15 Free NFL Streaming Options: How to Watch NFL Games for Free in 2026
The current NFL season is in full swing, and NFL fans everywhere want to get in on the action -- especially via free NFL streaming options. If you count yourself among them, check out our guide on how to watch NFL games for free from anywhere.
Written by Kit Copson (Writer, Briefing Editor)
Reviewed by Sandra Pattison (Editor, Writer)
Facts checked by Igor Kurtz (Fact-checking editor)
Last Updated:
All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.
Key Takeaways: Free NFL Streaming
- 7plus
- 5 (U.K.)
- Twitch
- M6+
- RTL+
How to Stream the NFL for Free:
- Sign up for a 76% discounted plan on NordVPN’s website.
- Connect to an Australian server.
- Go to 7plus and stream NFL games for free.
Best VPNs for Free NFL Streaming:
- NordVPN — Top-rated VPN delivering exceptional performance. Get 76% off the first two years with NordVPN, covered by its 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark — Connect all your devices without breaking the bank. Surfshark’s best deal is available at a 87% discount.
- Proton VPN — Privacy-focused VPN with stable speeds ideal for streaming. Try the free plan or get a 30-day money-back guarantee on paid plans.
- ExpressVPN — High-end VPN that welcomes beginners. Sign up now to get 73% off the first two years.
What to Know About Free NFL Streaming:
- NFL coverage in the U.S. is spread across several networks and streaming services for the 2026-27 season, including CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN/ABC, Prime Video, Netflix and NFL Network.
- You can stream select NFL games for free on five legitimate websites: 7plus (Australia), 5 (U.K.), Twitch (U.S.), M6+ (France) and RTL+ (Germany and Austria). If you’re outside these countries, you can use a VPN to access the sites.
- A VPN is also an important piece of security software to have if you plan on using non-official free sites. It changes your IP address to make your data anonymous.
- NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN and ExpressVPN are the four best VPNs for streaming NFL games for free.
In the U.S., NFL coverage for the 2026-27 season is spread across CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN/ABC, NFL Network and streaming services like Prime Video and Netflix. Cord-cutters often turn to live TV streaming services to access NFL channels, but subscriptions can quickly get expensive. As a result, some fans look for free NFL streaming options.
This guide will walk you through how to watch NFL games for free on various platforms.
Some free streaming platforms are fully licensed, but we’ll let you know which ones are not legitimate. If you use these sites, we strongly recommend using a reputable VPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee like NordVPN to protect yourself and keep your data private. Read on to learn more about how to stream NFL games for free and which VPNs are best for streaming.
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08/25/2024 Facts checked
Replaced Proton VPN with PrivadoVPN as the best free VPN.
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09/02/2024 Facts checked
Updated to include key dates for the 2024/25 NFL season.
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10/01/2024 Facts checked
We revamped this article’s how-to section and adjusted the rankings to reflect the current VPN landscape.
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02/17/2025 Facts checked
Added information on the 2024/2025 NFL season and information on NordVPN’s NordWhisper protocol.
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09/26/2025 Facts checked
Updated for the 2025-2026 season.
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08/31/2026
Updated for the 2026-27 NFL season.
Are There Free NFL Streaming Sites?
Yes, there are legal ways to stream some NFL games for free, but there isn’t a single free streaming service that carries every NFL game. The best option depends on which game you want to watch and where you’re located.
Legal free broadcasters such as 7plus in Australia, 5 in the U.K. and M6+ in France carry select NFL games, while Twitch streams Amazon’s Thursday Night Football coverage for free in supported locations. Another option is to use a free trial from a paid streaming service, though trial availability and length can change.
There are also unofficial free NFL streaming sites that aggregate third-party streams. These can be unreliable and may expose you to intrusive ads or other security risks, so I recommend using an official broadcaster or legitimate streaming service whenever possible.
