How to Watch CBS Without Cable From Anywhere in 2023
- Quick Guide: How to Watch CBS Without Cable Using a VPN in 3 Easy Steps
- Best VPNs to Watch CBS From Anywhere in 2023
- ExpressVPN — Consistently Fast Speeds for Streaming CBS Without Buffering
- CyberGhost — Streaming-Optimized Servers for Platforms That Offer CBS
- Private Internet Access (PIA) — Servers in All US States for CBS Streaming
- Where Can I Watch CBS Online?
- How to Watch CBS on Different Devices With a VPN
- How to Sign Up for CBS
- FAQs on Watching CBS With a VPN
- Watch CBS in Minutes
Watching CBS without cable outside of the US can be difficult. It is possible that even with an account you paid for, you won’t be able to access it while traveling abroad. Using a quality VPN service can help you avoid these obstacles and watch CBS without cable from anywhere.
A virtual private network, or VPN, provides you with a different IP address by connecting you to a server in a country of your choice. This way, a VPN gives you access to CBS by making it seem like you’re physically located in a country where it’s available.
My top VPN recommendation for CBS is ExpressVPN due to its consistently fast speeds and reliable servers in countries with CBS access. To see if it suits your needs, you can try it out risk-free as it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Quick Guide: How to Watch CBS Without Cable Using a VPN in 3 Easy Steps
- Download a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN, as its fast speeds will let you stream CBS without buffering and in excellent quality.
- Connect to a server. To access the CBS US library, connect to a US server. Keep in mind that you have to connect to another country to watch content from a different CBS library.
- Start streaming. Now you will be able to access CBS everywhere, even when traveling abroad!
Why You Need a VPN to Watch CBS
Due to licensing agreements, CBS is available in a limited number of countries. These include the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and some countries in Asia and Europe. Consequently, if you are traveling outside of these countries, you will need a VPN to regain access to the platform.
A VPN hides your real location by changing your IP address to one from a country of your choice. Your best bet is to use a US server to get a US IP. That way, you’ll seem as if you’re there, and CBS will grant you access.
Keep in mind that not all VPNs are made equal, and not all are reliable in unblocking CBS. To save you some valuable time, I did extensive research and testing and found the best VPNs for CBS.
Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free For 30 Days >>
Best VPNs to Watch CBS From Anywhere in 2023
1. ExpressVPN — Consistently Fast Speeds for Streaming CBS Without Buffering
Tested July 2023 Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Best Feature | Excellent server speeds across a huge number of locations |
Server Network | 3,000 servers in 94 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 speeds across a wide number of server locations, additionally boosted by its Lightway protocol. I tested out its US New York server and successfully accessed and watched CBS shows without interruptions. 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 when I tested it, taking into account that my speeds were way above the limit for HD quality.
This service is reliable in unblocking CBS due to regularly maintaining and updating its IP addresses. If one gets detected and blocked, ExpressVPN quickly replaces it with a new one to ensure its reliability. I could access CBS with all the US servers I tested.
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 streaming CBS. 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. If you’re located in a country close to the US or another country with CBS, this feature is great for you. It quickly finds the optimal server for your current location.
2. CyberGhost — Streaming-Optimized Servers for Platforms That Offer CBS
Best Feature | Servers specially optimized for streaming on platforms with CBS access |
Server Network | 9,487 servers in 91 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 the US, UK, Denmark, and Japan for watching CBS content |
CyberGhost has streaming-optimized servers to give you a faster and more reliable CBS experience on services that offer its content. With many servers for platforms that offer CBS streaming, I easily found the right servers to use during testing. You can choose from several Amazon Prime servers and a dedicated one to Paramount+. Both these platforms offer CBS content.
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 for CBS content, as it is separated from the other server locations. If you want to connect to one of the 11 regular US locations, you can use the search bar in the “All servers” 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. Just make sure that CBS is available in the suggested location.
- 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 base speed of 128.21 Mbps.
- Dedicated IP. CyberGhost VPN offers dedicated IP addresses for an additional fee, which can be useful if you want to access CBS from a specific location. With a dedicated IP, you can avoid VPN blocks since only you can use that IP.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Servers in All US States for CBS Streaming
Best Feature | Has servers in all US states for easier access to CBS |
Server Network | 29,650 servers in 84 countries, including the US, the UK, and other CBS-licensed countries |
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 US states, PIA ensures that you can access CBS content reliably, even when traveling abroad. I tested three of its US servers 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.
