There are plenty of ways to stream sport in Australia, although it’s not always possible to watch your favourite team or league online.

Thankfully, VPNs have become a trusted and accessible technology to ensure you can follow most sports wherever you are in the world. 

With a packed global sporting calendar, there is no shortage of action in 2024.

The Sporting News takes you through what you need to know about streaming live sport on a VPN in Australia.

What is a VPN?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network.

The technology helps create a secure and encrypted connection between a device and another network.

This allows you to bypass geographical restrictions to access streaming services from anywhere in the world.

Why are VPNs used for streaming live sport?

The primary use for VPNs when it comes to streaming live sport is the ability to bypass geographical restrictions. In some instances, a certain league or event may not be available in your location – a problem a VPN can solve.

It may also be cheaper to use a VPN to stream certain sports than buying a subscription to a local service.

On top of this, some fans use the technology to watch sport online via a secure, encrypted connection.

What makes a good VPN for live sport?

Arguably the most important part of any live-streaming experience is the speed of the stream itself. Finding a VPN that offers a fast and reliable connection is key, particularly when using the service from Australia.

The number of servers a VPN boasts must also be considered. Depending on the location of your desired sports stream, it’s crucial to check a VPN has servers nearby. 

Further, if you are on a budget, it is beneficial to find a VPN at a reasonable price point. Most services offer various plan options.

There are other notable factors to consider, including reputation, security and device compatibility.

Best VPNs in Australia to watch live sport

ExpressVPN

With servers in over 100 countries and seven in Australia alone, ExpressVPN is ideal for streaming sport at home and abroad.

Their technology typically allows for a consistent and smooth experience.

You can also establish up to eight simultaneous connections, allowing you to multitask.

NordVPN

NordVPN is a big name in the VPN market and for good reason.

Their user-friendly product is not only easy to use but also boasts strong security. 

When it comes to streaming sport, you can typically expect a smooth and buffer-free experience.

Surfshark

Regardless of your device and operating system, Surfshark is a safe bet.

Their VPN works across Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV, making it good value for money.

They also offer a unique ‘alternative ID’ feature, which creates private profiles that enable you to sign up for international streaming services. 

CyberGhost

CyberGhost has access to over 10,000 servers, making them a good option for live-streaming international sport.

However, their VPN service has fewer customisation options compared to some competitors.

Proton VP

Switzerland-based Proton VP is ideal for Aussie sports fans when travelling abroad.

They have over 150 Australian servers and offer a privacy-focused service.