How to Watch Eurovision 2024 Live From Anywhere
The Eurovision Song Contest will be available for free on BBC iPlayer and RTÉ when the 68th edition starts on 7 May 2024. But these are not the only platforms where you can stream it, as we found more options (free and premium) that we’ll list below.
A VPN can let you safely watch Eurovision from anywhere with no buffering, so you won’t miss a second. And, by using a VPN’s secure servers, your internet service provider (ISP) won’t be able to see that you’re streaming, so it won’t throttle your speeds. I give that a full 12 points.
ExpressVPN is my top choice for securely watching Eurovision live in HD. It gave us the fastest speeds of the 50+ VPNs we tested, ideal for streaming without buffering. Apps are also user-friendly, with native ones for Apple and Android TV. Since it offers a money-back guarantee, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free for 30 days. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.
Quick Guide: How to Watch Eurovision With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps
- Get a VPN. To watch your favorite singers in UHD without buffering, ExpressVPN is my top recommendation because of its excellent speeds.
- Connect to a server. The closer the server is to your location, the better the speed.
- Watch Eurovision live. Now, your connection is fully secured, and you can watch Eurovision on your chosen platform lag-free.
Best VPNs to Watch Eurovision From Anywhere in 2024
1. ExpressVPN — Fastest Speeds for Watching Eurovision in UHD
Tested November 2024 Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Best Feature | Lightway protocol is designed for speed and uses less bandwidth — ideal for live-streaming |
Speed | With only a 3% speed loss, it’s the fastest VPN we tested |
Server Network | 3,000 high-speed servers in 105 countries, with 5 UK locations |
Compatible With | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, Android TV, routers, and more |
We never experienced interruptions or drops in quality when streaming Eurovision with ExpressVPN. Its proprietary Lightway protocol, which uses less code, allows you to watch Eurovision live without buffering. This is great for streaming on mobile, as your battery life will last longer. We tested several of its servers, and our average download speed clocked at 122.95Mbps, compared to our base connection of 127.29Mbps (only a 3% drop).
ExpressVPN has plenty of worldwide servers for securely watching Eurovision online from anywhere. During our tests, we found that it worked seamlessly with several platforms that broadcast the show, like Sling TV and BBC iPlayer. Plus, more servers means less chance of congestion, which can slow you down significantly.
Apps are easy to install and user-friendly. With a one-click connection feature, you can connect to a server and access Eurovision from anywhere with no buffering. ExpressVPN is compatible with all major operating systems, and even has native apps for newer Apple and Android TVs — simply download it from the relevant store.
While more expensive than the other VPNs listed (starting at $4.99/month), you can get up to 82% off thanks to ExpressVPN's regular discounts. I signed up for the 12-month plan and even got 3 months of service for free. All subscriptions also have a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it for streaming Eurovision without risk.
Useful Features
- MediaStreamer. With support for various US and UK streaming services, this smart DNS feature is convenient for watching Eurovision on devices that don't support VPNs. We were able to set it up on a PS5 and start streaming in under 5 minutes.
- Shortcuts. You don't need to search for BBC iPlayer every time you want to watch Eurovision. The shortcuts feature lets you launch BBC iPlayer straight from the ExpressVPN app.
- Multiple device connections. Connect up to 8 devices with one account so the whole family can use the VPN to watch movies and TV shows simultaneously.
- Automatic connection. You can configure ExpressVPN to automatically connect to your last used location when you launch the app. This lets you connect to your chosen server and start watching Eurovision in the best possible quality from anywhere without delays.
2. CyberGhost — Dedicated Servers Optimized for Streaming Eurovision
Best Feature | Streaming-optimized servers for various Eurovision broadcasters |
Speed | Fast and reliable connections to watch Eurovision without delays |
Server Network | 11,690 servers in 100 countries, including 3 UK locations |
Compatible With | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, Android TV, routers, and more |
It's convenient to stream Eurovision with CyberGhost's optimized servers for BBC iPlayer, RTBF, RaiPlay, SBS, and RTVE. The VPN team regularly checks and updates these servers to ensure they work and provide smooth, reliable connections. We tested CyberGhost’s BBC iPlayer-optimized server and were able to watch Eurovision with just a few clicks.
CyberGhost is overall one of the easiest VPNs to use, thanks to its intuitive design. Simply expand the app, click the For streaming tab, and type your country into the search bar to find a list of dedicated streaming servers on your right-hand side.
