How to watch CTV in the US with a VPN in 2026

How to watch CTV in the US with a VPN in 2026?

CTV is a leading Canadian television network, but accessing its programming online from the United States requires a workaround. In 2026, Bell Media discontinued the standalone CTV website and streaming app on May 1, moving all on-demand CTV content to Crave. Viewers now need to use Crave to watch CTV shows online, rather than the former CTV app or CTV.ca.

VPNs can make user connections appear to originate from Canada, which may help if Canadian streaming content is blocked for US viewers. However, VPN access is not guaranteed. Streaming services may detect VPN servers, request additional location verification, or enforce account and subscription restrictions.

Disclaimer: PCrisk.com does not promote, encourage, or endorse bypassing geoblocks/geo-restrictions or violating streaming platforms' terms of service. This information is provided for educational purposes to help users understand geo-restrictions, privacy tools, and practical troubleshooting. Always follow local laws and use any method described at your own risk.

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Table of Contents:

• Introduction
• CTV and geoblocking
• How can a VPN help you access CTV content from the US?
• Watch CTV in the US with a VPN in 2026
• Best VPNs to watch CTV in the US
• Can you use a free VPN to watch CTV in the US?
• Common issues and solutions when accessing CTV with a VPN
• Is using a VPN to watch CTV legal in the US?
• CTV alternatives
• In closing
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

CTV and geoblocking

CTV is a major Canadian television network operated by Bell Media. Its programming includes entertainment, news, special events, and other content distributed through CTV and related Bell Media services. For online viewers in 2026, it is noteworthy that while CTV is still a television network, its standalone entertainment streaming service has been discontinued.

On April 23, 2026, Bell Media announced that the CTV and Noovo websites and applications would be discontinued starting May 1. Their on-demand content had already been integrated into Crave, which is now Bell Media's central streaming platform. This change followed an expansion Bell Media announced in 2025. The company added over 10,000 hours of programming to Crave, including content from CTV, CTV 2, Noovo, news, select sporting events, and other Bell Media channels. It was also introduced that free access would be available to select ad-supported CTV programming, such as CTV Movies and CTV Throwback. A paid Crave subscription offers a much larger premium catalog.

Since Crave is a Canadian service, its location controls determine whether viewers are accessing the platform from within Canada, and this is where geoblocking comes into play. Streaming services use public IP addresses to estimate a user's location. An IP address typically reveals the country and region of the associated Internet service provider. If a Canadian streaming service detects a connection from a US-based ISP, it can identify that the request is not coming from Canada. The service may then block playback, display a regional availability notice, restrict the catalog, or request further location verification.

Geographic restrictions are common in streaming because distribution rights are licensed separately for each market. One broadcaster may hold Canadian streaming rights while another holds US rights. Hence, a program available on CTV or Crave in Canada may appear on another service in the United States. A Canadian license does not grant permission to distribute the program to US viewers.

The shift from CTV.ca to Crave does not resolve this issue. US users searching for a CTV show must now navigate Crave's geographic restrictions along with its account, device, and subscription requirements. Some CTV content is available with a free Bell Media account, while other material requires a Crave subscription or authentication through an eligible Canadian TV provider.

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How can a VPN help you access CTV content from the US?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is helpful when access to a service is restricted by your IP address location. Rather than connecting directly to a website, your device creates an encrypted connection to a VPN server. Therefore, websites typically see the VPN server's public IP address instead of yours.

This makes a reputable VPN an effective tool for US viewers seeking access to Canadian CTV content. To elaborate, someone in the US can connect to a VPN server in Canada. When accessing Crave, the connection will appear to originate from the Canadian server.

However, location switching is only one benefit of using a VPN. A quality VPN encrypts the traffic between the user's device and the VPN server, which is valuable when using public Wi-Fi in hotels, airports, cafes, or other shared networks. The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) notes that VPNs can help protect information transmitted over public Wi-Fi, but advises consumers to research providers and review their data practices.

VPNs are also useful on managed networks. Schools, workplaces, hotels, and other organizations may restrict access to certain sites or services. Depending on the setup, a VPN can prevent the local network from recognizing specific destinations and may bypass some network-level restrictions.

However, it must be mentioned that a VPN does not guarantee access to all websites, including platforms hosting CTV content, such as Crave. Streaming services may detect known VPN IP addresses, use additional location data, store previous session information, or enforce subscription and account region requirements. Crave also warns that VPN use can interfere with its Canadian location verification. Therefore, choosing a well-maintained VPN is important. Paid providers typically offer larger server networks, more IP addresses, better streaming support, and customer service to assist if a server becomes unavailable.

