Category: Technologies

Neither Tampa nor Atlanta has a winning record, and yet both teams are squarely in the playoff mix because they find themselves in the lackluster NFC South.

The 6-6 Falcons lead the division, with the 5-7 Buccaneers only a game back. It’s rare that a game this late in the season between two teams with a collective record that’s two games under .500 is meaningful, but that’s what the NFC South hath wrought.

The Buccaneers and Falcons kick off in Atlanta at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT) on CBS. We’ll show you how you can watch, even if the game isn’t available on your local CBS channel.

The game will be shown on TV in the Tampa Bay and Atlanta areas (according to 506 Sports) on live TV streaming services, but there may be cases where you’re blocked because of an internet location glitch or just want an added layer of privacy for streaming. There is an option that doesn’t require subscribing to something like NFL Sunday Ticket or NFL Plus, or searching the internet for a sketchy website: You can use a virtual private network, or VPN.

Here’s how you can watch the game from anywhere in the US with a VPN.

Read more: NFL 2023: How to Watch and Stream Games and RedZone With or Without Cable

Bucs vs. Falcons game today: When and where?

This Week 14 NFL fixture sees the Falcons host the Buccaneers at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT) on Sunday. The game will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia home of the Falcons.

How to watch the Buccaneers vs. Falcons game online from anywhere using a VPN

If you find yourself unable to view the game locally due to incorrectly applied blackout restrictions, you may need a different way to watch the game and that’s where using a VPN can come in handy. A VPN is also the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day by encrypting your traffic, plus it’s a great idea for when you’re traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network, and you want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins.

With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game. If your internet provider or mobile carrier has stuck you with an IP address that incorrectly shows your location in a blackout zone, a VPN can correct that problem by giving you an IP address in your correct, non-blackout area. Most VPNs, like our Editors’ Choice, ExpressVPN, make it really easy to do this.

Using a VPN to watch or stream sports is legal in any country where VPNs are legal, including the US and Canada, as long as you’ve got a legitimate subscription to the service you’re streaming. You should be sure your VPN is set up correctly to prevent leaks: Even where VPNs are legal, the streaming service may terminate the account of anyone it deems to be circumventing correctly applied blackout restrictions.

Looking for other options? Be sure to check out some of the other great VPN deals taking place right now.

How to watch Buccaneers vs. Falcons in the US

This week’s Bucs-Falconsgame is on CBS, so in addition to a VPN, you’ll need a live TV streaming service that carries a local CBS affiliate that’s broadcasting the game. The good news for football fans is that CBS is available on most of the major streaming services. The least expensive option is Paramount Plus.

Numerous other live TV streaming services carry local CBS stations as well, namely YouTube TV, Hulu Plus Live TV, DirecTV Stream and Fubo. They all cost far more than Paramount Plus, but they also carry many live channels, including football broadcasting channels like Fox and ESPN. Check out our live TV streaming services guide for details.

If you live in an area where the game is being broadcast, an over-the-air antenna connected to your TV provides another option for CBS. The best part about antennas is that there are no streaming or monthly fees required, though you will need to make sure you have good reception.

Quick tips for streaming the Bucs vs. Falconsgame using a VPN

• With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — experience and success may vary.
• If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
• If you’re having trouble getting the game after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs — like Roku — don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
• All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network’s sports app, you’ll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.
• And remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you’re using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommend Brave.

The 7-5 Texans are a playoff contender behind the spectacular play of rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. The team will face a tough task on the road on Sunday against a stout Jets defense.

The 4-8 Jets are turning back to Zach Wilson at quarterback after releasing journeyman Tim Boyle, who filled in for a few weeks for the injured Aaron Rodgers.

The Texans and Jets kick off in New Jersey at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT) on CBS. Here is how you can watch, even if the game isn’t available on your local CBS channel.

The game will be shown on TV in the New York and Houston areas (according to 506 Sports) on live TV streaming services, but there may be cases where you’re blocked because of an internet location glitch or just want an added layer of privacy for streaming. There is an option that doesn’t require subscribing to something like NFL Sunday Ticket or NFL Plus, or searching the internet for a sketchy website: You can use a virtual private network, or VPN.

Here’s how you can watch the game from anywhere in the US with a VPN.

Read more: NFL 2023: How to Watch and Stream Games and RedZone With or Without Cable

Texans vs. Jets game today: When and where?

This Week 14 NFL fixture sees the Jets host the Texans at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT) on Sunday. The game will take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, home of the Jets.

