Watching RaiPlay abroad is a challenge for many Italians overseas. This streaming service encapsulates all RAI channels, allowing you to watch all of them live. Even better, these channels are diverse, offering an array of quality content to enjoy.
From movies and series to various sports streams, such as Giro d’Italia and many others. Unfortunately, users abroad will find the channel inaccessible. This, luckily, won’t be the case after you read this article. So, how to watch RaiPlay live outside of Italy?
Well, the trick lies in tricking the website into “thinking” you’re in this country. This can be done with a VPN and you can watch RaiPlay live outside of Italy for free as well. We’ll explain everything as we go, so read our in-depth guide carefully.
Quick Summary: Watching RaiPlay Outside of Italy in 4 Steps
If you’re outside of Italy, RaiPlay will greet you with a geo-restriction message as a sign of unavailability. The key is to use a VPN and alter your online location to Italy, which will make the TV channel accessible and ready to watch.
Our team of experts recommends ExpressVPN with the fastest Italian servers. Here’s how to use it to unblock RaiPlay abroad:
- Subscribe to ExpressVPN and claim its 49% off deal with 3 free months for the 12-month plan.
- Install ExpressVPN on your device.
- Connect to a VPN server in Italy.
- Go to RaiPlay and watch your favorite content anywhere.
Why Can’t I Watch RaiPlay Outside of Italy?
Apart from some of the most amazing antiquity in Europe, Italy is home to great content. Netflix Italy houses some amazing shows, while RaiPlay allows exclusive access to all RAI channels. Unfortunately, geo-restrictions stand in non-Italians’ way.
If you’re abroad, trying to live-stream RaiPlay and watching its content will result in this:
The message is clear. You can’t watch RaiPlay outside of Italy. Geo-restrictions are easily explained through the prism of licensing agreements. This is an Italian TV channel and its license permits it to broadcast only in this country.
Users outside of this country have a different IP address. RaiPlay detects this IP address, reads it, and when it notices the IP doesn’t belong to Italy, it prevents access. Conversely, reading the Italian IP address would mean access is permitted.
What does it mean for people who struggle to watch RaiPlay abroad? Does it mean they should visit Italy? Well, it’s a phenomenal country and they should. But in this context, it means they should get an Italian IP address, which is easily done with a VPN.
How to Watch RaiPlay Abroad: 4 Simple Steps
A VPN like ExpressVPN is the best for this case. ExpressVPN has servers in 105 countries, with several VPN locations in Italy. This provider sports unlimited traffic and offers exclusive access to streaming platforms and TV channels from different countries.
While not a free VPN, the provider has a risk-free 30-day refund policy.
As a result, people can get a refund in the first 30 days for whatever reason. Even if they don’t need a VPN anymore. Here’s how to watch RaiPlay overseas for free using ExpressVPN.
1. Subscribe to ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN requires a subscription, as it’s not a free VPN. However, it’s inexpensive for what it offers, on top of which, there’s an exclusive discount on it. The provider has a 49% price reduction with 3 free months for the annual plan.
You can get this deal below.
The procedure is simple. Click the button above and you’ll be transferred to its site. From here, provide your email address, pay for the service, and download ExpressVPN to your device. Bear in mind you can also get the monthly plan, alas, at a higher price.
Nevertheless, once you install the VPN, open the application and sign in. You’ll have to use your email and password, both of which you provided during the subscription process.
2. Connect to an Italian VPN Server
To watch RaiPlay outside of Italy, you have to be in this country. Or at the very least, have an Italian IP address. That said, open ExpressVPN’s server list by using the three horizontal dots under “Selected Location.” It should open on the right.
To find Italy, you can search for it using the search bar or simply navigate to All Locations>Europe and find it there. Double-click on Italy or tap once on it on your iOS/Android phone to connect to a server in the country.
As you can see, the app will turn green, in which case the connection is established.
3. Watch RaiPlay Outside of Italy
With our IP address from Italy in place, we should be able to access RaiPlay abroad and watch its amazing content. The screenshot below shows you that ExpressVPN works without issues.
We tested Rai Sport in this instance, which live-streams numerous sports events around the world. However, channels like Rai 1, Rai 2, and others will work perfectly fine.
