ITV’s online streaming platform is called ITVX (previously ITV Hub), and due to strict geo-restriction measures, it’s only available to users in the UK. So if you want to watch ITV live from America, you will need a VPN. The problem is that not all VPNs are up to the task.
VPNs improve your online security by encrypting your traffic. This prevents your Internet Service Provider (ISP), employer, or government from seeing what you do online. You can also use a VPN to access sites and services from outside of their intended broadcast area. It’s very simple: these sites find the user’s location by checking their IP address, but when you connect to a VPN, you’re given a new, region-specific IP address for the country your chosen server is in.
In this article, we’ll show you which services are capable of doing the job and how you can use them to securely stream ITV in the USA. We’ll cover our recommended VPNs in greater detail later, but if you’re in a rush, you can find a brief overview of each below:
- NordVPN Our top choice VPN. An exceptionally versatile VPN with high speeds, advanced security features, and the ability to unblock ITV from anywhere. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for ITV Hub. - Surfshark Best budget pick for accessing ITV anywhere. Boasts excellent unblocking ability, a no-logs policy, and a wide range of security features.
- IPVanish A fast, lightweight service with no connection or bandwidth limits and strong multi-platform support, perfect for streaming while on the go.
- ExpressVPN With a strong focus on security, privacy, and speed, as well as excellent unblocking ability, it’s ideal for streaming ITV in the USA.
- CyberGhost This service boasts high-speed, streaming-optimized servers, pre-configured security, and a novice-friendly interface.
- PrivateVPN Offers better-than-average speeds, keeps no logs, and easily unblocks several popular platforms, including ITVX (previously ITV HUB).
- Private Internet Access A fast and reliable VPN with UK servers that work to watch ITVX and other British services on holiday.
Many VPNs claim to work with ITV Hub but most (especially free VPNs) are often blocked.
We regularly test the top 70 VPNs with all major streaming sites and this list only includes VPNs which reliably unblock ITV Hub and offer a full money-back guarantee, allowing you to try them risk-free.
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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.
How to watch ITV in the USA with a VPN
VPNs can seem daunting, but they’re actually fairly simple to use. Below, we’ll explain how to watch ITV in the USA or from anywhere else:
- Start by registering for one of the VPNs below (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download and install the software, ensuring you get the appropriate version for your device.
- Connect to one of your VPN’s servers in the UK, this will give you the UK IP address necessary to access ITV.
- Log in to ITVX and try to play a video. It should load immediately, but if not, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies, then reload the page.
- That’s it, you should now be able to stream ITV from anywhere!
Best VPNs for ITV in the US: at a glance
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 ITV in the USA.
No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | PrivateVPN | Private Internet Access |
Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | IPVanish.com | ExpressVPN.com | Cyberghost.com | PrivateVPN.com | PrivateInternetAccess.com | Ranking for ITV in USA: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Avg Speed (Mbps) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 74 Mbps | 100+ Mbps | Server countries | 111 | 100 | 75 | 105 | 100 | 63 | 91 | Devices Supported | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux | Activity logs | No identifying data | No identifying data |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $2.99 74% off 2 year plans + 3 EXTRA months | $1.99 87% OFF + 4 months free | $2.19 SAVE up to 83% | $4.99 SAVE: 82% + 6 months free on 2 year plans | $2.03 SAVE 84% on the 2 year plan + 4 months free! | $2.00 Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free | $2.03 SAVE 83% on the 2 yr plan + 4 months free |
Best VPNs for watching ITV in the USA or anywhere
Deciding which VPN to use is rarely as simple as it should be. New services appear all the time, and each offers different features. To make things easier, when finding the best VPNs for watching ITV in the US, we decided only to recommend services meeting all of the criteria below:
- Unblocks ITVX and similar British streaming services
- Provides fast, reliable connections
- Logs no personally identifiable information
- Uses powerful encryption and offers various additional security features
- Provides apps for the most popular platforms and device
You can read more about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend in the methodology section below, but for now, let’s take a closer look at the ones that made the list.
Here’s our list of the best VPNs for accessing ITV from the US:
1. NordVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our number one choice VPN. It has one of the largest networks of any major provider: more than 6,000 servers in 100+ countries and over 400 in the UK alone. This is a very fast service, boasting excellent unblocking capabilities; it lets you securely access not just ITV but also several other British platforms, including BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and All 4.
This VPN includes several advanced security features. There’s 256-bit encryption, an app-specific kill switch, an adblocker, a malware scanner, and protection against DNS, WebRTC, IPv6, and port-forwarding leaks. You can even use multi-hop servers or connect to Tor over a VPN if you’d like. NordVPN keeps no logs, so your activities can’t be traced back to you. Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat in case of any problems.
