The CTV Television Network is only available in Canada. So when you try to watch CTV online outside Canada, you’ll come across one of the following streaming errors: “This video cannot be played” or “We’re sorry, this content is only available for viewing in Canada.”. Luckily, there’s an easy fix for this problem, using a VPN.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) addresses this by allowing you to browse the web as if you’re in another location. You can use a VPN to connect to a server in Canada. In doing so, your device’s internet traffic is encrypted, improving your online privacy in the process. As you’re provided with a Canadian IP address, you’ll be able to access region-locked content from Canada, such as CTV.
We’ll talk about each of the top VPNs in detail in this article, but if you don’t have time for that, here’s a quick summary:
These are the best VPNs for watching CTV abroad:
- NordVPN: Our first choice VPN for unblocking CTV! More than 480 servers in Canada for watching CTV abroad. Also works with Netflix. 24/7 support, a strict no-logs policy, and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: The best budget option for CTV. Unlimited simultaneous connections. Over 120 servers in three Canadian cities. 24/7 live support and user-friendly apps.
- ExpressVPN: Fast servers in multiple Canadian cities. Ideal for streaming CTV, Netflix, and more. 3,000 servers in 94 countries.
- CyberGhost: Has over 480 servers in Canada. Fast servers for streaming CTV and Netflix US. Lets you connect up to seven devices simultaneously.
- IPVanish: US-based VPN with dozens of servers in Canada. Works well with CTV. Allows any number of simultaneous connections.
- PrivateVPN: Very fast speeds for streaming and torrenting. Unblocks CTV outside Canada. Keeps no logs, offers beginner-friendly apps.
- Atlas VPN: This high-speed VPN makes it easy to securely stream CTV while traveling abroad. Refuses to keep logs or limit the number of devices you can connect.
How to watch CTV live online (outside Canada) with a VPN
You don’t need to do anything overly technical in order to watch CTV online while abroad. In fact, all you need is a VPN, and these are typically quick and easy to set up. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be streaming in no time.
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.
Here’s how to watch CTV live outside Canada with a VPN:
- Choose your preferred VPN for CTV – we particularly recommend NordVPN.
- Download and install one of the VPN’s apps or browser extensions.
- Open the VPN app or browser extension and connect to a server in Canada. this will give you the Canadian IP address you need to access CTV.
- Go to CTV and select the content you want to watch – it should now be unblocked!
- If you still can’t watch CTV abroad, clear your browser’s cache and cookies and try again. If you’re still struggling, try contacting your VPN’s customer service team for further advice.
Best VPNs for CTV – 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 watching CTV from anywhere.
The best VPNs to watch CTV outside Canada
In case you’re wondering how we chose the best VPNs for CTV, here’s a list of the features each VPN service had to offer in order to be considered:
Criteria for selecting the best VPNs
- Fast servers in Canada for streaming CTV abroad
- Servers in dozens of countries for unblocking content worldwide
- Strong security with encryption and a no-logs policy
- Customer support via live chat and email
- Beginner-friendly desktop and mobile apps
- A money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free
If you want to know more about how we test and rank the VPNs, we recommend you can check out our dedicated methodology article. For now, let’s take a closer look at the ones that made the list.
Here’s our list of the best VPNs for watching CTV live online while traveling outside Canada:
1. NordVPN
Jan 2023
unblocks ctvTested Jan 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- Background
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our #1 choice VPN for streaming CTV abroad. It’s one of the biggest VPNs on the market, with over 5,400 global servers and more than 480 spread across the cities of Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. NordVPN also has servers optimized for P2P file-sharing, improved privacy, or bypassing internet restrictions.
This service works well with CTV as well as platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and HBO Max. What’s more, it allows you to have up to six simultaneous connections. Apart from offering live chat support 24/7, NordVPN offers all of the essential security features that protect your privacy. These include 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch feature. Just as important, NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy.
You can use NordVPN via the apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and Android TV. There’s also the option of Chrome and Firefox browser extensions. Compatible routers require manual installation.
BEST VPN FOR CTV:NordVPN is our top choice. Use it to stream CTV, Netflix, and more. 24/7 support and a strict no-logs policy. Secure up to six devices simultaneously. Easy-to-use apps and browser extensions. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
Cons:
- Some servers are on the slow side
Our score:
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
unblocks ctvTested Jan 2023
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Surfshark is the best way to stream CTV on a budget. It offers excellent value as it lets you have an unlimited number of simultaneous connections. Needless to say, this VPN is perfect for sharing with family. Servers are available in around 100 countries, including Canada (Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver). A Canadian IP address allows you to unblock CTV overseas while connecting to US servers and can help you regain access to the likes of Netflix, HBO Max, and Hulu.
One of the main advantages of Surfshark is its ease of use. The apps are very well designed and allow you to connect to a server in seconds. There’s also fast and friendly customer support, available 24/7 via live chat. This is a no-logs VPN that doesn’t know what you’re doing online. There are plenty of security features, including 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Surfshark’s MultiHop feature lets you route traffic via multiple servers for an extra layer of security.
GREAT VALUE:Surfshark is the best budget-friendly VPN. Allows unlimited simultaneous connections and has servers in around 100 countries, including Canada. Works well with CTV and Netflix. Apps and browser extensions are very easy to use. 24/7 support and a strict no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Some features require an additional monthly fee
Read our full Surfshark review.
3. ExpressVPN
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
You can use ExpressVPN to connect up to five devices simultaneously. This is easy to do, thanks to the wide range of user-friendly apps and browser extensions offered. You can connect to a server with a single click. ExpressVPN offers excellent customer support should you have any issues. This is available 24/7 via email and live chat. The 30-day money-back guarantee means you can test this service out with absolutely no risk.
