Introduction
Paramount Plus is a popular streaming platform with a vast catalog of new and classic movies, TV shows, sports and news programming. However, it applies geo-restrictions, making much of its content unavailable outside the USA and parts of Latin America. Using a high-quality Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the best option to bypass these restrictions.
A VPN masks your IP address and location, tricking streaming services like Paramount Plus into providing full access as if you were based in the US. With a reliable VPN that offers fast streaming speeds, one can conveniently view Paramount Plus from anywhere worldwide.
What is Paramount Plus?
Launched in the US in March 2021, Paramount Plus (formerly known as CBS All Access) is a subscription-based over-the-top streaming platform owned by Paramount Global (previously ViacomCBS). It combines live news, sports and entertainment with a catalog of over 30,000 on-demand TV episodes and films.
Paramount Plus offers exclusive original programming plus current and past shows from CBS, Comedy Central, BET, MTV, Nickelodeon and the Paramount Pictures film studio. Popular franchises on the platform span Star Trek, Mission: Impossible, SpongeBob SquarePants and South Park.
In the US, Paramount Plus features local live feeds of the CBS Broadcast channel, CBS Sports Network and live football including NFL games and UEFA Champions League matches.
The platform is currently available in the US, Latin America and parts of Europe like the UK, Ireland, Germany and France. However, its rollout to further international markets is still pending.
Using a VPN to Access Paramount Plus
Paramount Plus actively blocks access via IP addresses from outside its operating regions. But using a VPN provides a simple and reliable workaround.
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, works by routing your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a server in another location. This masks your real IP and location, assigning you an IP from whichever server you connect through, whether in the US or elsewhere.
Connecting to a US-based VPN server lets you impersonate being a Paramount Plus subscriber from that country. Its geo-restrictions get overridden, opening complete access to its full US media library and live sports.
Modern premium VPNs have superfast servers optimised for 4K video streaming. Their encrypted tunnels cause minimal speed loss, while effectively fooling streaming geo-blocks. This makes services like Paramount Plus believe you are accessing them domestically from the US.
Best VPNs for Paramount Plus
The top-rated VPN providers for seamlessly accessing Paramount Plus from any country are:
1. ExpressVPN
Renowned as an ultra-fast and secure VPN, ExpressVPN has 160 server locations across 94 countries including high-speed US servers. Its MediaStreamer Smart DNS feature offers added efficiency at unblocking sites like Paramount Plus.
ExpressVPN provides reliable encryption, zero-logging of user data, and can connect 5 devices simultaneously. Its wide platform support spans iOS, Android, Mac, Windows and Linux apps, as well as manual router setup.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is globally acclaimed, with 5,500+ servers covering 60 countries. It reliably unblocks Paramount Plus, while providing leading next-gen encryption via NordLynx protocol. Useful extras include cybersecurity tools, Onion Over VPN, and P2P support.
This Panama-based provider has a stringent no-logs policy and enables 6 device connections. NordVPN apps cater to all major platforms. Performance is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. Surfshark
Surfshark provides excellent value with quality streaming at a low cost. Notable strengths include a private DNS and whitelisting mode for customising connections. CAMO cloaking mode offers an added layer of IP disguise.
Based in the British Virgin Islands, Surfshark has a clean no-logs policy. US and other servers readily access Paramount Plus worldwide, with unlimited device connections permitted on its plans.
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a capable streaming VPN covering 91 countries with over 7,400 servers. It reliably unblocks popular platforms and has dedicated streaming configuration profiles. Notable extras include an ad blocker, anti-tracking, and anti-malware tools.
Romania-based CyberGhost prohibits recording user data or browsing history. 7 device connections are enabled per subscription. Apps are available for all major platforms.
5. IPVanish
IPVanish provides 40,000+ shared IPs on its fast US VPN servers to undermine geo-restrictions. Paramount Plus access is assured even during peak traffic. IPVanish owns its VPN servers, enabling reliable performance.
Its zero-traffic logs policy safeguards users, while allowing P2P file-sharing. IPVanish enables connecting 10 devices simultaneously on inexpensive plans tailored to streamers.
6. PrivateVPN
Sweden-based PrivateVPN is a smaller but rapidly emerging VPN provider valued for quality infrastructure and transparency. All traffic runs through proprietary AES-256 encrypted tunnels.
Flexibility across 6 simultaneous connections includes dedicated IP options. Performance is reliable for HD video streaming with custom TCP/UDP settings available. Dedicated US servers guarantee access to Paramount Plus.
How to Watch Paramount Plus with a VPN
Using a VPN to watch Paramount Plus is very straightforward by following these simple steps:
1. Select a suitable VPN provider
Choose a reputed VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN known for excellent speeds, proven unblocking abilities and watertight security. Check factors like server proximity, available US servers, and streaming-optimised performance.
2. Create a paid VPN account
Sign up for a paid subscription with the chosen provider to access its full US servers. Free VPNs often have data caps, lack US servers, or even log user data. The minimal cost of a premium VPN is worth it.
3. Download & install the VPN app
Download your selected provider’s VPN app for your device platform – whether iOS, Android, Mac, Windows etc. Install the app while connected to the internet to setup your account access.
4. Connect to a US VPN server
Run the VPN app on your device and connect to a high-speed US server to establish an encrypted tunnel rerouting your traffic through that location. This assigns you a US IP address.
5. Launch Paramount Plus app/site
You can now open the Paramount Plus app or website. Your VPN’s IP cloaking makes Paramount Plus believe you are accessing it from within the US.
6. Enjoy Paramount Plus access!
Stream any titles you wish from the full US Paramount Plus media library on your device! Bypass all geo-blocks and access restrictions with your VPN’s encryption disguising your location.
Legality of Using a VPN with Paramount Plus
Using a consumer VPN service to access streaming content from other regions falls into a legal grey area globally. VPNs themselves are fully legal in most countries, including the US, and marketed legitimately. However, utilizing them to bypass geo-blocking can technically contravene content providers’ licensing terms in some instances.
Streaming services like Paramount Plus seek to detect and block VPN access to enforce licensing deals segregating regional content rights. However, such blocks are not always watertight, enabling VPNs to bypass them without engaging in explicit hacking. Still, breaching geo-restrictions does violate site terms of service.
Worst case scenario if detected, one faces cancellation of their platform account or suspension of the associated subscription. While no criminal charges or lawsuits realistically apply to individual streamers leveraging VPNs, users must weigh ethics, risks and their personal comfort level regarding geo-restriction circumvention.
Conclusion
Paramount Plus offers a wealth of movies, shows and sports programming. But rigid geo-blocks make much of its content off-limits internationally. Thankfully, trusted premium VPNs reliably bypass location filters to enable global audiences access Paramount Plus in full. With the press of a button, unlock its rich catalog of entertainment to view from anywhere worldwide!