NordVPN apps are available for MacOS, Linux, Windows, iOS, and Android. It can be manually installed on select wireless routers.
Pros:
- Easily accesses ITV and most other popular streaming services
- Expansive server network
- Veteran provider that doesn’t skimp on security or privacy features
- No-logs policy
- Speeds are among the fastest we’ve seen
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Desktop app can be awkward to use
Our score:
BEST VPN FOR ITV:NordVPN is our #1 choice. It offers high speeds, exceptional unblocking ability, and the freedom to tailor your security to meet your needs. There’s also a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of NordVPN
2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark has 3,200+ servers spread across 100 countries. It’s a strong choice for streaming, not only because of its speeds, but because it works with major platforms like Netflix, ITVX, and Hulu from anywhere. Even better, unlike most of its rivals, this VPN has no connection limit. This allows you to protect all of your devices simultaneously.
This service uses 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks to keep your activities private at all times. More importantly, Surfshark doesn’t log any data that could identify you. There is the option to pay in cryptocurrency for even greater privacy, though. The apps are very easy to use, but if you need help, customer support is on hand 24/7 over live chat.
Surfshark has apps for Windows, Linux, Android, MacOS, and iOS. It can also be manually installed on supported network routers.
Pros:
- Servers in 100+ countries
- Connect as many devices as you like
- Works with ITV and many similar services
- Keeps no logs and accepts three kinds of cryptocurrency
- 24/7 live chat support
Cons:
- Certain features require an additional monthly payment
Our score:
BEST BUDGET CHOICE:Surfshark is an affordable, security-conscious VPN. It not only unblocks ITV in the US, but it lets you watch in the highest possible quality on any of your devices, too. This service comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Surfshark review.
3. IPVanish
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish offers access to more than 2,000 servers spread across 60+ countries, including the UK. This service is extremely fast, reliable, and lightweight, with consistent unblocking capabilities, which is why it’s long been a favorite of those looking to stream on mobile devices. Further, it permits any number of simultaneous connections, which sets it apart from most other VPNs.
This VPN secures your traffic using a combination of 256-bit encryption, a kill switch (desktop versions only), and IPv6 and DNS leak protection. You can choose to obfuscate your OpenVPN traffic, which helps hide the fact that you’re using a VPN at all, or switch to WireGuard for higher speeds. IPVanish has a no-logs policy, so there’s no risk of your activities being traced back to you. Customer support representatives are ready to help via 24/7 live chat.
IPVanish offers apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV and Firestick. Manual installation is required for use with Linux-based platforms or home routers.
Pros:
- Very fast speeds
- Impressive security and privacy features
- Completely logless service won’t compromise your privacy
- Allows unlimited connections
- Popular with Kodi users for its remote-friendly apps
Cons:
- Doesn’t accept Bitcoin
- Based in the US – a 5 Eyes member
Our score:
STREAM ITV ANYWHERE:IPVanish is a high-speed, security-conscious VPN with no connection limit and strong multi-platform support. It includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of IPVanish
4. ExpressVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN has more than 3,000 servers in 100+ countries, including the UK. This is a fast, reliable VPN that enables you to watch live HD video without any lag or buffering. Better still, it can securely access major streaming services, including ITVX and Netflix UK, from abroad.
This service ensures your traffic is hidden at all times with a combination of 256-bit encryption, a kill switch (which stops all data transferal should you disconnect suddenly), perfect forward secrecy, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. While you can pay with Bitcoin for added anonymity, ExpressVPN doesn’t log any identifiable information, so you’re protected either way. Need help? You can reach customer support 24/7 over live chat.
ExpressVPN provides apps for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices. It includes custom firmware to make installing the service on a router as straightforward as possible.
Pros:
- No issues streaming UK TV while abroad
- Consistent, speedy connections
- Hard to beat on privacy and security
- Pay anonymously with Bitcoin
- 24/7 live chat support available
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than rivals
- Streaming servers aren’t labeled
Our score:
QUICK AND RELIABLE:ExpressVPN is a speedy, versatile service. that puts major emphasis on your online security and privacy. Best of all, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of ExpressVPN
5. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost currently has more than 10,000 servers in 100+ countries (including around 700 servers in the UK). It’s designed to make streaming as simple as possible: each server shows the service it works with and the current server load. Further, speeds are high enough to stream live HD content with no noticeable buffering. CyberGhost allows up to seven simultaneous connections, while most of its rivals allow six at most.
One of this service’s biggest advantages is that all of its security features are enabled by default. These include 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, ad blocking, malware scanning, and a kill switch (in both desktop and mobile apps). CyberGhost does not log any personally identifiable information but allows you to pay with cryptocurrency if you wish. It’s a very user-friendly service, but support is available over live chat 24/7, just in case you need it.
