The Winter Olympics 2022 will be held in Beijing, China, between February 4 and February 20, 2022. The bad news is that only residents of mainland China may attend. Even worse: not all Olympics streams are available across the globe. The good news? You can watch every Winter Olympics event online for free, no matter where you are, by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network):
- Choose a VPN provider like NordVPN, our best VPN for watching the Winter Olympics online.
- Download the VPN software and create an account.
- Install the VPN with the on-screen instructions and sign in.
- Choose a VPN server in a country that’s hosting Winter Olympics live streams. We recommend either the United Kingdom or Australia for free streams.
- Connect to the VPN server to change your IP address.
- Go to your preferred stream. Did you choose a server in the United Kingdom? Head over to BBC iPlayer. For your free Australia stream, go to 7Plus to gain access to the best Beijing 2022 live stream.
Would you like to watch a different Winter Olympics stream? No problem! In our full article below, we’ve listed some of the best Winter Olympics streams from sports streaming platforms that offer fast and reliable connections. Paired with the right VPN, you’ll be able to catch every gold-medal moment from the Beijing Olympic Winter Games 2022!
In 2022, it’s Beijing’s turn to host the iconic Olympic Winter Games. The action starts on February 4 and runs through to February 20, 2022.
If you want to watch the Winter Olympics online from any country across the globe, you’ll need to know which websites are hosting Winter Olympics streams, and how you can connect to these websites. Due to broadcasting rights and restrictions, some Winter Olympics streams will only be available to residents of the country in which they are hosted. If you don’t fall into this category, the websites will know you’re connecting from abroad by looking at your IP address, so you’ll be locked out.
However, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows you to watch Winter Olympics 2022 streams that would ordinarily be blocked for residents of your country: you’ll be able to view any stream you want. That’s why this article explains how to watch the Olympics with a VPN in 2022.
Where Can I Watch the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022?
China’s first time hosting the Winter Olympics is sure to be a memorable event. However, you can only visit as a spectator if you live in mainland China. That leaves us wondering where to watch the Winter Olympics online.
To save you scrambling for an Olympics stream right before the games are about to begin, we’ve gathered a list of channels and online streams where you can watch the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics with live coverage:
| Region | Stream | Free Option? | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe | Eurosport | No. £6.99/month or £29.99 for the first year | In Europe, Discovery Communications owns the rights to the Winter Olympics. Discovery broadcasts events from Beijing 2022 on their TV channel, Eurosport. However, you can watch the Winter Olympics on Eurosport by selecting specific events. via the drop-down menu at the top of the screen. |
| Ireland, Sweden, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, Norway | Discovery+ | No. €5.99/month or €29.99 for the first year | In Europe, Discovery Communications owns the rights to the Winter Olympics. Discovery broadcasts events from Beijing 2022 on their TV channel, Eurosport. However, you can watch the Winter Olympics on Eurosport by selecting specific events. via the drop-down menu at the top of the screen. |
| Netherlands | NPO Start | Free | The NOS in The Netherlands has an agreement in place with Discovery, which means that NOS will be the place to watch the Winter Olympics online in The Netherlands. This stream will mostly feature ice skating. Find a Dutch VPN server if you want easy access to Olympics streams. |
| United Kingdom | BBC iPlayer | Free | The BBC iPlayer in the UK is the place to catch Winter Olympics streams when surfing with a UK IP address. Although BBC iPlayer is free, it can be a hassle to get your account to work, since it needs verification. If you already have an account, you can use that without any issues. |
| Australia | 7Plus | Free | In Australia, you can watch the Winter Olympics on 7Plus. Connect to an Australian VPN server to avoid being blocked if you’re overseas. |
| United States | NBC Sports/Peacock | 30 minute free trial, then $4.99/month | In the US, you’ll be able to watch the Winter Olympics online via NBC Sports and their official streaming service Peacock. Peacock’s paid subscription shows live coverage of the Winter Olympics, while the NBC Sports website allows you to watch replays. You’ll only be able to access Peacock from overseas with a US IP address. |
| Canada | CBC | Free | The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) shows the Winter Olympics for free online on their platform. All you need to do to follow along, is make sure you use a Canadian IP address. |
If you live in any of the above countries and have the right subscriptions to services, you’re in luck! You can watch the 2022 Winter Olympics right away. However, if you live elsewhere, you’ll need a VPN to be able to witness all the action.
