How to watch CTV in USA in 2024

CTV is Canada’s biggest private TV network hosting live channels online with a variety of world-renowned shows and movies on-demand. Unfortunately, this service is only available in its homeland of Canada and cannot be accessed from the outside. That is, if you don’t have a trusty VPN (Virtual Private Network) at your disposal.

Using a VPN for CTV helps you sidestep the issue altogether. In short, a VPN lets you connect to a server located in another country, which hides your true IP address. As a result, it effectively alters your virtual location and grants access to numerous websites and services that would otherwise be restricted due to geo-blocking.

In this article, we’ll show you how to watch CTV in the USA and beyond, what are the possible obstacles, and how to deal with them.

Best VPNs to stream CTV: shortlist

1. NordVPN

   The best VPN to watch CTV anywhere
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   CTV VPN for unlimited devices
   9.5

Why do you need a VPN to watch CTV in the US?

In a nutshell, CTV is a great free streaming service that can only be reached within Canada. If you're wondering how to watch CTV shows and movies in the US, then you won’t be surprised that CTV falls victim to pesky geo-blocking. Although this practice is often frowned upon, it’s a necessary evil due to copyright laws, broadcasting rights, and licensing agreements.

Even though signing up for CTV takes barely more than a minute, you'll still encounter an error message if you try to stream any video. That's where the most robust VPNs come into play. The magic of a VPN lies in its ability to alter your non-Canadian IP address, allowing you to bypass geo-blocking with ease.

However, a random off-the-shelf VPN may not suffice. Not only do some of them lack the necessary capabilities to overcome geo-blocking, but others might even log your data and sell it off for profit. To enjoy unrestricted access to CTV in the USA, what you truly need is a fast and cutting-edge streaming VPN equipped with Canadian servers. Stick around for a few of the best VPNs for CTV.

Best VPNs to watch CTV online

1. NordVPN – the best all-around VPN for CTV
2. Surfshark– CTV VPN with the widest global coverage

The VPN market is flooded with a multitude of providers, each claiming to be the one and only solution. So, we did the fieldwork for you and tested 24 VPNs to find the best ones to stream CTV anywhere. These Top 3 services not only unblock CTV in the US but also enhance your everyday virtual security and online privacy.

1. NordVPN – the best VPN for CTV

The undisputed champion and top pick for CTV is NordVPN, offering the best overall service by far. When it comes to watching CTV in the USA, NordVPN outperforms the competition effortlessly. Its lightning-fast connections and exclusive NordLynx protocol make it a true speed champion, establishing NordVPN as the ultimate VPN for streaming.

With a vast network of 6900+ servers in 113+ countries, NordVPN offers more than 480 servers in Canada, including Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto. Furthermore, its SmartPlay feature combines the advantages of SmartDNS and a VPN. This will let you easily access not only CTV or TSN but also Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more.

The limit of 10 simultaneous device connections may seem a bit restrictive for some, but it’s usually more than enough for personal use. Alternatively, you can bypass this limitation by installing NordVPN on your router, extending VPN benefits to all devices connected to your network. NordVPN also has dedicated apps for Amazon Fire Stick, Android TV, and Kodi, while router support brings its benefits to AppleTV, Roku, and gaming consoles.

To make sure you don't miss out on the best deals, don't forget to check out NordVPN coupons and save up to 74%. Moreover, you can try it risk-free for a whole month with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, there’s a full 7-day free trial available through the Google Play store, which unlocks NordVPN for all supported devices.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark – CTV streaming VPN with great speeds

Surfshark is an exceptional VPN for those seeking to watch CTV in the USA or anywhere around the globe. It stands out for its affordability, unlimited simultaneous connections, and top-notch privacy features.

To begin with, Surfshark runs an extensive network of 3200+ servers across 100+ countries, offering one of the broadest VPN networks out there. In this case, it’s really nice to see more than 120 Canadian servers in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. The integration of the WireGuard protocol further enhances connectivity and delivers top-class performance.