CyberGhost has Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS apps. It works with select network routers but must be manually configured first.
Pros:
- Vast server network of over 10,000 with 700+ in the UK
- Fast, streaming-optimized servers
- Solid privacy and security features enabled by default
- Low-cost option with beginner-friendly apps
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Lack of configuration options may frustrate power users
- No option for local networking
Our score:
ANOTHER VALUE OPTION:CyberGhost is fast, affordable, and ideal for accessing geo-blocked services like ITVX abroad. Its plans include a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of CyberGhost
6. PrivateVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN has fewer servers than some of its rivals (200 in 63 countries, including the UK), but it provides above-average speeds and works reliably with a wide range of stubborn streaming platforms, including ITVX, BBC iPlayer, Netflix UK, and All 4. Up to 10 simultaneous connections are allowed, meaning you can protect most, if not all, of your devices at once.
This service uses 256-bit encryption, DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch to keep you safe at all times. You can pay with Bitcoin if you’d like, but PrivateVPN has a strict no-logs policy, so you’re near-completely anonymous either way. Live chat is available 22 hours per day (excluding 1-3 PM PST), and if you’re struggling, the staff can remotely install and set up the software for you.
PrivateVPN provides Windows, Android, MacOS, and iOS apps. It can be manually installed on Linux devices and internet routers.
Pros:
- Speeds are good enough for high-quality streaming
- Great for streaming UK TV
- Zero-logs provider
Cons:
- Small number of servers
- Live chat is not around the clock
Our score:
NO-STRESS STREAMING:PrivateVPN boasts high speeds, excellent unblocking ability, and a strong commitment to your privacy. Further, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of PrivateVPN
7. Private Internet Access
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PIA is a US-based VPN provider that Reddit users often praise. The VPN has excellent apps for all devices packed with useful privacy and security features, including a kill switch, a choice of protocols, and DNS leak protection.
The VPN has servers in 91 countries, including a choice of servers in the UK that work to access popular services like ITV X, BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, Sky TV, Now TV, TNT Sport, and others. It is fast for streaming thanks to its WireGuard protocol
PIA’s no-logs policy has been proven in court on numerous occasions, making it a reliable VPN for gaining online privacy. The apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android and come with robust AES encryption to protect you against ISP snooping and hackers on public Wi-Fi.
Live chat support is available to help with setting up and using the VPN, and thanks to its money-back guarantee, you can try the VPN risk-free.
Pros:
- Fast UK servers to watch ITV X
- No logs policy
- Robust encryption and a killswitch
Cons:
- Based in the US
- App design is somewhat lacking
Our score:
GREAT ALL ROUNDER:Private Internet Access offers fast speeds, excellent apps, and a global server network. It is a reliable VPN to gain privacy and to access regional TV services. 30-day money-back guarantee lets you test it yourself.
Check out our PIA review to find out more
Streaming ITV abroad with a free VPN
You might be tempted to use a free VPN, but we advise against doing so. Despite having more users than paid services, free VPNs usually don’t have enough servers to meet demand and provide the speeds needed for HD streaming. This means videos are likely to buffer for long periods if they play at all. Additionally, free VPNs often can’t bypass the strict geo-restriction measures used by platforms like ITVX, meaning you may not be able to watch anything.
Then there’s the question of security. A recent analysis of 283 free VPN apps found that over 38% contained malware, 18% used no encryption at all, and more than 80% leaked personal information over IPv6. There’s no guarantee a larger service will be any safer though: we’ve even seen a major free VPN sell its users’ bandwidth to facilitate a botnet.
The most effective way to protect yourself online is to use a reputable, well-established VPN with a proven record of standing up for its customers’ privacy.
Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for ITV
For a VPN to be a good choice for streaming ITV abroad, it has to balance several key factors. Below, we’ll explore these and explain why each is so important. This should give you a better understanding of why we chose the VPNs we did and what to look for when comparing VPNs in the future.
- British servers: ITVX is geo-blocked, so you’ll need access to British servers to watch abroad. We looked for providers with lots of servers scattered across the UK. This is because having multiple locations allows you to minimize the distance between you and your chosen server, which can help reduce lag.
- Speeds: Live streaming ITV requires a decent connection, so we decided only to highlight VPNs that stood out in our latest speed testing. This way, you shouldn’t run into any issues, and the quality of your stream should hold up, even when other people are sharing your internet connection.
- Streaming potential: You’ll often find that VPNs work with some streaming services but struggle with others. With this in mind, we searched for VPNs that worked reliably with popular British services like ITVX, STV Player, BBC iPlayer, Now TV, and Netflix UK.
