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vpnMentor was established in 2014 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize the independent, professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize the independent, professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

How to Watch CBS Online in 2024 (Live & Catch-Up TV)

Tijana Stankovic Updated on 26th February 2024 Cybersecurity Researcher

CBS is only available in a handful of countries. For example, you can watch it on the CBS website if you’re in the US, through Paramount+ in Australia, or the CBS Catch Up app in the UK. Each of these check your location through your IP address when you load it up.

Theoretically, you could use a VPN to change IP and watch CBS from anywhere but this is against the streaming services’ terms of service. It could also be construed as a copyright violation.

If you’re in the US already, a VPN can help you protect your private information while streaming. In some cases, they can even improve your streaming quality by getting around congestion and throttling. On a recent vacation in the US, I tested out around a dozen VPNs to find the best one. From my experience, ExpressVPN is the best VPN for watching CBS securely and in HD. It has a 30-day money back guarantee so there’s no risk in trying it out.

Watch in HD With ExpressVPN >>

Quick Guide: How to Watch CBS Securely in 3 Easy Steps

  1. Download a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN, as its fast speeds will let you stream CBS without buffering and in excellent quality.
  2. Connect to a server near you in a country with streaming rights. This will encrypt your connection without noticeable delays since data has less far to travel.
  3. Start streaming. Now you can watch CBS securely using the CBS website (in the US), Paramount+ (Australia), or the CBS Catch Up app (the UK), depending on which country you’re in.
Important. My team and I do not condone any form of copyright violation. The VPNs we recommend adhere to rigorous no-logging policies, so they do not monitor your online activity. Consequently, you must ensure that you adhere to all relevant rules and guidelines.

Best VPNs to Watch CBS Securely in 2024

1. ExpressVPN — Consistently Fast Speeds for Streaming CBS Without Buffering

Best Feature Excellent server speeds for uninterrupted streaming
Server Network 3,000 servers in 105 countries, including 24 US locations
Compatible With Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Edge, Google Chromecast, smart TVs, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, routers, and more
Smart DNS US DNS addresses for streaming CBS on devices that don’t support VPN apps

ExpressVPN is one of the top choices for watching CBS due to its high, additionally boosted by its Lightway protocol. I tested out the New York server near my hotel in the US and was able to watch without any buffering. From my base speed of 128.31 Mbps, I streamed NFL and various other shows, with a speed of 110.32 Mbps and only a 14% speed drop.

It only takes 5 Mbps to stream CBS content in HD, so this means you can rely on ExpressVPN to give you the best possible picture quality. I had a crystal-clear image testing a server near me in the US, taking into account that my speeds were way above the limit for HD quality.

a screenshot of a show on CBS, with ExpressVPN connectedExpressVPN’s US-based servers were all very fast

Even though it’s a little pricey, with the cheapest plan being $6.67/month, ExpressVPN has features that make it the most reliable option for watching CBS securely from the US.  You can try its benefits yourself without risk, as it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you end up not liking it, you can always ask customer support for a refund — it’s available 24/7, even through live chat.

Useful Features

  • Website shortcuts. ExpressVPN has an option for adding website shortcuts you can see on the main screen once connected to a server. You can make a shortcut to the CBS website to find it quickly and efficiently.
  • Fire Stick app. In case you want to watch CBS with Amazon Fire TV Stick, you can easily find ExpressVPN in the Amazon Appstore as it has a native app for this device. Installing it is as quick as installing it on a mobile or a computer.
  • User-friendly apps. ExpressVPN has native apps for many of the devices where you can watch CBS, and all its apps are similar across different OSs. You can quickly connect by selecting the saved Recent Location to continue where you left off or search for a specific server with the search bar. In addition, you can add your most used server locations to your Favorites to find them instantly.
  • Smart Location. This finds the fastest server location in your country for you to connect to.
ExpressVPN Offer March 2024: For a limited time only, you can get an ExpressVPN subscription for up to 49% off! Don't miss out!

2. CyberGhost — Streaming-Optimized Servers for Platforms That Offer CBS

Best Feature Servers optimized for streaming in HD
Server Network 11,690 servers in 100 countries, along with servers in the US
Compatible With Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, Chrome, smart TVs, PlayStation, Xbox, routers, and more
Smart DNS DNS servers in many locations, so you can watch on smart TVs easily

CyberGhost has streaming-optimized servers to give you a faster and more reliable connection for streaming CBS shows from the US. With many servers for platforms that offer CBS streaming, I easily found the right servers to use during testing. Since I was streaming from the US, I chose its Paramount+ US server to watch CBS without problems.

What sets CyberGhost apart is its ease of use. The app has a clean interface, making it easy for beginners to navigate. The "For streaming" tab streamlines the process of finding the right server in your country for watching CBS securely in HD, as it is separated from the other server locations. If you’re in the US like I was, you can find all of its regular US streaming servers using the search bar in the For streaming tab.

