How To Watch the Olympics From Anywhere Without Cable

Learn how to stream the 2026 Winter Olympics and catch all the Milano-Cortina Games from anywhere.
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The 2026 Milano-Cortina Games will undoubtedly captivate audiences around the globe, running from February 6 to February 22, 2026, in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. But if you don't have cable, you don't have to worry — there are plenty of ways to watch the action live, no matter where you are in the world.

In this article, we cover where you can stream events from anywhere to ensure you can experience the joys of your country's triumph!

In this article
How to stream the Olympics
How to get around geo-restrictions
Bottom line
FAQs

How to watch the 2026 Olympics

Here are some of the best streaming platforms to watch the  Winter Olympics. Each offers unique features and benefits to enhance your viewing experience.

Best for Starting price Key features
Peacock Owned by NBC $10.99/mo Live NBC access
Hulu + Live TV Comprehensive live coverage of the Olympics $89.99/mo 95+ top channels, includes Disney+ and ESPN+, unlimited DVR
YouTube TV User-friendly interface $72.99/mo for first three months, $82.99/mo after 100+ channels, 4K streaming, 3 simultaneous streams
FuboTV Sports enthusiasts $48.99/mo for first month, $73.99/mo after 195+ channels, unlimited DVR, up to 10 screens at once
Sling TV Budget-friendly option $45.50/mo Customizable, includes Orange + Blue + Sports, with 7 exclusive sports and family channels
DIRECTV Stream Traditional TV experience $49.99/mo for first month, $89.99/mo after 90+ channels, local channels, unlimited cloud DVR

Top cable TV channels to watch the Olympic Games

If you prefer watching the Olympics on cable TV, several channels offer extensive coverage. Here are the top cable TV channels to watch the Winter Olympics:

  • NBC: As the official broadcaster of the Olympics in the U.S., NBC offers comprehensive coverage of all major events, including live broadcasts and replays.
  • USA Network: Part of NBCUniversal, USA Network provides additional Olympic coverage, ensuring you don't miss any key moments.
  • CNBC: Known for business news, CNBC also broadcasts various Olympic events, especially during off-peak hours.
  • Olympic Channel: Dedicated solely to the Olympics, this channel provides round-the-clock live coverage, athlete interviews, and behind-the-scenes content.
  • Telemundo: For Spanish-speaking viewers, Telemundo offers extensive Olympic coverage with commentary in Spanish.

These streaming platforms and cable TV channels guarantee you have multiple options to watch the Olympics live, ensuring you don’t miss any action from the 2026 Winter Olympics.

How to watch the Olympic Games with a VPN

If at any point you're unable to access a stream because of where you live, a VPN is an extremely easy and inexpensive way to get around this roadblock. Here's how.

  1. Subscribe to a VPN. First, choose a reputable VPN service known for excellent streaming. Top picks include NordVPN and Surfshark. Visit the provider's website, select a VPN subscription plan, and sign up.
  2. Download and install the VPN onto your selected device. After subscribing, download the VPN application compatible with your device. VPNs typically support various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
  3. Log in to your VPN account. Open the VPN application and log in using the credentials you created during the subscription process to gain access to the VPN's features and servers.
  4. Find and connect to your preferred server. Choose a server located in a country where the Olympics broadcast is available, such as the U.S. or U.K. This will bypass geo-restrictions and allow you to stream your favorite live events, like the 100-meter sprint, seamlessly.
  5. Log in to your preferred streaming platform. Access the streaming service that broadcasts the Olympics, such as NBC, BBC, or any other provider. Log in to your account and get ready for the starter’s gun, live from Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo in Northern Italy.

Best VPNs to watch the Olympics 2026

When choosing a virtual private network to watch the Olympics, it's essential to look for specific features that ensure a smooth streaming experience. 

The best VPN to watch the Olympics should have a large server network, particularly in countries where the Winter Olympics are broadcast. It should also offer high-speed connections to prevent buffering and maintain video quality. Compatibility with various streaming platforms and the ease of use provided by intuitive apps are crucial. Lastly, security features like encryption and no-logs policies ensure your privacy while streaming.

