How to Watch Ligue 1 Online With a VPN in 2024
As a fellow football fan, I know how disappointing it is to miss out on the weekly Ligue 1 live-action. Unfortunately, most broadcasters with Ligue 1 rights are restricted to the US and France, so you won’t be able to stream the games abroad.
Theoretically, you can use a VPN to obtain a foreign IP address and stream French Ligue 1 from another country. However, be aware that this action might violate the terms and conditions of the streaming services (Canal+ or beIN Sports) and could be considered a breach of copyright.
However, if you just want to use a VPN for secure streaming, my top pick for watching Ligue 1 is ExpressVPN. It offers military-grade encryption and excellent speeds to watch football games in HD without interruptions. You can test ExpressVPN yourself risk-free for 30 days, as every plan is backed by a money-back guarantee. 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.
Watch Ligue 1 Online Buffer-Free >>
Quick Guide: How to Watch Ligue 1 Online With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps
- Get a VPN.
ExpressVPN is my top recommendation due to its excellent speeds and reliable servers for watching Ligue 1 securely in UHD. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free, thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. - Connect to a local server.
For example, if you’re in France, connecting to a nearby server will give you faster speeds for streaming Ligue 1 on your Canal+ account. - Watch Ligue 1 live.
You can now visit your favorite streaming platform and catch the live action without worrying about online snoops.
Best VPNs for Watching Ligue 1 Online in 2024
1. ExpressVPN — Superb Speeds to Watch Ligue 1 Live Buffer-Free
Tested November 2024 Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Best Feature | The fastest speeds of all VPNs on this list for streaming Ligue 1 |
Device Compatibility | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, browsers, gaming consoles, smart TVs, Fire TV Stick, Roku, and more |
Server Network | 3,000 servers in 105 countries, including the US and France |
Number of Simultaneous Connections | Watch Ligue 1 while securing your other devices with 8 simultaneous connections max |
Thanks to its proprietary Lightway protocol, ExpressVPN has some of the fastest speeds of any VPN I’ve tested. I used its France servers, and my speeds only dropped by 6%, which is very impressive since many VPNs reduce your speeds by over 50%. While in France, I never missed any Ligue 1 action due to slow loading or buffering streams.
All ExpressVPN apps are user-friendly and compatible with major operating systems like Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows. I liked that you could “favorite” your preferred server for streaming Ligue 1 games for easy access later. Plus, the apps are easy to install and take little to no setup — I managed to install ExpressVPN and start watching live football matches on my Windows laptop in just a couple of minutes.
The only downside is that it is somewhat expensive, with prices starting at $6.67/month. However, the good news is that ExpressVPN offers significant discounts for long-term subscribers. You also won’t be risking your money, as it backs all its plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Useful Features
- MediaStreamer. If you want to watch Ligue 1 games on the big screen, Smart DNS lets you access your streaming platforms on devices that don’t support VPNs, like gaming consoles and Smart TVs. ExpressVPN has quick and straightforward step-by-step guides on how to set it up.
- 24/7 live chat support. If you ever have trouble accessing your Ligue 1 stream, you can always get help from ExpressVPN’s live chat support. They are available around the clock and usually reply almost instantly.
- Shortcuts. This is a very convenient feature that lets you add shortcuts to some of your most used websites so you can connect to the VPN and your favorite Ligue 1 broadcaster with just a click.
- IP/DNS leak protection. ExpressVPN passed every IP leak test I ran on it. It also only uses private DNS servers, meaning only the VPN handles your DNS queries.
2. CyberGhost — Streaming-Optimized Servers to Reliably Watch Ligue 1 Without Interruptions
Best Feature | Offers streaming-optimized servers for Canal+, Amazon Prime Video France, and Sling TV to stream Ligue 1 |
Device Compatibility | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, browsers, gaming consoles, smart TVs, and more |
Server Network | 11,690 servers in 100 countries, with servers optimized for streaming Ligue 1 |
Number of Simultaneous Connections | 7 simultaneous connections allow you to stream Ligue 1 on most of your household devices without interruption |
CyberGhost’s standout feature is its dedicated servers for streaming Ligue 1 on popular platforms, like Canal+ and Amazon Prime Video France. These servers are meticulously managed to guarantee full functionality and provide fast speeds for their intended platform. While in France, I tested CyberGhost’s server optimized for Canal+ and watched Ligue 1 without interruptions.
Though CyberGhost's speeds don't quite match those of ExpressVPN, its performance remains quite impressive. It reduced my connections by around 20% on average when testing France servers. The VPN uses the speedy WireGuard protocol, which I utilized for streaming Ligue 1. Overall, lag was not a major issue, and live streaming of games was generally seamless.
