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How to Watch iFollow in the U.K. and Access All of the Games

Missing out on your favorite football matches? I review the best VPNs for viewing English Football League matches on iFollow.

iFollow is the official streaming service for the English Football League (EFL). It provides live video streaming of EFL matches, audio match commentary, behind-the-scenes presentations, match highlights, and more. While iFollow is available worldwide, things work a bit differently in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

You’ll find that the service is a bit more expensive, and some features aren’t available in the U.K. at all. (For instance, a single Video Match Pass is only $7 outside U.K. borders, but £10 inside the U.K. In addition, Video Season Passes are only available outside of the U.K.!)

Why Are iFollow Matches Blocked in the UK?

iFollow was originally created as a service for fans abroad to keep up with their favorite Championship and League One and Two clubs.

At the start of the 2018-19 season, the service was expanded to allow UK viewers to watch live streams of their favorite lower-league clubs on iFollow. However, overseas viewers get access to nearly every match. UK viewers cannot view any games being shown on Sky, any games that are played under “3 PM kickoff” rules (games that start from 2:45 PM to 5:15 PM), and any matches played on bank holidays and other public holidays.

Can a VPN Help Me Watch iFollow?

U.K. football fans, you’ll be glad to learn that there’s a tool you can use not only to open access to all iFollow-broadcast matches but also to score a Video Match Pass – and Video Season Pass – at a more reasonable price. That tool is a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

A VPN opens access to content in other regions (or, in this case, in your region) that might not normally be available to you.

It does this by temporarily assigning your connected device a new IP address, making it appear to the rest of the internet that you’re located in another part of the world. Therefore, iFollow will think you aren’t in the U.K. at all. Get ready to buy a Video Season Pass while you’re “visiting Australia”!

In this article, I’ll review the best VPNs for viewing English Football League matches on iFollow, listing what makes each VPN a reliable choice for viewing the matches. Plus, I’ll share the various other features of a VPN that make it an indispensable tool in your online protection toolkit.

How to Watch iFollow Using a VPN

It requires only a few quick steps to watch iFollow using a VPN. They are as follows.

How to Watch iFollow Using a VPN:

  1. Subscribe to an iFollow-capable VPN provider. (I recommend NordVPN.)
  2. Install your provider of choice’s VPN app(s) on your favorite device(s).
  3. Log into the VPN service.
  4. Select a server located outside the U.K. (A U.S.-based server is the best.)
  5. Connect to the iFollow website, log in and enjoy the match!

WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE?

NordVPN’s risk-free 30-day trial takes the risk out of trying the VPN provider. A full-featured 30-day trial is available by visiting this page. This free trial period allows iFollow viewers to take their time familiarizing themselves with the provider’s top-notch services. NordVPN is the best VPN for watching iFollow while traveling or working abroad.

NordVPN’s no-risk offer means if you decide it isn’t the best VPN for your needs all you do is contact the provider’s customer support within 30 days and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

Best VPNs for iFollow

Before we begin, you should know that while using a VPN has long been a reliable and popular method of accessing content from other regions of the world, streaming providers have been catching on to this trick.

To combat this problem, they’ve begun blocking VPN users from accessing their streaming content.

iFollow is no exception to this rule, meaning only a few VPN providers can provide reliable access to matches on iFollow. This means that while Pixel Privacy articles usually list five or more VPNs, in the case of iFollow, we’ve found only four VPN providers that can provide reliable access to iFollow.

So, the following four VPN providers are the best available VPNs for providing reliable access to iFollow:

  1. NordVPN: Top VPN for iFollow. This service is my number one choice, with fast speeds that consistently work well with iFollow and other streaming services. It includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. Surfshark: Budget-priced iFollow VPN. This provider for budget-minded users offers unlimited simultaneous connections to geo-controlled media content around the globe. This is all delivered at quite a reasonable price, making Surfshark an excellent VPN option for users on a budget.
  3. ExpressVPN: Premium VPN for iFollow. This provider offers reliable access to streaming content around the world, including iFollow. ExpressVPN’s fast connection speeds mean your matches will start immediately and stream smoothly, with no mid-match dropouts or buffering.
  4. CyberGhost: Easy VPN option for rookies. An excellent option for football fans who just want to spend their time viewing the action on the pitch, not changing a bunch of VPN settings. Offers convenient one-click access to streaming-capable servers around the globe.

