How to watch All 4 (Channel 4 On Demand) from anywhere in 2024

Are you eager to access Channel 4’s live broadcasts and on-demand content from anywhere around the globe? After extensive research and rigorous testing, we are excited to present you with the ultimate solution to stream All 4 (formerly known as 4od) hassle-free, no matter where you are.

In this comprehensive post, we leave no stone unturned as we divulge the secrets behind accessing Channel 4’s On Demand service from any device, anywhere. Our team of experts has meticulously analyzed various methods, scrutinized potential roadblocks, and conducted thorough tests to ensure a seamless viewing experience.

Stay tuned as we reveal the tried and trusted approach to unlock All 4’s vast library of shows and catch up on your favorite programs at your convenience. Furthermore, we will guide you through selecting the best VPNs to maximize your streaming capabilities and maintain your online privacy.

Embark on this journey with us as we empower you to unleash the full potential of Channel 4 On Demand, making geographical restrictions a thing of the past. Get ready to indulge in captivating entertainment from All 4.

If you only have time for a quick summary, here is an overview of the best services for unblocking All 4 (Channel 4 On Demand) from abroad:

1. NordVPN: Our top VPN for unblocking Channel 4! Strong all-rounder with over 5,000 servers – can unblock almost anything. Incredible speeds and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Channel 4.
2. Surfshark: The best budget Channel 4 VPN. Provides a decent server network and is easy to use with All 4 and other platforms. Connect all your devices at once.
3. IPVanish: Fast and private. Works well with Kodi devices and allows any number of simultaneous connections on one account.
4. ExpressVPN: Large network of fast servers around the globe that are geared for high-speed connections. Great privacy options.
5. CyberGhost: Good value and beginner-friendly apps. Secure and fast connections are great for streaming.
6. PrivateVPN: High-speed servers, strong security, and excellent streaming abilities. Works great with Channel 4.

How to watch Channel 4 outside of the UK

New to streaming with a VPN? It’s actually relatively simple to unblock geo-restricted platforms, just follow the steps below.

Here’s how to watch Channel 4 or All 4 with a VPN:

1. Sign up to one of the VPN services listed below (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the client software. There will be a few different versions, so be sure to get the right one for your operating system.
3. Connect to a server in the appropriate country. For All 4, you’d use a British server to get a UK IP address.
4. Try watching available content on the Channel 4 site. It should load quickly with minimal, if any, buffering. Note that you may have to reload the page to see any changes.
5. If you have any issues, try clearing your cookies and trying the service again.

The best VPNs for All 4 (Channel 4 On Demand) – Our hands-on review

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for watching Channel 4 On Demand, from anywhere.

Criteria for Channel 4 VPNs

The first step is choosing a suitable VPN. To find the best VPNs for accessing All 4 from abroad, we looked for services that met the criteria below:

• Capable of unblocking All 4 and similar services
• Has several British servers to choose from
• Offers stable connections and has minimal impact on your connection speed
• Includes strong encryption and additional security features
• Logs no personally identifiable information or ideally, logs nothing at all

The best VPNs for watching All 4

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for watching Channel 4 online:

1. NordVPN

Dec 2024 Unblocks Channel 4Tested Dec 2024

NordVPN leads the way when it comes to network size. This VPN provider has almost 5,100 servers across 60 countries, and around 450 to choose from in the UK alone. It’s fast enough to stream live HD video from sites like All 4 without any problems, and even works with popular services including Netflix and BBC iPlayer.

This veteran provider puts a huge emphasis on security. 256-bit encryption is enabled by default, but users can also take advantage of DNS/IPv6 leak protection, an application-specific kill switch, Tor over VPN functionality, and the ability to use multiple VPNs at once. This service stores no personally identifiable information and accepts cryptocurrency payments, so you can browse entirely anonymously.

This VPN offers apps for MacOS, Linux, iOS, Windows, and Android. NordVPN can be manually installed on supported network routers.

