Best VPN to watch RaiPlay in the USA in June 2026

Short summary: Since RaiPlay streaming is geo-restricted to Italy, viewers abroad can’t watch their favorite Rai International shows without a workaround. The solution is using a reliable VPN for RaiPlay to bypass geo-blocks, get RaiPlay outside Italy, and enjoy Italian TV anywhere.

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RaiPlay is Italy’s official streaming platform, offering free access to popular Rai TV channels, exclusive series, movies, and Rai International content. However, RaiPlay is geo-blocked outside Italy due to licensing agreements, which means viewers in the USA or other countries can’t stream its shows directly. Luckily, you can still watch RaiPlay abroad using a trusted VPN.

A VPN for RaiPlay works by connecting you to a secure server in Italy, giving you an Italian IP address, which lets you get RaiPlay outside Italy as if you were in the country. In this guide, I’ve worked with VPN specialists and researchers at VPNpro to identify the best VPNs for RaiPlay in 2026. You’ll find our top tried-and-tested recommendations, plus simple steps to watch Rai Play USA on laptops, phones, and smart TVs – so you never miss your favorite Italian programs, wherever you are.

Top 5 RaiPlay VPNs in 2026

1. NordVPN

   best overall RaiPlay USA VPN
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   affordable VPN to watch RaiPlay in the US
   9.5
3. Proton VPN

   freemium VPN for RaiPlay USA streaming
   8.6
4. TotalVPN

   cheap VPN to watch RaiPlay abroad
   8.2
5. Norton VPN

   secure VPN for Rai International US access
   7.3

Why use a VPN to watch RaiPlay in the US?

You need to use a VPN to watch RaiPlay in the USA because the platform is officially available only in Italy. RaiPlay’s content, including Rai International shows, news, and live TV, is geo-blocked outside the country due to strict broadcasting and licensing agreements.

If you try to access Rai TV from the US or anywhere abroad, you’ll see the message: “Siamo spiacenti. Rai detiene i diritti per lo streaming del contenuto esclusivamente per connessioni dall'Italia”, or “The streaming of this content is available in Italy only”.

To bypass this restriction, you’ll have to use a top VPN with reliable servers in Italy. A VPN routes your internet connection through an Italian server, hiding your real IP address and making it appear as if you’re browsing from inside Italy.

Based on my June 2026 tests, NordVPN is the best VPN for RaiPlay thanks to its high-speed Italian servers, SmartPlay streaming technology, and verified ability to unblock Rai TV geo-restrictions consistently and securely.

Best VPNs for RaiPlay

To watch RaiPlay in the USA without geo-blocks or interruptions, you’ll need a reliable RaiPlay VPN to consistently bypass geo-restrictions, enjoy fast HD speeds, and protect your connection with strong encryption. The VPN also needs to have stable servers in Italy to prevent error pop-ups and ensure smooth access to Rai International content from anywhere.

After testing 25 providers, NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, TotalVPN, and Norton VPN stood out as the best VPNs for RaiPlay in 2026. They combine reliable unblocking performance, stable Italian servers, and solid privacy tools for a secure, buffer‑free streaming experience on any device.

Top 1. NordVPN – top VPN to watch RaiPlay in the US

NordVPN is the best VPN for RaiPlay because it combines consistently successful unblocking of Rai TV with excellent speeds and strong privacy features. In testing, NordVPN easily accessed RaiPlay when connected to its Italian servers, letting me watch Rai International content without the “available in Italy only” error message.

NordVPN runs a large global network of 9,300+ servers across 137+ countries, including 60+ Italian servers, which gives you plenty of options to get RaiPlay outside Italy with minimal congestion.

During speed tests, NordVPN came out as one of the fastest VPNs I ever tried. Italian servers delivered smoother and faster HD streaming than Surfshark and Proton VPN, with NordVPN’s proprietary NordLynx protocol maintaining high-speed, low-latency, and buffer‑free streams. To stay more undetectable, you can enable Obfuscated Servers, which mask VPN traffic and reduce the chance of Rai blocking your connection.

Security-wise, NordVPN uses AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, plus DNS and IP leak protection. NordVPN’s powerful protection is backed by a strict no-logs policy that’s been audited multiple times, verifying the VPN’s strong privacy.

With our discount coupon, you can get NordVPN for as little as $3.09/month if you go for a long‑term plan. You are also welcome to test NordVPN for RaiPlay with its 3-day free trial on Android and the included 30-day money-back guarantee before committing for longer.

For more in-depth insights, check out our NordVPN review.

