Best VPN for MLB.tv in 2023
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) for MLB.tv is crucial if you want to avoid regional blackouts. Change your virtual location and don’t miss any Major League Baseball matches this year.
Regional TV stations usually have exclusive rights to broadcast local MLB matches. However, these matches aren’t made available online, and thus, MLB.tv users are left with nothing to tune into if they don’t have cable TV. Luckily, you can circumvent this issue by using a VPN. It has the power to change your virtual location and unlock baseball matches that would otherwise be unavailable to you.
We have conducted a research and compiled a list of top 5 VPNs that will help you to avoid MLB blackouts anywhere! Read on to learn more about them and find the one that suits your needs.
5 Best MLB.tv VPNs
- NordVPN: The best VPN for MLB.tv with reliable geo-block circumvention capabilities.
- Surfshark: Well-performing MLB.tv VPN with cutting-edge technology.
- Atlas VPN: Affordable and effective VPN for MLB.tv with the best price-to-performance ratio.
- IPVanish: MLB.tv VPN with unlimited connections.
- PrivateVPN: Versatile VPN for MLB.tv and other streaming platforms.
How to get around MLB.tv blackout with a VPN
- Purchase a well-performing VPN for MLB.TV. My top choice is NordVPN, the best overall VPN
- Download the VPN on your favorite baseball-watching device
- Connect to a server in an American state where a particular match is available
- Watch MLB.tv without any blackout interruptions
Why do you need a VPN for MLB.tv?
MLB.tv is the go-to place for all things Major League Baseball. Theoretically, it has the right to broadcast all matches in the US for the convenience of baseball fans. However, the situation gets complicated with the introduction of blackouts.
What are blackouts, you may ask? Well, imagine that you live in the state of Philadelphia. Most likely, you’re a fan of the Phillies team. Thanks to blackouts, MLB.tv can’t broadcast any Phillies matches to Philadelphia residents. Instead, that right is reserved for some other local TV station, such as ABC, Fox, or NBC. It’s an annoying practice that’s in place to nudge fans to watch the matches live or to get a cable TV subscription.
But you won’t fall for such tricks, right? Which is why you’re looking into the best VPNs for MLB.tv. Check out our VPN basics article if you’re not up to speed on virtual private networks. The finer details aren’t that important. All you need to know is that a VPN for MLB.TV can change your location to a different country (or just a different state in America), thus getting around geographical restrictions.
The best part is that a VPN can be used in countless other scenarios too. For example, you can use it to unlock TV shows and movies typically unavailable in your region. Plus, it keeps your online activities private from your internet service provider and other onlookers. And don’t get me started on the various security benefits a VPN brings to the table.
Best VPNs for to watch MLB.tv blackout games
We picked five MLB TV VPN options that fit these criteria. Unsurprisingly, they’re great for other uses, such as security, curbing online censorship, and maintaining confidentiality. Check out our quick overview of them below, or read the full review for more information.
1. NordVPN
| ⭐ Rating: | |
| 🥇 Overall rank: | #1 out of #32 |
| 📖 No logs policy: | Independently-audited |
| 💵 Price: | From $3.19/month |
| 🖥️ Servers: | 5800+ servers in 60 countries |
| 🍿 Streaming services: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and more |
| 🔥 Coupons: | NordVPN coupon 68% OFF |
NordVPN is the best VPN for MLB. It easily deals with streaming service geographical restrictions and has categorized US servers by city for easy blackout wipeout. Additionally, the WireGuard-based NordLynx tunneling protocol provides insane connectivity for 4K streaming and zero buffering.
Customers gain access to a fleet of 5800+ servers in 60+ countries. It allows you to unblock not only Major League Baseball content but also foreign libraries on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming platforms. Plus, you can try it out risk-free, thanks to the 7-day free trial on the Google Play Store.
The service also has you covered on the security front. Threat Protection keeps you safe against viruses, malware, malicious ads, and online trackers. Meanwhile, obfuscated servers are a great tool for circumventing online censorship and network restrictions. You can get all that and more for only $3.19/month. Best of all, a 30-day money-back guarantee has you covered if you change your mind during the initial month.
Learn more by reading our complete NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark VPN
| ⭐ Rating: | |
| 🥇 Overall rank: | #2 out of #32 |
| 📖 No logs policy: | Unaudited |
| 💵 Price: | From $2.30/month |
| 🖥️ Servers: | 3200+ servers in 100 countries |
| 🍿 Streaming services: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and more |
| 🔥 Coupons: | Surfshark VPN coupon 83% OFF + 3 months FREE |
The top virtual private network for watching MLB with your friends and family is Surfshark VPN. Besides top-notch performance, it grants unlimited simultaneous connections with one account, allowing you to split the bill with your baseball-loving household.
