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How to Watch the IPL in the USA
The Short Answer
JioHotstar broadcasts every IPL match for free on its website and app, but it’s geo-restricted to users in India. To watch these free IPL live streams from the US, you’ll need to get an Indian IP address by connecting to a VPN server in India.
While the Indian Premier League (IPL) showcases dozens of T20 matches featuring global cricket stars, US viewers face limited access.
In the US, only Willow TV, a paid subscription service that costs $9.99 per month, holds the exclusive US broadcasting rights for the TATA IPL 2025 season.
We tested many sport streaming services from around the world and found that JioHotstar is the only one covering every game for free. But, you’ll need an Indian IP address to access it.
By using a virtual private network (VPN), you can appear to be in India by temporarily replacing your IP address.
Quick Guide: How to Watch the IPL for Free
- Get a reliable VPN: Choose one with India servers that work with JioHotstar. ExpressVPN and Surfshark are our top choices and both offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Install the VPN app and connect to a server in India.
- Open your browser and visit JioHotstar: Click the ‘TATA IPL’ section or the match from the home screen to start streaming.
Jump to more device-specific instructions below.
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You don’t need an Indian phone number to watch IPL matches on JioHotstar, despite what some other websites claim. While other content on the platform does require one, this doesn’t apply to IPL games.
Not every VPN works, though. Fewer than half of VPNs offer servers in India, and JioHotstar enforces strict VPN detection and geo-blocks for those that do.
Where to Watch the IPL in the US
To watch IPL matches live in the USA without a VPN, Willow TV is your only option. It’s available through their website or as a channel on various cable and streaming services.
Here’s how to find Willow TV on popular TV providers:
| TV Provider | Where to Watch | Package Requirements | Monthly Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Willow TV | Streaming service | None | $9.99 |
| Dish | Channel 9997 | Available standalone | $14.99 |
| Sling TV | Streaming service | Available standalone | $9.99 |
| Spectrum | Varies by region | Spectrum TV Gold | $59.99 |
| Xfinity | Channel 3101 | Willow: Cricket | $14.99 |
Using a VPN with JioHotstar Is Better
We found that using JioHotstar with an Indian VPN server provided a significantly more cost-effective and enjoyable experience than Willow.
JioHotstar is 100% free and matches or exceeds Willow in every area, offering an excellent user interface and Full HD live streams.
You can compare JioHotstar with Willow TV in the table below:
| Service Attribute | JioHotstar | Willow TV |
|---|---|---|
| IP Address Location Required | India | USA |
| Streaming Quality | Full HD (1080p) | Full HD (1080p) |
| User Experience | Good | Poor |
| Commentary Language | English | English |
| Monthly Price | 100% Free | $9.99 |
| Free Trial Available | Not Required | No |
As well as requiring a paid subscription, Willow TV is one of the worst streaming services we’ve ever used. The stream often cuts to ads during post-over commentary, because Willow adds its own commercial breaks on top of Sky’s feed.
It also lacks rewind or fast-forward functionality, and the website is extremely difficult to navigate, promoting news stories and short videos over live IPL games.
In contrast, JioHotstar contains ads, but it only cuts to them during an interval of play and when commentary and analysis has stopped. Its interface is far easier to navigate than Willow’s, with live matches easily accessible from the home page or via the ‘TATA IPL’ tab.
JioHotstar (left) is easier to navigate compared than Willow TV (right).
Though we were able to get around some of Willow’s interface challenges by accessing it as a Sling TV add-on, the issues with the broadcast remained. Regardless of price, JioHotstar provides a much better overall experience to Willow.
How to Stream the IPL with a VPN
The way to access live IPL matches on JioHotstar varies by device, and it’s often more complex than just connecting to a VPN and launching JioHotstar. Below, you can read step-by-step instructions for various devices.
Desktop or Laptop (Windows & macOS)
Using a VPN to watch the IPL on your desktop or laptop is straightforward. Connect to an Indian VPN server that is compatible with JioHotstar (like either of ExpressVPN’s), and open the site in your web browser. You can see more in-depth instructions below.
