How to Watch Showtime With a VPN (Updated 2025)
Reading time: 17 min
First published: Feb 13, 2019
Updated 2 times since publishing
Showtime is only available in the US. When traveling outside the country, you’ll lose access to your Showtime account even if your subscription is still active.
While it’s theoretically possible to use a VPN to get a US IP address and watch Showtime from restricted regions, this is against the platform’s ToS and is a violation of copyright laws. This is why my team and I don’t condone the use of VPNs for illegal streaming. You can still legally watch Showtime with a VPN from the US for safety reasons.
After testing 40+ VPNs, I recommend you try ExpressVPN with Showtime. It delivers ultra-fast speeds for UHD streaming on all its US servers and secures your connection with robust security features. It even comes with a 30*-day money-back guarantee. This means you can get a full refund if you’re not happy. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WatchEverywhere, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Quick Guide: 3 Easy Steps to Watch Showtime With a VPN
- Get a VPN. ExpressVPN has blazing-fast speeds, perfect for watching Showtime in 4K. Try ExpressVPN risk-free with its 30*-day money-back guarantee.
- Connect to a US server. All 3 recommended VPNs can find the fastest connection for you so you’ll only have to select the correct country from the list.
- Start watching your favorite shows on Showtime.
Try ExpressVPN for lag-free streaming
Important! Neither I nor my team condone copyright infringement. The VPNs recommended above have strict no-logs policies and won’t monitor your streaming activities. It’s solely up to you to use your VPN responsibly and not break Showtime’s Terms of Service.
The Best VPNs to Watch Showtime in 2025
1. ExpressVPN — Its Lightning-Fast Speeds Help You Watch Showtime With No Lags or Buffering
Key Features:
- 3,300 servers across 105 countries
- Superfast speeds to watch Showtime shows with absolutely no lags or buffering
- Watch Showtime even on up to 8 devices
- Offers 24/7 online customer service through live chat and email
- 30*-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN’s ultra-fast US servers let you watch HD shows on Showtime with zero lag. I was expecting my speeds to drop when I connected (which usually happens with most VPNs), but ExpressVPN kept my traffic almost on par with my base internet speed.
When my colleague in Boston tested it, he didn’t have any interruptions while using ExpressVPN to stream Homeland.
The VPN comes with a built-in speed test and easily finds the best available server in your chosen country. I also liked that I could save particularly fast servers to my favorites and connect to them quicker next time I wanted to stream.
To try the unbelievably fast speeds, you should test ExpressVPN with Showtime shows and movies at no risk. Since the VPN is backed by a 30*-day money-back guarantee, you can get a refund if the vendor doesn’t meet your expectations. I canceled my account 27 days using the 24/7 live chat. The VPN rep approved my refund without pressuring me to change my mind — and I received the money 5 days after.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WatchEverywhere, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
ExpressVPN works on: Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, PlayStation, Xbox, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Smart TVs, routers, and more.
ExpressVPN works with: Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV, HBO Max, Eurosport, Crunchyroll, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, and more.
2025 Update! You can subscribe to ExpressVPN for as low as per month with a 2-year purchase (save up to %)!! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
2. CyberGhost — Watch Showtime in HD With Its Streaming-Optimized Servers
Key Features:
- 9,757 servers in 100 countries worldwide
- Servers programmed to provide top quality streaming without buffering
- Connect up to 7 devices at the same time
- Customer help available through 24/7 live chat or email
- 45-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost has servers optimized for platforms that offer Showtime (such as Sling TV, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video) which keep your streams smooth at all times. While you won’t find connections dedicated specifically to Showtime, any of Cyberghost’s optimized servers help you avoid streaming interruptions on the platform.
It’s super easy to set up a connection, too — just open the “For streaming” tab, choose a server of your liking, and the VPN will do the rest.
Even better, CyberGhost’s streaming servers come with an integrated adblocker. This stops any ads and trackers from wasting your bandwidth and speeds maximizing your connection’s streaming capabilities.
Although CyberGhost’s optimized locations become full at peak times, you can also use its regular servers to watch Showtime in a similar high quality. They were slightly slower than the streaming servers, but I didn’t notice any major differences during testing.
With the VPN’s 45-day money-back guarantee, you’ll have more than enough time to put CyberGhost to the test yourself before making a final decision. If you don’t like it, you’re eligible to get a refund as long as you ask for it during the guarantee period. I discovered CyberGhost also practices no-questions-asked refunds, so my request was approved just a minute after I connected to the 24/7 live chat. The VPN returned my money that same week.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WatchEverywhere, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
CyberGhost works on: Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Smart TVs, routers, and more.
CyberGhost works with: Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Eurosport, Crunchyroll, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, and more.
2025 Update! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as per month with a 2-year purchase (save up to %)!! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Huge US Server Network for Uncrowded Connections to Watch Showtime Without Lag
Key Features:
- 35,000 servers available in 91 countries
- Great speeds for keeping your streaming clear and lag-free
- Share your account with friends and family and watch Showtime on up to unlimited devices
- 24/7 live chat and email customer support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Overcrowded servers often mean slower speeds, but Private Internet Access’ US server network means you won’t deal with sudden slowdowns as you watch Showtime.
