CBS is one of the largest broadcasting networks in the United States, offering a wide range of popular TV shows, news programs, and live sports, including NCIS, Survivor, and NFL games. However, if you're in the UK, you’ll face a common problem: CBS is blocked in the UK due to geo-restrictions and only available to viewers within the US.
But don't worry. There’s a simple solution to this issue – using a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN allows you to bypass these geo-blocks by masking your location, making it appear as though you’re streaming from the US. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to use a VPN to watch CBS from anywhere, including the UK, so you can enjoy your favorite CBS content hassle-free in 2024.
How to watch CBS from UK with VPN
- Choose a reliable VPN with servers in the US. We recommend NordVPN, now 74% OFF
- Download the VPN and open the app on your device
- Connect to a US server to bypass CBS’s geo-restrictions
- Visit the CBS website or open the CBS app
- Start streaming your favorite CBS shows from the UK
- Note: Some CBS content, such as CBS News 24/7 and ET News, is available when you connect to a US server and go to the CBS website. You can stream the latest five episodes of CBS shows for free and without needing an account. To watch any CBS local station, you’ll need to sign up for CBS with your TV provider. CBS Live TV is also available on Paramount+ in the US, so if you have Paramount+, you can watch CBS on it when connected to a US server with a VPN.
Why do you need VPN to watch CBS in UK?
CBS is only available for streaming in the United States, which means users trying to access it from the UK or other countries will face geo-restrictions. If you try to watch CBS from the UK, you’ll likely encounter an error message stating that the content is not available in your region. This is because CBS restricts access to viewers located outside of the US due to licensing agreements.
A VPN helps solve this problem by masking your real location and IP address and assigning you a US IP address. When connected to a US server through the VPN, CBS’s website will think you're streaming from within the US, allowing you to bypass geo-blocks and watch content as if you were there.
Besides unblocking CBS, VPNs offer added benefits like enhanced privacy, security, and the ability to block ads. They can also be used to access other geo-blocked services like Hulu, Max, or Netflix libraries from different regions.
Best VPN to watch CBS in UK
Not all VPNs can reliably bypass CBS's geo-restrictions. That’s why we tested top VPNs to find the best ones for accessing CBS from the UK. Below are the top 3 VPNs that consistently unblock CBS.
- NordVPN – the best VPN for streaming CBS with fast and reliable connections
- Surfshark – budget-friendly CBS VPN with unlimited device connections
- IPVanish – a robust VPN with strong security and excellent for streaming
1. NordVPN – the best VPN for consistently unblocking CBS in the UK
| Based in: | Panama |
| US servers: | 1970+ |
| Compatibility: | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Get 74% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free |
NordVPN is the top choice for streaming CBS in the UK in 2024, offering incredible speeds and a large server network to easily bypass geo-restrictions.
Servers. NordVPN boasts over 6900 servers in 113 countries, including more than 1970 US servers, perfect for unblocking CBS. With multiple server locations available, switching between servers is easy if one doesn’t work.
Security. With military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, NordVPN ensures your data is secure while streaming. Additional features like a customizable kill switch and protection from DNS and IP leaks further enhance your privacy.
Performance. Thanks to the NordLynx protocol, NordVPN provides ultra-fast speeds, ensuring smooth, buffer-free streaming. It consistently maintains over 90% of your base internet speed, perfect for high-definition content.
Price. NordVPN starts at £2.39/month, offering a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial for risk-free testing.
2. Surfshark – budget-friendly VPN that supports unlimited devices
| Based in: | The Netherlands |
| US servers: | 600+ |
| Compatibility: | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Now up to 87% OFF Surfshark + 4 months FREE |
Surfshark is an affordable VPN that provides excellent streaming capabilities and supports unlimited devices, making it a great choice for watching CBS in the UK.
Servers. With over 3200 servers in 100 countries, including numerous US locations, Surfshark easily unblocks CBS and other geo-restricted content. It’s also great for accessing various Netflix libraries and other region-locked services.
Security. Surfshark ensures a high level of security with 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. It also includes CleanWeb, an ad blocker that helps protect you from malicious websites and unwanted ads while streaming.
