Best VPNs to unblock Sling TV from abroad

For anyone who wants to access Sling TV from abroad, a VPN is the best way to do so. Here’s what you need to know about the best VPNs for accessing Sling TV. 

Sling TV is a popular streaming service that has over 2.1 million subscribers, but it’s region-locked outside of the United States. As Sling TV notes:

“If you are receiving an 11-XXX error message, our application is having a hard time verifying your streaming location. This most frequently occurs if the application believes you are streaming from outside the United States or Puerto Rico. Currently, Sling TV is only available within the United States and Puerto Rico.”

The error message is as follows:

“We’re sorry. Sling TV is only available inside the US. Thank you for your interest.”

You’ll be able to securely access Sling TV from outside of the US with a Virtual Private Network (VPN). It works to encrypt all data sent to and from your device, routing it through a server in a location of your choice. While connected to the VPN server, you’ll be assigned a temporary IP address that can be used to access many blocked sites and services. VPNs also improve online privacy, keeping hackers and trackers at bay. 

If you don’t have time to read through the entire article, here are the best VPNs to watch Sling TV from anywhere at a glance:

1. NordVPN: Our top VPN for Sling TV. Impressive speeds and streaming access, lots of US locations, unique features, NordLynx, SmartPlay, and more. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best budget option for Sling TV. Unlimited device connections, 600+ servers in the US, streaming access, decent speeds, and watertight security.
3. ExpressVPN: Lightway protocol, user-friendly apps, unrivaled streaming access, Smart DNS, and a solid no-logs policy. 
4. CyberGhost VPN: Streaming servers optimized and labeled within the app, impressive connection speeds, and perfect for beginner users who want to access geo-restricted services. 
5. IPVanish: Solid speeds, can access Sling TV, hundreds of US servers, and ideal for tasks like gaming and torrenting, as well as streaming. 
6. PrivateVPN: Belies a smaller network to offer support for Sling TV and other streaming services. Affordable subscriptions and a solid no-logs policy. 

Summary Table

Many providers overstate their ability to work with geo-restricted streaming services. In reality, results will vary depending on the platform and the VPN itself. Sling TV can be tough to access with a VPN, but it’s not impossible. 

We've been able to narrow the field with our inclusion criteria. Here are some of the non-negotiable characteristics we looked for when picking out the best providers for Sling TV:

• Servers in the United States that can be used with Sling TV
• Connection speeds need to be quick enough for HD streaming 
• Strong privacy and security features are always important, obscuring your real IP address
• In order to qualify for one of the top three positions, the VPN must operate a 100% diskless server network and have had its infrastructure audited by a reputable third party

For more information about the specific criteria we used for picking the best VPNs for Sling TV, check out the testing methodology section found later in this article.

Best VPNs for Sling TV

Here’s a roundup with detailed information about each of the VPNs that have made it onto this list.

NordVPN is our top pick for accessing numerous popular streaming platforms, including Sling TV. The provider has a large network with 6,000+ RAM-only servers in 60+ countries. This includes 1,800+ servers in the US, with locations found in the following states:

Atlanta, Buffalo, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Manassas, Miami, New York, Phoenix, Saint Louis, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Seattle.

A Smart DNS feature (SmartPlay) is built into Nord’s apps, so you won’t need to search for the perfect server to stream Sling TV from. It works automatically in the background, cloaking your IP and encrypting your connection while bypassing DNS blocking.

As for content, it works with services like BBC iPlayer, along with Prime Video, Peacock, HBO Max, ESPN, NBC, ABC, CBS, and Hulu in the US. The provider can be used to bypass blackout restrictions, and is capable of streaming in HD quality.

It comes with a custom protocol (NordLynx), allowing for average speeds of 267 Mbps from servers in New York. Additional features are numerous, including Meshnet, Double VPN, and obfuscation. 

The provider is based in Panama, which is ideal in terms of privacy. Its infrastructure and apps have been independently audited, so it's a reliable choice. 

