CW TV (also known as The CW Network or The CW) has lots of great content to offer, but unfortunately, due to licensing restrictions, it’s only available to viewers in the United States. This means that people traveling or living in the UK, Canada, Australia, or anywhere else abroad won’t be able to keep up on their favorite CW TV shows unless they use a VPN.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can help you access all CW TV from anywhere by replacing your IP address with a US one. But they have several other benefits also. They encrypt your network traffic, preventing it from being read by outside observers, including your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or hackers. This protects you from targeted ads, stops your ISP from selling your browsing habits to third parties, and generally allows you to remain more anonymous online.
This article will explain exactly how to use a VPN to access CW TV abroad. Plus, it’ll list the best high-quality VPNs and review their features. But if you don’t have time to read the whole article, we’ll start with a quick summary.
These are the best VPNs for CW TV:
- NordVPN Our top choice for watching CW TV from anywhere. Incredible speeds, almost 2,000 servers in the US alone, and excellent unblocking of CW TV as well as Netflix US, Disney+, and Hulu. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for CW TV. - Surfshark Best budget VPN choice for the CW. Great value VPN that lets you stream CW TV anywhere. Strong on security. Keeps no logs and has no connection limit.
- ExpressVPN Fast US servers are ideal for HD streaming. Apps are secure and easy to use. 24/7 knowledgeable customer support.
- CyberGhost Beginner-friendly provider ideal for streaming CW TV. Has some of the fastest streaming servers we’ve tested. Over 2,000 US servers. Apps are easy to use.
- IPVanish Preferred by Kodi and Fire TV Stick users for their remote-friendly apps. Good speeds. Unlimited connections.
- PrivateVPN Small yet growing VPN with fast servers that hit good streaming speeds for CW TV and have excellent unblocking capabilities. Solid security.
- Private Internet Access Network of over 30,000 servers, WireGuard support, and solid privacy offering. Unlimited connections.
Many VPNs claim to work with CW TV but most (especially free VPNs) are often blocked.
We regularly test the top 70 VPNs with all major streaming sites and this list only includes VPNs which reliably unblock CW TV and offer a full money-back guarantee, allowing you to try them risk-free.
How to watch CW TV from anywhere with a VPN
Don’t worry if you’ve never used a VPN before, they’re quite straightforward. Follow the steps below, and you’ll be streaming your favorite CW content in minutes.
Here’s how to watch The CW from anywhere in five simple steps:
- First sign up for a VPN that works with CW, we recommend NordVPN.
- Now, download and install the VPN app, making sure to get the correct version for your device.
- Next, connect to one of your VPN’s American servers to gain a US IP address.
- Head over to The CW Network and log in as normal. You should now be able to watch CW from abroad.
- If this doesn’t work, try clearing your browser’s cookies and refreshing the page. If you’re still having problems, try a different server or contact your VPN’s customer support team for help.
WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE?
NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for watching CW TV with no restrictions for a month—great if you want to binge your favorite show or are going on a short trip.
There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you, and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
Read more CW TV articles here:
How we found the top CW VPNs
There are an endless number of VPNs on the market, and it can be time-consuming and expensive to sift through them to find the one that suits your needs. To make life easier for you, we’ve narrowed down the search by only including those providers with the following essential characteristics:
- Plenty of American servers – the more, the better
- Consistently works with CW TV and other popular streaming services
- Fast speeds and stable connections for seamless streaming
- Strong encryption and additional security features
- A proven no-logging policy
This is just an overview, but you can read more about our VPN testing methodology below. For now, let’s take a closer look at the ones that make the cut.
Best VPNs to watch CW 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 CW TV.
| No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | IPVanish | PrivateVPN | Private Internet Access |
| Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | ExpressVPN.com | Cyberghost.com | IPVanish.com | PrivateVPN.com | PrivateInternetAccess.com | Ranking for CW TV: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Avg Speed (Mbps) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 74 Mbps | 100+ Mbps | Server countries | 111 | 100 | 105 | 100 | 75 | 63 | 91 | Devices Supported | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux | Activity logs | No identifying data | No identifying data |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best deal (per month) | $2.99 74% off 2 year plans + 3 EXTRA months | $1.99 87% OFF + 4 months free | $4.99 SAVE: 82% + 6 months free on 2 year plans | $2.03 SAVE 84% on the 2 year plan + 4 months free! | $2.19 SAVE 83% on the 2 yr plan | $2.00 Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free | $2.03 SAVE 83% on the 2 yr plan + 4 months free |
The best VPNs to watch CW TV from anywhere
To find the best VPNs for watching CW TV, we subjected a huge number of VPNs to rigorous real-world testing. The following reviews are the product of those first-hand experiences. Let’s take a closer look at the ones that impressed us.
