Turner Classic Movies (TCM) has established itself as a premier destination for classic film enthusiasts. Predominantly featuring films from the 80s and earlier, with occasional newer releases, TCM offers a curated selection for discerning viewers. For those residing in the US with a cable subscription, accessing TCM’s online platform, Watch TCM, is straightforward. However, geographical restrictions limit access to the channel outside the US. This is where Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) come into play.
A VPN allows users to route their internet connection through a chosen server, effectively encrypting their online activities. Given the wide range of servers that leading VPNs maintain globally, including in the US, they provide a solution to the challenge of geo-locked content. This ensures that viewers can access TCM and other region-specific channels like BBC iPlayer or Comedy Central from various locations worldwide. While many VPNs are available, their efficacy varies.
In this article, we comprehensively analyze VPNs optimized for TCM access. For readers seeking a concise overview, a summary is available below.
Best VPNs for TCM:
- NordVPN The top VPN for TCM. Huge network of servers is great for accessing most geo-blocked streaming content. Superfast speeds and excellent privacy and security. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for TCM. - Surfshark Best budget option. Enables access to TCM and a ton of other sites. Doesn’t impose a connection limit. Strong security standards.
- ExpressVPN Unblocks TCM and most of the popular streaming networks from almost anywhere. Great streaming speeds, top-notch privacy and security, and easy-to-use apps.
- CyberGhost Beginner-friendly network provider with some of the best streaming speeds we have come across. Easy-to-use apps.
- PrivateVPN A privacy-first provider with a small yet growing network. The servers are fast and great for streaming.
- IPVanish Reliable connections and good streaming speeds. Unblocks TCM and lets you secure all of your devices at once.
- Private Internet Access WireGuard support, app kill switch, and adjustable encryption settings.
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Best VPNs for TCM – at a glance
We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for TCM.
| No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | PrivateVPN | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | ExpressVPN.com | Cyberghost.com | PrivateVPN.com | IPVanish.com | Ranking for TCM: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | US servers | 1970+ servers | 600+ servers | 17 cities | 1450+ servers | 12 cities | 17 cities | Avg Speed (US) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | Popular Sites Unblocked | 95% | 88% | 86% | 85% | 85% | 70% | Simultaneous Connections | 10 | Unlimited | 8 | 7 | 10 | Unlimited |
| Best deal (per month) | $3.09 Up to 69% off + 3 months FREE | $2.29 Save 85% on a 2 year Starter plan | $6.67 SAVE: 49% + 3 months free | $2.03 SAVE 84% on the 2 year plan | $2.00 Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free | $2.75 SAVE 78% on the 2 yr plan |
The best VPNs for TCM
The list of criteria we used to compile our list of VPNs is as follows:
- Successfully unblocks TCM
- Multiple US servers available
- Fast customer support
- Minimal to no logging of user data
- Fast connection speeds
- Strong security and encryption
You can read more about our testing process in the methodology section below, but for now, let’s take a closer look at the ones that made our list.
1. NordVPN
Apr 2024
Unblocks TCMTested Apr 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN tops our list as the MVP for TCM enthusiasts. With over 5,200 turbo-charged servers worldwide, including a whopping 2,000 in the US, you’re set for smooth streaming, be it TCM, Netflix, Hulu, or ABC. And with six simultaneous connections, your household can hop on the NordVPN bandwagon with a single subscription.
Safety first! NordVPN wraps your connection in robust 256-bit AES encryption. Add to that DNS leak protection and a fail-safe kill switch, and you’re in a digital fortress. For those who value privacy, NordVPN’s got your back with Bitcoin payments. Stuck? Dive into their extensive library of guides, tutorials, and FAQs. Or, if you prefer the human touch, their 24/7 live chat and email support are at your service.
Whether you’re Team Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, or Windows, NordVPN’s got an app ready for download. Browser buffs can also snag extensions for Chrome and Firefox. And for the tech-savvy, manual setup’s an option for devices without a native app.
Apps for Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, and Windows can be downloaded. Chrome and Firefox extensions are also provided. Manual configuration is possible for devices that don’t have a native app.
Pros:
- Extremely fast and reliable servers for HD streaming
- Almost 2,000 servers in the US
- Strong encryption and no logs make for top security and privacy
- Easy-to-use apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, and Android
- 24/7 live chat
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- The desktop app takes some getting used to
Our score:
BEST VPN FOR TCM:NordVPN is our first pick. Superfast servers that work reliably with TCM and most popular streaming sites. Connects up to 6 devices simultaneously. A 30-day money-back guarantee makes this a risk-free deal.
Here’s our full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark is a great budget-friendly provider that doesn’t skimp on features. It boasts a network of more than 3,200 servers in around 100 countries and the ability to securely access sites such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. This provider doesn’t impose a device limit, so you can stream TCM from anywhere at any time.
Security features are abundant, too, and include 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, leak protection, and automatic wifi protection. Surfshark operates with a strict no-logs policy.
