7 Best VPNs for watching Canadian TV abroad

Trying to find out how to watch your Canadian TV shows in the US or anywhere else abroad? We’ll explain exactly how to catch up with your favorite Canadian content from anywhere in the world with the help of a VPN and a Canadian IP address. This is perfect if you’re traveling away from Canada on vacation and want to keep access to your favorite shows.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) encrypt your network traffic, enabling you to browse the internet safely without your activities being monitored by hackers, network administrators, or your Internet Service Provider (ISP). They allow you to access geo-blocked services from other countries by connecting to a server in that country. This will allow you to watch Canadian TV from abroad.

We’ll take a look at the best VPNs for the job in detail, but here’s a quick summary first in case you’re short on time.

Quick look: The best VPNs to watch Canadian TV anywhere

1. NordVPN: the top VPN for watching Canadian TV abroad. A fast and secure VPN with servers in Canada that work to watch TSN, CBC, Plex, Crave, Club Illico, and other Canadian services abroad. Super secure apps for all devices. Works with Netflix and has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Canadian TV.
2. Surfshark: Lightning-fast servers in 100+ countries, including Canada, to watch Canadian TV channels abroad. No logs policy, 256-bit encryption, and many advanced security features.
3. IPVanish: A fast US-based VPN with a choice of servers in 50+ countries. Provides IP addresses in Canada to access Canadian TV services and platforms like Netflix and Crave.
4. ExpressVPN: Providers robust security and privacy. Servers in 100+ countries. Works to watch US, UK, and Canadian streaming services abroad. Fast Lightway protocol to stream without buffering.
5. CyberGhost: A trustworthy VPN with apps for all platforms. Over 10,000 servers in 100+ countries. Works with Netflix Canada, TSN, CBC, and other geo-restricted Canadian streaming services.
6. PrivateVPN: Comes highly recommended by subscribers. Fast servers in Canada and the US work to watch streaming services. Provides advanced security features. Great for torrenting.
7. Private Internet Access: Huge server network, decent unblocking, and tweakable encryption levels. Unlimited connection allowance.

How to watch Canadian TV from the US or abroad

Watching Canadian TV from outside the country is easier than you might think. Simply set up a VPN, and you’ll be able to get a Canadian IP address and stream Canadian TV shows from anywhere. New to VPNs and unsure how to get started? Just follow the steps below to bypass geo-restrictions and watch Canadian TV from anywhere in the world.

Here’s how to watch Canadian TV from the US (or anywhere else abroad):

1. First, choose a suitable VPN provider (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN app, taking care to get the right version for your device.
3. Use your credentials to log into the app.
4. Connect to one of your VPN’s Canadian servers. This will give you a Canadian IP address.
5. Try loading a video on your chosen site. It should begin playing almost immediately, but if not, try clearing your browser’s cache and deleting any cookies.

If you’re looking to watch a particular show live, we strongly recommend trying out the steps above before it airs. This way, if your VPN doesn’t work as intended, you’ll have time to contact customer support without missing anything.

How we selected the top VPNs for Canadian TV

It’s often difficult for novices to decide which VPN to use. After all, there are so many choices, and each service is slightly different. We’ve simplified the search for you here. To find the best VPNs for watching Canadian TV abroad, we looked for those that met the following criteria:

• Can unblock popular Canadian services like CBC, TVA, and Sportsnet
• Has an extensive network, ideally with multiple Canadian servers
• Uses powerful encryption and includes various other security features
• Logs no personally identifiable information, or better still, keeps no logs at all
• Has good multi-platform support with minimal functional differences between the desktop and mobile apps

This is just a summary, but if you want to know more, check out the detailed methodology section below. For now, let’s take a closer look at the ones that made the list.

The best VPNs for Canadian TV: at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Canadian TV.

The best VPNs for watching Canadian TV anywhere

At Comparitech, we aim to provide you with the best and most helpful VPN recommendations possible. The following reviews are based on our first-hand experiences and rigorous real-world testing.

Here are the best VPNs for streaming Canadian TV abroad:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024

NordVPN is our top choice VPN for accessing Canadian channels from anywhere. It currently has 480+ servers in Canada alone and over 6,000 elsewhere. It’s fast enough to stream HD or 4K content without interruption, allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, and offers dedicated P2P and enhanced privacy servers. Further, this service can bypass geo-blocking on even the most stubborn streaming platforms. It can easily unblock services like HBO Max, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, so CTV and similar Canadian TV streams won’t pose a problem.