A significant advantage of PIA is its provision for unlimited device connections under a single subscription. With PIA, you can link all your devices to the VPN at the same time, free from any constraints. As such, you can enjoy CBS on your phone, tablet, laptop, and TV concurrently, without compromising on 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 for your needs. 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 dedicated to specific regions, not to 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 while also using other apps or websites that require your real IP, like your banking app.
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.
Keep in mind that these streaming services are geo-restricted, too, so you can only access them in their licensed countries. With these platforms and a good VPN, you can watch CBS online even while traveling virtually anywhere, anytime.
How to Watch CBS on Different Devices With a VPN
On Devices That Support Native VPN Apps
Viewing CBS is straightforward on devices that inherently support VPNs, which include computers, smartphones, Amazon Fire TV Stick, among others.
- 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.
- Connect to a server of choice. Connect to a server in a country where CBS is available. For example, choose a US server, to change your IP and access the US library.
- 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 stream whichever shows you want.
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.
- Find a VPN that works on routers. ExpressVPN comes with a custom router app and firmware, which not many VPN services provide.
- 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.”
- 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.
- 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.
- Connect to a server of your choice. To stream CBS, you will need to find servers in countries that can access this platform, such as the US.
- Start watching CBS. Once you log into your CBS account, you will be able to watch your favorite content on any device that’s connected to the router.
How to Sign Up for CBS
If you reside in the United States, chances are you already have access to the CBS channel through your television provider, or you can opt for any of the aforementioned platforms providing CBS content. However, if you are located overseas and wish to create a new account, I recommend acquiring a Paramount+ account using a gift card, as a standalone CBS subscription cannot be obtained in that manner.
- Download a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN because it is superfast and has a large server network that can bypass any geoblocks.
- Buy a gift card. Connect to a US server and navigate to MyGiftCardSupply. Create an account and buy a Paramount+ gift card between $25–$100.
- Redeem your gift card. Access CBS’s gift card page which now redirects you to the Paramount+ website. Add your gift card pin and activate your subscription.
- Create an account. To create a CBS or Paramount+ account, you have to provide a US billing address and a zip code. I’d suggest asking a friend or a relative to help you out with this step.
- Sign in to your account and start streaming. Now you can watch CBS content on Paramount+.
FAQs on Watching CBS With a VPN
Is it possible to watch CBS for free?
While CBS offers some free content on its website, 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. Additionally, if you want to stream CBS outside of licensed countries, you will need a VPN.
Quality VPN services like ExpressVPN can help you access CBS while traveling by changing your IP address to an address from one of the countries where CBS is available.
How can I watch CBS from India, UK, or other countries outside the US?
You can watch CBS from outside the US by using a VPN to connect to a US server. However, not all VPNs work with CBS, so you'll need a high-quality VPN with reliably working IPs and/or a VPN that offers dedicated servers for streaming. My recommended VPNs all have many US locations you can choose from, which is another big plus.
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 may be restricted from accessing certain shows due to geo-restrictions.
To access all the content available on the CBS app while traveling outside the US, you can use a VPN. By connecting to a US server using a VPN, you can make it appear as though you're accessing the CBS app from within the US.
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.
However, keep in mind that you will have to use a VPN in order to access some of the CBS content if you’re traveling outside of the US.
On what devices can I watch CBS 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 accessed through a web browser on any device that supports streaming video.
Many streaming services that offer CBS access 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?
CBS actively blocks VPNs in an effort to prevent users from bypassing geographical restrictions and accessing content from outside the US. This means that if you try to access CBS with a VPN that has been detected and blocked by CBS, you may receive an error message or be unable to access certain shows or live events.
To try to troubleshoot the issue, you first need to clear your browser’s cache and cookies. Then, you can try is connecting to a different server and using an Incognito window. Also, make sure that your VPN app is up to date. If that fails, you can even re-install the app or reboot the router.
The VPNs I recommend all reliably unblocked CBS and the platforms where it’s available. Plus, they all have responsive customer support that can help you out with anything you need.
Watch CBS in Minutes
It is nearly effortless to access CBS US shows with the help of a VPN service. My top recommendation for CBS is ExpressVPN, as it offers the fastest speeds along with impressive unblocking capabilities. 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
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.