Paramount Plus is a popular streaming service owned by CBS. Unfortunately, the Canadian version lacks content that many sports fans want. If you try to watch US Paramount Plus in Canada, you’ll encounter geo-restrictions due to regional licensing agreements. The good news? A VPN lets you get a US IP address to sign up for and watch Paramount+ USA in Canada.
The caveat? Paramount Plus actively blocks many VPNs. That means you’ll need one of the best VPNs for streaming. Below, I explain why a VPN is required and how to choose one that lets you access all of the perks of the US version of the platform. This includes streaming MMA without UFC Pay-Per-View (PPV) fees, watching the latest shows as soon as they’re released, and more.
How to watch Paramount Plus USA in Canada with a VPN
I realize that choosing between VPNs can give you a headache, and don’t worry, we were all beginners at one time. To help you out, I tested the market and included the most affordable and best-featured VPNs in this guide.
In practice, it is easy to watch US Paramount Plus from Canada. You just need a VPN with reliable US servers that actually work.
Here are the steps to set up your VPN for US Paramount Plus:
- Choose a reliable Paramount Plus VPN. My top pick for Paramount Plus USA is NordVPN. It offers fast US servers, strong security features, and reliable streaming performance for live sports. Surfshark is a solid lower-cost alternative, while TotalVPN (included with TotalAV) is a good option if you want Paramount Plus access bundled with basic antivirus protection.
- Sign up for your preferred VPN. You can get a discount by using the links above. Each VPN also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, which lets you test the service risk-free and get a refund if it doesn’t work for you.
- Install the VPN app. The VPNs listed above support Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Fire TV devices. This makes it easy to watch US Paramount Plus on your phone, tablet, laptop, or TV.
- Connect to a US VPN server. To unblock Paramount Plus USA, you need a valid US IP address. Connecting to a US server makes Paramount Plus think you’re streaming from inside the United States. That means you can stream your US account while in Canada, whether you live there or are visiting.
- Open Paramount Plus and start streaming. Once connected, launch Paramount Plus and sign in to your US account. Everything should be available despite being in Canada, giving you full access to the US Paramount Plus library, including live sports and UFC events without PPV fees.
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Why do I need a VPN for Paramount+ in Canada?
The main reason Canadians use a VPN for Paramount+ USA is access to more content. The Paramount Plus US library is significantly larger and includes premium live sports that are unavailable in Canada. This includes NFL games, the Super Bowl, and Champions League (UCL) coverage.
Most importantly for MMA fans, the US Paramount Plus price includes access to every UFC event without PPV fees. This makes it a much better value than the Canadian stream.
A VPN lets you bypass geo-restrictions that prevent Canadian IP addresses from accessing US-only streams. When you connect to a US server, Paramount+ detects your US location, allowing you to sign up for the US version. As a result, you can watch sports on Paramount Plus as if they were in the US.
The main caveat is that not all VPNs work to bypass streaming blocks. Streaming services like US Paramount+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max are aware that VPNs exist. That’s why they spend time, effort, and money on blocking VPN IPs. The result? Only a few VPNs work to watch Paramount Plus USA in Canada.
In a different country? Read our guide to watching Paramount in the UK or accessing the platform in Australia.
The best VPNs for Paramount Plus US in Canada
Want to compare all the best options? Below is a list of VPNs I’ve tested in real-world conditions. These VPNs work for streaming US Paramount Plus from anywhere: at work, on vacation, while traveling, on public wifi, or even on restricted school networks.
- NordVPN — Best overall VPN for Paramount Plus USA. Works reliably to unblock US Paramount Plus in Canada, with fast US servers for live sports and UFC streaming without buffering. Extremely secure and fully featured, ideal to stream privately at work.TIP: In my testing, NordVPN’s Basic plan works consistently with Paramount Plus USA. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
- Surfshark — Best budget VPN for Paramount Plus in Canada. A strong low-cost option if you want access to the US Paramount Plus library without paying premium prices. Supports unlimited devices and has solid US coverage.
- TotalVPN — Best value VPN bundle for Paramount Plus. A good choice if you want Paramount Plus USA access combined with basic antivirus protection in one affordable package.
- Proton VPN — Best for privacy-focused Paramount Plus users. Ideal for advanced users. Proton VPN offers audited apps, a strong no-logs reputation, cutting-edge features, and reliable US servers for streaming Paramount Plus.
- ExpressVPN — Best premium VPN for Paramount Plus performance. A solid option if you want consistently fast US connections for live sports and are happy to pay more for stability and ease of use.