Surfshark operates a network of 3200+ RAM-only servers across 100+ countries. You can utilize static IP locations to avoid constant IP address switching and all the related issues. Alternatively, MultiHop servers grant bonus security by rerouting your connection through multiple servers.
Besides MLB.tv, Surfshark VPN is an excellent choice for unblocking extra shows and movies on Netflix, HBO Max, Disney Plus, and countless other services. Thanks to the Smart DNS feature, content enthusiasts will have no trouble utilizing this VPN on almost any device. Alternatively, you can use the various dedicated apps for desktop, mobile devices, Android TV, or Amazon Fire Stick.
Prices are as low as $2.30/month if you opt for the two-year plan. Plus, you’re free to reconsider, thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee. Potential buyers can opt for a test drive with the 7-day free trial on either the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Learn more by reading our complete Surfshark VPN review.
3. Atlas VPN
| ⭐ Rating: | |
| 🥇 Overall rank: | #3 out of #32 |
| 📖 No logs policy: | Unaudited |
| 💵 Price: | from $1.82/month |
| 🖥️ Servers: | 1000+ servers in 42 countries |
| 🍿 Streaming services: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and more |
| 🔥 Coupons: | Atlas VPN coupon 85% OFF |
The best budget-friendly option for curbing MLB blackouts is Atlas VPN. Premium subscriptions start at only $1.82/month and are protected with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
On the other hand, a free plan is also available, but you’ll be missing out on countries, streaming servers, and a few other features. It also includes a 10 GB monthly data cap, a meager amount for streaming enthusiasts but enough for essential browsing.
Paying customers unlock a truckload of security features for delving into the net. First off, SafeBrowse will keep ads, trackers, and phishing attempts out of your way. Additionally, you can enable SafeSwap to juke surveillance by intermittently switching your IP address. You can take this a step further with Multihop+, a feature that combines IP and location rotation through multiple servers.
One Atlas VPN subscription allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices at a given time. It has apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and even Android TV. Sadly, it doesn’t yet support manual router configuration.
Learn more by reading our complete Atlas VPN review.
4. IPVanish
| ⭐ Rating: | |
| 🥇 Overall rank: | #4 out of #32 |
| 📖 No logs policy: | Independently-audited |
| 💵 Price: | From $3.33/month |
| 🖥️ Servers: | 2200+ servers in 50 countries |
| 🍿 Streaming services: | Netflix |
| 🔥 Coupons: | IPVanish coupon 75% OFF |
Another great option for watching blackout games on MLB TV is IPVanish. The 2200+ server network across 50+ countries is further sorted by cities, allowing baseball fans to watch restricted matches effortlessly. Plus, video quality won’t take the slightest dip thanks to the ultra-fast WireGuard tunneling protocol.
Each IPVanish subscription comes bundled with the VIPRE antivirus software for added security against ransomware and malware. Meanwhile, scrambled OpenVPN traffic is available to hide your VPN activities and get around common network restrictions and even online censorship. Confidentiality is also guaranteed because Leviathan Security Group conducted a no-logs policy audit.
You can use a single IPVanish account to protect an unlimited number of devices. Subscriptions start at $2.99/month and are insured with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Payment options include credit card and PayPal.
Learn more by reading our complete IPVanish review.
5. PrivateVPN
| ⭐ Rating: | |
| 🥇 Overall rank: | #6 out of #32 |
| 📖 No logs policy: | Unaudited |
| 💵 Price: | From $2.00/month |
| 🖥️ Servers: | 200+ servers in 63 countries |
| 🍿 Streaming services: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and more |
| 🔥 Coupons: | PrivateVPN now 85% OFF |
PrivateVPN is a certified multitool for unblocking MLB.tv and countless other sports-watching online services. It’s ridiculously cheap and effective and offers a 7-day trial if you’d like to get acquainted with it first.
Server options are sparse, with only around 200 across 63+ countries. However, the service doesn’t skimp on performance by purchasing internet capacity directly from IP transit providers. Moreover, connections are facilitated with the classic OpenVPN tunneling protocol for reliability.
One account has a 10 simultaneous connection limit. If you need more, you can manually configure a router with a VPN connection and spread its benefits throughout an entire household. Besides that, other features include port forwarding, Stealth VPN, a SOCKS5 proxy, and Application Guard. You can gain access to these tools by investing merely $2.00/month.
