Instead of paying for an extra cable or satellite TV subscription, the easiest workaround is using a VPN. My team and I tested 60+ services to find the best VPNs for MLB.TV. We looked for reliable servers that could bypass MLB.TV geo-blocks and stream smoothly on any device. ExpressVPN is my top recommendation for watching MLB. It has a vast network of speedy servers in the US and closeby territories, like Canada, for seamlessly streaming blacked out games. Obfuscation and tough encryption features also make it easy to bypass MLB.TV geo-restrictions. You can confidently test ExpressVPN yourself because it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Get the Best VPN for MLB.TV Now
Best VPNs for MLB.TV — Full Analysis (Updated in 2023)
All these shortlisted VPNs offer you quick US servers for bypassing MLB blackouts and streaming baseball games, including the World Series. While all VPNs can be expected to slow you down somewhat, my recommendations are so fast that any speed drop is unnoticeable. They’re secure too, and can be used with multiple devices simultaneously. You can easily get refunded if you change your mind because each VPN also comes with a money-back guarantee. There are representatives on live chat support to help out if you have any problems.
1. ExpressVPN — Impressive Speeds to Watch Blacked Out MLB Games Live in UHD
ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol is remarkably fast for watching MLB.TV. The protocol runs on less code, making it speedier for streaming. While testing ExpressVPN, I watched videos in 4K without buffering. Its New York servers clocked 47 Mbps, dropping just 6% from my 50 Mbps base connection (MLB.TV only requires 5 Mbps to stream in its highest quality). Bandwidth also isn’t capped, meaning you can watch as many games as you like. Unblocking MLB games is effortless, thanks to the large server coverage including 24 US locations. Due to blackouts, I couldn’t watch the Chicago Braves vs. Phillies playoffs. But when I connected to the New York servers, I watched the game without problems. There are also servers in 94 countries for getting around national blackouts. The VPN’s obfuscation hides VPN traffic from detection, making it easier to bypass geo-blocks. Besides getting around MLB blackouts, this also means you can use ExpressVPN with your other geo-restricted streaming accounts like HBO Max, Peacock TV, and Hulu+ Live TV. Robust military-grade encryption offers protection for streaming MLB.TV anywhere, including on unsecured public WiFi hotspots. There’s also a kill switch to block internet access if the VPN accidentally disconnects, which might expose your IP address (though my connection was always stable). Besides, ExpressVPN’s IPv6/DNS leak protection keeps your IP address hidden so that MLB.TV doesn’t block you. The VPN doesn’t collect your browsing activity and sensitive data because of a strict no-logs policy. TrustedServer tech uses RAM-only servers that automatically wipe your data with every reboot. Plus, ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, which doesn’t belong to the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances (countries that share their citizens’ internet data). A minor drawback of the VPN is its pricey plans; subscriptions start from $6.67/month. However, ExpressVPN has regular discounts. For example, I got 49% off and 3 months for free when I purchased the yearly plan. The service accepts a range of payment options including PayPal, credit cards, Bitcoin, and PaymentWall. There’s a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee backing the VPN as well. So, you can easily get refunded if you change your mind. After messaging the reps on chat, it took just 1 day to get my money back in my PayPal wallet. Try ExpressVPN Today
2. CyberGhost — An Impressive US Server Network to Bypass MLB.TV Blackouts
CyberGhost has extensive server coverage in the US — 11 server locations across the country. You can access multiple IP addresses to bypass MLB.TV blackouts at the local, state, or national levels. There are also optimized servers for unblocking other platforms that show live MLB games, like Fox and ESPN. This means you have multiple ways of watching baseball from anywhere. Streaming-optimized servers around the world also help you watch international content. During my tests, CyberGhost’s US servers were super fast for bufferless streaming. It didn’t quite match ExpressVPN, but the Atlanta servers clocked 46 Mbps — a small drop of 8% from my usual connection. I watched the Dodgers vs. Padres postseason game in UHD, trouble-free. All the servers have unlimited bandwidth, allowing you to stream baseball games in high quality without restrictions. The VPN’s AES 256-bit encryption provides ample protection from cyber threats. State-of-the-art tunneling protocols, like WireGuard, enhance your online safety without compromising speed. There’s also an automatic kill switch and leak protection to prevent sites from seeing your IP address and DNS requests. CyberGhost doesn’t keep logs of your activity either, so there would be no data to share even if legally requested. It’s relatively expensive to use CyberGhost’s monthly subscription (plus, it only comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee). However, the extended plans are very affordable — starting from just $2.11/month. I recommend the 3-year plan for the best savings. PayPal, credit cards, and Bitcoin are all accepted. You can also test CyberGhost for free by taking advantage of the 45-day money-back guarantee on the longer plans. It’s super easy to get a refund. I sent my request to support via email and received a response almost immediately. The refund appeared on my credit card after 2 days. Try CyberGhost Today
