Paramount Plus (formerly called CBS All Access) has rapidly become a household name. However, despite its swift international rollout, this service still isn’t available globally. What’s more, its content differs from one region to another. Don’t worry, though, we’ll explain how a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help you access your regular Paramount+ library while traveling in the UK, Europe, or anywhere else abroad.
VPNs let you connect to encrypted servers all over the world. This hides your online activities from snoopers but it also means that websites can only see the IP address of the server you’re using. As such, if you use an American server, Paramount Plus will think you’re in the US.
This means if you are traveling to the UK, Europe, Asia, or almost anywhere else, you can still watch Paramount Plus and your other home streaming services as normal.
How to watch Paramount Plus in the UK and Europe
We know VPNs can seem a little intimidating but they’re actually quite simple to use. Just follow the steps below and you’ll have a VPN in no time.
Here’s how to watch Paramount Plus in UK (and Europe):
- First of all, you’ll have to sign up for one of the VPNs below (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download the appropriate version of the app for your device, then log in.
- Connect to a server in your home country. The specific city doesn’t matter, but for the fastest speeds, choose a server that’s as close to you as possible.
- Finally, try playing a video on Paramount+. It should start right away but if not, you can solve most problems by clearing your browser’s cache and reloading the page.
Here’s a quick tip for choosing your first VPN: pick one that’s as versatile as possible, not one that prides itself on one aspect of its service (speed, for instance). To ensure our recommendations are able to handle anything you throw at them, we made sure that the best VPNs for Paramount Plus check all of the following boxes:
- Provides plenty of high-speed servers in supported locations
- Can securely access Paramount+ and other major streaming services abroad
- Uses industry-leading security features to keep your activities private
- Doesn’t keep any logs that could be used to identify you
- Offers apps for all of the most popular devices
We’ll be covering each of these VPNs in much greater detail later, but if you’re in a rush, you can find a brief overview below:
Best VPNs for watching Paramount Plus in UK (and Europe):
- NordVPN: Our #1 choice for Paramount Plus. Very strong on security, with a no-logs policy and privacy-optimized servers. 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: The best low-cost VPN for streaming Paramount Plus in the UK. Allows unlimited connections. Works with Paramount Plus, Netflix US, and more. Excellent security and privacy credentials.
- ExpressVPN: Provides high speeds, excellent unblocking ability, and a fantastic selection of security and privacy features.
- CyberGhost: Perfect for novice users. A fast, versatile, and reliable VPN that easily unblocks Paramount Plus in Europe and the UK.
- IPVanish: Fast and lightweight, with an impressive range of security features. Keeps no logs whatsoever and unblocks Paramount+ with ease.
- PrivateVPN: Extremely high speeds, no logging, and great unblocking ability make this service ideal for streaming Paramount Plus in the UK and Europe.
- Hotspot Shield: Boasts reliable speeds, a good range of security features, and the ability to unblock Paramount Plus from anywhere.
The best VPNs for Paramount Plus in the UK and Europe – At a glance
We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Paramount Plus.
Best VPNs for unblocking Paramount Plus in the UK and Europe
Now, we’ll take a closer look at the best VPNs for unblocking Paramount+ in the UK:
1. NordVPN
Jan 2023
unblocks cbs all access Tested Jan 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- Background
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Security is NordVPN’s specialty; it uses 256-bit AES encryption, a customizable kill switch, and DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection to hide your activities from snoopers, but there’s also an automatic ad-blocker, a malware-scanner, and specially-optimized servers that let you bypass internet restrictions in countries like China. NordVPN doesn’t keep any logs at all but you can pay in cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin for another layer of anonymity. Having problems? Live chat-based customer support is available 24/7.
NordVPN offers apps for iOS, Android, Windows, MacOS, and Linux devices. It can also be manually installed on select network routers.
BEST VPN FOR PARAMOUNT+:NordVPN is our #1 choice for securely streaming Paramount Plus in the UK. This service boasts powerful security features, a zero-logs policy, thousands of high-speed servers, and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Over 5,000 servers worldwide
- Speeds are fast enough for HD streaming
- Puts your privacy and security first
- Excellent unblocking ability
Cons:
- Desktop app takes some getting used to
Our score:
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
unblocks cbs all access Tested Jan 2023
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Surfshark users can connect to more than 3,000 servers (spanning 100 countries) and start streaming straight away. As well as letting you stream Paramount Plus in Europe and the UK, Surfshark works with services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu, to name a few. What’s more, this service has no connection limit, making it ideal for anyone looking to secure a whole household of devices.
