9 Best VPNs for BBC iPlayer that still work in 2024

Are you traveling or living abroad and want to enjoy your favorite BBC iPlayer shows from home? If so, you’ve probably encountered the frustrating limitation that iPlayer is only accessible on devices with a UK IP address. But don’t worry—a VPN for BBC iPlayer will allow you to watch from anywhere in the world.

Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN service encrypts a device’s internet traffic before routing it through an intermediary server in a location of the user’s choosing. In the case of BBC iPlayer, the user needs to pick a British server. They’ll be assigned a UK IP address to make it appear that’s where they’re located.

However, this workaround is becoming less effective as BBC iPlayer cracks down and detects when a VPN is used. Using one of the top VPN services, you can easily bypass these restrictions and unlock BBC iPlayer, allowing you to enjoy your favorite series or films as if you were in the UK.

In this article, we will guide you through watching iPlayer abroad using a VPN. You’ll be streaming your favorite BBC content in no time! We’ll cover all VPNs in detail, but if you’re looking for a quick answer, our testing showed the below providers to be the best options.

The best VPNs for BBC iPlayer:

1. NordVPN: The best option for accessing BBC iPlayer from anywhere. Extremely fast and secure, with a large selection of servers and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Basic) works perfectly for BBC iPlayer.
2. Surfshark: Our top budget BBC iPlayer VPN. Speedy VPN with no connection limit that unblocks various streaming services, including iPlayer.
3. IPVanish: An easy-to-use VPN with high speeds and great streaming ability. Works well with BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and more. No connection limit and 24/7 customer support via live chat.
4. ExpressVPN: Stream geo-blocked content on BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world with no restrictions. Veteran provider with excellent security credentials.
5. CyberGhost: One of the biggest server networks on the market. Works well with BBC iPlayer and other streaming services. Easy to use and has dedicated streaming servers.
6. Private Internet Access: Works well with BBC iPlayer and Netflix. Servers in 80+ countries. Up to 10 simultaneous connections.
7. PureVPN: Incredibly fast speeds for streaming BBC iPlayer. User-friendly apps across most popular devices.
8. ProtonVPN: Robust security features like 256-bit encryption and a no-logs policy. Provides secure access to iPlayer.
9. PrivateVPN: Good up-and-coming VPN that works well with BBC iPlayer and other streaming services. Some of the fastest speeds we have tested.

Our criteria for BBC iPlayer VPNs

We’ve curated the following list of the best VPN providers for watching BBC iPlayer outside the UK based on the following key criteria:

• A large selection of servers in the UK and worldwide
• Works with iPlayer when abroad (and other streaming platforms)
• Fast connection speeds for HD streaming
• Strong security features, including a no-logs policy
• Compatibility with the majority of popular devices
• Generous simultaneous connections (unlimited is preferred)
• Fair pricing and a money-back refund guarantee
• Good customer support, including live chat functionality

If you would like to understand exactly how we analyze and rank VPNs you can find out more in our methodology section below.

Best VPNs for BBC iPlayer outside the UK – 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 BBC iPlayer outside of the UK.

Best VPNs for BBC iPlayer

Based on our research, here’s our list of the best VPNs for BBC iPlayer outside of the UK:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024 Works with iPlayerTested Nov 2024

NordVPN is our favorite VPN for getting a UK IP address to watch BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world. With 111+ servers in four cities across the UK, NordVPN makes it easy to quickly connect to a UK server to watch British shows and live TV on BBC iPlayer.

The NordVPN app includes a detailed map that helps you easily select a UK server.

This feature is handy when getting a UK IP address for BBC iPlayer. It ensures you can quickly switch between UK server locations to optimize your connection. The map is also handy for users who want to access geo-restricted services like Netflix UK or ITV Hub quickly.

NordVPN offers a variety of features that make it a top choice for streaming BBC iPlayer. The split tunneling allows you to choose which apps are routed through the VPN and which use your regular internet connection. For instance, you could stream BBC iPlayer via the VPN while accessing local apps through your standard connection.

NordVPN provides an advanced system-level kill switch that you can set to cut your internet completely or shut down specific apps. This is particularly beneficial if you want to prevent apps like BBC iPlayer from accidentally detecting your real location if the VPN connection drops out.

NordVPN’s auto-connect feature ensures your VPN always connects when using public Wi-Fi hotspots, making it suitable for online security and privacy on the go. It can also protect you on vacation or when using public hotspots in your own town.

In terms of security, NordVPN lets you choose between secure protocols, including the OpenVPN protocol and its proprietary NordLynx protocol, which is optimized for faster streaming. This protocol is perfect for watching HD content on BBC iPlayer whether you are overseas, at work, or on campus.

NordVPN also offers obfuscated servers that hide your VPN usage. This makes bypassing blocks on restrictive networks or government censorship easier in countries like China or Iran.

The Double VPN feature routes your traffic through two servers, adding an extra layer of encryption and protection against time correlation attacks. It also has diskless servers and an independently audited no-logs policy.

Remember that obfuscation and Double VPN will slow down your connection, so only use them when necessary. Most UK residents on holiday will be fine using Nord’s regular OpenVPN UDP connection to watch BBC iPlayer.

To confirm NordVPN’s reliability for streaming British TV services, we speed-tested its UK servers over a day. We experienced minimal speed loss while connecting to the Manchester and London servers.

On the day of the test, our base connection speed without a VPN was 49.5 Mbps, and using NordVPN’s UK servers only reduced our speed to an average of 40.6 Mbps.

