How to Watch CW Free Online in 2023
- Quick Guide: How to Watch The CW With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps
- Best VPNs to Watch The CW From Anywhere in 2023
- ExpressVPN — Consistently Fast Speeds to Watch The CW From Anywhere Without Interruptions
- CyberGhost — User-Friendly Apps to Effortlessly Stream The CW Outside the US
- Private Internet Access — Expansive Network With Many US Servers to Quickly Access The CW Anywhere
- FAQs on Watching The CW With a VPN
US residents can access The CW for free, but it’s disappointing I can no longer watch it once I leave the US. CW is geoblocked in most countries due to licensing restrictions. This means you can’t stream your favorite shows like The Flash and Nancy Drew while traveling.
However, there's a hassle-free way to watch CW on vacation. A quality VPN (Virtual Private Network) with US servers lets you easily access your account as if you’re back home. So you can watch All American when visiting the UK, Canada, Australia, India, or any other country. Unfortunately, not all VPNs can reliably unblock CW.
That’s why my team and I tested over 40 services, and my top choice for watching CW online is ExpressVPN. It offers many US servers and impressive speeds for watching CW without interruptions outside the US. This VPN also has user-friendly apps and lets you watch shows on many devices, such as Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, Apple TV, and PS4/PS5. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Quick Guide: How to Watch The CW With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps
- Download a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN as it’s the fastest VPN I tested with reliable US servers to watch CW interruption-free.
- Connect to a US server. The CW is only available in the US, so choose any US server to access its content.
- Start watching CW. Access the CW website or app and enjoy streaming your favorite shows even while traveling outside the US.
Why You Need a VPN to Watch The CW Outside the US
CW is only available in the US due to its broadcasting restrictions. This means that you won’t be able to access it if you're not in the US. You’ll likely see this error message:
Due to licensing restrictions, this content is only available in the US.
CW determines your location by examining your IP address, which provides information about where you are. However, a VPN hides your actual IP address and replaces it with a new one when you connect to a server. You need a US server to get a US IP address. So, if you’re traveling outside the US, it will appear as if you're accessing CW's website from within the country, allowing you to watch your favorite shows from anywhere.
When you're traveling abroad, it's also crucial to prioritize your online security. By using a VPN, your internet traffic becomes encrypted, making it challenging for online snoops to access your personal information. Additionally, a VPN ensures that your online activities remain hidden from your Internet Service Provider (ISP), which helps prevent them from throttling your connection speeds when they detect high-bandwidth activities, such as UHD streaming.
Best VPNs to Watch The CW From Anywhere in 2023
1. ExpressVPN — Consistently Fast Speeds to Watch The CW From Anywhere Without Interruptions
Try Risk-Free for 30 DaysTested July 2023
| Best feature | The fastest US servers I tested to watch CW buffer-free |
| Number of US server locations | 24, offering multiple servers within each location |
| Simultaneous device connections | 8 connections to watch CW on multiple devices at the same time |
| Compatible with | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, smart TVs, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, PS4/PS5, Xbox, Roku, Chromecast, routers, and more |
ExpressVPN lets you watch CW without buffering. It also doesn’t impose any data caps, meaning you can stream as much as you want. My speeds were impressive when I connected to its US servers during testing. I recorded an average of 85.24Mbps, which is only a 19% decrease from my base connection (many VPNs reduce your speeds by more than 50%). The US servers are far away from me, so these results were very good.
I could access The CW with its New York server, among other US ones
You can watch CW while traveling with ExpressVPN thanks to its reliable servers across 24 US locations (including Dallas, New Jersey, and California). Every server I tried allowed me to access CW effortlessly. Even if I encountered any difficulties, I had numerous alternative US servers at my disposal, ensuring a seamless streaming experience.
It’s super easy to find these servers as ExpressVPN’s app is really intuitive. Once you click on the server list, you can just type “US” in the search bar, and you’ll immediately find the US locations. There’s also a Shortcuts feature that allows you to save the CW. As soon as you click on it, you’ll automatically connect to the VPN and open CW’s website, which is quite convenient.
One downside is the expensive subscriptions. Luckily, ExpressVPN frequently offers generous discounts, making it more budget-friendly. For instance, when I signed up for the longest plan, I got 49% off and an additional 3 months for free. This brought the total cost to just $6.67/month. The VPN is also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it with confidence.