This VPN keeps your activities private using a combination of 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and a logging policy that ensures no personally identifiable information is ever stored. Surfshark also offers a NoBorders mode that lets you browse freely in countries with strict online censorship. While this service is fairly easy to use, 24/7 live chat is available, just in case.
Surfshark offers versatile, easy-to-use apps for MacOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux. If you’d prefer, it can be manually installed on select internet routers.
BEST BUDGET VPN FOR PARAMOUNT PLUS:Surfshark has no connection limit, easily unblocks services like Paramount Plus abroad, and comes with plenty of advanced security features. It’s also very reasonably priced. Best of all, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Strong security and privacy credentials
Excellent unblocking ability
Connect as many devices as you like
Some servers are much slower than others
Handful of features require an additional monthly fee
Read our full Surfshark review.
3. ExpressVPN
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
This service uses effectively uncrackable 256-bit encryption to keep your online activities private, but that’s far from the only tool it has. There’s also IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leak protection, split tunneling functionality, and a kill switch (which stops sending data the moment you lose your connection to the VPN). ExpressVPN doesn’t log any data that could identify you, and if you want an extra layer of privacy, you can pay in Bitcoin. Support staff are on-hand 24/7 over email and live chat.
ExpressVPN provides user-friendly apps for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android. It also offers custom router firmware which makes it much easier to secure all of your devices at once.
STREAM WITHOUT LIMITS:ExpressVPN works great with Paramount Plus. It’s fast, security-conscious, and capable of unblocking all but the most stubborn services abroad. What’s more, ExpressVPN includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Great for Paramount+, Netflix, and more
Fast speeds for streaming and torrenting
Best in class security and privacy
Pay anonymously with Bitcoin
Slightly more expensive than some other options
Find out full ExpressVPN review.
4. CyberGhost
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost has one of the largest networks of any major provider, with an impressive 9,000+ servers in 90 countries. It works reliably with services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Paramount Plus, which means you’re free to stream all of your usual shows, no matter where in the world you go. Best of all, this service is extremely user-friendly, so even if you’ve never used a VPN before, you shouldn’t have any issues.
This service includes several advanced security features: there’s DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch (in every version of the app), a combined ad-blocker and malware-scanner, and 256-bit encryption to stop snoopers from seeing what you do online. These features are all enabled by default, so there’s no setup required. CyberGhost doesn’t log any personally identifiable information and you can pay in Bitcoin. Need help? You can reach customer support 24/7 over live chat.
CyberGhost has Android, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Windows apps. If you’d like, you can install it on your home router, although this requires manual configuration.
FAST AND EASY TO USE:CyberGhost is a simple yet highly versatile VPN that makes it easy to watch Paramount+ in the UK. It offers powerful security features, strong unblocking ability, and a 45-day money-back guarantee.
High speeds and great unblocking ability
Designed with beginners in mind
All security features enabled by default
Less suitable for power users
Read our full CyberGhost review.
5. IPVanish
Website: www.IPVanish.com
IPVanish is a great general-purpose VPN that offers access to over 1,900 servers in dozens of countries. Not only does it work with Paramount Plus, but it also allows you to securely access services like Netflix US in the UK and Europe. This service is fast enough for flawless live streaming and lets you connect any number of devices at once.
This VPN uses 256-bit encryption to keep your traffic secure at all times. Additionally, it offers DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and the ability to scramble your data. This is especially useful if you’re trying to access a service or network that normally blocks VPN connections outright. IPVanish follows a strict no-logging policy, so your privacy is in good hands. Live chat is available 24/7 should you have any problems.
IPVanish apps are available for Windows, Android, MacOS, and iOS. This service will also work with Linux and supported wireless routers, but you’ll have to install it manually.
STREAM SAFELY:IPVanish lets you stream safely across all of your devices thanks to its high speeds, powerful security features, and lack of a connection limit. That’s not all: there’s also a strict no-logs policy and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Allows you to connect all of your devices at once
Consistently high speeds
Strong security and privacy focus
Headquartered in the US which s a member of Five Eyes
Read our full IPVanish review.
6. PrivateVPN
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
This service’s security features include 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks. There’s a special stealth mode that lets you bypass VPN-blocking measures too. PrivateVPN guarantees your privacy thanks to its no-logs policy, although you can pay in Bitcoin if you’d prefer. Live chat isn’t quite available 24/7, but with 22 hours of support per day, you shouldn’t have to wait too long to get help.
