How to Watch YouTube TV in the UK in 2024

Had your fill of UK telly and want to see what’s on in the States? Well, YouTube TV is the perfect way to get 100+ live channels with no contract tying you down. Unfortunately, the platform is exclusive to the US. Not only will you be blocked from creating an account in the UK, but if you already have a subscription and you travel outside the US, you won't be able to access it.

On top of that, there are regional content blocks within the US to consider. For example, sports events are often subject to blackout restrictions in certain areas. Fortunately, you can bypass all these limitations and watch YouTube TV in the UK with a VPN. By connecting to a US server and getting a US IP address, YouTube TV will think you're in the States and grant you access.

In this article, you'll learn how to access YouTube TV in the UK, why you need a VPN to unblock it, and which providers we recommend. We'll also cover pricing and how to pay for YouTube TV without being a US card holder. Plus, you can find suggestions of what to watch and answers to some FAQs.

How to Watch YouTube TV in the UK

To watch YouTube TV in the UK, you’ll have to set up a US Google account and use a gift card to pay for the service. You’ll also have to spoof your location with a premium VPN to make it appear as if you’re streaming within the US. Read on for more details:

1. Subscribe to a VPN that can unblock YouTube TV (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Install the VPN on your streaming device.
3. Connect to a server in the US.
4. Set up a new Google account with a US address, and make sure you're logged in.
5. Get a US Google Play gift card and redeem the funds in your new US Play Store account.

6. Go to the YouTube TV website and click “Try It Free.”

7. Click “Start Free Trial” to proceed.

8. Choose a plan and click “Next.”

9. You may also select any add-ons you wish to get (like NFL Sunday Ticket or the 4K Plus upgrade).

10. When you’re done, click “Next: Checkout.”

11. Ensure your Play Store funds are selected as your payment method and click “Start membership.”

12. Pick a channel and enjoy streaming YouTube TV in the UK!

You may have figured out that YouTube TV requires a payment method with a valid US billing address. If you don't want to pay through the Play Store, as shown above, you have 2 other options: borrowing a US PayPal account from someone you know or getting a virtual US credit card.

Do You Need a VPN to Watch YouTube TV in the UK?

You need a VPN to watch YouTube TV in the UK as the platform is US-exclusive and will probably remain that way for the foreseeable future. The reason is simple: Google would have to secure the license to stream over 100 channels in other countries, which is just not feasible.

What happens if you try to watch YouTube TV from abroad? Well, while you can easily access its site, trying to sign up will yield this error: “It looks like you're outside of the United States. YouTube TV is only available in the US.”

Alternatively, you could get the following geo-block message: “YouTube TV’s unavailable in this country.”

Not much you can do about it except get a VPN that can unblock YouTube TV in the UK. VPNs change your IP address to the location of your choice (in this case, the United States). This allows you to surf the Web as if you were in the US, get the YouTube TV app, and watch content exclusive to the region.

That said, YouTube TV and many other streaming sites block VPN IPs to maintain region exclusivity. Otherwise, studios would start pulling their content. Only the best VPN for YouTube TV is capable of evading Google’s advanced filtering systems. Our top choice is NordVPN because it easily unblocks YouTube TV and delivers blazing-fast streaming speeds.

The Best VPNs to Watch YouTube TV in the UK

To get the right VPN for your needs, it’s essential to find one that can reliably unblock YouTube TV in the UK. Look for a VPN with an extensive network spanning the US and beyond, which will come in handy if you want to try out other streaming platforms.

Naturally, the VPN should deliver fast speeds and impressive performance no matter where you’re located. Choose a VPN with a kill switch to stay protected during disconnections, as well as obfuscation to get around VPN blocks. For privacy purposes, you should get an app with all the latest protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, strong AES-256 encryption, and a no-logs policy.

Find a VPN that offers plenty of simultaneous connections and compatibility with a wide range of devices (Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and more). Finally, choose a provider with 24/7 live chat and a robust money-back plan in case you change your mind later.