Here is our list of the best VPNs to watch CW TV online from anywhere.
1. NordVPN
Nov 2024
Unblocks CW TVTested Nov 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our first choice for a CW VPN. It outperforms most other VPNs in our speed tests and permits up to 10 simultaneous connections. NordVPN can securely access numerous platforms, including The CW Network, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and others, allowing you to watch your home streaming libraries while traveling abroad. With over 1,900 US servers (all of which are optimized for streaming), you’ll be able to watch CW TV easily and without interruption.
NordVPN is highly customizable while remaining accessible to novice VPN users. It uses 256-bit encryption, but that’s just the beginning of its security features: there’s also anti-malware and ad-blocking functionality, a process-specific kill switch, and the ability to use double VPNs or Tor over VPN. In addition, NordVPN does not log any of your browsing or session information at all.
This service has apps for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Manual configuration is required for supported routers.
Pros:
- Blazing-fast speeds for streaming and downloading
- Over 1,900 servers in the US
- Trusted provider that doesn’t skimp on security or privacy features
- Allows 10 simultaneous connections on one account
- Keeps no logs whatsoever
- Fast and knowledgeable customer support
Cons:
- Desktop app could be refined
Our score:
BEST VPN FOR CW TV:NordVPN is our top pick. Has incredible speeds and works well with CW TV. Strong security features and allows up to 10 devices to be used simultaneously from one account. Includes 30-day money-back guarantee for a risk-free deal.
Want to know more? Read our full NordVPN review or checkout our video review below.
2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark is a great value provider and an excellent choice for anyone looking to watch CW TV from outside of the US. It has many reliable US servers, with 3,200+ in over 100 countries. Further, with unlimited bandwidth and connections, you won’t have to worry about lag or leaving another device unprotected so you can stream.
There are several advanced security and privacy tools built in. These include a NoBorders mode that lets you bypass country-wide internet restrictions, a combined ad-blocker/malware scanner, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. There’s also 256-bit encryption and a customizable kill switch. Surfshark doesn’t keep any logs, so your privacy is in good hands. Support staff are available 24/7 over live chat or email.
Surfshark users can install apps for iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, and Linux. Select routers are supported too, but these must be configured manually.
Pros:
- Fast enough for uninterrupted streaming
- Impressive unblocking abilities
- Cutting-edge security and privacy protections
- 24/7 live chat available
- Accepts Cryptocurrencies
Cons:
- Devotes a lot of space to features that require an additional monthly payment
Our score:
BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a highly versatile VPN that’s ideal for watching CW TV abroad thanks to its solid speeds and great unblocking capabilities. Also includes a 30-day money-back guarantee and plenty of powerful security features.
Read our full review of Surfshark or check out our video review below to find out more.
3. ExpressVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN offers plenty of fast US-based servers to choose from. These allow you to stream HD content with minimal buffering and no unexpected disconnections. This service is capable of securely accessing not just CW TV but Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu, too, allowing you to stream safely while traveling abroad. Better yet, with up to eight connections permitted, you’ll be able to stream no matter where you are.
This VPN keeps your traffic safe with 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, perfect forward secrecy, and a kill switch. In addition, ExpressVPN accepts Bitcoin, doesn’t keep any logs, and has an optional .onion site, making it perfect for those looking to remain anonymous at all times.
ExpressVPN has Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS apps. It can be manually installed on select network routers.
Pros:
- Servers in 100 countries and 15+ US cities
- Server speeds are great for HD streaming and fast downloads
- High-end security features with good privacy protection
- User-friendly apps for a variety of operating systems
- 24/7 customer support team is able to handle complex situations
Cons:
- A bit higher priced than rivals
- Lack of advanced configuration options
Our score:
QUICK AND RELIABLE:ExpressVPN reliably works with CW TV and many other popular streaming services. Exceptional speeds for buffer-free HD viewing, along with strong security and privacy. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Want to know more? Read our full ExpressVPN review or check out our video review below.
4. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost makes it easy to stay safe online. It has a vast global server network, with over 2,000 located in the US, and it allows users to choose servers designed for specific tasks, such as torrenting, streaming, or browsing anonymously. This service can securely access several popular streaming platforms, including CW TV, Netflix, and BBC iPlayer, so you can watch your favorite shows while abroad.