The one catch is that CyberGhost only offers a 14-day money-back guarantee with its monthly plan. However, you can try CyberGhost risk-free for 45 daysif you subscribe long-term. As the monthly plan is a bit pricey, I chose its longest plan because it’s the best value for money, starting at just $2.03/month.
Useful Features
- App rules. This feature is a part of CyberGhost’s Smart rules. With it, you can configure the VPN to automatically launch and connect to a specific server when you run your streaming app. This can streamline your experience watching Ligue 1, as you don’t have to manually connect your VPN every time.
- Adjust MTU size. By setting this to Small or Auto, CyberGhost optimizes your data transmission, thus minimizing buffering and latency issues. This provides a smoother streaming experience for watching Ligue 1 live, particularly if your network is slow.
- Wi-Fi protection. These settings allow you to control whether or not CyberGhost should connect on secured and unsecured Wi-Fi networks. This helps you always stay protected when watching Ligue 1, even outside in a café or another space with public Wi-Fi.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Unlimited Simultaneous Connections to Watch Ligue 1 on All Your Devices
Best Feature | No limits in regard to how many devices you can use the VPN on to stream Ligue 1 |
Device Compatibility | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, browsers, gaming consoles, smart TVs, and more |
Server Network | A vast network of 29,650 servers in 91 countries, with optimized streaming servers in the US |
Number of Simultaneous Connections | Watch Ligue 1 and share PIA with your entire household thanks to its offer of unlimited simultaneous device connections |
Whether you're juggling between conflicting games or want to share the streaming experience with your family, PIA allows you to use it on all your devices without any limitations. During my testing, I was able to stream effortlessly on various devices. I often use it to follow multiple Ligue 1 games being played at the same time so I don’t miss out on anything.
PIA’s drawback is that it’s slower than the other VPNs on this list, with a 24% drop on average, as per my tests. However, it compensates with a high degree of control over your performance. You can adjust various settings, like the MTU packet size, protocol, and encryption level, to find the best setup for Ligue 1. In most cases, the pre-configured settings still work well enough for HD streaming.
You can try PIA out for free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. It’s also one of the more affordable long-term options out there, with prices starting at $2.03/month.
Useful Features
- Split tunneling. With PIA, you have the freedom to specify which apps should use the VPN connection. While in France, I configured my browser to use the VPN tunnel, allowing me to stream Ligue 1 on my Canal+ account, while FIFA 2023 stayed on my regular connection, letting me game online at low latency.
- Connection Automation. This feature allows you to automate your PIA connections based on what Wi-Fi network you’re connected to. This helps ensure effortless and safe access to Ligue 1 streams, even on public and unsecured Wi-Fi.
Where Can I Watch Ligue 1 Online?
Here are some of your options for watching Ligue 1 online in various countries around the globe.
beIN Sports Connect
beIN Sports Connect is a streaming service that broadcasts live sports, particularly football. It offers Ligue 1 in all countries it’s available. In the US, it’s available via OTT providers like FuboTV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV. In other countries, it offers a standalone streaming platform, including France, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and more. Prices typically start at around $15/month.
Canal+
Ligue 1 is officially broadcasted by Canal+ and beIN Sports Connect, with all matches being shown. Canal+ is a French TV network that operates on a subscription basis, offering an assortment of entertainment such as movies, series, sports, and documentaries. The network is exclusively accessible in France and Monaco, with subscription rates beginning at approximately $25 per month.
Amazon Prime Video
As of the 2021/22 season, Amazon Prime Video has acquired the rights to stream Ligue 1 for the next 3 seasons. The deal allows Amazon Prime Video to stream 8 out of 10 games each match week. However, it’s only licensed to show matches in France and French territories.
ESPN
ESPN is a global sports media network that provides comprehensive coverage of various sports events, including live broadcasts, analysis, highlights, and original programming. The platform has the rights to broadcast Ligue 1, but only in Central and South America, including Brazil, Mexico, and more.
YouTube TV
For roughly $73/month, YouTube TV offers access to 100+ channels. You can watch Ligue 1 on YouTube TV via ESPN, beIN Sports, and other channels, as long as they have broadcast rights in your country.
FuboTV
FuboTV is a US-exclusive live-streaming platform that offers over 100 different sports channels. Starting at around $75/month ($33/month for the Latino plan), you can subscribe and watch Ligue 1 live on the Fubo beIN Sports channel.
