5 Best VPNs for Showtime in 2024 (to Stream from Anywhere)
Showtime is a highly sought-after US television network. However, apart from this cable package, it has since started a streaming offering known as Showtime Anytime. This offer makes available Showtime original TV shows, comedies, and sports on a variety of devices. As long as you pay for a subscription plan, you will have all of those available without hassles. That is, except you are not in the United States.
Streaming Showtime content is a privilege available only to users in the United States. Thus, if you are a lover of Showtime originals like Homeland, the Affair, and Shameless and happen to be outside the United States, it would be impossible to watch your favorite shows.
This article offers you a sure way to get around this challenge: using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). We have aggregated 7 VPNs we believe are great for getting around the restrictions you may find on Showtime. Enjoy!
Top Recommended VPNs for Showtime
We have put together a strong list of VPNs you can pay attention to. Here they are:
ExpressVPN
Features
- Number of servers: More than 3,000
- Speeds: Unlimited
- Server locations: 160 in 105 countries
- Maximum devices supported: 5
- 24 live chat: Yes
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Yes
Pros/Cons
- Fastest VPN out there
- Strict no logs policy
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Few discounts
This provider is top on our list of VPNs for accessing Showtime. It is a top-tier VPN service provider with impeccable credentials. An oldie in the industry, it has come to be regarded as the gold standard when it comes to VPN service. You can surely use the service to unblock Showtime from any location.
This provider has 3000+ servers in 160 locations and 90 countries. To unblock Showtime, connect to any of its servers in the United States. This will make it appear as though you are in the country. You can then stream movies with no issues at all. In addition, you get excellent security protection with this service.
ExpressVPN encrypts your data with the NSA-approved AES 256-bit encryption system. Its TrustedServer technology ensures that user data is not written on any volatile memory, further improving security. Furthermore, this provider runs its own private and encrypted DNS on its servers. You also get the option of a Network Lock kill switch and the ability to split tunnel your traffic.
This provider has apps for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android devices and can work on smart TVs. The setup process is quite straightforward. You get the option of connecting the standard 5 devices to one account, and you can take advantage of the 30-day money-back window to use the service potentially for free.
ExpressVPN allows the full range of options you need for getting any issues resolved on its service.
- Pros: Fastest VPN out there; Strict no logs policy; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest price: $6.67
NordVPN
Features
- Cryptocurrency accepted? Yes
- Simultaneous connections: 6
- Dedicated IP-addresses? Yes
- Servers: 7,000+ in 111 countries
Pros/Cons
- Lots of pricing options
- Netflix support kept up to date
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Slow app
Taking second place on our list is NordVPN. This position is deliberate as NordVPN comes second only to ExpressVPN. It has amazing features useful for different activities, including streaming. To unblock Showtime from any location, you can trust this provider.
You find 5000+ strong servers in 59 countries on this service. More than 1900 are located in 15 United States cities. NordVPN divides its servers into categories, with some known as specialty servers. In this batch, you’ll find the ones great for torrenting files, streaming content, and even unblocking geo-restricted platforms.
Specifically, NordVPN is no stranger to unblocking geo-restricted platforms. It is the first choice for many users looking to unblock Showtime, Netflix, Zatto, HBO Go, DAZN, Amazon Prime, Hulu, YouTube TV, etc.
We rate NordVPN highly when it comes to security also. It uses the AES 256-bit encryption model and supports great security protocols, including its proprietary creation known as NordLynx. In addition, it supports the onion router, has a fully functional kill switch, and allows split tunneling.
We have the same testimony when it comes to the privacy features this provider has. It maintains a strong no-log policy. In fact, it has been audited by an independent company, with its assertion proven to be true. Furthermore, NordVPN has its headquarters in Panama. The Panamanian authorities maintain favorable data-privacy laws, enabling NordVPN to keep to its no-log policy.
NordVPN allows 6 devices simultaneous connections, has compatible apps for most devices, and lets you have a 30-day money-back offer.
