If you try to watch Italian TV on vacation, you soon realize that most content is geo-restricted for licensing reasons. As a result, you need a VPN to regain access to that content. In this guide, we explain how a VPN works to conceal your location and give you access to Italian platforms like Mediaset.

Not all VPNs work to unblock Italian TV channels like Canale 5, La5, Italia 1, and TV8. And not all VPNs are fast enough to stream without buffering. Luckily, some market-leading VPNs have Italian servers that are perfect for HD streaming. Our recommended VPNs provide an Italian IP address, which services like RaiPlay have not blocked.

VPNs also encrypt your web connection. This lets you unblock Italian TV at work completely privately. Later, we provide detailed summaries about each of the best VPNs for watching Italian TV abroad. If you are in a rush, you can see a rundown of the best options below.

Best VPNs for live streaming Italian TV

  • NordVPN: Our top choice for watching Italian TV abroad. Comes packed with security features, but also offers solid speeds, a no-logs policy, and exceptional unblocking ability. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: The best budget VPN for streaming outside of Italy. A speedy, security-first provider that’s as comfortable unblocking Italian TV abroad as it is bypassing country-wide internet censorship. Permits an unlimited number of connections.
  • ExpressVPN: A fast, security-conscious service that’s capable of unblocking a wide range of Italian streaming platforms.
  • CyberGhost: A simple yet highly-versatile service. It provides high speeds, streaming-optimized servers, and plenty of pre-configured security and privacy features.
  • IPVanish: A zero-logs VPN with fast, reliable connections and a strong track record on security. Unblocks several major streaming platforms and allows any number of simultaneous connections.
  • PrivateVPN: With higher speeds than most and excellent unblocking capabilities, this VPN is ideal for streaming Italian TV abroad. It offers a no-logs policy and strong security features.
  • Hotspot Shield: Capable of unblocking some of Italy’s most popular streaming services abroad. With high speeds and solid security, you’ll be able to stream safely anywhere you are.

How to stream Italian TV from anywhere with a VPN

Never used a VPN before? There’s no need to panic; they’re actually very simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to watching your favorite shows from outside Italy with a VPN:

To unblock and watch Italian TV abroad, just follow these steps:

  • Start by signing up for one of the VPNs below (we particularly recommend NordVPN).
  • Install the app on your device and log in. Note: most providers let you connect around five devices at once, so feel free to install the software on any device you use to stream.
  • Connect to any of your VPN’s Italian servers. This will get you an Italian IP address and allow you to access region-locked Italian services from abroad.
  • Finally, visit your favorite streaming service. You should now be able to use it as though you were actually in Italy. If not, we recommend clearing your browser’s cookies and reloading the page. If this still doesn’t work, try another Italian server or contact customer support for further assistance.

The best VPNs for Italian TV – At a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Italian TV.

There are no hidden terms or conditions—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

Best VPNs for watching Italian TV abroad

Our ranking methodology for watching Italian TV abroad (say from the UK) is based on many factors which we have discussed under the following reviews.

For now, let’s jump right into it. Here are the best VPNs for live streaming Italian TV:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN has 70+ servers in Italy, and over 5,500 others in a further 60+ countries. As if that wasn’t enough, it also boasts exceptional streaming abilities, so whether you’re looking to watch Netflix, Canale 5, or RaiPlay, you’re covered. Speeds are more than fast enough for HD live streaming, and with up to six simultaneous connections allowed, you’re free to stream on the go.

This VPN’s security offering is one of the strongest around. It uses 256-bit encryption, a customizable kill switch, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks to ensure your traffic stays hidden at all times. Users can choose to connect to the VPN automatically when using a public wifi network. There are special obfuscated servers for bypassing internet firewalls as well as VPN blocks in countries like China. NordVPN follows a strict zero-logs policy, so your activities can’t be traced back to you. Support is available via 24/7 live chat or email.

NordVPN comes with Windows, iOS, MacOS, Linux, and Android apps. If you’d like, you can manually configure the VPN for use with select home routers.

BEST VPN FOR ITALIAN TV:NordVPN is a is top VPN for unblocking Italian TV channels. Also works with major platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer. This VPN offers a no-logs policy, high speeds, a wide range of security protections, and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Faster speeds than any other VPN we’ve tested
  • Great for streaming
  • Plenty of security features built in
  • Doesn’t keep any logs whatsoever
  • Dozens of Italian servers

Cons:

  • Desktop apps sometimes take a little longer to connect

Our score:

Take a look at our complete NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark has more than 3,200 servers spread across over 60 countries, Italy included. It’s more than fast enough for lag-free streaming and as a bonus, and works seamlessly with popular platforms like Netflix US, RaiPlay, and Cielo. One of the biggest things that sets Surfshark apart from the competition is that it lets users connect as many devices as they like.