Useful Features
- Works with Fire TV Stick. ExpressVPN offers a native app for Fire Stick. This is really convenient if you prefer to watch CW on your big screen. You can easily download the VPN app onto your Fire Stick from the Amazon Appstore, connect to a US server, and enjoy your favorite CW shows.
- Reliable customer support. You can conveniently contact customer support via 24/7 live chat if you encounter any difficulties. When I tested this by asking if the MediaStreamer (ExpressVPN’s Smart DNS) is optimized for the CW, they replied within seconds, so I was really satisfied.
- Unlimited bandwidth. ExpressVPN doesn’t put any limits on your bandwidth use. Also, since it encrypts your data, your ISP can’t see high-bandwidth activities (like UHD streaming) and is less likely to intentionally throttle your internet speeds.
- Lightway protocol. This proprietary ExpressVPN protocol is faster and more mobile-friendly as it consumes less battery. This makes it a perfect choice for streaming CW on your smartphone. You can easily select it through VPN’s preferences.
2. CyberGhost — User-Friendly Apps to Effortlessly Stream The CW Outside the US
| Best feature | Intuitive and easy-to-use apps, ideal for new VPN users |
| Number of US server locations | 11 US server locations to choose from for CW |
| Simultaneous device connections | 7 connections to watch CW on multiple devices at the same time |
| Compatible with | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, smart TVs, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, PS4/PS5, Xbox, Roku, routers, and more |
CyberGhost's user-friendly apps make streaming CW a breeze, even if you're new to VPNs. Setting up the VPN on my Mac was a quick process, taking less than 5 minutes to download and install. With just a single tap on the US server, I was able to access my CW account while traveling. This allowed me to watch popular shows through the CW app on my MacBook Air trouble-free.
Finding a reliable server for watching The CW takes just 2 clicks in CyberGhost’s app
When I tested CyberGhost's US servers, I experienced consistently fast speeds of over 70Mbps, excellent for streaming CW shows without interruptions. Besides, it provides unlimited bandwidth and data, allowing you to stream as much as you want for as long as you need.
The VPN offers an extensive network, including numerous servers located in the US. Some servers are specially optimized for accessing popular US platforms that let you stream CW content, like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and YouTube TV. These optimized servers are in a separate For streaming tab, so you can easily find them.
I was disappointed to see that the monthly plan is costly and offers a relatively short 14-day refund period. But if you opt for a long-term plan, you can get CyberGhost for as low as $2.19/month, providing substantial savings. Additionally, the long-term subscriptions come with an extended money-back guarantee, giving you a generous 45-day period to try out CyberGhost risk-free.
Useful Features
- Split tunneling. CyberGhost allows you to select which apps utilize the VPN connection and which use your regular internet traffic. So you can use a VPN to watch the CW while using your normal connection to check your banking apps.
- App rules. This feature lets you add your favorite apps to a list, like the CW app, and CyberGhost automatically launches and connects when you open them.
- Fast WireGuard protocol. Providing a balance between security and speed, WireGuard delivers fast speeds for seamless CW streaming, and it is compatible with major operating systems for convenient options while traveling outside of the US.
- WiFi Protection. You can configure CyberGhost to launch automatically when connecting to public WiFi to keep your streaming sessions safe even on unprotected hotspots.
3. Private Internet Access — Expansive Network With Many US Servers to Quickly Access The CW Anywhere
| Best feature | Ample US servers — at least 1 in each state |
| Number of US server locations | 51 US locations, including 2 optimized ones for streaming (East and West) |
| Simultaneous device connections | Unlimited connections so your entire family can stream CW on their own devices at the same time |
| Compatible with | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, smart TVs, Apple TV, gaming consoles, Roku, routers, and more |
Private Internet Access (PIA) offers a vast server network, including 51 US locations. Having many US servers means that you can avoid overcrowding. Even if one server doesn’t work, you have plenty of alternatives to rely on. I tested some regular US servers and the 2 streaming-optimized locations — there were no issues whatsoever, and they helped me access CW effortlessly.
You can also see the latency of each US server — lower numbers indicate faster speeds
However, while testing servers in more distant US locations, I did encounter some inconsistencies with my speeds compared to my experiences with ExpressVPN and CyberGhost. They dropped by an average of 30%, which is not bad, but it can be if your base speeds are slow to begin with. However, with a wide selection of US servers, you can easily connect to a different server to see if it gives you faster speeds.
