The NFL season brings excitement to millions of football fans across the globe and many prefer the convenience of streaming these action packed matches on Apple TV whether youre tuning in for Sunday Night Football the playoffs or the Super Bowl watching NFL games on Apple TV can be easy and smooth however questions often arise about whether a VPN is required for this in this guide well explore the best ways to stream NFL games on Apple TV and discuss whether using a VPN is necessary.

1. Streaming NFL Games on Apple TV: The Basics

Apple TV has emerged as a popular choice for streaming due to its seamless integration with numerous apps and its user friendly interface there are several ways to watch NFL games on Apple TV each offering its own set of features coverage and pricing models.

NFL+ (Formerly Game Pass)

NFL+ is the NFLs official streaming service that allows fans to watch live local and prime time games on Apple TV. This service is especially valuable if youre an out of market fan wanting to follow your team from afar. Heres how you can set it up:

1. Download the NFL App: Head to the App Store on your Apple TV and download the NFL app.
2. Sign in or Subscribe: Open the app and log in with your credentials if youre an existing subscriber if not follow the prompts to sign up for an NFL+ subscription.
3. Select Your Match: Once youre signed in youll be able to browse available games NFL+ gives access to live local games prime time matchups and out of market games for international viewers.

One drawback of NFL+ is its limitations in terms of game availability in certain regions and this is where VPNs come into play but well get to that later.

Sling TV

Sling TV is another popular option for streaming NFL games it offers channels like ESPN FOX and NBC which broadcast a significant portion of the games including Monday Night Football and Sunday Night Football.

Heres how you can stream NFL on Sling TV:

1. Download Sling TV: Find and install the Sling TV app on your Apple TV via the App Store.
2. Sign up for a Sling TV Subscription: Sling has two major packages: Sling Orange (with ESPN) and Sling Blue (with FOX and NBC). You can also combine the two for broader coverage.
3. Tune into NFL Matches: Navigate through the live channels to find the NFL game you want to watch.

Sling TV offers a flexible and affordable way to catch NFL games but again regional restrictions apply which may prompt you to consider using a VPN.

YouTube TV

YouTube TV is known for its extensive coverage of live sports including NFL games with access to networks like FOX, NBC, ESPN and the NFL Network YouTube TV provides comprehensive coverage.

To stream on YouTube TV:

1. Download the YouTube TV App: Install YouTube TV from the App Store on your Apple TV.
2. Subscribe to YouTube TV: Sign up for a subscription the platform offers a free trial if youre a new user.
3. Access NFL Games: Use the search feature or browse the live channels to find the NFL game of your choice.

One of the benefits of YouTube TV is its cloud DVR feature, which allows you to record NFL games and watch them at your convenience.

FuboTV

For hardcore sports fans FuboTV is a great option as it offers one of the widest ranges of sports channels with access to CBS FOX, NBC, ESPN and the NFL Network FuboTV provides full NFL coverage.

Heres how to get started:

1. Download FuboTV: Find the FuboTV app in the Apple TV App Store.
2. Sign Up: Subscribe to FuboTV they also offer a free trial period.
3. Find NFL Games: Browse the live channels or search for NFL games to start streaming.

FuboTVs sports oriented channel lineup makes it an ideal option for NFL fans but like other streaming platforms its availability can be restricted based on your geographic location.

2. Do You Need a VPN to Watch NFL Games on Apple TV?

Now that you know the streaming options available lets talk about whether a VPN is necessary for watching NFL games on Apple TV.

Why Use a VPN for NFL Streaming?

VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) can serve several purposes when it comes to streaming NFL games:

1. Bypass Geographical Restrictions: If youre outside of the U.S. some games may be unavailable due to broadcasting restrictions a VPN allows you to connect to a server in a region where the game is available thus bypassing these blackouts.
2. Avoid Local Blackouts: Even within the U.S. NFL games can be subject to local blackout restrictions for example if a game isnt sold out in your local market it may not be available on your regular broadcasting channels a VPN can help you avoid these blackouts by connecting to a server in another region.
3. Enhance Privacy and Security: Using a VPN provides an additional layer of privacy by encrypting your internet traffic this can be beneficial if youre streaming on public Wi-Fi networks where data breaches are more common.

When Is a VPN Not Necessary?

A VPN might not be necessary in certain cases:

• If Youre in the U.S. and Have Access to All Channels: If you have a Sling TV YouTube TV, FuboTV, or NFL+ subscription and live in an area where all the games are available you wont need a VPN.
• Legal Considerations: Streaming platforms are starting to crack down on VPN usage and some may restrict your access if they detect that youre using one always ensure that you comply with the terms of service of your streaming platform.

Choosing a VPN for NFL Streaming

If you decide that you do need a VPN to watch NFL matches heres what to look for:

• Speed: Since live sports require fast, uninterrupted streaming choose a VPN that offers high-speed connections with minimal lag. Services like NordVPN, ExpressVPN and CyberGhost are known for their fast speeds.
• Server Locations: Choose a VPN provider with a large number of server locations in regions where NFL games are available this ensures that you have options for bypassing blackout restrictions.
• Compatibility with Apple TV: Not all VPNs work directly with Apple TV you may need to set up the VPN on your router or use features like Smart DNS which some VPN providers offer specifically for streaming.

3. How to Set Up a VPN for Apple TV

If youve decided to use a VPN for watching NFL games on Apple TV follow these steps:

Step 1: Choose a VPN

Pick a VPN provider that meets the criteria outlined above. ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark are all good choices for streaming.

Step 2: Set Up the VPN on Your Router

Apple TV doesnt have built in support for VPNs so youll need to configure the VPN on your Wi-Fi router:

1. Log into Your Routers Admin Panel: This is usually done by entering your routers IP address into a web browser.
2. Configure the VPN Settings: Most major VPN providers offer detailed guides on how to configure their VPN on popular router models.
3. Connect Apple TV to Your Wi-Fi Network: Once the VPN is configured on your router any device connected to that network including your Apple TV will be protected by the VPN.

Step 3: Use Smart DNS

Some VPN services offer Smart DNS features specifically designed for streaming. Heres how to set it up:

1. Go to Settings on Apple TV.
2. Select Network and Choose Your Connection.
3. Configure DNS Settings Manually: Enter the Smart DNS settings provided by your VPN.

4. Conclusion

Streaming NFL games on Apple TV offers unparalleled convenience with several apps providing comprehensive coverage however depending on your location and the specific game you want to watch using a VPN can be crucial to avoid blackout restrictions and access geo blocked content whether you opt for NFL+ Sling TV, YouTube TV or FuboTV make sure your VPN is fast reliable and compatible with Apple TV to enjoy uninterrupted NFL action.

For most U.S. viewers a VPN might not be necessary but international fans or those facing local blackout restrictions will find it invaluable for catching every touchdown interception and game changing play.