It is also worth noting that while a VPN improves connection privacy, it should not be treated as a complete security solution. It can encrypt Internet traffic and conceal your public IP, but it is not an all-encompassing security solution. It does not scan downloaded files, remove malware, detect unwanted applications, or block all phishing and malicious sites. Dedicated security software provides these protections by monitoring files and processes, blocking threats, and responding to suspect activity. We recommend using Combo Cleaner with a reputable VPN for real-time malware protection, website blocking, threat detection, and removal of unwanted/harmful software.

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Watch CTV in the US with a VPN in 2026

Since the standalone CTV streaming website and application were discontinued in May 2026, Crave is now the primary platform for streaming CTV entertainment content online. The standard VPN setup is as follows:

1. Choose a reputable VPN. Prioritize Canadian servers, strong streaming performance, fast connection speeds, leak protection, and device compatibility. In 2026 - we recommend NordVPN - which ranks highly in our tests for speed, streaming, privacy, and reliability.

2. Install the VPN application and sign in.

3. Connect to a Canadian VPN server. If you are in the continental US, select a nearby Canadian server to diminish latency and maintain speed.

4. Open Crave only after connecting to the VPN. Do not launch the streaming app before establishing the VPN connection. If you have used Crave without a VPN, close the application before reconnecting. Sign in and find the CTV content you wish to watch. Some CTV programming is available with a free Bell Media account, while additional content may require a Crave subscription or eligible TV provider access.

Setting up a VPN on a smart TV:

If your smart TV supports VPN applications, install the provider's official app from the TV's app store. Sign in, connect to the desired server, and open your streaming service. This method is typically the easiest to manage and troubleshoot.

If your TV does not support VPN apps, consider the following alternatives:

• Use a VPN-enabled router.
• Use a compatible streaming device.
• Cast or mirror from a VPN-connected device.
• If offered by your VPN provider, use Smart DNS (note that it will not encrypt traffic or provide the same privacy as a VPN).

Important note: accessing the platform and creating an eligible account are separate issues. Even with a Canadian IP address, you may still need to meet subscription, billing, storefront, and device-region requirements.

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Best VPNs to watch CTV in the US

Our VPN rankings assess privacy, security, speed, features, ease of use, and value. For CTV, we place greater emphasis on Canadian server availability, streaming reliability, speed, and compatibility with televisions and streaming devices.

Unlike our 2026 best VPN ranking, the order below differs. ExpressVPN ranks higher due to its strong streaming and router support, while Mullvad VPN drops despite its privacy strengths.

1. NordVPN - best overall option for CTV

NordVPN is our top recommendation for 2026, and it is the best option for watching CTV content from the United States. It offers fast connections, stable streaming, and intuitive applications suitable for all experience levels.

In our 2026 testing, NordVPN accessed major streaming services effectively and delivered high speeds with its NordLynx protocol. It also features a kill switch, leak protection, an independently audited no-logs policy, and apps for all major desktop and mobile platforms. For CTV, reliability is key. If one Canadian server does not work with Crave, a large server network provides alternatives. Fast speeds are important as well, since VPN encryption and routing add some overhead.

2. Surfshark - best value for households and multiple devices

Surfshark is a strong alternative, especially for households with many phones, laptops, tablets, or TVs. Its key advantage is support for unlimited simultaneous device connections.

Our tests showed strong WireGuard speeds and stable performance with major streaming services. Surfshark also offers MultiHop, CleanWeb, split tunneling, and connection recovery tools. Surfshark's main drawback is that renewal pricing is often much higher than the initial promotional rate. However, it is a great choice for CTV owing to its balance of price, speed, and device flexibility.

3. ExpressVPN - best for simplicity and TV setups

ExpressVPN is ideal for users valuing convenience over the lowest price. Its polished applications, strong router support, and consistent streaming across major services stand out. The Lightway protocol delivers efficient, fast connections suitable for HD streaming.

Router support is important for CTV viewers, as some TVs lack native VPN apps. Configuring a VPN at the network level enables Canadian routing for devices that do not support VPNs directly. ExpressVPN is generally more expensive than budget-focused alternatives, but it is a strong option for those who prioritize easy configuration and steady performance.

4. Proton VPN - best privacy-focused streaming alternative

Proton VPN offers strong privacy and consistent streaming on its paid plans. Its applications are open source, its no-logs policy has been audited, and it provides features like Secure Core and leak protection. Our tests showed smooth HD streaming with the paid service.

Proton also offers a functional free plan with unlimited data. However, premium streaming features are reserved for paid plans, which are better suited for regular streaming. Hence, the free tier might not provide reliable access to Crave.

5. Mullvad VPN - best for privacy, not for streaming

Mullvad VPN excels at privacy. It allows account creation without personal details (not even an email address), offers open-source apps, supports WireGuard and OpenVPN, and performed well in our speed and leak protection tests.