Top 2. Surfshark – best value Rai Play USA VPN with no device limit

Surfshark is one of the best VPNs for RaiPlay in the USA if you want to unblock Rai TV and Rai International on as many devices as you like without overspending. It combines solid unblocking power, fast speeds, and unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for households that all want to watch Rai Play in the US at the same time.

Surfshark runs a smart, effective global network with 4,500+ servers across 100+ countries, with 74+ Italian locations, including major digital hubs like Rome and Milan. I used the VPN’s high-speed servers in Italy to access RaiPlay from the US and stream live Rai channels and on‑demand shows, bypassing the usual “not available in your region” geo-block wall.

When I ran speed tests, Surfshark was only slightly behind NordVPN, which is impressive. It proved to be fast enough for smooth HD and 4K streaming, and noticeably quicker than many cheaper VPNs when streaming RaiPlay on multiple devices. To stay more under Rai’s radar, you can enable features like Camouflage Mode or NoBorders, which help disguise VPN traffic before visiting the RaiPlay site or app.

Surfshark’s security is premium-tier, including AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection to keep your viewing activity private. The VPN also has a strict no-logs policy stance, with regular external audits confirming its privacy standards.

Surfshark’s prices are very budget‑friendly, especially if you use our dedicated discount. Long-term subscriptions start from just $1.99/month, and you get even more value with unlimited devices plus a 7-day free trial paired with a 30-day money‑back guarantee, which lets you test Rai TV unblocking risk‑free.

For more in-depth insights, check out our Surfshark review.

Top 3. Proton VPN – RaiPlay VPN with privacy focus and a trusted free plan

Proton VPN is a strong RaiPlay VPN option if you want to watch RaiPlay in the US, with a big focus on privacy and the option to start with a reputable free plan. It’s particularly appealing for viewers who care about how to watch Rai TV in the USA securely while keeping their data protected under strict Swiss privacy laws.

Although Proton VPN’s free tier is effective compared to other no-cost options, I recommend its paid Premium plan for RaiPlay streaming. It includes a truly global network of 20,075+ servers across 145+ countries, with 80+ locations in Italy. You can use Proton VPN’s Italian servers to unblock Rai International libraries and Rai Play from the USA more reliably than with the free tier.

When I accessed RaiPlay using Italian connections, streams were stable and consistent. That said, during my speed tests, Proton VPN was slightly slower than NordVPN and Surfshark, especially on more distant servers. To be fully undetectable by Rai, you can enable features such as Secure Core or Stealth – these help mask your VPN traffic when accessing RaiPlay.

On the security side, Proton VPN provides AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection, backed by a strict no-logs policy together with a strong Swiss privacy stance. Proton VPN also offers advanced extras, like NetShield, VPN Accelerator, and Tor over VPN, if you prefer useful add-ons.

Proton VPN’s paid plans are mid‑range in price, but with our discount, you can get a Premium subscription starting from $2.99/month. You can also test Proton VPN for RaiPlay yourself, either with its limited free version or a 30-day money-back guarantee. This essentially gives you a no‑risk opportunity to try streaming Rai Play from the USA before making bigger decisions.

For more in-depth insights, check out our Proton VPN review.

Top 4. TotalVPN – user-friendly RaiPlay US VPN with built-in antivirus

TotalVPN is a smart choice for Rai Play USA streaming if you want a simple, cheap, and user-friendly Rai TV VPN that also builds in antivirus protection. It can be especially appealing for viewers who just want to figure out how to watch RaiPlay in the US without dealing with complicated settings or extra security apps.

TotalVPN offers a growing server network that includes key locations in Italy, like Milan and Rome, which you can use to unblock RaiPlay and Rai International USA libraries more reliably than with other VPNs with a similar price tag.

When I accessed RaiPlay using Italian servers, I managed to stream live Italian channels and on-demand content without region errors. During speed testing, TotalVPN stayed behind faster providers like NordVPN and Surfshark, yet delivered smooth playback for most titles.

When it comes to security, TotalVPN combines its VPN service with antivirus and malware blocking, plus strong encryption and a kill switch. Like all reputable providers, TotalVPN claims a no-logs policy, so your RaiPlay sessions remain private.

TotalVPN stands out for its friendly price tag – only $1.59/month if you use our special discount. That’s a great RaiPlay VPN deal, taking into consideration the integrated antivirus and solid basic VPN functions. The VPN offers the standard 7-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee, which you can use as a hands-on testing period to see how Rai TV streaming and speeds are from the US.

For more in-depth insights, check out our TotalVPN review.

Top 5. Norton VPN – private VPN to stream RaiPlay abroad

Norton VPN is a good option for RaiPlay in the USA if you want simple apps from a trusted antivirus and cybersecurity brand to stream Rai TV and Rai International from the USA privately. It focuses on ease of use and online privacy, which is helpful if you’re new to VPNs and just want to know how to watch Rai TV outside of Italy without fiddling with advanced settings.

