How to watch CBS from anywhere in the world
How to watch CBS from anywhere in the world

We will guide you through on how to watch, live stream CBS for free from anywhere in the world with easy and simple steps.

As the most-watched network in the US, a huge number of people watch CBS live every day – and even those who aren't regulars will want to tune in year-round for mega events like the Super Bowl, the Grammys, and Harry and Meghan's interview with Oprah.

However, while CBS is the home to tons of flagship sporting and event content, the network also delivers a huge range of quality programming including The Late Show, RuPaul's Drag Race, NCIS and plenty more, so whatever you're looking for, CBS is sure to provide.

However, while it's relatively simple to access CBS in the US, you might run into problems if you're outside the States – even if you pay for the network. So, here we'll explain exactly how to watch CBS live anywhere in the world.

What is CBS?

CBS is an American commercial broadcast television and radio network. It serves as the flagship property of the CBS Entertainment Group division of ViacomCBS. The network is headquartered at the CBS Building in New York City, with major production facilities and operations at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City, and CBS Television City and the CBS Studio Center in Los Angeles.

CBS was originally an abbreviation for Columbia Broadcasting System, its former legal name that was used from 1928 to 1974. CBS is also sometimes referred to as the Eye Network, in reference to the company's trademark symbol, in use since 1951. It has also been called the Tiffany Network, alluding to the perceived high quality of its programming during the tenure of William S. Paley. It can also refer to some of CBS's first demonstrations of color television, which were held in the former Tiffany and Company Building in New York City in 1950.

How to watch CBS live in the US

CBS homepage. Photo: Screenshot
CBS homepage. Photo: Screenshot

If you're in the USA, it couldn't be easier to watch CBS live.

If you pay for cable, Paramount Plus, or another OTT subscription package that includes CBS, you can simply turn over to the channel on your TV or open up the app. If you're on a mobile device, all you need to do is open up your streaming provider's app and get watching.

If you haven't got a TV package that includes CBS and want more than Paramount Plus can offer, we recommend checking out FuboTV. For $64.99 a month it's a worthy cable-replacement service, and you'll get CBS alongside tons of other essential networks and excellent sports coverage.

FuboTV also offers a 7-day free trial so you can test out the service without commitment, letting you effectively watch CBS live for free.

However, if you're wondering how to watch Meghan and Harry, it couldn't be easier – all you've got to do is head over to the CBS website, and it's available for FREE to anyone in the US.

How to watch CBS live abroad

Things are a little different when you're outside the US.

While viewers in America have a great range of providers that can access CBS, if you're out of the country or live elsewhere there's not a lot of choice.

If you already have cable, Paramount Plus, or an OTT provider like FuboTV and you're out of the US, the most efficient way of getting access is to use the best VPN to change your location. All you need to do is select a US VPN server, then head over to the your streaming provider's site as if you were back home. Then sign in with your details, and get watching.

Our top recommendation is ExpressVPN, thanks to its super simple yet powerful apps, excellent unblocking power, and a great number of server locations worldwide.

Quick Guide: 3 Steps to Watch CBS From Anywhere in 2021

  1. Get a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN for its super-fast servers that allow you to stream in Ultra HD without lags. Luckily, you can try ExpressVPN for yourself as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. Connect to a US server. ExpressVPN has a vast network of speedy servers in the US, so you’ll never run into slowdowns that ruin your CBS streams.
  3. Start watching CBS Live! Log into your CBS account online or through its app and start watching the shows you pay good money for, even when you’re on a blocked IP.

How a VPN Can Help You Watch CBS

You can only access your CBS account if you’re in Canada, Australia, or the US because of regional licensing agreements. If you’re travelling outside CBS’s coverage area and not using a VPN, its advanced algorithm will prevent you from accessing the streaming service. That means that despite being a paying subscriber, you won’t be able to watch CBS if you ever travel abroad. Even when in the US, CBS can sometimes have issues recognizing your IP address and you might have issues accessing your account.

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and disguises your identity online by pushing your connection through a secure tunnel to one of its private servers. This hides your real IP address and temporarily assigns you a new one based on the server you’re connected to. By connecting to a US VPN server while traveling abroad, you can regain access to your paid CBS account and get full value for your streaming dollar.

However, not all VPNs are capable of bypassing geoblocks set up by CBS and other streaming services. If you want a fast connection, I recommend you get ExpressVPN for its lightning-fast speeds and 30+ servers. ExpressVPN will ensure you never have difficulties connecting to CBS and watching in HD quality.

Best VPN to watch CBS from anywhere in the world

1. ExpressVPN

Photo: VPNRanks
Photo: VPNRanks

ExpressVPN’s speeds are super-fast. I tested 5 of its US servers and got an average of 56 Mbps. It only takes 5 Mbps to stream CBS shows in HD, so this means you can rely on your VPN to watch your favorite movies and shows on CBS with zero lag.

ExpressVPN has an extensive US server network, making it easy to bypass geoblocks. All of the servers I tested gave me instant access to CBS. This means that no matter where you are, you will always be able to watch CBS shows.

The MediaStreamer allows you to connect any device with WiFi to a VPN. I tested this feature on my Xbox and SmartTV. It only took me a few minutes to set it up by following the guide it provides and I had full access to CBS’s library.

The only disadvantage of ExpressVPN is that it might be a little pricey. However, you can take advantage of its 49% discount to make it more affordable.