This level of performance makes it ideal for smooth HD streaming. To be 100% confident about our pick, we tested NordVPN’s UK servers to watch BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and Channel 4. We could stream all three services, as well as Netflix UK and TNT Sport, without issues.

It is also worth noting that NordVPN is a fantastic all-rounder. In addition to accessing British TV services, it works with dozens of popular services around the world, including Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Max, ESPN Plus, Disney+, and many others.

Independent security audits (carried out by the trusted firm Deloitte) have verified NordVPN’s commitment to privacy, no-logs policy, and strong encryption standards. When connecting via NordLynx, users can choose between AES 256-bit encryption (OpenVPN) and the ChaCha20 algorithm. Both make your connection secure enough to bypass blocks to watch iPlayer at work or on campus if this is why you need a VPN.

Plus, NordVPN is based in Panama, meaning it operates outside jurisdictions with invasive data retention laws, such as the US, the EU, and Britain.

To ensure the VPN works as advertised, we performed leak tests to confirm that NordVPN stops websites from detecting our home IP address while connected to the UK servers. You can see the results of our leak tests below:

These results mean you can completely trust NordVPN to stop local wifi networks, ISPs, government agencies, and other eavesdroppers from tracking you online.

NordVPN apps are available on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. We found the apps intuitive, well-designed, and easy to navigate. Even the Linux app’s command-line interface is straightforward. In our ease-of-use shootout, NordVPN came out ahead of the pack, which means you get the perfect mix of advanced features and usability.

If you need to stream BBC iPlayer on a device that won’t host a VPN app natively (such as a smart TV or console), you can set up NordVPN on a compatible router. It has set-up instructions on its website, or you can buy a pre-flashed router.

BEST VPN FOR BBC IPLAYER ABROAD:NordVPN is our top choice. for an iPlayer VPN. Works reliably with BBC iPlayer and most popular streaming sites. Lets you connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. Highly secure protocols and no logging policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review here.

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2. Surfshark

Works with iplayerTested Nov 2024

Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN that we enjoy using to watch BBC iPlayer and other UK services. It’s particularly well-suited for streaming thanks to its rock-solid UK servers and a choice of VPN protocols (OpenVPN or WireGuard) that work to get optimal streaming speeds.

Surfshark lets you connect to a massive global server network, including 600 servers across multiple UK cities.

This makes it easy to connect and stream BBC iPlayer in HD. As it lets you connect an unlimited number of devices, you and the family can stream different iPlayer shows (or alternative streaming services) simultaneously.

As you can see in the image above, Surfshark also lets users pick from static IPs at no extra cost. This is perfect if you want to use the same IP address each session (to stop services like Fiverr or game servers from flagging you as suspicious).

Once connected, the Surfshark app shows you exactly where the server is located, what your new IP address is, and what protocol you are using:

To check whether Surfshark meets the needs of the average home user, we tested its UK servers by streaming content on BBC iPlayer and other UK services. The results were excellent: we experienced no buffering or lag, and the picture quality was consistently high when streaming iPlayer, Netflix UK, ITVX, and Channel 4

Besides having servers that work to watch iPlayer, your VPN needs to be fast enough for HD streaming without frustrations. With this in mind, we conducted speed tests to ascertain Surfshark’s suitability for streaming iPlayer.

We tested using a regular home broadband connection to give you an idea of how the VPN will perform under normal home circumstances. You can see the results of all three tests below:

This minimal reduction in speed means we could stream HD content on BBC iPlayer without buffering, picture quality issues, or slow loading times. These results make Surfshark a reliable workhorse for secure gaming and torrenting in the UK.

Despite being a comparatively affordable VPN service, we were impressed by the features in the Surfshark apps.

You can use Surfshark’s rotating IP feature to automatically change your IP at set intervals, which adds an extra layer of privacy and makes it harder for websites to track your activity. Just bear in mind that when streaming iPlayer you may prefer to stick to an IP address that works so keep this feature for privacy purposes rather than streaming.

If you want a static IP address, Surfshark offers these for free (shared static IPs) or for your personal use (dedicated IPs). These options will give you the same IP address every time you connect. A dedicated IP (reserved for your use only) will cost an extra US$3.75 per month – which is a touch steep compared to some competitors. Thankfully, this feature is not strictly needed to unblock iPlayer, and it is a nice add-on for users who need it.

All users also get access to Surfshark’s custom CleanWeb feature, which uses DNS-based filtering to block ads, trackers, and malware. This feature helps protect users online, gives faster page load times, and saves on mobile data, which is a big win!

Surfshark prioritizes user privacy. Its rock-solid, independently audited no-logging policy, self-owned diskless servers, and choice of trusted protocols (OpenVPN and WireGuard) with robust AES or ChaCha20 encryption are among its features. The company also includes a No Borders mode (obfuscation) that conceals VPN use and helps bypass censorship in restrictive regions like China.

A split tunneling feature lets you route some traffic via the VPN while using your regular internet connection for other tasks. And as you’d expect from a leading VPN, you also get essential privacy features such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection.

Below, you can see the results of leak tests we use to ensure that these features work properly. The VPN worked perfectly to conceal our real IP address. This makes Surfshark suitable for gaining privacy and watching iPlayer without being tracked at work (or on any other network).

In addition to being leak-free and robust in terms of security, Surfshark is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands. This jurisdiction has no mandatory data retention laws or invasive surveillance agencies.

Surfshark has easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV, allowing you to get a UK IP address on any device. The apps are intuitive to use, and most important settings are located on one page of the settings menu, making them easy to find.