Apps are available for Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. The VPN can be configured manually with select routers, and there are browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
Pros:
- Great for streaming
- Uses strong encryption
- Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
- Doesn’t keep logs
- Offer 24/7 support
Cons:
- Settings menu could be better organized
Our score:
BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is an excellent wallet-friendly alternative. It packs a ton of security features and is great for streaming. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of Surfshark.
3. ExpressVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN secures your connection while facilitating HD streaming. Dozens of locations in the US allow you to stream TCM as well as other services such as Amazon Prime Video. Five simultaneous connections are allowed per account.
This provider has strong security measures in place to protect its users. Traffic is encrypted using the 256-bit AES protocol, IPv6 leaks are blocked, and a kill switch is in place. The latter kills your internet connection in the event that the connection to a VPN server drops. ExpressVPN doesn’t log data that can be used to identify you.
ExpressVPN has native apps available for macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, and some routers. Chrome, Firefox, and Safari extensions can be downloaded and enable you to control the VPN app from your browser. For devices that don’t have native apps, ExpressVPN provides guides that let you manually configure a VPN connection without the need for an app. Live chat is available 24/7.
Pros:
- Works with plenty of US streaming services
- High-grade security features with good privacy protection
- Server speeds are perfect for HD streaming and fast downloads
- Easy-to-use apps for all major platforms
- Kill switch on the desktop if your connection drops
Cons:
- More pricey than other providers here, use coupon
- Streaming servers aren’t labeled
Our score:
GREAT FOR PRIVACY:ExpressVPN is a fast and reliable choice. Great at unblocking all major geo-restricted streaming services. Top privacy features and keeps no logs. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Here’s our review of ExpressVPN.
4. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost is an excellent option for fast streaming speeds and security. 1,450+ US servers are available, which allow you to stream TCM, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix from anywhere in the world. Up to seven simultaneous connections are allowed for multi-user convenience.
This provider has a no-logs policy in place, and connections are encrypted using the 256-bit AES standard. Furthermore, DNS and IPv6 leak protection and an automatic kill switch are in place to prevent your data from being leaked. Bitcoin payments are accepted, which means that payment information cannot be easily traced back to you.
CyberGhost offers a large number of guides, troubleshooting pages, and FAQs in order to assist users who need help, with 24/7 live chat support available to users who need more one-on-one assistance.
CyberGhost VPN can be downloaded on Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Manual configuration is possible with some routers.
Pros:
- Operates over 1,450 servers in various cities within the US, great for unblocking TCM abroad
- Keeps no user activity logs
- Impressive streaming speeds
- Apps are easy to install and use
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Doesn’t provide much control over advanced features
- Doesn’t work in China
Our score:
GREAT VALUE:CyberGhost is easy to use. A well priced solid performer. Good at unblocking TCM and even Amazon Prime. Comes with a 45-day money back guarantee.
Read our full review of CyberGhost.
5. PrivateVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN offers servers in 12 US cities and is a useful tool for securing your internet connection. It can securely access TCM and other services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. 10 simultaneous connections are allowed, allowing users to use all of their devices with just one subscription.
No logs are stored and 256-bit AES encryption secures your internet connection. IPv6 and DNS leak protection are standard. These measures increase the security of your connection by stopping data from being leaked to your ISP. Bitcoin payments are accepted, which helps to keep your transactions as anonymous as possible.
PrivateVPN provides customer support through its live chat service. Remote control support is offered to assist customers with troubleshooting and setup of the VPN. FAQs are freely available for users who still need some additional assistance.
Dedicated apps for Windows, iOS, MacOS, and Android are available. Manual configuration is possible with supported wireless routers and Linux systems.
Pros:
- Servers in 12 US cities achieve good streaming speeds for TCM
- A strong choice for streaming
- Swedish based provider with a strict no-logs policy
- Great set of security tools
Cons:
- Fewer servers than its rivals
- Live chat is not around the clock
Our score:
GREAT SPEED:PrivateVPN is a good family choice. Works with TCM and allows up to 10 devices on the same account. 30-day money back guarantee.
Read our full review of PrivateVPN.
6. IPVanish
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish provides access to more than 2,000 servers, with plenty in the US. This means that TCM can be accessed securely, along with other services like Comedy Central and Hulu which are geolocked to the US. This provider allows for any number of simultaneous connections, which certainly helps it stand out from the crowd.
256-bit AES encryption secures your connection when using this service, and DNS leak protection is built in along with a killswitch. Bitcoin payments are accepted, which allows for secure payments which are virtually anonymous. 24/7 customer support is provided through an email form.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Fire TV, and Android, as well as some supported routers. Other routers and Chromebooks will require manual setup.
Pros:
- Plenty of US servers to unblock TCM at HD speeds
- Works well with Kodi devices
- No-logs policy
Cons:
- Struggles with some streaming services
- Doesn’t accept Bitcoin
Our score:
NO DEVICE LIMIT:IPVanish is great for families and multiple connections. Works with TCM but not as many streaming services as rivals higher on this list. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of IPVanish.
7. Private Internet Access
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Private Internet Access offers thousands of servers that span over 80 countries, making it a great VPN for TCM. Furthermore, PIA uses the WireGuard protocol, which makes it ideal for streaming movies and TV shows with ultrafast speeds without interruption from buffering.