3. Private Internet Access — Ad-Blocker to Safely Stream MLB.TV Without Annoying Interruptions
PIA’s MACE feature blocks troublesome ads on MLB.TV, so you can stream games in peace. I watched baseball on the Chrome browser and the MLB.TV mobile app without any issues. MACE can even block the trackers used by third parties to monitor your online activity. By blocking ads on webpages, the VPN also saves bandwidth, giving you a smoother, faster browsing experience. To further safeguard your online privacy, there’s DNS/IP leak protection. In my tests, PIA didn’t expose my identity information — allowing me to browse safely. The VPN’s zero-logs policy means it doesn’t sell your data to advertisers either. More security features include a kill switch and robust tunneling protocols (WireGuard and OpenVPN). You can avoid MLB blackouts with the servers across 53 major US cities. During my tests, I used the Houston servers to watch the Yankees vs. Guardians game. Besides bypassing the MLB geo-blocks at the first attempt, the VPN’s NextGen servers delivered steady speeds averaging 43.50 Mbps. These slight drops of only 15% didn’t impact HD streaming. A minor con of PIA is its many custom settings, which can be tricky if you haven’t used a VPN before. However, the apps come pre-configured so you can skip any complex setup. The default 128-bit AES encryption is especially good for blending security and speed while streaming baseball. Just switch to the more secure 256-bit AES encryption if you want to maximize online privacy. It’s also easy to get support on the 24/7 live chat if you have any questions. The VPN’s subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. I tested the refund policy myself and got reimbursed without hassle. After submitting a ticket, it took 4 days for the money to show up in my bank account. Try Private Internet Access Today
4. IPVanish — Unlimited Connections to Watch MLB.TV on All Your Devices
IPVanish lets you unblock MLB.TV on as many devices as you like at the same time. It can be installed on a variety of devices too, including smart TVs. While testing IPVanish, I simultaneously connected my smartphone, tablet, and MacBook and streamed content seamlessly. The apps were simple to use on all my devices and the reps on 24/7 live chat helped me to set up on Roku. Connection speeds remained fast despite my streaming MLB.TV on multiple devices. Though IPVanish wasn’t as fast as ExpressVPN, my speeds reached 42 Mbps and I smoothly streamed games in HD. The ample server coverage in 20 US locations, and 75 countries worldwide, lets you avoid MLB blackouts. I used the Los Angeles servers to watch the Mariners take on the Astros. A downside of IPVanish is that it’s based in the US, a member of the 5 Eyes Alliance. However, you still get high-end privacy thanks to an audited no-logs policy. Your data isn’t stored, so there’s nothing to share, even if it’s requested by the US government. Also, the VPN owns its entire server network to avoid any third-party snooping. Additional features like strong encryption, a kill switch, and VIPRE antivirus (paid for separately) give robust protection too. The subscriptions start from $2.49/month. Among the plans offered, the yearly subscription is the most pocket-friendly. You can try out IPVanish for free because it’s supported by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Getting a refund from the service is effortless. I logged into my account and clicked the “I wish to cancel my subscription” button. After that, my debit card was refunded within 5 days. Try IPVanish Today
5. PrivateVPN — Simple Apps to Easily Find Servers for Watching MLB.TV
PrivateVPN has a straightforward user interface for unblocking MLB.TV, whether on phone or computer devices. You can easily find servers in any location from the home screen. The app displays ping data to help you choose fast servers. Plus, you can save your frequently used servers on the “Favorites’’ list (for easy access later on). I also got a quick response from PrivateVPN’s support team (available 22 hours a day) during my tests. The VPN boasts High-Quality Network (HQN) servers that are faster than regular servers. I tested the Miami servers and my connections reached 40 Mbps (just a 20% reduction). This allowed me to watch MLB games without any buffering. Additional features to increase download speeds are offered too, like SOCKS5 proxy and port forwarding. Like PIA, PrivateVPN offers 256-bit and 128-bit AES encryption for secure and fast browsing. Leak protection and a kill switch also give you an additional layer of safety. Plus, there’s a no-logs policy so your data doesn’t end up in the wrong hands. The provider also owns its whole network to guard against tampering. My only concern when testing the service is that its server network is relatively small. However, the servers across 12 US locations let you bypass MLB geo-blocks easily. While connected to the New York servers, I watched the Marlins vs. Braves game on my MLB.TV account without any problems. You can get PrivateVPN for only $2/month. I recommend the 3-year subscription because it’s the most affordable in the long run. A 30-day money-back guarantee also backs the VPN. I had no issues getting a refund after sending an email to support. The money was returned to my credit card within a week. Try PrivateVPN Today
Quick Comparison Table: MLB.TV VPN Features
Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for MLB.TV
I shortlisted the best MLB.TV VPNs after doing multiple performance tests. If you wish to do your own tests, here are some essential things to consider.