On the other hand, some competing VPNs structure their menu with features in different tabs, which might be easier for beginners to understand, but this is a very minor quibble because Surfshark is already very easy to use.

Note: Need troubleshooting help? We’ve covered what to do if Surfshark isn’t working with iPlayer.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is our favorite low-cost option for iPlayer. It’s quick, versatile, and works with a huge number of streaming services. Better still, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review

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3. IPVanish

works with iplayerTested Nov 2024

IPVanish is a well-known US-based VPN provider that works to watch BBC iPlayer abroad. The VPN has over 2,400 servers, providing access to over 40,000 IP addresses, which is impressive. The VPN also benefits from owning all its physical servers (parent company J2 Global), giving it full control over its network and improving performance and security.

Besides having secure servers where you need them in the UK, IPVanish provides useful connection information to make your life easier. You can see server load information and the number of servers available in each location (clicking the drop-down menu lets you connect to whichever server you prefer, giving you granular connection capabilities). These features make picking the best UK VPN server for smooth streaming easier.

Once connected, IPVanish provides a real-time graph displaying upload and download speeds, along with your current IP address and chosen protocol. This gives you full visibility over your connection and lets you monitor your connection’s performance while streaming BBC iPlayer.

You can also choose to connect to the VPN using the map if you don’t mind the VPN picking the fastest UK server location for you.

To check IPVanish’s iPlayer streaming capacity, we conducted speed tests three times during the day while connected to a UK server.

As with our other tests, we used a normal home broadband setup to show you how IPVanish works under normal home circumstances. The average download speed with the VPN was 39.82 Mbps, more than fast enough for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

The slowest result we encountered was 39.01 Mbps. This means that the VPN remained incredibly consistent throughout the day, which is great news for watching iPlayer without buffering issues.

Next, we tested IPVanish to watch British streaming services like iPlayer, Channel 4, ITVX, and Netflix UK. A few years ago, we found that IPVanish worked better for watching US services than international platforms, and this drawback appears to have been fixed.

We could watch all the UK platforms we tested seamlessly and with no noticeable drop in quality. The UK Netflix catalog updated as expected, and we could watch both live TV and on-demand BBC iPlayer shows (all the way from Canada!)

IPVanish includes split tunneling on Windows, Android, and FireOS apps, which lets you pick which apps and domains use the VPN. You could stream BBC iPlayer via the VPN while allowing other apps to access local content over your regular IP address. This feature is useful for torrenting with protection while also using your home internet to do tasks.

IPVanish has an auto-connect feature that automatically secures your connection when you join public wifi. This protects you against Evil Twin hotspots and guarantees you don’t use unknown ones without remembering to connect to the VPN.

It also has a system-level kill switch that completely blocks your internet whenever the VPN connection drops out. This guarantees that your real IP address stays hidden from the BBC (or any other website), and prevents your ISP or local networks from seeing unprotected traffic. This feature is invaluable if you want to unblock iPlayer at work.

We also love the “Attempt to reconnect” feature, which works in combination with the killswitch to reconnect you without you needing to do anything.

This lets you leave your torrents on while you are out. If the kill switch engages, your VPN will reconnect to allow your torrents to resume (which is better than getting home to a disconnected internet and half-finished torrents!).

To check the effectiveness of IPVanish’s VPN tunnel, we conducted leak tests using the OpenVPN protocol. We tested a UK server and were happy to find that IPVanish is completely free of IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks.

The VPN also offers a choice of protocols, including the speedy WireGuard option. I also provide a Scramble feature to obfuscate OpenVPN traffic. This makes your VPN traffic appear as regular web traffic for added privacy and better connectivity.

Unfortunately, despite offering obfuscation, IPVanish VPN does not work in China. So, if you intend to travel to a country with severe online blocks, you may prefer an alternative option.

IPVanish offers apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. You can also set it up manually on Linux and compatible routers with the help of detailed guides on the IPVanish website. Although 24/7 customer support is available via live chat, getting past the chatbot to reach an actual agent might seem frustrating – but it’s actually just a couple of clicks away.

Best of all, IPVanish allows unlimited connections with each plan. This means you can use the VPN at home, at work, on public wifi, and share your account with family members without a second thought.

Note: If you’re having any trouble, read our guide to IPVanish not working with iPlayer.

SECURE STREAMING:IPVanish has everything you need to watch BBC iPlayer while traveling or at work. Impressive privacy toolkit and friendly support staff that make it easy to resolve problems. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our comprehensive IPVanish review.

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4. ExpressVPN

Works with iPlayerTested Nov 2024

ExpressVPN is a premium VPN provider offering RAM-only servers across 105+ countries, including multiple locations in the UK and Europe. This extensive network makes it a great choice for accessing BBC iPlayer and other UK-based streaming services from anywhere in the world. Plus, it has servers in over 100 countries, meaning it will work to access Netflix USA, Hulu, Disney, Prime Video, and almost any other service you can think of.

As with our other recommendations, we used one of ExpressVPN’s UK servers to access BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, TNT Sports, and Netflix UK. ExpressVPN worked with all the British streaming platforms, and our speeds remained fast, allowing us to stream in HD without buffering.

To understand exactly ExpressVPN’s UK servers compared to other providers,  we tested the VPN using a home broadband connection at three different times of the day.

Our average download speed across all three tests was 41.01 Mbps, which is more than enough for smooth HD streaming, gaming, and video calls.

ExpressVPN’s user-friendly apps for all platforms make connecting to a UK server easy, even for beginners. The Smart Location feature automatically connects you to the fastest available server, usually closest to your location.