In addition to unblocking CTV, Surfshark is an excellent option for accessing streaming services like Max, Disney+, Hulu, and many others. It also provides wide compatibility with various devices and offers a Smart DNS feature for gadgets that don’t support VPNs natively. This means you can use Surfshark with gaming consoles, smart TVs, media players, and more.

Start your secure web surfing journey with Surfshark, currently at an 86% discount, with an active Surfshark discount code. Don't hesitate to explore the boundless virtual world with a risk-free experience, backed by a 30-day money-back warranty. If you own an iOS, Mac or Android device, you can also get a free 7-day trial through their respectable app stores.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

How we tested VPNs to watch CTV in USA

The choice of the right VPN depends on its intended use. For instance, torrenting necessitates utmost privacy and security, while streaming requires top-notch speeds and the ability to bypass geo-blocks.

Outlined below are our primary criteria for selecting the ideal VPN for CTV streaming.

• Server network. First and foremost, the chosen VPN must have servers in Canada, preferably in multiple cities. Since CTV is locked outside Canadian borders, having no IP address correlated to the region is simply a dead end. Above this baseline, the bigger the global coverage, the better.
• Unblocking capabilities. On top of unlocking CTV and other Canada-only sites like TSN, we tested each VPN with other well-known streaming services. Each of our recommendations works wonders unlocking global libraries on Netflix, Max, Disney+, and many others.
• Speeds. Streaming video content is a network-heavy task, so speedy connections are of utmost importance. We selected only the fastest VPNs for the most streamlined and seamless video watching experience.
• Security and privacy. A VPN is a security-first tool, so we only chose the providers with trusted privacy policies and strong digital protection features. All of our chosen services are equipped with top-class encryption, IP & DNS leak protection measures, and trustworthy kill switches.
• Compatibility. The CTV app is available on a whole plethora of different platforms and devices. The VPNs for this job must support as many CTV-compatible devices as possible to let you enjoy this streaming platform on any of your gadgets.

How to watch CTV on different devices

The CTV app is available on a wide range of different devices. You can enjoy CTV on:

• Smartphones and tablets (Android, iOS)
• PCs (Windows, macOS)
• Streaming devices (Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Roku)

Each device requires a specific setup process. Below, we provide step-by-step installation methods for an easy installation process.

Watch CTV on phones and tablets (iOS, Android)

To access ITVX on your smartphone, you'll need to follow a specific setup process that includes adjusting your account settings. Here's a general guide:

1. Pick a VPN provider with servers in Canada. We recommend NordVPN, currently 74% off
2. Install the VPN on your mobile device and connect to a server in Canada
3. Adjust your account location or create a new account based in Canada
4. Go to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
5. Download the official CTV app
6. Log in and start streaming your favorite content on the go!

Watch CTV on PC (Mac, Windows)

The most straightforward way to watch CTV is on your computer, regardless of whether you have a Windows or Mac operating system. Here's how to set everything up in just a few minutes:

1. Download and install a VPN with loads of Canadian servers. Our top choice is NordVPN, currently 74% off
2. Connect to a server in Canada
3. Visit the official CTV website
4. Log in to your account or create a new one
5. Choose the show you want to watch and enjoy!

Watch CTV on streaming devices

The Official CTV app is available on the likes of Amazon Fire TV Stick, Android TV, Apple TV, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox consoles, Roku, and Chromecast. Unfortunately, streaming devices like Apple TV, Roku, or Xbox do not directly support VPN software. However, you can still unlock and watch CTV on these and all other devices (like gaming consoles) by using the best VPNs for routers. Here's how:

1. Get a router-compatible VPN. Our #1 is NordVPN, now 74% off
2. Install the VPN on your router. If you need help, check our guide on how to install a VPN on a router
3. Connect to a server in Canada
4. Restart your streaming device and reconnect to your internet hotspot
5. Download the CTV app on your device or visit the CTV website.
6. Log in or create a new CTV account.
7. Start streaming CTV content from anywhere in the world!