PrivateVPN has Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS apps. It can also be manually configured for use with supported network routers.
SPEED AND SECURITY:PrivateVPN is a particularly fast service that also boasts exceptional unblocking ability and a true zero-logs policy. As such, you can use it to watch Paramount Plus safely from the UK, Europe, or anywhere. A 30-day money-back guarantee is included.
Faster than many other providers
Works with plenty of services including Paramount+ and Netflix
Good range of security features
Far fewer servers than others in this list offer
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
7. Hotspot Shield
Website: www.Hotspotshield.com
Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.
This VPN allows you to connect automatically whenever you use an unsecured wireless network. Additionally, it offers 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and IPv6 and DNS leak protection. Users can even choose to allow certain apps through the VPN, for instance, if you want to use multiple region-locked services at once. Hotspot Shield doesn’t keep any identifiable data once your session has ended. Support staff are on-hand 24/7 via live chat.
Hotspot Shield apps are available for iOS, MacOS, Android, Linux, and Windows. It can be manually configured with select routers.
UNBLOCK PARAMOUNT PLUS ANYWHERE:Hotspot Shield is perfect for using Paramount Plus abroad. It has servers in over 80 countries and high speeds, as well as strong unblocking ability, powerful security features, and a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Great for streaming
Solid speeds
Strong security and privacy protections
Working to repair reputation after past privacy issues
Read our full Hotspot Shield review.
Can I unblock Paramount Plus with a free VPN?
You might be tempted to try unblocking Paramount Plus with a free VPN but we strongly advise against it. For one, they’re usually the first to be blacklisted by major streaming services. Additionally, free VPNs often have very small networks, which leads to slow speeds, especially during peak times. This means that even if you can access Paramount+ in the UK, you still might not be able to actually watch anything.
You should also be aware of the risks that these apps pose. There’s no easy way to tell if the app you’ve downloaded is a real VPN or simply a Trojan looking to infect your system. This isn’t fear-mongering; researchers have found dozens of examples of malicious VPN apps hiding on the Google Play Store alone. Large services aren’t necessarily safer, though: we’ve seen major players like Hola abuse their users’ trust in the past.
To stay as safe as possible, we recommend using a security-conscious VPN with a user-first privacy policy.
Finding the best VPNs to watch Paramount+ in UK: our methodology
It isn’t easy to separate the various VPNs on the market, all of which offer differing features, price-points, and pros and cons. Below, we outline our methodology which helped identify the best VPNs for watching Paramount Plus in the UK and Europe:
- Servers in the US: While Paramount Plus is available in many countries (with the exception of UK and Europe!), it first launched in the US and it’s this version that offers the most content. Each VPN included in this post has servers in the US so you can get a US IP address and watch it from the UK and Europe.
- Speed: You may find a VPN that’s not included in this list is able to unblock Paramount+ from overseas. However, this is little good if server speeds are too slow for streaming without interruptions. Our speed tests revealed the fastest VPNs which, by no coincidence, all offer unlimited bandwidth.
- Unblocking: Some VPNs seriously struggle to bypass restrictions, some of which are due to copyright restrictions and others censorship. We don’t only test the aforementioned VPNs with Paramount Plus. They’ve been tested across many websites to ensure their strong unblocking abilities.
- Security: If you’re traveling abroad, you may find yourself at greater risk to online security threats. This is even more the case if you’re using public wifi hotspots. As such, it’s essential to use a VPN that encrypts your data and protects you from leaks.
- Privacy: Want to be able to browse and stream anonymously without your ISP (and possibly your government!) from knowing what you do online? You need a VPN that doesn’t keep any identifying logs. We’ve looked at 140 VPN logging policies to help you find those that offer the best privacy protection.
- Ease of use: No VPN app should be complicated to use. Whether you’re connecting to a server or changing your settings, all should be quick and easy if user-friendly apps are provided. The VPNs here offer this as well as live chat and email support which you can contact 24 hours a day.
- Value for money: Some VPNs don’t offer the essentials of speed and security yet, surprisingly, cost more than the best VPNs for Paramount+. Of course, it helps that we offer VPN discount coupons for the VPNs in this post, helping you save even more on the price of a subscription.
Our VPN testing methodology involves hands-on testing of a wide range of VPN services as we look for the above features (and even more).
- 1923
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In 2023 alone, Paramount+ is expected to become available in Spain, Poland, India, Hong Kong, and most African and Middle Eastern countries.