If you need a specific UK server to bypass restrictions, you can manually choose from a list of UK cities. This makes it easy to get a British IP address from abroad to start streaming Eastenders or anything else that takes your fancy.

The only real drawback is that ExpressVPN does not explicitly highlight streaming-optimized servers (for any country). This means that you will have to test each server yourself to find the best one for streaming. If this sounds like too much trouble, contact the 24/7 live chat support to ask which UK server is better.

ExpressVPN might not have as many advanced features as some of our other recommendations, but it still has everything needed to gain robust online privacy:

Its Network Lock (kill switch) prevents data leaks by blocking all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. Under the Advanced Protection settings, you can enable DNS-based filtering to block ads, trackers, malicious sites, and even adult content, which means you can leverage the VPN for parental controls.

Split tunneling lets you choose which apps use the VPN and which access the internet directly. The VPN also offers two protocols to choose from: OpenVPN and its proprietary Lightway protocol, which is designed to provide faster speeds. Note that Lightway has now been open-sourced and audited for added transparency.

ExpressVPN’s no-logs policy has been independently verified through multiple audits. The VPN’s headquarters are in the British Virgin Islands, which is great news for privacy because the BVI lacks mandatory data retention directives.

The VPN also provides obfuscation by default every time you use OpenVPN, and this feature works to provide access to the VPN in China – a big plus if you need to travel there for any reason and want to watch BBC iPlayer.

We didn’t want to leave anything to chance, so we thoroughly tested ExpressVPN for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. As you can see, the VPN provides watertight privacy to conceal your activities from local networks, ISPs, and government agencies.

ExpressVPN has custom Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV apps. It also has its own app for routers, which you can install to protect every device in your home over Wi-Fi.

Note: We’ve covered what to do if ExpressVPN isn’t working with BBC iPlayer.

RELIABLE SPEEDS:ExpressVPN is fast and secure, making it perfect for unblocking UK TV services on vacation or at work. Offers top-notch security, reliable download speeds, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN here.

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5. CyberGhost

Works with iPlayerTested Nov 2024

CyberGhost is a VPN that we often recommend to beginners. The VPN is very easy to use and has a massive network of over 10,000 servers worldwide, including servers in the UK that are specifically optimized for streaming iPlayer and other popular services. In our tests, CyberGhost worked to watch BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and Netflix UK.

CyberGhost makes things easier for beginners by labeling gits streaming servers by country and streaming platform. That means you can find British servers that are labeled for iPlayer, Netflix UK, and other services within the app. If you can’t find a server listed for your specific streaming service, try one of the others because they are often cross-compatible.

We ran speed tests using a typical home broadband setup while connected to CyberGhost’s UK servers. On the day of testing, our average baseline without the VPN was 49.5 Mbps.

The VPN reduced our average download speed to 36.5 Mbps, which is enough to stream BBC iPlayer in HD without lag. If you encounter any performance issues, try switching servers or changing to the WireGuard protocol, designed for faster speeds. CyberGhost also supports OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols, both implemented with robust AES-256 encryption.

You can see the results of all three of our UK server tests below:

CyberGhost is simpler than some of our other recommendations, partly because it lacks some of the more advanced features you will find with NordVPN or Proton VPN. The good news is that CyberGhost has kept all the VPN essentials that ordinary home users need.

Besides rock-solid encryption and a choice of protocols, you get a system-level kill switch, leak protection, ad blocking, and the ability to adjust the MTU size (which can help you connect if you are ever using a network with irregular settings).

The main drawback is that CyberGhost lacks advanced features like multi-hop, Tor over VPN, port forwarding, or split tunneling. If you want these features, we recommend looking elsewhere on this list.

One of CyberGhost’s standout features is its “Smart Rules” function. This allows you to configure the VPN to automatically connect when you launch specific apps, such as BBC iPlayer, Netflix, or your torrent client.

You can also set Smart Rules to trigger the VPN when you connect to unknown or unprotected Wi-Fi networks, ensuring you’re always protected when using public hotspots. This feature is handy for working remotely and ensuring you never fall victim to Evil Twin hotspots when using public wifi networks.

For added security, the VPN includes a system-level kill switch and DNS-based ad, tracker, and malware blocking, making it a well-rounded option for users who prioritize privacy and ease of use.

CyberGhost is known for its commitment to user privacy. The service has been independently audited, and a strict no-logs policy has been maintained. CyberGhost also publishes quarterly transparency reports, which show whether the VPN provider has received data requests from authorities or other third parties.

CyberGhost effectively protected our IP address and DNS requests during our tests while connected to its UK servers. The VPN’s tunnel reliably encrypted all traffic, ensuring no data leaks, including IPv6 traffic, which is blocked by default to prevent accidental leaks.

We tested CyberGhost’s UK servers for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks to ensure that the VPN is working as advertised. The results below show that this VPN completely concealed my real location (in Canada) across all three tests. This makes the VPN perfect for gaining online privacy at home, at work, or when using public Wi-Fi.

Just bear in mind that CyberGhost does not offer obfuscation. So, if you intend to travel to countries like China, the UAE, Egypt, Turkey, Iran, or any other country that enforces widespread censorship, you may prefer a different option.

CyberGhost offers apps for all major platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV, making getting a British IP address on any device easy. It also provides detailed setup guides for routers that support OpenVPN, giving you the flexibility to protect every device in your home with a single connection.