Performance. Surfshark delivers consistently fast speeds under the WireGuard protocol, with tests showing minimal drop-off, even during HD streaming. Whether you’re using it on a smart TV, laptop, or mobile device, Surfshark ensures smooth performance on unlimited devices.
Price. Starting at just £1.69/month, Surfshark is one of the most budget-friendly VPNs. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it a low-risk option.
3. IPVanish – privacy-focused VPN offering reliable access to CBS
| Based in: | United States |
| US servers: | 1106+ |
| Compatibility: | Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Now up to 83% OFF IPVanish |
IPVanish is a reliable VPN that offers enhanced security and consistent access to CBS, making it a great option for streaming from the UK.
Servers. IPVanish offers 2400 servers in 100+ countries, including 1106+ options in the US, and ensures smooth and reliable streaming of CBS.
Security. IPVanish employs AES-256 encryption to safeguard your connection and includes features like an obfuscation mode to help bypass tough geo-restrictions. It also provides a customizable kill switch and DNS leak protection.
Performance. Thanks to the WireGuard protocol, IPVanish offers excellent connection speeds, ideal for HD streaming without buffering. It’s compatible with a wide range of devices and offers unlimited simultaneous connections.
Price. IPVanish starts at £1.68/month and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it a cost-effective choice.
Comparison of best VPNs to watch CBS
To help you choose the best VPN for watching CBS in the UK, we've created a comparison of the top three providers based on key features. The table below highlights their overall rating, price, number of servers, number of US servers, and speed retention. These factors ensure reliable access to CBS, fast streaming, and affordable pricing.
| Provider | Rating | Price per month | Number of servers | US servers | Speed retention (%) |
| NordVPN | £2.39 | 6900 | 1,970+ | 90% | |
| Surfshark | £1.69 | 3200 | 600+ | 86% | |
| IPVanish | £1.68 | 2400 | 1440+ | 80% |
VPN not working when trying to watch CBS in UK
If your VPN isn’t working while trying to stream CBS from the UK, there are a few common issues and solutions you can try:
- VPN server detected by CBS.Switch to a different US server within your VPN app. Some servers may be blocked, so switching can help.
- IP address leaks. Check for IP or DNS leaks by running a leak test within the VPN app or through an online tool. Make sure to enable the VPN’s leak protection features.
- Outdated VPN app. Ensure you are using the latest version of your VPN software. Updating the app often fixes compatibility issues.
- Cookies and cache. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies to remove any stored location data that might interfere with the VPN.
- Wrong protocol. Change the VPN protocol to OpenVPN or WireGuard within the app, as these protocols can sometimes be more effective for streaming.
- Contact VPN support.If none of the above work, reach out to your VPN provider’s support for assistance.
What can you watch on CBS?
CBS is home to a wide range of popular TV shows, movies, and sports events. Fans can enjoy hit series like NCIS, Blue Bloods, and Young Sheldon, as well as reality TV staples such as Survivor and Big Brother. CBS also broadcasts late-night shows like The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and popular news programs like 60 Minutes.
Sports fans can catch live events, including NFL games, NCAA basketball, and the Masters golf tournament, which are all broadcast on CBS. So whether you’re into drama, comedy, or live TV, CBS has something for everyone.
Additionally, CBS offers access to a variety of movies and exclusive content through its premium streaming service Paramount+ (formerly CBS All Access), its premium streaming service, which features originals like Star Trek: Discovery and The Good Fight.
Final thoughts
Watching CBS in the UK can seem challenging due to content restrictions, but using a VPN makes it easy to access your favorite shows, live sports, and more. With a reliable VPN, you can bypass the CBS geo-blocking, enjoy fast streaming speeds, and maintain your privacy online. Each VPN offers different strengths, from budget-friendly options to those with enhanced security and fast performance.
Our overall favorite and winner is NordVPN, which has market-leading speeds and security features. Beyond CBS, this top-notch VPN can also unlock other region-locked content, giving you access to a wider range of entertainment. Whether you want to stream hit TV shows, live sports, or exclusive CBS originals, NordVPN is an essential tool for enjoying content from anywhere in the world.
Choose the VPN that best fits your needs, follow the setup instructions, and enjoy seamless CBS streaming from the comfort of your home in the UK.