PIA has a solid set of security features, with a no-logs policy, an app kill switch, ad-blocking tools, and military-grade encryption. While PIA is based in the US, a Five Eyes Alliance member, it has verified its logging practices time and time again.
It has apps available for desktop and mobile, and you can also install PIA on select routers. Help is available 24/7 via live chat support, and you can take it for a spin risk free for 30 days.
Pros:
- Operates over 10,000 servers in 80+ countries
- Supports WireGuard
- Customizable encryption level
Cons:
- Unblocking can be inconsistant
- Based in a Five Eyes country
Our score:
VAST SERVER NETWORK:Private Internet Access has servers in 80+ countries, supports WireGuard, and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Private Internet Access review.
How to watch TCM online abroad with a VPN
If you try to watch TCM outside of the US, you will be presented with a popup asking you to sign in with your TV service provider. But even if you have a subscription, you won’t be able to access the service unless you are in the US or have a US IP address.
Here’s how to watch TCM online abroad with a VPN:
- Sign up for a suitable VPN provider. We recommend NordVPN.
- Download the VPN app for your device.
- Select a server in the US (this will provide you with a US IP address).
- Sign in to TCM with your cable provider.
- You should now be able to watch all your favorite movies! If you’re still having issues, try clearing your cache and cookies and then refreshing the page.
Methodology: Identifying the best VPNs for TCM
Every VPN is different, both in terms of its capabilities and its performance. Some, for instance, just can’t access TCM outside of the US. Others might be able to, but lack the speeds required for uninterrupted streaming. With this in mind, we created a strict set of criteria that the top VPNs had to meet. You’ll find these below:
- US servers: Like many other streaming services, TCM checks your IP address to find your location. By using an American server, however, we can make it seem like we’re still in the US. Ideally, there’d be hundreds to choose from on both coasts since this minimizes the distance between you and your chosen server, improving stability.
- Streaming potential: Obviously, we need our top VPNs to work with TCM, but additional options are never a bad thing. That’s why we prioritized services that could securely access other US-only platforms like Sling TV, fuboTV, Hulu, and YouTube TV.
- Performance: You’ll need solid speeds and a reliable connection to stream without interruption. Luckily, we regularly run hundreds of speed tests, which means we’re uniquely well-prepared to say which VPNs are fastest at the moment.
- Security and privacy: To make sure you’re able to stream securely, we looked for providers with 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy. Naturally, we’d prefer to see even more advanced tools included, but this is a strong starting point.
- Usability: The more welcoming a VPN is to new users, the better. Our top VPNs for TCM all have multi-platform support, live chat-based customer support, and user-friendly apps. Some have even scrapped connection limits altogether, which is a huge step in the right direction.
We thoroughly test each VPN we recommend. We actually have a full post explaining how in case you’re interested in finding out more about our VPN testing process.
Streaming TCM abroad: FAQs
Will a free VPN work with TCM?
There are certainly plenty of free VPN services out there. However, we generally don’t recommend using them for a few reasons. Free VPNs sometimes carry malware and in many cases, are slow due to many individuals using the service at once. In addition, these services use unscrupulous practices in many cases to make money, such as keeping logs of your activity and placing ads in your browser.
Additionally, they usually have a smaller number of servers to choose from, and your data is typically capped. It’s definitely worth shelling out a few bucks a month to go with a reputable provider.
Can I watch TCM without cable?
If you’re trying to watch TCM online abroad but don’t have cable, not to worry. It’s also possible to watch TCM live without cable. You simply need a fuboTV, Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV account. Whichever service you use, you’ll get a free trial (usually one week long) if there is a specific movie coming up on TCM you’d like to watch.
What movies are available to watch on TCM?
While watching TCM, your movies will be uninterrupted by ads so you can enjoy them to the fullest. TCM will only run ads of their own products and services between movies. TCM offers classic titles such as:
- Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1932)
- The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)
- King & Country (1964)
- Eyes of Laura Mars (1978)
- He Knows You’re Alone (1980)
- Scenes From the Class Struggle in Beverly Hills (1989)
Is it illegal to use a VPN to watch TCM?
The good news is that it’s not illegal to use a VPN with any streaming service, let alone TCM. However, it likely goes against TCM’s Terms of Use which states you are not to use the service “if you are prohibited from receiving products, services, or software originating from the United States“.
It’s not clear what this constitutes. However, copyright restrictions on content would be a safe bet. This suggests TCM should not be accessed from abroad. However, it’s highly unlikely your account will be suspended for doing so.
Does TCM have a mobile app?
TCM offers a mobile app for iOS and Android. You can also use the TCM app on Apple TV, Roku, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV.
Why is a VPN necessary to watch TCM outside the US?
TCM, like many channels, has geographical restrictions in place due to licensing agreements. This means if you’re outside the US, you’re locked out. A VPN masks your real location, making it seem like you’re tuning in from the US. This gives you access to TCM’s classic films and ensures your online activities remain private and secure. So, to bypass these geo-blocks and enjoy uninterrupted streaming, a VPN is your golden ticket.