When ranking the best VPNs to use to watch iFollow from both inside and outside of U.K. borders, I considered the following important factors:

  • Servers located outside and inside the United Kingdom
  • Offers reliable access to iFollow games
  • Fast, HD-capable connection speeds
  • No data caps or bandwidth limitations
  • Top-notch multi-platform support

For more information about the criteria I used, please take a look at the methodology testing section later in this article.

Best VPNs for iFollow – Summary table

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for iFollow.

No valueNordVPNSurfsharkExpressVPNCyberGhost
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comExpressVPN.comCyberGhost.com
Ranking for iFollow1234
Avg Speed (Mbps)100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps
Devices SupportedWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TVWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, Linux (command line), iOS, Android, Smart TVs Routers
Simultaneous Connections6Unlimited57
Popular Sites Unblocked95%88%86%85%
Best deal (per month)$3.09
Up to 69% off + 3 months FREE
$2.29
85% off a 2yr Starter plan
$6.67
49% off plus 3 months Free!
$2.19
SAVE 82% on the 2 year plan

Here is my list of the four best VPNs for viewing football matches via iFollow:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is a great option thanks to its excellent native app support and reliable ability to access iFollow. You can also enjoy a few movies after the match is over, as the provider offers reliable access to Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Netflix.

Its owned-and-operated global server coverage is much better than average, offering over 5,600 servers in close to 60 countries around the world. (440+ of those servers are in the U.K., while the United States is home to 1,970+ NordVPN servers.)

NordVPN’s download speeds ranked in the top five in my most recent round of testing. The provider can easily handle the HD streams delivered by the EFL teams participating in the iFollow streaming program. NordVPN doesn’t interrupt the action with data caps or bandwidth restrictions.

All NordVPN connections are protected using military-level encryption and a kill switch. Your privacy is also well protected, due to the provider’s strict no-logs policy and their cryptocurrency payment option.

The provider runs all of its servers 100% from RAM, writing no data of any kind to a physical hard drive. So, all server information is completely wiped when a reboot occurs. NordVPN’s owned-and-operated servers add a layer of privacy by keeping third-party contractors away from your personal data.

Native app support includes options for Android, Windows, macOS (With M1/M2 Mac support), iOS, Android TV, and Linux platforms. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser users can protect their in-browser viewing session by using NordVPN’s handy browser extensions.

For devices not covered by the provider’s multi-platform support, or for users who require more than six concurrent connections, router support is available to allow protection of multiple devices via a single point of access.

NordVPN customer support provides 24/7 chat, email support, and a searchable support library.

Pros:

  • 5,600+ servers around the world
  • Streaming-optimal speeds
  • Military-grade encryption and kill switch protection
  • Low price

Cons:

  • App interface could be better

BEST VPN OPTION:NordVPN is the best VPN option for budget-minded football fans who would rather spend their money on team merchandise than on VPN protection. The provider delivers HD-capable connections, and their apps provide excellent unblocking power for all sorts of streaming content. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee included.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • FireTV

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark will appeal to budget-minded iFollow viewers who want to make the most of this provider’s champagne service at a beer bottle price.

The provider not only provides access to iFollow, it also opens access to other streaming services, including Amazon Prime Video (in the U.S.), HBO Go, BBC iPlayer, and others.

The provider has 3,200+ servers located in 100+ countries, covering most of the globe.

Surfshark connections provide plenty of bandwidth for streaming, gaming, and sharing files. The provider never imposes restrictions like bandwidth limitations or data caps.

All Surfshark connections are protected by banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, DNS/IP leak protection, and ad blocking protection. The provider’s “MultiHop” protection routes your internet connection through a pair of VPN servers for added protection.