During our tests, we found that CyberGhost was only slightly slower than ExpressVPN, reducing our download speeds by only 4%. We had no issues watching the Eurovision Handover Ceremony and Draw without experiencing any frustrating delays or buffering.
On the downside, the VPN's monthly plans are costly. However, a long-term subscription is available at only $2.03/month and has all the same features. Even better, you can watch Eurovision with CyberGhost free for 45 days using the money-back guarantee. Every plan also includes up to 7 simultaneous connections.
Useful Features
- Smart DNS. This feature lets you configure CyberGhost on your smart TV, PlayStation, Xbox, and other devices that don’t usually work with VPNs. Smart DNS is handy when you want to watch Eurovision on the big screen.
- Automatic protocol selection. When you choose automatic selection in the VPN protocol settings, CyberGhost picks the fastest protocol based on your connection, providing optimal speed for watching Eurovision.
- Dedicated IP. For a small extra fee, you can get a UK IP address exclusive to you, which will let you watch Eurovision in HD more reliably from anywhere. With it, there’s a smaller chance you’ll get blocked for using a VPN, as other users can’t abuse it.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Extensive Network to Easily Find a Server for Securely Watching Eurovision
Best Feature | A huge server network with tons of servers throughout Europe and 53 US locations |
Speed | A smooth Eurovision streaming experience with only a 6% speed drop in our tests |
Server Network | 29,650 servers in 91 countries, including Manchester, London, and more |
Compatible With | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, Android TV, routers, and more |
Of all the VPNs we tested for watching Eurovision, PIA has the largest network in Europe, with thousands of IP addresses available. This means you can easily find an uncongested server to give you the fastest speeds possible. So, you can watch Eurovision without buffering from anywhere.
It also has streaming-optimized servers in the UK and several other Eurovision participating countries, including the US, Italy, Sweden, and Denmark. We tested its streaming servers and found it worked reliably with BBC iPlayer and Sling TV. These servers also gave us the best speeds.
PIA's many customization options might be overwhelming for beginners. However, all the settings come pre-configured, so you can start watching Eurovision within seconds of downloading the app, regardless of your experience level with VPNs.
Starting at $2.03/month, PIA’s prices are pocket-friendly. I recommend getting a long-term plan for the best savings. All subscriptions also have a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, you can try PIA risk-free. If you don’t like it, simply message 24/7 customer service via the live chat to get a refund.
Useful Features
- Unlimited simultaneous connections. This is useful for large households, especially when you want to watch different live TV at conflicting times.
- Server latency. PIA shows the latency next to each server. This refers to the amount of delay you'll experience. To Watch Eurovision in HD, select a server with low latency.
- Split tunneling. This allows you to route some traffic through the VPN while the rest uses your internet connection. This improves speeds, since not all your traffic gets encrypted.
Where Can I Watch the Eurovision Song Contest Online?
There are multiple broadcasters' streaming platforms that provide online access to Eurovision. As it’s considered a public service in the region, most European countries enjoy free Eurovision live streams from local broadcasters. Below are a few choices for live-streaming the Eurovision Song Contest:
Platform | Country | Cost |
Eurovision.tv | Most countries | Free |
BBC iPlayer | UK | Free |
RTE Player | Ireland (Republic of and Northern) | Free |
SBS On Demand | Australia | Free |
RTBF (French) and VRT Max (Flemish) | Belgium | Free |
DasErste.de (ARD Mediathek) | Germany | Free |
France.tv | France | Free |
RÚV | Iceland | Free |
SVT Play | Sweden | Free |
RTVE Play | Spain | Free |
Rai 1 | Italy | Free |
Peacock Premium | USA | $5.99 |
Sling TV (Blue) | USA | $45/month, no free trial |
FuboTV | USA | $79.99/month, with a 7-day free trial |
DIRECTV | USA | $69.99/month, with a 5-day free trial |
YouTube TV | USA | $72.99/month, with a 14-day free trial |
YouTube (without live commentary) | Most countries (except Australia, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, the U.S., the UK, and others) |
Free |
In the US, NBC owns the exclusive broadcasting rights for the Eurovision Song Contest. That means you should be able to watch it live with commentary with or without cable TV as long as your package includes NBC.
How to Sign Up for BBC iPlayer to Watch Eurovision
As a public service broadcaster, the BBC streams British content for free via iPlayer, including Eurovision. That means that if you have a valid UK TV license, you can watch Eurovision live for free on BBC iPlayer.
