TCM mainly shows films released in the 80s and earlier, with the occasional airing of newer films. If you enjoy classic movies, then TCM is worth checking out. If you have a cable subscription and are located in the US, then accessing TCM online through its Watch TCM service will be no problem for you. However, access is blocked outside of the US, so you’ll require a VPN to access it.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) lets you reroute your internet connection through a server of your choice and encrypt your internet traffic in the process. VPNs usually have servers located in numerous locations worldwide, including in the US. As such, you can watch geo-locked content from sources like TCM in Canada, the UK, Germany, or anywhere else abroad. This means that other services like BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, and Comedy Central can also be unblocked by connecting to a VPN server in their designated locations.

A good VPN is a powerful tool, but not all VPNs are on the same level. We have studied several VPNs in order to determine which ones work best for unblocking TCM outside of the US. in this article, we provide in-depth descriptions of each of the VPNs that made our list, but here is a summary in case you are short of time.

Best VPNs for TCM:

  • NordVPN The top VPN for TCM. Huge network of servers is great for accessing most geo-blocked streaming content. Superfast speeds and excellent privacy and security. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark Best budget option. Enables access to TCM and a ton of other sites. Doesn’t impose a connection limit. Strong security standards.
  • ExpressVPN Unblocks TCM and most of the popular streaming networks from almost anywhere. Great streaming speeds, top-notch privacy and security, and easy-to-use apps.
  • CyberGhost Beginner-friendly network provider with some of the best streaming speeds we have come across. Easy-to-use apps.
  • PrivateVPN A privacy-first provider with a small yet growing network. The servers are fast and great for streaming.
  • IPVanish Reliable connections and good streaming speeds. Unblocks TCM and lets you secure all of your devices at once.
  • Private Internet Access WireGuard support, app kill switch, and adjustable encryption settings.

Best VPNs for TCM – at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for TCM.

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

The best VPNs for TCM

The list of criteria we used to compile our list of VPNs is as follows:

  • Successfully unblocks TCM
  • Multiple US servers available
  • Fast customer support
  • Minimal to no logging of user data
  • Fast connection speeds
  • Strong security and encryption

You can read more about our testing process in the methodology section below, but for now, let’s take a closer look at the ones that made our list.

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Unblocks TCMTested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our first choice for a TCM VPN. It secures your connection while offering more than 5,200 incredibly fast global servers, with almost 2000 in the US. This means that there will be no issues connecting to a VPN server that works with TCM, Netflix, Hulu, or ABC. Six simultaneous connections are allowed, which means that an entire household can secure their internet connection using a single NordVPN subscription.

Apps can be downloaded for Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, and Windows. Chrome and Firefox extensions are also provided. Manual configuration is possible for devices that don’t have a native app.

BEST VPN FOR TCM:NordVPN is our first pick. Superfast servers that work reliably with TCM and most popular streaming sites. Connects up to 6 devices simultaneously. A 30-day money-back guarantee makes this a risk-free deal.

Pros:

  • Extremely fast and reliable servers for HD streaming
  • Almost 2,000 servers in the US
  • Strong encryption and no logs make for top security and privacy
  • Easy-to-use apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, and Android
  • 24/7 live chat
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

  • The desktop app takes some getting used to

Our score:

Here’s our full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

Unblocks TCMTested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Security features are abundant, too, and include 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, leak protection, and automatic wifi protection. Surfshark operates with a strict no-logs policy.

Apps are available for Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. The VPN can be configured manually with select routers, and there are browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is an excellent wallet-friendly alternative. It packs a ton of security features and is great for streaming. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Great for streaming

  • Uses strong encryption

  • Allows unlimited simultaneous connections

  • Doesn’t keep logs

  • Offer 24/7 support

  • Settings menu could be better organized

Read our full review of Surfshark.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

This provider has strong security measures in place to protect its users. Traffic is encrypted using the 256-bit AES protocol, IPv6 leaks are blocked, and a kill switch is in place. The latter kills your internet connection in the event that the connection to a VPN server drops. ExpressVPN doesn’t log data that can be used to identify you.

ExpressVPN has native apps available for macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, and some routers. Chrome, Firefox, and Safari extensions can be downloaded and enable you to control the VPN app from your browser. For devices that don’t have native apps, ExpressVPN provides guides that let you manually configure a VPN connection without the need for an app. Live chat is available 24/7.

GREAT FOR PRIVACY:ExpressVPN is a fast and reliable choice. Great at unblocking all major geo-restricted streaming services. Top privacy features and keeps no logs. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Works with plenty of US streaming services

  • High-grade security features with good privacy protection

  • Server speeds are perfect for HD streaming and fast downloads

  • Easy-to-use apps for all major platforms

  • Kill switch on the desktop if your connection drops

  • More pricey than other providers here, use coupon

  • Streaming servers aren’t labeled

Here’s our review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

This provider has a no-logs policy in place, and connections are encrypted using the 256-bit AES standard. Furthermore, DNS and IPv6 leak protection and an automatic kill switch are in place to prevent your data from being leaked. Bitcoin payments are accepted, which means that payment information cannot be easily traced back to you.

CyberGhost VPN can be downloaded on Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Manual configuration is possible with some routers.