4. Get a Refund from ExpressVPN (Optional)
As explained, users can watch RaiPlay live outside of Italy for free. Albeit, for a limited period. ExpressVPN’s 30-day refund policy allows for that. Essentially, it enables you to get a refund in the first 30 days for whatever reason, even if you don’t need it anymore.
Just contact its support team on the site, explain that you want a refund, and they’ll hand it to you. You now learned how to unblock and access RaiPlay abroad – possibly for free – by using one of the most amazing VPNs in 2024.
Best VPNs to Unblock RaiPlay Anywhere
RaiPlay is a geo-restricted channel and it’s known to detect VPNs. Not every VPN can unblock Rai, especially low-quality free providers. The three providers below will work with RaiPlay and were tested by our team. Let us present them to you:
1. ExpressVPN
Pros
- Servers in Cosenza, Milan, and Naples
- The fastest VPN for RaiPlay
- Perfect Forward Secrecy
- More than 10 security audits
- Top-notch streaming optimization
- Threat Manager blocks ads/trackers
Cons
- Slightly pricey
- No multi-hop servers
ExpressVPN works with RaiPlay time and time again. It’s actually very capable of streaming, with over 3,000 servers in 105 countries. Our team had no problems using it for BBC iPlayer, Hotstar, and Netflix, where it works with 15+ libraries.
On top of that, we recommend ExpressVPN because it’s lightning-fast. Its Lightway protocol ensures top-notch performance and 10 Gbps servers make everything buttery-smooth. ExpressVPN’s ease of use is impeccable, no matter the device.
Its apps look identical on all platforms, eliminating the learning curve. Also, the provider has 8 simultaneous connections, allowing you to watch RaiPlay outside of Italy on multiple devices simultaneously. SmartDNS function is there for streaming on any device.
Plus, ExpressVPN is among the safest VPNs. It offers Perfect Forward Secrecy to prevent the encryption keys from being compromised. With features like AES-256 encryption, split tunneling, and RAM-only servers, its premium feeling never lets you go.
Don’t worry about logging, as ExpressVPN’s security audits tell us its no-logs policy is 100% genuine. ExpressVPN includes Threat Manager for keeping ads and trackers at bay. Finally, while its discount is significant, ExpressVPN might not be for everyone’s pocket.
Compared to the next two VPNs, its prices are a tad higher. But hey, this is virtually a no-downside VPN with all of its features offered in all plans. Think about its 49% off deal for the annual plan with 3 free months. It sure as hell sounds exciting.
2. CyberGhost
Pros
- NoSpy servers
- P2P/streaming optimization
- Smart DNS function
- Cheap antivirus addition
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Best value for money
Cons
- It could benefit from obfuscation
- Weaker performance with OpenVPN
Another provider we use for streaming RaiPlay outside of Italy is CyberGhost. With around 12,000 servers and 330+ in Italy, it’s a stellar choice. Moreover, the VPN offers streaming servers, further complementing its use for RaiPlay.
We love its apps for all platforms as well as its 7 simultaneous connections. Another perk is WireGuard support, which guarantees exceptional performance with unlimited bandwidth. Being a premium VPN, CyberGhost is also P2P-optimized.
Apart from torrenting, users can enjoy additional privacy with its NoSpy servers. They’re based in Romania and owned by CyberGhost. This VPN also includes Smart DNS but also supports devices like Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV (read our Firestick VPN selection here).
CyberGhost includes bank-grade encryption and Private DNS to ensure your online privacy. Additionally, features like split tunneling and a kill switch are also there. For just around $1 a month, users can buy its antivirus to get 360-degree protection.
Not to mention the addition of dedicated IPs for a surprisingly low price. CyberGhost won’t work in China, so in this country, you can’t access RaiPlay. However, it’ll work well in any other country like the UAE, Russia, and many others.
You can watch RaiPlay live abroad with CyberGhost for as low as $2 a month. Its 2-year plan is incredibly affordable with a whopping 45-day money-back guarantee. It’s a perfect choice for those on a budget looking to enjoy delicious juices of unlimited streaming.