- Pros: Lots of pricing options; Netflix support kept up to date; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest price: $3.71
Surfshark
Features
- Free trial? Yes
- Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
- Ad blocking? Yes
- Servers: 1000+ in 61 countries
Pros/Cons
- No footprints
- Allows torrenting
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Not the fastest
Surfshark claims that it is the best VPN for streaming content. While this assertion is contestable, Surfshark seems to be defying naysayers with its unblocking ability. Thus, from Netflix to Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, this provider comes through each time. We have no doubt that Showtime will be just one more site it can easily get around.
Surfshark recently upgraded its server count to about 3200 in 59 countries. Admittedly, this isn’t as large as, say CyberGhost’s, but it is impressive nonetheless. In addition, the servers are fast, with a quick connection time. As soon as you log on and indicate the region you want, the VPN connects you with the fastest server in that region, saving you time.
Security is also another strong suit of this provider. It uses the standard AES 256-bit encryption model on its servers. In addition, it has unique features such as the MultiHop offer that routes your traffic through multiple VPN servers, CleanWeb that expertly blocks ads and malware, and obfuscated servers that hide the fact that you are on a VPN service.
You get no device connectivity limit on this service. You can connect as many devices as possible with no issues whatsoever. Surfshark’s subscription plans are pretty affordable, an amazing benefit seeing as you’ll have to pay for a Showtime subscription separately. Finally, the standard 30-day money-back window is also available on this service.
- Pros: No footprints; Allows torrenting; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest Price: $2.49
CyberGhost
Features
- Connected devices at once: 7
- Automatic kill switch? Yes
- One click connect: Yes
- Servers: 5900 worldwide
Pros/Cons
- No logs policy
- 24/7 live chat
- Apps for mobile devices and routers
- No free option
Not only does CyberGhost have the highest server count of all the providers on this list —currently 7400 and counting —it also has one of the largest numbers of servers in the United States (1489 at the moment). What you then get with this provider is a broad range of options. To unblock Showtime from a location outside of the US, compatible servers will not be a challenge here. However, CyberGhost gives other perks too.
One of the benefits is blazing-fast speed. CyberGhost makes sure that you experience as little downtime as possible while streaming on Showtime. It tops this off with unlimited bandwidth and no data caps. Streaming will be a delight on this service.
You will find that this provider has compatible apps for your device. This is because it has software for Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows devices. You also get reliable software for routers and smart TVs. You can connect no less than 7 devices to one CyberGhost account. While others offer a maximum of 30 days for the risk-free money-back offer, this provider gives you 15 days in addition.
- Pros: No logs policy; 24/7 live chat; Apps for mobile devices and routers;
- Lowest price: €2
Hideme
Features
- Number of servers: 2000+
- Server locations: 75 locations
- Maximum devices supported: 10
- 24 live chat: Yes
- 30 day money back guarantee: Yes
Pros/Cons
- Has free option
- No log policy
- Secure connection
- Not very cheap
Hide.me is a mid-tier provider that makes it to our recommendation. This provider has about 1900 servers in multiple locations globally. Quite a number of these servers are located in the American cities of Dallas, Las Vegas, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Phoenix, etc. This aids you when unblocking Showtime. Beyond Showtime, this provider is also excellent for unblocking multiple other streaming platforms.
Your security is not compromised while you use this service. You get the protection of the strong AES 256-bit encryption system. Also, you get to split your traffic when you want. You can also trust this provider’s no-log assertion, meaning that it cannot compromise your data in any circumstance.
Hide.me maintains that it does not log any user information on its servers. It even offers users the option of paying for subscription plans using cryptocurrency. This way, you have nothing to fear security-wise when streaming movies and TV series on Showtime. This provider has apps for various mobile devices. You can find compatible apps for macOS, Windows, Android, Linux, and iOS devices. It is compatible with two of the most popular browser extensions: Chrome and Firefox.