Norton VPN offers a respectable network of servers across numerous countries globally. That includes a growing number of locations in Italy, covering major cities like Rome, Milan, Florence, and Palermo, letting you access RaiPlay abroad with an Italian IP address. Norton VPN’s Italian servers allowed me to access RaiPlay from the US reliably, although I had to switch servers for a more stable connection. Although I experienced only modest slowdowns when streaming Italian shows, NordVPN and Surfshark remained faster in side‑by‑side comparison, which was also evident from my speed checks. Importantly, Norton VPN’s split tunneling and Mimic protocol (obfuscation) helped me stay unsuspected when visiting RaiPlay from outside Italy.

On top of that, Norton VPN uses strong encryption and integrates smartly with Norton’s broader security ecosystem, keeping browsing and streaming activity more private. The VPN’s encryption is strong, backed by a strict no-logs policy that has been confirmed by independent third parties.

Norton VPN’s prices are not the cheapest, starting from $3.33/month for a basic plan. However, most subscriptions come with a rarely-seen, generous 60-day money-back guarantee window on top of the standard 7-day free trial. This is a bonus that essentially grants you a 2-month period to unblock Rai TV from the US while testing the VPN’s speeds and performance.

For more in-depth insights, check out our Norton VPN review.

Compare the best RaiPlay VPNs

How to choose the best VPN for RaiPlay

When choosing the best VPN for RaiPlay in the USA, it’s not only about finding a service that unblocks the platform with Italian servers – it should also deliver fast performance, stable connections, and airtight security. Since RaiPlay is restricted outside Italy, I personally tested 25 various VPNs to see which could reliably access the platform while maintaining smooth streaming and complete privacy. Here’s what helped me choose the top RaiPlay VPNs:

• Does the VPN have servers in Italy? To get Rai TV outside Italy, you need Italian IP addresses with enough selection. I checked how many Italian servers each VPN offered and tested their quality – the more servers available, the easier it was to find stable, fast access without overcrowding.
• How fast and stable is the connection? RaiPlay offers HD and live broadcasts, so I measured speed and performance across long sessions. Top options kept playback smooth, avoiding lag or buffering even during busy, high-traffic times.
• Can it bypass RaiPlay’s blocks? Not every VPN can trick RaiPlay’s detection system. I tested each provider’s obfuscation features and dedicated streaming modes to confirm Rai Play access reliability.
• Is user privacy fully protected? I prioritized AES‑256 encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, verified no-logs policies, and any additional security features. These tools guarantee safe streaming while keeping your location and personal details private.
• Does it offer good value for the price? I compared pricing, trials, and refund policies to ensure that top-tier features don’t come with steep monthly costs. The best RaiPlay VPNs I found reflect cost-effectiveness in terms of performance, reliability, and extra features.

Can I use a free VPN for RaiPlay?

You can technically try using a free VPN for RaiPlay, but I don’t recommend it. Proton VPN's free plan is worth mentioning as it’s easily the best free option right now, thanks to its solid security reputation and unlimited bandwidth. However, as its free plan doesn’t include servers in Italy, you probably won’t be able to access RaiPlay’s region‑locked content from abroad.

I generally haven’t found any trustworthy free VPN that consistently unblocks RaiPlay. Most free services come with major drawbacks: limited server access, slower speeds, weaker privacy protection, intrusive ads, and in some cases, questionable data-gathering practices. That’s why I don’t recommend them for streaming.

Instead of using a free VPN for Rai TV, NordVPN is the top choice for reliable Rai Play streaming, offering a 3-day free trial and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. This way, you can essentially use it for a month, and it won’t cost you anything as long as you decide to cancel the subscription within the period.

Get NordVPN to watch Rai TV from outside Italy

How to watch RaiPlay outside Italy with a VPN: step-by-step guide

RaiPlay is one of Italy’s most popular streaming platforms, but unfortunately, it’s geo‑restricted outside Italy. With the right VPN, though, you can easily bypass these blocks and enjoy Italian shows, live channels, and exclusive content from anywhere in the US or abroad.

Step 1. Choose a reliable RaiPlay VPN

RaiPlay is geo‑blocked and only available in Italy. However, by connecting through a strong VPN, you can access the platform just like a local viewer. Based on my hands-on tests, NordVPN proved to be the best VPN for RaiPlay, offering very fast Italian servers, military-grade encryption, and consistent success at bypassing RaiPlay’s geo-restriction wall.

