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How to Watch Paramount Plus in the UK in 2024
Last updated May 15, 2024
Paramount+ offers 30,000+ hours of content from CBS, BET, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, Paramount, and more. It’s available in the UK as a standalone service and Prime Video add-on channel, plus Sky Cinema subscribers have access at no extra cost and NOW members get some Paramount content. However, the UK version of Paramount+ lacks content found in the US library.
Moreover, if you subscribe to Paramount Plus in the UK, you won't be able to access the service if you travel to any other supported region. The accounts are country-specific. Luckily, you can unblock any Paramount+ libraries with a VPN. This will allow you to sign up for the US version of Paramount+ in the UK.
Below, we’ll guide you through how to watch Paramount Plus in the UK, explain why you need a VPN, and recommend the best providers for the platform. We’ll also include Paramount+ subscription pricing and content suggestions, tutorials on how to pay for US Paramount+ in the UK and how to watch the streamer on all your devices, answers to some frequently asked questions, and more.
How to Watch Paramount Plus in the UK
To watch the Paramount Plus in the UK (the US version), you’ll need to get an American IP address using a VPN and sign up for a Paramount+ US account. Unfortunately, if you have a UK account, it won't work on different content libraries. Here’s what you need to do:
- Subscribe to a VPN that works on Paramount+ US (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download the VPN on your system.
- Connect to a US server using the VPN provider’s app.
- Head to the Paramount Plus website and click “Try It Free.”
- Choose a plan and decide whether you want to pay monthly or annually.
- Input your account details (75254 or 75260 will work for the ZIP code).
- Add your preferred payment method (US credit card or PayPal required).
- Verify your account, choose a show, and start streaming.
Paramount Plus requires a valid US-based payment method. If you don’t have one, other options are to pay with various gift cards (Paramount+, Google Play Store, or Apple App Store) or a virtual credit card. Stay tuned for detailed instructions for each method.
Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch Paramount Plus in the UK?
You need a VPN to watch Paramount+ in the UK since the US version has a more comprehensive library. Due to rights issues, various titles are US-exclusive. In the UK, Paramount Plus is also available as an Amazon Prime Video Channel add-on. Plus, Sky Cinema customers get complimentary access to the service and certain NOW subscribers get some Paramount content (but not the whole platform).
What’s more, its accounts don't work in regions other than the one you initially registered in, even if Paramount Plus itself is available. Say you try to access your UK Paramount Plus account while traveling - well, it either won't let you log in at all, or you’ll get a geo-block error: “Sorry, Paramount+ is not yet available in this country.”
Trying to create a Paramount+ account outside the 28 supported countries yields this message instead: “Unique stories. Iconic stars. A mountain of entertainment. Paramount+, home to the world’s favourite stars, stories and brands, is coming soon. Get ready to experience stellar originals, exclusive premieres, hit movies and the very best must-see TV.”
An easy solution to these problems is to use a VPN to connect to a server in the United States. This will let you obtain a US IP so you can sign up for Paramount+ US. You may also use the VPN to watch Paramount Plus outside the US or to use a UK account while traveling in other countries. That said, not every VPN can bypass Paramount's VPN detection and unblock it.
That's why we recommend using NordVPN. It has thousands of high-speed US servers that are all capable of easily unblocking US Paramount Plus from anywhere in the world, including the UK. You won't have any issues with buffering or long loading times, so your streaming experience will be seamless.
The Best VPNs to Watch US Paramount Plus in the UK
The VPN you go for needs to meet a number of important criteria. First and foremost, it should make it easy to unblock the US version of Paramount+, as well as other streaming services. To do this, it needs a sizable server network in the US and worldwide.
Stable performance and top speeds are musts to avoid buffering, especially if you prefer streaming in 4K. The VPN should include obfuscated servers and a kill switch to mask your presence on Paramount+ at all times. As for privacy and security, look for cutting-edge protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, strong encryption, and a no-logs policy.
The VPN needs to work on all major systems (Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS) and let you use multiple devices simultaneously as well. And if you ever need technical help, it’s a good idea to get a provider with 24/7 live chat and a money-back plan, just in case.
Based on these criteria, these are the best VPNs for streaming US Paramount Plus in the UK:
- NordVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch Paramount Plus in the UK
- Surfshark - Feature-Packed VPN to Get Paramount+ in the UK
- ExpressVPN - Stream Paramount Plus on Unlimited Devices
- CyberGhost VPN - Streaming-Optimized VPN for Unblocking Paramount+
1. NordVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch Paramount Plus in the UK
NordVPN is the best VPN for unblocking Paramount+ in the UK, thanks in part to its advanced SmartPlay technology. It uses elements of smart DNS to keep your location under wraps, available on the provider’s entire network of 6,000+ servers in 61 countries (including 1,970+ servers in 16 US locations). This huge network allows it to unblock a huge variety of services besides Paramount+, too.
