From binge-worthy Netflix originals to live sports on ESPN and HBO’s award-winning series, US TV provides a vast library of quality entertainment. However, if you’re in Italy, accessing American shows and channels isn’t as straightforward.
Due to geo-restrictions and licensing agreements, content exclusive to the US is often blocked for international viewers. This can be a headache for expats, travelers, and locals in Italy who want to enjoy the variety of US TV.
Thankfully, there’s a way around these restrictions—using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN works like an app that can be installed on both mobile devices and computers. It allows you to change your online location, making it seem like you’re browsing from within the United States.
So whether you’re looking to catch up on the latest episode of a US drama, stay up-to-date with American news, or access the vast Netflix US library, a VPN is your go-to tool for bypassing geo-blocks and enjoying US TV content seamlessly in Italy.
Best VPNs for Watching US TV Channels in Italy in 2026
The right VPN will help bypass geo-restrictions while providing stable connections and excellent speeds. All of this comes together to make sure you get a smooth streaming experience no matter what you are into.
Below are some of the best VPNs available for watching US TV in Italy, starting with the industry leader.
8922 servers
127 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
10 simultaneous connections
9.4 /10
3000 servers
105 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
10 simultaneous connections
9.1 /10
27000 servers
91 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
Unlimited connections
9 /10
1. NordVPN
NordVPN stands out as the best VPN for accessing US TV in Italy, offering robust security, exceptional speeds, and reliable unblocking capabilities. The service offers over 6,400 servers across 111 countries, with 1,900+ servers located in the US alone. These servers are optimized for streaming, so you won’t have to deal with buffering or lag.
Smooth Streaming with NordLynx
One of the reasons NordVPN performs so well for streaming is its NordLynx protocol, which is based on WireGuard. This protocol is built for speed without compromising security. When we tested NordVPN, we found that it consistently retained over 90% of our base internet speed, making it one of the fastest VPNs available. With NordLynx, HD and even 4K streaming are a breeze.
SmartPlay for Unblocking US TV Platforms
NordVPN’s SmartPlay feature is designed specifically for streaming, helping you bypass even the toughest geo-blocks from services like Netflix US (it’s the most reliable Netflix VPN), Hulu, HBO Max, and more. It automatically connects you to the best server for unblocking specific platforms, so you don’t need to worry about manually switching servers.
Pricing & Customer Support
Starting at just over $3 per month on a two-year plan, NordVPN offers an affordable way to access top US TV content.
Plus, with a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 customer support, you can test out the service risk-free and resolve any issues promptly.
Pros
- Vast server network, including 1,900+ US servers
- SmartPlay feature optimizes streaming
- Fast speeds with NordLynx protocol
- AES-256 encryption for top-notch security
- 24/7 customer support
- Support for 10 devices simultaneously
Cons
- Only a 7-day trial on Android devices
2. ExpressVPN
When it comes to streaming US TV from Italy without interruptions, ExpressVPN is among the ones.
Known for its fast speeds, security features, and seamless ability to bypass geo-restrictions, ExpressVPN delivers a strong streaming experience across all major platforms, including Netflix US, Hulu, and ESPN.
Fastest Streaming Speeds with Lightway Protocol
ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol is built to offer a balance between speed and security.
In our tests, ExpressVPN consistently provided high speeds, often retaining around 80-90% of the base internet speed. With 3,000+ servers in over 94 countries, you’ll have plenty of options for connecting to the best available server to stream US content.
Wide Access to US TV Channels and Platforms
ExpressVPN’s vast server network includes multiple servers in the US, optimized to unblock all major streaming platforms. Whether you’re tuning in to watch live sports, news, or the latest series, ExpressVPN makes it easy to access US TV content. We tested this on popular US channels like HBO Max and CBS, and ExpressVPN offered smooth, high-quality streaming every time. It’s no surprise so many people consider it a top VPN for HBO.
User-Friendly Experience Across All Devices
ExpressVPN boasts user-friendly apps that are easy to navigate, with a quick-connect feature to help you connect to the best server for your needs. The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and routers.
Pricing & Support
While ExpressVPN is slightly more expensive than some of its competitors, with prices starting at around $6 per month on an annual plan, it does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee for a risk-free trial. More details can be found in our article explaining how to get an ExpressVPN free trial.
Pros
- Fast speeds with Lightway protocol for streaming
- Simplified user interface
- Top-tier security features for private browsing
- User-friendly app with a quick-connect option
- Plenty of servers across the US
Cons
- Limited to eight simultaneous connections
- No free trial for a desktop system\
3. Private Internet Access (PIA)
If you’re looking for a more affordable VPN without compromising on speed, security, or access to US content, Private Internet Access (PIA) stands out. With a massive server network and strong privacy features, PIA is an excellent option for accessing American TV channels from Italy.
