How to Watch the FA Cup Live Online in 2024

If you're in the UK, you can watch the May 25th FA Cup Final between Manchester United and Manchester City for free on BBC iPlayer and ITVX. Luckily, the final will also be broadcast on several other paid streaming platforms worldwide, such as DAZN.

With a VPN, you can theoretically get a UK IP address and watch the FA Cup for free from anywhere. However, this violates streaming platforms’ terms of service and copyright laws. That said, if you’re in the UK, a VPN is still useful in keeping data private while streaming and avoiding ISP throttling.

After my team and I tested 43 VPNs, I found ExpressVPN to be the best for securely watching the FA Cup. Its worldwide network of servers provide impressive speeds for watching FA games live in UHD. Plus, all its apps are user-friendly, with native ones for all major devices, including smart TVs. You can even try ExpressVPN without risk as it comes with a 30-day 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.

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Why You Need a VPN To Watch the FA Cup

A VPN keeps your data private from hackers and anyone snooping on your network, allowing you to watch the FA Cup online safely. It does this by encrypting your internet traffic, making it unreadable to third parties. This also means your ISP can’t see your online activities, so they can't throttle your speeds while streaming. Therefore, a VPN allows you to enjoy all FA Cup matches without buffering.

While you can hypothetically also use a VPN to change your IP address and watch the FA Cup Final from anywhere, this amounts to copyright infringement. Instead, we recommend using a VPN that works with all major devices and popular sports streaming services available in your country so you can easily set it up and securely stream the FA Cup, even if you're new to VPNs.

Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Watching the FA Cup in 2024

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.

How to Watch the FA Cup for Free on BBC iPlayer

BBC iPlayer is a free streaming service that’s licensed to broadcast all FA Cup matches within the UK, including the final between the two Manchester rivals. While the platform itself is free, you need a UK postcode to create an account and a valid UK TV license.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to sign up for a BBC iPlayer account and watch the FA Cup Final from the UK.

1. Connect to a VPN Server

To keep your connection secure and avoid ISP throttling while watching football in the UK, install a trustworthy VPN and connect to a local UK server. I recommend ExpressVPN because of its fast speeds, many UK servers, and beginner-friendly apps. ExpressVPN is ranked among the best BBC iPlayer VPNs available.

Select a nearby UK location, and click the large power button to connect

2. Open the BBC iPlayer Website or App

From the UK, download the app (available from the App Store and Google Play store) or open the BBC iPlayer website to start the sign-up process.

The process works the same even on the BBC iPlayer app

3. Create an Account

Click on the Sign in button, then click on Register Now. Select your age, enter your email address, create a password, enter your personal details (including a UK postcode), and click on Register. You'll also be asked if you have a UK TV license, as licensing fees pay for BBC iPlayer content. However, you simply need to say "yes" and don't need to provide all the documentation.

Just sign in if you already have an account

4. Verify Your Email Address

Check your inbox for a verification email from BBC iPlayer. Click on the provided link to verify your account. You should then be redirected to the BBC iPlayer website.

You have to verify your account within 5 days

5. Start Watching

Search for FA Cup, find the FA Cup Final, and click on Start Watching.

Use the search bar to quickly find the final

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.

Best VPNs for Watching the FA Cup in 2024

Watch the thrilling FA Cup Final between the Red Devils and the Cityzens safely and in HD with the right VPN. The VPNs I recommend give you fast speeds, worldwide server networks, and robust security to keep your data safe without causing noticeable slowdowns.

1. ExpressVPN — Fast Speeds for Watching the FA Cup Final Live Without Buffering

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested November 2024

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN was faster than all the other VPNs I tried, making it my top choice for watching all the FA Cup Final dramas in 4K. ExpressVPN slowed my speeds by just 3%, testing various UK servers near me (my average download rate went from 127.29Mbps to 122.95Mbps). Its proprietary Lightway protocol uses less code to achieve these fast speeds. It's also my preferred choice for watching live sports on mobile since it drains less battery.

My global team and I can confirm that ExpressVPN works well with all FA Cup streaming platforms, including ESPN, ITVX, BBC iPlayer, and DAZN. None of us had issues connecting to a local server and watching matches securely. You can also easily stream the FA Cup final on your big screen, thanks to the VPN's native Android and Apple TV apps. If your device isn't VPN compatible, you can install ExpressVPN on your router, which enables you to watch football on any device connected to your home network.

Plans start at $4.99/month, which is more expensive than others on my list. However, ExpressVPN offers frequent promotions that can help you save up to 82%. Its longest subscription even gave me 3 extra months of free service. If you decide it’s not what you’re looking for, you can get a refund using its 30-day money-back guarantee and canceling via 24/7 live chat.

2. CyberGhost — Dedicated Streaming Servers for Platforms Broadcasting the FA Cup Online

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost makes it easy to watch the FA Cup Final online with its optimized streaming servers, including BBC iPlayer, ITVX, ESPN, DAZN, Paramount+, and more. Simply expand the app, click For streaming, and type your country into the search bar to see if it has a dedicated server near you. CyberGhost’s BBC-iPlayer-optimized server also gave me the best speed during testing — 5% faster than regular UK servers, almost on par with ExpressVPN.

On the downside, monthly plans are expensive and have a short refund period. However, you can use CyberGhost free for up to 45 days with its money-back guarantee on long-term subscriptions that only costs $2.03/month. You can also use the VPN on up to 7 devices and stream conflicting football matches simultaneously.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Extensive Server Network to Reliably Stream the FA Cup

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ FIFA+ Netflix

Disney+ APV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

With PIA’s thousands of servers across all countries airing the FA Cup Final, you can easily find one near you to securely stream the event live. With so many servers, you’re also unlikely to experience delays caused by overcrowding. During my tests, I never experienced video skipping which can happen when too many VPN users compete for bandwidth. Even popular matches like the FA Cup semi-finals were smooth.