Here’s how to use a VPN to access free IPL live streams on a computer:
- Sign up for a VPN that works with JioHotstar: ExpressVPN and Surfshark were the most reliable in our testing and both offer a 30-day refund period.
- Download and install the VPN software from the VPN website.
- Open the VPN application and log in using your credentials.
- Connect to a VPN server in India.
- Navigate to the JioHotstar website and click ‘TATA IPL’ from the top navigation bar.
- Select the game you want to watch and the video will load: Click the settings icon at the top-right of the video player and choose ‘Full HD’ for the best quality video.
- Request a refund from the VPN service within 30 days: The quickest way to do this is via live chat. You will receive a full refund.
You can see us using ExpressVPN to live stream CSK vs RCB for free in the video below:
Android
Unlike on iOS, the JioHotstar Android app can’t be installed from Google Play using a US Google account. We also don’t recommend installing an APK file from a third party website as these can contain malware.
Instead, we found a workaround where you can stream live matches from JioHotstar using Android’s web browser.
Here’s how to access IPL on JioHotstar using a VPN on Android:
- Sign up for a VPN that works with JioHotstar: ExpressVPN and Surfshark are reliable options that also have a user-friendly app for Android.
- Download the VPN app from Google Play and log in using your account details.
- Open the VPN app and connect to a VPN server in India.
- Open your Android device’s web browser: Chrome, Firefox, or any other browser will work.
- Go to the JioHotstar website and find the “TATA IPL” section.
- Tap the game you want to stream and wait for the video to load: Videos took longer to load on Android, so you might have to wait around 15 seconds.
- Tap the speech bubble icon at the top right of the video player and select English: Unlike on some other devices, you will have to manually change to English commentary.
You can access JioHotstar via your Android’s web browser.
iPhone & iPad
In contrast to Android, the JioHotstar iOS app is available from the US App Store and is relatively simple to access. You won’t need to change your account region to download it.
Here’s how to watch the IPL for free on iOS:
- Sign up for a VPN that works with JioHotstar: ExpressVPN and Surfshark worked best for us and both offer an easy-to-use iOS app.
- Download JioHotstar from the App Store: You won’t need an Indian App Store account or be connected to a VPN server yet.
- Download the VPN app from the App Store and log in using your account details.
- Connect to an Indian VPN server.
- Open the JioHotstar app and deny GPS location permission.
- Choose the game you want to watch from the home screen.
You can stream IPL games through the JioHotstar iOS app.
Fire TV & Android TV
You will not be able to download the JioHotstar app on Fire TV and Android TV without an Indian Amazon or Google account. However, we discovered that you can access JioHotstar using a web browser on these streaming devices.
Here’s how to watch live IPL encounters on Fire TV and Android TV using a VPN:
- On a laptop or mobile device, sign up for a VPN service that unblocks JioHotstar: ExpressVPN and Surfshark work reliably and offer intuitive apps for streaming devices.
- Download and open the VPN app from the Amazon Appstore or Google Play.
- Connect to a VPN server in India.
- Launch a web browser on your streaming device: On Fire TV, open the pre-installed Silk Browser. Android TV doesn’t have a built-on browser, so we recommend downloading the BrowseHere app from Google Play.
- Open the JioHotstar website and select the match from the home screen.
You can stream IPL games on JioHotstar using the built-in Silk browser.
Apple TV, Roku, LG & Samsung Smart TVs
We noticed that when using AirPlay with JioHotstar, the destination device does not require a VPN connection. This makes it far easier to set up on AirPlay-compatible devices that don’t natively support VPN applications, such as Roku, LG, and Samsung Smart TVs, but you will still need an iOS device.
Here’s how to watch live IPL matches on AirPlay-enabled streaming devices:
- Sign up for a VPN that has Indian servers and can reliably unblock JioHotstar: We recommend ExpressVPN.
- Download the JioHotstar app onto your iPhone or iPad.
- Download and install the iOS VPN app and connect to an Indian server.
- Open the JioHotstar app and select the IPL game you want to watch.
