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Watch CNN without cable from anywhere in 2023


CNN is one of the biggest news channels on the planet, covering everything, from sports, entertainment, and celebrity gossip, to current affairs, global news, and the latest in business and finance. However, CNN is geo-blocked, which makes it difficult to watch it from outside the US.

Never fear though, because there is an easy way to watch CNN online from anywhere. All you need to do is use a strong VPN that will help you to bypass CNN’s region restrictions. On top of this, a VPN will also encrypt your data, which will keep it safe from hackers, and it’ll allow you to log in to all your regular sites and services while you’re traveling.

In this article, we’ll talk you through how to use a VPN to watch CNN without cable from anywhere in the world on the most popular devices and streaming sticks. We’ll also recommend the best VPNs for CNN. So read on to find out everything you need to know.

How to watch CNN from anywhere with a VPN

Watch CNN logo

Why do you need a VPN to watch CNN?

CNN is one of the most famous news channels in the world, and it covers events happening from all four corners of the globe. But sadly, it’s not available everywhere. In fact, it’s only available to watch in the US (unless you have a capable VPN). This is because CNN needs to comply with distribution rights, licensing agreements, and copyright laws.

This live stream CNN go is available only in the US

But the good news is that we can help you get around this error message to access CNN from wherever you are. All you need to do is download a reliable VPN and use it to connect to a server in the US. This will then issue your device with a US IP address, which will enable you to bypass CNN’s location restrictions.

Of course, the main problem is choosing a VPN that will unblock the content for you. To help you out, in the next section, we’ve recommended some great VPNs that work flawlessly with CNN.

Best VPNs to watch CNN without cable

Choosing the VPN that’s best suited for what you want can be tricky because there are so many providers on the market. But you need to know that not all VPNs can bypass region restrictions on CNN, and there are a whole host of other factors to consider, including price, speed, and security.

To make this easier, we’ve put all the top providers to the test and have identified three VPNs that can consistently unblock CNN from outside the US.

Take a look at our pick of the best VPNs for CNN.

1. NordVPN – best VPN to watch CNN

🌎Based in:
Panama
🖥️Servers/countries:
5,800+ servers in 60 countries
🍿Unblocks Netflix:
Yes
🔥Coupons:
NordVPN coupon 68% OFF

If you want to watch CNN from outside the US, there’s no better VPN option than NordVPN. It can unblock region-restricted content on every streaming service, app, and website we’ve ever tested it on, and gives us access to CNN quickly and easily.

More importantly, NordVPN is the most secure VPN we’ve ever tested. And it comes with 5,800+ servers in 60 countries. It’s fast too, with excellent speeds for buffer-free streaming.

Prices start at $3.19 per month. And we’ve got NordVPN coupons that will give you 68% off the best deal you can find!

If you need any more information, please read our thorough NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark – plenty of excellent servers for streaming CNN

Surfshark banner
🌎Based in:
The Netherlands
🖥️Servers/countries:
3,200+ servers in 100 countries
🍿Unblocks Netflix:
Yes
🔥Coupons:
Surfshark coupon 82% OFF

If you want a cheaper solution without having to sacrifice security or usability, Surfshark could be exactly what you’re looking for. And crucially, it can unblock CNN with ease, along with any other streaming service you can think of, including HBO Max, Hulu, and foreign versions of Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix.

Surfshark comes with more than 3,200 servers in over 100 countries and it’s the fastest VPN we’ve tested, so it’s an ideal solution for watching CNN’s breaking news from outside the US. Besides this, it’s a remarkably secure option, with strong encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection.

For all this, Surfshark’s prices start at just $2.30 per month. You can get 82% off your subscription with our Surfshark coupons.

To find out anything else you need to know, be sure to check out our in-depth Surshark VPN review.

3. IPVanish – VPN with strong security features

IPVanish banner
🌎Based in:
United States
🖥️Servers/countries:
2,200+ servers in 52 countries
🍿Unblocks Netflix:
Yes
🔥Coupons:
IPVanish coupon 75% OFF

Anyone looking for a strong VPN at an affordable price should definitely consider IPVanish. It can give you access to CNN from anywhere in the world, as well as any other streaming service you might want to watch, including Disney Plus, FuboTV, and Sling.