Based on the criteria above, these are the 4 best VPNs to stream YouTube TV in the UK:

1. NordVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch YouTube TV in the UK
2. Surfshark - Access YouTube TV in the UK with Fast Streaming Speeds
3. ExpressVPN - Secure VPN to Unblock YouTube TV from Anywhere
4. CyberGhost VPN - Budget-Friendly VPN for Streaming YouTube TV

1. NordVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch YouTube TV in the UK

NordVPN is the best VPN for accessing YouTube TV in the UK because it easily unblocks YouTube TV and other streaming services. With 1,970+ servers in 16 US locations (and a total of 6,000+ servers in 61 countries), as well as the smart-DNS-based SmartPlay feature, you’ll have no trouble accessing the content you prefer.

This extensive server network ensures that users can access geo-restricted content with ease while enjoying impressive performance and blazing speeds. In short, NordVPN is ideal for streaming 4K video content without interruptions. We were able to get similar connection speeds whether we used nearby servers or ones across the world.

NordVPN features obfuscated servers that effectively hide your VPN usage, allowing you to bypass strict filters from YouTube TV and other streaming platforms, as well as restrictive Internet networks. Moreover, the VPN includes a kill switch feature that you can customize according to your needs.

NordVPN doesn’t store any of your online activity, and its no-logs policy has been recently audited to prove it. The provider employs robust protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec with AES-256 encryption, as well as the in-house NordLynx (with ChaCha20 encryption), to safeguard your data. NordLynx is our top choice for streaming.

The VPN allows up to 6 simultaneous connections from a wide variety of devices, whether you want to watch YouTube TV on a computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux, or if you prefer to watch YouTube TV on Firestick, a smart TV, or your Android or iOS smartphone.

What’s more, every NordVPN subscription is backed by a risk-free, 30-day money-back guarantee. There’s also 24/7 live chat in place to solve any of your issues and answer any questions you have about the service.

2. Surfshark - Access YouTube TV in the UK with Fast Streaming Speeds

Surfshark made our list because it's able to easily unblock YouTube TV in the UK, along with any other streaming services. This is thanks to its 600+ servers in 25 US cities and a wide global network of 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. Moreover, its Nexus technology rotates your IP without interrupting your connection, which helps keep your VPN use under the radar.

This same Nexus feature utilizes its entire server network to optimize speed and connection stability. Overall, you will enjoy lightning-fast speeds and consistent performance, even if you connect to a server far away from you. 4K streaming won't be an issue.

All of Surfshark's servers are obfuscated, and it comes with a reliable kill switch to protect you from data leaks if the VPN connection drops. It also follows a strict no-logs policy, which should give you peace of mind knowing your data won't be stored or shared. On top of that, you can choose from powerful protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2) with either ChaCha20 or AES-256 encryption.

Another amazing perk of Surfshark is it allows unlimited simultaneous connections. This makes it a great choice for large households with a lot of devices. You can install it on computers, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, routers, and more.

Surfshark offers round-the-clock customer support available via live chat, so you can get help with anything you need. Lastly, you can fully test its services and get a refund if things don't work out thanks to its 30-day money-back policy.

3. ExpressVPN - Secure VPN to Unblock YouTube TV from Anywhere

ExpressVPN is a great option because it has no trouble unblocking YouTube TV in the UK, along with a host of other streaming sites. It boasts an extensive global network (3,000+ servers spanning 105 countries), as well as plenty of US servers in 24 locations, all equipped with obfuscation technology to get around VPN detection.

The service is renowned for its exceptional performance, ensuring effortless access to YouTube TV from anywhere in the world while providing super-high-speed connections. Expect to stream content at maximum quality without buffering or long loading times.

In addition, the service includes a kill switch mechanism that cuts off Internet access if the VPN connection drops, thus keeping your true location a secret. The company also maintains a strict no-logs policy to ensure your online activities remain confidential.