Note: Read our guide to CyberGhost not working with iPlayer if you have trouble streaming.

easy-to-use apps:CyberGhost has a simple set up. CyberGhost has a simple setup and offers high speeds at a low cost. Good on privacy. Streams BBC iPlayer in HD video reliably and works with other popular streaming services. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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6. Private Internet Access

Works with iPlayerTested Nov 2024

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a US-based provider with an impressive feature set. However, being based in the US isn’t the best in terms of privacy due to the NSA and gag orders. PIA has proven its no-logging claims in court on multiple occasions, so even if the authorities come knocking, it has nothing of value to hand over.

PIA has fast servers in over 91 countries, including a significant number of servers in the UK. We tested those servers to watch BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, and Netflix UK from abroad—with great success.

PIA  offers streaming-optimized servers, which makes it easier to unlock your favorite UK services on vacation without needing to try out different server locations to find the server that works.

Our tests revealed that PIA delivers consistent speeds suitable for data-intensive tasks like streaming in HD. In our tests of PIA’s UK servers, the average download speed was 42 Mbps, which is more than enough to stream BBC iPlayer without buffering.

We were also happy that PIA’s speeds remained stable throughout the day. This ensures a smooth viewing experience whether you want to unlock iPlayer at work, on campus, or while traveling.

PIA is known for offering a high level of customization. This makes it suitable for advanced users who want to strengthen or weaken their encryption based on their activities. You can switch between AES-128 and AES-256, and if streaming is your primary focus, we would advise switching to AES-128 to avoid buffering.

PIA also lets you select the VPN protocol (OpenVPN and WireGuard are available) and configure advanced settings like MTU size and port selection. These options can help improve performance, especially on networks with non-standard configurations or blocked ports.

PIA has a strong privacy record backed by its strict no-logs policy. The service also includes security features like a system-level kill switch and DNS leak protection. Port forwarding is also available, which is helpful for users who want to seed torrents without revealing their home IP to other peers.

For users who need obfuscation, PIA offers a Shadowsocks proxy that can be combined with its Multi-Hop feature. This lets you route your traffic through two servers, adding an additional layer of encryption and concealing VPN use from your ISP.

This is useful in combination with obfuscation when trying to access BBC iPlayer in countries with heavy censorship or where VPN use is restricted.

We ran leak tests on all of PIA’s UK servers to check that this VPN works as advertised. We were happy they all performed flawlessly, with no IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks detected.

This ensures that your real location remains hidden while you stream BBC iPlayer. It also means that you never have to worry about local networks, ISPs, government snoops, or any other eavesdroppers tracking your web visits.

One of PIA’s biggest selling points is its affordability. The service offers exceptional value, starting at just $2.03 per month, considering its wide feature set. PIA also supports unlimited simultaneous connections to share your account with your entire household. Apps are available for all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Firestick, and Linux.

Note: Find out what to do if PIA isn’t working with BBC iPlayer.

SOLID ALL ROUNDER:Private Internet Access provides reliable speeds. Reliably unblocks geo-restricted content and has excellent privacy features. Many advanced features. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PIA review.

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7. PureVPN

Works with iplayerTested Nov 2024

PureVPN is well worth considering if you want a cheaper VPN that delivers fantastic results. The VPN has more than 6,000 servers in 65+ countries, including UK servers that work to access iPlayer. We tested its British servers thoroughly and could watch BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, ITVX, Sky Go, Now TV, and TNT Sport.

The PureVPN app makes it easy to find the best server by displaying the ping next to each location. You can use this information to help pick the UK server with the best performance for streaming.

When attempting to access British TV platforms, you can pick from any UK servers or use the streaming-specific servers. To locate these, click on “shortcuts,” and you will see a long list of streaming-optimized servers for 64 different international platforms (including Disney+ GB, Amazon Prime GB, Channel 4, Netflix UK, Channel 5, and ITV).

In addition to streaming servers, PureVPN provides specialized servers for torrenting, port forwarding, and enhanced privacy with quantum resistance. This versatility allows you to find the perfect server for your specific needs, whether streaming UK content or gaining watertight privacy to bypass online censorship.

Next, we tested the UK VPN servers’ performance using a home broadband connection. Across all nine tests, we experienced average downloads of 39.7 Mbps. This is ideal for users who want a VPN suitable for streaming, playing games, and doing other data-intensive tasks.

The speeds we achieved while testing PureVPN were extremely impressive, considering the low cost of a PureVPN subscription. This makes PureVPN a fantastic option for those looking to access BBC iPlayer and other British content without breaking the bank. It is also secure enough to stream iPlayer at work or on campus without being discovered.

PureVPN has reliable Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Firestick apps that are intuitive and packed with useful features. These include a kill switch, DNS leak protection, a choice of protocols (including OpenVPN and WireGuard), robust encryption, and tracker blocking.

The app is set to auto-select the best protocol. However, we noticed that this often switches to IKEv2. We generally prefer using OpenVPN or WireGuard, so it is worth changing this setting in the app to ensure it doesn’t fall back to IKEv2.

Port forwarding is also available, which is fantastic for users who want to seed torrents. However, this feature is an add-on extra that you have to pay a little extra for each month. This increases the subscription cost substantially, so we recommend considering all options if you intend to torrent.

The app’s split tunneling feature lets you choose which apps use the VPN and which connect via your regular internet. This is useful if you want to stream BBC iPlayer while accessing local content or services without the VPN.

The only real drawback is that PureVPN’s app attempts to sell you extras such as PureEncrypt (file encryption), PureKeep (password manager), and PurePrivacy (social media data removal service).