Surfshark keeps no user logs whatsoever on its servers and also accepts Bitcoin to keep your payment info undercover.

Linux, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS (including native M1/M2 support), and Amazon Fire TV apps are available from the VPN provider. Firefox, Edge, and Chrome browser extensions are also available. Comprehensive router support is also on-hand.

No matter how many devices you or your family use, you can simultaneously connect them to Surfshark’s servers, thanks to its unlimited concurrent connections policy.

Surfshark also offers other privacy and security features, such as private search, antivirus protection, and data breach alerts.

Customer support options include a 24/7 live chat option, a searchable troubleshooting library and FAQ section, and a contact form.

Pros:

  • Provides access to multiple streaming services
  • Comprehensive VPN service for a budget price
  • Unlimited concurrent connections
  • Excellent security and privacy protections

Cons:

  • Apps lack some advanced options

BEST BUDGET VPN for iFOLLOW:Surfshark provides reliable internet protection, while also offering access to iFollow and numerous streaming services for a budget-minded price. An unlimited concurrent connections policy provides protection for users with multiple devices and/or multiple users. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • FireTV

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN is a reliable option for accessing your favorite team’s English Football League action via iFollow. In addition to iFollow, the provider also accesses other sports streaming services, including ESPN+, Optus Sport, and BeIN Sports.

The provider’s global server network currently includes over 3,000 servers, which are stationed in approximately 160+ locations in 94+ countries. It has multiple server farms located in the United Kingdom, as well as throughout the United States.

ExpressVPN’s connection speeds are some of the fastest around, easily handling the high-definition streams that iFollow offers, as well as 4K streams (for whenever iFollow offers those). ExpressVPN never throttles your bandwidth nor forces any data caps on your VPN usage.

ExpressVPN does a top-notch job of protecting your online activities from prying eyes thanks to government-class encryption and kill switch protection. The British Virgin Islands-based VPN service keeps no user activity logs of any kind, and it even offers completely anonymous payment with Bitcoin.

The provider’s “TrustedServer” technology runs all server operations exclusively in RAM, never writing any data to a hard drive. This means that all data is securely wiped whenever the servers are rebooted or shut down.

ExpressVPN has all of the popular device platforms covered. They offer native apps for Android, Android TV, Windows, macOS (with Apple Silicon support), iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire, and Chromebook device platforms. Plus, browser extensions are available for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browsers.

The provider allows up to five simultaneous connections on a single set of login credentials, meaning not everyone needs to watch the same game. The VPN also works with numerous makes and models of routers, offering protection for multiple connected devices via a single login.

ExpressVPN support options include 24/7 live chat, email support, a trouble ticket tracking system, and a searchable support library.

Pros:

  • Reliably accesses iFollow and other sports streaming services
  • Numerous server choices, both inside and outside of the U.K.
  • HD & 4K-capable connections
  • Excellent security and privacy protections

Cons:

  • More expensive than many comparable providers

TOP SECURITY AND PRIVACY:ExpressVPN is an excellent VPN choice for viewing EFL games on iFollow. The provider’s fast connection speeds, comprehensive global server coverage, and excellent multi-platform app support all add up to ensure you can reliably watch your favorite EFL team online. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • FireTV

Website:  www.CyberGhost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost provides easy-to-use apps that connect to streaming-ready VPN servers, making it the best option for football fans who are either new to VPN usage or simply don’t want to deal with complicated settings.

The provider boasts more than 9,000 servers located in 90+ countries around the world. A large number of those servers are streaming-optimized and are located in both the U.S. and the U.K. (Many streaming servers are available with a single click.)

In addition to iFollow, those servers also offer access to ESPN, Eurosport, and other online sports streaming services.

CyberGhost offers extremely fast download speeds, which are HD- and 4K-ready. No data caps or bandwidth limitations will call a timeout on the action.

Government-grade encryption and kill switch protection are in the lineup to protect your online viewing habits from observation. Your privacy is also well-protected thanks to the provider’s no-logs-ever policy and Bitcoin subscription payment option.