NordVPN has apps for ​​Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and Firestick, and you can connect up to six devices at the same time. 

THE BEST VPN FOR SLING TV: NordVPN implements SmartPlay to great effect, allowing users to stream content via Sling TV and many other popular platforms. Various unique features, fast speeds in the US, thousands of servers to pick from. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark is a viable solution for accessing a selection of streaming services in the nation, with 600+ speedy servers in the United States. It has 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries, so it’s also handy if you need an IP address from elsewhere while abroad.

Surfshark will have no problem accessing Sling TV, along with a selection of popular platforms in the US and the UK. These include Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, Sky Go, BT Sport, Hotstar, Disney+, HBO Max, YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream, ABC, Peacock, and CBS.

It’s a reasonably comprehensive result, and one that is surprising considering Surfshark is a more affordable service. Speeds in the US averaged out to 205 Mbps during testing, so it’s no slouch either. You’ll find apps for Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, and iOS.

Being based in the Netherlands isn’t ideal, especially as the country works closely with the United States as part of the Nine Eyes surveillance agreement. However, Surfshark keeps no usage logs and has implemented diskless infrastructure.  

BEST BUDGET SLING TV VPN: Surfshark is a low-cost provider that is able to access Sling TV from abroad. Servers in 100+ countries and unlimited devices are always a bonus. 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN should definitely be on your radar if you’re in need of a VPN for streaming. The BVI-based provider has servers in 105+ countries and is capable of accessing a ton of blocked services. 

For example, it’s compatible with Sling TV, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll, Sky TV, YouTube, ITV Hub, Disney+, Paramount+, and HBO Max. It also works with a total of 24 Netflix catalogs, so it would probably be easier to list the handful of services it doesn’t work with.

Smart DNS is perfect if you’d like to stream US content via any devices that don’t have traditional app support. Average speeds of 253 Mbps from New York are also impressive, making good use of the proprietary Lightway protocol. 

Along with apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, ExpressVPN can be installed manually via Linux. There are extensions for Chrome and Firefox, and it is the only provider we know of that offers custom router firmware. 

It could still do with being a bit cheaper, even if it is an especially polished service. 

PERFECT FOR STREAMING: ExpressVPN is a premium provider that has the ability to access lots of geo-restricted services like Sling TV. Lightway protocol, fast speeds, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

CyberGhost VPN is a user-friendly option which won’t let you down. It has one of the largest networks of servers on the market, with a collection of 10,000+ spread in 100+ countries. Over 1,300 of these servers are found in the US, and some are optimized and labeled for specific streaming services to make it even easier to get started with your favorite content. 

Average speeds of 392 Mbps from the US servers are quick enough to have multiple Sling TV tabs open, and it comes with an always-on kill switch for Mac, Android, and iOS. Features include split tunneling and Smart DNS, as well as ad blocking and malware filtering.  

You’ll find apps for Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, and Linux. There aren’t many downsides, aside from lacking a few advanced features like MultiHop that are designed to improve privacy. To that end, it has been independently audited, verifying its no-logs claims.  

STREAMING OPTIMIZED SERVERS: CyberGhost VPN has over 1,000 US servers, it works well with Sling TV and a wide range of other services, and apps are especially beginner-friendly. Excellent speeds for streaming and an extended 45-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.

IPVanish is home to some of the fastest US connection speeds (534 Mbps) on the market, and has 1,100+ servers dotted around the nation. These are located in 20 cities, making it a great pick for any US expats who want to stream content from abroad. In terms of US platforms, it worked to access Sling TV, Netflix US, HBO Max, Prime Video USA, Disney Plus, CBS, and NBC. 

The provider allows for unlimited device connections, so it’s perfect if you’d like to share an account with others while abroad. You’ll find a collection of usable apps for all major devices, and it keeps no record of what the user is up to while connected. 

Notable features include split tunneling, a SOCKS5 proxy, and obfuscation. IPVanish comes with a seven-day free trial available via the iOS App store or Google Play. 