These upgrade options add clutter to the VPN application, which some users may find annoying. However, you do not have to purchase anything other than the VPN if you don’t want to.

PureVPN is committed to user privacy, with its no-logs policy having been independently audited. The VPN includes essential security features like AES-256 encryption, a customizable kill switch, and DNS leak protection.

We conducted tests and confirmed that PureVPN does not suffer from IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks.

These results mean that PureVPN works without a hitch to provide users with watertight online privacy. This makes it a fantastic option for preventing ISPs, government agencies, public wifi hotspots, and other unwanted eavesdroppers (including hackers on public wifi) from monitoring your online activities.

If you travel to a country where Western services like the BBC are restricted, we advise sticking to the OpenVPN protocol because this includes obfuscation by default. This will allow you to bypass VPN blocks and censorship without being tracked by the government.

Note: Read our troubleshooting guide if PureVPN isn’t working with iPlayer.

AFFORDABLE:PureVPN is a budget-friendly VPN for streaming. Works to access BBC iPlayer and many other British TV platforms. It’s simple to use on platforms like Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Firestick. Boasts a solid no-logs policy and robust AES-256 encryption.Comes with a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PureVPN review.

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8. ProtonVPN

Works with iPlayerTested Nov 2024

ProtonVPN is a trusted VPN provider based in Switzerland. The service has a superb reputation because the team behind Proton Mail developed it.

It is often favored by privacy advocates who need advanced security features and prefer open-source VPN apps. The VPN has been independently audited and provides access to “Secure Core” servers that are self-hosted in specially hardened locations such as underground bunkers.

Proton VPN is excellent in terms of privacy thanks to its no-log policy, multi-hop connections, DNS leak protection, and a choice of protocols – including stealth to conceal VPN use from ISPs and government snoops.

We tested the UK servers for leaks and found the VPN to work without flaws. This makes it suitable for preventing online tracking and bypassing blocks at work, including watching BBC iPlayer without your employer finding out.

ProtonVPN has servers in 85+ countries, including the UK to watch BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, and Netflix UK. We tested all those UK TV platforms and found the VPN to work seamlessly.

The VPN’s interface also makes finding the UK server you want easy. You can select the UK server from the map or pick the specific UK city you need. This makes it simple to stream British content or to browse the web from a UK IP.

The server list displays valuable information like server load, which makes it easier to pick the best UK server for smooth streaming. The play button (triangle symbol) placed next to the streaming servers also shows which servers are optimized for streaming.

To compare ProtonVPN’s performance to other VPNs, we tested its UK servers throughout the day using a standard home broadband connection. The results were impressive.

ProtonVPN’s paid plan average download speed was 38.2 Mbps. This is a minimal drop from our baseline speed of 49.5 Mbps, allowing for smooth HD streaming of BBC iPlayer without buffering.

These speeds make ProtonVPN a reliable option for watching live TV, playing UK game servers, or any other data-intensive tasks that require a British IP address.

ProtonVPN includes a kill switch that prevents data leaks by cutting your internet connection if the VPN drops. This feature can be toggled easily from the main dashboard, ensuring you’re always protected.

ProtonVPN also includes NetShield, a DNS-based filtering tool that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites, further enhancing your online security. ProtonVPN also supports multi-hop connections, obfuscation, and Tor over VPN, giving users access to multiple layers of protection against censorship and tracking.

ProtonVPN’s apps are designed to be both user-friendly and highly customizable. You can select your preferred VPN protocol (OpenVPN or WireGuard), configure split-tunneling to choose which apps use the VPN, and even enable port forwarding, which is particularly useful for torrenting.

The only slight drawback is that Proton will only open one random port each session, so you will need to head to your torrent client to add this port number to the client each time.

The VPN app displays other useful connection details, such as your VPN IP address, the protocol, and server load. This allows you to monitor and optimize your connection depending on your needs.

In our tests, ProtonVPN successfully unblocked BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Netflix UK, and other British services. It also worked to access streaming services from the UK, Australia, Germany, France, Canada, and Brazil, making it an impressive all-rounder.

Next, we tested the UK servers for leaks to ensure they worked correctly. We were happy to find that the connection was free of IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks.

ProtonVPN has apps for all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. You can install and use the VPN on up to 10 devices consecutively. This means you and your family can easily watch different shows or streaming platforms from the UK.

ADVANCED FEATURES:ProtonVPN offers an extensive array of features tailored for tech-savvy users. With servers available in over 85+ countries, it’s ideal for bypassing restrictions to watch iPlayer at work or on campus. Works with many popular British streaming services. Includes live chat support and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ProtonVPN review.

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9. PrivateVPN

Works with iPlayerTested Nov 2024

PrivateVPN is a smaller VPN provider from Sweden. The VPN runs on a proprietary network of servers controlled by its parent company (a server hosting company from Sweden called Miss Group). This allows the provider to maintain strict control over the security of its servers. Being based in Sweden means the VPN can maintain a solid no-logs policy because there are no mandatory data retention directives.

PrivateVPN has carved out a niche by offering features that make it better for torrenting in the UK. You can find servers in 63+ countries and port forwarding for no added cost. This makes it an excellent low-cost VPN for UK residents who want to bypass streaming blocks and engage in file sharing.

We tested its UK servers thoroughly to access British streaming services and found that watching BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, Channel 5, TNT Sport, and Sky TV worked without issues. It also works to watch a dozen Netflix regions, HBO Max, Hulu, and other popular services from around the globe. This makes it a pretty blinding all-rounder, considering the VPN starts at just US$2 per month.