Furthermore, the VPN employs industry-standard protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2 with the AES-256 cipher, as well as the proprietary Lightway option to guarantee your online privacy. The latter protocol secures your data with advanced WolfSSL encryption, and it's our favorite option for streaming.

Users can connect up to 8 devices simultaneously, accommodating various platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and more. Alternatively, you can install the router app to watch YouTube TV on Roku and other unsupported devices.

With a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 customer support via live chat, ExpressVPN offers users peace of mind. If you run into any issues or are dissatisfied with the service, their responsive support team is happy to help at any time.

4. CyberGhost VPN - Budget-Friendly VPN for Streaming YouTube TV

CyberGhost VPN is a powerful provider with a massive network that makes it easy to unblock YouTube TV and 40+ other services. You get 2,100+ servers in 11 US locations alone, with over 11,000 total servers in 100 countries. What’s interesting to note is that many of these servers are streaming optimized.

This fact, coupled with its medium-fast speeds and stable performance, makes CyberGhost a great choice for streaming enthusiasts. Do note that speeds aren’t as consistent on highly remote servers. Plus, in general, it is slower than its competitors. That said, we didn't have any trouble streaming YouTube TV in 4K during our tests.

CyberGhost unfortunately lacks obfuscated servers, although we were able to unblock all the platforms listed on CyberGhost’s website as supported. Otherwise, the VPN includes an always-on kill switch to prevent IP leaks at all times.

Privacy and security are at the core of CyberGhost's service, with a third-party-audited no-logs policy ensuring complete privacy. The VPN also comes with tried-and-tested protocols and encryption, including AES-256-enabled OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec, plus the fast WireGuard with the ChaCha20 cipher.

You can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously on a single subscription, making the VPN ideal for users with lots of gadgets. It also works on smart TVs, computers, smartphones, and tablets, so you can enjoy YouTube TV at home or on the go.

Meanwhile, the provider’s responsive 24/7 live chat support is ready to help with any issues. Finally, longer subscriptions have a whopping 45-day money-back guarantee.

How Much is YouTube TV in the UK?

The price of YouTube TV in the UK can get pretty steep as you’re basically getting cable TV without a contract. Expect a $72.99 (£57.52) monthly cost on the base plan, with a cheaper Spanish Plan at $34.99 (£27.58) a month. If you have the budget, you can get add-ons like 4K Plus for $9.99 (£7.87) a month or NFL Sunday Ticket starting at $349 (£275.05) per year (plus the cost of the base plan).

Note that in most states, you can get payment plans of 4 monthly installments for the NFL Sunday Ticket add-ons. This can make it easier to afford their high prices. (This option is sometimes unavailable if promotions are being offered.)

Here’s what’s included with each plan and the cost in both US dollars and Great British pounds:

Subscription Plan	Price in USD	Price in GBP	Features
Base Plan	$72.99/month	£57.52/month	- 100+ live channels - 3 simultaneous streams - Unlimited DVR space
Spanish Plan	$34.99/month	£27.58/month	- 30+ Spanish channels - 3 simultaneous streams - Unlimited DVR space
4K Plus Add-On	$9.99/month	£7.87/month	- Requires Base Plan - Unlimited simultaneous streams - Offline viewing of DVR recordings (mobile only)
NFL Sunday Ticket Add-On	$349/year	£275.05/year	- Requires Base Plan - Access to every out-of-market Sunday game - Unlimited simultaneous streams for this content
NFL Sunday Ticket + NFL RedZone Add-On	$389/year	£306.57/year	- Requires Base Plan - Access to every out-of-market Sunday game and NFL RedZone - Unlimited simultaneous streams for this content

The Best YouTube TV Shows & Movies to Watch in the UK

As YouTube TV features 100+ live channels, it’s not exactly easy to trim it down to a few options. Stream live networks like Comedy Central, FX, MTV, ESPN, and others when you’re in the mood for some TV but have no idea what’s on.