US and global servers. Your chosen VPN should have good server coverage, especially within the US, so it’s easy to bypass MLB.TV blackouts and watch games from anywhere. Good speeds. You need a fast internet connection and unlimited bandwidth if you want to watch games without buffering — especially if you’re streaming MLB.TV live. The site requires 5 Mbps minimum to stream in the highest quality (or 3 Mbps for HD and 1.8 Mbps for SD), so go for a VPN that doesn’t drop your speeds by any more than 50%. Strong security features. Military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP leak protection help to hide your real IP address so that MLB.TV doesn’t block you. They also give you enhanced online privacy as a bonus. Easy-to-use apps. The VPN should be user-friendly with simple guides to setting up on mobile, PC, and smart TV devices for streaming MLB.TV however you like. Live chat customer support should be available too. Reliable money-back guarantee. A trustworthy refund policy lets you test a VPN without risks. You can ask for your money back if the service isn’t satisfactory.
How to Watch MLB.TV Games on the MLB At Bat App With a VPN
Using a VPN with the MLB At Bat app is a little more complicated. This app uses your phone’s GPS to detect where you are (rather than your IP address). A VPN is essential, but a VPN can’t spoof your GPS location on its own — you need to take some extra steps first.
How to Use a VPN With the MLB.TV At Bat App on Android
How to Use a VPN With the MLB.TV At Bat App on iOS
For smart TVs or devices that don’t directly support VPNs, like Apple TV, look for a VPN with a SmartDNS feature (ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer is especially easy to use). SmartDNS lets you configure the DNS settings on your device to a different location. So you can get around baseball blackouts and enjoy MLB.TV on the big screen. Another option is to install a VPN on your router. This can be quite tricky and involves manual installation, but most VPNs include step-by-step guides on their websites. Once you have a VPN on your router, every device connected to your network is also covered by the VPN. Just pick a server in any location where the live game is showing, connect your smart TV to your router, and enjoy your blacked out game. Get the Best VPN for MLB.TV
How do MLB.TV blackouts work?
MLB.TV blocks certain games from showing locally, regionally, or nationally. This is usually because different broadcasters have the rights to stream games in different regions. A quick workaround is to use a reliable VPN with servers in locations where your chosen MLB game isn’t blocked. MLB.TV uses your IP address to detect your location. If it sees that you’re in a region that’s under a blackout for a certain game, it blocks your access. But a VPN can hide your real IP address and let you borrow one from a location that isn’t subjected to a blackout. That way, you can watch any Major League Baseball games you like. While MLB officials have said they would like to put an end to blackouts in the future, this doesn’t look like it’s going to happen any time soon. The broadcasting rights for MLB are usually governed by contracts that last for several years. You can check if an MLB blackout applies to your region on the MLB website.
How can I watch MLB games from abroad?
Use a VPN. A VPN lets you watch MLB games from anywhere. If you’re somewhere that’s experiencing blackouts, connect to a VPN server in another location to bypass the MLB geo-block. Afterward, you can log in to your MLB.TV account and watch your favorite teams play.
Can MLB.TV detect a VPN?
Yes, if your VPN doesn’t hide your location well. Some VPNs don’t do a great job of masking your IP address. You need a VPN with robust security and leak protection to properly hide your IP and location. That way, the MLB.TV website can’t detect that you’re circumventing the blackouts and block you.
What should I do if my VPN isn’t working with MLB.TV?
