How to watch Crave TV abroad (outside Canada) with a VPN

Are you hoping to use a VPN to access Crave TV from abroad? Here’s a roundup of the best VPNs to watch Crave while traveling outside of Canada. 

As with the bulk of online content, it’s difficult to access Crave TV from outside of Canada. The platform is subject to geo-restrictions, so programs can’t be streamed from a different country. This is where a VPN will come in handy. 

VPNs encrypt all traffic sent to and from your device, routing it via a VPN server found in a different location. For example, connecting to a Canadian VPN server will assign the user a temporary Canadian IP address. This temporary IP address can be used to access lots of Canadian content, including Netflix, Crave, and more. 

If you’re in need of a VPN for Crave, it can be difficult to identify the best provider for the job. Some VPNs only work with a few Canadian streaming services, and others won’t be able to access Crave TV whatsoever.

Best VPNs for watching Crave TV:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for Crave TV. Roughly 500 RAM-only Canadian servers to pick from, superb streaming support, unique features, fast speeds, and strong security. Offers a simple risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 
2. Surfshark: Our top budget VPN for watching Crave TV. Unlimited device connections, affordable subscriptions, impressive speeds, streaming access, and servers in 100+ countries. 
3. ExpressVPN: Beginner-friendly apps for all devices and custom router firmware. One of the more reliable VPNs when accessing geo-restricted services. Lightway protocol.
4. CyberGhost: Streaming optimized servers, massive network, fast speeds and streaming access, and user-friendly apps for all devices. 
5. Proton VPN: Provider with advanced features including port forwarding, streaming support, free servers, and fast speeds. Over 100 Canadian servers to pick from. 
6. Atlas VPN: Atlas VPN offers speedy connections, apps for all devices, and streaming access to various Canadian platforms. Unlimited device connections.
7. PrivateVPN: Decent speeds and unblocking capabilities. No device limits and works with Crave TV, CTV, Netflix, and more. 

Comparison Table

We narrowed the field with our inclusion criteria. Here are some of the non-negotiable characteristics we looked for when picking out the best providers for Crave:

• Servers in Canada are necessary for watching TV from the region, whether via the Crave app or another service
• Connection speeds will dictate how efficiently the user is able to perform any online task, and are especially important for streaming 4K content
• Streaming access. The provider must work with Crave TV, as well as allowing the user to bypass blocks on other Canadian sites and services from abroad. The VPN must also work with various streaming devices 
• Privacy and security, including everything from notable features to available protocols
• In order to qualify for one of the top three positions, the VPN must operate a 100% diskless server network and have had its infrastructure audited by a reputable third-party

For more information about the specific criteria we used for picking the best VPNs for Crave TV, check out the testing methodology section found later in this article.

Best VPNs for accessing Crave TV outside of Canada

Here’s a roundup with detailed information about each of the VPNs that have made it onto this list.

NordVPN is a great place to start if you’re looking for a provider with lots of access to Canadian streaming services like Crave, Netflix Canada, and Amazon Prime Video.

You’ll find a selection of speedy (200 Mbps) servers to pick from, with Canadian coverage in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. More than 6,000+ NordVPN servers worldwide include 480+ in Canada alone. 

Enjoy features abound, with split tunneling, Double VPN, and obfuscation. Watertight 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection come standard. Apps and infrastructure have been independently audited, so you won’t have to take Nord’s word for it when it comes to a strict no-logs policy. 

Unique additions include Meshnet, which is a private tunneling feature that is used to create connections between trusted devices. The NordLynx protocol helps to boost average speeds up to the 200 Mbps mark. SmartPlay lets you change DNS servers to access streaming services on devices that don’t support VPN apps, such as smart TVs and game consoles. NordVPN is also perfect for P2P, and there’s one-click access to the Tor network.

It’s hard to think of many drawbacks, aside from a lack of port forwarding and that the user can only connect to the VPN with up to six simultaneous devices. You’ll find apps and support for all major platforms, including routers and browser extensions. 

THE BEST VPN FOR CRAVE TV: NordVPN is a great all-rounder that makes it easy to stream Canadian content from anywhere in the world. Meshnet, NordLynx, SmartPlay, speedy connections, a sturdy kill switch, and an audited no-logs policy. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark is a viable alternative, and it’s our top recommendation if you’d prefer to stick with a more affordable provider. 

It measures up to the best in the business in terms of speeds (190 Mbps) and streaming access. It bypasses blocks on a wealth of Canadian content, including Crave.  The provider also works with international alternatives like Hulu, Channel 4, Channel 5, BBC iPlayer, Sky Sports, and more. 

You can connect with an unlimited number of devices at the same time, so you’ll be able to share an account with friends and family if you’d prefer. There are 3,200+ servers to pick from in a total of 100+ countries, with over 120 servers in Canada itself. These are split between Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. 

