It might be 2021, but the Tokyo 2020 Olympics is finally here.
Ready to watch the drama unfold? Then keep reading to find out how to watch the sporting event online from the comfort of your own home.
How to Watch the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics has faced several challenges over the last 18 months; many athletes have dropped out and the Japanese public is largely against it. But the event is still set to proceed, with the opening ceremony taking place on Friday, July 23rd at the newly built Olympic Stadium.
Google will help you keep up with the Olympics when you're away from a screen, but timezone differences don't make it easy for US audiences to tune in live. The situation is slightly better in Europe.
Regardless, whether you've got out of bed to watch the archery or would rather catch up with the Olympics on-demand later on, you'll still need to know how to watch Tokyo 2020 online.
Here are your options...
1. Peacock
In the United States, NBCUniversal holds exclusive rights to all Olympic games coverage thanks to a $4.38 billion deal signed before the Winter Olympics in Sochi 2014.
Peacock is owned by NBC, and thus has a lot of Olympic coverage available. On the free plan, Peacock will screen live all track and field events, as well as the gymnastics and some other smaller events.
If you want to watch more events, including the men's basketball, you will need to upgrade to Peacock's Premium Plan. This costs $5/month.
2. NBC Olympics
If you have a cable subscription, you can enter your credentials on the NBC Olympics website and watch live.
If you don't have a subscription, you can watch 30 minutes for free, and then the stream will cut off.
3. FuboTV
Fubo's standard package includes NBC and NBC Olympics, as well as the official Olympic Channel.
Unfortunately for subscribers, NBC has provided limited coverage rights. That means you will not get the same amount of Olympics coverage as you would on Peacock and will have to be prepared to miss some of the most headline-grabbing events.
The trade-off, of course, is that Fubo provides access to more than 100 other live channels. Which is something that Peacock cannot offer.
Prices on Fubo start at $65/month, but a free trial is available.
4. Hulu + Live TV
NBC, NBC Olympics, and the Olympic Channel are also all available on Hulu.
Once again, however, NBC has restricted the broadcast rights for coverage of the games. It's not clear at this stage which events will and will not be available, but be prepared to miss out on some of the action.
The current monthly price of Hulu + Live TV is $65/month. Depending on what content you're looking for, it is one of the best value live streaming services around.
5. BBC iPlayer
In Europe, Eurosport owns the broadcast rights across the entire continent and is sub-licensing it to free-to-air channels in each country.
Therefore, in the UK, all the Tokyo 2020 coverage is available on the BBC. Every event from every sport will be available through red button channels, with 20 hours per day live on either BBC 1 or BBC 2.
Both channels, along with red button content, can be watched on the BBC iPlayer web app.
If you live outside the UK, you will need to use a VPN to access the service. MakeUseOf recommends CyberGhost and Private Internet Access.
6. CBC Gem
In Canada, CBC owns the coverage rights. As such, Tokyo 2020 is available through CBC's own platforms as well as on partner channels such as TSN and Sportsnet.
CBC Gem is CBC's digital video streaming service. It will feature live streaming of almost all the events along with plenty of analysis and discussion shows. In total, more than 2,500 hours of Olympic coverage will be available on the app.
CBC Gem is free to watch in Canada. A premium plan, which removes ads and includes CBC News, costs $5/month.
7. 7Plus
In Australia, you can watch the Tokyo Olympics online via 7Plus; it is the streaming app of Channel Seven—the free-to-air channel that holds broadcast rights across the country.
7Plus will cover all of the events and is free to watch.
8. SonyLIV
Finally, if you are based in India, you can watch the Olympics online using SonyLIV.
Viewers will have access to 20 live streams, with coverage available in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and English. Exclusive Olympic-themed videos will also be available.
On TV, you can watch on Sony TEN 1, Sony TEN 2, and Sony TEN 3. Different commentary languages are available on each channel.
Tokyo 2020... Sporting Drama Guaranteed
Following a resurgence of COVID-19 in Japan, there will be very few spectators allowed into the Olympic events themselves.
But don't let that put you off. The Olympics always offers high drama, and this year will be no different. So make sure you sign up for the right services now so you don't miss a minute of the action.