Even if you’d like to access a US service like Sling TV, picking a VPN headquartered in the country isn’t the smartest idea. After all, the United States is home to the NSA, and it is also a key Five Eyes member. This makes IPVanish’s no-logs policy all the more important. 

SPEEDY US SERVERS: IPVanish is a speedy provider with lots of US servers to pick from for Sling TV. Unlimited devices, free trial, and streaming support as standard. 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of IPVanish.

PrivateVPN has coverage in 12 US cities, as part of a collection of 200+ servers in 63+ countries. It pales in comparison to the expansive networks seen above, but it still manages to get the job done if you’re hoping to stream various US services. 

As well as Netflix, it works with platforms like Hulu, HBO Max, CBS, Amazon Prime Video, and NBC. Of course, it also accesses Sling TV, so it’s a great option if you have multiple US subscriptions to keep up with. 

PrivateVPN allows torrenting, and supports up to 10 devices at the same time.

The main drawback is that download speeds leave much to be desired. Average speeds of 50 Mbps from its New York locations are quick enough for streaming Sling TV content with no lag, but it’s still slower than the competition by a significant margin. PrivateVPN is one of the most affordable options on the market when looking at longer subscriptions. 

AFFORDABLE US STREAMING: PrivateVPN is an affordable service with multiple US cities to pick from. Accesses Sling TV and other US platforms, great for torrenting, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN. 

Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for Sling TV

Sling TV has managed to block a number of providers from accessing its streams, and it can still be tough to identify which VPN is best for the role. 

Rather than picking out providers at random, we’ve compiled a comprehensive VPN testing methodology. Our strict criteria ensure only providers dedicated to digital privacy, with excellent usability and optimal performance, can make it onto our list. 

• Servers: We’ve mainly focused on locations in the US, given it’s where you’ll be able to find servers that will allow the user to access Sling TV from abroad. The majority of providers have a strong presence in the United States, with a large network of servers to choose from.  
• Speeds and performance: As of now, Sling TV might not offer 4K content, but it’s still a good idea to pick a performant provider that won’t let you down while streaming. The VPN must offer unlimited bandwidth. 
• Privacy and security: Even if streaming is your main aim, it’s not a good idea to sacrifice privacy or security in an attempt to watch a few free videos. We’ve looked at the various security and privacy features on offer. 
• Third-party audits: Trust is the foundation of the value that VPNs provide. You are essentially placing more faith in your VPN provider than you are in your ISP. Almost every provider says they are a ‘no-logs' VPN. The only ways to test this claim are either through the courts or through audits. We will only consider providers for our top three positions if they have undergone infrastructure audits from a reputable third party. While this isn't foolproof, it's the closest the industry has to a verification process for logging policies.
• Diskless infrastructure: A prerequisite to be considered for one of the top three positions on BleepingComputer. While the data stored on a VPN server should be minimal, it could, theoretically, be accessed if the servers were seized or hacked. Moving processes to RAM means that no information can be physically taken from servers and it is wiped on shutdown. It can also easily be wiped as a part of regular security procedures.

How to access Sling TV with a VPN

If you’re not sure what to do, we’ve put together a quick guide taking you through the necessary steps to get started with a Sling TV VPN.

How to access Sling TV using a VPN:

1. Subscribe to a VPN that has the ability to access Sling TV. We particularly recommend NordVPN. 
2. Download and install the VPN app on your preferred device.
3. Open the VPN app, and log in. 
4. Connect to a server in the United States. This will give you a US IP address. 
5. Open the Sling TV app or website. You should now be able to stream content via Sling TV. 

If you happen to run into any issues, we’d recommend clearing your cache and cookies. Desktop VPN apps tend to be better at streaming content than mobile versions. If you’re still running into issues, it might be a good idea to reach out to the support team, or make use of the money-back guarantee. 

Watching Sling TV with a VPN: FAQs

Should I use a free VPN to unblock Sling TV?