Mullvad VPN's main limitation is streaming. Our tests indicated less consistency on major platforms than streaming-focused competitors. It is highly recommended for privacy, but it is not the best choice if your main goal is accessing CTV programming through Crave.

It must be reiterated that no VPN can guarantee continuous, uninterrupted access to Crave or any other streaming service. These platforms seek to detect and block suspected VPN traffic. Location verification methods are constantly improving and commonly implement more than just visitors' IP addresses; they may also include session, account, device, and other indicators.

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Can you use a free VPN to watch CTV in the US?

You may consider a free VPN, but these services are typically unsuitable for regular CTV streaming. Streaming demands consistent bandwidth, reliable Canadian servers, stable IP addresses, and strong infrastructure to replace blocked servers. Maintaining these resources is costly. While some reputable providers offer useful free tiers, most free VPNs involve more compromises than paid options.

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Below are some of the primary limitations and threats associated with free VPNs:

Limited Canadian servers: free plans usually offer fewer locations. If the provided Canadian IP address is blocked by Crave, alternatives may not be available.

Crowded servers: numerous free users share the same infrastructure, which can cause slow speeds, buffering, lower picture quality, and unstable connections.

Data restrictions: some free services limit daily or monthly data. Because streaming uses more bandwidth than browsing, a small allowance is quickly exhausted.

Weak streaming support: streaming services regularly block VPN infrastructure. Free services may not invest in replacing blocked addresses.

Potential privacy issues: VPN providers require significant trust, as your traffic passes through their infrastructure. Therefore, requested permissions, encryption standards, and data practices must be reviewed.

Advertising and tracking: some free providers fund their services through advertising or data-driven business models. The latter negates the purpose of using a VPN as a privacy tool. Untrustworthy providers may even cause their users to experience serious privacy issues.

Missing security features: features such as kill switches, advanced leak protection, modern protocols, router support, and responsive customer service may be limited or unavailable.

Proton VPN is the free service that we consistently recommend. Its free plan has no data cap and does not rely on advertising, though broader location options and streaming features are reserved for paid plans. Hence, Proton's free tier is unlikely to be a good option for streaming CTV content via Crave.

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Common issues and solutions when accessing CTV with a VPN

Even a quality VPN may not work immediately. Crave actively verifies Canadian location information and warns that VPN connections can interfere with that verification, so occasional troubleshooting should be expected. Below are some of the most common issues and their potential solutions:

Crave continues to detect your location as outside of Canada: the VPN server you are connected to may already be identified as a VPN endpoint. Alternatively, Crave may have retained cookies, application data, or another location signal from your previous US connection.

Solutions:

• Switch to another Canadian server.
• Clear your browser's cookies and cache.
• Close and reopen the Crave app after connecting to the VPN.
• Sign out and sign back in after connecting to the VPN.
• Check whether your browser or device is providing conflicting location data.
• Try a private browsing window after connecting to the VPN.

The old CTV app or CTV.ca no longer works: this is not a VPN problem. Bell Media discontinued the CTV streaming website and application on May 1, 2026, and moved their on-demand programming to Crave.

Solutions:

• Use Crave to watch CTV.
• Sign in using an appropriate Bell Media account.
• Note that CTV News is a separate product and should not be confused with the former CTV entertainment streaming service.

The Crave application is unavailable on your device: app-store availability can depend on the store region associated with your Apple, Google, television, or streaming-device account. A VPN changes your Internet connection, but it does not necessarily change the country attached to an app-store profile.

Solutions:

• Check your device's app-store region.
• Avoid downloading Crave apps from unofficial APK or software sites.
• Use Crave through a compatible browser.
• Try a supported streaming device.
• Connect a laptop to your television using HDMI.

CTV content is visible but locked: a Canadian IP address does not automatically provide entitlement to paid material. Bell Media offers some CTV content through free accounts, but the expanded Crave service also contains subscription-only programming and content available through television-provider authentication.

Solutions:

• Check whether the particular program is part of the free catalog.
• Check whether your Crave subscription is active.
• Check whether the content requires television-provider authentication.
• Sign out and sign back into the appropriate account.
• Note that a VPN cannot bypass subscription requirements.

Video buffers or picture quality repeatedly falls: VPN traffic travels through an additional server, so some reduction in performance is normal. Congested VPN servers, distant routing, poor Wi-Fi, or an inefficient protocol can make the problem more noticeable.

Solutions:

• If this data is available with your VPN, switch to a less congested Canadian server.
• If possible, switch to a closer Canadian server.
• Switch to another Canadian server.
• If available with your VPN, use the fastest recommended protocol.
• Test your Internet connection without the VPN.
• Stop unrelated bandwidth-intensive activities (e.g., unrelated streams, downloads, cloud backups, etc.).
• Restart the VPN app and router.
• If possible, use a wired connection or stronger Wi-Fi.

