Published on: December 18, 2024 Updated 2 times since publishing
Only 3 Steps (Quick + Easy) to Watch the CW Online From Anywhere in 2026:
- Download and install a VPN. My top choice is ExpressVPN — it has servers in 20+ US locations that access the CW Network and streaming app, as well as platforms that carry CW content like Hulu+ Live TV, YouTube TV, and DirecTV. Plus, it maintains the fastest speeds on the market for lag-free HD streaming.
- Connect to a VPN server. Scroll through the server list and connect to a nearby server for the fastest possible speeds.
- Log into your preferred streaming site. You’re all set to start watching CW content!
The CW is only available in the US. When you visit the CW app or site or any other platform that carries CW channels and content, it checks your IP address to determine your location, and if you aren’t located in the US, it’ll block your access.
A VPN with servers in the US is the best way to safely watch your favorite CW series and movies. It hides your IP address and assigns you one that matches the your server location — this enables the VPN to access the CW network from anywhere.
My top pick is ExpressVPN, as it works with the CW app and site and all other platforms without an issue and has super-fast speeds. However, the rest of the VPNs I recommend are excellent alternatives.
Editor’s Note: The VPNs on my list have a strict no-logs policy, which means they can’t track how or where you watch the CW content. That said, you’re solely responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations. Neither I nor anyone at SafetyDetectives.com condones copyright infringement.
Editor's Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
How to Watch the CW Content on Any Device
1. Pick a VPN that can reliably access the CW content.
I recommend ExpressVPN. It has servers in 20+ US locations that work with the CW streaming app, Hulu, YouTube TV, and DirecTV. It also maintains fast speeds for buffer-free streaming.
2. Set up the VPN on your device.
To get the desktop app, download the installer from the VPN’s website. Open the file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. For mobile devices, head to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android), search for the app, and download it.
3. Connect to a server and start watching CW content.
Once the VPN establishes a connection, you can securely watch your favorite CW series and movies.
What Streaming Services Show the CW?
Quick Summary of the Best VPNs for Watching the CW in 2026
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Watching the CW in 2026
Basic 12-Months plan: $3.99 / month
1-month plan: $12.99 / month
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for watching CW content from anywhere. It has servers in 20+ US locations that work with the CW streaming app and the CW Network site. It also accesses 100 streaming services, including platforms that show CW content, like Hulu+ Live TV, YouTube TV, Netflix US, and Max.
This VPN has super-fast speeds for streaming the CW — I streamed in HD and 4K without interruptions. Plus, it resists network changes, meaning your VPN connection won’t drop when you switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data while streaming your favorite CW series.
Moreover, I like how its MediaStreamer tool allows you to watch the CW on devices that don’t support VPNs, like some smart TVs and gaming consoles. If you don’t want use MediaStreamer, it’s the only VPN that offers a native router app, so you can connect all of the devices in your home to the VPN.
Read our full ExpressVPN review
🥈2. Private Internet Access — Great for Watching Regional Sports on the CW
6-month plan: $7.50 / month
1-month plan: $11.95 / month
Private Internet Access (PIA) is great for watching local sports events on the CW, including NFL, NASCAR, and basketball via the CW Sports tab, because it has servers in all 50 US states. This also allows you to connect to a nearby server for the fastest speeds possible. In addition to working with the CW app and site, it accesses Hulu, DirecTV, YouTube TV, Netflix US, Max, and Fubo.
I’m a fan of its connection window. It displays the last 6 servers you connected to, allowing you to reconnect to them with 1 click. Another convenient 1-click option is marking servers as a favorite, so you can quickly start streaming your favorite sports events on the CW.
Read our full Private Internet Access review
🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — Dedicated Servers for Streaming the CW Content
6-month plan: $6.99 / month
1-month plan: $12.99 / month
CyberGhost VPN comes with dedicated servers for streaming the CW content on sites like Netflix US, Max, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. It even has servers optimized to work with Hulu on Android TV and Fire Stick and regular servers in 10+ US states that work with the CW app.
I like how CyberGhost has a Smart Rules feature, which allows you to set useful automation rules. For example, you can set it up to auto-connect to a US server and auto-launch your favorite app for streaming CW content.
Read our full CyberGhost VPN review
Editor's Note: Intego ONE, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.
Quick Comparison Table
Editor's Note: Intego ONE, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.
Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria
I followed our detailed testing methodology to ensure I recommend only the best VPNs for safely streaming the CW content from anywhere. Each VPN was tested in various scenarios for server network, streaming, support, speeds, and more. Here are the criteria I used to choose and rank these VPNs:
- I tested the VPNs’ compatibility with the CW. The VPNs I recommend have servers in multiple US locations that work with the CW platform, as well as sites like Hulu+ Live TV, YouTube TV, Netflix US, and Max, where you can securely access all or some of its content.
- I evaluated each VPN’s speed. All VPNs slow your connection due to encryption. That’s why I only picked VPNs that minimize this slowdown on both nearby and distant servers without interruptions. ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN on my list.
- I checked app compatibility. Each VPN on my list has apps for most major devices, like Windows, iOS, macOS, and Android. Plus, the apps have intuitive interfaces, so you won’t have any issues finding and connecting to a US server.
- I reviewed each VPN’s security features. All the VPNs on this list use military-grade 256-bit AES encryption to keep your CW streaming activities hidden from your ISP. They also have a strict no-logs policy, ensuring no records of your streaming activities are stored, and offer a kill switch to protect against IP leaks while streaming. Plus, they all have built-in leak protection, and in my tests, I never had any leaks.
- I made sure the VPNs offer great value. Each VPN I chose offers affordable pricing plans with generous money-back guarantees. They also support multiple simultaneous connections, so you don’t have to log out of your mobile device to stream on your desktop or TV.
Frequently Asked Questions
In which country is the CW app available?
The CW app is only available in the US because of licensing agreements. The app checks your IP address to determine your location, and if you aren’t in the US, your access will be blocked. A VPN hides your real IP address and gives you a new one from a location of your choice, for example, the US. This allows the VPN to access the CW app from anywhere.
Which streaming services air CW shows?
The CW shows are available on Netflix US, Max, and Amazon Prime Video. You can also watch the CW Network content on Hulu+ Live TV, YouTube TV, DirecTV, and Fubo. Note that the CW is only available in the US.
What’s the best VPN for watching the CW?
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for watching the CW. It works with the CW app and site 100% of the time and reliably accesses all streaming platforms that carry its content like Hulu+ Live TV, YouTube TV, and Netflix US. I also like that it maintains the fastest speeds for smooth streaming sessions.
Can I use a free VPN to watch the CW?
Maybe, but I don’t recommend it. Many free VPNs have a limited number of US servers, and they usually don’t support streaming, so you won’t be able to access the CW streaming app or any of the platforms where you can watch the CW. Instead, I recommend a premium VPN like ExpressVPN, which works the CW app 100% and 100+ other streaming services that carry CW content, like Hulu+ Live TV and YouTube TV.
Editor's Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