- Once the video starts loading, tap the AirPlay icon at the top right of the screen: It’s depicted as a rectangular TV screen with a triangle at its base. If the icons aren’t visible, tap the screen to reveal them.
- Select the name of your AirPlay-compatible device from the list of options.
- The IPL match will start streaming on your TV.
You can watch IPL on your TV via iOS AirPlay.
Chromecast
JioHotstar offers a more user-friendly experience compared to many geo-restricted streaming platforms when it comes to accessing it via Chromecast. Unlike other services, our research found that your Chromecast doesn’t need to be connected to a VPN server in India, simplifying the setup process.
Here are the instructions for streaming IPL matches on Chromecast using a VPN:
- Sign up for a VPN that streams JioHotstar: Based on our testing, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, PrivateVPN, and Windscribe have proven to be effective.
- Download the VPN app onto your mobile and connect to a VPN server in India.
- Cast it according to your mobile device type:
- iOS: Install the JioHotstar app from the App Store. Open the app and navigate to the match you want to watch. Tap the casting icon, which looks like a rectangle with curved lines on the bottom-left corner, located at the top right of the screen. Then, choose your Chromecast from the list of available devices.
- Android: Visit the JioHotstar website as you won’t be able to download the app without an Indian Google Play account. Select the match you want to view. Next, access your device’s Quick Settings, select ‘Screen Cast’ or ‘Smart View’, and then pick your Chromecast device from the list.
- The IPL game will start showing on your TV via the Chromecast.
Watching the IPL on Chromecast.
The Best VPNs for Streaming the IPL
Out of 61 VPNs, the best for accessing free IPL live streams are:
- ExpressVPN: Best VPN for Streaming the IPL Overall
- Surfshark: Cheap Alternative to ExpressVPN
Both VPNs consistently unblocked JioHotstar over a long testing period, with fast speeds connecting to India for streaming IPL matches in Full HD without buffering or lag.
Disappointingly, not a single free VPN worked with JioHotstar. Most popular free VPNs, like Windscribe and Proton VPN, don’t offer free Indian servers.
While PrivadoVPN, Psiphon, VPN Proxy Master, and SkyVPN offer Indian IP addresses, JioHotstar consistently detected and blocked them.
Only four of 61 VPNs we tested still work with JioHotstar: ExpressVPN, Surfshark, PrivateVPN, and Windscribe Pro. However, we experienced usability issues with the latter two, such as blurry video streams and persistent black screens.
In contrast, we didn’t encounter such issues with ExpressVPN and Surfshark. Both services also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee i.e. a risk-free trial period.
You can compare ExpressVPN and Surfshark in the table below:
| ExpressVPN | Surfshark | |
|---|---|---|
| Works with JioHotstar | Yes | Yes |
| US-Asia Download Speed | 83Mbps (17% speed loss) | 84Mbps (16% speed loss) |
| Indian Server Locations | New Delhi (via UK) and Chennai (via Singapore) | Delhi, Mumbai |
| Indian Servers | Undisclosed | 50 |
| Smart DNS | Doesn’t work with JioHotstar | Doesn’t work with JioHotstar |
| Cheapest Price | $4.99 | $1.99 |
| Type of Free Access | Mobile 7-day free trial & 30-day money-back guarantee | Mobile 7-day free trial & 30-day money-back guarantee |
1. ExpressVPN: Best VPN for the IPL
Ranked #1 out of 61 VPNs for the IPL
ExpressVPN is still the best VPN for watching the IPL in the US. It continues to smoothly bypass JioHotstar’s geo-blocks, has multiple Indian server locations, and maintains fast speeds across its server network to stream at the highest possible resolution.
ExpressVPN’s India servers streamed every IPL match.
Accessing IPL live streams
Over our entire testing period, ExpressVPN never failed to unblock JioHotstar. We could access it regardless of the server we were connected to, unlike Surfshark, where we had to connect to a specific server location.
ExpressVPN also reliably unblocked other websites that are broadcasting the IPL, like Kayo Sports on an Australian server and Now while connected to a UK server.