NordVPN speed test data

BEST VPN FOR CHANNEL 4 ON DEMAND:NordVPN is the best choice. No issues with most UK on demand streaming services, including Channel 4. Great online privacy and security credentials. Try it risk-free with its 30-day money back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

unblocks channel 4Tested Dec 2024

Surfshark is a low-cost VPN that nevertheless has a lot to offer. It has servers in 60+ countries including the UK, and unblocks not just All 4, but even platforms like ITVX and BBC iPlayer. Unlike most VPNs, which allow up to six simultaneous connections, Surfshark has no connection limit, making it ideal for families or homes with lots of devices.

Of course, security is just as important as unblocking ability. Luckily, Surfshark excels here too: it uses 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection to keep your activities safe from prying eyes at all times. There’s even a feature that automatically blocks ads and scans for malware. Surfshark has a strict no-logging policy so your privacy is guaranteed. 24/7 customer support is available over live chat, should you need it.

Surfshark has apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. It can be manually installed on home routers.

Surfshark speed test data

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is affordable, secure, and able to securely access all kinds of services from abroad. Has no device limit, so you can stream anywhere, anytime. 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. IPVanish

Unblocks Channel 4Tested Dec 2024

IPVanish has 80+ British servers to choose from (1,700+ worldwide), and speeds high enough to stream HD video flawlessly, it is an excellent VPN to use with All 4. It’s capable of unblocking platforms such as BBC iPlayer, ITVX, My5, and Acorn TV effortlessly, so All 4 doesn’t pose any threat. Further, this service permits any number of connections where many of its rivals allow six at most.

Although its apps are lightweight, they include plenty of advanced functionality. 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch are enabled by default, but users can also choose to obfuscate their OpenVPN traffic and block all local connections. IPVanish does not log any personally identifiable information, so your activities remain private at all times.

IPVanish has dedicated versions for Android, Windows, iOS, and MacOS. This service can be manually configured to work with Linux and select routers.

IPVanish speed test data

NO CONNECTION LIMIT:IPVanish is great for families and multiple connections. Unblocks Channel 4 – video On-Demand service – All 4 as well as ITVX and BBC iPlayer. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

4. ExpressVPN

Unblocks Channel 4Tested Dec 2024

ExpressVPN is great for streaming: it currently boasts more than 3,000 servers in 160 locations spread throughout 94 different countries, including five server locations in the UK. Further, it can beat all but the most stringent geo-restriction measures; you’ll be able to stream catch-up content from All 4 and a whole host of other services.

ExpressVPN offers excellent security features, including 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS/IPv6 leak protection. It doesn’t log any data that could identify you and even allows you to pay using Bitcoin to anonymize yourself as much as possible. You can reach customer support 24/7 via live chat, and they’ll usually respond in seconds.

ExpressVPN has user-friendly apps for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices. It also offers custom firmware that makes installing the service on your router as easy as possible.

ExpressVPN speed test data

QUICK AND RELIABLE:ExpressVPN is easy to use and reliably unblocks All 4. Exceptional speeds for flawless streaming. Strong security and privacy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

5. CyberGhost

Unblocks Channel 4Tested Dec 2024

CyberGhost works a little differently than most: it allows you to choose either a specific server to use (there are 680+ in the UK and more than 7,000 worldwide) or have one assigned based on its suitability for a given task like torrenting or browsing safely. This VPN allows you to unblock All 4 and many other websites with a single click, making it ideal for novice users.

Despite its simple, user-friendly design, CyberGhost has some powerful security features built-in. For instance, you can have it automatically block ads and scan for malware. There’s also 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and port forwarding leaks. It doesn’t log any session or internet traffic details, so cannot divulge details of your activities to anyone.

CyberGhost has dedicated Windows, MacOS, Android, Linux and iOS apps. With manual configuration, you can install it on some home routers too.

CyberGhost speed test data

Beginner friendly:CyberGhost is easy to use. A well priced solid performer. Has special servers for streaming All 4. Comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

6. PrivateVPN

Unblocks Channel 4Tested Dec 2024

PrivateVPN has fewer servers (just two in the UK, and roughly 200 worldwide) than similar services, but offers higher speeds. In fact, it’s fast enough to stream live HD video with no noticeable buffering. Better still, in addition to All 4, this VPN can securely access streaming platforms many others can’t, including BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Sky Go, and ITVX.

