How to Watch Rai TV Online Outside Italy (Tested in 2024)
Reading time: 12 min
Updated on August 20, 2024
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Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Cybersecurity Editor
Rai TV and RaiPlay are blocked to viewers outside of Italy due to copyright and broadcast regulations. The streaming service uses IP detection technology to ensure you’re in the correct broadcast location — if it sees your IP address as being outside of Italy, you’ll get an error message.
Fortunately, it’s still possible to watch Rai TV from anywhere by using software like a VPN to hide your true location. By connecting to a VPN server in Italy, Rai TV sees your IP address as being in the broadcast area and allows access to its content. If you want to use a VPN to watch Rai TV, ExpressVPN is the best choice in 2024. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Watch Rai TV online with ExpressVPN
Quick Guide: 3 Easy Steps to Watch Rai TV Anywhere in 2024
- Get a VPN with servers in Italy. For fast, reliable connections to Rai TV content, I recommend you try ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a server. Choose the Italian server nearest to your physical location for the best streaming speeds.
- Open Rai TV and start streaming. Connect through your browser or use the RaiPlay app.
Editorial Comment: The VPN services recommended in this article have strict zero-log policies that stop them from tracking or observing what you do online. As such, you are responsible for how you use your VPN, so please abide by all rules and regulations. The team at WizCase does not condone copyright infringement.
Why Do I Need a VPN to Watch Rai TV?
If you’re not in Italy, you won’t be able to watch anything on Rai TV or RaiPlay as the content is location-restricted — only devices with an Italian IP address are granted access to Rai TV, with all other IPs getting an error message instead:
A VPN masks your true IP address when you connect to a server in Italy, making it appear as though you’re actually in Italy. Rai TV detects the Italian IP address rather than your real IP and allows you access to its content.
Top Tip: Not All VPNs Work With Streaming Services
Platforms like Rai TV use strict proxy detection technology to block VPN connections, protecting copyright and abiding by broadcast regulations. As such, not all VPNs work effectively with streaming services.
It’s best to choose a tried-and-tested VPN with premium security and privacy features, as well as fast connection speeds for smooth streaming.
How to Watch Rai TV With a VPN
- Get a top VPN for Rai TV and download it to your device. I recommend you try ExpressVPN, as it’s easy to use and has fast streaming speeds.
![image of ExpressVPN's website with a highlight box around the]()
- Connect to a server and check your IP address has changed. You can manually select a server or have your VPN pick the best option — check your IP address with an IP checker like this one.
![image of ExpressVPN connected to a server]()
- Open Rai TV in your browser or open the RaiPlay app. Sign in with your account and start streaming.
![image of Rai 2 live TV streaming on iOS with image of ExpressVPN iOS app connected to a server in Italy]()
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Best VPNs to Watch Rai TV From Anywhere in 2024
The top VPNs not only allow reliable access to Rai TV content with premium security and privacy features, but also provide fast speeds for smooth streaming in UHD quality.
| Servers in Italy | Streaming Speeds | Lowest Price | Money-Back Guarantee | |
| ExpressVPN | 3 locations – Cosenza, Milan, and Naples | Very Fast | per month | 30 days |
| CyberGhost | 2 locations – Milan and Rome | Fast | per month | 45 days |
| Private Internet Access | 1 location – Milan | Good | per month | 30 days |
1. ExpressVPN — Fastest VPN for Lag-Free Rai TV Streaming From Anywhere
Key Features:
- 3,000+ servers — 3 locations in Italy (Cosenza, Milan, and Naples)
- Lightway protocol provides fast connection speeds across network
- Supports up to 8 device connections
- 24/7 live chat support with FAQs and online knowledge base
- 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN is the fastest service in 2024 — during tests, it maintained impressive speeds for streaming Rai TV from anywhere, so you’ll get uninterrupted viewing even if you’re using a long-distance connection. Plus, ExpressVPN regularly refreshes its IP address, so you’ll have fewer issues connecting to Rai TV online.
To ensure you can reliably watch Rai TV online from anywhere, ExpressVPN uses top-tier security features to keep your true location private — making it one of the top VPNs in 2024. These include military-grade encryption, data leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. ExpressVPN has a 30 day guarantee so it’s risk-free to test its features.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
ExpressVPN works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Nvidia Shield, Xiaomi Mi Box, Chromecast, Roku, Android TVs, smart TVs, routers, and more.
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2. CyberGhost — Optimized Streaming Servers Specifically for Rai TV
Key Features:
- 11,670+ servers — 2 locations in Italy (Milan and Rome)
- Optimized connections for RaiPlay and RaiPlay Diretta work flawlessly
- Connect 7 devices simultaneously
- 24/7 support with live chat, FAQs, and online help site
- 45-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost’s optimized servers are a great choice for streaming Rai TV. The optimized connections are regularly tested by CyberGhost staff to ensure you get a reliable, working connection for Rai TV. You’ll also find CyberGhost’s apps are user-friendly, making it easy to connect to the right server and start streaming quickly
During tests, CyberGhost’s speeds were reliably fast when using local servers for Rai TV. You may experience a slight slowdown if you’re using a long-distance connection, but it shouldn’t make a significant impact to your streaming quality. CyberGhost has a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it with Rai TV risk-free.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
CyberGhost works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Raspberry Pi, Chrome, Firefox, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, smart TVs, routers, and more.