This VPN puts major emphasis on the user’s security. There’s 256-bit encryption for starters, as well as DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and a built-in malware scanner. Surfshark even has a NoBorders mode that lets you access the internet freely in countries like China. This service doesn’t keep any identifiable data and can’t reveal details of your activities even if asked to. If you need help, you can contact support 24/7 over live chat and email.

Surfshark has apps for iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, and Linux. Select wireless routers are supported via manual installation.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a low-cost VPN that doesn’t limit the number of connections you can have, so it’s perfect for families. That’s not all, though: it also comes with a suite of security and privacy features, strong speeds, real streaming potential, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Allows unlimited devices

  • Fast enough for HD streaming

  • Works well with Netflix and Rai

  • Strong security and privacy credentials

  • Zero-logs provider

  • Some slow speeds

Read the full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

This service doesn’t compromise when it comes to security. It keeps your activities hidden using WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and 256-bit AES encryption. Equally important, ExpressVPN doesn’t log any personally identifiable data, which means you’re effectively untraceable once connected. Users can even pay in Bitcoin for an extra layer of anonymity. If you need help, you can reach support staff 24/7 via email. Usually, ExpressVPN offers live chat too, but this service has been temporarily suspended due to the coronavirus crisis.

ExpressVPN provides apps for MacOS, Windows, Android, iOS, and Linux systems. There’s also custom firmware for routers that makes it fairly straightforward to protect all of your devices at once.

STRONG ALL ROUNDER:ExpressVPN has fast, reliable connections, excellent security and privacy credentials, plus the ability to securely access all kinds of Italian streaming services from abroad. Still not convinced? This VPN even includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Thousands of high-speed servers

  • Works with all kinds of region-locked services

  • Puts your security and privacy first

  • Pay anonymously with Bitcoin

  • A little more expensive than some rivals

  • Could offer more control over advanced features

Looking for more info? Why not check out the full ExpressVPN review?

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost has a huge network, with over 120 Italian servers, and nearly 6,000 in total, spread across 89 countries. Its fast, reliable connections allow you to stream without any noticeable lag or buffering, and with great streaming capabilities, you’ll never be short of something to watch. This service allows you to connect up to seven devices at once.

There’s very little setup required since all of CyberGhost’s security features come pre-configured. As such, as soon as you connect, you’re protected by 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, an ad-blocker, a malware scanner, and a kill switch that stops sending data the moment your connection to the VPN drops. CyberGhost doesn’t store any data that could be used to identify you. While this service is very user-friendly, you can still reach customer support over live chat, 24 hours per day, in case of any problems.

CyberGhost has powerful yet easy-to-use apps for Windows, Android, MacOS, iOS, and Linux. It supports select internet routers too.

IDEAL FOR NOVICE USERS:CyberGhost is ideal for anyone who wants to stream with minimal fuss. It’s fast, very user-friendly, and able to access some of the most popular services outside of Italy. Further, a generous 45-day money-back guarantee is included.

  • High speeds

  • All security features enabled by default

  • Very user-friendly

  • Not suitable for those that need control of advanced features

Interested? Read the in-depth CyberGhost review for more details.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish has over 1,400 servers across 60+ countries including Italy. It’s an excellent way to watch Italian TV since it offers very high speeds and the ability to safely stream popular services like La 5 and RaiPlay from outside of Italy. Better still, IPVanish lets users connect all of their devices at once, which is far more generous than many of its rivals.

Considering how lightweight this service is, there are a surprising number of security features built-in. It secures your traffic with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch, for instance. There’s also the option to block local connections and scramble your data to help you access networks or services that usually block VPN users outright. IPVanish is a zero-logs provider. If you run into any issues, you can reach support around the clock over live chat.

IPVanish offers apps for MacOS, Windows, iOS, and Android devices. It can be manually configured for use with Linux systems and select network routers.

FAST AND RELIABLE:IPVanish allows you to safely watch all of your favorite Italian shows from anywhere, thanks to its high speeds and powerful security features. Additionally, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Fast and reliable connections

  • Strong on privacy and security

  • Works with RaiPlay, La 5, and more

  • Struggles with some major streaming services

We take a closer look at this service in our full review of IPVanish.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN doesn’t have the largest network, with around 150 servers in 60 countries. It does, however, have far faster speeds than many of its competitors. This makes it a natural choice for anyone looking to stream Italian TV from abroad. In fact, PrivateVPN works not just with DMAX and La 5, but also major international platforms like Netflix Italy and BBC iPlayer.