Native app support consists of apps for macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Android TV, and Amazon Fire platforms. Browser extensions are also available for the Chrome and Firefox platforms.

CyberGhost allows seven simultaneous connections. If you need more connections or protection for devices not on the above list, comprehensive router compatibility has you covered.

The provider also offers antivirus and anti-malware protection for Windows, makes a password manager available, and will also alert you whenever your email address is exposed in a data breach.

The provider’s customer support department offers always-available live chat, a trouble ticket tracking system, and an easy-to-search knowledge base.

Pros:

  • 9,000+ servers in 90+ countries
  • 4K-ready download speeds
  • Reasonably priced
  • Excellent online protection

Cons:

  • Lacks some advanced features that other providers offer

BEST VPN FOR NEW USERS:CyberGhost is the best option for football fans who are looking for a simple way to open access to their favorite pitch action, while also protecting and enhancing their other online activities. Comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

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Methodology for Assessing VPNs for iFollow

Users looking for a reliable VPN for access to iFollow streams will quickly find that not just any VPN will provide reliable access.

Here are the critical aspects of the VPN services that I considered:

  • Connection speed: You need a fast, reliable connection if you’re going to be streaming HD and 4K video. Slow connections cause long buffering periods, pauses in the middle of the action, and other issues. My connection speed tests provide assurance that each VPN I include on my lists offers streaming-ready connections.
  • Streaming access: Reliable access to geo-controlled streamers is a must for sports, television, and film fans. In addition to iFollow, all of the VPNs on my list offer reliable access to numerous popular streaming services, including Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and many more.
  • Global server network: A large global server network can enhance nearly any online activity. That is especially true when it comes to streaming. Plenty of servers located in a country helps ensure that a single server in that location won’t be overloaded by too many users.
  • Value: A VPN should ask for a reasonable price for its services. All of the VPNs I included on my list offer an excellent return on investment.
  • Ease of use: Easy-to-use VPN apps allow you to quickly connect and start watching your favorite shows and films. The VPNs I included on my list all offer easy-to-use apps for popular devices.
  • Security and privacy: A VPN at a minimum should protect your internet travels with banking-level encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection. The providers on my list offer the above, while also protecting your privacy by not saving any server logs related to your online activities.

My research doesn’t end here. In fact, evaluating the factors above are just a small part of my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. This data-driven approach helps me to better understand the VPNs and their services, so I can recommend only those that are a good fit for your needs.

How Do I Access iFollow With a VPN?

iFollow is known to be better at blocking users based on their geographical location than many other streaming services. But there are ways to avoid their roadblocks.

First, before setting up an iFollow account, connect to a VPN server located outside of the United Kingdom.

This is important because some users have reported that when they signed up for an iFollow subscription before connecting to a VPN, their accounts were inaccessible when they attempted to access them via a VPN.

What this suggests is that iFollow detects and stores your geographical location during registration. Connecting to a VPN server before registering should help you get around this.

When it comes to choosing which country to connect to in order to sign up, the U.S. is always a good choice. I recommend “favoriting” a server so you come back to the same one each time.

Based on my research, it seems that iFollow doesn’t care if your credit card is linked to a British address or to an address outside of the U.K. This means you shouldn’t need to get a special card for use with iFollow.

So, put on the jersey of your favorite football team, grab a cold one (or a lukewarm one, if that’s how you roll), connect to a VPN server outside of the U.K., find a comfortable chair, and enjoy the action!

Can I Use a Free VPN to Watch iFollow Games?

Regular visitors to this site know I do not recommend using a free VPN provider for any online activity. That goes double for using a freebie provider for streaming.

Many free VPNs will throttle your connection speeds. Slower download speeds do not lead to a satisfying viewing experience – especially during a close match. Plus, they’ll also restrict your viewing by enforcing daily or monthly data caps on your VPN usage.

