Locast is the perfect solution for those who enjoy all the channels that cable TV has to offer but also enjoy streaming their favorite movies on the web.
Created by David Goodfriend in 2018, Locast is a non-profit that rebroadcasts television stations’ signals over the Internet so that you can access TV content like the local news or NFL season games through your browser without the hassle of cable. So, you can dust off the old live TV guide, and watch your favorite shows online!
Unfortunately, like every other streaming service, Locast is subject to geo–restrictions. This means that if you are not in a supported location, you won’t be able to access the service without a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
By using a VPN, you can change your IP address and access your favorite shows with Locast from anywhere.
In a Hurry? Here Are 3 Best VPNs for Locast Streaming Services
3 Best Locast VPN Services
We researched, tested, and tried out over 30 top VPNs on the market to find the best VPNs to access Locast and other streaming service sites.
Here are our top 3 choices:
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the best VPN to watch Locast, offering a network of more than 3,000 fast servers located in almost 94 countries around the globe.
ExpressVPN has top-notch security features, including military-grade encryption, DNS, WebRTC, IPv6 leak protection, OpenVPN protocol, and a Kill Switch that will shut down your connection automatically if the VPN cuts out unexpectedly. All these features will keep your personal and online data secure.
This provider is great for unblocking streaming services with its low latency and low ping. This means you can watch Locast alternatives, like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and more, without any trouble.
ExpressVPN is compatible with all major operating systems, including iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Apple TV, Android TV, and more. Plus, you can connect up to 5 devices simultaneously, so the whole family can enjoy.
Users can try ExpressVPN for themselves with its 30–day money–back guarantee.
All you have to do is sign up, and if you’re unhappy with the service, just contact customer service via live chat for your money back.
- Excellent safety features
- Fast servers
- Large network of IP address options
- Consistent connections to your favorite sites
- Exclusive discount options are available
- Broadest server network
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- More expensive than its competitors
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is another excellent VPN for Locast, with the ability to bypass even the toughest of geo-blocks.
With its extensive server network of 5,400 servers in more than 60 countries around the globe, you will be able to watch your favorite shows on any streaming device, from anywhere.
This VPN protects your online privacy with 256–bit encryption, DNS leak protection, a strict no-logs policy, and a Kill Switch that shuts down your Internet traffic if the VPN disconnects.
NordVPN has an easy-to-use app that is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. This VPN is able to access all the popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and more.
Plus, With its 30–day money–back guarantee, you can sign up for NordVPN without taking any risks.
- Advanced security features
- Unlimited bandwidth
- 6 simultaneous connections
- 30-day refund guarantee
- Full-time customer support
- Slower than ExpressVPN
- Some negative experiences with desktop app
3. Surfshark
Surfshark is a budget-friendly option for Locast users looking to bypass geo-restrictions and access their favorite channels on TV with high-quality streaming and decent speeds; Surfshark has 3,200 VPN servers located in over 65 countries, so it’s always possible to find an IP address to which to connect.
This VPN service has good security features, including military-grade encryption, a Kill Switch, and a no–logs policy to ensure that your Internet connection will be completely anonymous.
Surfshark has an app that’s compatible with almost every operating system and offers unlimited simultaneous connections on a single subscription, which can be a huge selling point.
- Very affordable pricing
- Connect an unlimited number of devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Solid security features
- Easy to install
- Not as fast as other VPNs
- Some buffering on servers
What is Locast?
Locast is an American non-profit that rebroadcasts television stations’ signals over the Internet, allowing viewers to access live over-the-air (OTA) streams from different locations.
Locast is currently available in 28 US cities including Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Madison, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Rapid City, Scranton, Seattle, Sioux Falls, Washington DC, and West Palm Beach, and they are working on expanding their market.
Since the Locast is subject to geo-blocks, without a using a VPN to connect, you won’t be able to access the service from outside the US.
Why You Need a VPN for Locast
A VPN is a tool that provides private and secure connections to its users with online privacy features like encryption and a no-logs policy, ensuring that your identity and online activity will be completely anonymous online.
VPNs also give you the ability to choose to which server you connect. Since your online identity is anonymous, if you choose to connect to a server in a particular country, your actual country and IP address will be masked and it will appear that you are in your server region instead of your real one.
This is how you can get around geo-blocks that restrict you from watching Locast. Simply subscribe to a VPN, select a server in a place where Locast is available, like the USA, and enjoy streaming your favorite TV shows.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Locast
If you’re looking for the best VPN for locast, you will want to find a VPN that can offer you the following:
Large network of servers — The broader the server network, the more locations you will have to choose.
Fast speeds — You will want a service with fast speeds so that you don’t have any buffering or loading issues.
Privacy features — Having strong security features is crucial when choosing a VPN. You want to make sure your personal info and online data remain safe and secure.
30-day trial period — With a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try the service out for yourself before committing.
How to Use Locast with a VPN
Getting started with a VPN for Locast is easy. Just follow these simple steps.
- Subscribe and create an account with a VPN service. (We recommend ExpressVPN.)
- Download the VPN software onto your device, and sign in.
- Once downloaded, open the app and connect to a VPN server in a location where Locast is available, like many US cities.
- Open your browser and sign in to your Locast account.
- Search for your favorite shows and begin streaming!
Can I Use a Free VPN with Locast?
While saving a few extra bucks a month might seem tempting, we don’t recommend using a free VPN service for a few reasons:
The first is that they simply do not work as well. Free VPN services tend to have small server networks, which means each server will be overcrowded. If you manage to connect to one, you will likely experience slow speeds and lags, and you may get disconnected altogether.
Free services limit the bandwidth of users, which isn’t ideal if you like to stream, game, or torrent since those activities use up a lot of bandwidth.
Last, free VPN providers don’t protect their users’ privacy; In fact, it’s the opposite! These no-pay services have been known to sell user data to third parties and marketing agencies, putting users at risk online.
FAQs
It depends on which VPN service you use. With ExpressVPN, our top recommended VPN for Locast, you can connect to servers located in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa, and Washington DC.
You can access Locast from Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Madison, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Rapid City, San Francisco, Scranton, Seattle, Sioux City, Sioux Falls, Tampa Bay, and Washington DC.
Watching Locast outside the US is pretty simple. All you have to do is open your VPN and search for a VPN server located in a US state where the service is available. Once you connect to that VPN server, you can watch live broadcasts or your favorite streaming service.
Conclusion
Locast is a perfect solution for those who love to watch TV live but wish to do so online. Unfortunately, due to geo-blocks, you will need a VPN to access the service in certain locations. We recommend ExpressVPN, the best VPN for Locast.