You will be glad to learn that Hide.me has a completely free version. Here, you get 10GB of data to expend each month, renewable indefinitely. In this option, there are no lags or delays, and you will not have to deal with incessant ads interfering with your streaming
- Pros: Has free option; No log policy; Secure connection;
- Lowest price: €4.99
HideMyAss
Features
- Speeds: 20 Gbps
- Money-back guarantee: Yes
- Activity logs? No
- Locations: 190+ countries
Pros/Cons
- Best server database on the market
- No-logs and kill switch policy
- Multiple device protection
- Expensive short term plan
With 1070+ servers in 290 locations and counting, HideMyAss (HMA) covers more regions than all the providers on this list. It has almost 200 of these servers in the United States. Thus, it passes the first requirement for a VPN that works with this streaming platform. However, in addition to its impressive server location count, this provider also has some other excellent features that position it as a great choice for Showtime. We will discuss them below.
HMA keeps your streaming speed constant at 20Gbps. This ensures that you do not experience lags while you stream your favorite shows or movies. It has an easy setup that maximizes time, ensuring that you connect to a server just a few minutes after coming online. More so, you stay connected to the VPN even when you switch networks on the service.
Security is also another factor HMA pays keen attention to while you use its service. It keeps you safe with a combination of features which include the military-grade AES 256-bit encryption pattern, a smart kill switch, a leak shield, and the ability to shuffle your IP address, randomizing your connection to keep you protected on the service.
This provider has pocket-friendly subscription plans, with the lowest going for $2.99 per month for a 36-month duration. You can connect as many as 5 devices to one VPN account and are allowed a 30-day window to use the service and request a refund, no questions asked.
- Pros: Best server database on the market; No-logs and kill switch policy; Multiple device protection;
- Lowest price $2.99
PrivateVPN
Features
- Killswitch Yes
- iOS App Yes
- Data logging No
Pros/Cons
- Servers in 63 countries
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 2048-bit Encryption With AES-256
- App can seem complicated
This is a small provider with a reliable unblocking ability. It has just about 200 servers in 63 countries. Its country list includes the United States of America. This means that you can still switch your location, obtain a favorable IP address and stream unhindered on Showtime.
What features do you get with PrivateVPN? First, you are assured of excellent security with the 2048-bit encryption model with AES-256. You also get to choose from either the OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, IKEv2, and IPSec security protocols. The provider has a fully functional kill switch and IPv6 leak protection.
When you stream your favorite Showtime movie under this VPN’s protection, you are afforded unlimited bandwidth and unimpeached speed. You get to connect 6 devices simultaneously to one account. More so, each subscription offer comes with a 30-day window within which you can use the services and request a refund if unsatisfied with the quality of service you get with the provider.
In terms of customer support, PrivateVPN does a good job. If you are experiencing any sort of challenge with the VPN, you can reach out to a customer care personnel who will be more than willing to assist you.
One of the biggest attractions of this VPN is how affordable its subscription plans are. For the monthly subscription, you get to pay $8.99, $6.00 monthly for the 3-month plan, and falling further to around $2.50 per month if you go for the bi-annual plan.
- Pros: Servers in 63 countries; 30-day money-back guarantee; 2048-bit Encryption With AES-256;
- Lowest price: €2.04
Factors To Consider When Choosing a VPN for Showtime
VPN features do not all rank equally. Some are indispensable, especially when it comes to streaming content on Showtime. Find below some of the important factors to tick off your list:
Servers in the United States
Since you’ll need a US IP address to access Showtime outside of the region, you have to confirm that the VPN has servers in the country. This is hardly a problem as most providers have US servers. In this case, you can narrow down the options further by considering how many servers present in the US are. Your chances of connecting to congested servers reduce with the more servers a VPN provider has.
Streaming-optimized Features
A VPN that is excellent for streaming has some features. These include favorable speed that will reduce lags and buffering, unlimited bandwidth and data caps as well as compatibility with a wide array of devices. Each of these features ensures that your satisfaction is guaranteed as you stream on Showtime.
Price
The subscription plan and offers for each of these providers vary. Look for one you are comfortable with. Also, consider going with a provider who offers a money-back guarantee. This gives you the liberty to use the service for a while and request a refund. You’ll find this extremely useful if you are traveling outside the United States for a short while.
Conclusion
Even if you have a Showtime subscription, you’ll be unable to access the platform outside the United States. A VPN, however, is excellent for eliminating this challenge. In this review, we looked at the best VPN providers to unblock Showtime. We hope you are now armed with the relevant information to make a decision yourself.