As of 2023, DirecTV Stream is not officially available to Canadians, and DirecTV Stream has no plans to expand into Canada.
So if you want to watch DirecTV Stream but you’re located in Canada, the only way to do so is with the help of a virtual private network (more commonly called a VPN). The good news here is that VPNs these days are pretty easy to install and use from anywhere in the world, so you don’t need to worry about learning a whole new skill. Plus, once you get a VPN subscription, you can use it to watch almost every American streaming service, like Netflix, Hulu, and Peacock.
If you’re just looking for a quick VPN recommendation, our team loves ExpressVPN because it feels premium and has servers in every country we’ve ever had a need to explore. But there are plenty of great VPNS to choose from. Here are our top picks:
ExpressVPN
Free for 3 Months
$12.95/month
Now, let’s dive into everything you need to know to watch DirecTV Stream in Canada.
Why do you need a VPN to watch DirecTV Stream in Canada?
If you’ve ever tried to watch American streaming services like DirecTV Stream in Canada, you’ve probably landed on something like this message: “We couldn’t find your location, which is required for watching this content.”
That can be so frustrating, especially if you Google “where to watch” a certain show and Google suggests it’s available on DirecTV Stream in your region. Streaming happens on the internet, so why is it still restricted by geographical boundaries?
Since streaming services are corporate entities bound by laws and trade agreements and the like, they have to set limits based on location.
For you, this just means adding an extra step to your streaming workflow before you get to watch shows like Yellowstone, Mare of Easttown, or The Flight Attendant on DirecTV Stream. Once you get a VPN subscription, you won’t need to worry as much about geo-blocking and you’ll get to access all the content on DirecTV Stream from Canada.
Do you still need to pay for a DirecTV Stream subscription to watch from Canada with a VPN?
Yes, a subscription to DirecTV Stream is still required if you want to stream content from Canada — even with a VPN.
Imagine a VPN as an internet teleportation device. It takes you (virtually) to the destination you mark as your desired server. So when you use a VPN from Canada to watch DirecTV Stream with an American IP address, the VPN does the work of transporting you (virtually) to the United States.
But that’s as far as your VPN subscription gets you. A VPN doesn’t automatically make it possible for you to watch any movie or show you want. For that, you’ll also need to subscribe to DirecTV Stream. The good news: when you subscribe to DirecTV Stream, you get access to unlimited in-home simultaneous streams and DVR storage.
DirecTV Stream Entertainment
Try 5 days free
- 75+ channels
- Stream on unlimited devices at home
- Unlimited DVR space
$84.99/month
DirecTV Stream Optimo Mas
- 100+ live TV channels
- Spanish and English programming
- Three months of Max free
- Unlimited DVR space
$86.99/month
DirecTV Stream Choice
Try 5 days free
- 105+ live channels
- Unlimited DVR space
- Includes regional sports networks
- Three months of Max free
$114.99/month
DirecTV Stream Ultimate
Try 5 days free
- 140+ live channels
- Unlimited DVR space
- Includes regional sports networks
- Three months of Max free
$129.99/month
DirecTV Stream Premier
- Unlimited DVR space
- 150+ channels
- Includes Max Cinemax SHOWTIME and STARZ
- Includes regional sports networks
$169.99/month
Read our full review of DirecTV Stream to find out why else we like it.
How to access DirecTV Stream from Canada with a VPN
Here are the basic steps:
- Subscribe to a VPN like our top choice, ExpressVPN.
- Download and install the VPN app or client on your device.
- Connect to the VPN from your target region. In this case, that’s the United States since you want to access DirecTV Stream like you’re in the United States.
- Sign in to DirecTV Stream or create an account if you don’t have one already. (Use our link to DirecTV Stream to get any free trials or deals we’ve negotiated.)
- Start streaming!
The next time you want to watch DirecTV Stream from Canada, you’ll just need to follow steps 3-5. Pretty simple, right?
Plus, if you want to watch any other streaming services from international accounts, you’ll be able to do so with your same VPN subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
You asked, we answer! Below, find the answers to the questions we get most often about watching DirecTV Stream in Canada.
Couldn’t DirecTV Stream just block VPNs?
If DirecTV Stream wanted to, they could simply identify all VPN servers and add them to their list of blocked IP addresses. However, doing this would require a lot of effort on their part. DirecTV Stream would have to detect and block every single VPN provider for the countermeasure to work.
Netflix, Hulu and other streaming services have tried to set up anti-VPN countermeasures, but these haven't been very effective. Once a VPN provider realizes that it's been blocked, all it has to do is change the IP addresses that it uses.
There just isn't much a streaming service can do about VPNs other than ignore them.
What channels are available on DirecTV Stream?
According to our last count, DirecTV Stream has 150+ channels, including AMC, CNBC, E!, ESPN, FXX, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Network.
Interested in live television? Check out our TV Guide for DirecTV Stream to see what’s live now.
Can I watch DirecTV Stream outside the US?
Yes, it is possible to watch DirecTV Stream outside of the US by using a VPN service. A VPN can hide your IP address and make it appear as if you are located in the US, allowing you to stream DirecTV Stream content without restrictions.
We’ve explored many VPN services that offer high-quality streaming speeds and unlimited bandwidth, making it possible to enjoy streaming DirecTV Stream in other countries. Our favorite VPN to use for watching DirecTV Stream outside the US is ExpressVPN.
What is the best alternative to cable TV in Canada?
There are several alternative TV providers available in Canada. One popular option is to use an over-the-air antenna to watch free, local channels. Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu have Canadian versions, but there are also other great options for watching television without cable in Canada.
Can I stream live TV in Canada?
There are plenty of options available for catching live TV without cable in Canada. You can check out some of the streaming services available in Canada, or you can use your TV provider's online streaming platform. Plus, some Canadian networks have their own streaming services, like CBC Gem and Global TV. So kick back, grab some snacks, and enjoy your favorite shows without the hassle of cable!
Davan Hamilton • Author
Davan Hamilton is an editor and writer based in Jacksonville, FL. Holding a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, her writing spans a wide range, from essays on film criticism and analysis to surreal poetry. Now, she works for Flixed as an editor, continuing to ignore the list of passion projects she’s accumulated. When she’s not glued to her computer, you can find her building endless amounts of Lego sets, binge-reading manga, or playing with (fighting) her cat.
Lisa Holden • Editor
Lisa Holden is an editor and creative based in Houston, TX. Lisa holds a BA in African-American Studies from Temple University and has spent her career working in news publications and magazines, even founding a magazine herself. She began working as an editor for Flixed in 2023. When she’s not editing or working on one of her many creative endeavors (whenever that is), she enjoys traveling to new places and biking on sunny days.
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