If you aren’t sure yet, you can also use its 30-day money-back guarantee. After 26 days of using ExpressVPN, I reached out to customer support to ask for a refund. The process was surprisingly easy – the live chat agent approved my request and I had my money back on my account in 6 days.

2. CyberGhost

Photo: VPNRanks
Photo: VPNRanks

CyberGhost comes preloaded with streaming servers optimized specifically for watching buffer-free TV on CBS. Just click the arrow button to open the server menu, and select “For Streaming.” Then find the CBS server and double-click to connect instantly. It unblocked my paid CBS account right away, and I got reliably lag-free video watching my favorite shows like Clarice and All Rise.

It’s common for VPN providers to have different interfaces, features, and protocols across other platforms, but CyberGhost ensures that the quality of service across all platforms is the same. During my tests I found its easy-to-use interface is intuitive to navigate across all its apps, even if you’re a new VPN user. This is just as true on PC or mobile as it is on tablets, smart TVs, streaming boxes, and other devices. You can even install it on your router (which protects all the devices on your home network).

You can try CyberGhost with CBS risk-free for 45 days with its money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, you can unsubscribe and ask for a refund as long as it’s still during the refund period. After I tested CyberGhost for 15 days, I canceled my subscription and asked for a refund using the 24/7 live chat. The representative processed my refund request with no questions, and I got my money within 5 days.

How to sign up to CBS outside the US

If you're a US resident (or at least have a US credit card), you can sign up to Paramount Plus or any OTT provider that carries CBS wherever you are in the world.

All you need to do is sign up to ExpressVPN, change your location to the US, and head over to the provider's website as usual. Then input your US credit card details and get watching!

However, if you don't have a US credit card, unfortunately you won't be able to get access to CBS this way, even if you use a VPN to change your location.

The good news is that football fans anywhere can catch the big one for FREE this Sunday. All you need to do is connect your VPN to a US server and head over to the CBS Sports website. It's also worth noting that it will be available for free in the UK on the BBC, so you've got a good choice wherever you are.

Best streaming services to watch CBS

CBS Homepage. Photo: Screenshot
CBS Homepage. Photo: Screenshot

As we’ve mentioned at the start of this guide, CBS is available on multiple streaming platforms. Let’s take a look at the best options.

Paramount+

Starting at $6 per month, this is the cheapest way to stream CBS. Besides CBS, you can also enjoy a wide range of on-demand shows. It’s an excellent option for those who want to enjoy shows and other content from Smithsonian Channel, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, and BET.

You also get the option of streaming two different shows on separate devices. So if your children want to watch a cartoon, and you’re eager to enjoy your favorite show, there are no issues. You can enjoy simultaneous streams in your household.

Find the best VPNs for using multiple devices in your home. With the right option, you’ll be able to use one app on your phone, computer, TV, router running different operating systems.

If you want to use the platform without commercials, it’ll run you $9.99 per month. That’ll unlock the download feature, allowing you to enjoy content while you’re offline.

Hulu

Hulu is a popular streaming platform that packs plenty of on-demand content. However, it’s also possible to subscribe to a plan that adds live TV.

That’s the perfect way to enjoy CBS alongside more than 60 other channels, some of which include ESPN, ESPN2, CNN, History channels, Bravo, FS1, FS2, and many more.

You can enjoy all this content with the Hulu app. It’s available for Roku, Google Chromecast, Apple TV, Fire TV Stick, and iOS.

If you’re using Hulu outside of the US, here are some great VPNs that work with this platform like a charm.

The critical thing to mention is the price, which comes in at $64.99 per month, and includes the on-demand library.

If you’re interested in trying it out, you can do it with a 7-day trial.

fuboTV

Are you in an area where you can get a fuboTV subscription? It’s a viable option for watching CBS and CBS Sports Network. You can enjoy local CBS, ABC, and NBC stations.

Fubo family bundle is a great option that includes over 120 different channels. Some of them include Travel Channel, History, Bravo, TNT, CNN, and many more. The list of available channels will depend on your location.

Like Hulu, the platform’s price is $64.99 per month. You can also enjoy content on numerous devices. The platform also supports 4K for some sporting events.

Choosing the right platform largely depends on your needs. If you’re looking for the cheapest solution, watch CBS, subscribing to Paramount+ is the best option.

But if you want to enjoy more live TV channels, Hulu and fuboTV offer much more, but at a much steeper price.

Whatever choice you make, ensure that you’re using the best VPN for streaming. Opt for one that packs plenty of speed and reliability.

Where can I stream CBS online?

If you subscribe to CBS services, you can connect directly through the CBS website (CBS online) or the Paramount+ app (the rebranded CBS all access app) from Canada, Australia, or the US.

However, if you’re traveling outside the service area and still want to watch CBS online with your account, you can watch CBS on the CBS website and the Paramount+ app. CBS is also available through Hulu and YouTube TV. To access any of these services you’ll need a quality VPN to log into your paid account and watch your favorite CBS shows. I would recommend ExpressVPN for its fast speeds that allow you to stream online in ultra HD.

Can I watch CBS on TV without a cable subscription?

Yes, you can! All you have to do is download the CBS app for Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, Playstation, or Xbox from the US app store. This means you will have to use a VPN and set your app store location to the US. Now you can download the CBS app and start watching CBS on the big screen!

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