Why Can’t I Watch the Olympics Abroad?
When trying to follow the Olympics across the world, you might run into blocked Olympics streams. The broadcasting rights for each country are held by particular broadcasters. For example, the rights to the 2021 Summer Olympic Games were held by the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) in the UK and NOS (Nederlandse Omroep Stichting) in the Netherlands.
Broadcasting agreements prevent these companies from streaming the games outside of their respective countries. But the internet is a vast, worldwide resource, so how do they stop visitors from outside of the country from using the streams? The answer is that they use geo-blocking software to check your IP address and block you.
Armed with a VPN, you can change your IP address and bypass such blocks. For example, if you get a UK IP address, you can unblock streams in the United Kingdom. Keep reading for our simple, step-by-step guide to watching the Olympic Winter Games with a VPN.
Watch the 2022 Winter Olympics With a VPN
If you live in a country where your favorite stream is blocked, you’re going to need to change your IP address to watch the Winter Olympics 2022 online. A VPN will do this for you. When you connect to a VPN server in a specific country, you can change your IP address to one from that location. So, you can use an American VPN server to get a US IP address and watch Peacock, for example.
Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to watching the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics online with a VPN, no matter where you are in the world.
- Choose a VPN provider and create an account. To watch the Winter Olympics 2022 online, we recommend NordVPN. They’re one of the best VPNs for streaming, and this provider offers a money-back guarantee for new users. If you use this in a smart way, you’ll be able to watch the Olympics completely for free! You can go directly to NordVPN’s website by clicking the orange button below this guide.
- Download the VPN client software from the provider’s website and create an account. Make sure you download the software on the device you want to use to watch the Winter Olympics. The best VPNs offer a mobile application for iOS, Android, and Windows phones.
- Install the VPN software by following the on-screen instructions.
- Run the VPN software and sign in to your account once the installation is complete.
- Choose a VPN server in the country where your preferred stream is being hosted. So, you’ll want to choose a country offering live Winter Olympics streams, such as the United Kingdom (if you want to watch via BBC iPlayer) or Australia (if you want to use 7Plus).
- Finally, connect to the VPN server to change your IP address ! There’s nothing more to it. Now, you should be able to access blocked websites in other countries, including ones that are hosting Winter Olympics 2022 streams. Check out our table above for quick links to your favorite stream.
- Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
- Perfect for privacy and streaming
- Trusted by many, with over 14 million users
That’s all there is to it! Whether you want to watch the opening ceremony, cross-country skiing, speed skating, or ice skating, you’ll be able to do so freely! Enjoy the Olympic games!
If you want to access another Winter Olympics stream in a different country, all you’ll need to do is disconnect your VPN session and choose a VPN server in another location.
Why Use a VPN to Watch the 2022 Winter Olympics?
With a VPN, you can bypass geo-blocking software and access blocked Olympics streams. However, there are other reasons to use a VPN too, which include:
- Downloading with greater anonymity and security
- The ability to change your IP address at will and enjoy greater anonymity
- Access to the biggest movie and media libraries, including American Netflix
- Encrypted data, reducing the chance of your personal information being stolen
Of course, you might just be interested in watching the Winter Olympics and canceling your subscription right after. If you decide to continue using your VPN, however, you’ll be able to enjoy all of those benefits, and also be ready for when the next Olympics come around!
The Best VPNs for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics
If you want to watch the Winter Olympics online with a VPN, you’ll need to know which provider to choose. Not all VPN providers support all of the countries offering Winter Olympic streams. What’s more, when choosing a VPN, you need to consider:
- How many VPN servers are available in each country. The more VPN servers available, the less likely you’ll end up with a slow or lagging Olympics stream. Many people will be connecting to VPN servers and Olympic streams worldwide, so you need a provider that offers a large range of servers that can carry heavy user load.
- How fast and stable your VPN provider’s connections are. You need a VPN provider that offers the fastest VPN speeds and stable connections. A slow VPN connection can leave you stuck with a buffering wheel, while an unstable connection could drop out altogether.