This VPN is highly customizable and gives you everything you need to fine-tune your online security. It uses 256-bit encryption and protects against WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leaks by default. You can use two VPNs at once, access Tor with a VPN, and block ads or malware automatically. NordVPN has a no-logs policy and allows you to pay in Bitcoin. This means that if you use a disposable email address to register, you’ll be almost completely untraceable.

This service has Linux, MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS apps. Manual installation is required for network routers.

NordVPN speed test data

BEST VPN FOR CANADIAN TV:NordVPN is our #1 pick for Canada. It’s extremely fast and security-conscious, plus it reliably unblocks a whole host of streaming services from abroad. This VPN even comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Want to know more? Read our full review of NordVPN, or check out our video review below.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is great for watching Canadian content and provides access to 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries (Canada included). With generally consistent speeds and exceptional unblocking ability, this service makes it easy to stream Canadian TV abroad; it even works with stubborn services like TSN. One of this VPN’s standout features is that it has no connection limit. This means that, unlike many of its rivals, Surfshark allows you to secure every device you own.

This service is no slouch when it comes to security, either. There’s 256-bit encryption, WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch built-in, as well as an automatic ad-blocker and malware scanner. Surfshark doesn’t log any information that could be traced back to you, but if you’re looking for even greater privacy, you can pay in Bitcoin, Ripple, or Ethereum. Need help? Support is available over live chat and email 24/7.

Surfshark comes with apps for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android. It can even be manually configured for use with supported internet routers.

Surfshark speed test data

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a low-cost provider that punches above its weight. Steady speeds, great unblocking ability, and an impressive range of security features. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

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3. IPVanish

IPVanish is well-known for its high speeds and excellent multi-platform support. It offers access to more than 2,000 servers around the world, with 50+ in Canada alone. It’s a particularly strong choice if you’d like to protect multiple devices since it permits any number of simultaneous connections while most of its rivals allow around five.

IPVanish is also compatible with popular streaming devices such as Apple TV and Fire TV. This makes it a fantastic option for accessing US or international streaming services on those devices. Plus, IPVanish has useful setup guides to help you use your VPN with those devices (and more). Another awesome aspect of IPVanish is its wide choice of servers across 18 different US cities. This makes it a fantastic option for bypassing blackout restrictions on your Apple TV or Firestick – perfect for streaming NHL, MLB, NBA, and NFL all season without restrictions.

This VPN uses 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch (in all versions of the software) to protect your traffic from prying eyes. It enables users to obfuscate OpenVPN traffic, switch IP addresses at preset intervals, and block all local traffic. IPVanish doesn’t keep any session or connection logs, so your activities cannot be traced back to you. This makes it a popular VPN for torrenting and for Kodi. Customer support is ready to help via live chat, 24/7.

IPVanish apps are available for Android, Windows, iOS, MacOS, and Amazon Fire devices. Linux systems and some network routers are also supported via manual configuration.

IPVanish speed test data

SECURE EVERY DEVICE:IPVanish is a no-logs VPN that lets you protect every device you own simultaneously. Fast speeds, decent unblocking ability, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is fast enough to stream live HD video with no noticeable buffering, and with more than 3,000 servers worldwide, you’re all but guaranteed a low-latency connection. What’s more, this service can unblock major streaming platforms like Crave, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video from abroad. With server clusters in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, you can even use ExpressVPN to bypass regional NHL blackouts.

This VPN uses 256-bit encryption to keep your online activities private. It also features DNS and IPv6 leak protection, perfect forward secrecy, and a kill switch in its desktop apps that stops all traffic should you disconnect unexpectedly. ExpressVPN doesn’t log any information that could identify you, and it’s possible to register almost completely anonymously by paying with Bitcoin. If you need any help, you can contact customer support over live chat 24/7.

ExpressVPN includes apps for Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS devices. Wireless routers have to be configured manually, but ExpressVPN provides custom firmware that makes this as easy as possible.

ExpressVPN speed test data

STRONG ALL ROUNDER:ExpressVPN can handle just about anything Boasts plenty of powerful security features, consistently high speeds, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

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5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost makes it as easy as possible to stay safe online. You can choose one of its 10,000 servers (730+ in Canada) directly, or instead, choose a task (like accessing geo-blocked streams or file-sharing safely) and have a suitable server assigned. With high speeds and up to seven simultaneous connections permitted, this service is ideal for users looking to protect all of their devices with minimal configuration required. It works with most Canadian TV Channels, but can also be used to enjoy content in other countries, like BBC iPlayer from the UK or Netflix USA.

Despite its user-friendly design, CyberGhost offers a range of security features. Your traffic is safeguarded by 256-bit encryption, a kill switch (in both the mobile and desktop versions), as well as IPv6, DNS, port forwarding, and WebRTC leak protection. This service doesn’t log any information that could be traced back to you.