Learn more by reading our complete PrivateVPN review.
How to watch MLB.tv on different devices
MLB.tv and a VPN are like bread and butter – an essential pairing for a good time. Meanwhile, the topping of our entertainment sandwich is the ever-changing baseball-viewing device of your choice. Any combination of these is great, but the preparation differs slightly with each.
Perhaps I got carried away with the metaphors. Just check some of our general guides below on combining a VPN with MLB on the most common streaming devices.
How to watch MLB TV on PC (Windows, Mac) with a VPN
- Choose a VPN compatible with your computer OS. The most versatile option is NordVPN
- Download and install the application from the provider’s website
- Boot up the VPN and log in with your account
- Connect to a server in the US. Choose a different state from your own to get around blackouts
- Go to mlb.com and enjoy unrestricted access to baseball
Watching MLB on desktop computers is a piece of cake because practically all virtual private networks are compatible with PCs. Linux users might have a harder time, but no challenge can stop them!
How to watch MLB TV on mobile phones (Android, iOS) with a VPN
- Sign up to a VPN that has an app for your mobile phone. Android and iOS users should go with NordVPN, the top choice for on-the-go streaming
- Search for the official app on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store
- Install the virtual private network and log in
- Connect to a server in the United States
- Open the MLB mobile app and watch Major League Baseball matches anywhere
Nowadays, most people use mobile phones as their go-to web surfing devices rather than desktop computers. Unsurprisingly, VPNs are noticing this trend and making mobile app development a priority. This means you’ll have no trouble finding a phone-compatible VPN that works great with MLB.
How to watch MLB TV on Amazon Fire TV Stick with a VPN
- Pick a VPN that’s compatible with Fire OS. My top recommendation is NordVPN, the best provider for streaming
- Turn on your Fire Stick or Fire TV and search for the VPN app on the Amazon App Store
- Download the VPN
- Log in and connect to an appropriate US server
- Tune into MLB and forget about blackouts
Android-based TVs like the Amazon Fire TV are a great option for combining a VPN with MLB. It’s easy for developers to modify existing mobile apps to accommodate the wide screen of these home entertainment systems.
How to watch MLB TV on any other device with a VPN
- Purchase a VPN that’s manually configurable on routers. Our go-to option is NordVPN
- Find a router configuration guide from your VPN provider
- Install the VPN on your router
- Connect your device to the newly-configured router network
- Check your IP address to confirm the VPN is working correctly
- Access MLB.tv on whatever device you want
Not all devices support VPN software natively. For example, Roku, smart TVs Apple TV, and more. This means you’ll have to pick a router VPN and manually configure your home network with it.
What’s important for an MLB.tv VPN
Virtual private networks have many uses, but not every provider has the essential stats for unblocking MLB and ensuring a pleasant sports-viewing experience. Here’s an overview of the aspects we considered vital when selecting VPNs for this list.
- Plenty of servers in the United States. If your main goal is to get around MLB blackouts, you’ll need plenty of server options in the USA. Even better if they’re categorized by state for convenience.
- Excellent speed and connection quality. Lag-free and 4K video streaming is only available if the VPN provides top-notch download speeds. You can be certain that’s the case if the service has well-performing tunneling protocols, for example, WireGuard.
- Compatibility with your devices. Easy access to blocked MLB matches is possible if the VPN works reliably with your streaming device of choice. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck troubleshooting technical issues.
- Reasonable subscription price. VPNs don’t have to cost a fortune to do their jobs. Plus, many of the best services overlap with free trial VPNs, allowing customers a risk-free opportunity to test the waters.
- Reliable security. Sports fans don’t face any more digital dangers than other netizens. However, that doesn’t mean you can skip this aspect entirely. Opt for a secure VPN with bonus features against malware, viruses, ads, and trackers.
- Good privacy practices. Most VPNs claim to be “no-logs,” but the truth is revealed by sifting through their privacy policies. Some providers go the extra mile and have third parties audit their claims. These services are the most trustworthy if you’re concerned about personal data.
- 24/7 customer service. If you’re not a fan of tinkering with tech, you’ll want convenient ways of reaching out to experts. Most VPNs have such options, but we emphasized providers with live chat capabilities for quick problem-solving.
MLB.tv not working with a VPN
Most online services don’t just roll over and play ball when you’re using a VPN to circumvent geographical restrictions. Often, they’ll block virtual private network IP addresses and refuse to cooperate until you turn it off. Luckily, this isn’t a frequent occurrence if you’re using a high-quality streaming VPN.
