Sling TV is an online live-streaming and on-demand TV platform. Movies, TV shows, and more can be viewed on the platform, but it is only available in the US. Nevertheless, prospective viewers outside the US can access the platform using a VPN.
A VPN helps to bypass the geo-restriction by making users appear to be in the United States (with a virtual IP address). The best three VPNs for Sling TV are listed below.
- NordVPN – Best Overall
- Surfshark – Runner up
- Private Internet Access – Best price
Table of Contents
1. NordVPN
NordVPN was developed by Nord Security, a cybersecurity software company that operates under Panama laws. NordVPN is primarily used to bypass geo-restrictions such as that of Sling TV.
NordVPN offers key features such as next-gen encryption, split tunneling, private DNS, a kill switch, dedicated IP addresses, and more. NordVPN also provides two new features for extra security; Meshnet and Threat Protection. The service has over 5655 VPN servers in 59 countries with no limits or restrictions.
NordVPN users benefit from multiple device connections (up to 6), multi-factor authentication to secure users’ accounts, and a strict anti-log policy to protect its users’ privacy. However, this service is a bit pricey, with no free version available.
| Monthly Plan | 1-Year Plan | 2-Year Plan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete | $14.19 | $7.19 | $5.29 |
| Plus | $12.89 | $5.89 | $3.99 |
| Standard | $11.99 | $4.99 | $3.09 |
2. Surfshark
Surfshark VPN service was developed by Surfshark, a subsidiary of Nord Security, the developer of NordVPN. The service is primarily used to maintain anonymity while browsing online.
The main features offered by Surfshark include military-grade encryption, WireGuard, private DNS, kill switch, auto-connect, Multi-Hop connection, ad and malware blocking, and antivirus. Surfshark has over 3200 servers in 100 countries across the world.
The merits of Surfshark include guaranteed privacy, unlimited device connections, fast speeds, leak protection, and more. Despite these merits, Surfshark is relatively expensive, , and there’s no split tunneling feature on its iOS apps.
| 1-Month Plan | 12-Month Plan | 24-Month Plan |
|---|---|---|
| $12.95 | $3.99 | $2.49 |
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is owned by Kape Technologies, a cybersecurity company based in the United Kingdom. This VPN service is used as a security and privacy tool.
Some of ExpressVPN’s key features include split tunneling, Network Lock, AES-256 encryption, Lightway Protocol, TrustServer technology, and Threat Manager. ExpressVPN is yet to reveal its exact number of servers, but it is estimated to have over 500 servers in 94 countries.
The pros of using ExpressVPN include compatibility with several operating systems, unlimited bandwidth, fast connections, privacy protection, and more. One downside to this VPN is that it doesn’t support multi-hop connections.
| 1-Month Plan | 6-Month Plan | 12-Month Plan |
|---|---|---|
| $12.95 | $9.99 | $8.32 |
4. IPVanish
IPVanish was developed by Mudhook Media Inc., a subsidiary of Highwinds Network Group. Based in the United States, IPVanish gives users a new IP address to help them bypass restrictions.
The main features of IPVanish are WireGuard protocol, advanced encryption, a kill switch, split tunneling, auto-connect, and DNS leak protection. The service has over 2000 servers in 75 locations.
The merits of IPVanish include unlimited device connections, fast browsing, guaranteed privacy, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. An issue with this service is that split tunneling is only supported on Android.
| Monthly Plan | Quarterly Plan | Yearly Plan |
|---|---|---|
| $10.99 | $5.32 | $3.99 |
5. Private Internet Access
A company of the same name owns Private Internet Access VPN, founded by Andrew Lee with Ted Kim as the CEO. Now acquired by Kape Technologies, Private Internet Access is a privacy and security tool.
The key features offered by this service include standard encryption, split tunneling, WireGuard, dedicated IP addresses, and antivirus software. The company has more than 10,000 servers in 84 countries.
Users of Private Internet Access enjoy advantages such as unlimited bandwidth, low-priced subscription fees, fast speeds, and multi-hop connections. However, a downside of this VPN service is that it is yet to be audited by a third party.
| Monthly Plan | Yearly Plan | 3-Year Plan (plus three months free) |
|---|---|---|
| $11.95 | $3.33 | $2.03 |
6. CyberGhost
Kape Technologies is owned by CyberGhost. This VPN service ensures users privacy and anonymity during online activities.
Some of the main features provided by CyberGhost are AES 256-bit encryption, WireGuard protocol, dedicated IP, and ID guard monitoring. CyberGhost has over 9249 servers in more than 91 countries.
The pros of using CyberGhost include unlimited bandwidth, fast and stable connections, and seven simultaneous device connections. One disadvantage of this service is its costly plans. Another issue is that the company is yet to be audited by a third party.
| Monthly Plan | 6-Month Plan | 2-Year Plan (plus two months free) |
|---|---|---|
| $12.99 | $6.99 | $2.19 |
Note:
Prices may differ from the ones shown as new plans and deals are launched on a regular basis. Please be sure to check the most current price on the official website.What is a VPN?
A VPN is a service used for browsing privately and securely on the internet. So what is a VPN capable of? The service can establish encrypted connections between users and VPN servers, creating a private tunnel for secure data exchange between those points. Further, a VPN redirects users’ online traffic through different servers so that their actual physical locations remain hidden from ISPs or restricted platforms.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Sling TV?
The best VPN for Sling TV can be chosen by following these steps.
- Look up one or two VPNs in your budget range
- Check the number of servers in the US
- Confirm compatibility with your device(s)
- Check connection speed and stability
- Make sure it has strong encryption and reliable VPN protocols
- Use the VPN to unblock Sling TV
Why is a VPN Important for Sling TV?
A VPN is essential for Sling TV because the service is only available in the US, meaning users outside the US will automatically be denied access. Therefore, anyone looking to access the platform outside the US will need a VPN to bypass Sling TV’s geo-restriction.
How to Unblock Sling TV with a VPN?
Sling TV can be unblocked using the tools mentioned in this review. For instance, how to unblock Sling TV with NordVPN can be done by following these steps.
1. Visit the official NordVPN website
2. Choose your preferred plan and subscribe
3. Download and install NordVPN on your device
4. Sign in and connect to a US server
5. Visit the Sling TV website and start streaming
How does a VPN function on Sling TV?
VPNs function on Sling TV by creating a secure connection between users’ devices and VPN servers, making them appear to be located in the US. This connection is created when users sign in and connect to a US server. Immediately after a connection has been established, the VPN reroutes users’ internet traffic via many servers to avoid detection and getting blocked by Sling TV.
Is a Free VPN Compatible with Sling TV?
No, free VPNs are not compatible with Sling TV because they do not offer advanced encryption or VPN protocols to bypass the geo-restriction and stay undetected. Further, free VPNs are limited in terms of servers and may not have enough servers in the US to reroute traffic through. The limited bandwidth provided by VPNs is also not strong enough for streaming.