How to watch Showtime Online from anywhere with a VPN

Unfortunately, Showtime is only available to viewers in the US. So if you’re trying to catch up with all your favorite content while traveling abroad, you might struggle to access it. Luckily, it’s easy enough to overcome this problem by using a VPN to gain a US IP address.

Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN protects your privacy and gives you an added level of security online. It can also spoof your location, making it seem like you’re accessing the web from a location outside your current city. This way, you can access content from your home streaming services while traveling outside of the US. In this article, we’ll teach you how to use a VPN to watch showtime online from anywhere in the world.

We’ll go into more detail on each of the VPNs that made our list for unlocking Showtime and answer some common VPN questions. But here’s a summary in case you are short of time:

1. NordVPN Our top choice for watching Showtime abroad. Fastest speeds in our tests. This provider has a huge server network with plenty of servers in the US. 30-day money-back guarantee has you covered.
2. Surfshark Best budget provider. Secure, reliable VPN with a growing network of servers. Great at unlocking and doesn’t impose connection limits.
3. ExpressVPN A large network of fast servers geared for high-quality streaming. Easy to use apps are secure and have good privacy features.
4. CyberGhost Budget provider with fast servers and easy-to-use apps that are great for beginners.
5. IPVanish App works well with Kodi and Fire TV Stick. Good speeds and solid security.
6. Private Internet Access: Servers in around 80 countries. No bandwidth throttling.
7. Zenmate Unblocks Showtime and other popular streaming sites. Good privacy and security features, but streaming speeds can be inconsistent.

How to watch Showtime abroad with a VPN

Signing up for and using a VPN is perfectly legal. Millions of people around the world access the web with a VPN, and they’re not breaking any laws by doing so. It’s easy and simple to do, just follow this step-by-step guide below to set up your quality VPN and start streaming Showtime.

Here’s how to watch Showtime online from anywhere:

1. Settle on a VPN provider that’s suitable for streaming Showtime abroad. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Log in and download the appropriate software for your device from the provider’s website.
3. Clear the cookies in your web browser and restart your device.
4. Open the VPN app and select a server in the US, this will gain you the US IP address you need to watch Showtime.
5. Visit the Showtime website, and all the content should now be accessible!

Best VPNs for Showtime – 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 Showtime.

The best VPNs that can access Showtime abroad

In this section, we’ll take you through a list of what we consider the best VPNs that work with Showtime. In order to make our list the VPNs had to meet the following criteria:

• Speed and stability of service
• Large number of server locations in the US
• Strong encryption standards
• Ability to unblock geographically-restricted content
• Apps for Android and iOS
• Ease of use

You can read more about how we test and rank our VPNs below but for now, let’s take a closer look at the providers that made our list.

Here are the best VPNs to help you watch Showtime online:

1. NordVPN

May 2023 Unblocks ShowtimeTested May 2023

NordVPN is our top choice for a Showtime VPN. It has brilliant security and privacy features and outperforms all competitors in our speed test, making it ideal for streaming. The company operates a colossal 5,400+ servers in around 60 countries. The US alone houses over 1,900. It’s also possible to pick a server specifically for video streaming because Nord is one of the few providers that allows users to choose servers based specifically on what they’d like to do on the web.

NordVPN adheres to a zero-logs policy. No usage data of any sort is retained on servers. This policy has helped it avoid complying with official government requests to hand over user data. In one case, authorities physically confiscated servers, but there wasn’t any incriminating information that could help identify users.

Its encryption standards are considered to be among the best in the business. The company deploys the 256-bit AES protocol by default coupled with 2,048-bit SSL keys. DNS leak protection is enabled by default. Apps are available for both Android and iOS, as well as desktop support for Linux, Windows, and macOS.

BEST VPN FOR SHOWTIME:NordVPN is our top choice. It pegs amazing speeds and works well with US Streaming content. Boasts solid security and privacy features and accommodates up to 6 devices. Includes 30-day money-back guarantee for a risk-free deal.

Here’s our full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

Unblocks ShowtimeTested May 2023

Surfshark is a great budget alternative that doesn’t compromise on quality. It has been ramping up its server network and now offers more than 3,200 servers in over 100 countries. It easily accesses sites like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, so Showtime will be an easy match. A special NoBorders mode means this VPN even works in China.

Even though it’s a low-cost VPN, Surfshark offers a suite of security features that surpasses any of its higher-priced rivals. To start, you get 256-bit encryption coupled with perfect forward secrecy. There’s also a kill switch in all apps and protection, so your private data can never escape the encrypted tunnel. Extras include a double VPN option and automatic wifi protection.

Unlike most providers, Surfshark doesn’t limit the number of connections you can have, so you can use the VPN on all of your devices at once. You can download apps for Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a solid low-cost alternative. It doesn’t limit your connections and works with a ton of streaming sites. Security and privacy are strong, and no logs are maintained. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Unblocks ShowtimeTested May 2023

ExpressVPN is a reliable provider that offers fast speeds, strong security, and a wide network of global servers. It operates over 3,000 servers spread across 94 countries, including plenty of servers in the US that can access Showtime. ExpressVPN also works to access other popular streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer.