We’ve listed the best VPN recommendations further down, but if you’re curious about secure free VPNs to pair with a free streaming site, PrivadoVPN — with its unlimited free data offering — is a great option. Learn more about the VPN in our PrivadoVPN review.
What Are the Best Legal Free NFL Streaming Options?
There are several legal ways to stream NFL games for free, but the games available depend heavily on where you are. I recommend checking the table below first: 7plus, 5, Twitch and M6+ offer some of the strongest free options, while Germany’s RTL and NITRO have free-to-air coverage with additional games available through the paid RTL+ service.
| Service | Country | What NFL Games Are Free? | Account Required? | VPN Needed Abroad? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7plus | Australia | Selected weekly games, playoffs and Super Bowl LXI | Yes | Yes, outside Australia |
| 5 | U.K. | Two Sunday games weekly, plus selected international, Thanksgiving and playoff games and the Super Bowl | Yes | Yes, outside the U.K. |
| Twitch | U.S./availability varies | Thursday Night Football | No | Depends on location |
| M6+ | France | One regular-season game every Sunday | Yes | Yes, outside France |
| RTL+ | Germany | Free RTL/NITRO coverage varies; the additional weekly RTL+ game requires Premium | Yes | Yes, outside Germany |
1. 7plus
Australia has a much stronger free NFL offering for the 2026-27 season. Seven secured the exclusive Australian free-to-air rights, with selected weekly games available through Seven and 7plus Sport throughout the regular season, followed by playoff coverage and Super Bowl LXI.
The deal also includes the historic 49ers vs Rams regular-season game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sept. 11, 2026. You’ll need a free 7 account to stream on 7plus, and if you’re outside Australia, you can connect to an Australian VPN server to access the service.
2. 5
5 offers some of the best free NFL coverage in the U.K. Each week, it broadcasts two Sunday games: one on 5 and another on 5ACTION, which becomes 5NFL on game nights. The games are also available to stream through 5.
The broadcaster’s NFL deal also covers selected international and Thanksgiving games, playoff coverage and the Super Bowl. You’ll need to register for a free 5 account to stream, and viewers outside the U.K. can connect to a U.K. VPN server.
3. Twitch
Twitch is a free way to watch Amazon’s Thursday Night Football coverage, but it doesn’t provide broader NFL coverage. For the 2026 season, every Thursday Night Football game shown on Prime Video also streams live on Twitch.
You don’t need a Prime Video subscription to use the Twitch stream. Availability can vary by location, so viewers outside supported regions may need to connect to an appropriate VPN server.
4. M6+
M6+ is a useful free option for NFL fans in France, with one regular-season game available every Sunday. Games are streamed live, and M6+ also provides NFL replays and other related content.
You’ll need a free M6+ account to watch. If you’re outside France, connect to a French VPN server to access the service. Commentary is in French, so keep that in mind if you prefer an English-language broadcast.
5. RTL+
Germany still has extensive legal NFL coverage, but there’s an important distinction between free-to-air and paid streaming. RTL and NITRO show selected NFL games free on TV, including regular-season coverage, while RTL+ carries NFL content and an additional weekly Social-First game.
That extra RTL+ game requires an RTL+ Premium subscription, so I wouldn’t consider RTL+ itself a completely free NFL streaming option. If you’re in Germany and simply want free coverage, check the weekly RTL and NITRO schedule first.
Can You Watch NFL Games With a Free Trial?
Yes, free trial NFL streaming is possible with some paid streaming services. A well-timed trial can cover several NFL games without requiring you to pay for a full month, but trial eligibility and duration can change, so I recommend checking the offer before signing up.
| Streaming Service | Free Trial? | NFL Coverage | Main Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | Yes; length varies | CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC and other NFL channels, depending on plan | Trial length and eligibility vary |
| Fubo | Not currently | CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, ABC and NFL Network | No free trial currently; doesn’t cover every NFL game |
| DIRECTV | 5 days | CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, ABC and NFL Network | Doesn’t include streaming-exclusive games from services like Prime Video and Netflix |
| Prime Video | 30 days for eligible Prime customers | Thursday Night Football | Primarily useful for TNF |
YouTube TV is one of the more flexible options because new eligible subscribers can get a free trial, though Google doesn’t promise a fixed trial length. Fubo carries many of the main NFL networks, but it isn’t offering a free trial at the time of writing.