Subscriptions start from only $2.03/month. I chose a yearly plan, which is the most pocket-friendly. Thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try PIA for CW risk-free.
Useful Features
- Customization options. With PIA, you can take control over a lot of the settings if you want to or even change the look of the app by replacing some widgets. Otherwise, it comes pre-configured, so you don’t have to change anything to stream CW shows. I switched to WireGuard protocol and AES 128-bit encryption to maximize my connection speeds.
- Dedicated IPs. For a small fee, it’s possible to get a dedicated US IP address only you can use. Not sharing an IP minimizes the chances of the CW platform blocking your access to your favorite shows.
- Quick Connect. PIA’s desktop app comes with movable widgets, and one of them is Quick Connect. This widget displays the last 6 locations that you used so you can quickly connect to them again with no fuss.
Where Can I Watch The CW Online?
You can watch CW for free on its website in the US. Since CW doesn’t ask you to create an account, you can simply navigate to the CW website and enjoy its shows. CW also offers the possibility to watch its full library in its app. This app can be downloaded for iOS, Apple TV, Android, Roku, Chromecast, and Xbox.
You can also watch selected CW shows on platforms like:
- Netflix US. Netflix US is an excellent platform to enjoy CW shows in HD and UHD. With a wide range of popular CW series such as The Flash and Riverdale, among others, Netflix offers a diverse collection of CW content. Subscription costs vary based on the number of screens you need, allowing you to customize your viewing experience.
- YouTube TV. The CW is available in YouTube TV’s channel lineup. However, there is a subscription cost to access it. YoutTube TV is also supported on Roku, Android, iOS, Apple TV, Fire TV, and Chromecast.
- Hulu. Hulu offers access to CW programming, although availability may vary depending on your location. To ensure access to the content even while traveling, consider getting a VPN with multiple server locations. It's important to note that while some CW shows are accessible on Hulu, you may need to add the Hulu + Live TV option to your plan, which comes with an additional cost.
- Amazon Prime US. While live programming from the CW isn’t offered on Prime Video, you can still discover and stream select CW shows and movies or purchase them on Amazon Prime US. By searching for CW titles, I watched episodes of Gossip Girl and 90210 at the time of testing.
- Fubo TV. Fubo TV offers CW as a channel that you can add to select subscriptions. It is compatible with various streaming devices, including Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Chromecast.
- DirecTV. DirecTV offers CW as part of its channel lineup in certain areas. However, channel availability may vary depending on your location and the specific package you have subscribed to. To confirm if CW is included in your DirecTV subscription, you can check their channel guide or contact DirecTV customer support for accurate and up-to-date information.
FAQs on Watching The CW With a VPN
Is it legal to use a VPN to watch CW online?
Using a VPN to watch CW TV online is legal in most countries. VPNs are widely used for various purposes, including streaming or enhancing online privacy. However, there are select countries like China and Russia that restrict VPN use. So always make sure to familiarize yourself with the VPN laws in the country you’re in before using one. If you’re traveling to countries where they are allowed, a reliable VPN with US servers lets you easily access CW content while abroad.
Can I watch CW without cable?
Yes, you can. Several options are available to stream CW online without traditional cable services. You can access CW content through various streaming platforms and apps that offer live TV or on-demand content. These include YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and the official CW app. Some CW shows are available on popular streaming services like US Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
What devices is The CW app compatible with?
The CW app is compatible with various devices (including Kindle and Xbox One), allowing you to watch your favorite shows on various platforms. Here are some devices that support the CW app:
- Mobile devices. The CW app is available for iOS (iPhone and iPad), and Android devices.
- Smart TVs. The CW app is compatible with popular smart TV brands such as Samsung, LG, and Vizio. You can download The CW app directly from the app store or access The CW website via the TV’s internet browser.
- Streaming devices. The CW app can be installed on streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Chromecast, and Apple TV.
- Web browsers. You can also access the CW app on your Windows or Mac computer through supported web browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge.
Keep in mind that you need a US IP address to access your CW account. Using a VPN can help you use The CW app even while traveling abroad and watch CW shows on compatible devices.
How can I watch The CW on Roku, Fire Stick, Samsung Smart TV, and Apple TV?
You can easily watch The CW on Roku, Fire Stick, Samsung Smart TV, Apple TV, and other devices as long as you’re in the US, where The CW is available.