How to watch the Texans vs. Jets game online from anywhere using a VPN

If you find yourself unable to view the game locally due to incorrectly applied blackout restrictions, you may need a different way to watch the game and that’s where using a VPN can come in handy. A VPN is also the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day by encrypting your traffic, plus it’s a great idea for when you’re traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network, and you want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins.

With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game. So if your internet provider or mobile carrier has stuck you with an IP address that incorrectly shows your location in a blackout zone, a VPN can correct that problem by giving you an IP address in your correct, nonblackout area. Most VPNs, like our Editors’ Choice, ExpressVPN, make it really easy to do this.

Using a VPN to watch or stream sports is legal in any country where VPNs are legal, including the US and Canada, as long as you’ve got a legitimate subscription to the service you’re streaming. You should be sure your VPN is set up correctly to prevent leaks: Even where VPNs are legal, the streaming service may terminate the account of anyone it deems to be circumventing correctly applied blackout restrictions.

Looking for other options? Be sure to check out some of the other great VPN deals taking place right now.

How to watch Texans vs. Jets in the US

This week’s Texans-Jetsgame is on CBS, so in addition to a VPN you’ll need a live TV streaming service that carries a local CBS affiliate that’s broadcasting the game. The good news for football fans is that CBS is available on most of the major streaming services. The least expensive option is Paramount Plus.

Numerous other live TV streaming services carry local CBS stations as well, namely YouTube TV, Hulu Plus Live TV, DirecTV Stream and Fubo. They all cost far more than Paramount Plus, but they also carry many live channels, including football broadcasting channels like Fox and ESPN. Check out our live TV streaming services guide for details.

If you live in an area where the game is being broadcast, an over-the-air antenna connected to your TV provides another option for CBS. The best part about antennas is that there are no streaming or monthly fees required, though you will need to make sure you have good reception.

Quick tips for streaming the Texans vs. Jets game using a VPN

• With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — experience and success may vary.
• If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
• If you’re having trouble getting the game after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs — like Roku — don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
• All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network’s sports app, you’ll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.
• And remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you’re using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommend Brave.

The Lions and Bears battled each other just three weeks ago in Detroit, when the Bears blew a 12-point lead in the fourth quarter to lose 31-26. In Week 14, the Lions are headed to Chicago. Detroit currently sits atop the NFC North (9-3) while the 4-8 Bears are at the opposite end. With a road win on Sunday, the Lions will move closer to their first division title in 30 years. Detroit has never won the NFC North; the team’s last division title came in 1993 when it played in the NFC Central.

Kickoff is called for 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT) on Fox. We’ll show you how you can watch, even if the game isn’t available on your local Fox channel.

The game will be shown on TV in the Chicago and Detroit areas (according to 506 Sports) on live TV streaming services, but there may be cases where you’re blocked because of an internet location glitch or if you’ve elected to have an added layer of privacy for streaming.

There is an option that doesn’t require subscribing to something like NFL Sunday Ticket or NFL Plus, or searching the internet for a sketchy website: You can use a virtual private network, or VPN.

Here’s how you can watch the game from anywhere in the US with a VPN.

Read more: NFL 2023: How to Watch and Stream Games and RedZone With or Without Cable

Lions vs. Bears: When and where?

Week 14 of the NFL season sees the Bears host the Lions at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT) on Sunday. The game will take place at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, home of the Bears.

How to watch the Lions vs. Bears game online from anywhere using a VPN

If you find yourself unable to view the game locally due to incorrectly applied blackout restrictions, you may need a different way to watch; that’s where using a VPN can come in handy. A VPN is also the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day by encrypting your traffic, and it’s a great idea for when you’re traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network and want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins.

With a VPN, you can virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game. If your internet provider or mobile carrier has assigned you an IP address that incorrectly places you in a blackout zone, a VPN can solve for that by giving you an IP address in your correct, non-blackout area. Most VPNs — like our Editors’ Choice, ExpressVPN — make it really easy to do this.

Using a VPN to watch or stream sports is legal in any country where VPNs are legal, including the US and Canada, as long as you’ve got a legitimate subscription to the service you’re streaming. You should be sure your VPN is set up correctly to prevent leaks: Even where VPNs are legal, the streaming service may terminate the account of anyone it deems to be circumventing correctly applied blackout restrictions.

Looking for other options? Be sure to check out some of the other great VPN deals taking place right now.

Livestream the Lions vs. Bears game in the US

This week’s Lions-Bears game is on Fox, so in addition to a VPN set to an area carrying the game (see tips below) you’ll need a live TV streaming service that carries a local Fox affiliate that’s broadcasting the game. The least expensive such service is Sling TV Blue.