Regardless, it’s good to be familiar with the most common issues and how to solve them. Remember that it usually isn’t obvious which issue you’ve come across.
- DNS leaking. The first thing you ought to do is check for IP and DNS leaks. If your true location is exposed, you’ll have no chance of curbing geographical restrictions. You can see if everything’s in order with our IP checker.
- IP address blocking. In the absence of leaks, it’s possible that the online service is blocking the IP address you’re currently using. Luckily, this is easily fixed by switching to another server.
- VPN traffic detection. A more sophisticated method of blocking VPN users is checking whether the website visitor’s traffic is encrypted. Some virtual private networks provide features specifically for masking VPN traffic. Usually, they’re used against online censorship, but you can try them in this scenario.
Of course, there’s always the possibility that a VPN service is simply incapable of curbing geographical restrictions. If that’s the case, you’ll need to pick a different streaming VPN. It’s not ideal, but you can avoid future blunders by first taking advantage of VPN free trials.
Best free VPN for MLB.tv
We’re all thinking about it – is it possible to use a free VPN to deal with MLB.TV blackouts? Unfortunately, many factors make this an improbable task:
- Free VPN IP addresses are overused and abused by millions of users, making them flagged by almost every online service
- They have a small number of servers, resulting in slow speeds and unreliable connection quality
- With freemium VPNs, streaming platform unblocking features are reserved for paying users
- Fully-free virtual private networks are notorious for collecting data and injecting devices with viruses and other nasty digital nuisances
But if your convictions to save some money are set in stone, at least try out the most reliable free VPN providers. One of the top VPNs for MLB.TV, Atlas VPN, has a free plan. Unsurprisingly, it clearly states that the free plan isn’t meant to unblock streaming platforms, but maybe you’ll get lucky.Alternatively, Proton VPN is another great option that’s worth a shot. Unlike Atlas VPN, it doesn’t have a monthly data cap, allowing you to stream securely without worry.
MLB team standings
The 2022 MLB regular season is currently underway, and teams from NL (National League) and AL (American League) are racking up wins as we speak. Below you’ll find an overview of which team is in the lead from each league and what’s their winning percentage.
| League | #1 team | Winning percentage |
| AL East | NY Yankees | 727 |
| AL Central | Minnesota | 561 |
| AL West | Houston | 643 |
| NL East | NY Mets | 655 |
| NL Central | Milwaukee | 579 |
| NL West | LA Dodgers | 639 |
You can find more information on the official MLB website. Meanwhile, don’t forget to follow the league on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news on and off the field.
Conclusion
MLB blackouts are a frustrating experience for baseball fans everywhere. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely to go away any time soon. However, a VPN for MLB.tv is an excellent and reliable method of altering your location and wiping away geographical restrictions. Best of all, it works with other websites, giving you tremendous benefits for a low price.
Get the most bang for your buck and sign up to NordVPN, the best VPN for MLB and other sports-related streaming services.
What do you think of the MLB season thus far? Is your favorite team performing well? And did you face any blackout issues recently? Share your experiences as it allows Cooltechzone to help other sports fans deal with common streaming issues.
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FAQ
Does NordVPN work with MLB.tv?
Yes, NordVPN is the best VPN for MLB.tv. It has loads of servers in the United States and even categorizes them by city, allowing you to pick the ideal server to get around blackouts easily. Plus, it’s crazy-fast with NordLynx, ensuring HD video streaming without any lagging.
Does MLB TV block VPNs?
It’s difficult to tell whether an online service is blocking VPNs or if the virtual private network is incapable of getting around geo-blocks. Many websites write in their terms of service that they don’t allow “location-altering software,” but they don’t ban customers because it would impact their revenue.
Can I use a VPN to watch MLB TV?
Yes, a VPN is a great way of getting around MLB blackouts and other potential geographical restrictions. All you have to do is boot up the VPN app, connect to a region where a baseball match isn’t restricted, access MLB.tv, and enjoy.
How to bypass MLB TV blackout?
The best way to bypass MLB blackouts is to use a VPN. It can redirect your connection through a server in another region, thus tricking MLB.tv (and other streaming platforms) into thinking that you’re located somewhere else. That way, you don’t have to deal with geo-blocks in your area.
How do I know if an MLB game is blacked out?
MLB games are blacked out by state. For example, Atlanta residents won’t be able to watch local matches if one of the teams is the Atlanta Braves. Luckily, you can use a VPN for MLB.tv and get around these issues by connecting to a server in another state.
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