Indian Server Network
ExpressVPN provides Indian IP addresses from New Delhi (via UK) and Chennai (via Singapore). The servers aren’t physically located in India, sidestepping the need to collect user data in compliance with local laws.
We’re glad that ExpressVPN has provided this workaround rather than exiting the country entirely, as TunnelBear has done.
Download Speeds
According to our in-house tests, ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs when connecting to servers around the world.
We recorded an average download speed loss of just 15% to 85Mbps when connecting to far-away servers, which is more than fast enough for streaming JioHotstar in 1080p.
Plus, with a virtual Indian server conveniently located in the UK, speeds were much faster connecting from the US due to the reduced distance.
Interface & Device Compatibility
ExpressVPN’s easy-to-use apps are available for every popular device, including Windows, iOS, and Fire TV. Unlike every other VPN, ExpressVPN also has a dedicated app for routers so you can use it across every device.
Pricing & Free Access
ExpressVPN’s paid subscription plans are expensive, costing $12.95 when paid monthly and $4.99 per month on a 15-month plan.
However, the VPN service offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can use it for a month and get your money back in full.
2. Surfshark: Cheap VPN for the IPL
Surfshark is an excellent alternative to ExpressVPN for watching JioHotstar outside India on a budget.
Though it’s slower and compatible with fewer devices than ExpressVPN, Surfshark is $3 cheaper per month and still works to reliably access JioHotstar.
We streamed the IPL for free using Surfshark’s 7-day free trial.
Accessing IPL live streams
During our use, Surfshark could only unblock JioHotstar on its Delhi server.
While connected to this server location, we always accessed the live streams, although the video would sometimes take over 10 seconds to load. We didn’t experience such delays with ExpressVPN.
More positively, once loaded, the video streamed in the highest resolution without any pixelation.
Indian Server Network
Surfshark currently has 50 VPN servers in India, which is more than any other VPN.
That said, it still only allows you to switch between two virtual server locations — Delhi and Mumbai. This is the same amount of locations as ExpressVPN and PrivateVPN, but one more than Windscribe.
But, as we mentioned above, only the Delhi IP addresses currently work with JioHotstar.
Download Speeds
Unlike ExpressVPN, Surfshark randomly rotates the locations of its Indian servers between the UK, Netherlands, and Singapore.
As a result, its speed performance can vary greatly depending on where the server is located at any given time.
Generally, though, Surfshark is sufficiently fast for streaming the IPL in the maximum resolution available. We recorded an average download speed loss of 17% when connecting to international server locations.
This sort of speed loss is acceptable and always meant we could stream matches in high definition and without unexpected connection issues.
Interface & Device Compatibility
Surfshark’s apps are consistent across platforms and are simple to use. It provides apps for most popular devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Apple TV, but unlike ExpressVPN, it doesn’t have a dedicated router app.
Its Smart DNS feature doesn’t allow you to geo-spoof your location to India, either, so it’s not well-suited for many streaming devices.
Pricing & Free Access
Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial on mobile devices and a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans, which you can use twice. Together, these mean you can use Surfshark for up to 67 days at no cost.
How to Bypass Error Messages on JioHotstar
JioHotstar enforces strict VPN blocks to comply with its broadcasting agreement with the IPL.
Unlike most streaming sites, JioHotstar will allow you to access the home page and menus on its website even if it detects a VPN connection. It will only display an error message when you try to access a video, though you will be blocked outright when using its app.
Here’s how to bypass the two most common JioHotstar error messages:
“Something went wrong!”
JioHotstar will display this error when it detects you are using a VPN and trying to access content on its website. You will see it immediately after clicking the video from the home screen or a sub-menu.
To bypass this error code, you will have to get an IP address that JioHotstar has not banned. Make sure you are using either ExpressVPN or Surfshark. If you’re already using Surfshark, you’ll have to connect to its Delhi servers as all others are blocked. No such requirement is needed for ExpressVPN.
