Disclosure: We research and test the best streaming options for viewers in Canada. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
RaiPlay is the official streaming platform of the Italian public broadcaster RAI. It offers free access to a wide range of TV shows, movies, and live broadcasts of RAI channels.
One of the standout features of RaiPlay is its comprehensive catalogue of classic Italian programming alongside contemporary shows.
The platform is user-friendly and allows users to watch content on-demand, making it convenient for viewers to catch up on their favourite shows anytime and anywhere.
However, the platform is only available in Italy. You can watch RaiPlay in Canada with the help of a VPN.
If you try to access RaiPlay in Canada without a VPN, you will encounter an error message that says:
“The streaming of this content is available in Italy only.”
I was able to stream RaiPlay content in Canada by using Surfshark. It is a fast, reliable VPN with efficient servers.
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How to Watch RaiPlay in Canada
Before you start streaming with Rai TV. You need to do two things. First, you need to subscribe to a VPN and connect to an Italian server, and then you need to create a free account with RaiPlay.
I have discussed the entire process below:
Step 1: Sign up with a VPN service. Surfshark is our recommended choice
Step 2: Download and install the Surfshark VPN App on your device.
Step 3: Open the VPN and connect it to an Italian server.
Step 4: Open the RaiPlay website and click login on the top-right corner
Step 5: Click on Login and then select Create a Rai Account
Step 6: Enter your personal details
Step 7: Once your registration is complete, select “Go Back to the Homepage”
Step 8: Select any content to watch (e.g. Una Giusta Causa)
Step 9: Click Play
Step 10: Enjoy streaming!
What are the Best VPNs to Watch Rai TV in Canada?
I tested 35+ VPNs to see which ones could bypass RaiPlay’s geo-blocks, only the 3 VPNs mentioned below were able to access RaiPlay outside Italy on the first attempt.
1. Surfshark- Affordable VPN for Watching RaiPlay Canada
| Features | Details |
| Global Reach | 3200 servers in over 100+ countries |
| RaiPlay Unblocking in Canada | Multiple servers in Rome and Milan |
| Exclusive deal | $2.79/month (30-day money-back guarantee) |
| Multi-Device Compatibility | Unlimited devices – Windows, Android, Mac, iOS and more |
| Fast Streaming | Uninterrupted streaming experience with Higher bandwidth per user, and numerous servers. |
| Excellent Privacy | Secure the connection with Camouflage Mode, IPv6 leak protection, AES-256-GCM Encryption, Kill Switch, DNS data protection and No-Logs Policy. |
Surfshark is our top recommended VPN to stream RaiPlay in Canada. Its best security features and reasonable price make it a part of our list of reliable and trusted VPNs.
After considering its price range, I was satisfied with its outstanding unblocking features and efficacy.
This VPN also helps unblock other geo-restricted channels/services in Canada like USA Network, PBS, Frndly TV, HBO Max, Paramount Network, etc.
2. NordVPN – Biggest Server Pool to Watch RaiPlay in Canada
| Features | Details |
| Global Reach | 6000+ servers in 60 countries |
| RaiPlay Unblocking in Canada | 111+ Servers |
| Exclusive deal | $4.69/month (30-day money-back guarantee) |
| Multi-Device Compatibility | Up to 6 devices at once – Windows, iOS, Android, Mac, and more |
| Fast Streaming | Faster streaming with a Wider server range & NordLynx Protocol. |
| Excellent Privacy | Protect your connection with Military-grade encryption, Threat Protection, Double VPN, CyberSec, and No logs policy |
Another way for Canadians to access RaiPlay is with NordVPN. I tested it to unblock it in Canada, and it worked perfectly without posing any security risks.
Besides RaiPlay, It also helps in accessing other geo-restricted channels/services in Canada, like HBO Max, Discovery Plus, Frndly TV, Crunchyroll, Paramount Plus, etc.
3. ExpressVPN – Another VPN for Unblocking RaiPlay in Canada
| Features | Details |
| Global Reach | 3200 servers in over 100+ countries |
| RaiPlay Unblocking in Canada | Servers in three locations, including Napoli, Cosenza and Milan |
| Exclusive deal | $4.99/month (30-day money-back guarantee) |
| Multi-Device Compatibility | Log in to 5 different devices simultaneously – Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, and more |
| Enhanced Streaming | Fast streaming with Smart DNS/IPv6 leak protection, Split Tunneling, and Lightway Protocol. |
| Top-notch Privacy | Digital privacy with 256-bit Encryption, Kill Switch, and No Log policy. |
ExpressVPN is another reliable VPN for accessing RaiPlay in Canada.
Speed Test: When I connected to ExpressVPN’s Milan server and conducted a speed test, I got 43 Mbps out of 50 Mbps.
With an excellent download speed of around 81.43 Mbps, I was able to unblock RaiPlay instantly and had a smooth streaming experience without any buffering!
It also helps bypass the other geo-restricted online streaming platforms, such as Hulu, FXNow, Neon TV, HBO Max, FuboTV, etc.
How Do I Need a VPN to Watch RaiPlay in Canada?
