Looking for the best ways to stream NHL games online? NHLstreams has long been a go-to resource for hockey fans seeking free, live NHL action. However, users often encounter issues like unreliable streams, intrusive ads, legal risks, and sudden shutdowns. The platform’s unofficial nature also means limited features, inconsistent quality, and frequent geo-blocking.
If you’re frustrated by these problems or simply want a safer, higher-quality, or more flexible streaming experience, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll break down the top alternatives offering better value, improved reliability, and more robust features.
Here are the best alternatives to NHLstreams you can try today tested, compared, and reviewed in-depth.
What Makes a Good NHLstreams Alternative?
When searching for the ideal NHLstreams alternative, keep an eye out for these key features:
- Pricing flexibility: Look for free tiers, free trials, or affordable monthly plans.
- Performance & reliability: Consistent HD streams with minimal buffering or downtime.
- User experience: Clean, intuitive interfaces and easy navigation.
- Device compatibility: Support for smart TVs, mobiles, and browsers.
- Official licensing: Legal access to NHL games, reducing the risk of takedowns.
- Geo-unblocking: Ability to bypass regional restrictions, ideally with VPN compatibility.
- Customer support: Responsive help for technical or account issues.
- Additional sports coverage: Options to watch other leagues and events.
Why Do You Need a NHLstreams Alternative?
There are several compelling reasons to consider switching from NHLstreams to a more reputable option:
- Legal risks: Many unofficial streaming sites host pirated content, exposing users to copyright infringement issues.
- Security concerns: Free streaming sites are notorious for malware, intrusive ads, and potential data theft.
- Limited access: Geo-blocking, frequent shutdowns, and unreliable streams can ruin your viewing experience.
- Quality & features: Official platforms offer better video quality, commentary, and features like DVR or multi-device support.
Tip: For privacy and security, always use a trusted VPN when streaming—especially if you’re accessing geo-blocked or unofficial sites.
Top Alternatives to NHLstreams
1. CBC Gem
VPNSociety Rating: 4.8
Price: Free (account required)
Pros: Legal HD streams, no cost, official NHL broadcaster, cross-device support
Cons: Only regular season games, geo-restricted to Canada (VPN needed abroad)
Features Overview:
- Free live and on-demand NHL games (regular season only)
- High-definition streaming with minimal ads
- Official, reliable source for Canadian viewers
- Compatible with web, mobile, and smart TV apps
- Requires free account and Canadian IP address
CBC Gem is the official streaming platform of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, offering free, legal NHL streams for regular season games. Its clean interface, reliable uptime, and broad device support make it a top pick for fans wanting a safe, legal alternative to pirated streams. With a VPN, international users can also access these streams, though playoff games require cable access.
While it doesn’t cover the Stanley Cup or playoffs, CBC Gem’s quality and legitimacy make it a standout for regular season action.
2. Viaplay
VPNSociety Rating: 4.7
Price: £14.99/month (free trial available)
Pros: Official NHL broadcaster, reliable HD streams, additional sports, free trial
Cons: Subscription required after trial, only available in select countries
Features Overview:
- Live and on-demand NHL games
- High-definition streaming
- Access to other sports and entertainment content
- Multi-device support
Viaplay is a premium streaming service popular in the UK and Europe, known for its official NHL coverage and broad sports library. Its consistent, legal streams and additional entertainment options make it a strong alternative for fans seeking more than just hockey.
The free trial lets users test the service, and its device compatibility ensures a smooth experience across platforms. However, it’s only accessible in certain regions, so a VPN may be necessary for international fans.
3. Amazon Prime Video
VPNSociety Rating: 4.6
Price: $9.99/month (free trial available)
Pros: NHL games included, multi-device streaming, vast entertainment library, free trial
Cons: NHL coverage limited to Canada, subscription required after trial
Features Overview:
- NHL games for Canadian subscribers
- Access to Amazon Originals and a vast movie/TV library
- Multi-device compatibility
- Personalized recommendations
Amazon Prime Video in Canada offers NHL coverage alongside its huge selection of movies and series. This dual-purpose subscription is ideal for users who want both hockey and entertainment in one package.