This service enables IPv6 and DNS leak protection by default. It uses 256-bit encryption coupled with a kill switch to ensure your traffic is hidden at all times, and with no personally identifiable information stored, your activities can’t be traced back to you. PrivateVPN really shines when it comes to customer support: its team is available 24/7 via live chat, and they’re even capable of installing and configuring the software for you remotely, with your permission.

PrivateVPN comes with specific apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS systems. Manual installation is required for Linux-based platforms and wireless routers.

PrivateVPN speed test data

GREAT SPEED:PrivateVPN is a good family choice. Unblocks All 4 and generally suitable for browsing and torrenting. Allows up to 10 devices. Could do with more servers. 30-day money back guarantee.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

Can I watch Channel 4 On Demand with a free VPN?

Although you might be tempted to use a free VPN, there are several reasons we recommend avoiding them. Despite having more users than premium services, free VPNs usually don’t have the network infrastructure required to support them. In practical terms, this means you’re more likely to encounter long buffering times, stuttering video playback, and possibly even random disconnection from the VPN. These factors all point to a poor streaming experience, but when you consider that free VPNs are the first to be blocked by major platforms, their viability is reduced even further.

Lastly, consider the security risk that free VPNs pose. In 2016, researchers surveyed more than 200 free Android VPN apps and found that almost 40% contained some fort of malware. Additionally, many of these purported VPNs didn’t actually encrypt anything. Even using a high-profile service doesn’t guarantee your safety; we’ve seen a major free VPN facilitate a botnet with its users’ bandwidth before.

You can’t be too careful when it comes to online security. To protect yourself, your devices, and your personal information, we recommend using a reputable VPN with a tried and tested no-logging policy.

Our Methodology: Finding the best VPNs for streaming All 4

When it comes to streaming, there’s a lot that can go wrong. A VPN might lack the speeds needed for uninterrupted playback, or might not be able to access your chosen service at all. To make sure we only recommend VPNs that are suitable for your needs, we’ve taken these factors into account and created a set of criteria that our top VPNs must meet. Here they are:

• Servers in the UK: All 4 is only available in the UK, so if your VPN lacks British servers, you can’t watch it. Ideally, there’d be plenty to choose from spread across Scotland, England, Wales, and Ireland, to give you access to the widest range of local services.
• Speed and reliability: Every VPN will slow down your connection somewhat, but we look for those that have as small an impact as possible. This involves running regular VPN speed testing and seeing which perform the most consistently.
• Unblocking capabilities: You may well want to watch other UK channels online as well. That’s why we test our recommendations against services like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Netflix UK, and Now TV to find out which work best.
• Ease of use: The simpler a service is to use, the better. We keep an eye out for providers offering quality-of-life features like 24/7 support, streaming-optimized servers, and apps for a wide range of devices.
• Security: VPNs are, first and foremost, privacy tools. All of the services above include a no-logs policy, 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. Many go further, with custom protocols, anti-censorship tools, and tracker-blocking features.
• Cost: Some services offer less than their rivals just cost more. Naturally, we only recommend VPNs that are priced fairly. What’s more, we’ll always tell you about any discounts, trials, or money-back guarantees that are available to help save you money.

If you’re interested in learning more about our process, we have an in-depth post that explains exactly how Comparitech tests VPNs.

How do you sign up for All 4?

While All 4 is free-to-use, you will have to create an account beforehand. This is a relatively straightforward process: just go to the registration page and enter your email address, password, and date of birth. You’ll also be asked for a UK postcode; the service uses this to find your address, but there are no further verification measures in place. In fact, there isn’t even common-sense postcode filtering; it’s even possible to create an account using Buckingham Palace’s postcode.

Once registered, you can immediately log in and start streaming. However, you should note that UK law requires you to have a TV License to watch content as it’s airing on TV. All 4 doesn’t make users aware of this before loading the live stream, so it’s easy to overlook. A TV License isn’t necessary for watching on-demand content, unlike with the BBC iPlayer, to which different rules apply.

All 4 (Channel 4 on Demand) FAQs