This provider uses 256-bit encryption, HTTPS redirection, and a kill switch to keep you safe online. It keeps no logs and protects against DNS, IPv6, and port forwarding leaks, ensuring your data is never accessible to any third party. Further, with ad-blocking and anti-malware features, CyberGhost removes the need to install any potentially insecure browser extensions.
Apps are available for MacOS, Linux, iOS, Windows, and Android. It also works with some wireless routers, although manual configuration is required.
Pros:
- Operates over 2,000 servers in various cities within the US
- Scored very highly in our speed testing
- Strong encryption and solid privacy policy
- Connect up to seven devices simultaneously
-
45-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Beginner-friendly apps are less suitable for power users
- Doesn’t work in China
Our score:
GREAT VALUE:CyberGhost is easy to use. It is a well-priced, solid performer that’s great for beginners. Good at unblocking CW TV. Comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
5. IPVanish
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish is hugely popular with Kodi users thanks to its extensive server network and fast speeds. These features make it perfect for streaming, with no issues accessing sites including BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, and CW TV. Unlimited connections are permitted, allowing you to stay protected on all of your devices simultaneously.
With this service, you can block all LAN traffic, obfuscate OpenVPN traffic, and regularly switch IP addresses. What’s more, with 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, a no-logging policy, and protection against DNS leaks, IPVanish keeps your data safe and secure at all times. It also accepts Bitcoin payments, enabling you to register more anonymously if you’d like.
This VPN is highly portable, with apps for MacOS, Windows, Amazon Fire Stick, Android, and iOS. Manual installation is required for internet routers and Linux devices.
Pros:
- Preferred by Kodi and Firestick TV for its remote-friendly apps
- Servers in over a dozen US cities
- Allows you to connect unlimited devices at once
- Servers are fast for streaming and downloading
Cons:
- Struggles with some popular streaming sites.
- Customer support is a little slow
Our score:
UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish has a large network of servers. Has high standards of privacy and security. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full IPVanish review.
6. PrivateVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN has fewer servers than its rivals, but they’re strategically spread across 60+ countries and around 12 US cities. It offers faster speeds than many other providers and works with most popular streaming services, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Ten connections are allowed at once, so you can protect every device in your household with a single account.
PrivateVPN keeps no logs of your activities. It uses 256-bit encryption, prevents IPv6 and DNS leaks, and includes a kill switch that stops all traffic should your connection to the VPN be lost. This service offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, and with your permission, the staff can remotely install or troubleshoot the software in case of any issues.
This VPN offers Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS apps. It can be manually configured to work with Linux-based systems and selected routers.
Pros:
- Operates servers out of 12+ major US city locations
- New and growing network with fast servers
- No issues with most popular streaming services
Cons:
- Small number of servers to choose from
- Live chat is not around the clock
Our score:
GREAT SPEED:PrivateVPN is a good family choice. Works well with CW TV and allows up to 10 devices on the same account. Could do with having more server locations and lacks 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
7. Private Internet Access
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a top-notch VPN service that makes it easy to stream CW TV online anywhere. With over 30,000 servers across 90 countries, including several in the United States, PIA offers a broad network that can effectively bypass the geographical restrictions imposed by CW TV. Simply connect to a US server and enjoy your favorite CW shows regardless of your location.
Streaming requires reliable, fast connections, and PIA delivers in this regard. Its quick and stable servers minimize buffering and lag, ensuring a smooth streaming experience. Plus, PIA supports unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can stream on your phone, tablet, and laptop at the same time without issues.
Security and privacy are key aspects of any VPN service, and PIA has a solid reputation in these areas. It employs military-grade 256-bit AES encryption to safeguard your data, and its strict no-logs policy ensures your online activities remain private. In addition, the inclusion of an automatic kill switch adds an extra layer of protection, as it will cut off your internet connection if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, preventing data leaks.
PIA also offers MACE, a built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocker, ensuring a cleaner, safer online experience. This is particularly useful when streaming content online, as it helps to keep unwanted pop-ups and potentially harmful content at bay.
Apps are available for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux, and they are user-friendly and easy to navigate. If you do run into any issues or have questions, PIA provides 24/7 customer support through live chat and a ticketing system.
In terms of pricing, PIA offers various subscription plans to suit different budgets, and all come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Excellent Kodi support
- No-logs policy
- Supports WireGuard
Cons:
- Based in a Five Eyes Alliance Country
- Doesn’t unblock all streaming sites
Our score:
WIREGUARD SUPPORTED:PIA allows unlimited simultaneous connections. It offers adjustable encryption for faster speeds and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Private Internet Access review.