Although its server fleet is significantly smaller than the other providers on our list, it still has more than 2,200 servers in 52 countries. Also, IPVanish comes with unlimited simultaneous connections and robust security features, which will keep your data completely safe while you’re online. It even delivers fast speeds.

Plans start from a very reasonable $2.99 per month. And right now, you can get 75% off a two-year IPVanish subscription with our IPVanish coupon!

If you still need convincing, take a look at our detailed IPVanish review.

Streaming services that show CNN online

CNN is available on cable TV in the US. However, you can watch CNN online without a cable subscription on any of the following streaming services:

Streaming service
Cost per month
Best VPN to use
Comcast Xfinity
$46.95NordVPN
DirecTV
$70
Surfshark
Hulu+ Live TV
$64.99
NordVPN
Sling$35IPVanish
YouTube TV
$65Surfshark

As you may already know, these streaming services are only available in the US. Not to worry though, because all you need is a VPN, and you can access them from anywhere. Here, we’ll break down what you need to do to bypass region restrictions on each of these streaming services:

  • Comcast Xfinity - If you’re looking for an alternative to paying for cable, or you want a way to watch US TV from outside the country, a Comcast Xfinity subscription won’t let you down. To access it from anywhere, download a reliable VPN, such as NordVPN, and use it to connect to a US server.
  • DirecTV - This provider has a variety of packages filled with content that you and your family will want to watch. And you can stream it from wherever when you’re using a VPN that has servers in the US, like Surfshark.
  • Hulu+ Live TV - With one of the most impressive content libraries around, you’ll never run out of things to watch on Hulu. And if you’d like to use it to watch CNN from outside the US, you’ll need to use a strong VPN, like NordVPN, to connect to a server in the country.
  • Sling - As the cheapest streaming service on our list, Sling is certainly an attractive option, with access to more than 30 channels for just $35 a month. To watch it where you are, download a VPN, such as IPVanish, and use it to connect to a server in the US.
  • YouTube TV - If you want to watch CNN from outside the US, you can find it on YouTube TV, along with a huge catalog of other content that will keep you entertained. To get it to work where you are, sign up for a VPN, such as Surfshark.

How to access the CNNgo app from anywhere

  1. Pick and install a VPN with a strong fleet of servers in the US. We recommend NordVPN for this, now 68% off!
  2. Connect to a server in the US.
  3. Download the CNNgo app and either log in or sign up for a subscription.
  4. Grab a drink and start watching CNN!

How to watch CNN on your device

It doesn’t matter if you’re using an Android smartphone, an Apple device, a Windows PC, or a smart TV, you can still use a VPN to change your location so you can watch CNN from anywhere in the world.

NordVPN connect to server

It’s very easy to do, too. But the steps do vary slightly, depending on what device you’re using. Here, we’ll explain how to do this on the most popular devices and operating systems.

If you need any further help, be sure to check out our detailed guides to choosing the right VPN for you:

Watch CNN on your PC

Whether you use Windows 10 or Mac, you’ll be able to use it to watch CNN online on your machine. You won’t even need to download the CNNgo app! Instead, just follow these simple steps to get you up and running in no time:

  1. Download and install a VPN on your computer. We recommend NordVPN for this.
  2. Connect to a server in the US.
  3. Go to the CNN website and either log in or create an account.
  4. If this doesn’t work, try clearing your cookies and cache and start again.
  5. Enjoy watching the news on CNN!

Watch CNN on your phone

By following these simple steps, you can watch CNN on your iPhone or Android device, wherever you are. Here’s how:

  1. Change your phone and app store locations to the US.
  2. Download and install a VPN app on your device. Our favorite is NordVPN.
  3. Create a new Apple ID or Google account and pick the US as your country.
  4. Open or install the CNNgo app on your phone from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
  5. Start streaming the latest news!

Watch CNN on your Smart TV

While some smart TV support VPN apps, several of the most popular brands don’t, including Samsung, Apple, and LG. On the plus side, you can get around this by simply connecting your VPN directly to your Wi-Fi router. Here’s how:

  1. Download a VPN with a choice of US servers. We’d suggest NordVPN for this.
  2. Connect to a US server.
  3. Access your Wi-Fi router’s admin panel and connect it to your VPN network.
  4. Download the CNNgo app on your smart TV, and either sign up or create an account.
  5. Grab your favorite snack and start watching CNN!

