AT&T Now (formerly known as DirecTV Now) is a streaming video service offered by AT&T, the same folks who bring you AT&T U-Verse and DirecTV satellite television service.
AT&T Now offers most of the same channels and other content you can enjoy via a cable television subscription, without the need for a cable box or a lengthy subscription. Unfortunately, AT&T Now is currently only available in the United States.
American residents traveling internationally, or American ex-pats currently residing abroad, can’t enjoy their AT&T Now subscription due to the restrictions the streaming service must conform to, due to the contracts they have signed with the participating cable channels and streaming services.
However, there is a way for users who are out and about internationally to still enjoy their favorite shows and movies on AT&T Now. It’s called a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
A VPN is able to break through the virtual geographical roadblocks erected by streaming services like AT&T Now, Netflix and other U.S.-based streaming services.
A VPN does this by making it appear as if you are connecting to the internet from inside the United States.
A VPN temporarily assigns a new IP address to your connected device, making it appear as if you are connecting from another country other than the one you are physically residing in.
However, streaming services like AT&T Now and others have caught on to this trick and have gotten good at detecting and blocking IP addresses that VPN customers are using.
When an IP address is blocked by AT&T Now, it’s up to the VPN provider to set up new, unblocked IP addresses. This requires a VPN with the willingness and resources to react quickly when required.
In this article, I’ll tell you about the 5 top VPNs that provide the most reliable access to AT&T Now and other U.S.-based streaming services. Plus, I’ll offer insight into the other features of each VPN that can enhance and protect all of your online activities.
How to Watch AT&T Now From Anywhere Outside The U.S. by Using a VPN
Using a VPN to access AT&T Now from outside the U.S. requires only a few easy steps:
- Subscribe to an AT&T Now-capable VPN service. (NordVPN is my top choice.)
- Install the provider’s VPN app(s) on your device(s).
- Log into the VPN provider and select a server located in the United States.
- Settle in and enjoy the show!
What Is the Best VPN for Watching AT&T Now?
During my testing, the following 5 VPNs proved to be the best VPN options for reliable access to AT&T Now for folks traveling or living outside the United States. Here’s the TL;DR version:
- NordVPN: NordVPN is the top VPN option for viewing AT&T Now. The provider boasts a comprehensive global server network, with plenty of servers in the U.S. It also provides top-notch security and privacy protections.
- Surfshark: The provider’s fast connection speeds, unlimited concurrent connections allowance, and low price make it a contender. A fast-growing global server network provides reliable access to streaming services in the U.S. and around the globe.
- ExpressVPN: This provider is a reliable way to access AT&T Now from outside the United States. The provider’s U.S.-based VPN servers deliver comprehensive access, as well as excellent download speeds.
- CyberGhost: Streaming viewers without much experience will appreciate this provider’s one-click access to streaming-optimized servers in the United States and around the globe.
- PrivateVPN: Although this provider offers a global server network that is spread a bit thin, its servers in the United States do an excellent job of unblocking streaming servers based in the U.S., AT&T Now included.
All VPN providers have their own unique set of strengths and weaknesses. While some providers offer blazing fast connections, their global server network may be lacking. Other providers may offer excellent security and privacy protections but lack proper app support.
When researching the VPNs found in this roundup, I considered the following factors:
- Reliable ability to access U.S. streaming services, particularly AT&T Now.
- Comprehensive global server coverage, with servers in the U.S.
- Fast connection speeds
- Comprehensive privacy and security protection
- Wide multi-platform app support
Here is my list of the top 5 best VPNs for ex-pats and travelers who are looking for reliable access to AT&T Now from outside the United States:
1. NordVPN
Jul 2025
unblocks AT&T NowTested
Jul 2025
NordVPN offers top-notch access to AT&T Now and other U.S.-based streaming servers, without breaking the bank.
The provider has close to 5,500 servers stationed in 59+ countries around the globe. A healthy number of these servers are located in the U.S., providing reliable access to AT&T Now, Netflix, Hulu, and numerous other stateside streaming providers.
While not offering the fastest download speeds on this list, NordVPN’s connection speeds are easily up to handling AT&T Now’s HD content. No data caps are ever imposed on your usage.
Online security is never an issue with NordVPN thanks to their use of government-level encryption, a kill switch, and IPv6 and DNS leak protection. Plus, Double VPN (which routes your connection through twin VPN servers) and obfuscated server options add to the security protections. The provider’s apps also offer malware- and ad-blocking features.
Your privacy is also well-protected thanks to the provider’s no-logs-ever policy on their servers, as well as a cryptocurrency payment option.
The provider offers apps for the Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Linux, and Android TV device platforms. Chrome and Firefox extensions are also available. A large number of routers can be used with the service. Up to 6 concurrent connections are allowed.