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NordVPN is an excellent choice for streaming the Olympics due to its extensive server network in countries broadcasting the games live. Its compatibility with popular streaming sites and user-friendly interface make it easy to find and connect to the optimal server, ensuring you don't miss any action. NordVPN offers over 60 servers in Italy, spanning popular cities such as Milan, Rome, and Palermo.

Surfshark VPN is ideal for accessing Olympics coverage thanks to its extensive server network and Camouflage Mode, which allows you to watch the games even on restricted networks. Its one-click connections make securing your internet traffic effortless, so you can focus on enjoying the sporting events. Surfshark also offers servers in Milan and Rome. 

Bottom line

Don't miss out on any Olympic action — explore our best VPN services to find the perfect VPN for seamless streaming. Be sure to tune in to catch the debut of Skimo, or Ski Mountaineering, the newest athletic competition added to the Olympics lineup. You can also check out new additions to existing games, like Women's Doubles Luge and Freestyle Skiing Dual Moguls.

Using a VPN to watch the Olympic Games offers numerous benefits, including access to geo-restricted content, avoidance of censorship, enhanced streaming quality, and maintained privacy and security. When selecting a VPN for the Olympics, focus on features such as a large server network, high-speed connections, and compatibility with streaming platforms.

For those interested in placing secure bets on Olympic events, check out our guide on VPNs for gambling and sports betting.

FAQs

Is the NBC Olympics free?

Not entirely. Some Olympics coverage and recaps are available via NBC local broadcasts. But watching the entire 2026 Winter Olympics for free can be challenging. Some streaming services offer free trials that you can utilize during the games. Platforms like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV often offer a 7-day free trial, letting you watch the Olympics without a subscription. However, for full access to Olympics live streams, you'll need a premium Peacock subscription. 

How can I watch the closing ceremony of the Olympics?

To watch the Olympics Closing Ceremony for the upcoming 2026 Olympic Games, catch Olympics live streams on Peacock, NBC, or NBCOlympics.com. The Milano-Cortina 2026 ceremony, or "Beauty in Action," is scheduled for February 22, 2026. The tribute ceremony will celebrate Italian sports and culture at the historic Arena di Verona (a Roman amphitheater).

How to watch the Olympics online without a TV provider?

To watch the 2026 Olympics, you can stream the games on platforms that host NBC, which include:

  • Peacock ($10.99/mo
  • YouTube TV ($72.99/mo for first three months, $82.99/mo after)
  • Hulu + Live TV ($89.99/mo)
  • Fubo ($48.99/mo for first month, $73.99/mo after)
  • DIRECTV Streaming ($49.99/mo for first month, $89.99/mo after)

What is the best streaming app for the Olympics?

The best streaming app for Olympics coverage depends on your preferences, but popular choices include Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV. These platforms offer great coverage of the games, including live broadcasts and on-demand content, ensuring you don't miss any action. For complete access, consider a premium Peacock subscription.

How to watch the 2026 Olympics in the UK?

In the U.K., you can watch the 2026 Winter Olympics on BBC, which provides comprehensive coverage of the games. You can also stream the events live through BBC iPlayer. Other options include Eurosport and its streaming service, Eurosport Player, which offers extensive Olympic coverage.

How to watch the Canadian broadcast of the Olympics?

Canada is broadcasting the Olympics on CBC. You can stream events on the CBC Gem app. If you're not in Canada, you may need to use a VPN to access the free app.

Which country will host the 2028 Olympics?

Gear up for an exciting 2028 Summer Olympics, which will be hosted in Los Angeles, California. LA28 will mark the third time LA has hosted the Olympics, including way back in 1932 and 1984. To date, the U.S. has hosted the Olympics 8 times, which is more than any other country. U.S. Winter Olympics fans can look forward to 2034, when Salt Lake City is scheduled to host. But the next Winter Olympics will be held in February 2030 in the French Alps. 


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Author Details
Ryan Clancy is a writer and blogger. With 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience, he's passionate about all things engineering and tech. He loves bringing tech down to a level that everyone can understand.