Our US team of testers found that PIA worked with Showtime Anytime, Hulu, fuboTV, and Sling TV. You might experience minor buffering at the start of some videos, but it should be mostly lag-free. Also, I found that speeds are dependent on how far you are from the server. You can avoid issues by choosing a server close to your actual location.
I also think that PIA is one of the best VPNs for Windows, Mac, iPhone, and other devices. Its app is intuitive to navigate, letting me connect in just 2 clicks of a button.
As a new subscriber, you’ll get to test PIA’s servers with Showtime risk-free for as long as 30 days. If you don’t think it’s what you’re looking for, reach out to customer help and ask for a refund. I did it myself after using the VPN for 23 days. Unlike with the other 2 VPNs, I had to explain why I wanted to cancel, but the PIA agent processed my refund when I said I wasn’t interested anymore. I noticed the money back in my account after 7 business days.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WatchEverywhere, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
PIA works on: Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Amazon Fire TV, Smart TVs, routers, and more.
PIA works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Eurosport, Crunchyroll, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, and more.
2025 Update! You can subscribe to PIA for as low as per month with a 2-year purchase (save up to %)!! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
Where to Watch Showtime in 2025
You can watch any content on Showtime through its standalone Showtime Anytime app. Simply log in to your account or sign up on one of the devices compatible with Showtime and start streaming shows like Billions, The L Word, and more. You’ll get free access to the app if you already have an existing TV subscription that includes access to Showtime channels.
However, the streaming platform is also available as an add-on on other third-party websites. So if you already have existing subscriptions to any of the services below, simply add Showtime to your monthly bill — some sites even include showtime in their plans.
- Amazon Prime Video — As a Prime member, you can select Showtime as an add-on to your subscription. It’s free to watch for the first 7 days.
- Hulu — Lets you add Showtime for an additional fee to your base plan. If you want to watch Showtime live, make sure to choose Hulu + Live TV subscription.
- fuboTV — Includes access to Showtime and 60+ other TV channels in its basic subscription service. Use it for free for 7 days.
- AT&T TV — Offers 13 Showtime channels (10 of them available in HD) to watch hit shows, documentaries, and sports live and on catch-up.
- Sling TV — Gives you access to 9 Showtime channels with on-demand and live TV.
- YouTube TV — One of the most expensive streaming platforms that offers 85+ channels, but you need to pay an additional fee to watch Showtime. You’ll get a 5-day free trial to try it first.
- Paramount+ — Lets you add Showtime to your subscription for a discounted price. You can watch it for free if you select it during your Paramount+ 7-day trial.
ExpressVPN works with all of the above-mentioned platforms. Also, it comes with a 30*-day money-back guarantee. That way you can get a full refund if it fails to meet your expectations. If you still have doubts, you can use ExpressVPN to watch Showtime on any platform risk-free as it offers a 30*-day money-back guarantee. That way you can get a full refund if the VPN fails to meet your expectations.
Try ExpressVPN without any risk
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WatchEverywhere, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
How to Subscribe to Showtime
You can subscribe to Showtime using a gift card or a US credit card/PayPal account. As Showtime is a US-based service, you should only subscribe to it when you’re in the country since setting up a new account abroad breaks the site’s Terms and Conditions.
Set Up a New Showtime Account Using a Gift Card
- Download a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN for watching Showtime as its rapid speeds let you watch anything with no buffering when you connect to a US server.
- Purchase a Showtime gift card from MyGiftCardSupply. If you have never used the service before, you’ll have to create a MyGiftCardSupply account.
- Redeem your gift card. To do so you need to create a new Showtime account, select gift cards as your preferred payment method, and type in your gift card number.
- Sign up for Showtime. Keep in mind that paying for your account with a gift card makes you illegible for the free trial.
- Enjoy watching any show or movie on Showtime.
Pay for Your Showtime Account With a US Credit Card
- Get a VPN. If you use ExpressVPN, your payment details will be hidden from prying eyes so no one will be able to steal them. The VPN is also great for streaming Showtime in UltraHD.
- Visit the Showtime website or app. Signing up directly through the platform automatically enrolls you for the 30-day free trial.
- Create an account and set up your billing information. You can establish a direct debit using your credit card or PayPal account.
- Start watching Showtime content.
FAQs on Watching Showtime With a VPN
Can I watch Showtime for free?
Yes, you’ll get to use Showtime free of charge for 30 days when you subscribe to the platform. Additionally, you’ll get a discounted rate for 3 months after your trial ends. After that, your subscription price will resume at the standard rate.
If you choose to watch Showtime through any third-party website, you’ll get to use it for free for only 7 days. This included Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV, and other sites. However, subscribing through Apple TV and the Roku Channel will still let you make the most of the 30-day trial.