- IPVanish — Best for advanced app controls. Offers extensive US server coverage and granular settings, making it a good fit for users who like more control while streaming Paramount Plus USA.
- CyberGhost — Best Paramount Plus VPN for beginners. Features easy-to-use apps and clearly labeled US streaming servers, making it simple to unblock Paramount Plus in Canada.
- PureVPN — Good option for restrictive networks. Includes features designed to cope with tougher network conditions, which can help when Paramount Plus blocks standard VPN connections.
- PrivateVPN — Best lightweight VPN. A straightforward option for users who want access to US Paramount Plus, with port forwarding for torrenting.
Why does Paramount Plus block some VPNs?
Content licensing agreements, such as those with the UFC and other copyright holders, require Paramount Plus to enforce regional blocks. To do this, the platform monitors each visitor’s IP address and serves content based on what has been licensed for that country.
That’s why content is blocked, even if you’re a US Paramount Plus subscriber on vacation. You may have the correct account to watch UFC or other US-only content while in Canada, but you still need to connect to a US VPN server to make it work.
The issue is that Paramount Plus knows VPNs exist. To stop users from bypassing these rules, it actively blocks as many VPNs as possible. The result? Only a few VPNs still work. This isn’t because Paramount Plus is selectively allowing some VPNs and blocking others. It wants to block them all, but it can’t.
The VPNs that still work with Paramount Plus rotate IP addresses regularly and maintain US servers specifically optimized for streaming. That’s the difference between a VPN that “claims” to unblock Paramount Plus and one that actually works in practice.
Troubleshooting steps
If you’ve connected to a VPN but still can’t log in or stream on Paramount Plus, I’ve got you covered. This is one of the most common issues people run into, but it is easy to fix. If your VPN isn’t working properly, Paramount Plus will usually display one of these error messages:
- “Paramount+ is not available in your region.”
- “We’re having trouble playing this video. Please disable your VPN or proxy and try again.”
- “Your device appears to be using a proxy or unblocker.”
- “Something went wrong. Error Code: 3005 / 3205” (often tied to location checks)
If you see one of these errors, it probably means the VPN server you’re connected to is blocked. That’s why I spent days testing VPNs to find services that still work in 2026.
I also recommend taking VPN claims with a pinch of salt. Dozens of inferior VPNs claim to be the best for streaming and to be the “fastest VPN”, but this is just aggressive marketing. Only a handful actually work consistently with US platforms.
If you’re using a VPN I recommended above, the steps below will help iron out any remaining issues. Using a different provider? You can try my tips, but if they don’t work, it likely means your VPN has already been blocked, so you’ll need to switch.
Already using a recommended VPN? Use these steps:
- Use the Paramount Plus website instead of the app. The Paramount Plus app can rely on extra location signals beyond your IP address. Streaming directly through your browser often avoids those checks and works more reliably with a VPN.
- Clear your browser cookies and cache. Saved location data from previous sessions can clash with your VPN connection. Clearing cookies forces Paramount Plus to re-check your location when you log back in.
- Restart and update your VPN app. Make sure you’re running the latest version of the VPN, then fully close and reopen the app before reconnecting to a US server.
- Restart your device. This helps reload network settings, loads VPN drivers properly, and ensures the VPN connection is applied across your entire system.
- Switch VPN protocols. If your VPN offers multiple protocols, I recommend using one that is better suited to streaming, such as WireGuard, NordLynx, or OpenVPN UDP. A protocol change can help fix playback errors, and will reduce buffering.
- Try a different US server location. Some US servers get blocked faster than others. Switching cities is the easiest way to regain access to US Paramount Plus.
- Contact VPN support. All the VPNs listed in this guide offer live chat. Support can usually tell you which US servers are currently working best with Paramount Plus.
Can I watch Paramount+ USA with a Canadian Paramount+ account?
No, and this is an important point that nearly every other VPN reviewer and news article gets wrong. When you use a VPN to change your Netflix region, for example, the catalog automatically updates to match that region. That’s what makes a VPN so easy to use with these services.
Paramount Plus USA is different. It is a walled garden, or, in other words, a completely separate service that you have to sign up for from within the United States.
For example, I saw another VPN review site stating:
“If you’re in Canada and want to access a US-exclusive Paramount Plus show, all you need to do is sign up for the service and then use a VPN to change your location to the USA. You’ll then have access to everything on offer.”
This is either a complete misunderstanding of how Paramount+ structures its subscriptions or outright misinformation intended to drive conversions. Either way, it’s incorrect.
To watch Paramount+ USA in Canada, you must overcome one more hurdle: payment. To get a valid US Paramount Plus subscription, the platform usually requires a US payment method. If you don’t have one, you have various options available.