- Visit iPlayer’s website. Go to the BBC iPlayer site and create an account. You’ll need to provide your UK ZIP code and confirm that you have a TV license.
- Log in to BBC iPlayer. Use your account details to log in.
- Find Eurovision. You can browse the channels or use search. If there’s currently a live Song Contest, click the LIVE menu button.
- Confirm you have a TV license. The BBC iPlayer uses an honor system, so you don’t need to provide your TV license number. However, it’s technically against the law to stream BBC iPlayer without it.
- Start Watching Eurovision. You can now watch radio, on-demand, and live Eurovision Song Contest streams on BBC iPlayer.
FAQs on Watching Eurovision With a VPN
Can I watch Eurovision for free?
Yes, you can watch Eurovision for free on BBC iPlayer and RTÉ. In most European countries, you can also find free Eurovision live streams on RTVE and SVT. In many other countries, you can watch free live broadcasts on YouTube (without commentary) or Eurovision.tv.
Is the Eurovision app free?
The Eurovision app is free to download from the App Store or Google Play. The availability of the app depends on your location and the official broadcaster of your country. A VPN with servers in Europe can provide secure access to the Eurovision app and let you stream in HD from anywhere. The VPNs recommended here offer generous money-back guarantees, so you can try them out risk-free.
Is it legal to watch Eurovision with a VPN?
Yes, it’s legal to watch Eurovision with a VPN. VPNs are tools that protect your privacy and security online. The ones I listed can access Eurovision from anywhere in the best possible quality. However, note that some countries like China and Russia either restrict or ban VPN use, so you need to proceed with caution. The team and I advise you to always check and respect your local laws. We don’t condone using a VPN illegally.
Is Eurovision on Hulu, Netflix, HBO, or YouTube?
You can live-stream the Eurovision Song Contest on the official YouTube channel, but it’s only available in select regions. It’s also available on YouTube TV in the US. It’s possible to safely watch Eurovision on YouTube from anywhere by using a VPN, as long as it has servers in countries where the Song Contest is available on the platform.
While Netflix offers the Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga comedy, it doesn’t offer live or on-demand Eurovision coverage.
How can I watch Eurovision from the USA?
You can watch Eurovision from the US via the NBC channel. NBC holds exclusive broadcast rights to the Eurovision Song Contest in the US, so as long as your TV package contains NBC, you’ll be able to watch it live. Furthermore, a VPN with servers in the US makes it possible to access Eurovision in HD from anywhere.
Can I use a free VPN to stream Eurovision live?
Using a free VPN to stream Eurovision live is generally not recommended. Free services often restrict speed, bandwidth, and data, so you'll likely experience buffering and delays trying to watch Eurovision. A premium VPN with a money-back guarantee is a more reliable alternative since they have fast servers worldwide.
Many free VPNs lack the security and privacy features needed to keep you safe when streaming. Some even infect your device with malware or sell your data to advertisers to make money.
What is the Eurovision 2024 schedule?
The Eurovision Song Contest kicks off on 7 May 2024 with the first semi-final. The second semi-final is on 9 May, with the Grand Final taking place on 11 May. Live contests will be broadcast on all streaming services at 21:00 CEST (15:00 ET / 12:00 PT). However, there will also be other live events and behind-the-scenes shows throughout the course of the contest.
Can I watch Eurovision on TikTok?
Yes, you can watch Eurovision on TikTok. However, the TikTok content combines the official broadcast and backstage views during performances. You won’t be able to watch entire TV episode broadcasts in full. Eurovision is available on various platforms in multiple countries, all of which provide a greater amount of coverage than TikTok.
Watch Eurovision Live in Minutes
Eurovision is shown across the world, but it’s not broadcast in every country. The good news is that a VPN with servers in the UK, Ireland, and across Europe can provide secure access to Eurovision in HD from anywhere. This means you can watch the Eurovision Song Contest for free while securing your data from streaming platforms and advertisers.
ExpressVPN is the best choice to stream Eurovision online securely. It offers many fast European servers that allow you to stream without buffering, so you won’t miss out on any performances. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN risk-free.
To summarize, these are the best VPNs for watching Eurovision from anywhere…
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!
Your IP Address:
Your Location:
Your Internet Provider:
The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.
VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 82% off.
Please, comment on how to improve this article. Your feedback matters!