DIRECTV currently offers new customers a five-day trial of its streaming plans, while eligible Amazon customers can get a 30-day Prime trial that includes Prime Video and Thursday Night Football. None of these options provides every NFL game, so the best choice depends on which matchup you want to watch.
For a full breakdown of paid services, channels and international options, see our guide on how to watch the NFL online.
What Are Some Unlicensed Free Sites for NFL Streaming?
Some unlicensed free NFL streaming websites are still active, including NFL WebCast, Buffstreams, Cricfree and Bosscast. These sites typically aggregate or embed third-party streams rather than holding official NFL broadcast rights, and their domains, availability and reliability can change frequently.
I recommend sticking with the legal free options above where possible. If you visit unofficial streaming sites, use appropriate security precautions, including an ad blocker and up-to-date antivirus software, as these sites commonly rely on aggressive advertising and third-party links.
1. NFL WebCast
clicking the team tabs at the top of the page.
NFL WebCast is an unofficial NFL-focused streaming site that organizes games by team and links to third-party streams. It also lists streams for NFL-related channels such as NFL Network and ESPN.
2. Buffstreams
Buffstreams is an unofficial sports-streaming aggregator covering the NFL alongside sports such as basketball, hockey and soccer. Its available domains and individual streams can change, so I wouldn’t rely on it as consistently as an official broadcaster.
3. Cricfree
Cricfree aggregates links to live sporting events and includes an American football section for NFL games. Like the other unlicensed options here, availability depends on third-party streams and can be inconsistent.
4. Bosscast
Bosscast currently maintains an American football section alongside streams for other sports. NFL listings appear when games are available, but streams are supplied through third-party sources rather than an official NFL broadcast agreement.
How Do You Watch NFL Games With a VPN?
You can watch NFL games with a VPN by changing your IP address to another location and keeping yourself secure whether you’re using legitimate or non-official sites. As an example, we’ll show you how to access 7plus from outside Australia.
A VPN can also help you access NFL Game Pass International, which offers more comprehensive coverage than U.S. streaming options.
- Subscribe to a VPN Service
Go to a VPN provider’s website and sign up for a plan. We recommend NordVPN, which has a cheap two-year plan and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Download the VPN
Download and install the VPN app onto your device. On mobile, navigate to the App Store or Google Play Store to download the app. Once installed, open the app and log in.
- Connect to an Australian Server
Use NordVPN’s server list or map to find and connect to a server in Australia.
- Go to 7plus
Go to 7plus and register for a free account. You’ll need to enter an Australian postal code to sign up (Google one). Navigate to the “live” tab and click “7Mate” to watch Sunday Afternoon games.
What Are the Best VPNs for Watching NFL Games Online?
The best VPNs for watching NFL games online are NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN and ExpressVPN, each offering unique advantages for streaming live sports content. That said, they’re not all created equal, and some are far ahead of the pack. Here are the top four providers we recommend for streaming.
1. NordVPN — Best VPN for Free NFL Streams
Very Fast
NordVPN takes the top spot in many areas, with pricing and speeds being two of the major ones. NordVPN’s new NordWhisper protocol helps users bypass VPN restrictions on networks that typically block VPN traffic, ensuring you can access streaming content even on restricted networks.
Check out our best cheap VPN and best fast VPN guides for more information. Our NordVPN review also highlights its many strengths.
On the other hand, in spite of its well-organized desktop interface, NordVPN can be a bit more challenging to use on mobile. Its mobile app can be tricky for those who aren’t great at geography, and its advanced features can be finicky to enable. However, we still think NordVPN is an excellent service for streaming.