Smart DNS works as a standalone service that can unblock streaming services on devices that don’t support VPN apps, like game consoles and smart TVs. NoBorders mode helps the user gain access to the VPN in restrictive regions. Other features include a built-in ad-blocker and malware-scanner, a kill switch, split tunneling, and support for MultiHop connections. Infrastructure has been audited by Cure53, and Deloitte verified Surfshark’s no-logs policy. 

You’ll find a selection of apps and support for all major operating systems.

THE BEST BUDGET VPN FOR CRAVE TV: Surfshark is a capable low-cost alternative that works well with various Canadian streaming services. Unlimited simultaneous devices, decent speeds, and servers in 100+ countries. Simple 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN is unmatched in terms of access to geo-restricted sites and services. As you might have guessed, this includes the likes of Crave, as well as Netflix Canada, TSN, and CityTV. You’ll find servers available in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, with coverage in 105+ countries in total. 

It comes with a proprietary protocol (Lightway) and average speeds work out to roughly 175 Mbps. That’s quick enough for 4K streaming, while features include split tunneling and MultiHop connections. ExpressVPN also comes with Smart DNS support, so it’s easy to get Crave working with anything from a games console to smart TVs. 

ExpressVPN also has iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux apps, as well as custom router firmware. You’ll be able to connect with up to eight devices at the same time. 

It would be placed higher on the list were it not for fairly expensive plans, and a few missing features like ad-blocking, rotating IPs, and Tor over VPN.

RELIABLE CRAVE VPN: ExpressVPN is another capable provider with reliable speeds and streaming access in Canada and elsewhere. Large server network, Lightway protocol, Smart DNS, and an audited no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

CyberGhost makes it easy to stream Canadian content no matter where you are in the world. It has a long list of locations dotted in 100+ countries, including over 330 servers in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.

You’ll find labeled, streaming optimized servers within the app, making it easy to get started no matter your current experience level. It’s simple to stream via CBC, Netflix Canada, StackTV, CBC Gem, and Crave while abroad. Average speeds amount to just under 300 Mbps, so you’ll never have to worry about lag or buffering while connected to the VPN server.

Features include an always-on kill switch, as well as support for split tunneling and Smart DNS. The apps protect your connection from DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. The provider has been independently audited to verify its no logs claims. 

It is missing out on a few features seen elsewhere, such as Tor over VPN and obfuscation, so you’ll need to look elsewhere if that’s a deal breaker. You’ll find CyberGhost apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, and Amazon Fire devices. One account can be used with up to seven devices at the same time. 

STREAMING-OPTIMIZED SERVERS: CyberGhost makes it easy to stream via Crave, no matter your current location. Optimized servers, large network, impressive speeds, and apps for all devices. Extended 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

Proton VPN is an advanced provider and sister service to ProtonMail. With over 3,000 servers to choose from, and servers in 71+ countries, it’s a viable alternative to any of the options seen above if you’re in need of a streaming VPN for Canadian content. 

Notable features include port forwarding, rotating IPs, and Secure Core servers. These can be used to route your traffic through privacy-friendly locations such as Iceland or Switzerland before reaching Canada. 

You’ll also find free servers in a trio of countries, but there’s no coverage in Canada, and free servers can’t be used for streaming. You need a paid plan to access Crave.

Proton VPN has a watertight no logs policy, and the service has been audited to ensure that your data is appropriately handled. Speeds are some of the best you’ll find on the market, averaging roughly 320 Mbps. 

You’ll find a selection of apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Fire devices. Proton VPN allows for up to 10 simultaneous connections with a Plus account. 

ADVANCED CRAVE VPN: Proton VPN is an advanced provider offering a superb mix of speeds and security. Secure Core servers, Canadian streaming access, port forwarding, and more. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

Atlas VPN is another great option for watching Crave TV. The provider has streaming-optimized servers in Canada, working to access platforms like Netflix, CTV, and TSN. 

Average server speeds amount to roughly 260 Mbps, so it’s a powerful provider even when compared to some of the more established names on the market.

Atlas VPN is great at improving online privacy. It comes with a strict no logs policy. SafeBrowse provides ad blocking, tracker blocking, and malware filtering. There’s a kill switch, rotating IPs, MultiHop support, and more. However, the kill switch did leak our real IP for a second whilst reconnecting, 

Atlas VPN allows the user to connect with unlimited devices, so it’s always helpful if you plan to share an account. You’ll find apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV.

AFFORDABLE CRAVE VPN: Atlas VPN is another suitable option for accessing Crave content outside of Canada. Fast speeds, works with platforms like Netflix, CTV, and TSN from abroad, SafeBrowse, and rotating IPs. Budget-friendly VPN, comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Atlas VPN.