Other Platforms to Watch Ligue 1 in the US and More
You can also watch Ligue 1 in the US on Sling TV, as it offers ESPN as an add-on. If you’re in the UK or Ireland, you can stream your favorite football matches on BT Sport and Sky Sports. For Indian football lovers, Ligue 1 matches can be broadcasted on JioCinema and Voot.
In South Africa, you can try watching Ligue 1 on DSTV Now. If you’re in Germany, you can catch up on DAZN. And lastly, in a lot of countries worldwide, TV5Monde is one of the official international Ligue 1 broadcasters.
Broadcasters, like Canal+, are often required by licensing restrictions to block anyone outside certain countries from streaming Ligue 1. They can deny you access by using your IP to determine your location. For example, if you try to access Canal+ outside France, you’ll see the “CANAL+ is not available in your country error.”
Note: While you could use a VPN to stream Ligue 1 from other countries, this goes directly against the platforms’ T&Cs and could amount to copyright infringement.
FAQs on Watching Ligue 1 With a VPN
Can I watch Ligue 1 in the US?
Yes, there are multiple streaming services to watch French Ligue 1 in the US, including beIN, Sling TV, and FuboTV. However, it's worth mentioning that numerous ISPs in the US limit the speed for streaming sites. If you face such challenges, using a VPN with dependable US servers can effectively bypass throttling, ensuring smooth streaming.
In what countries can I watch Ligue 1 with a VPN?
You can use a VPN in any country with Ligue 1 broadcasting rights. For example, while in France, you can secure your streaming sessions by connecting to a French server. Other countries where you can watch Ligue 1 online include India, South Africa, the UK, Ireland, Australia, Canada, and more. All these countries offer broadcasters where you can catch up on the newest Ligue 1 season.
Is it possible to watch Ligue 1 online for free?
There are no free streaming platforms to watch Ligue 1. However, you can still enjoy the matches by signing up for free trials with services like FuboTV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV. Though, you’ll only be able to take advantage of these offers in the US. To secure your sensitive data while subscribing to a streaming platform, use a reliable VPN.
Can I use a free VPN to watch Ligue 1?
I don’t recommend using a free VPN to watch Ligue 1. Free VPNs tend to have slower connection speeds due to overcrowded and outdated servers, which can lead to buffering and a loss of quality. Plus, some free VPNs even sell user data for profit. To ensure a reliable, safe, and high-quality streaming experience, it’s best to opt for a paid VPN service with a money-back guarantee.
Is it legal to use a VPN to watch Ligue 1?
Yes, it’s legal to use a VPN to secure your streaming activity in most countries. VPN use is only prohibited or banned in a handful of countries, like Russia and China. As long as you’re using a VPN to rightfully access your account with a particular streaming platform, you should be OK. For example, if you’re a French citizen with an Amazon Prime subscription, you can use a VPN to securely access your local account and stream Ligue 1 matches from France.
It’s advised to always check your local laws to make sure you’re using a VPN legally. It may also be against a streaming company’s T&Cs to use a VPN to circumvent geo-restrictions. The vpnMentor team and I do not condone using a VPN for any illicit purposes.
Why is my VPN not working for Ligue 1 streaming?
There may be multiple reasons why you can’t watch Ligue 1 with your VPN:
- You may be connected to a server in a country where the specific Ligue 1 streaming platform isn’t available.
- Your real IP address might be leaking.
- Your browser data or cookies are exposing your location information.
- Your OS or VPN app version might be outdated.
Here are some steps you can take to fix these issues:
- Make sure that you’re connected to the right country.
- Try reconnecting or using a different server within the same country.
- Make sure IP leak protection is enabled in your VPN settings (if available).
- Attempt streaming in a different browser.
- Clear your browser's cache and cookies.
- Contact your VPN's customer support for assistance.
- Ensure that your OS, browser, and VPN are up to date.
- If issues persist, consider upgrading to a more reliable VPN service that’s proven to work with Ligue 1.
On what devices can I watch Ligue 1 on Amazon Prime Video?
You can watch Ligue 1 on Amazon Prime Video using the dedicated apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Fire TV. However, this will only work if you’re located in France because Ligue 1 is only available on the French Prime Video library.
Securely Watch Ligue 1 in Minutes
It’s possible to watch Ligue 1 online securely with a VPN. The services listed above provide robust security features and fast speeds to stream football games without interruptions.
ExpressVPN is easily my top pick for watching Ligue 1 online. Not only does it have fast and stable connections for smooth live sports streams, but it secures your streaming sessions with military-grade encryption. Plus, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free as it backs its services with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
To summarize, these are the best VPNs for Ligue 1…
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.
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