Encryption standards are stringent. The provider utilizes 256-bit AES-CBC as its default encryption protocol, as well as both HMAC authentication and perfect forward secrecy. There’s an internet kill switch included, which the company refers to as a ‘network lock.’ This feature will temporarily halt all web traffic if the connection drops. ExpressVPN doesn’t keep any user-identifying logs.

There are apps for both Android and iOS which makes uninterrupted streaming of Showtime possible on a handheld device. Desktop clients for Windows, Linux, and MacOS are also available.

GREAT FOR STREAMING VPN:ExpressVPN is a solid option. It’s a fast and reliable choice that works with Showtime as well as major streaming sites, including Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime. Great security and privacy features and keeps no logs. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Here’s our full review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

Unblocks ShowtimeTested May 2023

CyberGhost is a beginner-friendly VPN provider that nevertheless provides excellent service and features. It offers a vast network of global servers that currently number more than 9000, spread across 90+ countries with over 1450 in the US. So you’ll have no problems accessing Showtime. It also works reliably with many other popular streaming sites.

As for encryption standards, CyberGhost Pro uses 256-bit AES encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default along with 2,048-bit RSA keys and MD5 HMAC authentication. These are considered stringent, so no worries on this front. There’s an internet kill switch included, too.

The company says it doesn’t log user behavior and browsing habits, so that should allay concerns related to privacy and security. It’s also headquartered in Romania so there aren’t any mandatory data retention laws to speak of. We haven’t noticed any complaints either.

Apps are available for both Android and iOS as well as desktop clients for Windows and MacOS.

BEGINNERS' CHOICE:CyberGhost is easy to use. Fast and reliable connections with a good range of servers. Great privacy with zero logs and DNS leak protection. A vast network of global servers. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

5. IPVanish

Unblocks ShowtimeTested May 2023

IPVanish is a speedy VPN and a world-class product with brilliant features and hardy encryption protocols. It is headquartered in the US – which might make some users skittish about privacy issues – but there’s an internal policy of not storing any data at all. This means no metadata pertaining to timestamps, server preferences, or bandwidth used.

The service streams HD video without any problems, making it a decent choice to unblock Showtime. There are 2,000+ servers spread across the globe, with an impressive 1300 in North America.

Encryption standards are top-tier. IPVanish uses 256-bit encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default, SHA512 authentication, and a DHE-RSA 2,048-bit key exchange with perfect forward secrecy. The latter feature is a neat piece of engineering whereby past browsing sessions remain encrypted even in the unlikely scenario of a hack. An internet kill switch is also included with all packages. Users will be pleased with the fact that it’s able to unlock content on BBC iPlayer too.

There are apps for both iOS and Android, as well as desktop programs for Windows and macOS. Many users find it an excellent option for Kodi because it allows them to download the Android APK directly to their device. The interface is also remote-control friendly for Kodi devices that lack a keyboard and mouse.

FAST AND RELIABLE:IPVanish has a large network of servers. An uncongested network achieves good speeds. Strong security and privacy features. Could do with having live customer support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

6. Private Internet Access

Unblocks ShowtimeTested May 2023

Private Internet Access has servers in 50+ US locations. This means plenty of IP addresses for unblocking Showtime online from abroad. We’ve also successfully used this VPN to securely access our home Netflix US library while traveling abroad.

Averaging 68 Mbps in our tests, PIA includes unlimited bandwidth. As such, you’re unlikely to have to contend with lag or buffering, even when streaming in high resolution. When you connect to a PIA server, your data is 256-bit AES encrypted. There’s also DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and this VPN doesn’t keep any identifying logs. As such, you’ll be able to browse and stream safely in the knowledge that you’re protected from hackers and snoopers alike. With your PIA account, you can connect as many as 10 devices simultaneously (most VPNs only allow a handful at best).

You can use Private Internet Access on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions can also be downloaded, although manual setup is needed to use PIA with compatible wireless routers.

SECURE 10 DEVICES:Private Internet Access has plenty of US servers for accessing Showtime. Also worked with Netflix US in testing. Unlimited bandwidth, 10 simultaneous connections, and a no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

7. Zenmate

Unblocks ShowtimeTested May 2023

Zenmate is best known for its free Chrome VPN extension, but there’s also an option to upgrade to a paid package that offers a larger selection of servers and stringent encryption. Premium packages offer a handy 4,800+ global servers in over 81 countries, with 60+ in the US.

We found the service to be a bit mixed, however. It performed well on browsing and video streaming tests, but there were a bunch of DNS leaks. That’s disconcerting, especially if you’re examining from a privacy angle. Make use of the 7-day free trial, so you can test it out and see if it works for you.