I recommend you get the VPN’s longest plan as it’s the cheapest, at $2.19/month, making it most cost-effective in the long run for CyberGhost users. It also comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee, as opposed to the shorter, 14-day guarantee for the monthly plan, which is also more expensive.

Useful Features

  • 7 simultaneous connections. With CyberGhost, you can watch CBS on multiple different devices at the same time. This is useful if you need to connect on a few devices or if you want to share your subscription with your family.
  • Best server location. CyberGhost has an automatic server selection feature that will connect you to the best nearby server location for streaming CBS. This means you don't have to manually search for the right server, and you'll always get the best speeds and quality.
  • Fast speeds. This VPN offers fast connection speeds, which is essential for streaming CBS without buffering. Even on non-streaming-optimized servers, I got a speed of 107.99 Mbps on the Los Angeles server from my US hotel room. My base speed was 128.21 Mbps.
  • Dedicated IP. CyberGhost VPN offers dedicated IP addresses for an additional fee, which can be useful if you want to use the VPN for other activities that require a static IP, like accessing work platforms securely.
March 2024 Deal: CyberGhost is currently offering 83% off its most popular plan! Take advantage of this offer now and save more on your CyberGhost subscription.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Many Servers for Streaming Securely From the US

Best Feature Many servers in the US makes it easy to find one one near you in the States
Server Network 29,650 servers in 91 countries, including the US, the UK, and Australia
Compatible With Windows, macOS, Linux, smart TVs, Android, iOS, game consoles, routers, and more
Smart DNS DNS addresses in 5 countries for watching CBS on VPN-incompatible devices

With servers in all the US states, PIA is a great choice if you’re streaming from within the US. There are 53 US locations to choose from. I tested three of its US locations from my hotel in New York and got a stable connection throughout. The benefit of having many servers is that you always have another one to try. Additionally, you can expect no overcrowding (which leads to slow speeds) since users will be spread out across all.

One of the major benefits of PIA is that it allows for limitless device connections with just one subscription. PIA enables you to connect all your devices to the VPN simultaneously without any restrictions. Consequently, you can simultaneously watch CBS securely using a local server on your phone, tablet, laptop, and TV, without any sacrifice in speed or quality.

You can try PIA for free, as you get a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you’re not content with the service.

Useful Features

  • Customization. PIA has a customization choice of different encryption levels and two kill switch options. For streaming CBS, I recommend using the AES 128-bit encryption, as it can help you maintain higher speeds, and the regular kill switch to prevent your IP from an accidental leak while switching between servers.
  • Quick Connect widget. The Quick Connect widget is a convenient way to quickly connect to the best server in your country. The tool saves your 6 most recent server locations, so you can connect in seconds if you often watch CBS.
  • Streaming-optimized servers. PIA’s streaming servers are optimized for certain countries, not platforms as CyberGhost’s. These servers are specifically designed to deliver fast speeds, low latency, and reliable connections, so you can watch CBS shows in HD without buffering.
  • Split tunneling. This feature allows you to choose which apps or websites use the VPN, and which ones use your regular internet connection. It is particularly useful when you want to watch CBS securely on a server in your country while also using other apps or websites that require your real IP, like your banking app.
March 2024 Update: PIA doesn't usually have deals or discounts (it's already so affordable), but right now you can get a new subscription for a crazy 82% off!

Where Can I Watch CBS Online?

On top of the CBS website, some of its content is also available on other platforms, such as Roku, Amazon Prime, fuboTV, Hulu Live TV, DirecTV, and more.

Paramount+ (formerly known as CBS All Access) offers a lot of CBS content that you can watch for a sensible monthly price. It’s your best and most cost-effective bet for watching CBS shows and movies.

Amazon Prime has some CBS content available for purchasing. It also has a Paramount+ subscription option, which lets you watch CBS shows and live TV.

fuboTV is a streaming service that includes CBS in its channel lineup, along with many other popular channels.

Hulu + Live TV also offers CBS, as well as a wide selection of other live TV channels and on-demand content.

DirecTV also provides CBS access, as well as a range of other TV channels and entertainment options.

Finally, Roku offers a dedicated CBS channel, which makes it easy to access all your favorite CBS shows and sports events.

CBS Catch Up Channels is available if you’re in the UK. It mostly covers CBS’ reality shows, but there’s some other content as well. If you’re in Australia, you can watch CBS Shows on Amazon Prime Video as long as you have the Paramount+ add-on.

How to Watch CBS on Different Devices Securely With a VPN

On Devices That Support Native VPN Apps

It’s easy to install a VPN app on devices that inherently support VPNs, including computers, smartphones, and Amazon Fire TV Stick, among others.

  1. Download and install your VPN. I recommend using ExpressVPN since it has impressive speeds across its server network. On computers, you can download the VPN from the website. On smartphones and Fire Stick, you can find the VPN app in the devices’ stores.
  2. Connect to a server near you in your country. This will encrypt your connection so you can stream securely.
  3. Log in or sign up for CBS. Log in to your CBS account or create a new one on your device of choice, and you will be able to protect your personal information while you’re watching.