Numerous other live TV streaming services carry local Fox stations as well, namely YouTube TV, Hulu Plus Live TV, DirecTV Stream and Fubo. They all cost more than Sling TV, but they also carry more channels, including football-broadcasting channels like ESPN. Check out our live TV streaming services guide for details.

If you live in an area where the game is being broadcast, an over-the-air antenna connected to your TV provides another option for Fox. The best part about antennas is that no streaming or monthly fees are required, although you will need to make sure you have good reception.

Quick tips for streaming Lions vs. Bears using a VPN

• With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — experience and success may vary.
• Sling Blue is only an option if and when the ability to get Fox local affiliates is active on your account. You may want to verify that your billing address is eligible for that option before committing your credit card.
• If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
• If you’re having trouble getting the game after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs — like Roku — don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
• All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network’s sports app, you’ll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.
• And remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you’re using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommend Brave.

In the latest chapter of blue bubbles versus green bubbles, Apple has blocked access to iMessage from credentials masquerading as Apple in order to protect its customers, the company told CNET on Saturday evening. This comes after companies like Beeper and Nothing released Android apps that had provided a workaround.

The iPhone maker said that it cannot verify messages sent via unauthorized means that were posing as valid Apple credentials. Messages sent over iMessage have end-to-end encryption to ensure that no one but the sender and recipient has access. Apple said that it blocked these “fake credentials” in order to protect its customers.

The move comes less than a week after the company Beeper reversed-engineered iMessage access so that people using Android or Windows could use the service and send iMessages from non-Apple devices. Messages sent to an iPhone owner that would normally show up as green bubbles from an Android user over SMS, showed up as blue if sent from the Beeper Mini Android app or Beeper Cloud, the original version of the service that routed iMessage through a Mac.

“At Apple, we build our products and services with industry-leading privacy and security technologies designed to give users control of their data and keep personal information safe,” Apple said in a statement provided to CNET. “We took steps to protect our users by blocking techniques that exploit fake credentials in order to gain access to iMessage.”

To maintain end-to-end encryption, Apple can’t verify these messages sent through masquerading apps as having valid credentials.

“These techniques posed significant risks to user security and privacy, including the potential for metadata exposure and enabling unwanted messages, spam, and phishing attacks,” said Apple. “We will continue to make updates in the future to protect our users.”

Beeper Mini users took to Reddit on Friday to share that they couldn’t send or receive messages using the app.

“It’s mind-boggling to read that Beeper Mini is, in some way, making those communications less secure and less private, because that’s the opposite of what’s happening,” said Beeper co-founder Eric Migicovsky on a call with CNET Saturday night. “What we did was make those conversations encrypted. And it’s shocking to see a statement that’s almost the polar opposite of what exactly happened.”

Messages sent via SMS between Android and iPhone users are unencrypted. But for three days last week, the Beeper Mini app allowed Android and iPhone owners to communicate securely with end-to-end encryption. Migicovsky explained that Apple hasn’t reached out to him or his company directly. He explained that Friday’s outage started at 11:30 a.m. and knocked out Beeper Mini and Beeper Cloud, but that his team got Beeper Cloud up and running again within 23 hours.

“We got Beeper Cloud up and running. So whatever the statement, Apple said, it’s not entirely correct. Or whatever they mean by it isn’t,” said Migicovsky. “As of today, as of right now, it’s working great.”

So what’s next? All this follows Apple’s recent statement that it would adopt the RCS texting standard in 2024. But that doesn’t account for Beeper.
“If anyone doubts the security and privacy of our app, we’re more than happy to provide the source code of it to a mutually agreed upon third party and let them be the arbiters of this,” Migicovsky said. “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.”

Originally published at 6:32 p.m. PT.
Updated at 7:43 p.m. to include statements from Beeper.

Situating your 4K TV on a wall mount or positioning it as the focal point of your entertainment center is a great way to begin constructing your home theater setup. What you decide to accessorize it with, though, will really inform how any mild mannered room can transform into an epic home theater experience. When it comes to the best home theater gift ideas, whether you’re shopping for friends or family, worthwhile tools to consider may range from a new pair of headphones, soundbars, turntables or a streaming device. And while it all can seem overwhelming, you can easily avoid emptying your bank account while still getting an awesome gift.

If you’re on the lookout for more home entertainment tips, be sure to check out our articles on the best antennas, rotating your streaming services and how Roku and Fire TV compare.