Pros:
- Opens access to AT&T Now and other U.S. streamers
- Connection speeds easily handle HD content
- Excellent privacy and security protections
- Budget-priced
- Excellent server network
Cons:
- The apps could be more user-friendly
BEST AT&T NOW VPN OPTION:NordVPN is the best VPN option for users in search of reliable access to AT&T Now while outside of U.S. borders. The provider delivers reliable protection at a reasonable price. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
unblocks AT&T NowTested
Jul 2025
Surfshark grabbed the #2 spot on this list due to its fast-growing server network, fast download speeds, reliable access to AT&T Now, and bargain-basement pricing.
The provider’s global server network continues to grow at a fast clip. Its server network of 3,200+ servers located in 64 countries around the globe is more than double what it was just a year ago.
Those servers also provide fast download speeds, easily handling both HD and 4K streams, and they are never restricted by daily or monthly data caps.
Banking-grade encryption, kill switch protection, and IPv6 and DNS leak prevention all provide excellent online security. In addition, ad and malware blocking is also available.
A strict no-server-logs policy and a Bitcoin payment option combine to help to keep your info private.
Surfshark offers app support for most popular device platforms, including the iOS, Android, Android TV, Linux, macOS, Windows, and Amazon Fire platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions also make the list, as does router support.
There are no limits on the number of devices that you can simultaneously connect to the service using the same set of user credentials.
Pros:
- Provides access to AT&T Now and other U.S. streaming providers
- Unlimited concurrent connections
- Fast-growing global server network
- Fast connection speeds
- Bargain price
Cons:
- 1-month subscription is expensive
PERFECT FOR BUDGET-MINDED USERS:Surfshark is a fast-growing VPN that provides fast connections, top-notch access to numerous streaming services, and a somewhat unusual unlimited simultaneous connections allowance, all at a budget-friendly price. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of Surfshark.
3. ExpressVPN
unblocks AT&T NowTested
Jul 2025
ExpressVPN provides reliable access to AT&T Now from outside of the United States. Travelers and ex-pats will appreciate the provider’s fast connections, which are well protected from prying eyes.
ExpressVPN’s global server network includes over 3,000 servers, located in 94 countries. That network includes plenty of servers inside U.S. borders, delivering reliable access to AT&T Now, as well as other streaming services, including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and numerous others.
ExpressVPN’s download speeds deliver more than enough speed for HD and even 4K video streams. Plus, the provider never imposes any data caps on your usage.
The provider protects its clients’ connections by applying banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak and IPv6 leak prevention. On the privacy end of things, a strict no-logs server policy and a Bitcoin subscription payment option keep you protected.
No matter which popular connected device you own, there’s a good chance ExpressVPN offers an app for it. Offerings include apps for the Android, Amazon Fire, iOS, Linux, Chromebook, macOS, and Windows platforms. Browser extensions are available for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.
Up to 5 devices can connect to the service simultaneously. Router support is also available.
If you’d like to access AT&T Now on your set-top box, game console, or smart TV, you can use ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer DNS service. Please note, MediaStreamer does not encrypt your internet connection.
Pros:
- Unblocks AT&T and other streaming services in the U.S.
- MediaStreamer DNS service
- Optimal privacy and security protections
- Broad multi-platform support
Cons:
- More expensive than many other VPN providers
- Streaming and P2P servers are not labeled
HIGHLY VERSATILE VPN SERVICE:ExpressVPN is a speedy, security-conscious provider that offers a reliable way to view AT&T Now from outside of the United States. The provider’s servers and fast, well-protected connections deliver access to AT&T Now from nearly anywhere around the globe. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of ExpressVPN.
4. CyberGhost
unblocks AT&T NowTested
Jul 2025
CyberGhost will prove to be an attractive VPN option for users who aren’t well-versed in the world of VPNs. The provider’s easy-to-use apps provide one-click access to numerous streaming services, both in the U.S. and abroad.
With 6,200+ servers stationed in 89+ countries around the globe, CyberGhost provides top-notch access to streaming services both inside and outside of the United States.
HD and 4K content are no challenge for this provider thanks to its fast download speeds. Plus, you’ll never need to worry about data caps.
All CyberGhost connections are protected by bank-quality encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak and IPv6 leak protection. In addition, their apps block malware, ads, and online tracking. They can also force websites to serve up HTTPS versions of their pages, if available.
The provider never saves server logs of any kind, and they happily accept Bitcoin in return for their services.
Native app options from the provider include offerings for the Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows device platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as is extensive router support. Up to 7 simultaneous connections are allowed.
