Sling TV is an admirable streaming service with extensive offerings and affordable packages. But, sadly, it uses geo-blocks to restrict its content only in the US.
It means you won’t be able to access your favorite content if you reside or travel abroad. However, you can bypass geographic restrictions with a premium virtual private network (VPN).
This article will show you how to watch Sling TV abroad, Sling TV VPNs, and much more.
Why is a VPN necessary to stream Sling TV abroad?
It would be best to have a reliable VPN to watch Sling TV outside the US because the streaming site is geo-blocked. Usually, you will see an error message if you try to access Sling TV abroad without a VPN.
How does Sling TV know that you are watching outside the US? When using the internet, your IP address reveals your geolocation. So, when you try to stream Sling TV outside the US, it will detect your location and block your access.
That is why you need to use a VPN to change your local IP address and replace it with a US-specific one. It will trick Sling TV into thinking that you are inside the US.
Best Sling TV VPNs today
Based on our research and testing, these are the top 3 VPNs to unblock Sling TV outside the US.
1. NordVPN
Our number one choice VPN for Sling TV streaming. It boasts a highly adept ability to unblock Sling TV and other platforms. Has unmatched speeds and best-in-class privacy.
More than 5,000 VPN servers spread across 60 countries
Strong encryption; AES-256 bits
Protects Web leak on all browsers
Has P2P optimized servers
Customizable kill switch
Implements zero-logs policy
Has Quick-connect feature by default
Allows up to ten device simultaneously per account
Gives money-back guarantee of 30days
Pros
- Seamlessly unblock Sling TV in any region
- Has several servers in United States
- Put user’s privacy at first priority
Cons
- Slow desktop app
NordVPN is our best VPN choice for enjoying Sling TV streaming abroad. It has easy-to-use apps for Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, etc., and allows you to connect up to 10 simultaneous devices.
The VPN has an expansive network of over 1,970 servers in the US and more than 5,000 servers worldwide. When you connect to a US server, Sling TV will see that you are streaming in the US and won’t block your connection. In addition, the servers offer lightning speeds for uninterrupted streaming.
Thankfully, it uses military-grade AES 256-bit encryption to protect your traffic. This will help to keep off third parties like your ISP, hackers, and authorities. Also, NordVPN has DNS/IP leak protection to prevent your DNS queries and the IP address from leaking.
The provider has a no-logs policy and doesn’t collect any data that may be used to reveal your identity or location. Moreover, it is based in the British Virgin Islands, which has friendlier privacy laws.
Unfortunately, NordVPN is one of the most expensive VPNs, but you can use the 30-day money-back guarantee to test the service risk-free.
2. Private Internet Access (PIA)
An extensive network of VPN servers with stable connectivity and reliable speeds. Has servers in all 50 US states. Keeps zero logs and is user-friendly.
More than 28,000 extensive VPN servers in more than 80 countries
Allows bittorrent traffic (P2P)
AES 128/256-bit encryption (multi-encryption)
No data retention on users
Unlimited connections simultaneously per account
Automatic kill switch feature
Strong protection for DNS and IP leaks
Maintains it policy by money-back guarantee of 30 days
Pros
- Large network of servers all over the world
- Robust privacy and security
- Long term plans are affordable
Cons
- Some of the servers are lil slow
Private Internet Access (PIA) is our last VPN recommendation to access Sling TV overseas. It works well with almost all platforms like macOS, Android, Windows, Linux, etc., and lets you use 10 devices simultaneously.
The provider operates servers in all 50 US states. This will help you to get a US-specific IP address to bypass Sling TV’s restrictions. If you want to access content in other regions, PIA has more than 28,000 servers globally.
A vast server network is advantageous. First, servers are less likely to be congested, which is good for speed. Second, you will have plenty of options to choose from if your Sling TV connection discontinues. Finally, the unlimited bandwidth adds icing on the cake.
PIA will safeguard your data with AES 256-bit encryption. This will also block your ISP from seeing that you are streaming online. More security features include DNS/IP leak protection, kill switch, MACE ad and malware blocker, perfect forward secrecy, and split tunneling.
The VPN will keep you private online by masking your IP address and not gathering your data. In addition, Deloitte, one of the big four auditing firms, has audited its no-logs policy.