On Devices That Don’t Support Native VPN Apps

Some devices like Roku, Apple TV, and some smart TVs don't support native VPN apps. However, you can configure your VPN on a compatible router or purchase a pre-configured VPN router (if your VPN offers one). The benefit of having a VPN router is that all devices connected to your router will share the VPN connection with the same subscription. Note that the guide below covers the general steps as they can differ depending on your router model and the VPN.

  1. Find a VPN that works on routers. ExpressVPN comes with a custom router app and firmware, which not many VPN services provide.
  2. Download the VPN’s router firmware. You can download the firmware directly from the VPN’s website. If you go with ExpressVPN, you first need to select the model of your home router and click “Download.”
  3. Log into your router and install the router firmware. To start installing, enter the default router IP address into your browser’s search bar. That’s usually 192.168.1.1. Once you are logged in on your device’s network, go to advanced settings.
  4. Connect your devices to the internet via your router. Once you’re done setting up your VPN, connect your devices to the now VPN-protected WiFi.
  5. Connect to a server near you. Choose one in the closest city to get the best speeds.
  6. Start watching CBS. Once you log into your CBS account, you will be able to watch your favorite content securely on any device that’s connected to the router.

How to Sign Up for CBS

If you live in the United States, it's likely you can watch the CBS channel via your TV provider, or you can choose from the platforms that offer CBS content. But, for those outside the U.S. wanting to set up a new account, you will need to sign up for a streaming service that offers CBS content in your country, such as Paramount+ in Australia.

  1. Open the streaming site that airs CBS shows in your country. Since I was in the US, I went to CBS’s site.
  2. Register an account. Because I was using CBS’s site, I had to provide my US billing address.
  3. Give your payment info. I wanted to pay more securely and not provide my credit card information, so I used a gift card.
  4. Log in. You’re ready to go!

FAQs on Watching CBS With a VPN

Is it possible to watch CBS for free?

CBS offers some free content on its website if you’re in the US. However, the majority of its shows and live events require a subscription to Paramount+ (formerly known as CBS All Access) or one of its partner streaming services. If you’re in another country, there are a few streaming services showing CBS shows that have free trials.

How can I watch CBS from India, UK, or other countries outside the US?

If you don’t live in the US, you will need to watch on a local streaming site that airs CBS’s shows. Depending on which country you’re in, there are a number of streaming services that show CBS content. For example, in the UK you can watch it on the CBS Catch Up app. In India, some CBS shows are available on JioCinema instead.

Can I use CBS app from anywhere?

The CBS app is available for downloading worldwide, but the content available on the app may vary depending on your location. If you're located in the US, you should be able to access all the content available on the CBS app. However, if you're located outside the US, you wont’ be able to watch all shows and movies. For this reason, you will need to use a streaming service that airs CBS shows instead.

Is it possible to watch CBS without cable?

Yes, it is possible to watch CBS without a cable subscription. CBS offers its own streaming service, Paramount+ (previously known as CBS All Access), which lets you watch all your favorite CBS shows and live events without a cable subscription. Additionally, many other streaming services offer CBS access as part of their channel lineup, including Hulu + Live TV, fuboTV, and DirecTV.

On what devices can I watch CBS securely with a VPN?

You can watch CBS on a variety of devices with a VPN, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktop computers, and smart TVs. It offers a dedicated app for many devices, including iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Samsung Smart TVs. Additionally, CBS can be viewed through a web browser on any device that supports streaming video.

Many streaming services that offer CBS viewing also have dedicated apps that can be used to watch CBS content on different devices. For example, Hulu + Live TV, fuboTV, and YouTube TV all have apps for smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and other devices.

Why can’t I watch CBS with my VPN?

Sometimes, using a VPN can trigger an error that interrupts your stream — but it’s fixable. CBS blocks some VPNs’ IPs, even though you’re watching from within the US. First, make sure that you are using a VPN that works with CBS from the US.

If you are already in the US, try connecting to another US server. If all else fails, you can contact the VPN’s customer support for help.

Watch CBS in Minutes

It is nearly effortless to protect your data while streaming CBS from within the US with the help of a VPN service. ExpressVPN is my top recommendation for watching CBS securely in the US. It offers the best speeds and military-grade encryption. You can also try it out completely risk-free since it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for watching CBS

Rank
Provider
Our Score
Discount
Visit Website
1
medal
9.9 /10
9.9 Our Score
Save 49%!
2
9.7 /10
9.7 Our Score
Save 83%!
3
9.5 /10
9.5 Our Score
Save 82%!
Privacy Alert!

Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!

Your IP Address:

Your Location:

Your Internet Provider:

The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.

VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 49% off.

Visit ExpressVPN

We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize the independent, professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

About the Author

Tijana Stankovic is a experienced content writer currently working at vpnMentor. She has written numerous VPN guides and comparisons, making sure that the readers get the best possible recommendations through her articles.