PrivateVPN can access Crave from abroad and other blocked content via servers in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. A selection of roughly 200 servers is the fewest of the providers to make the list, so there is a chance that Canadian locations could be overloaded. 

PrivateVPN is one of the few providers to offer port forwarding, while StealthVPN helps the user evade online censorship. It comes with IPv6 and DNS leak protection, 256-bit encryption, and a kill switch. 

Connection speeds amount to roughly 40 Mbps, so it lags behind the competition in this respect. It’s still quick enough for 4K streaming, but you’ll find speedier options further up the list. 

There are PrivateVPN apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS, along with further support for Linux and routers. It allows for 10 simultaneous device connections. 

CANADIAN STREAMING SERVERS: PrivateVPN is perfect for accessing region-locked content via platforms like Crave. Port forwarding, StealthVPN, apps for all devices, and streaming support. Simple 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for Crave TV  

Rather than picking providers at random, we’ve compiled a comprehensive VPN testing methodology. We test and compare the best VPNs in the business. 

Our strict criteria means that only providers dedicated to digital privacy, with excellent usability and optimal performance, can make it onto our list. Below, you can see the criteria we used to pick the best VPNs for Crave.

• Servers: Servers in Canada are necessary if you’re hoping to access Crave. We’ve also factored in the size of the network, which will allow the user to connect to a wide range of locations across the country and worldwide.
• Speeds and performance: No matter what you plan to use a VPN for, connection speeds will have an impact on almost any online task. Of course, this is especially important if you’re planning to stream live content via Crave TV.
• Privacy and security: How does the VPN perform in terms of security and privacy? We look at features, implementation, and everything from leak protection to encryption and protocols. 
• Third-party audits: Trust is the foundation of the value that VPN services provide. You are essentially placing more faith in your VPN provider than you are in your ISP. Almost every provider says they are a ‘no logs' VPN. The only ways to test this claim are either through the courts or through audits. We will only consider providers for our top three positions if they have undergone infrastructure audits from a reputable third party. While this isn't foolproof, it's the closest the industry has to a verification process for logging policies.
• Diskless infrastructure: Again, this is a prerequisite to be considered for one of the top three positions on BleepingComputer. While the data stored on a VPN server should be minimal, it could, theoretically, be accessed if the servers were seized or hacked. Moving processes to RAM means that no information can be physically taken from servers and it is wiped on shutdown. It can also easily be wiped as a part of regular security procedures.

How to watch Crave TV abroad using a VPN

It’s easy to access Crave TV from abroad with the use of a VPN. We’ve put together a quick guide to take you through exactly what to do to get started. 

Here’s how to watch Crave TV online from outside Canada:

1. Pick a VPN that can access Crave. We’ve listed several top options below. 
2. Sign up with the service, and download the relevant VPN app to your device. 
3. Open the VPN app and log in. 
4. Select a Canadian VPN server, and wait to be connected. 
5. Log in to the Crave site or app, and make a new account if necessary. The user will need a Canadian payment method to do so.
6. You should now be able to stream any Crave content that was previously blocked in your region. 

Watching Crave TV with a VPN: FAQs

Can I use a free VPN to watch Crave TV?

A free VPN is always going to be tempting, but it’s not a good idea if you plan to use a provider to access blocked content. The majority of free VPNs are unable to bypass geo-restrictions, with everything from Crave to Netflix Canada likely inaccessible while abroad. 

Performance also tends to be an issue, with slow speeds and overloaded servers. Bandwidth is often capped, so free providers aren’t the best long-term solution for streaming access. 

Finally, security is often subpar. Some providers have been known to sell user data to third parties, while others lack the basic encryption necessary to get the job done safely.  

Can I watch more Canadian TV with a VPN?

Yes, you’ll be able to access additional Canadian streaming services and channels from abroad. Here are some of the platforms and channels you can watch:

• Noovo
• Amazon Prime Video 
• Netflix 
• APTN
• Citytv
• CTV
• CBC 
• Global TV
• RDS

Is it legal to use a VPN to stream Crave?

VPNs are legal in most countries, aside from notable exceptions such as China, Russia, and Iran. As such, it’s not illegal to stream Crave from abroad in locations such as the United States and western Europe. 

There is a chance that you could go against Crave’s terms of service by using a VPN. If so, there is a slight possibility that the platform could ban your account, although it’s more likely that Crave will target the IP addresses provided by VPNs.

Can I stream in HD while using a Crave VPN?

Yes, you’ll be able to stream HD content with any of the VPNs mentioned above. In fact, Crave currently supports 4K streaming on devices like Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV 4K, Roku, PS5, and more.