3. Surfshark
As good as any budget pick can get. Employs robust security and easily bypasses blocks. Allows using VPN on unlimited devices.
More than 3,100 VPN servers spread across 60+ countries
Robust AES-256 bit encryption
P2P supporting connection
Kill switch by default
No logging on users
Multi-hop encryption
Allows unlimited devices simultaneously per account
Comes with money-back guarantee of 30days
Pros
- No limits for connections
- Several severs spread in US
- Strong privacy and security
Cons
- Can’t unblock Sling TV on some US servers
Surfshark is another reliable VPN to watch Sling TV outside America. It supports unlimited simultaneous devices and is compatible with platforms like iOS, Android, macOS, Amazon Fire Stick, Linux, and many router brands.
This VPN operates over 600 servers spread across 25 US cities. Hence, you will be able to change your IP address and stream Sling TV abroad. Also, it has 3200 servers worldwide if you want to unblock content in other countries.
The super-fast servers and the unlimited bandwidth will ensure that your Sling TV streaming is smooth without buffering or lags.
Surfshark employs several measures to keep you safe online. First, it has AES 256-bit encryption to protect your data. Second, there is DNS leak protection to prevent your DNS queries from leaking, which might reveal your identity. Third, the kill switch will ensure your traffic does not leak even when the VPN connection drops.
Its provider will not track or collect your personally identifiable information. Also, it is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, which isn’t a member of the 5/9/14 Eye Alliance.
How to watch Sling TV on your device – Detailed guide
You can watch Sling TV on multiple devices, including mobile phones, computers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. Thankfully, the installation process is straightforward. Below are quick tutorials on how to access Sling TV on different devices.
Watch Sling TV on a computer (Mac and Windows)
Here is how to watch Sling TV on a computer, Mac, or Windows.
- Choose and subscribe to a reliable VPN service.
- Download and install the VPN on your computer.
- Launch the VPN and connect to a US server.
- Open Sling TV and enjoy streaming.
Watch Sling TV on iOS (iPhone, iPad)
Here is the process for iOS devices:
- Choose and subscribe to a reliable VPN service.
- Download and install the VPN on your computer.
- Launch the VPN and connect to a US server.
- Open Sling TV and start streaming.
Sling TV on Android
Here is how to achieve it on an Android device:
- Choose and subscribe to a reliable VPN service.
- Download and install the VPN on your Android phone.
- Launch the VPN and connect to a US server.
- Clear the cache on your phone.
- Open Sling TV and start enjoying streaming.
Watch Sling TV on Smart TV
This will mainly depend on your specific smart TV model because they have different operating systems. Generally, Sling TV is compatible with smart TVs from brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, and Hisense. Luckily, the configuration process is almost similar for all out there, and here is how to do it.
- Choose and subscribe to a reliable VPN service.
- Download and install the VPN on your router.
- Launch the VPN and connect to a US server.
- Connect the smart TV to the router.
- Open Sling TV and begin streaming.
How to watch Sling TV on streaming devices
Sling TV also works well with numerous streaming devices. It even has dedicated apps for Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, Google Chromecast, Kodi, and Amazon Fire TV.
Use the tutorials below to stream Sling TV on various go-to streaming tools.
Watching Sling TV on Kodi
- Pick and subscribe to a trustworthy VPN for Kodi.
- Download and install the VPN on your router.
- Launch the VPN and connect to a US server.
- Navigate to Kodi’s Settings.
- Click on Add-ons > Install from Repository > Video Add-ons > Sling TV.
- Choose Install > Ok > Open.
- Open Sling TV on your Kodi’s home screen and enjoy streaming.
Enjoying Sling TV on Roku
- Select and subscribe to a reliable Roku VPN.
- Download and install the VPN on your router.
- Launch the VPN and connect to a US server.
- Open Sling TV on Roku’s homepage and enjoy streaming.
Process for Amazon Fire Stick
- Pick and subscribe to a trustworthy VPN service for FireStick.
- Download and install the VPN on your Fire Stick.
- Launch the VPN and connect to a US server.
- Install the Sling TV app on your Amazon Fire Stick.
- Open Sling TV and start streaming.
