J. Sweeney
Updated on: November 18, 2023
Only 3 Steps (Quick + Easy) to Watch the NBA Online With a VPN in 2024:
- Step 1. Download and install a VPN. Make sure you choose a VPN that works with streaming platforms that broadcast live NBA games. I recommend ExpressVPN because it works with all of the top NBA streaming services, has blazing-fast speeds, and is very easy to use.
- Step 2. Connect to a VPN server. Scroll through the list of server locations and choose one in the region where your game is streaming. Please note that if the game isn’t available in your location, using a VPN to stream it is against most streaming platforms’ Terms of Service and may constitute copyright infringement.
- Step 3. Log into your favorite NBA streaming site or app. That’s it. Once you connect to a VPN server, you can watch the NBA online securely.
I always stream the NBA games available in my location with a VPN for better online privacy. This has the added benefit of preventing my ISP from throttling my speeds when it detects that I’m “using too much data.”
A VPN is an app that routes your internet traffic through an encrypted virtual server. This makes your data unreadable to third parties, like your ISP or your government, and hides your real IP address, which protects you from threat actors.
Hypothetically, a VPN can also be used to stream NBA games that aren’t available where you live, since streaming platforms use your IP address to figure out your location. But please keep in mind doing so is against most streaming platforms’ Terms of Service and may even be regarded as copyright infringement (which isn’t something I or my colleagues at SafetyDetectives condone).
I tested dozens of VPNs to determine which ones are best for streaming NBA games. Out of my top 5 picks, ExpressVPN stood out thanks to super-fast connection speeds and really intuitive apps for practically any streaming device.
Best VPNs for Watching the NBA in 2024
- 🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best overall VPN for streaming NBA games in 2024.
- 🥈2. Private Internet Access — Great server network in the US.
- 🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — Offers dedicated streaming servers.
- 4. NordVPN — Good security and fast speeds.
- 5. Surfshark — Affordable VPN that’s good for beginners.
- Comparison of the Best VPNs for Watching NBA games.
Nobody at SafetyDetectives condones copyright infringement. The VPNs I recommend don’t record your streaming activities, so we urge you to use the VPN responsibly and follow all applicable rules and regulations.
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN for Streaming NBA Games
ExpressVPN is my favorite VPN for streaming the NBA because it works with nearly every streaming service that plays live NBA games. In fact, it’s compatible with 100+ streaming services, including NBA League Pass, FuboTV, Hulu, Sling TV, and YouTube TV. ExpressVPN has servers in 15+ locations across the US, so you can easily find a nearby server to connect to.
I was really impressed with ExpressVPN’s speeds. During my tests, I streamed both live and recorded NBA games in HD while connected to a local US server — every video started playing quickly, and I never experienced any buffering or interruptions.
ExpressVPN is incredibly easy to use and supports all major devices. It has sleek and intuitive native apps for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux, and its MediaStreamer feature will help you protect devices like routers, gaming consoles, and smart TVs. The ExpressVPN Aircove router automatically protects any device connected to your home Wi-Fi, but it requires an extra one-time purchase and an active ExpressVPN subscription.
ExpressVPN is also one of the most secure VPNs on the market. It includes advanced security features like perfect forward secrecy (changes the encryption key used to protect your data every time you connect to the VPN), and full leak protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks, which could reveal your real IP address to third parties.
You also get RAM-only servers (no data is stored on the hard drive and all data is wiped every time the server is restarted) and Threat Manager, which blocks connections to malicious websites and limits the amount of data that ad trackers can use to monitor your online activity.
ExpressVPN offers monthly and yearly plans starting at $6.67 / month. It’s a bit more expensive than other VPNs on this list, but in my opinion, ExpressVPN is well worth the modest cost — it’s our #1 ranked VPN in 2024. ExpressVPN also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans so you can test it out with all of your NBA streaming services.
Read the full ExpressVPN review
🥈 2. Private Internet Access — Offers Servers in All 50 US States
Private Internet Access (PIA) comes with a vast server network in the US. It includes a server in every state, which means you can find a nearby server no matter where in the US you are. When I connected to a nearby US server, I was able to stream the NBA without any issues.
PIA’s speeds are very fast. During my tests, PIA had consistent speeds, and I was able to stream a game in HD on Hulu with only 1-2 seconds of buffering when I skipped forward in the video.
In terms of streaming, PIA works with streaming services that show NBA games like Hulu, FuboTV, and YouTubeTV. I also like how it works with other top streaming sites such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. However, ExpressVPN is still my top choice for streaming because it works with 100+ streaming sites.
The good news is PIA allows unlimited connections, so you or anyone else in your family can stream all of the NBA action on as many devices as you want.