Please remember that to watch iPlayer, we had to use the Dedicated IP UK-London option. The live chat support agent also advised us to stream in Firefox. This combination worked perfectly for us.

The biggest drawback of this VPN is its relatively small network of around 250 servers worldwide. These servers host all of the IPs it provides, including its key UK locations, which results in slightly slower speeds than some of our other recommendations.

We tested PrivateVPN using a home broadband setup to understand how the UK servers perform. The VPN lowered our download average from 49.5 to 35 Mbps, which is still very good.

These results ensure that PrivateVPN is a reliable option for travelers or British expats wanting to watch British TV from abroad. If you encounter slower speeds, we recommend switching to a different UK server or adjusting the encryption level from AES-256-CBC to AES-128-CBC for a slight speed boost.

PrivateVPN’s apps are easy to use on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. We found the settings menu very easy to navigate, which makes it a decent option for beginners. The interface is intuitively designed, allowing you to locate essential settings and features quickly.

For users who prefer more control, the Advanced View option provides additional information like your current public IP address, protocol in use and encryption level. The app supports OpenVPN (UDP and TCP), PPTP, and L2TP protocols, though we recommend sticking with OpenVPN for the best balance of speed and security.

The app also shows you the server load for each location, which can help you pick a server with better performance for streaming, gaming, torrenting, or other data-intensive tasks.

WireGuard is not yet available in the apps, but you can access WireGuard config files on its website and connect using the third-party WireGuard client if you want to. Hopefully, they will add this protocol to the main clients soon.

One of PrivateVPN’s standout features is its Stealth VPN protocol, which offers obfuscation options over port 22 or 443. This makes your VPN traffic appear as regular HTTPS traffic, allowing you to bypass VPN blocks in restrictive regions like China or the UAE.

This feature ensures you can access BBC iPlayer in countries with strict internet censorship. It also allows you to bypass VPN blocks on restrictive wifi networks, such as at work.

PrivateVPN comes with built-in DNS and IPv6 leak protection, ensuring your real IP address is never exposed while connected to a UK server. The VPN also includes a reliable kill switch and an “Application Guard” feature that automatically shuts down specific apps if the VPN connection drops. These security measures ensure you’re protected against Evil Twins and don’t have to worry about which public wifi hotspot you join.

During our leak tests, PrivateVPN’s UK servers passed with flying colors. We discovered no IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks, making PrivateVPN a trustworthy option for maintaining privacy while bypassing blocks.

One of the best things about PrivateVPN is its affordability. Despite the low subscription cost, this VPN maintains an excellent reputation and superb reliability.

It also includes port forwarding, a rarity at this price point. This makes it highly popular with torrent enthusiasts. Unlike some VPNs, some servers have all ports open, which is convenient. Also, you can connect up to 10 devices consecutively, which is usually enough for most families or power users.

Setup guides are readily available on the website, and the VPN has 24/7 live chat support to let you ask questions at any time of day.

Note: We have some troubleshooting tips if BBC iPlayer won’t work with PrivateVPN connected.

GREAT SPEED:PrivateVPN is a great all rounder for families. It unblocks many popular UK shows and allows up to 6 connections with a single account. Has a smaller network of servers but offers dedicated IPs that are ideal for streaming. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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Our testing methodology for BBC iPlayer VPNs

If you’re curious about how our experts evaluate and recommend VPNs for accessing BBC iPlayer with a UK IP address, this section provides a detailed look into our methodology. For a deeper understanding, follow the link to read our comprehensive guide on VPN testing procedures.

Speed testing

To ensure a seamless streaming experience on BBC iPlayer, we focus on measuring the download speeds you can expect when connected to each VPN’s UK servers.

We conduct these tests using a home broadband connection to simulate a typical user environment. On the day of testing, our baseline internet speed (without a VPN) averaged 49.5 Mbps. Below are the baseline speeds that we recorded during each testing session:

• Morning: 52.58 Mbps
• Noon: 46.52 Mbps
• Evening: 49.40 Mbps

These tests were conducted in Canada, showing how VPNs perform when watching BBC iPlayer from abroad. Typically, the closer you are to a VPN server, the less latency you’ll experience, but our recommendations should work to watch iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

During our tests, Private Internet Access, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark delivered the fastest average download speeds, followed closely by NordVPN, IPVanish, and PureVPN.

To offer a clearer comparison, we averaged the speed results and assigned each VPN a score out of ten. This allows you to easily compare performance and select a VPN that meets your speed requirements for accessing UK TV services.

Streaming performance

To assess the streaming capabilities of various VPN providers, we first tested their ability to access popular UK streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer consistently. We then evaluated their performance with other major international services to ensure broad compatibility. Our streaming experts rated each VPN based on video quality, buffering issues, and ease of use.

The results were compiled into a table that makes it easy to see how each VPN performed in accessing UK streaming services. For instance, NordVPN consistently provided smooth access to BBC iPlayer and other UK platforms, making it a top choice for streaming. Surfshark and ExpressVPN also performed well, particularly for users seeking cost-effective access to British TV services.

Security & privacy

A reliable VPN must prioritize user privacy and data security. To evaluate this, we assessed each VPN against 15 critical standards that are essential for safeguarding online activities. Our criteria include the absence of activity and IP logs, robust encryption protocols (AES-128 or higher), and features like DNS and IPv6 leak protection. You can see all of the criteria used in the table below:

We rated each VPN based on how well they met our security benchmarks and then calculated an overall security score. This approach allows for direct comparisons, helping you choose a VPN that best protects your privacy while providing a UK IP address for streaming.

