How to Watch Ligue 1 in the US or Anywhere Else in 2023
- Quick Guide: How to Watch Ligue 1 in the US and Anywhere Else in 3 Easy Steps
- Best VPNs for Watching Ligue 1 From Anywhere in 2023
- ExpressVPN — Superb Speeds to Watch Ligue 1 Live Buffer-Free
- CyberGhost — Watch Ligue 1 With Optimized Servers for Amazon Prime, Sling TV, and More
- Private Internet Access (PIA) — Unlimited Simultaneous Connections to Watch Ligue 1 on All Your Devices
- Where Can I Watch Ligue 1 Online?
- FAQs on Watching Ligue 1 With a VPN
As a fellow football fan, I know how disappointing it is to miss out on the weekly Ligue 1 live-action just because you’re traveling. 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. Luckily, I found an easy solution to watch the full Ligue 1 season anywhere — a VPN.
A VPN helps you stream Ligue 1 online anywhere by making it appear like you’re located somewhere else. This way, you can watch every Ligue 1 game in real-time, whether you use Canal+ or beIN Sports.
After testing many VPNs hands-on, ExpressVPN is my top recommendation for Ligue 1. With server locations across the globe, including the US and France, and the fastest speeds I tested, it provides a seamless streaming experience. You can test ExpressVPN yourself risk-free for 30 days, as every plan is backed by its money-back guarantee.
Watch Ligue 1 Online Buffer-Free >>
Quick Guide: How to Watch Ligue 1 in the US and Anywhere Else in 3 Easy Steps
- Get a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN thanks to its fast speeds for streaming Ligue 1 live in great quality. It also has one of the most reliable server networks with a proven ability to access streaming sites that offer Ligue 1.
- Connect to a server. Connect to a server in the country where you want to watch Ligue 1. For example, connect to a US server to stream it on beIN Sports or connect to a server in France to watch it on Canal+.
- Watch Ligue 1 live. You can now visit your favorite streaming platform and catch the Ligue action live.
Why You Need a VPN to Watch Ligue 1
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.”
Most streaming platforms with Ligue 1 are exclusive to the US and France
Fortunately, a VPN can help you watch Ligue 1 by masking your real IP address and replacing it with one in a different location. It works by routing your internet traffic through its servers in the location of your choice. When traveling abroad, just connect to a server in the same country where your Ligue 1 streaming account is, and you’ll be able to access content as usual.
For example, if you’re from the US or France but traveling overseas, you can connect to a server in your home country. When you log in to your Ligue 1 broadcaster, it will see your location as that of the server you’re connected to. That way, you can keep rightful access to your Ligue 1 streaming account anywhere and avoid missing out on any live football.
Best VPNs for Watching Ligue 1 From Anywhere in 2023
1. ExpressVPN — Superb Speeds to Watch Ligue 1 Live Buffer-Free
Try Risk-Free for 30 DaysTested July 2023
| 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 94 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 US, France, and Smart Location servers, and my speeds only dropped by 12%, 6%, and 8%, respectively. This means that your speeds will be consistently fast no matter the distance to the server you choose. I never missed any Ligue 1 action due to slow loading or buffering streams.
I streamed Ligue 1 on Amazon Prime Video using ExpressVPN’s Paris server
ExpressVPN has 24 US locations and 5 French locations you can choose from for Ligue 1 streaming. Aside from US servers for beIN Sports and French ones for Canal+, it even has Indian servers to stream on JioTV or South African ones for DSTV Now. It also frequently updates its IPs, so I’ve never struggled to access my Ligue 1 streaming accounts.
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. MediaStreamer is a Smart DNS feature that allows streaming US and UK content from another location on devices that don't natively support VPNs. It’s easy to set up, and I used it to watch Ligue 1 on my Xbox using the FuboTV app.
- 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. This helps prevent location errors when streaming Ligue 1.