It comes with a wide range of security features too. These include a customizable kill switch, 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a stealth mode capable of bypassing even the strictest VPN-blocking measures. Further, PrivateVPN doesn’t keep any logs at all, so your privacy is in good hands. Staff can be contacted over live chat for 22 hours every day, and support is also available over email, ensuring you never have to wait too long to get help.

PrivateVPN apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. If you’d prefer to install it directly on your home router via manual configuration. You can install it on Linux systems too.

PERFECT FOR STREAMING:PrivateVPN boasts exceptionally high speeds, but it’s also able to securely access many Italian streaming platforms. This, coupled with its strong security focus and no-logging policy, makes it a great choice for anyone looking to stream safely abroad. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Exceptionally high speeds

  • Works with plenty of Italian services including La 5 and DMAX

  • Powerful security features and a true zero-logs policy

  • Live chat goes offline for two hours per day

  • Fewer servers to choose from than other providers higher on this list

Check out our comprehensive review of PrivateVPN.

7. Hotspot Shield

Website: www.Hotspotshield.com

                    Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.

Hotspot Shield offers access to over 3,200 servers in 80+ countries including Italy. Its speeds are excellent, so you shouldn’t have any issues even when streaming live high-resolution video. Additionally, this VPN excels at providing secure access to your usual platforms abroad; you’ll be able to access services like La 5, RaiPlay, and Canale 5 wherever you are in the world. Up to five simultaneous connections are permitted per account.

This service uses 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks to ensure your traffic is kept hidden from snoopers. It can also be configured to connect automatically any time you use an unsecured wifi network. Hotspot Shield doesn’t store any identifiable information after your session has ended, which means you’ll be almost completely anonymous while browsing. Should you run into any problems, you can get help 24/7 via live chat and email.

Hotspot Shield apps are available for iOS, Android, MacOS, and Windows systems. It’s possible to manually install this service on supported internet routers.

VERY HIGH SPEEDS:Hotspot Shield is a very fast VPN that takes your security very seriously. What’s more, this service is able to unblock Italian streaming services with ease. Best of all, you can try it before deciding to commit thanks to its 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Strong streaming potential

  • Consistently high speeds

  • Good range of security settings

  • Working to repair reputation after past privacy issues

  • No anonymous payment options

Find out more in our full Hotspot Shield review.

Finding the best VPNs for streaming Italian TV: our methodology

It’s important to realize that every VPN is different, and some providers are better suited for streaming than others. They may have more Italian servers, for instance, or the ability to fly under the radar more effectively. To help separate the wheat from the chaff, we decided to create a list of must-have characteristics, and you’ll find these below.

  • Reliable servers in Italy: Without Italian servers, you won’t be able to change your IP address and access Italian streaming services. The more servers there are, the better, since this usually means a more reliable connection.
  • Strong streaming potential: Our recommended VPNs should be able to securely access services like Netflix Italy, RaiPlay, Now TV, and La 7, and DMAX. Naturally, they must also have speeds that are fast enough for HD live streaming.
  • Powerful security tools: At a bare minimum, we require VPNs to offer 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. However, we prefer providers that go further with split-tunneling, stealth, or Smart DNS features.
  • A no-logs policy: The whole point of a VPN is to increase your digital privacy. For this reason, we will not recommend VPNs that log personally identifiable information.
  • Easy to use apps: We only recommend services that are easy enough for complete beginners to use. If a provider offers other experience-enhancing features like 24/7 live chat, no connection limit, or streaming-optimized servers, so much the better.
  • Fair pricing: Part of our process involves comparing a VPN’s price to that of its competitors. If you can get a better service for less money, we’ll tell you. Of course, we’ll also let you know about any available discounts or money-back guarantees as well.

This might seem like a fairly extensive list of requirements but it’s only the first step of a larger testing process. If you’re interested, we have a whole post breaking down how we test VPNs.

  • La 7
  • RaiPlay
  • Netflix Italy
  • Italia 1
  • DMAX
  • Cielo
  • Rete 4

There’s a more serious problem with free VPNs to consider: at least one popular app store is flooded with hundreds of Trojans looking to capitalize on your desire for better security. Perhaps more concerning, many of the seemingly safe apps failed to use any encryption, completely defeating the purpose of using a VPN in the first place.

To stay as safe as possible when streaming, it’s best to use a reputable VPN with strong security features and a clearly-worded, user-first privacy policy.

Have you ever tried to log in to your online banking or PayPal account from abroad and found that your access was restricted by an automated fraud-prevention mechanism? VPNs can reduce the chance of this happening. If you connect to a server in your home country before attempting to log in, it’s less likely the service will realize you’re in a foreign country.

Laws concerning the internet are extremely complex and differ from one country to another. If you’re in any doubt, we recommend you read up on your current location’s relevant legislation before attempting to stream with a VPN.