Step 2. Install the VPN on your device

You can watch RaiPlay on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, or even smart TVs and streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV Stick or Android TV. Download your chosen VPN app from its official website or your device’s app store, log in, and set it up. On desktops, connect before opening a browser; on mobile or TV, activate the VPN directly within the app.

Step 3. Connect to an Italian server

Once installed, choose an Italian server from your VPN’s location list. This will change your real location and assign you an Italian IP address, tricking RaiPlay into thinking you’re streaming from within the country. NordVPN offers 60+ Italian servers, covering key locations like Milan and Rome, all while delivering smooth, buffer‑free playback.

Step 4. Start streaming RaiPlay and troubleshoot if needed

After connecting, open RaiPlay’s website or app, log in, and enjoy your favorite shows. If RaiPlay still shows a geo‑restriction error, try switching to another Italian server or changing your VPN protocol for better stability. Restarting and reconnecting usually fixes the issue, letting you stream all the Italian content you want without limits.

Visit NordVPN now

RaiPlay not working with VPN: easy fixes

If RaiPlay stops working with your VPN, it’s likely that the platform detected your VPN usage, your IP leaked, or you’re connected to the wrong Italian server location. Here are some quick solutions you can try to fix the issue:

• Switch to another Italian server. Some server IPs get blocked more frequently than others. Try reconnecting to a different Italian server – when I tested this, a new IP often resolved access problems instantly.
• Clear your browser’s cache and cookies. Old location data can reveal where you actually are. Deleting stored cookies or cached files forces RaiPlay to recognize your current VPN location instead.
• Run an IP and DNS leak test. Even small leaks expose your real region. Use your VPN’s leak protection tools and make sure no DNS-over-HTTPS settings in your browser conflict with your VPN.
• Change VPN protocol or enable obfuscation tools. Switching protocols or enabling obfuscation mode can hide VPN traffic from detection systems and restore access.
• Contact support or try a reliable VPN. If none of these work and if support is not helpful, your provider might not work reliably with RaiPlay. In my experience, NordVPN easily bypasses geo-blocks and reconnects easily when others fail.

Final thoughts

RaiPlay offers a treasure house of Italian entertainment – from original series to live broadcasts. However, its strict geo‑blocking means you can’t stream it directly from the USA without additional tools. Using a reliable RaiPlay VPN lets you swap your virtual location to Italy and easily bypass the annoying “content is available in Italy only” geo-block.

After testing 25 popular VPNs, NordVPN stood out as the best option for watching RaiPlay in the USA. It provided the fastest Italian servers, flawless unblocking, and strong privacy protection during every streaming session. Surfshark came second with great value and unlimited device connections, while Proton VPN remains a secure choice with a strong privacy focus and useful extra features. With the right VPN, enjoying RaiPlay from anywhere becomes simple, safe, and lag‑free, letting you stay connected to Italian TV, no matter where you are.

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FAQ

Is Rai TV available outside Italy?

No, Rai TV (RaiPlay) is geo‑restricted and officially available only in Italy. Viewers outside the country cannot access its content directly due to regional licensing limits. However, by using a reliable VPN with Italian servers like NordVPN, you can virtually change your location to Italy and stream Rai TV or Rai International from anywhere in the world.

Can I watch RaiPlay in the US?

Yes, you can watch RaiPlay in the US by using a powerful VPN service like NordVPN. Since RaiPlay is blocked outside Italy, connecting to an Italian VPN server gets you an Italian IP address, granting full access to its live channels, movies, and TV shows just as if you were streaming from within Italy.

How to bypass RaiPlay’s geo-block?

To bypass RaiPlay’s geo‑block, connect to a VPN server located in Italy. This masks your real IP address and makes RaiPlay think you’re streaming from inside the country. For consistent access and smooth playback, choose a reputable VPN with fast, optimized Italian servers, like NordVPN, Surfshark, or Proton VPN.

Can you use a VPN to watch RaiPlay from abroad?

Yes, you can use a VPN to watch RaiPlay in the US or abroad, connecting to Italian servers and unlocking RaiPlay’s full library of content. It also secures your data with encryption, preventing tracking and ensuring smooth, private streaming wherever you are.

What is the best RaiPlay VPN?

NordVPN is the best RaiPlay VPN as confirmed by performance testing. It offers multiple high‑speed Italian servers, advanced privacy features, and reliable unblocking capabilities. NordVPN efficiently streams RaiPlay in HD without lag or any error pop-ups.

Is there a free VPN for RaiPlay?

While Proton VPN is the best free VPN overall, its free plan doesn’t support Italian servers, so it can’t unblock RaiPlay. Most free VPNs also have speed limits or privacy risks. For guaranteed access, I recommend using NordVPN, which offers a 3‑day free trial and a 30‑day money‑back guarantee.