PIA is also pretty secure. It has RAM-only servers, perfect forward secrecy, and full leak protection. I also like how PIA publishes a transparency report, which details how many requests it receives for user data and how it never has any data to share.
Private Internet Access offers monthly and yearly plans starting at $2.11 / month, and all its plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full Private Internet Access review
🥉 3. CyberGhost VPN — Has Dedicated Streaming Servers for Watching the NBA
CyberGhost VPN is fast, secure, and has specialized servers dedicated to streaming on Hulu, Fox, NBC, and DAZN US. These servers offer great streaming speeds with minimal slowdowns, and when I tested them, I never had an issue watching a game on any of these platforms.
CyberGhost VPN consistently maintains fast speeds. When I connected to CyberGhost VPN’s dedicated Hulu server in the US to watch a Celtics vs. Warriors game, I had to wait about 3-5 seconds for the HD stream to begin. This was not quite as fast as ExpressVPN or Private Internet Access, but it was fast enough to avoid any buffering or disconnections.
CyberGhost VPN has easy-to-use apps for all major devices. It has an intuitive interface and a well-organized server list to make it easy to find the right server for watching your next NBA game, even if you’ve never used a VPN before. I like how all of the dedicated streaming servers are listed under the For Streaming tab. It works with Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux, and supports other devices like smart TVs and routers.
I also like the strong security of CyberGhost VPN. It includes perfect forward secrecy and RAM-only servers and protects against DNS and IPv6 leaks. Like Private Internet Access, CyberGhost issues a transparency report.
At $2.03 / month, CyberGhost VPN offers very budget-friendly monthly plans. All long-term plans come with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee while the monthly plan has a 14-day refund window.
Read the full CyberGhost VPN review here
4. NordVPN — Excellent Security Features and Fast Speeds for Watching NBA Games
NordVPN has a wide range of security features to keep your data safe while watching NBA games. It offers full leak protection, perfect forward secrecy, and has RAM-only servers. NordVPN is also one of the only VPNs on the market to offer a dark web monitoring feature to alert you if your NordVPN login details are ever compromised — this is really useful if you use the same email address for your NordVPN account as you do for your NBA streaming services.
NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature is one of the best VPN ad blockers on the market. It blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites, and it scans all your files for malware as you download them. I really like that NordVPN’s Threat Protection stays active even when you’re not connected to a VPN server.
What’s more, NordVPN has really good streaming support. In addition to working with all of the platforms that air NBA games, it also works with Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime.
In terms of speed, NordVPN is pretty fast. Although it’s not as fast as ExpressVPN or Private Internet Access, NordVPN performed really well during my tests. I wasn’t really able to notice any speed loss, and I was able to stream a live NBA game on Hulu in HD without buffering.
NordVPN offers reasonably-priced plans (they start at just $3.39 / month). All of NordVPN’s plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
5. Surfshark — Good VPN for New Users
Surfshark is a good option if you’re new to VPNs. I really like its simple interface, which makes it easy to connect to a nearby server to stream the NBA. Plus, I like how Surfshark allows unlimited connections.
Surfshark is also quite secure. It’s got advanced security features, such as RAM-only servers, perfect forward secrecy, and DNS leak protection. However, unlike ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access, and NordVPN, it’s missing WebRTC leak protection.
Its speeds are a bit inconsistent. When I connected to nearby servers, my speeds were as fast as all of the other VPNs on this list, but I experienced significant slowdowns when I connected to more distant servers.
Surfshark offers cheap plans ($1.99 / month) and backs all purchases with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full Surfshark review
Comparison of the Best VPNs for Watching NBA Games in 2024
How to Choose the Best VPN for Watching NBA Games in 2024
- Make sure it supports NBA streaming services. You’ll need to choose a VPN that works with multiple streaming services that stream NBA games. For this list, I only chose VPNs that work with platforms that stream both live and recorded NBA games.
- Check for fast connection speeds. By encrypting your data and sending it through more distant servers, VPNs can slow down your speeds. While all of the VPNs I recommend maintain fast speeds, ExpressVPN is my top choice because it provides blazing-fast speeds on all its servers.
- Ensure it has strong security features. All of the VPNs on this list not only have industry-standard VPN features like 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy, but they include extra security features to prevent data leaks and protect your privacy.
- Look for apps that are easy to use. All of the VPNs on this list have easy-to-use apps for all major devices. I only chose VPNs that are easy to install and start using in just a few minutes, even if you’ve never used a VPN before.
- Check for excellent customer service. Top VPNs offer helpful guides and tutorials and have knowledgeable representatives who can answer any questions you may have.
- Make sure it’s a good value. All of the VPNs on this list offer affordable plans, allow multiple device connections, and provide a money-back guarantee.