RaiPlay is an Italian streaming platform that is authorized to broadcast content in Itlay only. To access RaiPlay in Canada, you will need a VPN.
A VPN changes your virtual location from one country to another. For example, if you connect to the Italian server of a VPN, your device will be assigned an Italian IP address.
This way, VPN will show Italy as your location and you will be able to unblock RaiPlay in Canada. Once you do that, you will be granted access to RaiPlay. Surfshark is our recommended choice.
How to Watch RaiPlay on Mobile in Canada
Follow the steps to download RaiPlay app from Google Play Store and stream it in Canada.
Step 1: Subscribe to Surfshark VPN App and connect to the Italian server.
Step 2: Install RaiPlay app from the Play Store
Step 3: Open the app and click on the 3 horizontal lines from the bottom right corner
Step 4: Click on “Accedi”
Step 5: Enter your credentials
Step 6: From the homepage, click on “Catalogo”
Step 7: Choose a genre of shows, e.g. Fiction
Step 8: Select a show, e.g. Mina Settembre
Step 9: Choose an episode
Step 10: Enjoy Streaming
Which Rai Channels are on RaiPlay?
You will be able to live-stream these channels on RaiPlay:
- Rai 1
- Rai 2
- Rai 3
- Rai 4
- Rai 5
- Rai Movie
- Rai Premium
- Rai Gulp
- Rai Yoyo
- Rai Storia
- Rai News24
- Rai Sport
- Rai Scuola
- Rai Radio2
What to Watch on RaiPlay in Canada?
With 18 Rai channels, you’ll never run out of things to watch on RaiPlay. But you might not know where to start. That’s where this list of recommendations comes in.
For those of you who just feel like watching some Hollywood films, Rai has a great selection waiting for you.
Movies
- La Dolce Vita
- Cinema Paradiso
- Il Postino
- L’Avventura
- Roma
- Amarcord
- I Vitelloni
- Divorzio all’Italiana
- La Strada
- Il Conformista
Shows
- Montalbano
- Don Matteo
- Che Dio ci Aiuti
- Il Commissario Rex
- Un Passo dal Cielo
- I Medici
- L’Allieva
- La Porta Rossa
- Gomorra
- Suburra
Devices Compatible with RaiPlay
Following are the devices that stream RaiPlay flawlessly.
- Android TV from version 7.0
- Apple TV from tvOS 12.1
- Samsung Tizen from version 2.4 (for TVs from 2016 onward)
- LG TVs supporting WebOS from version 3.0
- Amazon Fire TV Stick starting with the Basic Edition
- Hisense Vidaa 3.0 (SmartTV series 2019/21)
- HbbTV on TVs supporting HbbTV 2.1 protocol and above (TVs from 2018 onward)
- Sony PlayStation 4 and Sony PlayStation 5 consoles (instructions available for app download)
Other Free Streaming Services to Watch in Canada
Have a look at some of the streaming services that are free to watch and can be streamed in Canada with the help of a VPN:
- Watch Pluto TV in Canada
- Watch Mitele in Canada
- Watch TVNZ On-Demand in Canada
- Watch Channel 5 in Canada
- Watch Channel 4 in Canada
- Watch BBC iPlayer in Canada
- Watch ITVX in Canada
- Watch Servus TV in Canada
- Watch RTBF in Canada
FAQs – Rai TV
Is it possible to watch the news on RaiPlay?
Journalistic content is accessible on RaiPlay for 7 days post-broadcast. Browse the TV Guide on RaiPlay or the app to see the schedule.
Can I watch RaiPlay content offline?
The download feature on RaiPlay lets you save selected titles, such as fiction, shows, documentaries, and series, for offline streaming.
Find these downloads under “More” > “Download” or “More” > “My list” in the bottom right menu. Note: The download option is only available on tablet and smartphone apps.
Can I stream RaiPlay abroad?
When abroad, instead of live streaming, you’ll see: “We’re sorry, Rai holds the rights to stream the content exclusively for connections from Italy.”
Due to broadcasting rights, the live web broadcast is geo-protected and only available to users in Italy.
However, users connecting to RaiPlay from outside Italy can access live broadcasts of RaiNews24 and programs for which Rai has international broadcasting rights.
On which browser versions does RaiPlay work?
RaiPlay supports all modern browsers, including the major ones on iOS, Android, and Windows 10 devices for smartphones and tablets. Specifically, it works with:
- Microsoft Edge (version 12 onwards)
- Google Chrome (version 60 onwards)
- Mozilla Firefox (version 50 onwards)
- Safari (version 12 onwards)
Wrapping it Up!
Just because of geo-restriction and legal issues, Rai TV is restricted to Italy, but now, with the power of a VPN, you can watch Rai TV in Canada without a problem.
However, if you think that’s the end of what a VPN can do for you, you’ll be surprised. VPNs give you better security and privacy as you browse the internet.
With a VPN, you’ll be able to explore the web the way you want to, without having to worry about people spying on you, or trying to sneak in and steal your data. Surfshark is our #1 choice