In addition to those restrictions, many gratis VPN providers will force their users to cool their heels in a waiting queue before allowing them to connect to a limited selection of servers. That is, if users are allowed a choice in server at all, and aren’t just automatically connected to the server of the provider’s choice.

You’re also sacrificing your privacy when using a free VPN service. Some no-charge providers track and log their users’ online antics, then sell that information to the highest bidder. Others have been caught injecting unwanted tracking cookies and advertisements into browsing sessions.

Trust me, football fans: a paid VPN’s quality and performance are well worth the pittance you’ll pay per month.

What Else Is a VPN Good For?

While this article has concentrated on how you can use a VPN to view your favorite football team’s matches, a VPN offers other useful features.

In addition to opening up access to football matches, a VPN can also provide access to blocked content around the world, including movies and television shows, games, and other content and services.

A VPN can also prevent your Internet Service Provider from throttling your internet connection simply because you may be engaging in an activity they don’t care for (like streaming from certain services or torrenting files).

Without a VPN, your ISP can track all of your online activities, record them and sell them to the highest bidder – or share them with other companies, and even the government. A VPN encrypts your internet connection, acting as a protective tunnel to hide your online travels.

If you use unprotected WiFi hotspots (like those available at your local coffee shop), a VPN will protect your activities from being observed by hackers (also available at your local coffee shop). This is especially important if you pay bills, do banking, or shop online while connected to a hotspot.

iFollow VPN FAQs

Which English Football Leagues Are Available on iFollow?

A selection of Sky Bet Championship, Sky Bet League One, and Sky Bet League Two matches can be streamed by clubs in the United Kingdom. (Comprised of the UK, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands, Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man).

43 clubs will use the EFL's iFollow platform to provide streaming access to games from the 2022/23 season, while the remaining 29 Clubs will use their own streaming platforms. For a list of clubs using iFollow, visit the EFL website.

What Passes Are Available to Buy?

Four passes are available for purchase:

  • Audio Season Pass – £45.00
  • Audio Monthly Pass – £4.49
  • Audio Match Pass – £2.50
  • Video Match Pass – £10 (subject to availability)

Is It Illegal to use a VPN to Watch the EFL?

No, using a VPN to watch English Football League games is not illegal. However, using a VPN may be against broadcasters' terms of use. This could lead to the streaming provider terminating your subscription. However, it is more likely that the service will only block the VPN-supplied IP address.

Why Are Streams of iFollow Matches Blocked in the UK?

iFollow was originally designed to allow fans living or traveling abroad to keep up with their favorite clubs from the Championship and League One and Two. However, in 2018 the service began allowing viewers in the UK to watch live streams of their favorite teams on the iFollow service. However, while overseas viewers have access to nearly every match, viewers in the UK are restricted from watching any games being shown on Sky, any games that fall in the "3 pm kickoff rules," and any holiday matches.

Conclusion

Football fans in the United Kingdom and around the globe will find a Virtual Private Network is an invaluable tool for opening up access to football action, no matter where they’re at.

By using a VPN – like my #1 choice, NordVPN – you can gain access to geo-blocked sporting events, movies, and other content. You can also use a VPN to protect your online activities from outside observation and prevent your ISP from throttling your connections.

For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.

Roundup - best VPNs for speed

Position Our Score Verdict
1.
4.5/5
Verdict: Our top rated VPN
Get NordVPN »
2.
4.5/5
Verdict: Best budget option
Get Surfshark »
3.
4.0/5
Verdict: Great privacy options
Get ExpressVPN »
4.
4.0/5
Verdict: Highly versatile
Get CyberGhost »
5.
3.0/5
Verdict: Up to 10 devices
Get PrivateVPN »

PRIVACY ALERT: Websites you visit can see these details about you:

The following information is available to any site you visit:

Your IP Address:

Your Location:

Your Internet Provider:

This information can be used to target ads and monitor your internet usage.

By using a VPN you can hide these details and protect your privacy.

I recommend NordVPN - the top provider in my testing. It offers outstanding privacy features and there is currently a discounted rate available through this link.

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