watch Super Bowl 2026 in 4K.

And if you're more interested in the commercials that will be on offer, check out our round-up of all the Super Bowl commercials that have landed so far.

If you're streaming Super Bowl 2026 later this week, there's a good chance you're using a Roku device. Roku streaming devices are among the best streaming devices we've tested, and they all have access to the best streaming services and the best cable TV alternatives.

If you're still looking for a Roku device to stream the big game, our top pick is the Roku Streaming Stick 4K. It's the perfect device for most people, offering 4K streaming, premium features, all at the affordable price of $34.34 at Amazon (normally $49.99). That leaves you money leftover for pizza and wings for when you stream Super Bowl 2026 in 4K or head to YouTube to watch all the Super Bowl LX commercials and Super Bowl 2026 movie trailers.

Of course, you could ditch the need for a streaming device and get a Roku TV instead. These TVs integrate Roku's features and smart TV operating system with a gorgeous Mini-LED display. Right now, the Roku Pro Series Mini-LED TV is our top pick amongst the best Roku TVs, and it's ideal for the Big Game.

Once you have the perfect Roku device or a new Roku TV, you'll need to know which Roku apps to use to stream Super Bowl LX. Our top (and only) streaming service pick is Peacock Premium, which will give you a 4K stream of Seahawks vs. Patriots for $10.99 a month. If you already have a live TV streaming service, you likely have access to NBC, which will be broadcasting the game. Our top pick is YouTube TV, which streams the game in 1080p normally, but offers a 4K HDR stream with its 4K Plus add-on (for an additional charge).

That gives you a good outline, but let's dive into the details. Here's everything you need to know to watch Super Bowl 2026 on Roku.

Super Bowl 2026 on Roku: Which Roku device is right for you?

We've test all of the best streaming sticks and devices we can get our hands on to make sure we're only recommending the best. And right now, our top pick among all streaming devices is a Roku. Specifically, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K.

Right now, you can get the Roku Streaming Stick 4K at Amazon for just $34.34. This tiny workhorse is a great choice for streaming 4K content, and its built-in Wi-Fi extender ensures you get crisp, uninterrupted streaming quality throughout the entire event.

Super Bowl 2026 on Roku in 4K: Which app is right for you?

If you want to stream the Big Game in 4K, there are a few options. You can opt for a streaming service, like Peacock, or you can use a cable TV alternative like YouTube TV. They have pros and cons; if you just want to watch the game, Peacock has a far lower price point, but YouTube TV will give you a more cable-like experience with 100 channels, including NBC.

If a streaming service is more your vibe, then you only have one choice. Peacock is the exclusive streaming home of Super Bowl 2026, and right now, you can get it for $10.99 a month.

If you want something that can truly replace your cable package, then YouTube TV is our top choice. It's great for sports, thanks to features like Multiview and Catch up with key plays. If you're looking to stream the game in 4K, that's an option too, though you'll need to spring for the 4K Plus add-on, which costs an extra $9.99 per month.

Right now, we're offering YouTube TV for $62.99 a month for your first five months. That's a total savings of $75, which is better than what YouTube TV is currently offering most customers. Plus, if you haven't already signed up for the 4K Plus add-on, you can try it for free right now for 30 days.

Now, if you want the cable TV experience but are looking to save some money, Sling TV is an alternative worth considering. Starting at $29.99 for your first month, Sling Orange & Blue gives over 50 channels, including NBC in some markets. Or, you can check out Sling Select, starting at just $19.99. This package offers a lot less; just 10+ channels. But it also costs a lot less.

While Sling can be great, there is one major catch. Sling might not offer NBC in your market. For example, in Atlanta, I can't get NBC through Sling. So using it to watch the Super Bowl is a no-go for me.

More from Tom's Guide

• There's only one way to watch Super Bowl 2026 lag-free — and all you need is an antenna
• How to watch Super Bowl 2026 for free from anywhere
• HBO Max just moved up the release date of 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' and 'Industry' to avoid Super Bowl 2026

It’s time for Super Bowl LX, as the New England Patriots face the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.

A rematch of the 2015 final, Seattle will be out for revenge and arrive as heavy favorites. Patriots quarterback and MVP finalist Drake Maye may have something to say about that, while his opposite number, Sam Darnold, will see this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity after enduring countless setbacks throughout his career.

With two elite defenses going head-to-head, expect a tense and tightly contested showdown.

Of course, the biggest question is: how can you watch Super Bowl LX, and what time does it kick off? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with the full schedule for Patriots vs Seahawks.

Super Bowl LX Schedule

Super Bowl LX will kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET, but what about all the other important timings, including the opening ceremony, halftime show, and the post-game trophy presentation?

Super Bowl LX Free Streams

Super Bowl LX is being streamed free in multiple countries including Channel 5 in the U.K., 7plus in Australia and TVNZ+ in New Zealand.

You will need an account for each platform, but no subscription is required.

Outside any of these countries? Access your free stream using NordVPN — more on that below.

Watch Super Bowl LX from anywhere in the world

Away from home at the moment and blocked from watching Patriots vs Seahawks?

You can still watch the the Super Bowl live thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The software allows your devices to appear to be back in your home country regardless of where in the world you are. So ideal for viewers away on vacation or on business. Our favorite is NordVPN. It's the best on the market:

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're away from Australia, and want to view 7Plus' stream of the Super Bowl, you'd select an 'Australia' server from the list.

3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head over to 7Plus and enjoy!

More from Tom's Guide

• How to watch Super Bowl
• The best VPN in 2025: our top 5 picks
• Premier League: Full streaming guide

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.