Which devices can I watch Showtime on?
After you connect to a VPN, you can Showtime through its own app or a third-party platform on:
- Mobile devices: iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android phones and tablets, Amazon Fire tablet, and Kindle Fire.
- Computers: Windows and macOS.
- Smart TVs: Samsung TV, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, LG Smart TV, and Android TVs.
- Streaming and casting devices: Chromecast, Roku, Amazon Firestick, and Facebook Portal TV.
- Gaming consoles: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Oculus Go, and Oculus Quest.
Not all of these devices are compatible with a VPN though. To watch Showtime on every device you own, I recommend downloading ExpressVPN as you can install the VPN directly on your router. Installing a VPN on your home network automatically connects all devices on your WiFi to the same server, regardless of whether they’re compatible with VPNs or not. Setting it up took me just under 5 minutes due to easy instructions I found on ExpressVPN’s website.
If you don’t want to be restricted only to certain devices, use ExpressVPN to watch Showtime on any operating system you’d like. Don’t worry — if you decide you don’t like it, you have up to 30* days to request a refund and close your account. I received my money back only 5 days after canceling my subscription.
Is using a VPN to watch Showtime legal?
Yes, it’s legal to use a VPN to watch Showtime. However, you should not use a VPN to watch Showtime outside the broadcast region, as this could be considered copyright infringement. My colleagues and I strongly discourage using a VPN to circumvent Showtime’s geoblocks.
How do I select the best VPN for Showtime?
To make sure I recommend only the best VPNs for streaming Showtime, I put to the test over 50 different vendors and checked which ones meet my very strict criteria:
- Reliable and fast speeds with an average of at least 20Mbps which is enough to stream Showtime in high quality without interruptions.
- A big network of servers in the US so you can avoid overcrowded and slow connections.
- A very user-friendly app interface across all compatible devices so you don’t have to fumble with buttons to set up your connection.
- 24/7 customer service you can access online through live chat and email to get help whenever you need it.
- A legitimate money-back guarantee for you to get a VPN without any risk to your bank account.
Unfortunately, during my tests, I also came across VPNs with questionable security practices which is a big red flag. Every VPN should provide you with full anonymity through a no-logs policy that prevents it from collecting your personal data. It’s standard ethical practice, but I found that the 5 VPNs below didn’t stick to it as much as they should.
Warning: Using any of the VPNs below (or a cheaper service) may put you at risk of identity theft or scams due to unauthorized collection of your data and other questionable security practices.
- HolaVPN — Used its users’ devices in a series of cyberattacks as it utilized their bandwidth to take control over your system.
- PureVPN — Despite its no-logging policy, the VPN used its records to identify multiple users when approached by the FBI.
- OperaVPN — Collects and stores private information, like your location, to send targeted ads.
- TouchVPN — It’s known for logging extensive data from its users, including IP addresses, personal information, and browsing history.
- UFO VPN — The VPN was involved in huge data leaks that revealed vulnerable user information, such as passwords, emails, and full names.
To avoid nasty surprises, I suggest picking a VPN that’s completely transparent about the security and anonymity it provides. I liked that PIA let me fully customize my privacy settings so I could apply the toughest encryption available and keep my connection fully invisible. This gave me peace of mind knowing Showtime (or anyone else) wouldn’t be able to see any of my private details, like my location.
Can I use a free VPN to watch Showtime?
Yes, but I don’t recommend it. Only premium VPNs provide the required online safety and fast speeds for bufferless streaming.
Free VPNs offer much smaller server networks, capped data and speeds, as well as limited bandwidth. They often also rely on advertisements to make any profit at all. This means that even if you find a service that works with Showtime, your stream will be slow, pixelated, filled with ads, and not at all enjoyable.
Worse yet, free VPNs put your data at risk as they regularly sell your information to shady third parties, like government agencies and even hackers. This is extremely dangerous and could lead to you being involved in scams, identity theft, and other cyberattacks.
What else can a VPN help me do?
A premium VPN secures your internet traffic and browsing history through multiple different security features, like robust encryption. This means that you’ll stay safe and anonymous even on public WiFi networks, for example in restaurants, hotels, cafés, or libraries. It’ll give you extra peace of mind and let you watch Showtime anywhere without putting your data at risk.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WatchEverywhere, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Start Watching Showtime Lag-free With a VPN
Not all VPNs are compatible with Showtime and you must choose your provider wisely to avoid unnecessary spending. My preferred option is ExpressVPN, as it offers ultra-fast speeds for seamless streaming in UHD.
You can try ExpressVPN to watch Showtime at no risk to you. It comes with a 30*-day money-back guarantee. If you discover it doesn’t work properly at any point during that time, you have the right to get a full refund. I tested this policy myself. After asking for a refund over the live chat, my money showed up in my account in just 3 days.
*Please note that ExpressVPN’s generous money-back guarantee applies to first-time customers only.
Summary — Watch Showtime Lag-Free These VPNs (Updated 2025)
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