However, if you’re outside the US, traveling abroad, you can watch the CW by using a VPN to connect to a US server, ensuring seamless access to CW shows. It is relatively straightforward, even for beginners. By following the guides provided below, you can easily install and set up a VPN on these devices:
You can follow the steps below to easily watch The CW on the above-mentioned devices:
- Navigate to a respective app store (like Roku Channel Store, Amazon Appstore, Samsung Smart Hub, or Apple’s App Store).
- Search for The CW app. Install the app, launch it, and follow the on-screen instructions to activate the app by visiting cwtv.com/activate and entering the provided activation code.
- Enjoy watching CW shows. You’re all set to watch CW content on your favorite device.
Please note that the activation process may vary slightly for each device, but the general steps involve installing The CW app, launching it, and following the on-screen instructions to activate it by visiting the designated activation URL and entering the provided activation code.
What can I do if The CW is not working with my VPN?
Streaming platforms like CW may actively block VPN traffic, as they have content licensing agreements based on geographical restrictions. Not all VPNs can bypass these restrictions consistently, so it's important to choose a reliable VPN that supports The CW. Here are a few tips you can try if you’re experiencing issues with your VPN:
- Connect to a different VPN server. Sometimes, certain VPN servers may be blocked by The CW. Switch to a different server within your VPN provider's network and try reaccessing the platform.
- Clear your browser’s cache. Clearing your browser's cache and cookies can help resolve any temporary issues or conflicts that may be causing problems with CW. Go to your browser's settings or preferences and find the option to clear the cache.
- Disable browser extensions. Specific browser extensions or add-ons can interfere with website functionality. Temporarily disable any VPN-related or ad-blocking extensions and try accessing The CW again.
- Try a different device or browser. If you're experiencing issues with The CW on one device or browser, try accessing it from another device or use a different browser to see if the problem persists.
- Contact the VPN provider’s support. If none of the above steps resolve the issue, reach out to your VPN provider's support team via 24/7 live chat or email.
Can I watch CW on Amazon Prime?
Yes, you can watch CW shows on Amazon Prime if you’re accessing the streaming platform from inside the US. Bear in mind that Amazon Prime Video provides a selection of CW shows and movies for on-demand streaming.
If you’re traveling abroad, you won’t be able to access CW due to its licensing restrictions. However, a VPN can help you access your Amazon Prime US account on vacation. So you can enjoy watching popular CW series, such as Gossip Girl, America’s Next Top Model, Gilmore Girls, and more from anywhere.
What can I watch on The CW?
CW offers a wide variety of TV shows, movies, and original content. The network boasts an extensive range of genres, including drama, comedy, superhero, supernatural, and more. Some popular shows available on The CW include The Flash, Riverdale, Kung Fu, Gotham Knights, Superman & Lois, All American, Nancy Drew, The Rising, and many more. In addition to scripted series, The CW also features reality shows, game shows, and special events.
The CW also has the air rights to the 2023 LIV Golf League, bringing exciting golf tournaments to its viewers. If you're traveling outside the US, all you have to do is connect your device to a VPN with US servers, and you’ll be able to access your account even when abroad. The CW is geo-restricted and works in the US only, meaning you need a US IP.
Can I watch CW online for free in Canada, the UK, or India?
You’ll need a VPN if you’re traveling outside the US and want to access your library from home. Due to geographical restrictions, The CW's official website and app are limited to viewers only within the US. However, you can easily get a US IP address with a VPN. A VPN masks your location by changing your IP address, making it look like you are in a different country. Simply connect to a US server and start watching CW from anywhere.
Watch The CW in Minutes
Whether you're traveling to Canada, the UK, India, or any other location, using a VPN is the best option to access CW shows. By masking your IP address and connecting to a server in the US, you can stream your favorite CW content even when abroad.
ExpressVPN is my top recommendation to watch The CW from anywhere. It offers reliable US servers, impressive speeds, and user-friendly apps, ensuring smooth streaming without interruptions. It’s also compatible with many devices, including Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, and Apple TV. Better yet, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free, as it’s backed by a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee.
To summarize, these are the best VPNs for watching The CW
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.
About the Author
Zane is a Cybersecurity Researcher and Writer at vpnMentor. His extensive experience in the tech and cybersecurity industries provides readers with accurate and trustworthy news stories and articles. He aims to help individuals protect themselves through informative content and awareness of cybersecurity's crucial role in today's digital landscape.