  • Operates over 1,450 servers in various cities within the US, great for unblocking TCM abroad

  • Keeps no user activity logs

  • Impressive streaming speeds

  • Apps are easy to install and use

  • 45-day money-back guarantee

  • Doesn’t provide much control over advanced features

  • Doesn’t work in China

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

5. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

No logs are stored and 256-bit AES encryption secures your internet connection. IPv6 and DNS leak protection are standard. These measures increase the security of your connection by stopping data from being leaked to your ISP. Bitcoin payments are accepted, which helps to keep your transactions as anonymous as possible.

Dedicated apps for Windows, iOS, MacOS, and Android are available. Manual configuration is possible with supported wireless routers and Linux systems.

GREAT SPEED:PrivateVPN is a good family choice. Works with TCM and allows up to 10 devices on the same account. 30-day money back guarantee.

  • Servers in 12 US cities achieve good streaming speeds for TCM

  • A strong choice for streaming

  • Swedish based provider with a strict no-logs policy

  • Great set of security tools

  • Fewer servers than its rivals

  • Live chat is not around the clock

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

6. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish provides access to more than 2,000 servers, with plenty in the US. This means that TCM can be accessed securely, along with other services like Comedy Central and Hulu which are geolocked to the US. This provider allows for any number of simultaneous connections, which certainly helps it stand out from the crowd.

256-bit AES encryption secures your connection when using this service, and DNS leak protection is built in along with a killswitch. Bitcoin payments are accepted, which allows for secure payments which are virtually anonymous. 24/7 customer support is provided through an email form.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Fire TV, and Android, as well as some supported routers. Other routers and Chromebooks will require manual setup.

NO DEVICE LIMIT:IPVanish is great for families and multiple connections. Works with TCM but not as many streaming services as rivals higher on this list. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Plenty of US servers to unblock TCM at HD speeds

  • Works well with Kodi devices

  • No-logs policy

  • Struggles with some streaming services

  • Doesn’t accept Bitcoin

Read our full review of IPVanish.

7. Private Internet Access

unblocks tcmTested Jan 2023

Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

Private Internet Access offers thousands of servers that span over 80 countries, making it a great VPN for TCM. Furthermore, PIA uses the WireGuard protocol, which makes it ideal for streaming movies and TV shows with ultrafast speeds without interruption from buffering.

PIA has a solid set of security features, with a no-logs policy, an app kill switch, ad-blocking tools, and military-grade encryption. While PIA is based in the US, a Five Eyes Alliance member, it has verified its logging practices time and time again.

It has apps available for desktop and mobile, and you can also install PIA on select routers. Help is available 24/7 via live chat support, and you can take it for a spin risk free for 30 days.

VAST SERVER NETWORK:Private Internet Access has servers in 80+ countries, supports WireGuard, and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Operates over 10,000 servers in 80+ countries

  • Supports WireGuard

  • Customizable encryption level

  • Unblocking can be inconsistant

  • Based in a Five Eyes country

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

How to watch TCM online abroad with a VPN

If you try to watch TCM outside of the US, you will be presented with a popup asking you to sign in with your TV service provider. But even if you have a subscription, you won’t be able to access the service unless you are in the US or have a US IP address.

Here’s how to watch TCM online abroad with a VPN:

  • Sign up for a suitable VPN provider. We recommend NordVPN.
  • Download the VPN app for your device.
  • Select a server in the US (this will provide you with a US IP address).
  • Sign in to TCM with your cable provider.
  • You should now be able to watch all your favorite movies! If you’re still having issues, try clearing your cache and cookies and then refreshing the page.

Methodology: Identifying the best VPNs for TCM

Every VPN is different, both in terms of its capabilities and its performance. Some, for instance, just can’t access TCM outside of the US. Others might be able to, but lack the speeds required for uninterrupted streaming. With this in mind, we created a strict set of criteria that the top VPNs had to meet. You’ll find these below:

  • US servers: Like many other streaming services, TCM checks your IP address to find your location. By using an American server, however, we can make it seem like we’re still in the US. Ideally, there’d be hundreds to choose from on both coasts since this minimizes the distance between you and your chosen server, improving stability.
  • Streaming potential: Obviously, we need our top VPNs to work with TCM, but additional options are never a bad thing. That’s why we prioritized services that could securely access other US-only platforms like Sling TV, fuboTV, Hulu, and YouTube TV.
  • Performance: You’ll need solid speeds and a reliable connection to stream without interruption. Luckily, we regularly run hundreds of speed tests, which means we’re uniquely well-prepared to say which VPNs are fastest at the moment.
  • Security and privacy: To make sure you’re able to stream securely, we looked for providers with 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy. Naturally, we’d prefer to see even more advanced tools included, but this is a strong starting point.
  • Usability: The more welcoming a VPN is to new users, the better. Our top VPNs for TCM all have multi-platform support, live chat-based customer support, and user-friendly apps. Some have even scrapped connection limits altogether, which is a huge step in the right direction.

We thoroughly test each VPN we recommend. We actually have a full post explaining how in case you’re interested in finding out more about our VPN testing process.

Additionally, they usually have a smaller number of servers to choose from, and your data is typically capped. It’s definitely worth shelling out a few bucks a month to go with a reputable provider.

  • Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1932)
  • The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)
  • King & Country (1964)
  • Eyes of Laura Mars (1978)
  • He Knows You’re Alone (1980)
  • Scenes From the Class Struggle in Beverly Hills (1989)

It’s not clear what this constitutes. However, copyright restrictions on content would be a safe bet. This suggests TCM should not be accessed from abroad. However, it’s highly unlikely your account will be suspended for doing so.