This VPN offers blazing-fast speeds and consistently impressive performance regardless of your location or which server you connect to. During our testing, we didn't experience any noticeable speed dips when connected to more remote servers. Moreover, we were able to stream Paramount Plus in 4K and skip around in the videos without buffering or long loading times.
NordVPN comes with various specialized servers (P2P, Onion-over-VPN, and double VPN, for example). There are even obfuscated ones for when you face stubborn VPN blocks on streaming sites or when your school or workplace network admins try to block VPNs. Also, its apps have an advanced kill switch that you can customize on a per-app basis.
Unsurprisingly, NordVPN’s no-logs policy has been thoroughly audited. You have all the tried-and-tested protocols at your disposal. Whether you use OpenVPN or IKEv2/IPsec with AES-256 encryption or the WireGuard-based NordLynx with ChaCha20 encryption, your data is secure against hackers. NordLynx is our favorite for streaming because it offers the best speeds without sacrificing security.
NordVPN’s apps are available for computers, smartphones, tablets, various smart TVs, and other gadgets. Plus, you get 6 simultaneous connections for browsing, streaming, gaming, and everything in between.
Furthermore, NordVPN offers 24/7 support via live chat for troubleshooting and other helpful tips, and all plans are backed by a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
PROS
- 1,970+ lightning-fast US servers.
- Unblocks Paramount+ US.
- Plentiful obfuscated servers.
- No-fuss SmartPlay for streaming.
- 24/7 live chat support.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
CONS
- Only 6 simultaneous connections.
2. Surfshark - Feature-Packed VPN to Get Paramount+ in the UK
Surfshark is another excellent choice because it easily unblocks Paramount Plus and other streaming platforms in the UK. Its fully obfuscated network and Nexus IP rotation technology make this possible. It comes with 600+ US servers in 25 major cities as part of its larger network of 3,200+ servers in 100 countries.
With Surfshark, you can be certain that you'll get lightning-fast speeds and stable performance across the board. It didn't matter whether we connected to servers nearby or on the other side of the world. We were always able to stream in 4K without buffering on multiple platforms. Moreover, its aforementioned Nexus technology helps boost speeds and stabilize your connections.
Surfshark comes with plenty of security and privacy features, too. It has a reliable kill switch to prevent data leaks in the event of a VPN disconnection. It also follows a strict no-logs policy. Your data will be protected by AES-256 encryption if you use OpenVPN or IKEv2 protocols, or you can use WireGuard with ChaCha20 encryption.
You can install Surfshark on any popular streaming devices, such as smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and more. Better yet, it allows unlimited simultaneous connections, which makes it a great choice for large families or groups of friends to share.
You can try Surfshark and test all its features risk-free because it offers a 30-day refund period. Finally, if you need any help, you can contact their customer support through 24/7 live chat.
PROS
- 600+ servers in the US.
- Works on US Paramount Plus.
- Network-wide obfuscation.
- Allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
- 24/7 support via live chat.
- 30-day refund period.
CONS
- iOS app could use improvement.
3. ExpressVPN - Stream Paramount Plus on Unlimited Devices
ExpressVPN is equipped with over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, along with plenty of servers in the US (24 locations), allowing you to unblock Paramount Plus in the UK with ease. It also works well for other streaming services. This is all possible due to its fully obfuscated infrastructure, meaning your VPN activity is hidden from Paramount+ and any other website.
As expected, ExpressVPN offers excellent performance while streaming content from anywhere. Our tests showed it delivers ultra-fast speeds on both distant and nearby servers, whether we watched shows in HD or 4K.
Top security firms have independently audited ExpressVPN’s no-logs claims to ensure complete privacy. Moreover, its apps include a reliable kill switch so your IP never leaks. Securing your data is the in-house Lightway protocol (with WolfSSL encryption), as well as the classic OpenVPN and IKEv2 options, both AES-256-enabled.
You get to use ExpressVPN on up to 8 devices simultaneously, which is more than enough for Paramount Plus. It's supported on most operating systems, including mac, iOS, Windows, Linux, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and more. There’s even a router app to extend VPN capabilities to all your network-capable gadgets, including ones that don’t support VPN apps (such as gaming consoles).
Naturally, ExpressVPN offers round-the-clock customer support through live chat, as well as a hassle-free, 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
PROS
- Beginner-friendly apps.
- High-performance US servers.
- Unblocks Paramount+ with ease.
- Fully obfuscated network.
- 24/7 customer support.
- 30-day money-back policy.
CONS
- Limited fine-tuning of settings.