Having suffered an agonizing defeat to Arsenal last time out, things don’t get easier for English Premier League underdogs Luton. This weekend they host a Man City side that’s desperate to get back to winning ways.

The hosts were leading the title-chasing Gunners up until the closing stages of their clash, and it remains to be seen how badly the nature of that stinging 4-3 defeat will affect Rob Edwards’ side, who have now slipped back into the relegation places.

Man City, meanwhile, are in unfamiliar territory, with Pep Guardiola’s usually invincible Cityzens currently on a run of four games without a win, a drop of form that has seen them fall six points behind title rivals Arsenal.

Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services for watching all of the action live wherever you are in the world.

Luton Town vs. Manchester City: When and where?

Luton Town host Manchester City at Kenilworth Road on Sunday, Dec 10. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. GMT (9 a.m. ET, 6 a.m. PT in the US and Canada, and 1 a.m. AEDT on Monday, Dec. 11 in Australia).

How to watch the Luton vs. Man City game online from anywhere using a VPN

If you’re unable to view the game locally, you may need a different way to watch — and that’s where a VPN can come in handy. A VPN is also the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day by encrypting your traffic, and it’s a great idea if you want an extra layer of privacy for your devices and log-ins while you’re traveling and connecting to Wi-Fi networks.

With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game. So if your internet provider or mobile carrier sticks you with an IP address that incorrectly shows your location in a blackout zone, a VPN can correct that problem by giving you an IP address in your correct, non-blackout area. Most VPNs, like our Editors’ Choice, ExpressVPN, make it really easy to do this.

Using a VPN to watch or stream sports is legal in any country where VPNs are legal, including the US, UK and Canada, as long as you have a legitimate subscription to the service you’re streaming. You should be sure your VPN is set up correctly to prevent leaks: Even where VPNs are legal, the streaming service may terminate the account of anyone it thinks is circumventing correctly applied blackout restrictions.

Looking for other options? Be sure to check out some of the other great VPN deals taking place right now.

Livestream Luton vs. Man City in the US

Sunday’s Luton-Man City match is streaming on Peacock. You’ll need a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus account to catch the game live.

Livestream the Luton vs. Man City game in the UK

Premier League rights in the UK are split between Sky Sports, Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports (previously known as BT Sport). Luton vs. Man CIty is exclusive to Sky Sports, showing on its Sky Sports Main Event, Premier League and Ultra channels. If you already have Sky Sports as part of your TV package, you can stream the game via its Sky Go app, but cord-cutters will want to get set up with a Now account and a Now Sports membership to stream the game.

Livestream the Luton vs. Man City game in Canada

If you want to stream Luton vs. Man City live in Canada, you’ll need to subscribe to Fubo Canada. The service has exclusive rights for this Premier League season.

Livestream the Luton vs. Man City game in Australia

Football fans Down Under can watch this EPL fixture on streaming service Optus Sport, which is showing every Premier League game live in Australia this season.

Quick tips for streaming the Premier League using a VPN

• With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming EPL matches may vary.
• If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
• If you’re having trouble getting the game after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs including Roku don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
• All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network’s sports app, you’ll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help, since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.
• And remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you’re using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommend Brave.

Trying to get access to Office apps outside of work or school can be pretty expensive. These days, snagging your own license to Office Pro 2021 will cost you a whopping $440 when buying directly from Microsoft. But for folks looking to cut costs on the apps they need, without incurring monthly charges for a Microsoft 365 subscription, StackSocial has a holiday special that’s not to be missed. There’s still time to nab Office 2019 for Windows or Mac for just $30, a savings of $199. But be quick — this offer expires Dec. 10.

Mac users will get the basic Home and Business suite of apps, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams and OneNote, while Windows users will get the Professional version. That includes the same apps as the Mac version, with the exception of Teams — however, it does add Publisher and Access to round out the suite.

This isn’t the latest version of Office, but compared to signing up for the Microsoft 365 subscription suite, which costs $7 a month or $70 a year for individuals, StackSocial’s offer is a great deal. There is a free online version of Microsoft Office out there that you can use, but it lacks several features, so this may be a better option. Also, Apple users should note that Outlook is now available as a free app for the Mac.