- **VAT may apply
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are shown only apply for the first 12 months.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- **The prices are applicable only for the first 24 months. Secure, high-speed VPN Threat Protection Pro™: Anti-malware and advanced browsing protection Threat Protection Pro™: Ad and tracker blocker Password manager with Data Breach Scanner 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage Identity and SSN monitoring and alerts Credit monitoring services Up to $1M in identity theft insurance Up to $100K in cyber extortion insurance
- 10
2. Surfshark — Best Cheap VPN for Free NFL Streaming
Very Fast
When picking a VPN for streaming, speed and security are the two main factors you’ll want to take into account. Surfshark scores highly in both areas, as explained in our Surfshark review. As one of the fastest VPNs, Surfshark’s upload and download speeds are great, though its latency is high on nearby servers.
Though its short-term plans are pricey (as is the case for most providers), Surfshark’s two-year plans are very reasonable, especially with all the extra features (ad blocker, antivirus, etc.) included for a few dollars per month. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee should you change your mind.
- Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Yes
- Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Everything in One, plus Data removal Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
3. Proton VPN— Best Privacy-Focused VPN for Free NFL Streaming
Very Fast
Proton VPN is a solid choice for NFL fans who prioritize privacy alongside streaming. Based in Switzerland and backed by a strict no-logs policy verified through independent audits, Proton VPN provides peace of mind when accessing free streaming sites. The service also supports 10 simultaneous connections and covers more than 120 countries.
Proton VPN’s free plan offers access to servers in ten locations with no data cap, though paid plans unlock the full server network, faster speeds and manual server selection. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee. Check out our Proton VPN review for more details.
- Unlimited GB
- 1
- Yes
- 500 GB storage 1 user 15 extra email addresses for you Support for 3 custom email domains Unlimited folders and labels Unlimited hide-my-email aliases Dedicated customer support Ultra fast and private VPN Encrypted password manager Encrypted cloud storage for photos and documents Advanced account protection
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- **Renewal prices differ for the 1-year and the 2-year plans. Price includes all premium Proton services (Proton Mail, Calendar, Drive, VPN, Pass, & Wallet)
- Unlimited GB
- 10
4. ExpressVPN — Best Beginner-Friendly VPN for NFL Free Streams
security features and beginner-friendly apps.
Very Fast
ExpressVPN consistently accesses streaming services, offers great security and is the most beginner-friendly provider VPN. It’s also speedy, which is very important when it comes to streaming.
Now for the not-so-good stuff: ExpressVPN is not what you’d call an “affordable” provider — the only element that puts a damper on this otherwise perfect service. Nevertheless, you can try it out knowing it has a 30-day money-back guarantee. Check out our ExpressVPN review for more information.
- Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- Advanced Protection, ExpressVPN Keys, 3 days unlimited eSIM data, Identity Monitoring, IDP Insurance, Credit Monitoring, 25-50% off on Aircove Router Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
- Unlimited GB
- 12
- Everything on the Advanced Plan, Credit Monthly Report, Data Removal, 50-75% off on Aircove Router Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
- Unlimited GB
- 14
NFL 2026-27 Key Dates
The 2026 NFL regular season kicks off on Sept. 9, with the Patriots facing the Seahawks in Seattle. This season also has a packed international schedule, with games in Australia, Brazil, the U.K., France, Spain, Germany and Mexico before the playoffs begin in January 2027.