Sling TV on Apple TV
- Choose and subscribe to a trustworthy Apple TV VPN.
- Download and install the VPN on your router.
- Launch the VPN and connect to a US server.
- Install the Sling TV app on Apple TV.
- Open Sling TV and enjoy streaming.
Watch Sling TV on Chromecast
- Select and subscribe to a robust VPN provider.
- Download and install the VPN on your router.
- Launch the VPN and connect to a US server.
- Open the Sling TV app on your mobile device.
- Click on the Cast icon.
- Choose the Chromecast device you want to connect.
- Enjoy streaming on Sling TV.
Sling TV is not working even with a VPN!
You may already be using a VPN but can still not access Sling TV outside the US. This can be because of:
- The VPN cannot bypass Sling TV restrictions.
- Sling TV has blocklisted the VPN server’s IP addresses.
- Leakage of your actual IP address.
The solutions to these issues are:
- Ensure your internet connection is stable.
- Make sure you have connected to a US server.
- Contact the VPN’s customer service.
- Choose another VPN provider that’s tested to work with Sling TV, like ExpressVPN.
How to enjoy Sling TV without a VPN
Besides a VPN, you can also use a smart DNS proxy to spoof your location to trick Sling TV that you are in the US. However, it functions differently from a VPN. For example, proxies won’t encrypt your traffic but will reroute your DNS requests to the US.
A domain name system (DNS) is like an internet phone book that links domain names with associated IP addresses and locations. Usually, you are using the DNS server of your internet service provider (ISP). However, changing to a DNS server in the US will enable you to unblock Sling TV from anywhere.
Configuring a smart DNS proxy is more complicated than setting up a VPN. Thankfully, it doesn’t require the installation of extra software to work. Some of the top VPNs, such as ExpressVPN and NordVPN, also offer SmartDNS on top of VPN services. Also, more devices allow changing DNS servers, including Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.
How to watch Sling TV for free
Some free VPNs claim they can unblock Sling TV, but we urge you to disregard them. This is because most free VPNs collect and sells users’ data to third-party companies. Also, their slowness causes buffering, impeding your Sling TV streaming experience. Making it worse, free VPNs display ads and cannot bypass geo-restrictions.
However, you can use freemium VPN services like ProtonVPN and Tunnelbear VPN. Both will unblock Sling TV and will not track or record your data.
Alternatively, you can opt for the 30-day money-back guarantee of premium VPN services like ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and Private Internet Access (PIA). Moreover, Surfshark and PIA are affordable, especially if you choose long-term packages.
What to watch on Sling TV
Here is a list of the popular TV channels, TV shows, and movies on Sling TV.
TV channels
- AMC
- CNN
- Cartoon Network
- A&E
- BET
- ESPN
- HGTV
TV shows
- Yellowstone
- The Office
- Killing Eve
- The Flight Attendant
- Better Call Saul
- Doctor Who
- Better Things
Movies
- The Black Phone
- Little Women
- Jumanji: The Next Level
- Prey
- Elvis
- Top Gun: Maverick
- Everything Everywhere All at Once
Sling TV packages
Sling TV has two main packages, Blue and Orange, for $35 per month. They share many channels but have a few differences. For example, channels like AMC, CNN, and Food Network are on both packages. However, the Sling Orange package has channels like ESPN and Disney that are missing in Sling Blue.
On the other hand, Sling Blue offers a discovery channel as well as local Fox and NBC networks, while Sling Orange doesn’t have local broadcasts.
If you cannot settle on either at $50, you can pay for both packages, which means you save 25% compared to purchasing each separately.
FAQs
Yes. Most streaming services use VPN blocks to discourage users from bypassing geo-restrictions. However, the VPNs we have recommended on this list actively recycle IP addresses, and Sling TV won’t detect that you are using a VPN.
Like other popular streaming services, Sling TV doesn’t have a free trial. However, it offers new subscribers a discount of 50% on their first month.
Netflix is better because it has more content and is available in more countries. But on the other hand, Sling TV gives access to popular TV networks like Fox News, ESPN, Cartoon Network, etc. So, it will depend on your preference.
Yes, but only on the Sling Blue package that allows three simultaneous devices. Also, you can take both packages and use four simultaneous connections.