- How much the VPN provider charges for a subscription. Free VPNs have drawbacks that make them less suited to watching sports online. There’s more information on this below. So, when you’re choosing a paid VPN service, keep an eye out for the prices they charge and any money-back guarantees they offer. You can also have a look at our list of good, cheap VPN providers.
Below, we’ve listed the three best VPNs for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.
1. Watch the Winter Olympics with NordVPN: Vast server choice and fast, stable connections
NordVPN is an extremely fast VPN when compared to others in the industry. Connections are stable, and you get a choice of VPN servers in approximately 60 countries around the globe. It’s ideal for streaming thanks to these high speeds, plus the fact that there are no data limitations.
The user interface is simple and approachable, and you can download an app for your iOS or Android smartphone or tablet. This simplicity, coupled with the lightning-fast speeds and stable connections, is what makes NordVPN perfect for streaming the Winter Olympics. NordVPN snags the top spot thanks to a host of other features, many of which make it one of the most secure VPNs.
Want to try out NordVPN before you commit to the service? Their 30-day money-back guarantee allows you about a month to see whether the service is your cup of tea. Use it smartly, and you could watch the entire Winter Olympics for free!
2. Watch the Winter Olympics with ExpressVPN: One of the biggest VPN server networks
ExpressVPN is also an excellent choice for streaming, in addition to being one of the fastest VPNs available. With ExpressVPN, you get one of the broadest server networks in the industry, with VPN servers in almost 100 countries worldwide.
This provider is a little pricier than others, including our top pick, NordVPN. However, you’re guaranteed fast, stable connections, excellent customer service, and a really user-friendly interface. ExpressVPN lacks some of the extra features of NordVPN, but you still get 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, a no-logging policy, and more. ExpressVPN has a money-back guarantee that can be used as a free trial, too.
3. Watch the Winter Olympics with Surfshark: Fast, inexpensive, and user-friendly VPN
Surfshark competes well with NordVPN and ExpressVPN in terms of speed, and this provider’s connections are also stable. However, one of the best things about Surfshark is that it’s among the cheapest VPN providers you’ll find without choosing a free provider.
Despite the price, Surfshark still offers a good degree of security, and they promise not to store your browsing activity. You also get a simple user interface and mobile application, and it’s one of the best VPNs for unblocking Netflix. Just like its competitors, you can use their money-back guarantee as a free Surfshark trial.
Can I Watch the Winter Olympics Live With a Free VPN?
If you want to watch the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 online, we recommend against using a free VPN. That’s not because all free VPNs are bad; there are many great free VPN providers out there. However, to watch the Winter Olympics online, you’ll want to use one of the fastest VPNs, and one that does not impose any limitations.
Most free VPNs have speed caps or data limits that you’ll reach quickly when streaming. If there’s a speed cap in place, your stream could be jerky or completely freeze while it buffers. If you have a data limitation, you might simply get cut off before the action has even begun. There are other disadvantages too, but the bottom line here is that streaming is a high-bandwidth activity, which makes free VPNs a poor choice.
However, you can watch the Winter Olympics with a cheap VPN. The best VPNs have relatively low subscription costs, in addition to money-back guarantees. This essentially means you can try out a VPN for free, for around 30-45 days on average. Just make sure you cancel your subscription before the period is over, and you’ll get a full refund. If you time it right, you can use a VPN provider’s guarantee to let you watch the Winter Olympics for free.
Where Do the Winter Olympics Take Place?
The Olympic Games are hosted by different countries, and the host country for the Olympic Winter Games, much like the Summer Games, changes every time. Beijing, China, is the host country for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games. If you’re wondering why we’re about to witness another Olympics so soon after the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, that’s due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Tokyo games were postponed, but the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games are still running on time, following their original schedule.
Which Sports are Scheduled for the 2022 Beijing Olympic Winter Games?