Firstly, you could sign up for an online virtual card service. This will provide you with a US-registered Visa number, which means you can add enough cash to pay for Paramount+, then head over to the website and subscribe via your VPN.
Another option is to get a Paramount Plus gift card. This simple workaround allows Canadian users to sign up without a US credit card or PayPal account. You can buy a gift card for the US version of Paramount+ at stores like Walmart and Best Buy, and then use the code sent by email to set up the US account.
Finally, you can use a Visa or Mastercard gift card with enough funds loaded to pay for the subscription. These gift cards can be purchased online and loaded with the currency you require, in this case, US dollars.
Zip Code to pay for Paramount+ US in Canada
Once you have a valid payment method or gift card, you can connect to your VPN and pay for your US subscription. However, you’ll still need to enter a valid US ZIP code.
To help you out, I’ve included a few genuine US residential ZIP codes below. These work because they pass Paramount Plus’ basic location format checks.
- 10001 (New York, NY)
- 60601 (Chicago, IL)
- 73301 (Austin, TX)
- 30301 (Atlanta, GA)
- 85001 (Phoenix, AZ)
- 94105 (San Francisco, CA)
- 98101 (Seattle, WA)
- 33130 (Miami, FL)
- 77002 (Houston, TX)
- 20001 (Washington, DC)
What is the Canadian UFC Tax?
Canadian UFC fans have started a petition asking for the UFC and Paramount+ to make UFC available in Canada without PPV fees. Canadian UFC fans are referring to the situation as the “Canadian UFC Tax.”
Unfortunately, this petition is unlikely to change anything this year. The home for UFC in Canada is Sportsnet 360 and TSN, and that broadcast deal runs until 2027. That means Canadian UFC fans will need to fork out for numbered UFC events for at least one or two more years.
Paramount Plus USA vs Canada content
Wondering whether you need a VPN to access Paramount Plus USA from Canada? Many people will find that Paramount Plus Canada has everything they need. However, sports fans and viewers who care about CBS programming may prefer to switch.
Below, I’ve brought together a list of everything you get with the US Paramount Plus library.
Live sports (this is the biggest difference)
If you’re a sports fan, switching to the US version can save money on live sports while giving you better coverage. On Paramount Plus USA, you get:
- NFL games, including AFC matchups
- Super Bowl streaming in supported years
- Champions League (UCL) and Europa League football
- Every UFC event without PPV fees (included with the US subscription)
CBS network shows (next-day streaming)
The US version usually offers faster, more complete access to CBS programming. This includes shows like:
- Survivor
- NCIS
- FBI
- The Amazing Race
In Canada, these shows might be split across different platforms. This is because Paramount can make more money by licensing shows first, and then adding them to Paramount Plus Canada later. Cheeky, but sadly part of how international streaming deals work.
Movies and third-party shows
The US Paramount Plus library tends to benefit from stronger licensing deals. This means you get:
- Additional blockbuster movies
- Earlier access to new releases
- Fewer gaps caused by regional rights issues
Can I use a free VPN?
No. While there are a few free VPNs I can recommend for privacy purposes (like protecting yourself on public wifi, avoiding tracking, or limiting ISP data collection), they won’t work to watch Paramount Plus USA.
Paramount Plus blocks VPN connections to enforce regional licensing rules. And because free VPNs have fewer servers, they are always the first to lose access.
Even free plans from well-known providers won’t help. Services like Proton VPN or Hotspot Shield reserve streaming-capable VPN servers for paying customers. This creates concrete reasons for free users to upgrade, which is what they want.
If you’re looking for a way to watch Paramount Plus for free, the best option is to use a VPN with a money-back guarantee. All of the VPNs I recommend offer a 30-day refund window, which is perfect if you’re in Canada temporarily and want to regain access to your US Paramount Plus account without committing long-term.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Paramount Plus officially available?
Paramount Plus operates in multiple countries, but the US and Canadian versions are separate services with different content libraries. If you’re in Canada and want access to the US Paramount Plus library, you need to connect through a US server.
Can I watch UFC on Paramount Plus USA while in Canada?
Yes. Once you’re connected to a US server and signed in to a US Paramount Plus account, UFC events stream normally without PPV charges, just as they do inside the United States.
Can I watch Paramount Plus USA on Roku in Canada?
Yes, but Roku devices don’t support VPN apps directly. To make it work, you need to connect your Roku to a VPN-enabled router or a VPN-protected wifi hotspot. Some VPNs also offer Smart DNS, which works well on Roku.