“Service Unavailable”
You’ll see this error message when JioHotstar detects you are using a VPN and you are trying to access its mobile app. Unlike on its website, you won’t even be able to view the home screen.
To get around this, you’ll have to use a VPN that can bypass JioHotstar’s geo-blocks. Subscribe to and use either ExpressVPN or Surfshark, which are two we’ve verified work with the streaming service and provide easy-to-use apps for mobile.
Alternative Sites for Watching the IPL Using a VPN
So far in this guide, we’ve detailed the process for accessing live streams of the IPL on JioCinema with a VPN. We’ve focused on this service as it’s the only 100% free service that’s broadcasting the 2025 IPL season.
However, using a VPN, there are additional platforms available for streaming the IPL from the USA. Kayo Sports and Now (Sky Sports) are the only two services offering match broadcasts in English. To access Kayo Sports, you’ll need an Australian phone number, while Now requires a UK payment method.
You can compare these alternatives to JioCinema in the table below:
| JioHotstar | Kayo Sports | Now (Sky Sports) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP Address Location Required | India | Australia | UK |
| Streaming Quality | 1080p (Full HD) | Up to 4K (UHD) | 720p (HD) |
| Requires Local Phone Number | No | Can be bypassed using virtual phone number | No |
| Requires Local Payment Details | Not required | No | Yes |
| Monthly Price | 100% Free | $16.25 | $44.00 |
| Free Trial | Not Required | 7 days | No |
We’ll detail the benefits and drawbacks of using these platforms for IPL streaming in the sections below.
Kayo Sports
| Pros compared to JioCinema | Cons compared to JioCinema |
|---|---|
| Fewer ad breaks | Only available free for 7 days |
| Up to 4K resolution with the Basic plan | Expensive subscription plans |
| Streaming on devices like Chromecast requires additional setup |
SUMMARY:
Kayo Sports is only recommended as an alternative to JioCinema for IPL viewers who want to access matches in 4K UHD. While Kayo Sports offers a 7-day free trial, its subscription plans, starting at $16.25 per month, are significantly more expensive than JioCinema’s free service.
Kayo Sports is an excellent sports-focused streaming service that’s broadcasted every IPL game in Australia since 2018. The website is easy to navigate and includes a dedicated IPL tab from its top navigation bar. As a premium service, IPL broadcasts on Kayo Sports contain significantly fewer ads than JioCinema and Willow.
The platform’s two subscription options are relatively expensive: the ‘One’ plan costs $16.25 and the ‘Basic’ plan costs $22.75. Both tiers have a 7-day free trial and can be purchased using a US payment method.
The main advantage to using Kayo Sports instead of JioCinema is the availability of 4K live streaming with the Basic subscription plan. This surpasses JioCinema, which is limited to 1080p (Full HD) resolution, providing an enhanced viewing experience.
We found that Kayo Sports requires your Chromecast to have an Australian IP address for streaming. Since most Chromecast devices don’t support VPN apps, you’ll have to use a VPN-enabled router or establish a VPN mobile hotspot, both of which are relatively complex solutions. In contrast, streaming to Chromecast via JioCinema does not require a VPN connection, making the setup process significantly easier.
Here’s how to stream the IPL on Kayo Sports from the USA:
- Sign up for and install a VPN service that works with Kayo Sports: NordVPN and Proton VPN worked reliably in our use. ExpressVPN cannot access it.
- Connect to a VPN server in Australia: NordVPN’s Australia #694 server worked for us.
- Open the Kayo Sports website and create an account: From the home screen, click ‘New to Kayo? Try Free Now’ and select the ‘Basic’ plan for the best streaming quality. Use a virtual phone system, like CallHippo, to receive the SMS authentication.
- Select the IPL game you want to watch under the ‘Live & Upcoming’ heading on the website’s home screen.
Now (Sky Sports)
| Pros compared to JioCinema | Cons compared to JioCinema |
|---|---|
| Compatible with far more VPN services | Very expensive |
| Doesn’t offer a free trial | |
| Lower video resolution | |
| Requires local payment details number | |
| Lacks interactive video elements |
SUMMARY:
There is no reason to use Now over JioCinema or Kayo Sports. The streaming service is extremely expensive, it broadcasts in a low resolution, and it doesn’t include any interactive features like the other options.