Below, you’ll find a list of every Olympic sport that’s scheduled for Beijing 2022, which includes a total of 109 events across 15 disciplines :
- Alpine skiing
- Biathlon
- Bobsleigh
- Cross-country skiing
- Curling
- Figure skating
- Freestyle skiing
- Ice hockey
- Luge
- Nordic combined
- Short track
- Skeleton
- Ski jumping
- Snowboarding
- Speed skating
2022 Beijing Olympic Winter Games Schedule
Check out the table below for a full schedule of the 2022 Beijing Olympic Winter Games:
| Sport | No. Events | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Alpine skiing | 13 | Feb. 6 – Feb. 11
Feb. 13 Feb. 15 – Feb. 17 Feb. 19 |
| Biathlon | 10 | Feb. 5
Feb. 7 – Feb. 8 Feb. 11 – Feb. 13 Feb. 15 – Feb. 16 Feb 18. – Feb. 19 |
| Bobsleigh | 8 | Feb. 13 – Feb. 15
Feb. 18 – Feb. 20 |
| Cross-country skiing | 10 | Feb. 5 – Feb. 6
Feb. 8 Feb. 10 – Feb. 13 Feb. 16 Feb. 19 – Feb. 20 |
| Curling | 46 | Feb. 2 – Feb. 20 |
| Figure skating | 12 | Feb. 4
Feb. 6 – Feb. 8 Feb. 10 Feb. 12 Feb. 14 – Feb. 15 Feb. 17 – Feb. 20 |
| Freestyle skiing | 20 | Feb. 3
Feb. 5 – Feb. 10 Feb. 13 – Feb. 19 |
| Ice hockey | 58 | Feb. 3 – Feb. 20 |
| Luge | 6 | Feb. 5 – Feb. 10 |
| Nordic combined | 3 | Feb. 9
Feb. 15 Feb. 17 |
| Short track | 6 | Feb. 5
Feb. 7 Feb. 9 Feb. 11 Feb. 13 Feb. 16 |
| Skeleton | 4 | Feb. 10 – Feb. 12 |
| Ski jumping | 7 | Feb. 5 – Feb. 7
Feb. 11 – Feb. 12 Feb. 14 |
| Snowboarding | 18 | Feb. 5 – Feb. 12
Feb. 14 – Feb. 15 |
| Speed skating | 12 | Feb. 5 – Feb. 8
Feb. 10 – Feb. 13 Feb. 15 Feb. 17 – Feb. 19 |
In Conclusion: Watching the Winter Olympics Abroad
The Olympic Winter Games will take place from February 4 to February 20 in 2022, hosted by Beijing, China. Hot on the heels of the Tokyo 2021 Summer Games, which were delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this event is running on schedule. Since spectator tickets are only available to residents of mainland China, most of us will have to watch the Winter Olympics online.
Be aware that most websites in other countries will block access to their Olympics streams due to broadcasting rights and restrictions. However, by choosing a premium VPN like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark, you can bypass these restrictions. Connecting to a VPN server will change your IP address and allow you to watch 2022 Winter Olympics live streams without restrictions. These providers are also perfect for unblocking other sporting events, such as the World Cup and Tour de France!
As a final note, please ensure that you read the user agreement of any streaming service you use while connecting via VPN. Some streaming providers block VPN use, so you should be sure that you fully understand the terms of service before going ahead.
Got more questions about the Beijing Winter Olympics and how to find an Olympics live stream? Check out our frequently asked questions below.
The Beijing Olympic Winter Games 2022 kick off on February 4 and conclude on February 20, 2022. This marks a relatively short window since the Tokyo 2021 Summer Games concluded last year. This is due to the previous games being postponed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Bear in mind that some events are taking place on February 2 and February 3. Check out the Beijing 2022 schedule in our full article.
In total, there will be 109 events at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. Each event will draw on one of 15 sports or disciplines, which include:
- Alpine skiing
- Biathlon
- Bobsleigh
- Cross-country skiing
- Curling
- Figure skating
- Freestyle skiing
- Ice hockey
- Luge
- Nordic combined
- Short track
- Skeleton
- Ski jumping
- Snowboarding
- Speed skating
Our pick of the best VPN to watch the Winter Olympics is NordVPN. With this VPN provider, you get lightning-fast connections that’ll ensure you don’t miss a second of the action in Beijing 2022. There are also no data limitations, which means you can watch every event live, rather than picking and choosing your favorites. It’s for these reasons that we recommend avoiding free VPNs for streaming the Winter Olympics.