It’s worth checking to see if your smart TV supports VPNs. If so, you’ll find that many of our favorite VPNs have dedicated apps for Android TV. To find out more, read our guide on the best VPNs for smart TVs.

How to watch CNN on streaming devices

There’s nothing like sitting down to watch TV with all your friends and family. And if you use a VPN, you can enjoy CNN on your biggest screen from anywhere in the world. In this next section, we’ve explained how to do this on the most popular streaming devices.

However, if you need more help, please take a look at our guides that will help you to find the most suitable VPNs for specific streaming devices:

Stream CNN on Roku

Roku sticks don't support VPN apps. However, you can get around this easily. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Download and install a VPN that comes with a strong offering of US servers. We recommend NordVPN for this.
  2. Connect it to your Wi-Fi router.
  3. Connect to a US server.
  4. Put your Roku stick into your smart TV using the HDMI port.
  5. Switch on your TV and select the CNNgo app on the Roku home screen.
  6. Settle in for the night and watch the news.

Stream CNN on Firestick

Unlike a lot of streaming devices, Amazon Firesticks support VPNs. This means you can download the software straight onto your Firestick and watch any content you like. Here’s how:

  1. Download and install a VPN that can unblock CNN from your location. We recommend NordVPN for this.
  2. Connect to a server in the US.
  3. Install the CNNgo app on your Firestick.
  4. Gather your family together to watch the news from around the world.
NordVPN app for Fire TV download page

Stream CNN on Kodi

Just like Roku, Kodi doesn’t support VPNs. But that’s not a problem, because there’s a simple way to get a VPN to work on your Kodi device. All you need to do is follow these simple instructions:

  1. Check you have OpenVPN installed.
  2. Download and install a VPN that will let you watch CNN. Our favorite solution for this is NordVPN.
  3. Add your VPN to your Kodi. The simplest way to do this is to download the VPN onto your computer, and save the software onto a USB stick. Then, insert the USB into your Kodi device.
  4. Head to the Settings, then System Settings, and click Add-ons on your Kodi device. Next, toggle on Unknown Sources.
  5. Download the VPN software onto your Kodi device.
  6. Connect to a server in the US.
  7. Turn on your TV and go to Kodi's home screen.
  8. Install the CNNgo add-on to your Kodi.
  9. Start watching all that CNN has to offer.

If you don’t want to do this, you can connect your VPN to your Wi-Fi router instead to unblock CNN on your Kodi device.

Stream CNN on Apple TV

It should come as no surprise that Apple TV doesn’t support VPN apps. However, you can still use a VPN on your Apple TV so you can watch CNN. Here’s how:

  1. Choose a VPN provider that supports Smart DNS. We suggest NordVPN for this.
  2. Check your Smart DNS addresses, and go to the Settings menu on your Apple TV. Next, click Network at the bottom of the page.
  3. Hit the Wi-Fi button, and select your network. Then go to Configure DNS, and click Manual Configuration.
  4. Type in your DNS address and then restart your Apple TV.
  5. Connect to a US server.
  6. Download and install the CNNgo app on your Apple TV.
  7. Get comfy and start watching your favorite CNN content.

If you’d prefer not to do this, you can connect your Apple TV to your VPN via your Wi-Fi router instead.

Stream CNN on Chromecast

If you have a Chromecast, you’re only a few simple steps away from being able to use it to watch CNN from anywhere in the world. Here’s what you should do:

  1. Download and install a VPN that will work with your Wi-Fi router. We recommend NordVPN for this.
  2. Connect it to your Wi-Fi router.
  3. Connect to a US server.
  4. Download the CNNgo app onto your device.
  5. Click the Cast icon on the top of the app.
  6. Choose your Chromecast, and enjoy watching CNN.

How to watch CNN live while traveling outside the US

If you’re traveling outside the US, you’ll find that CNN is geo-blocked, meaning that it’s not available on streaming services outside the country. But whether you’re traveling in Canada, Australia, the UK, or anywhere in Europe, all you need to do is use a reliable VPN to connect to a server in the US.. For more information, take a look at our guide on the best VPNs for traveling.