Try switching servers or clearing your cookies and cache. You may be using a blacklisted IP address or your browser data might be giving away your location. Connect to a different VPN server to find an IP address that works with MLB.TV. If it’s not on by default, enabling the leak protection feature on your VPN can help to make sure your actual IP address and DNS requests are well-hidden. Here’s which solution to try if you need to solve the following error codes:
There was an unexpected internal error” — This usually means MLB.TV has detected that you’re using a VPN. Switching servers or enabling obfuscation can help you bypass this error message. “We have determined this game is unavailable in your area” — If you get this message, your IP address is still showing as one that’s blocked by a blackout. Switch to a different VPN server or clear your cookies so MLB.TV can’t use them to tell where you are. “R303” — This is a connection error. If the MLB.TV site works when you don’t use a VPN, try restarting or reinstalling the VPN to fix any connection issues. If you get the same error message after rebooting, contact your VPN provider to see if there’s a problem with the server network.
Is it illegal to use a VPN for MLB.TV?
VPNs are legal to use in most countries. Besides helping you bypass MLB.TV geo-blocks, VPNs also boost your online privacy so you can stream with peace of mind. That said, it’s worth noting that using a VPN may go against MLB.TV’s T&Cs. VPNs are also restricted or banned in some countries, like China, Russia, and Belarus. Make sure to check the laws and regulations in your area first before using a VPN.
Can I use a VPN to avoid MLB.TV blackouts on Smart TV devices?
Yes, just choose a VPN that’s compatible with your chosen Smart TV device. The best VPNs either have native apps for Smart TVs and devices like Firestick, or they’re compatible with routers. Here’s an easy guide to setting up your VPN on a Smart TV device. Installing a VPN on a router lets you watch blacked out games on Smart TVs that don’t support VPNs like Apple TV and Roku. The method also works with screen mirroring tech devices like Chromecast.
Can I get around MLB blackouts with SmartDNS?
Yes, SmartDNS service can unblock MLB.TV content. But it can’t encrypt your traffic, so it doesn’t offer the same protection as a VPN.instead of simply using SmartDNS service, get a VPN offering SmartDNS as a side feature.
What are the alternatives to MLB.TV?
MLB.TV is the official streaming service for Major League Baseball. However, you can also watch the MLB World Series and playoffs from other subscription services. Some of the platforms that stream MLB games are:
ESPN Fox FS1 TBS Sling TV FuboTV YouTubeTV AT&T TV Now Sky Sports NBC ABC TV
Are there blackouts on MLB Extra Innings?
Yes, MLB blackouts also apply to Extra Innings. If you want to watch the extension games, simply connect to a VPN server in any location that isn’t blacked out. Afterward, you can watch the exciting series as teams battle to break game ties.
Why do I need a VPN to watch MLB?
A VPN lets you get around MLB blackouts. MLB.TV uses your IP address to see where you’re located. If you’re in a region where a game is blacked out, the site blocks you. Spoofing your IP and location with a VPN is the easiest way to bypass these geo-blocks. MLB.TV doesn’t base its blackouts on your billing address, just your IP address. However, if you watch games on At Bat, the app can use your phone’s GPS to see where you are. A VPN can’t usually spoof your GPS, so here are some alternative solutions for getting around blackouts on At Bat.
Can I use a free VPN for MLB.TV?
It’s not recommended. Free VPNs usually don’t have enough servers to bypass MLB blackouts across the US. A premium VPN with a money-back guarantee is much more reliable for watching MLB.TV. Paid VPNs can afford bigger server networks, so they’re better at getting around geo-blocks. Also, they don’t restrict essential streaming features like speed and bandwidth (which most free VPNs do). Another major problem with free VPNs is that they can rarely afford the same strong security features as paid services. This can put your sensitive data at risk. Some free VPNs have even been caught logging and selling this data themselves. Others can install trackers and malware on your device. Get a Reliable VPN for MLB.TV
Get the Best VPN for MLB.TV Today
Reliable VPNs can bypass MLB.TV blackouts without any issues. They have good streaming speeds and deploy features like leak protection to safeguard your online privacy. ExpressVPN is my top recommendation. It runs an impressive server network in the US and abroad for bypassing regional, national, or international MLB blackouts. The proprietary Lightway protocol is super fast and secure, allowing you to smoothly watch Major League Baseball games from anywhere. You can also confidently try out ExpressVPN because it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Simply get your money back if you’re not 100% happy.
To summarize, here are the best VPNs for MLB.TV
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