ExpressVPN has very fast speeds but also a high level of security. This VPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, where there are no mandatory data retention laws (indeed, ExpressVPN doesn’t keep any identifying logs of its users). Your data is secured with 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks.
ExpressVPN apps are available for the following: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and routers. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also on offer.
QUICK AND SECURE:ExpressVPN has fast and consistent servers in Canada for watching CTV abroad. It offers a network of over 3,000 servers in 94 countries. Use on up to five devices. Excellent apps and browser extensions, 24/7 support, and strong security. Also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Servers in 94 countries, including Canada, for unblocking CTV
Fast speeds for browsing, streaming, and torrenting
Customer support available 24/7 via live chat and email
Keeps your data secure with encryption and kill switch feature
Zero log policy
Fairly expensive compared to some rival VPNs
Streaming servers aren’t labeled
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
4. CyberGhost
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost is a high-speed VPN that’s perfect for streaming without interruption. With 9,000+ servers across 90+ countries (and over 480 Canadian servers in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver), this VPN is excellent at unblocking platforms like CTV, Prime Video, and the BBC iPlayer abroad. What’s more, it lets you secure as many as seven devices via a single account.
This service stands out from its rivals with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee. If you have any trouble, it’s worth keeping in mind that 24/7 live chat support is available. Security-wise, CyberGhost is as good as any in this list, with a strict no-logs policy, protection from DNS and IPv6 leaks, 256-bit AES encryption, and an automatic kill switch.
PROTECTS YOUR PRIVACY:CyberGhost has fast servers in Canada for CTV. Also works with Netflix US and BBC iPlayer. High level of security with encryption and strict no-logs policy to protect your privacy. 24/7 live chat support and up to seven connections. 45-day money-back guarantee.
Fast speeds for streaming CTV without interruption
More than 480 servers in Canada and 9,000+ servers worldwide
45-day money-back guarantee
Lets you have up to seven simultaneous connections
Excellent security with encryption and a strict no-logs policy
May not offer enough control for experienced users
Doesn’t work reliably in China
Read our full CyberGhost review.
5. IPVanish
Website: www.IPVanish.com
IPVanish has dozens of servers in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver, allowing you to easily unblock CTV outside Canada. This is a US-based VPN with servers in 75+ locations, including the US, UK, and Australia. As such, you can use IPVanish to unblock geo-restricted content from almost anywhere in the world. This VPN is particularly good for families as you can connect as many devices as you like.
This VPN is well suited for streaming thanks to its unlimited bandwidth. What’s more, IPVanish states that it offers unlimited P2P traffic and will never slow down your connection speeds. IPVanish has a strict policy against collecting connection and activity logs and further protects your privacy using 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection.
NO CONNECTION LIMIT:IPVanish unblocks CTV outside Canada and also works with Hulu. You can use it to connect any number of devices simultaneously. Good speeds for streaming and live chat support. No-logs policy and encryption. 30-day money-back guarantee on annual plans.
Servers in multiple cities in Canada for watching CTV overseas
A network of servers in 75+ locations for unblocking content worldwide
Use it to connect all of your devices simultaneously
Doesn’t collect any connection or activity logs
Based in the US (member of Five Eyes intelligence alliance)
Doesn’t work with some popular streaming services
Read our full IPVanish review.
6. PrivateVPN
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
This is one of the easiest VPNs to use, thanks to the simple design of the desktop and mobile apps. Live chat support is offered, while there’s also the option of remote help and installation. PrivateVPN lets you connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, allowing you to secure everything from your phone to your laptop. This Swedish VPN service has a no-logs policy and offers 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection.
PrivateVPN apps are offered for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Manual setup is required for Linux and routers.
FAST CONNECTIONS:PrivateVPN has high-speed servers for streaming without buffering or lag. Works with CTV, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more. No-logs VPN with user-friendly apps and live chat support. Connect up to ten devices simultaneously. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Ideal for streaming thanks to high-speed servers
Unblocks CTV, BBC iPlayer, and more
Very easy-to-use apps for desktop and mobile platforms
A smaller network of approximately 200 servers
Doesn’t offer browser extensions
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
7. Atlas VPN
unblocks ctvTested Jan 2023
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Background
- FireTV
Website: www.atlasvpn.com
Atlas VPN is great for anyone hoping to stream securely while traveling. It has over 750 servers in 45 locations and boasts very impressive speeds, meaning you can regain access to all of your usual services (such as HBO Max, CTV, Crave, or Netflix) without worrying about lag or buffering. What’s more, this VPN allows you to protect every device you own simultaneously.
Concerned about security? Don’t be: Atlas VPN uses effectively uncrackable 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leaks. There’s also a no-logs policy in place, servers that can swap your IP address regularly, and a data breach monitor that’ll alert you if your details are leaked online. Customer support is on-hand at all times over email and live chat.
Atlas VPN apps are available for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android.
STREAM SECURELY ABROAD:AtlasVPN has the speed, security tools, and unblocking ability needed to keep watching CTV safely while traveling. Better still, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Faster than many of its rivals
Innovative security features
Suitable for any day-to-day task
Small selection of servers versus other VPNs
Doesn’t support manual configuration on Linux or routers
Want to learn more? Check out our full Atlas VPN review.
You’ll also find that the average free VPN is very light on features. For example, it probably won’t let you have multiple simultaneous connections or offer customer support. Such limitations extend to security, where you may find your data isn’t being secured with encryption. Also, a free service typically makes money through advertising, and free VPNs are no exception. However, some free VPNs even choose to log your activity and sell the data to third parties. All in all, free VPNs are vastly inferior to the paid options we recommend as the best VPNs for Canada.
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