Sling TV is only available inside the US message

Alternatively, if you’re in the US but you want to watch CNN without a cable TV subscription, you can watch it on any of the streaming services listed above.

To watch CNN with a VPN, follow these simple instructions:

  1. Download and install a VPN with a range of US servers. We recommend NordVPN for this.
  2. Complete the sign up process.
  3. Connect to a server that’s based in the US.
  4. Head to the CNN website or download the CNNgo app and either sign in or create an account.
  5. Settle in for some breaking news.

Can’t access CNN stream with a VPN?

It’s frustrating, but sometimes you can follow all the steps and still not be able to access CNN from abroad. If this is the case for you, it might be that your VPN isn’t working at the moment, or that you’ve accidentally connected to a server in the wrong country.

If you’ve checked these things, you might want to look at our guide on how to use a VPN, or investigate these common problems:

  • Your VPN can’t unblock CNN’s geo-restrictions
  • The streaming service or CNNgo app may have updated its geo-blocks so that your VPN can’t access the channel anymore
  • Your cookies may be showing your true location
  • Your real IP address could be leaking

If this sounds like you, we’d recommend:

  • Trying another browser
  • Checking that you’ve enabled IP leak protection on your VPN
  • Connecting to a different server on your VPN
  • Clearing your cookies and cache
  • Contacting your VPN’s customer service advisors

If this doesn’t fix your issue, it might well be time to upgrade to a better VPN. We’ve come up with some suggestions of VPNs that can unblock CNN earlier in this guide.

How to watch CNN for free

If you want to watch CNN for free from outside the US, or without cable, there are a few options. Since the majority of free VPNs won’t be able to bypass CNN’s geo-restrictions, you’d be much better off signing up for a freemium, which is a free version of a paid-for VPN. While many are quite limited, we’d recommend ProtonVPN or Atlas VPN, as they both come with a good selection of security features.

If you want to try a VPN to watch CNN for a short period of time, such as when you’re traveling abroad for business, you might want to sign up for a free trial of a paid-for VPN. Many of our favorite providers, including NordVPN, Surfshark, and IPVanish, offer 30-day money-back guarantees.

Although the above options are safe, we’d urge you to be wary of signing up for a completely free VPN provider. After all, a large percentage of these companies sell customer data to third parties. And they usually have far fewer servers and you’re likely to experience slow speeds and buffering.

What can you watch on CNN?

CNN is one of the biggest news channels on the planet. And as such, you can watch 24-hour news coverage of everything from current affairs, and global news, to entertainment, sports, and even financial advice.

But aside from breaking news, CNN also has a rich catalog of documentaries, news shows, and even reality TV. Here’s a quick roundup of some of the best things you can watch on CNN:

TitleGenre
American Dynasties: The Kennedys
Docuseries
Anderson Cooper 360News show
Anthony Bourdain: Parts UnknownReality TV
DianaDocuseries
First LadiesDocuseries
History of the SitcomDocuseries
Jerusalem: City of Faith and FuryMiniseries
Quest’s World of WonderReality TV
Stanley Tucci: Searching for ItalyMiniseries
The Price of FreedomDocumentary
The Windsors: Inside the Royal DynastyDocumentary

To find out all the latest content CNN has to offer, be sure to keep an eye on CNN’s website, or the channel’s official Twitter page.

Conclusion

To watch CNN without cable from anywhere in the world, you’ll need to use a VPN to connect to a US server. Once you’ve done that, you can either download the CNNgo app, or sign up for a subscription service that has the rights to show CNN, such as Hulu+ Live TV, Sling, or DirecTV. You’ll then be able to catch up on all the content CNN has to offer from wherever you are.

Aside from this, a VPN comes with a huge range of benefits, including protecting your sensitive information by encrypting your data while you’re online. This will keep it safe from cybercriminals, hackers, and snoops. Even better, it will allow you to access any content you want from around the world.

We hope this guide has answered all your questions about watching CNN without cable from outside the US. If not, please let us know in the comments section below, and one of our experts will be in touch!


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