Here are the main 2026-27 NFL dates to keep in mind if you’re planning when and where to stream games.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 NFL Kickoff Game | Sept. 9, 2026 |
| 2026 NFL Kickoff Weekend | Sept. 9-10 and 13-14, 2026 |
| 49ers vs Rams in Melbourne | Sept. 10, 2026 |
| Ravens vs Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro | Sept. 27, 2026 |
| Colts vs Commanders in London | Oct. 4, 2026 |
| Eagles vs Jaguars in London | Oct. 11, 2026 |
| Texans vs Jaguars in London | Oct. 18, 2026 |
| Steelers vs Saints in Paris | Oct. 25, 2026 |
| Bengals vs Falcons in Madrid | Nov. 8, 2026 |
| Patriots vs Lions in Munich | Nov. 15, 2026 |
| Vikings vs 49ers in Mexico City | Nov. 22, 2026 |
| Week 18 | Jan. 9-10, 2027 |
| Wild Card Weekend | Jan. 16-18, 2027 |
| Divisional Playoffs | Jan. 23-24, 2027 |
| AFC & NFC Championship Games | Jan. 31, 2027 |
| Super Bowl LXI | Feb. 14, 2027 |
What Happened in the 2025-26 NFL Season?
The Seattle Seahawks finished the 2025-26 season as Super Bowl LX champions, defeating the New England Patriots 29-13 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. It was Seattle’s second Super Bowl title and its first since the 2013 season.
Running back Kenneth Walker III was named Super Bowl LX MVP, while quarterback Sam Darnold capped off a remarkable career turnaround with a championship in his first season in Seattle. The Seahawks now enter the 2026-27 season as the defending champions.
Elsewhere, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford won the AP NFL MVP award, while Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba was named Offensive Player of the Year.
Final Thoughts
We can’t guarantee you’ll be able to watch every NFL game, but to recap, 7plus, 5 (U.K.), Twitch, M6+ and RTL+ are the best legitimate sites to live stream NFL games for free. A VPN can help you access these sites if you’re outside Australia, the U.K., Germany, France or the U.S. NordVPN is the best choice and it includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Several illegitimate free sites link to NFL streams, but you should always exercise caution when using these sites, as they may not be fully secure or anonymous. Fire up a VPN, an ad blocker and antivirus software if you plan on using non-official sites.
Curious about learning how NFL recruits talent? If you’re a true football fan, you’ll surely enjoy our coverage on how to watch the NFL Draft online. Which site will you use to access NFL live streams? If you use a VPN, which one and why? Let us know in the comments, and thanks for reading.
FAQ: Stream NFL Games for Free
In the U.S., local ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC stations may air NFL games free over the air if you can receive them with a TV antenna. However, free-to-air TV does not automatically mean the same games are free to stream online.
Online access often requires a TV-provider login or a paid streaming service, depending on the network and game. If you want free online NFL streams, services such as 7plus, 5, M6+ and Twitch are better examples, though availability depends on your location.
You have three main options. Legal free streams include services such as 7plus, 5, M6+ and Twitch, depending on your location and the game you want to watch.
You can also use a free trial from a paid streaming service when one is available. Unofficial streaming sites are another option, but they can be unreliable and may carry security or privacy risks.
Those with NFL+ can watch games in the NFL app in the U.S. Those overseas will need NFL Game Pass International.
It’s free to download the app itself, but you will need to subscribe to NFL+ to stream the games in the app.
You have to pay for services like NFL+, NFL Game Pass International and live services like Hulu + Live TV. However, if you’re only interested in certain games, you can use free services like 5, 7plus, M6+, RTL+ and Twitch. Use a VPN to access these if you’re geoblocked.
No, NFL Channel does not stream live NFL games. It’s a free, 24/7 channel with NFL programming such as highlights, replays, game-day coverage and other shows, but you’ll need another service to watch live games.
There isn’t one free NFL streaming app for iPhone that carries every game. However, several legal free streaming services have iPhone apps, including 7plus in Australia, 5 in the U.K. and M6+ in France, with the games you can watch depending on each service’s NFL rights.
You can also watch Amazon’s Thursday Night Football streams through the Twitch app for free in supported locations. If you’re looking for free football streaming apps for iPhone, I recommend sticking with official broadcaster apps rather than unofficial apps that promise access to every NFL game.