It’s not a good idea to opt for a free VPN if you’re hoping to stream via a geo-restricted platform like Sling TV. The majority of free providers won’t be able to access any blocked streaming services, as the IP addresses used by free VPN servers tend to be banned. 

Free VPNs are also a security risk, whether it’s due to malware, leaking data, or selling your personal information. If you do find a free VPN that can access Sling TV, speeds or bandwidth are likely to be capped. 

What should I do if I still get an error message with Sling TV even with a VPN?

If you encounter an error message while your VPN is active, it’s likely that Sling TV has noticed that you’re using a VPN. Make sure that you’re connected to a server within the US, and clear your browser’s cookies to ensure that Sling TV forgets your real location. It might be a good idea to switch to a different server within the US, as you’ll be assigned a new temporary IP address in the process. 

What can you watch on Sling TV?

You’ll be able to watch a wide variety of content via Sling TV. Sling Orange is $40 per month, and it focuses on sport and family content. Channels include:

A&E, AMC, AXS TV, BBC America, BET, Bloomberg Television, CHARGE!, CNN, Cartoon Network, Comedy Central, Comet, Disney Channel, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, Food Network, Freeform, Fuse, HGTC, History Channel, IFC, Investigation Discovery, Lifetime, Local Now, MGM+ Drive In, MotorTrend, Nick Jr, TBS, TNT, Travel Channel, and Vice. 

Sling Blue is also priced at $40 per month, and it offers a combination of entertainment and news. You’ll be able to stream content via the following channels:

A&E, AMC, AXS TV, BBC America, BET, Bloomberg Television, Bravo, CHARGE!, CNN, Cartoon Network, Comedy Central, Comet, Discovery Channel, E!, Fox, Fox Sports 1, FX, Food Network, Fox News, Fuse, HGTC, HLN, History Channel, IFC, Investigation Discovery, Lifetime, Local Now, MGM+ Drive In, MSNBC, NBC, NFL Network, Nat Geo, Nick Jr, SYFY, TBS, TLC, TNT, Travel Channel, USA, Vice, and TruTV. 

Finally, Orange and Blue features all of the channels mentioned above, and costs $55 per month. There are additional bolt-ons, and lots of flexibility. 

Can I bypass regional blackouts with Sling TV?

Sling TV will block content like live sports in local markets due to regional blackouts. Even if you’re in the US, some content won’t be available depending on your local market. A VPN is helpful in this respect, allowing the user to connect to different locations in the United States to change their IP address. This will allow anyone to bypass blackouts. 

Is it legal to watch Sling TV with VPN?

You won’t be breaking the law if you use a VPN to watch content from abroad. However, some countries have banned or blocked providers, so be aware of the rules locally. It might not be illegal to watch Sling TV with a VPN, but it may go against its terms of service.

Why is Sling TV region-locked?

As with many streaming platforms, Sling TV has to block users accessing the platform from different countries, or sometimes even regions within the US. This is due to licensing agreements that the service has signed with various broadcasters.

What else can I use a VPN for?

A VPN is the perfect solution for improving online privacy. As all of the data sent to and from your device is encrypted, you’ll be able to avoid being tracked by your ISP, or anyone else that might be interested in your personal data. As well as Sling TV, VPNs can be used to access lots of geo-restricted sites and streaming services. You’ll be able to torrent securely, and it will help to prevent ISP throttling.

Will a VPN slow down my connection speeds while streaming?

A VPN can slow your speeds while active, but we’ve picked out a range of providers that are equipped to get the job done with no lag. Sling TV recommends a minimum speed of:

• 3 Mbps or higher for portable devices, such as tablets or smartphones
• 5 Mbps or higher for single stream connected devices, such as a PC or MAC
• 25 Mbps or higher for households maintaining internet usage on multiple devices

Each of the VPNs we’ve listed has average speeds which exceed 25 Mbps, as well as a selection of reliable servers within the United States.