3. NordVPN
Pros
- Good-looking apps
- NordLynx protocol is fast
- Meshnet for remote control/access
- Double VPN
- Affordable 2-year deals
Cons
- Only 6 simultaneous connections
- 61 covered countries (less than CyberGhost and ExpressVPN)
NordVPN is our third and last choice for today. The provider packs hundreds of Italian VPN servers no less awesome than the previous two. We love it for its security and privacy, as its no-logs policy is one of the most impressive on the market. But what about streaming?
Well, it’s more than excellent. With it, you can unblock RaiPlay overseas and enjoy the platform endlessly. NordVPN works with 20+ Netflix catalogs too and includes P2P servers usable for torrenting. It also has Double VPN servers for two layers of encryption.
NordVPN’s apps look like a million dollars. They work on all platforms, which is welcome for accessing RaiPlay on the go. We just dislike its 6 simultaneous connections that could use an increase. Other than that, NordVPN comes with unique features, one of which is Meshnet.
It can be used to overcome the Netflix account-sharing ban or remote control. We also praise its Threat Manager available on all devices for protection against viruses, malware, and ads. NordVPN has several audits from PwC and Deloitte – a remarkable achievement.
The VPN comes with a heap of features you’ll find in the most basic subscription plan. A dark web monitor, for example, and its in-house NordLynx protocol based on WireGuard. Overall, it’s among the top VPNs your money can get and best of all – it’s inexpensive!
We recommend its 2-year deal that costs a tad more than CyberGhost’s equivalent. You’ll enjoy a 30-day refund policy with the option to pay a bit more and enjoy NordPass and/or NordLocker. Flexibility and quality are NordVPN’s fortes.
Is It Legal to Watch RaiPlay Outside of Italy?
Yes, it’s perfectly fine. At the start of the guide, we explained that Rai is restricted to Italy. People abroad, logically, aren’t supposed to see its content. In theory, it sounds illegal to just bypass the restriction with a VPN and watch the channel nonetheless.
In practice, things are different. Unblocking geo-restricted content isn’t illegal, and while against the “rules” of the website, it won’t get you in jail or fined. This isn’t a criminal offense unless the site you’re unblocking is illegal in your country.
We’ll take gambling as an example. It’s illegal in all Muslim countries and gambling sites are blocked. With a VPN you can still access these sites but should you? Likely not, as it would be illegal. RaiPlay and other TV channels can’t be illegal.
This means you can freely use a VPN, unblock RaiPlay outside of Italy, and watch it legally.
Will Free VPNs Unblock RaiPlay Overseas?
Streaming services, TV channels, and free VPNs don’t go well together. Free VPNs lack server variety and distribution, often not providing servers in some countries. In this case, we need an Italian VPN server and none of the quality non-paid VPNs offer it.
We could use TunnelBear as an example. It does. However, this VPN has only 2 GB of monthly bandwidth, which is hardly enough for 30 minutes of watching. While our team frequently recommends ProtonVPN’s free version, it has no Italian servers.
If you need a VPN just to watch RaiPlay abroad, free VPNs aren’t recommended. Besides, their other qualities suffer as well, as they lack the performance and speed for streaming. That’s why they can’t unblock restricted videos and TV channels properly.
Free VPNs like Hola VPN are very popular. They offer a variety of servers worldwide, and surprisingly, work with RaiPlay, Netflix, ABC, and other services. In the background, these VPNs keep tons of logs and sell your private data to third parties.
For this reason, we don’t think you should ever use a free provider. The only exception is ProtonVPN, a safe and secure service with unlimited traffic. But bear in mind it’s subpar in terms of streaming and torrenting due to very slow speed.
The Final Verdict
It’s time to conclude this guide and do a recap on how to watch RaiPlay outside of Italy. Users abroad can use a VPN to alter their IP address to Italy and pretend they’re in this country. As a result, RaiPlay will become accessible.
In this guide, we highlighted ExpressVPN as the #1 option. Its performance and thousands of servers perform exquisitely for tasks like these. Thanks to ubiquitous Italian servers, you can use this VPN to watch RaiPlay overseas and enjoy an array of quality content.
Don’t hesitate to try CyberGhost and NordVPN as well. They’re cheaper and slightly inferior, with top-of-the-line security and speed. All VPNs have a refund policy, so if you decide you don’t need them, get a refund in the first 30 or 45 days.