With both Super Bowl LX and the 2026 Winter Olympics hitting our screens this week, I'd bet a ton of readers are temporarily adding a Peacock subscription to their streaming rotation, if they don't have access already.

Unless you're watching via NFL+, Peacock is the streaming service you'll need to watch the Patriots and Seahawks battle for the NFL title (and to catch all the Super Bowl 60 commercials) and to see all the action from Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo this February.

Peacock isn't just the place to be for live sports this month: it's also home to plenty of movies and tons of must-watch shows — and no, I'm not just talking about "The Office," either.

Seeing as there's a high likelihood that cord-cutters and sports fans might be picking up the streamer for the first time in a while — NBC/Peacock last had the Super Bowl back in 2022 — I figured now was as good a time as any for some Peacock recommendations. If you're planning to cancel your subscription ASAP, I'd urge you to cram in at least one of these three Peacock originals before you cancel.

3 great Peacock Originals to stream before the Super Bowl

'The Day of The Jackal' (2024-)

I'm kicking this list off with Ronan Bennett's "The Day of The Jackal," a modernised take on the Frederick Forsyth spy story of the same name.

This Peacock original (which is due to return for a second season) reimagines this gripping cat-and-mouse thriller in the contemporary political climate and follows "The Jackal" (Eddie Redmayne), an internationally renowned assassin and master of disguise, and Bianca Pullman (Lashana Lynch), a tenacious British intelligence officer and firearms expert out to bring him to justice.

After taking on a risky mark that could offer a large enough payout for him to bow out of the game for good, the Jackal puts himself in Bianca's crosshairs, and she doggedly pursues him across Europe. It's an intense, brilliantly performed, and captivating spy saga that should not be missed.

Stream "The Day of The Jackal" on Peacock now

'Ponies' (2026)

If you're after even more espionage, I'd next direct you to David Iserson and Susanna Fogel's "Ponies," a spy thriller that just premiered on Peacock this past January.

"Ponies" (slang for "persons of no interest") takes us back in time to 1977 Moscow. There, we meet Twila (Emilia Clarke) and Bea (Haley Lu Richardson), who work anonymously as secretaries in the American Embassy, and who are both wives to undercover CIA agents. When their husbands both pass away in mysterious circumstances, the pair propose that the CIA take them on as spies, and, seeing as the Soviets aren't likely to suspect two civilian women, the agency surprisingly agrees. Together, they work to uncover a vast Cold War conspiracy and try to get to the bottom of how they became widows in the first place.

Stream "Ponies" on Peacock now

'Poker Face' (2023-25)

Rian Johnson hasn't just been flexing his detective muscles with the "Knives Out" franchise in recent years; he also brought us "Poker Face," Peacock's (excellent) case-of-the-week murder-mystery comedy-drama.

The series revolves around Charlie Cale (Natasha Lyonne), a drifter with the uncanny ability to innately tell whether someone is lying. This "Columbo"-style series follows Cale across the US as she flees a recent incident from her past. En route, she takes on a laundry list of part-time gigs — retirement home carer, waitress, metal band merch seller, and movie extra, to name but a few — which see her bearing witness to all manner of bizarre murders and using her unique skills to unravel what really happened.

Stream "Poker Face" on Peacock now

More from Tom's Guide

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• Everything new on Peacock in February 2026
• 3 best workplace comedies to stream on Peacock right now

Super Bowl 2026 is fast approaching, and if you're outside the US, then one of the best VPNs allows you to watch Super Bowl LX as if you were sitting on your couch. I'll be doing just that, and have found the perfect VPN to watch the big game this Sunday.

ExpressVPN is an ideal beginner-friendly VPN, with top-class streaming credentials. Two-year plans start at $2.44 per month, with four extra free months, and it's the cheapest the VPN has ever been.

As well as a VPN, you'll unlock a ton of extra features, keeping you protected online long after the half-time show has ended.

Bang for your buck

I write about VPNs every day, and Black Friday 2025 is the only other time I've ever seen ExpressVPN this cheap. Plus, it undercuts all its major rivals.

Two-year plans are the best value, and these come with an additional four months of protection for free. Three tiers of plans are on offer:

• ExpressVPN Basic: $2.44 per month ($68.40 upfront pre-tax)
• ExpressVPN Advanced: $3.14 per month ($88.00 upfront pre-tax)
• ExpressVPN Pro: $5.24 per month ($146.80 upfront pre-tax)

I subscribed to the two-year plan because I know I'll use the wide array of features ExpressVPN has to offer. But if you know that's not going to be you, one-year and one-month plans are also available. You're saving money upfront, but be aware that these plans are more expensive per month if you decide to keep your subscription.

All ExpressVPN plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can claim a refund if you don't want to keep the product.

When you're streaming from abroad, connecting to a server close to home is crucial. What I love about ExpressVPN is it has servers in every US state, making it one of the best US VPNs. From New York to Nevada, you'll be able to connect to your home state – perfect for connecting to your home NBC coverage

This US-first support contributes to ExpressVPN's total server count of 3,000+ and 188 locations worldwide.

I've encountered no problems streaming with ExpressVPN, and it performed well in my testing with Peacock – one of the most popular cord-cutting services that carries NBC. It also unblocked almost all other services we tested it with first time. It only failed with US Amazon Prime Video and US YouTube – a common trend we're seeing in our testing across all VPNs.

I run ExpressVPN on Windows and it consistently delivers fast speeds. In our lab testing, the Windows-exclusive Lightway Turbo maxed out at a blisteringly fast 1,479 Mbps.