Among the VPNs tested, NordVPN stood out for offering advanced security features that go beyond what most competitors provide, this makes it an excellent choice for privacy-conscious users.

Ease of use

Our evaluation of ease of use goes beyond each VPN app’s user interface. We consider ten key metrics, including ease of signup, platform feature consistency, and the overall user experience. This comprehensive comparison ensures that you get a well-rounded view of each VPN’s usability.

We rated each VPN based on these metrics and combined the results into an overall ease-of-use score. For instance, NordVPN provides a hassle-free experience, while CyberGhost is particularly user-friendly for streaming UK TV services due to its clearly labeled servers.

Value for money

Everyone wants a VPN that offers strong privacy, fast speeds, and reliable streaming capabilities at a reasonable price. The good news is that we have managed to pinpoint reliable VPNs that offer their services at a reasonable rate.

To determine which VPNs offer the best value, we scored them on eight different metrics, including money-back guarantees, connection limits, pricing, and the availability of free trials or student discounts.

We aggregated these scores to give you a comprehensive understanding of how each VPN ranks in terms of value for money. Surfshark emerged as the best overall value, followed closely by IPVanish, NordVPN, and CyberGhost.

VPNs to avoid using with BBC iPlayer

Our tests show that the following VPN providers do not unblock the BBC iPlayer. Unfortunately, because of its strict VPN blocks, it’s one of the most difficult streaming platforms to access abroad.

Here are some of the VPNs we have tested that don’t work with iPlayer:

• HideMyAss
• Hide.me
• Betternet
• LeVPN
• SuperVPN
• VPNBook
• VPNTunnel
• AnonymousVPN
• Perfect Privacy
• Proxy.sh
• Tunnelr
• VPN4All
• EarthVPN
• GooseVPN
• iPredator
• Overplay
• VPNJack
• VPN Master
• TorVPN

Although many of the VPN providers in the above list may be excellent for other online activities, you would be wasting your money with them if you aim to get videos from the BBC iPlayer over the internet while abroad.

Can I use a free VPN to Unblock BBC iPlayer?

No. Although some free VPNs are circulating on app stores and Google, they will unfortunately not work to stream iPlayer. Free VPNs have few servers, and they are oversubscribed. This puts a great amount of strain on those servers, which causes them to become congested. To deal with this, free VPNs implement bandwidth throttling that renders the VPN useless for streaming and other data-intensive activities.

Even without these performance issues, we have yet to find a free VPN with UK servers that unblock iPlayer. The BBC is extremely active in discovering and blocking IP addresses that belong to VPNs. As a result, most VPNs have been blocked (including most paid services). Free VPNs are extremely easy to spot, meaning they are the first to lose access.

Besides the fact that free VPNs don’t work to stream iPlayer, we recommend that you stay away from them for security reasons. Studies have revealed that free VPNs have dodgy privacy policies that let them harvest and sell user data for marketing purposes. As a result, everything you do online will be tracked and sold to third parties, such as data brokers.

In addition, free VPNs have been found to suffer from severe data leaks, have weak (or no) encryption, have app vulnerabilities, and even to purposefully include spyware. This makes using those VPNs a massive risk to your online health. A VPN is supposed to provide you with privacy, not spy on everything you do!

How to use a VPN with BBC iPlayer (video)

Getting a British IP address and unblocking BBC iPlayer is simple if your VPN supports doing so. Sign up with one of the recommended VPN providers above and follow these easy steps.

Our research shows how to watch BBC iPlayer outside the UK with a VPN. Simply follow these instructions:

1. Download and install the VPN for your device from your provider’s site or an official app store. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Run the app and choose a VPN server in the UK that works with iPlayer. If you’re not certain which to choose, consult your provider’s website or customer service.
3. Connect to the VPN.
4. You should now have a UK IP address (check your ip here).
5. Clear your cookies and your browser cache. These can store location information from previous sessions.
6. Open BBC iPlayer and start watching!

If you encounter any issues, contact your VPN’s customer support. You might need to adjust some settings on your device. Many of our recommended VPNs have 24/7 support for such issues. You can also check out our guide to troubleshooting BBC iPlayer not working with a VPN.

What can I watch on BBC iPlayer?

Some of the most popular TV shows you can watch on BBC iPlayer with a VPN include:

• Top Gear
• EastEnders
• Doctor Who
• His Dark Materials
• Planet Earth
• Killing Eve
• The Graham Norton Show
• Dracula
• Normal People
• Our Girl
• A Suitable Boy
• Inside No.9 

What else can I do with a VPN?

As well as accessing BBC iPlayer, VPNs also work with other streaming platforms. This makes them the perfect solution for accessing your favorite British shows from back home when traveling, including ITVX, Netflix UK, and BritBox. But streaming isn’t their only use.

A VPN can be used to protect your online privacy and browse anonymously. It can change your IP address, and combat threats often found on public WiFi networks like malware and viruses. VPNs are also useful for bypassing bandwidth throttling and bypassing censorship in restrictive countries.

A VPN is also useful for accessing the dark web or downloading torrents. Both activities are risky because of malware and cybersecurity threats, and a VPN can protect your device and identity. Want to know more about what else you can do with a VPN? Read our guide to 16 VPN uses.

See also

• Best VPNs for ITV
• Best VPNs for Sky Go
• How to stream British TV abroad
• How to watch Channel 4 outside of the UK

VPN for BBC iPlayer FAQs