CyberGhost has apps for Linux, Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS. It can be manually installed on supported internet routers.

CyberGhost speed test data

GREAT FOR NOVICES:CyberGhost is fast and user-friendly, making it ideal for streaming Canadian TV while on vacation. Comes with pre-configured security features and a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN has a few Canadian servers (in Toronto and Montreal) and around 200 in total. What it lacks in network size, however, it more than makes up for in speed; PrivateVPN is fast enough to stream live HD video with no issues whatsoever. Further, it works with some of the most popular streaming platforms in Canada, including US Netflix, TVA, and Sportsnet Now.

PrivateVPN protects against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks and keeps your activities hidden behind 256-bit encryption. It also has a strict no-logging policy, so if you pay in Bitcoin and use a throwaway email to register, you’ll be almost completely anonymous online. PrivateVPN’s customer service is second to none; it offers 24/7 support over live chat, and the staff can install or configure the software for you remotely (with your permission, of course).

This VPN comes with apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. It can be manually installed on Linux devices and supported wireless routers.

PrivateVPN speed test data

FAST AND RELIABLE:PrivateVPN is an extremely fast service that unblocks plenty of popular streaming services from abroad. Strong on security, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

7. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access has thousands of servers in over 80 countries, including plenty in Canada. As a result, you’ll never struggle to find a server nearby, regardless of where you log in from. PIA is US-based and doesn’t collect logs, so you have peace of mind your data is in safe hands.

Aside from offering a network kill switch, military-grade encryption, and a built-in adblocker, PIA lets you edit your level of encryption for a speed boost on activities like streaming that doesn’t require encryption.

You’ll get an unlimited connection limit, apps for desktops and smartphones, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can cancel in the first month if you aren’t happy with the service or features.

Private Internet Access speed test data

24/7 SUPPORT:Private Internet Access includes a network kill switch, AES encryption, and 10,000 fast servers worldwide. 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of Private Internet Access.

Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for Canadian TV

Not every VPN is suitable for live streaming, and fewer still are a good choice when it comes to watching Canadian TV. That’s because platforms like Crave, Global TV, and DAZN have particularly strong geo-restriction measures built in. Below, you’ll find a quick rundown of the main features we looked out for in the best VPNs for streaming Canadian TV:

• Servers in Canada: Most of your usual streaming services require you to have a Canadian IP address. That’s why Canadian servers are a must-have, with higher numbers providing a more stable experience overall. But we also look for providers that have a large global server network, too. This gives you the freedom to access international content as well.
• Streaming ability: We test our top VPNs with all of the most popular Canadian streaming services, including Crave, Global TV, Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney Plus. This way, you’ll always have options when it comes to what to watch.
• Performance: To make sure your VPN is fast enough to handle whatever you throw at it, we regularly run hundreds of speed tests. Only the VPNs that deliver impressive speeds earn a spot on our list, but we also take their consistency into account.
• Security and privacy: Our top VPNs must include 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, a no-logs policy, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks at a bare minimum. However, security is particularly important to us, so more advanced features, such as stealth modes, are always welcome.
• Ease of use: Everyone should be able to browse the web safely. That’s why we look for multi-platform support, well-designed apps, and live chat-based customer support. Naturally, if there are any other features that make the service even more welcoming, that’s a huge bonus.
• Value for money: staying safe online shouldn’t cost a fortune, so we look for providers that offer plenty of bang for your buck. We like to see an abundance of features, high simultaneous connection allowance, free trials, and money-back guarantees. We’ve also included coupons and discount links here so that you can be sure you’re getting the best deal.

Looking to find out more about how we test potential recommendations? We actually have a post that explains our entire VPN testing process.

Watching Canadian TV abroad with a free VPN

Although free VPNs can be tempting, we don’t recommend using one, particularly if you’d like to stream. These services tend to have small server networks with a constant influx of users. This causes major slowdowns, which manifest in slow browsing speeds and frequently stuttering video that takes a long time to buffer. Additionally, most free VPNs are unable to bypass geo-blocking on popular streaming services, so you may not be able to watch anything.

Unless you’re familiar with the ins and outs of computer networking, it can be difficult to tell if you’re even using a legitimate VPN or not. A 2015 survey of 283 free VPN apps found that over 38% included malware, and of the ones that didn’t, 84% leaked data over IPv6. Worse, 18% never even encrypted user traffic at all. Even well-known services come with risks, as we found during the Hola botnet scandal.

The best way to protect yourself online is to use a reputable VPN that logs no personally identifiable information and has a history of standing up for its users’ privacy.

Streaming Canadian TV with a VPN: FAQs