You can also catch several YouTube Originals like Mind Field or the first 2 seasons of Cobra Kai, or you can try out on-demand shows like Snowfall and The Simpsons. Sports fans can enjoy NFL games, UFC and WWE events, the PGA Tour, and much more.

Here’s a sneak peek of the YouTube TV selection so you know what you’re getting into:

YouTube TV Channels	YouTube TV Series	YouTube Originals	YouTube TV Sports
Fox	Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999-Present)	Wayne (2019)	American Ninja Warrior
ABC, ABC News	The Daily Show (1996-Present)	Cobra Kai (2018-2019)	Premier League
CBS	Grey's Anatomy (2005-Present)	Mind Field (2017-2019)	UEFA Europa League
NBC, CNBC	The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon (2023-Present)	Weird City (2019)	NASCAR Cup Series
AMC, TNT	FBI (2018-Present)	Origin (2018)	NBA
FXM, FXX	9-1-1 (2018-Present)	Impulse (2018-2020)	NCAA Basketball
TLC, VH1	The Rookie (2018-Present)	Foursome (2016-2019)	MLB
Animal Planet	Family Guy (1999-Present)	Lifeline (2017)	NHL
BBC America	Bob's Burgers (2011-Present)	Step Up: High Water (2018-2019)	NFL

How to Pay for YouTube TV in the UK?

To pay for YouTube TV in the UK, you have to use a payment method with a US billing address. The Play Store gift card option from the beginning of this article is one workaround. If you don't want to use that method, there are 2 other payment options: getting a virtual credit card or borrowing a US PayPal account. 

That said, you’ll need a US Google account to watch YouTube TV in the UK, no matter which payment method you choose. This is applicable regardless of whether you use the YouTube TV app or access it via a Web browser.  

Method 1: Pay for YouTube TV Using a Virtual US Credit Card

To pay for YouTube TV in the UK, if you don't have a US-based credit card, you can get a virtual credit card instead. Of course, you have to use a VPN to connect to a US server, too. Here's how to do it: 

1. Subscribe to a VPN that unblocks YouTube TV in the UK (we recommend NordVPN). 
2. Download and install the VPN on your streaming device. 
3. Connect to any server in the US. 
4. Go to US Unlocked and click on the “Get Started” button. 

5. Fill out all your details to register for a new account. 

6. Add funds to your account, so you can get your card number and associated information. 
7. Launch YouTube TV's website and register by following the process we explained earlier.
8. For your payment method, choose "Add credit or debit card."

9. Add all your new virtual credit card information.
10. That's it! Now, you can find something live or on demand and start streaming!

Method 2: Pay for YouTube TV Using a US PayPal Account

Another easy way to pay for YouTube TV in the UK involves knowing someone in the US who will let you use their PayPal account. Follow these steps: 

1. Get a VPN that works for YouTube TV (we recommend NordVPN). 
2. Install the VPN on your device for streaming YouTube TV. 
3. Connect to a US-based server. 
4. Launch the YouTube TV website and click on "Try It Free."
5. Choose your main plan, along with any optional add-ons. 
6. When it comes time to add your payment method, select "Add PayPal."

7. Finish paying via the PayPal interface using the account info you borrowed.
8. Wait to be redirected back to YouTube TV and start watching any TV shows or movies.

Final Thoughts

YouTube TV is an excellent way to access US live TV without annoying contracts. Too bad the licensing fees and logistics involved make it next to impossible for YouTube to extend service to other regions. This is the reason YouTube TV is blocked in the UK. Luckily, there is an easy workaround. You can use a VPN to unblock YouTube TV from anywhere.

We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN to watch YouTube TV in the UK. Its network has many obfuscated servers, making it much harder for streaming platforms to detect your VPN activity. Moreover, it has 6,000+ high-performance servers in 61 countries, so you can enjoy a whole world of content.

Thanks for reading our guide on how to watch YouTube TV in the UK. If you have any other questions, feel free to comment below!