4. CyberGhost VPN - Streaming-Optimized VPN for Unblocking Paramount+
CyberGhost VPN may not have obfuscation, but it’s still a great option to unblock Paramount+ in the UK due to its streaming-optimized servers. In fact, the VPN has 11,000+ servers in 100 countries with 2,100+ servers in 11 US cities and works on 40+ streaming services from around the world, so you’ll never get bored.
Aside from Paramount Plus, we tested CyberGhost on multiple streaming platforms in different regions, close and far. Their high-performance servers did not disappoint, even while watching shows in the highest available quality. That said, our in-depth tests revealed that while it delivered medium-fast speeds, it did decrease in speed on more distant servers.
When it comes to privacy, CyberGhost's kill switch is always on, so you don’t accidentally disable it and risk revealing your IP to online services. And as always, the VPN has an audited no-logs policy. Its apps are equipped with all industry-standard protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec) and strong encryption ciphers (AES-256 and ChaCha20, depending on your protocol) to deter hackers.
CyberGhost works with all popular devices, so you're covered whether you want to watch Paramount+ on a computer, mobile device, or smart TV. What’s more, you get 7 simultaneous connections to use as you see fit.
Lastly, there’s also 24/7 customer support via live chat to help with server recommendations or technical issues, plus a robust 45-day money-back guarantee on longer CyberGhost plans.
PROS
- 2,100+ servers in the US.
- Unblocks 40+ streaming sites.
- Always-on kill switch.
- Customer support available 24/7.
- 45-day money-back guarantee.
- 7 simultaneous connections.
CONS
- Not as fast as other options.
- Lacks obfuscation.
How Much is US Paramount Plus in the UK?
The cost of US Paramount Plus in the UK is $5.99 (£4.73) monthly for the Essential plan with ads, while the ad-free Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan is $11.99 (£9.47) per month. There are also annual payment options, and all plans include a 7-day free trial. Moreover, the free trial has no limitations - you can stream to your heart’s content before making your decision.
If you go for the Essential plan, you'll get tons of ad-supported content from various channels like CBS and Comedy Central, plus NFL coverage on CBS live and more. Paramount+ with SHOWTIME eliminates ads except on live TV and certain titles. Additionally, you'll unlock SHOWTIME originals and a local CBS station with the ability to download content for enjoying offline.
Here's a pricing table of the two plans in both US dollars and British pounds:
How to Pay for US Paramount+ in the UK?
To pay for US Paramount Plus in the UK, you need a credit or debit card with a valid US billing address. If you don't have one, there are 5 alternatives, including using a Paramount+ gift card, a virtual credit card, or a US PayPal account you've borrowed. Plus, you can get a Google Play Store gift card or an Apple gift card and pay through their respective app stores. Below are guides for each method.
Method 1: Pay for US Paramount Plus with a Paramount+ Gift Card
You can buy a virtual Paramount Plus gift card from online retailers like Walmart and GameStop. But first, you need to connect to a US VPN server before you can make an account and pay with the gift card. Here's what to do:
- Get a VPN that unblocks Paramount+ in the UK (we recommend NordVPN).
- Install the VPN and connect to a server in the US.
- Buy a Paramount Plus gift card from an online retailer (Walmart or GameStop, for example).
- Go to the Paramount Plus website and subscribe by following our earlier instructions.
- On the payment method screen, click on the Paramount+ logo in the top-left corner.
- Via your profile icon drop-down menu in the top-right of the home page, choose “Account.”
- Find the "Subscription & Billing" section, and click on “Redeem Gift Card.”
- Input the gift card pin and press the “Redeem” button.
- Choose a plan and pay using the gift card funds.
- Pick a TV show or movie to watch and enjoy!
Method 2: Pay for US Paramount Plus with PayPal
An easy way to get Paramount Plus is by asking a family member or friend in the States if they'll let you use their PayPal account. Of course, you'll also need a VPN to unblock it. Follow these steps to make things easy:
- Subscribe to a VPN that works with Paramount+ (we recommend NordVPN).
- Install the VPN and connect to a US-based server.
- Launch the Paramount Plus website and go through the usual registration process.
- At checkout, select PayPal as your payment method.
- Press “Check Out with PayPal.”
- On PayPal's interface, use the borrowed US PayPal account.
- After you're redirected back to Paramount+, pick something to watch and have fun!
Method 3: Pay for US Paramount Plus with a Virtual Credit Card
Registering for a virtual US credit card is probably the simplest way to pay for US Paramount Plus in the UK. First, though, you have to unblock the streaming service with a VPN. Here's what to do:
- Sign up for a VPN that works on Paramount+ in the UK (we recommend NordVPN).
- Install the VPN and connect to a server in the US.