Vast Server Network for Access to US Content
PIA offers an extensive network of over 30,000 servers in 91 countries, ensuring that you can always find a reliable and fast server to stream US TV from Italy. Its servers are optimized for both speed and unblocking capabilities, allowing easy access to major US streaming platforms like Netflix US, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
Reliable Streaming Speeds & Performance
While PIA may not be the fastest VPN on this list, its speeds are still reliable for high-definition streaming. In our speed tests, PIA consistently performed well, even when accessing US content from Italy on services like HBO Max, CBS, and ESPN.
User Experience & Simultaneous Device Connections
PIA is highly configurable, which might make it slightly more complex for beginners, but it comes pre-configured, so you can use it right out of the box. Plus, PIA offers unlimited simultaneous connections for streaming on your laptop, smartphone, or smart TV.
Pricing & Support
One of the most attractive aspects of PIA is its budget-friendly pricing, with plans starting at around $2 per month on a two-year plan. This makes PIA one of the most cost-effective options for streaming US TV content without compromising quality.
Having trouble deciding? Read the PIA VPN vs ExpressVPN comparison to gain more clarity.
Pros
- Affordable without compromising features
- Server in all 50 states for access to US content
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Highly customizable settings
Cons
- The complex interface may not be beginner-friendly
- Not the fastest compared to NordVPN
How to Watch US TV Channels in Italy Using a VPN
If you’re in Italy and looking to access US-based content, like shows on PBS, using a VPN is a reliable and straightforward method.
For this example, we’ll walk you through how to use NordVPN, one of the most trusted and effective VPNs for streaming US content.
Step 1: Sign Up and Install NordVPN
Head over to the NordVPN website and choose a subscription plan that suits your needs. Once you’ve signed up and created an account, download and install the NordVPN app on your preferred device.
Step 2: Connect to a US Server
Once NordVPN is installed, open the app and log in using your account credentials. From the app interface, connect to a US-based server. NordVPN provides over 1,900 servers in the US, so you have plenty of options.
Step 3: Access the PBS Platform
Now that your connection is routed through a US server, head to the PBS website or open the PBS app on your device. With NordVPN masking your IP address as if you are in the US, you’ll be able to access all the content available on PBS, from local news to your favorite TV shows and documentaries.
Step 4: Start Streaming US TV Shows from Italy
Enjoy your favorite US-based content on PBS without buffering or interruptions. Thanks to NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol, you’ll experience fast speeds and stable connections. This protocol ensures that you can stream in HD or 4K quality smoothly.
With these steps, you can easily access and stream PBS and other US TV content from Italy without any geo-restrictions. And since NordVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it out risk-free to ensure it meets your streaming needs.
Final Thoughts
When choosing the right VPN for streaming US TV channels in Italy, each option brings something unique to the table.
NordVPN shines with its outstanding speeds, SmartPlay technology for flawless unblocking, and a vast network of US servers, making it the top choice for uninterrupted access to your favorite shows on platforms like PBS, Netflix, and Hulu.
ExpressVPN stands out for its seamless user experience and robust security features, with reliable access to various US-based streaming services. Private Internet Access (PIA) offers an extensive server network and good customization options, making it ideal for those who value privacy and affordability.
Unblock US TV Channels with NordVPN
FAQs
Now that you know more about watching the best US TV live shows and streaming services online, here are some extra queries answered for you.
Can I unblock live US sports on platforms like ESPN or Peacock from Italy with a VPN?
Yes, with a VPN, you can easily access live US sports on platforms like ESPN, Peacock, and NBC Sports while in Italy. Simply connect to a VPN server in the US, and you’ll be able to stream live events like the NFL (when you’re back in the United States, you can also use a VPN to watch out-of-market NFL games), NBA, or MLB just as if you were watching from within the US.
How do I choose the best VPN server to watch US TV from Italy?
For the best streaming experience, connect to a server in the US city closest to the streaming platform’s main server or a server with the lowest ping.
For example, if you’re streaming content from the East Coast, choose a server in New York. VPNs like NordVPN offer features like “Quick Connect,” which automatically selects the best available server for you.
What if the VPN doesn’t work with my preferred US streaming platform?
In rare cases, a VPN might struggle to access a certain platform because of anti-VPN measures. If that happens, try switching to a different US server or contact your VPN’s customer support for assistance. NordVPN offers 24/7 live chat support to help with any access issues.