The platform’s free trial is a bonus, and its reputation for high-quality streams and user experience makes it a strong NHLstreams alternative for Canadian fans.
4. YouTube TV
VPNSociety Rating: 4.6
Price: $82.99/month (free trial available)
Pros: Comprehensive channel lineup, unlimited DVR, user-friendly interface, free trial
Cons: Expensive, US-only (VPN needed abroad)
Features Overview:
- Live NHL games on ESPN, TNT, and regional sports networks
- Unlimited DVR storage
- Multi-device streaming
- Large selection of sports and entertainment channels
YouTube TV is a US-based live TV streaming service offering broad access to NHL games through major sports channels. Its unlimited DVR and easy-to-use interface make it a favorite for cord-cutters.
Though pricier than other options, YouTube TV’s reliability and feature set justify the cost for fans who want a cable-like experience.
5. Fubo TV
VPNSociety Rating: 4.5
Price: $84.99/month (free trial available)
Pros: Sports-centric platform, NHL Network available, unlimited DVR, free trial
Cons: Higher price point, missing some channels (e.g., TNT), US-only (VPN needed abroad)
Features Overview:
- Live NHL games on major sports networks
- Cloud DVR and Lookback feature
- Multi-device support
- Sports-first channel lineup
Fubo TV is designed for sports fans, offering extensive NHL coverage and features like cloud DVR and replay. Although it’s missing some channels, its focus on sports and robust device compatibility make it a top choice for hockey enthusiasts.
6. ESPN+
VPNSociety Rating: 4.5
Price: $11.99/month
Pros: Affordable, wide sports selection, on-demand content
Cons: Not all NHL games, US-only (VPN required abroad)
Features Overview:
- NHL out-of-market games
- On-demand replays and exclusive content
- Multi-device accessibility
- Additional sports coverage
ESPN+ is a budget-friendly option for fans who want access to a broad range of sports, including many NHL games. It’s especially good for following teams outside your local market, but note that not all games are available.
7. Sportsnet NOW
VPNSociety Rating: 4.4
Price: $16.67/month
Pros: Playoff games included, official broadcaster, good stream quality
Cons: Subscription required, Canada-only (VPN needed abroad)
Features Overview:
- Live and on-demand NHL games (including playoffs)
- High-quality streams
- Multi-device support
Sportsnet NOW is ideal for Canadian fans who want complete NHL coverage, including the playoffs. Its official status and reliable streams make it a trustworthy alternative to unofficial sites.
8. Sling TV (Orange Package)
VPNSociety Rating: 4.3
Price: $45.99/month
Pros: Affordable, customizable channel packages, NHL on ESPN/TNT
Cons: Limited NHL coverage, US-only (VPN required abroad)
Features Overview:
- NHL games on ESPN/TNT
- Customizable channel lineups
- Multi-device support
Sling TV is a flexible, budget-friendly US streaming service. Its lower cost and customizable packages make it a good fit for fans who want to mix and match their channel lineup.
9. Laola1
VPNSociety Rating: 4.2
Price: Free (with ads)
Pros: High-quality streams, user-friendly interface, broad sports selection
Cons: Limited availability in some regions, ads during playback
Features Overview:
- Live NHL and other sports streams
- On-demand highlights and replays
- Multi-language interface
- Accessible on web and mobile
Laola1 is a favorite for international sports fans, with a strong reputation for reliable, high-quality NHL streams and a clean, intuitive interface. Regional restrictions may apply, so a VPN is recommended for full access.
10. BuffStreams
VPNSociety Rating: 4.1
Price: Free
Pros: Wide range of sports streams, multiple mirror links, no subscription
Cons: Ad-heavy interface, unofficial status
Features Overview:
- Free streaming of NHL and other sports events
- Multiple links for each game
- No registration required
- Available on web and mobile
BuffStreams is popular for its extensive sports coverage and multiple mirror links, ensuring uninterrupted access even if one stream goes down. The site’s ad-heavy layout and unofficial nature are drawbacks, but it remains a go-to for many fans seeking free NHL action.