- Go to US Unlocked and click the “Get Started” button.
- Enter your information to create an account.
- Add funds to your account to receive your virtual credit card details.
- Go to the Paramount Plus website and register as usual.
- At checkout, select credit card as your payment method.
- Add your virtual credit card details and click on “Start Paramount+.”
- That's it! Choose something to watch and start streaming.
Method 4: Pay for US Paramount Plus with a Google Play Gift Card
To pay for Paramount+ using a Google Play Store gift card, you have to set up a new Google account with a US-based address. Before that, get a VPN and connect to a US server. See our guide below to make things simple:
- Subscribe to a VPN for Paramount+ in the UK (we recommend NordVPN).
- Install the VPN and connect to a US-based server.
- Make a new Google account using a US address.
- Purchase a US Google Play gift card and redeem it in your new account.
- Install the Paramount Plus app on your Android device via the Google Play Store.
- Open the Paramount+ app and sign up using your pre-loaded Google Play Store funds.
Method 5: Pay for US Paramount Plus with an Apple Gift Card
For this option to be successful, you first have to create a new Apple ID with a US address. You'll also need a VPN with US servers. Follow these steps:
- Get a VPN that can unblock US Paramount+ (we recommend NordVPN).
- Install the VPN on your iOS device.
- Connect to any server in the US.
- Make a US Apple ID using a US-based address.
- Buy a US Apple gift card from an online retailer like MyGiftCardSupply.
- Load the gift card funds into your US App Store account.
- Download Paramount Plus on your iOS device from the App Store.
- Open the Paramount Plus app and register using the preloaded funds.
- That's it! Now you can pick something to stream.
How to Get Paramount Plus on Your Device in the UK?
To get Paramount Plus on your device in the UK, the process will vary, but you'll always need to use a VPN to unblock the streaming service. Unfortunately, VPNs can't be installed directly on game consoles, some smart TVs, or some other streaming devices. In those cases, you’ll have to set up a VPN on your router. Here are our handy guides on how to watch Paramount+ on various devices:
- How to Get Paramount+ on Xbox
- How to Get Paramount+ on PlayStation
- How to Get Paramount+ on Android
- How to Get Paramount+ on iPhone & iPad
- How to Get Paramount+ on a TV
- How to Get Paramount+ on Roku
- How to Get Paramount+ on Firestick & Fire TV
- How to Get Paramount+ on Apple TV
- How to Get Paramount+ on Xfinity Flex and X1
- How to Get Paramount+ on Android TV
- How to Get Paramount+ on TiVo
What’s on US Paramount Plus in the UK?
US Paramount+ offers the largest content library with classic shows like NCIS and South Park, plus new hits like Ghosts and The Equalizer. It also produces originals like 1883, The Good Fight, and Star Trek Discovery. If you get the ad-free plan, you'll also be able to watch SHOWTIME titles, such as Dexter and Yellowjackets.
Meanwhile, the movie section offers new hits like Top Gun: Maverick and all-time favorites like Raiders of the Lost Ark and Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Joining this selection of TV shows and movies are thousands of hours of content from Nickelodeon, BET, MTV, CBS, Comedy Central, the Smithsonian Channel, and more.
Here’s a bunch of options to choose from on the platform:
Can You Stream US Paramount Plus in the UK with a Free VPN?
Yes, you can stream US Paramount Plus in the UK with a free VPN, but we highly discourage it. First and foremost, most free VPNs won't be able to unblock Paramount+. They lack the necessary features to avoid detection. Many are unsafe to use because they don't protect your privacy, which is the whole point of using a VPN.
Besides that, free VPNs sell your browsing and location info to data brokers and ad agencies to cover operational costs. Moreover, they’re usually slow, have limited and overcrowded servers, and impose data and bandwidth caps. All in all, they don't really support streaming.
Instead, we suggest trying out a free VPN trial from one of the best VPN services available. Our top choice is the NordVPN free trial, which is offered on Android devices for 7 days. Plus, you can use its 30-day money-back guarantee as a free trial for other devices.
Final Thoughts
Paramount Plus is available in many countries, including the UK, but the largest content library is only available in the US. Plus, you can’t stream live sporting events in the UK or anywhere else outside the US. Fortunately, you can unblock the US Paramount+ library with a VPN. Simply connect to a VPN server in the US, sign up for a US account, and enjoy all the exclusives from anywhere.
We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN to watch Paramount Plus in the UK. The provider’s network has 1,970+ ultra-fast US servers, and many of them are equipped with obfuscation to hide your VPN use from streaming services. This means you'll be able to unblock the US Paramount+ library from anywhere.
That’s all for our guide on how to watch Paramount Plus in the UK. If you have any questions on your mind, let us know via the comments section below. Thanks for reading!