While the VPN has many customization options to improve your streaming experience, this can make it seem complicated for beginners. However, PIA comes pre-configured for streaming, so you only need to connect to a local server to watch the FA Cup securely. All plans also offer unlimited connections with a long-term subscription costing only $2.03/month.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for Watching the FA Cup

My team and I considered several key criteria when creating this list of the best VPNs to live stream the FA Cup Final. First, we checked whether the VPNs work with platforms licensed to air the final. We also prioritized VPNs that have minimal impact on streaming speeds and are easy to use on all major operating systems. Finally, we looked for strong encryption so you can keep your data safe and avoid ISP throttling.

You can check out our methodology page for more details on how our global team tests and evaluates all the VPNs we recommend. Our VPN reviews also incorporate real user experiences to give you as much information as possible to make an informed decision.

How to Watch the FA Cup for Free on ITVX

ITVX is another free UK streaming service with the right to air all FA Cup matches, including the final. The free version is ad-supported, while there’s a premium version without ads. Like BBC iPlayer, ITVX requires a UK postcode when signing up, and you must have a valid UK TV license.

Follow the steps below to create an ITVX account from the UK and watch the FA Cup live online.

1. Download and install a reliable VPN, then connect to a UK server near you. This keeps you safe from hackers and hides your connection, preventing ISPs from purposefully slowing you down.
2. Open the ITVX app or website. From the UK, you can download the ITVX app or open the official ITV website to create your account.
3. Create an account. Click on the Sign in button at the top right corner, then enter your email address. Set up a password and provide your UK postcode.
4. Verify your email address. Wait for a verification email from ITVX, then open the email and click on the link to complete the process. Now you can log in with your new credentials.
5. Start watching football. Search for the FA Cup, navigate to the final, and start watching. You can also watch highlights of previous FA Cup matches on ITVX.

How to Watch the FA Cup Online on Different Devices

With a VPN, you can watch the FA Cup Final safely on all your favorite streaming devices. Use the steps below as a guide to streaming football on your desktop, smartphone, and more.

How to Watch the FA Cup Securely on PC or Mac

1. Get a VPN. Look for a VPN with user-friendly, full-featured apps for Windows and Mac, like ExpressVPN. If you need a VPN for a short while to watch the FA Cup Final safely, choose one with a reliable money-back guarantee.
2. Connect to a server. Pick a nearby server in your country. The closer it is, the better your speeds.
3. Log in to an FA Cup streaming platform. Open your preferred web browser and navigate to the streaming platform where you plan to watch the FA Cup Final. For example, if you’re in the UK, log into your BBC iPlayer or ITVX account.
4. Find the FA Cup Final live stream. Locate the section or channel dedicated to the FA Cup Final broadcast.
5. Enjoy the FA Cup Final. Once you've found the live stream, you can watch the FA Cup Final online in HD with the added security of your VPN connection.

How to Watch the FA Cup Final Live on Your Smartphone

1. Get a VPN. Install a reputable VPN provider with dedicated mobile apps for your smartphone (iOS or Android) to stream securely. ExpressVPN is my favorite since its Lightway protocol has less impact on my phone battery.
2. Connect to a nearby server. From the list of available server locations within the VPN app, select one in your country.
3. Open the streaming platform. Open the mobile app for your chosen FA Cup streaming platform.
4. Find the FA Cup Final live stream. Use your streaming service’s search function to find the FA Cup Final live broadcast.
5. Watch the FA Cup Final. Enjoy watching the FA Cup Final on your smartphone without worrying about hackers and data snoops.

How to Watch the FA Cup Online on Streaming Devices

For devices that aren’t natively compatible with VPNs (such as older smart TVs, gaming consoles, and media streamers), follow the steps below to stream the FA Cup Final.

1. Get a VPN. Download a trustworthy VPN with a smart DNS feature. Alternatively, you can install the VPN on your router and stream football on any WiFi connected device.
2. Turn on smart DNS. Follow the instructions on your VPN’s website to enable the smart DNS feature. This typically involves getting a custom DNS IP address from your online VPN dashboard.
3. Set up the VPN on your device. You’ll have to input the DNS addresses you got from your VPN somewhere in the network settings for your device.
4. Open your streaming app. Find the streaming app that's broadcasting the FA Cup in your region and log in.
5. Enjoy the FA Cup Final. Find the FA Cup Final live stream and watch the match securely without buffering.

Where Can I Watch the FA Cup Final Online?

Besides ITVX and BBC iPlayer in the UK, a handful of global platforms are licensed to air the FA Cup Final. Some channels, like 10Play in Australia, will show highlights. You can also watch highlights after the game on YouTube. However, here’s a breakdown of where you can watch the live final match in various countries:

FAQs on Watching the FA Cup With a VPN

Is it legal to watch the FA Cup using a VPN?

Yes, using a VPN to watch the FA Cup is legal in most countries, as long as you’re watching the match on a platform licensed in your region. A VPN provides a secure and private connection that protects your personal data and helps you avoid ISP throttling while streaming football matches.

However, there are a few countries (like China and Russia) where VPNs are restricted or banned. If you're traveling or residing in one of these countries, check the local laws and regulations regarding VPNs before using one.

Can I use a free VPN to watch the FA Cup final?

While it is possible, it’s generally not a good idea. To watch the FA Cup Final without buffering or poor video quality, you’re better off using a premium VPN with a money-back guarantee. Unlike most free VPNs, a paid-for VPN won't sell your data to advertisers.

Free VPNs also have small server networks, data caps, bandwidth limitations, and slower speeds, all of which can affect your stream quality. Some free VPNs even contain malware or adware.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for Watching the FA Cup...

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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