Encryption standards for the paid packages are adequate. It uses 128-bit AES encryption in conjunction with 2,048-bit RSA keys and SHA 256 for authentication. An internet kill switch is included.

Apps are available for both Android and iOS as well as a desktop client for Windows and MacOS. And it works with most popular streaming sites such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and Showtime.

EASY SET UP:Zenmate is easy to install. Great for Showtime and even accesses Netflix in most regions. Not the fastest choice on this list. 7-day free-trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Zenmate.

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Methodology: how we find the most suitable VPNs to watch Showtime from anywhere

Selecting the most suitable VPNs for Showtime is more complex than picking the VPN that looks good from user reviews. There are several factors to consider, such as:

1. Server network and unblocking: We looked for providers that had plenty of US servers. The larger the server network, the more likely you will find a server that can unblock Showtime.
2. Speed and reliability: A VPN won’t do you much good if it’s too slow to stream movies or TV shows or if it frequently disconnects. We run several speed tests to ensure you get the best speeds possible with your chosen VPN.
3. Logging policy: Many VPNs claim not to log user data, but there’s no way to verify these claims. The only way to be sure is to check the logging policy of the VPN provider before signing up.
4. Price: Some VPNs are more expensive than others, but we look for ones that offer good value for money, multiple simultaneous connections, free trials, and a money-back guarantee. 

To find the best VPNs for Showtime, we looked at all the factors mentioned above and compiled a list of the VPNs that scored well on all fronts. Why not check out our testing methodology for more details?

Should I use a free VPN to unblock Showtime?

There’s an overwhelming number of free VPNs available. They may seem like a good option at the outset because there’s usually no credit card required at signup. However, we must warn you that you’ll probably receive a mere fraction of the same experience that paid options offer.

Free VPNs don’t offer the same kind of expansive server networks, robust encryption protocols, or unlimited bandwidth that are hallmarks of paid services. Weak encryption standards mean your connection won’t be stable at all times, and bandwidth caps will definitely result in slow video streaming with noticeably inferior quality.

It’s important to remember that free VPN services aren’t charities, they have to make money in order to pay for server maintenance, salaries, and other overheads. What’s the likely route of monetization? Unsuspecting users.

That’s the precise reason behind all the deluge of invasive advertisements that flood your screen every time you log onto a free VPN. In some cases, free VPN services have also tracked user data and sold it for a profit. You’re putting your machine at a real risk of a malware infection too. That’s why we think it’s in your best interest to skip them.

Some VPNs to avoid

Other than the generic advice to avoid free VPN services, there are also a few specific providers out there that we think you should stay away from. That’s because we believe VPN providers have a moral and ethical responsibility to safeguard your data at all costs. When that trust is violated, we think it’s a red flag. After all, a major reason for signing up for a VPN is to maintain anonymity on the web.

Here are two companies that haven’t kept user interests at the core of their philosophy:

1. HolaVPN

Israel-based Hola had a well-known peer-to-peer VPN extension for Chrome. At one point, it boasted a user base of almost 50 million. Unfortunately, it deployed the machines it was installed on as pawns in a massive botnet army.

What this meant was that a part of Hola users’ individual bandwidth was used to engage in things like Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, promoting pirated content, and distributing pornography. And that’s without any user consent whatsoever.

2. PureVPN

The media reported that a cyberstalking suspect was arrested after well-known VPN provider PureVPN handed over user details to law enforcement agencies. The company has a no-logging policy but that didn’t prevent it from collaborating with the FBI in order to identify Massachusetts resident Ryan Lin, believed to be stalking an unnamed 24-year-old woman.

Ryan, who shared a flat with the victim, was accused of hacking into her Apple iCloud and Google Drive accounts, downloading personal data, and using the information to blackmail her. He signed up for a VPN, thinking that it would cover his tracks and make him untraceable for law enforcement authorities.

At Comparitech, we certainly don’t condone using a VPN to flout laws or engage in egregious behavior. But we maintain that VPN providers need to be open and transparent with users. You can’t claim one thing and do another.

How to watch Showtime on any device

Other than PCs, Macbooks, iOS, and Android, Showtime is also compatible with the following devices:

1. Roku
2. Playstation Vue
3. Amazon FireTV
4. AndroidTV
5. XboxOne

These devices don’t support VPN apps by default, hence there’s no native software that you can install and get the job done. To overcome this problem, we recommend leveraging the VPN on a virtual router. This is possible because most PCs that can connect to wifi are also capable of transmitting their own wifi signals – similar to how smartphones set up mobile wifi hotspots.

Read our tutorials on how to set up a VPN on a virtual router – for Windows and Mac devices.

You can also set up a VPN on a physical router if the firmware supports it. One such firmware is DD-WRT, a free and open-source option that works on a wide range of router models. Learn more about DD-WRT and the best VPNs for it here.

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How to watch Showtime online: FAQs