Now is a popular UK-based online streaming platform from Sky Sports, which offers coverage of every IPL match in the 2025 season. Despite claims from other websites, Now is the exclusive broadcaster of the IPL in the UK, following the early termination of DAZN’s five-year contract, which ended after just one season at the end of the 2023 IPL season.
The service provides quick access to the standard Sky Sports Cricket TV channel, simply mirroring the traditional channel without integrating any interactive features. This contrasts with JioCinema, which enables you to choose from multiple camera angles and change commentary language.
Disappointingly, Now costs the equivalent of $44.00 per month and only broadcasts IPL matches in 720p resolution. Opting for Full HD quality requires an additional payment, totaling $51.50 monthly. Despite being completely free, JioCinema streams every match in Full HD.
While Now is accessible without a UK phone number, a UK-based payment method is still required. As a result, Now is no easier to access from the USA than JioCinema.
Here’s how to stream the IPL on Now from the USA:
- Subscribe to a VPN that works with Now and download the app: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, and many other VPNs can access Now.
- Connect to a VPN server in the UK.
- Open the Now website and create an account: You’ll need to purchase a ‘Sports Month’ pass. You’ll also need local payment details, which can be bypassed using a gift card.
- Start streaming the IPL match: Click ‘Sport’ at the top of the screen and scroll down to the ‘Channels’ section. Then, scroll to the right and click Sky Sports Cricket. The live match, as well as on-demand replays, will open.
Popular VPNs We Don’t Recommend for the IPL
During our first-hand testing of 61 VPNs with the IPL on JioCinema, we found that many usually effective VPNs couldn’t bypass the streaming service’s geo-blocks.
Our tests found JioCinema detected top VPNs like CyberGhost.
Here’s a list of some popular VPNs and the specific reasons they didn’t meet our criteria for IPL streaming:
| VPN Service | Reason for Rejection |
|---|---|
| PIA | Failed to unblock JioCinema on all Indian servers |
| CyberGhost | Failed to unblock JioCinema on all Indian servers |
| NordVPN | Only 1 India Server location |
| PrivadoVPN Free | Failed to unblock JioCinema on all Indian servers |
| PrivateVPN | Persistent black screen during IPL streaming |
| Proton VPN Free | No Indian servers |
| Windscribe Pro | IPL stream quality was excessively blurry |
| Windscribe Free | No Indian servers |
| Atlas VPN Free | No Indian servers |
| TunnelBear Free | No Indian servers |
How We Tested & Chose the Best VPNs for the IPL
To find the very best VPNs for streaming the IPL from anywhere, we identified VPNs that matched the following criteria:
- Reliably unblocks JioCinema: We made sure each VPN successfully bypassed the geo-restrictions on JioCinema, allowing us to stream IPL matches from anywhere.
- Multiple Indian VPN server locations: Many popular VPNs don’t provide any Indian IP addresses, but we ensured to only recommend VPNs that offer multiple Indian servers, allowing you to get a new IP address if the VPN suddenly stops working with JioCinema.
- Fast international download speeds: Streaming in a high resolution without buffering requires a fast and stable connection, so we collected download speed results from multiple locations to ensure the VPN provided sufficient speeds.
- User-friendly apps for many devices: An intuitive interface makes it easy to get an Indian IP address, even if you’re a beginner. It’s also important for a VPN to be compatible with all of your devices, including Fire TV and Android TV, and not just desktop and mobile.
- Free-to-use: Though completely free VPNs are preferred, we tried workarounds to see how long we could use a premium VPN for free, either through a mobile free trial or via a money-back-guarantee.
- Private logging policy & strong security features: Some VPNs, especially free ones, don’t properly encrypt your traffic or anonymize your activity. Even if you’re only using it for IPL streaming, we only recommend using a VPN that offers AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption and using an open-sourced protocol, like WireGuard or Lightway.