Pros:
- One-click access to streaming-optimized servers
- Easy-to-use apps
- No server logs ever; accepts Bitcoin
- Comprehensive online security
Cons:
- Apps don’t include some advanced features that other providers offer
- Some servers don’t perform well
BEST FOR VPN NEWBIES:CyberGhost is the best VPN option for novice users looking for a reliable, easy-to-use VPN to access AT&T Now and other streaming services. The provider offers a large server network and fast speeds. A 45-day, no-risk money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of CyberGhost.
5. PrivateVPN
unblocks AT&T NowTested
Jul 2025
PrivateVPN provides reliable access to numerous streaming services, despite a somewhat thinly-spread global server network.
A global server count of only 150+ server locations in 60 countries doesn’t exactly add up to comprehensive global server coverage. However, the provider’s U.S.-based servers do an excellent job of unblocking AT&T Now, Netflix, Hulu, CBS All Access and other U.S. streaming services.
This provider’s connections not only do a great job of handling the HD content that AT&T Now offers, but they are also more than up to handling the 4K streams from Netflix and other providers. No data caps to worry about here.
Online security isn’t an issue with this VPN thanks to its military-grade encryption, kill switch protection, and DNS leak, and IPv6 leak prevention. Plus, a “Stealth VPN” option hides your VPN activity by making it appear to be regular internet activity.
Privacy is also never an issue thanks to PrivateVPN’s no-server-logs policy and Bitcoin payment option.
Users with Amazon Fire, Android, iOS, macOS and Windows devices will find apps for their devices are present and accounted for. Chrome and Firefox users will be disappointed.
A large number of routers are compatible with the service. Users can connect up to 6 devices at once.
Pros:
- Reliable AT&T Now access from outside of the U.S.
- 4K-level connection speeds
- Comprehensive online security
Cons:
- Global server coverage needs improvement
- Multi-platform support could also use a boost
GREAT CONNECTION SPEEDS:PrivateVPN delivers 4K-capable access to Netflix in numerous locations around the globe. While the provider’s server count is a bit thin, they do an excellent job of unblocking content. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of PrivateVPN.
Can I Use a Free VPN to Watch AT&T Now?
Let me be clear upfront: Using a free VPN for any online activity is questionable at best. Trying to use one for accessing AT&T Now (or any other streaming service) is simply a practice in frustration, and it’s dangerous to boot.
First of all, let’s look at the streaming side of things.
AT&T Now and most other streaming services have become hip to the fact that folks are using VPNs to access the services from outside of their designated areas.
This has led to streaming providers blocking an IP address if they recognize it as belonging to a VPN provider.
When that happens, it’s up to the VPN provider to set up new VPN servers, sporting fresh IP addresses. This requires a provider with the resources to quickly respond when needed. Most free VPNs are run on a shoestring and lack the resources to compete.
Now for convenience. When you connect to a free VPN service, you may find that you’re forced to wait in a queue before being allowed to connect to a server.
Then, once you’re given the green light to connect, you’ll find that you have a limited number of servers to select from, or that you’re automatically connected to a server of the provider’s choosing.
Now we come to security and privacy. If you use a free VPN, don’t expect much of either.
“Free” VPNs keep the lights on by collecting information about their users’ online activities and then selling that info to advertisers and other interested parties.
Plus, some freebie VPNs will even insert ads and tracking cookies into their users’ browser sessions. And those cookies hang around even after you’ve disconnected from the VPN’s servers.
Now then, who here is still thinking about using a free VPN?
What Else Is a VPN Good for?
As well as unblocking AT&T Now and other streaming services, a VPN is a great tool for unblocking other online services and sites. It offers access to financial services that might normally be available only in your home country, as well as gambling sites, video gaming servers and much more.
A VPN’s connection encryption also hides your online antics from prying eyes, including those of your ISP. This prevents them from tracking your online activities and selling that information to other interested parties.
Plus, some ISPs will throttle your connection speeds if they catch you sharing files via BitTorrent, or if they catch you watching movies via a service like Popcorn Time. With a VPN, ISPs can’t see what you’re doing, and therefore can’t throttle your internet connection.
That same encryption also helps keep you and your information safe when you’re using an unprotected Wi-Fi hotspot, like the one down at your favorite coffee shop. Hackers have been known to monitor hotspots, intercepting other users’ Wi-Fi signals and stealing banking, credit card and other important information.
Conclusion
A quality VPN is your best bet for reliable access to AT&T Now while you’re traveling or living outside the U.S.
A VPN – like my top choice, NordVPN – offers reliable access to blocked content around the globe, protects your online activities from being monitored by third parties, and enhances your online activities.
For more information, visit the NordVPN website.