Watch CTV anywhere with NordVPN

Can't access CTV with a VPN: solution

Encountering occasional bumps and performance issues is not uncommon, even with the most reputable VPN providers. If you're facing obstacles while trying to unblock CTV, here are some quick solutions to help you out:

• Look for IP and DNS leaks. A leaking IP address or DNS can inadvertently expose your actual location resulting in blocked access, even with an active VPN connection. Try third-party websites like ipleak.net or dnsleaktest.com to check if your VPN effectively hides your IP address.
• Clear cache and cookies. Your browsing history and location details can be stored in the browser cache and cookies, causing unwanted errors. To combat this, clear your cache and cookies or try Incognito Mode.
• Try different servers. Occasionally, even the finest VPNs may encounter IP address bans from certain services. A quick switch to a different server or location can often resolve both access and speed issues.
• Don’t miss updates. Neglecting to update your VPN application can lead to connectivity issues and potential security vulnerabilities. If no updates are available and you’re still facing connection difficulties, consider reinstalling the VPN application.

If problems persist, don't hesitate to reach out to the customer support team of your VPN provider. Opt for a VPN service that offers reliable, round-the-clock live chat support to receive personalized assistance without week-long email conversations.

How to watch CTV outside Canada for free

A huge slice of CTV’s content is free to watch, given you can access it. However, even using a VPN will not help with shows or movies that require a cable subscription. Now the good news: if the free offerings are what you’re after, a Canadian IP is all you need.

However, gaining access to CTV without spending a penny can be quite a challenge. Most costless VPN providers don't offer a wide range of server locations, making it unlikely to find a reliable option to bypass CTV’s geo-restrictions. Additionally, free services are often way overcrowded and plagued by slow connection speeds nowhere close to serviceable for streaming in acceptable quality.

The safest and most effective option is to go for VPNs with free trials. This allows you to test and determine which ones work best with CTV and for you personally. Once you find the right balance between performance and affordability, you can consider subscribing for a longer term.

Furthermore, it's worth noting that our recommended top VPNs for CTV offer a money-back guarantee. This means you can try out these services for a whole month and request a full refund if you decide not to continue forward.

Try NordVPN risk-free

What to watch on CTV

CTV offers a diverse range of programming, including Canadian news, blockbuster movies, live sports, reality TV, music, wildlife shows, and many popular American series. This even includes content from the channels like MTV, E! Entertainment Television, Animal Planet, and Discovery.

However, certain content on CTV is supported by advertisements and accessible to all viewers, while some specific shows or movies are exclusively reserved for existing cable subscribers. Take a look at some of the content available for you to enjoy on CTV:

Final thoughts

Dealing with geographical restrictions can be incredibly frustrating, especially when it comes to accessing foreign content. This issue becomes more apparent with free streaming services like CTV, particularly when you're traveling and want to stay updated on your favorite TV shows.

To bypass CTV's strict block outside Canada, a reliable VPN is essential. Our top recommendation is, without a doubt, NordVPN and the sheer streaming performance it brings to the table. NordLynx-powered connection speeds will let you enjoy even 4K content lag-free, while an extensive server network will unlock the best streaming services worldwide. Elevate your online experience and enhance digital security with a trusted and private VPN service.

What’s your favorite show on CTV? Have you watched CTV originals? Share your recommendations by leaving a comment!

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Watch ITVX in the USA
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FAQ

Can you watch CTV in USA?

Yes, but you have to use a VPN to watch CTV anywhere outside Canada. This on-demand and live TV streaming service checks your IP address every time you try to access its content. A VPN for CTV can hide your true IP and give you a Canadian one to watch CTV anywhere.

Can you use the CTV app outside of Canada?

Yes, but you can’t download it unless you connect to Canada’s app stores. To find the app on your device’s app store, get a robust VPN, like NordVPN, and connect to a server in Canada. Then, change your account’s region to Canada or create a new one. The CTV app should be available to download.

Can I watch CTV for free?

Yes, but the free library is limited, and some content is only available to cable subscribers. However, to access even the free content outside of Canada, you must use a VPN. Any of the best CTV VPNs effortlessly unlock CTV in the US and beyond with just a few clicks.