Crave works until the VPN disconnects: if the VPN tunnel fails, your actual US IP address can become visible, and playback may stop.

Solutions:

• If available with your VPN, enable the kill switch.
• If available with your VPN, enable automatic reconnection.
• If available with your VPN, enable DNS leak protection.
• Avoid changing servers during playback.
• Update the VPN app to the latest version.

It is pertinent to mention that one advantage of established paid VPNs is access to professional support. Streaming servers and platform detection methods change regularly, and a provider's support team may know which Canadian server, protocol, or application configuration currently works best. Therefore, if the standard solutions cannot resolve the issue you are experiencing - contact your VPN support.

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Is using a VPN to watch CTV legal in the US?

Using a VPN is generally legal in the United States. VPNs have legitimate security, privacy, business, and remote-access purposes. However, VPN legality and streaming-platform rules are separate questions.

Crave verifies that users are in Canada, and its troubleshooting documentation advises turning off VPNs if location verification fails. Using the service from the US may violate geographic restrictions, licensing agreements, or platform terms - even though using VPN software itself is generally legal. Platform-level consequences may include blocked playback, VPN error messages, repeated location checks, or account restrictions. Streaming services may also update their policies at any time.

It must be emphasized that a VPN does not exempt users from legal obligations. Encrypting traffic or changing your IP location does not legalize copyright infringement, fraud, unauthorized account access, or other unlawful activities.

To summarize, the main concern for CTV streaming from the US is typically compliance with Crave's access rules rather than the legality of VPN technology itself.

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CTV alternatives

Relying on US streaming services is the simplest choice unless you specifically require CTV's Canadian presentation or catalog. Licensing varies, so a program on CTV in Canada may have a different authorized distributor in the United States. Note that availability changes as distribution agreements expire or move between platforms. Some of the strongest alternatives include:

The CW - one of the most relevant US destinations for CTV programming. The network has aired multiple CTV Original series and also offers selected episodes through its streaming service.

Netflix - currently carries some CTV-originated programming in the US, making it worth checking before looking for access to Crave.

Amazon Prime Video - has CTV-associated programming available to US subscribers and also offers some related content for purchase.

Tubi - a free, ad-supported service that currently carries some CTV-originated programming in the US.

The Roku Channel - has carried CTV programming in the US and currently offers selected CTV-associated content through its free ad-supported catalog.

Hallmark+ and Hallmark TV - currently offer some CTV-originated programming through their US streaming channels and partner subscriptions.

FuboTV and Philo - currently carry some CTV-associated programming through their US channel and streaming packages.

Hulu - has previously acquired exclusive US streaming rights to CTV Original programming, although current availability varies and individual titles may move between services over time.

Always search for your specific show before purchasing a new subscription. Regional licensing often means CTV programming available through Crave in Canada may have a different streaming provider in the US.

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In closing

CTV's former website and streaming app were Canadian services and were already geo-restricted in the United States. Bell Media discontinued both platforms on May 1, 2026, moving CTV's on-demand content to Crave. Some CTV programming is still available with a free Bell Media account, while other content requires a Crave subscription or access through an eligible provider.

VPNs can address geographic restrictions by assigning a Canadian IP address instead of a US one. We recommend NordVPN as the top option, with Surfshark as a strong alternative. ExpressVPN is well-suited for a simple TV and router setup.

However, no VPN can guarantee access to CTV or Crave. Factors such as IP blocking, device location, account requirements, app store regions, and subscription restrictions may affect availability. Therefore, use reputable software, avoid unofficial streaming sites, comply with relevant rules, and remember that a VPN is primarily intended for privacy and security, not as a guaranteed streaming solution.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why can't I watch CTV from the US?

CTV on-demand programming is now mainly available through Crave, a Canadian streaming platform that verifies viewer location. As a result, standard US Internet connections typically do not qualify for Canadian playback.

How can I watch CTV from the US?

CTV content is now available through Crave. Using a VPN to connect to a Canadian server can replace your US IP address with a Canadian one. Note that access is not guaranteed, and subscription or account restrictions may still apply.

Why are certain streaming platforms or their content geoblocked?

TV and movie distribution rights are divided by country or market. A broadcaster with Canadian streaming rights may not hold US rights for the same program. Streaming services use location data, such as IP addresses and device signals, to determine which content or catalog is available to each viewer.

What if I do not want to use a VPN to watch CTV?

The simplest option is to find the US rights holder for your desired program. Hulu, HBO Max, Netflix, Prime Video, and other US platforms may offer shows that air on CTV in Canada.

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