Methodology: how we select the best VPNs for CW TV
Choosing a VPN that works with CW TV might appear straightforward at first, but there are several considerations to take into account to ensure the VPN is suitable. Below are some of the tests and factors we go through before a VPN makes our lists:
- Ability to stream CW TV from abroad: CW TV is only available to residents in the United States, meaning anyone connecting from outside the US will experience an error. Fortunately, all the providers listed have US servers and can unblock CW TV from abroad.
- Speed and reliability: You need a VPN with fast and consistent download speeds to stream videos from CW TV in HD or 4K. We test our VPNs on various servers to ensure you get the best performance.
- Privacy and security: To ensure your ISP doesn’t have visibility of your online activities, we use VPNs that use military-grade encryption, don’t collect logs, and prevent data and IP leaks. In doing so, your activities remain anonymous, with peace of mind you’re never being tracked.
- Apps and devices: To maximize compatibility and for a more flexible streaming experience, we select VPNs that support apps on all major platforms and offer a simultaneous device limit.
- Value for money: Knowing you can get your money back from a VPN if you aren’t 100% satisfied is helpful, so we always look for VPNs that offer a free trial or a money-back guarantee.
- Customer support: Having someone there to help when things go wrong is vital. We select providers that offer a minimum of ticketing support, though most of our recommended VPNs also include live chat.
Check out our VPN testing guide to find out more about how we select VPNs.
Watching CW TV with a VPN: FAQs
Can I use a free VPN to watch CW TV?
While there are numerous free VPN services, we advise you to avoid them. These services usually have fewer servers than premium VPNs but also more users. This means your connection is slower and more likely to drop out — two factors that lead to a poor streaming experience. Some free VPNs impose data caps and queues to offset this as much as possible, but these measures actually make the VPN less useful.
Additionally, you might ask yourself how a free VPN can afford to stay in business. They don’t charge for access to their service, so these companies might resort to shady practices to generate income. Whether they’re injecting ads onto the sites you visit or selling your browsing history to third parties, ultimately, it’s your privacy that suffers.
This isn’t just speculation. In the past, we’ve seen free VPNs that mislead users about the extent of information they log, install malware on people’s systems, and sell users’ bandwidth to be used in botnets. To stay safe and prevent this from happening to you, we recommend using a paid VPN with a proven track record of protecting its users’ privacy.
Can I use a proxy to watch CW TV?
If you try accessing the CW TV website from outside the US, it will stop loading part way through and show the message “Access is forbidden”. However, CW TV’s geo-restriction measures aren’t too stringent, so anything that changes your IP address to an American one will let you watch CW TV. That said, there are several reasons why you should use a trusted VPN instead of a web proxy service.
Firstly, proxies don’t encrypt your traffic as a VPN does. This means that your activities can be traced back to you. Second, proxies are usually fairly slow, and since HD streaming requires fast speeds, they’re a poor alternative to most VPNs. Finally, while popular VPNs usually have strict privacy policies, web proxies may not. Like many free VPNs, they can essentially do whatever they like with your browsing history.
What can I watch on CW TV?
For a free service, CW TV has a great selection of content. Below, we’ve listed some of the most popular shows that CW TV has to offer:
- Wellington Paranormal
- Would I Lie to You?
- Scream Queens
- Masters of Illusion
- All American
- Blue Mountain State
- Houdini
- Lost Girl
- Nancy Drew
- Penn & Teller: Fool Us
- Riverdale
- Supernatural
Why do you need a VPN to watch The CW online?
The CW is only available to US residents, meaning that anyone trying to access the platform from abroad will face an error that states, “Due to licensing restrictions, this content is only available in the US.” A VPN allows anyone to change their IP address to a US one, opening the library of media available on The CW from abroad.
Is it legal to use a VPN to watch CW TV online?
It is perfectly legal to watch CW TV using a VPN, though it might go against the terms and conditions of the broadcaster. Some countries ban VPN use, so it’s worth checking the rules of the location you’re connecting from first.
Can I watch The CW online for free?
Yes, all of The CW’s recently aired episodes are available free of charge on its website and app just a day after they air live. Plus there are boxsets of already-released series that you can power through in your own time.
I just checked all of these except boleh. As of mar 18 2018 neither cyberghost nor privatevpn offer dedicated ip addresses. liquidvpn has them only in the netherlands, germany, and uk.