How to Watch NBA Games on Any Device
How to Watch NBA Games on a PC or Mac
- Choose a good NBA streaming VPN. My favorite VPN for streaming NBA games is ExpressVPN. It has really fast speeds and consistently works with 100+ streaming sites, including those that stream live and recorded NBA games.
- Download and install the VPN. Follow the installation instructions on your PC or Mac. This should take only a couple of minutes.
- Connect to a VPN server and log into your streaming account. That’s it! Once you’re connected to the VPN, you’re ready to stream your favorite NBA games.
How to Watch NBA Games With a Smartphone or Tablet
- Choose a good NBA streaming VPN that works with mobile devices. I really like ExpressVPN’s mobile app. It’s easy to use, blazing-fast, and has great security features.
- Install the VPN. Search for the VPN in your device’s app store and install it just like any other app.
- Connect to a VPN server and log into your streaming account. Now you can stream your favorite NBA games on the go!
How to Watch NBA Games on a Smart TV
- Choose a good NBA streaming VPN that works with your smart TV. All of the VPNs on this list work with a range of smart TVs. My top choice is ExpressVPN because its MediaStreamer feature allows you to use it on smart TVs that don’t support the app.
- Android TVs: If your smart TV supports Android apps, you can install the VPN directly to your TV from the Google Play Store.
- Non-Android TVs: If you can’t install apps to your smart TV, you’ll need to install the VPN on your router. All the VPNs on this list have instructions for installing it on routers, and once done, any smart TV connected to the router will gain the benefits of the VPN.
- Connect to a VPN server location and log into your streaming account. Now you can watch your favorite NBA games on the biggest screen in your house.
How to Watch NBA Games on a Gaming Console
- Choose a good NBA streaming VPN that can be installed on your router. Check the VPN’s website and make sure it will work with your router. ExpressVPN has a great router app and provides easy-to-follow installation instructions.
- Install the VPN on your router. Follow the instructions on the VPN’s website and any device connected to your router will be connected to the VPN.
- Connect your router to a VPN server and log into your streaming account. That’s it. Just open your favorite NBA streaming app, and you’re ready to watch NBA games.
How to Watch NBA Games With an Amazon Fire Stick
- Choose an NBA streaming VPN that works with Amazon Fire Sticks. ExpressVPN’s Amazon Fire Stick app is fast and easy to use.
- Download and install the VPN. Go to the Amazon App Store and Install the VPN on your Amazon Fire Stick just like any other app.
- Connect to a VPN server and open your NBA streaming app. Now you’re ready to watch NBA games on any device you can plug your Amazon Fire Stick into!
What Streaming Services Show Live NBA Games?
- NBA League Pass. This is the official streaming service for watching the NBA season, available in nearly every country. It includes NBA TV, the league’s TV channel, which also streams selected live and on-demand games.
- Hulu. The Hulu + Live TV plan includes 85+ live and on-demand channels like NBC, CBS, TNT, ESPN, and Fox Sports, so you can keep up on the entire season.
- YouTube TV. Subscribing to YouTube’s Live TV gets you 70+ channels that show NBA games, including ABC, ESPN, FOX Sports, and NBA TV.
- Sling TV. Sling TV allows you to watch all of the regional games you’re looking for on ESPN, TNT, NBA TV, and more.
- FuboTV. Includes channels that have national broadcasts like ABC, ESPN, and NBA TV, as well as regional broadcast channels like NBC Sports (Boston, Chicago, California, and more), MSG+, and AT&T Sportsnet.
Some streaming platforms aren’t available in certain countries, and some NBA matches are only available in certain regions. While you can hypothetically use a VPN to get past these restrictions, please keep in mind that doing so may be against a streaming platform’s Terms of Service and also constitute copyright infringement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best VPN for streaming NBA games?
My favorite VPN for watching NBA games is ExpressVPN. It provides blazing-fast speeds on all its servers, has great security features, and works with 100+ streaming services, including those that stream live and recorded NBA games.
Can I use a free VPN to watch NBA games?
Maybe, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Although a few free VPNs may allow you to watch some NBA games, most free VPNs have slow speeds, lack key security features, and often limit the amount of data you can use. This puts strict limits on how many NBA games you can watch per day or month.
I only recommend using a premium VPN like ExpressVPN. It has super-fast speeds on all its servers and great security features, and it works with 100+ streaming sites, including many that broadcast live NBA games.
Is it legal to watch NBA games with a VPN?
Yes, it’s completely legal to stream NBA games using a VPN. My top choice is ExpressVPN because it works with NBA streaming sites like NBA League Pass, Hulu, FuboTV, and Sling TV.
Where can I watch all NBA games?
There are many streaming sites that broadcast live NBA games — NBA League Pass is the NBA’s official streaming platform where you can watch the entire season. But there are other streaming sites like Hulu, YouTube TV, and Sling TV that offer live NBA games.