Some important things to note — you’ll get a one-time use code for a single computer, which means you won’t be able to download these apps on multiple devices. And that does mean that if you upgrade to a new computer or your current one dies, you likely won’t be able to transfer the suite. These licenses also lack some of the added conveniences you’ll get with a 365 subscription, including OneDrive cloud storage and cloud-based AI features, including Microsoft Copilot. Additionally, these apps should work for as long as your computer does, but the Mac license has reached the end of its lifecycle, which means Microsoft’s support for this version of Office has ended. Windows users will have extended support through Oct. 14, 2025. There is also a risk that Microsoft could terminate the license at any time, but we’ve been running other versions of Office from StackSocial since early 2022 and have yet to encounter a problem.

Be sure to check system requirements before you make your purchase to ensure these will work on your device. And if you’re looking to upgrade your operating system, there is a bundled deal available that includes both Office Pro 2019 and Windows 11 Pro for just $80.

Holiday shopping can take over your entire month if you let it. From standing in long lines to battling through parking lots to coordinating being home for package arrivals, it can take a lot of work to buy gifts for everyone on your list. This becomes even more chaotic when you’ve waited until the last minute and have to curate some buzzer-beater options. Cut the stress this year by swapping out physical gifts for presents you can either email or print. Don’t worry — these awesome picks won’t make it look like you scrambled to make a shoestring catch.

As long as the gift taps into your recipient’s interests, they’ll appreciate it just as much as a physical gift. Whether they love concerts, travel, music or binge-watching TV, you’re sure to please everyone on your holiday list. Below, you’ll find all sorts of interesting and creative gift options, including subscription boxes, printable gift cards, streaming services and more.

Former Gunners boss Unai Emery will be highly motivated for his side to claim another big scalp on Saturday as Aston Villa host Arsenal.

Villa emphasized their credentials as bona fide title challengers with a statement 1-0 win over Man City on Wednesday — a result that saw them leapfrog the defending champs to go third in the English Premier League table.

While Villa’s win allowed Arsenal to open up a six-point lead over Man City, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta will also know that result will ensure his side’s opponents on Saturday will have grown confidence ahead of this now crucial game in the title race.

Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services for watching all of the action live wherever you are in the world.

Aston Villa vs. Arsenal: When and where?

Aston Villa host Arsenal at Villa Park in Birmingham on Saturday, Dec 9. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. GMT (that’s 12:30 p.m. ET and 9:30 a.m. PT in the US, and 4:30 a.m. AEDT on Monday in Australia).

How to watch the Aston Villa vs. Arsenal game online from anywhere using a VPN

If you’re unable to view the game locally, you may need a different way to watch — and that’s where a VPN can come in handy. A VPN is also the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day by encrypting your traffic, and it’s a great idea if you want an extra layer of privacy for your devices and log-ins while you’re traveling and connecting to Wi-Fi networks.

With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game. So if your internet provider or mobile carrier sticks you with an IP address that incorrectly shows your location in a blackout zone, a VPN can correct that problem by giving you an IP address in your correct, non-blackout area. Most VPNs, like our Editors’ Choice, ExpressVPN, make it really easy to do this.

Using a VPN to watch or stream sports is legal in any country where VPNs are legal, including the US, UK and Canada, as long as you have a legitimate subscription to the service you’re streaming. You should be sure your VPN is set up correctly to prevent leaks: Even where VPNs are legal, the streaming service may terminate the account of anyone it thinks is circumventing correctly applied blackout restrictions.

Looking for other options? Be sure to check out some of the other great VPN deals taking place right now.

Livestream Aston Villa vs. Arsenal in the US

Saturday’s Aston Villa-Arsenal match is streaming on Peacock. You’ll need a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus account to catch the game live.

Livestream the Aston Villa vs. Arsenal game in the UK

Premier League rights in the UK are split between Sky Sports, Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports (previously known as BT Sport). Aston Villa vs. Arsenal is exclusive to Sky Sports, showing on its Sky Sports Main Event, Premier League and Ultra channels. If you already have Sky Sports as part of your TV package, you can stream the game via its Sky Go app, but cord-cutters will want to get set up with a Now account and a Now Sports membership to stream the game.

Livestream the Aston Villa vs. Arsenal game in Canada

If you want to stream Aston Villa vs. Arsenal live in Canada, you’ll need to subscribe to Fubo Canada. The service has exclusive rights for this Premier League season.

Livestream the Aston Villa vs. Arsenal game in Australia

Football fans Down Under can watch this EPL fixture on streaming service Optus Sport, which is showing every Premier League game live in Australia this season.

Quick tips for streaming the Premier League using a VPN

• With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming EPL matches may vary.
• If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
• If you’re having trouble getting the game after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs including Roku don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
• All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network’s sports app, you’ll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help, since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.
• And remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you’re using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommend Brave.