3. Private Internet Access — Customizable Encryption Improves Rai TV Streaming Speeds
Key Features:
- 35,000+ servers — 1 location in Italy (Milan)
- Customizable settings boost streaming performance
- Supports unlimited devices
- 24/7 live support with chat, online knowledge base, and setup guides
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Private Internet Access (PIA) offers customizable settings to enhance streaming with Rai TV. I used OpenVPN’s AES-128-bit encryption to give my connections a speed boost on slower networks. Additionally, PIA has a dedicated streaming server in Italy, ensuring you get reliable streaming results.
If the streaming server is full, PIA’s enormous network has more than 85 connections in Milan, Italy. This means it should be quick to find an alternative working server for Rai TV. PIA is an affordable month-to-month VPN service, and all subscriptions are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
PIA works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Opera, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, smart TVs, routers, and more.
Our Methodology: How We Test VPNs for Watching Rai TV
I ran comprehensive tests on more than 30 VPNs and ranked them according to the results. You can check out our full testing methodology here.
- Works with Rai TV and RaiPlay — each VPN’s Italian server locations were tested by our team in Italy to ensure reliable connections to Rai TV.
- Fast speeds — I ran multiple speed tests on both short- and long-distance server connections, checking each VPN is fast enough for buffer-free streaming on Rai TV.
- Premium security and privacy features — to ensure your true location and data remains private at all times, I only included VPNs with top features like AES-256-bit encryption, data leak protection, and an audited zero-log policy.
- Easy-to-use apps — I tested each VPN’s installation and setup process, and navigated each app to make sure they are simple to use for quick connections to Rai TV.
- Value for money — the recommended VPNs have multiple plans available to suit your budget, and each one is backed by a money-back guarantee for peace of mind.
Rai TV VPN Not Working? Try These Quick Fixes
If you’re using a VPN with Rai TV but your connection isn’t working, here are some tips to try to fix the issue:
- Switch to a different VPN server — the server you’re using may be down for maintenance or blocked by Rai TV, so try using an alternative connection.
- Check your IP address — use an IP address checker tool to make sure no IP, DNS, or WebRTC data is leaking as this can cause Rai TV to block your connection.
- Clear your browser cache and cookies — sometimes, data can be stored in your browser cache and cookies that triggers a block. Clearing this data removes the trigger, so you can access Rai TV.
- Sign out of your Rai TV or RaiPlay account and log back in — occasionally there are issues with the Rai TV or RaiPlay platforms, so logging out and back in can resolve the problem.
- Contact customer support — contact a support agent as they will be able to recommend suitable servers or help you troubleshoot connection issues.
- Choose a different VPN — if none of these steps work, you should look into choosing a tried-and-tested VPN that works with Rai TV, like the options listed above.
FAQs: Rai TV and VPNs
How can I watch Rai TV in the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK, and other countries?
Is it illegal to watch Rai TV outside of Italy?
Can I stream Rai TV in HD with a VPN?
How can I watch Rai TV online for free?
You can watch Rai TV for free through your browser or the RaiPlay app. If you’re outside of Italy, you’ll need to use a VPN to watch Rai TV by connecting to an Italian server. You’ll get access to more Rai TV content if you create an account. Here are the steps to register for a Rai TV account when outside Italy:
- Use your VPN to connect to a server in Italy.
- Visit the Rai TV website in your browser or download the RaiPlay app.
- Register for an account. You can create an account with a valid email address, or sign up using Google, Facebook, X (Twitter), HUAWEI, or Apple ID.
- Log in to your account and start watching.
Can I watch Rai TV with a free VPN?
You could, but I don’t recommend it. Free VPNs don’t have the quality features of the best VPNs for Rai TV — you could experience deliberately slow connection speeds, overcrowding, and interruptions to your streaming. Plus, most free VPNs don’t have servers in Italy.
Even the best free VPNs in 2024 aren’t ideal for streaming. While they’re not free, premium VPNs provide reliable and secure connections to Rai TV so you can watch content anywhere. You’ll find the best VPNs also have a money-back guarantee, so you can make sure you’re satisfied with the service before committing to a subscription.
Watch Rai TV From Anywhere With a Top VPN
Accessing Rai TV and RaiPlay outside Italy is achievable with a reliable VPN. However, not all VPNs are capable of connecting to Rai content due to its strict proxy detection technology.
Of all the VPNs available, ExpressVPN stands out as the top VPN for Rai TV. With multiple servers in Italy, ExpressVPN can access Rai TV and RaiPlay without issue, and deliver fast streaming speeds for smooth streaming from anywhere.
With the added reassurance of a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can confidently test ExpressVPN and request a full refund if it doesn’t meet your expectations.
Summary: The Best VPNs for Rai TV 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: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
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