Watch Ligue 1 With ExpressVPN >>
2. CyberGhost — Watch Ligue 1 With Optimized Servers for Amazon Prime, Sling TV, and More
| 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 | 9,487 servers in 91 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 are often updated to avoid IP bans, so you don’t have to test multiple ones to see what works. During testing, it was easy to find these servers, as they have their own For streaming tab in the app.
CyberGhost also has servers for DAZN, Sling TV, YouTube TV, and more
While not as fast as ExpressVPN over long distances, CyberGhost speeds were still really good. It only slowed my connections by about 20% on average while testing worldwide servers. It supports the fast WireGuard protocol, which I used for Ligue 1 streaming. Overall, I didn’t experience significant lag, and watching games live was relatively smooth.
The one catch is that CyberGhost only offers a 14-day money-back guarantee with its monthly plan. So, you’ll have less time to test it for streaming Ligue 1 in your location. However, you can try CyberGhost risk-free for 45 days if 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 $2.19/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.
Watch Ligue 1 With CyberGhost >>
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 84 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.
128-bit encryption is less secure but may improve your connection speeds
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. PIA’s customizable split-tunnel allows you to select either apps or IPs to bypass or route via the VPN. This lets you watch Ligue 1 using the VPN while accessing your local services, like online banking, with your normal non-VPN connection.
- 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?
Due to regional licensing agreements, different broadcasters only allow streaming Ligue 1 in specific countries or regions. Here are some of your options for watching Ligue 1 online in various countries around the globe. Keep in mind that if you use some these platforms but you're traveling to a country where they're not available, you'll need to change your IP. This is where VPNs come in handy.
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+
Canal+ is one of the official broadcasters of Ligue 1 alongside beIN Sports Connect, showing all matches. It’s a French subscription-based television network that provides a diverse range of entertainment, including movies, series, sports, and documentaries. Canal+ is only available in France and Monaco. Prices start at around $25/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. If you’re traveling abroad, you could use a VPN to get an IP from back home and restore your access.
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.
Watch Ligue 1 With ExpressVPN >>
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, if you’re a US citizen traveling outside the country, you will not be able to watch Ligue 1 on your streaming accounts due to regional licensing. The only way to access your US accounts on beIN Sports Connect, Sling TV, or FuboTV abroad is to get a VPN with US servers that support your streaming platforms.
In what countries can I watch Ligue 1 with a VPN?
With a VPN, you can watch Ligue 1 from anywhere in the world. By connecting to a VPN server located in France or the US, you can access your account on Ligue 1 streaming platforms such as beIN Sports or Canal+ while traveling abroad.
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. If you’re from the US but want to try these services while abroad, you’ll need to use a VPN to watch Ligue 1. The VPNs that I recommend all offer money-back guarantees so you can test them risk-free beforehand.
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. They also typically have limited server locations, so you may not be able to stream Ligue 1 in your country of choice. 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. Premium VPNs have thousands of fast servers in many countries across the globe, capable of streaming Ligue 1 live buffer-free and in full HD.
Is it legal to use a VPN to watch Ligue 1?
Yes, it’s completely legal to use a VPN to watch Ligue 1 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 but you’re traveling to Nepal, you can use a VPN to access your local account and stream Ligue 1 matches.
However, the situation can change, and you should 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. To access your account while you’re in another country, you’ll need a VPN with French servers. Luckily, all the shortlisted VPNs have servers in France and dedicated apps for major platforms as well as support for other devices.
Watch Ligue 1 in Minutes
Anything can happen in Ligue 1 on a weekly basis, and a VPN can help you avoid missing out on any big moments wherever you are. Just make sure that your VPN has fast speeds for uninterrupted viewing and servers that support your preferred streaming platform that broadcasts Ligue 1 matches.
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 its servers can reliably access Ligue 1 broadcasters in the US, France, and many other countries. 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…
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About the Author
Hendrik is a writer at vpnMentor, specializing in VPN comparisons and user guides. With 5+ years of experience as a tech and cybersecurity writer, plus a background in corporate IT, he brings a variety of perspectives to test VPN services and analyze how they address the needs of different users.