Attention Cord-Cutters: How to Watch the Super Bowl Online

The NFL Super Bowl is one of the most-watched events each year, with last year’s contest between the Seahawks and Broncos drawing more than 110 million viewers worldwide, and this year’s matchup between the returning Seahawks and Patriots expected to do even better. But an increasing number of people are jumping on the cord-cutting bandwagon and want to watch the game on their Macs, PCs, and tablets instead of a television. Luckily, it’s easier than ever to watch the Super Bowl online, at least from within the United States.
Users with a U.S.-based Internet connection can watch Super Bowl XLIX today by heading to the NBC Live Events website. Unlike other events, such as the Olympics, users don’t need to prove that they have an active cable TV subscription; any user from a U.S.-based IP address will be able to watch the Super Bowl online this year. Pre-game coverage starts at 12:00 p.m. EST with the game slated for a 6:30 p.m. EST kickoff. Online viewers will also be able to watch post-game coverage until 10:00 p.m. EST.
In addition to the NBC website feed, Verizon Wireless subscribers can watch the game via their iOS, Android, Windows, or BlackBerry devices, thanks to Verizon’s exclusive deal with the NFL. iOS users also have the choice of watching the game via the NBC Sports Live Extra app.
If you have a TV but otherwise can’t use an antenna to pick up the local NBC feed, you can watch the Super Bowl online via a streaming device like the Apple TV or Chromecast. Neither device provides native support for the Super Bowl streaming sources, but you can stream the NBC or Verizon feed from your smartphone or tablet to either device (via AirPlay, for example) in order to get the game on the big screen.
The solution for NFL fans outside the U.S. is a bit trickier. The NFL offers its Game Pass subscription service for those not in the U.S. or Mexico, which includes Super Bowl coverage, but costs up to $200 depending on location. Another option is to use a VPN service to obtain a U.S.-based IP address.
While the NFL needs to do more to make the Super Bowl easier to watch for foreign fans, when it comes to the U.S., online access to the biggest game of the year has never been better. Just don’t forget to check the pressure of your Internet connection before streaming…