11. Sportsurge
VPNSociety Rating: 4.0
Price: Free
Pros: Multiple sports, easy-to-navigate interface, no registration
Cons: Unofficial, may require VPN, occasional pop-ups
Features Overview:
- Free live streams for NHL and other sports
- Simple, ad-light interface
- Links to various streaming sources
- Works on web and mobile devices
Sportsurge stands out for its clean layout and ease of use, aggregating links to live NHL games and other sports. While unofficial and sometimes geo-blocked, it’s a reliable backup for fans needing quick access to streams.
Quick Comparison Table
| Service | Country | Price/Month | Free Trial | Playoffs | Device Support | Official | VPN Needed Abroad |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBC Gem | Canada | Free | N/A | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Viaplay | UK/EU | £14.99 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Amazon Prime Video | Canada | $9.99 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| YouTube TV | US | $82.99 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fubo TV | US | $84.99 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ESPN+ | US | $11.99 | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Sportsnet NOW | Canada | $16.67 | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Sling TV Orange | US | $45.99 | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Laola1 | International | Free (ads) | N/A | ✖ | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ |
| BuffStreams | International | Free | N/A | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ |
| Sportsurge | International | Free | N/A | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ |
How to Choose the Right Alternative
When picking the best NHLstreams alternative, consider:
- Budget: If you want free access, CBC Gem (with a VPN) is your best bet. For more complete coverage, compare monthly rates and free trials.
- Coverage: Need playoffs? Choose Sportsnet NOW, Viaplay, or YouTube TV.
- Device Support: Make sure your chosen service works on your preferred device.
- Location: Some services are geo-restricted—use a VPN to access them from abroad.
- User Experience: Prefer a clean interface? Try Amazon Prime Video or YouTube TV.
Recommendations:
- If you’re a Canadian fan wanting free regular-season games: CBC Gem (with VPN if abroad)
- If you want full NHL coverage and can pay: Sportsnet NOW (Canada) or YouTube TV (US)
- If you’re on a budget in the US: Sling TV Orange or ESPN+
- If you want more than just hockey: Viaplay or Amazon Prime Video
Legal & Security Notice
Streaming NHL games from unofficial sites like NHLstreams may involve piracy, copyright infringement, and significant legal risks. These platforms are also notorious for malware, phishing, and intrusive ads that can compromise your device and personal data.
VPN Recommendation:
For privacy and security, always use a reputable VPN. We recommend NordVPN for its high-speed servers, strong encryption, no-logs policy, and ability to unblock geo-restricted content. NordVPN offers:
- 480+ Canadian servers and 1970+ US servers for reliable streaming
- Military-grade encryption for your data
- No-logs policy for total privacy
- Excellent streaming speeds
- 76% off plus a free Amazon gift card for new users
Using NordVPN helps you safely access official NHL streams from anywhere, bypass geo-blocks, and protect your privacy online.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Right NHLstreams Alternative
Finding the perfect NHLstreams alternative depends on your location, budget, and what you want from your streaming experience. Each service has its strengths—try free trials where available to see which fits you best. Remember, no single tool is perfect for everyone, but with the right choice, you can enjoy NHL action safely and reliably.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are free NHL streaming sites like NHLstreams legal?
No, most unofficial sites operate in a legal gray area and may violate copyright laws.
2. Can I watch NHL playoffs for free?
Playoff games are rarely available for free; official platforms like Sportsnet NOW or YouTube TV require a subscription.
3. Do I need a VPN to access these alternatives?
Yes, if you’re outside the service’s country or want to protect your privacy, a VPN is highly recommended.
4. Which alternative is best for Canadian fans?
CBC Gem for regular season (free), Sportsnet NOW for full coverage including playoffs.
5. What’s the safest way to stream NHL games online?
Use official, licensed platforms and a trusted VPN for privacy and security.