- Security offering: To ensure your online activities are hidden from snoopers like your ISP, we require our top VPNs to use 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. Additionally, they must not log any info that could be used to identify you.
- User-friendliness: The easier VPNs are to use, the better it is for everyone. We strongly prefer services with 24/7 live chat, multi-platform support, and no connection limits. Other sought-after features include servers designed for streaming and a one-click connection.
This is far from the only testing we perform. To find out more, read our full VPN testing methodology post.
Streaming ITV in the USA: FAQs
Why else should I use a VPN?
ITV isn’t the only service that a VPN lets you access abroad. Betting sites like Betfred and Unibet are often only available in the UK, but you can use them as normal by connecting to a British server beforehand. VPNs also allow you to securely access your RBS, HSBC, or NatWest online banking service. As an added bonus, they reduce the chance of triggering an automated fraud alert simply because you logged in from a different country.
Public wifi networks are convenient, but rarely well-secured. As a result, they’re a popular target for hackers. However, as VPNs encrypt your traffic, your activities are kept private and can’t be read by anyone. Additionally, since your traffic is routed through servers elsewhere in the world, VPNs are an easy way to bypass web filtering imposed by the government or hotspot owner.
What can I watch on ITVX?
ITVX (previously known as the ITV Hub) enables you to stream six TV channels (ITV, ITV2, ITVBe, ITV3, ITV4, CITV) live and free of charge. There’s a wide selection of on-demand content too, and below, we’ve listed some of the service’s most popular titles:
- Dancing on Ice
- Love Island
- The Only Way is Essex
- Emmerdale
- Family Guy
- I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
- Lorraine
- The Chase
- Coronation Street
- Cold Feet
I'm using a VPN, why is ITV still not working?
If you still can’t watch ITV even when connected to a VPN, it’s possible that ITV is still using old location data. To prevent this, just clear your browser’s cookies and refresh the page. Still no luck? You may want to try a different server or get in touch with your VPN’s support team directly. They should be able to tell you if the service is supported and, if so, which server to use.
Do I need a TV License to watch ITVX?
British law says that you need a TV license to watch any live broadcast at the same time as it is being shown on TV. In other words, it’s perfectly legal to stream on-demand content from ITVX without a TV license. Note that BBC iPlayer is the one exception; you’ll need a license if you use this service at all, even if it’s only to watch TV shows on-demand.
Can I create an ITVX account abroad?
Before you can watch anything, you’ll have to create an account. To begin, go to ITVX’s registration page. Most of the information you’ll be asked to enter is fairly standard, but ITV also asks you for your postal code. You can enter any English postal code here, since ITV doesn’t actually check to see if you live there. Note that Scottish postal codes will not be accepted; viewers in Scotland can either enter an English postal code or use ITV’s regional streaming platform, the STV Player, instead.
Once you’ve entered your information, click Submit and verify your email address. Now, you can simply connect to a VPN server in England, log into ITVX, and start streaming.
Why can't I watch ITVX outside of the UK?
ITVX’s terms of service state that the platform is only available in the UK, Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man. In a bid to prevent users from other locations accessing its content, it employs geo-restriction tools as well as a VPN-detection system.
Unfortunately, this means that British people who travel abroad will lose access to their favorite shows until they return.
Is ITVX free?
It’s completely free to stream content on ITVX, no matter whether you’re watching live or on-demand. However, if you’re willing to pay £5.99 per month, you can watch without ads, download shows for vewing later, and gain access to the entire Britbox library (which is around 300 TV shows).
Can I use these VPNs to watch UK Netflix in the USA?
Yes, you can use many of the VPNs we’ve recommended above to watch UK Netflix in the USA. They are designed to bypass geographical restrictions by allowing you to connect to a server in a different country, effectively changing your IP address to that location. In this case, you would connect to a UK-based VPN server to access UK Netflix content in the USA.
However, choosing a VPN with a proven track record of bypassing Netflix’s geo-restrictions is essential, as the streaming platform employs robust VPN detection technologies. The best VPNs usually offer dedicated streaming servers, fast connection speeds, and regular updates to ensure continued access to Netflix’s various libraries.
When selecting a VPN to watch UK Netflix in the USA, look for one with an extensive server network in the UK, a no-logs policy, strong encryption, and excellent customer support.
To watch UK Netflix in the USA using a VPN, follow these steps:
- Choose a VPN provider with a strong reputation for unblocking Netflix and sign up for a subscription.
- Download and install the VPN app on your device (e.g., computer, smartphone, tablet).
- Open the VPN app and sign in with your account credentials.
- Connect to a UK-based VPN server.
- Open Netflix in your web browser or the Netflix app, and you should now have access to the UK Netflix library.
Remember that connection speeds may vary, and you might experience slower streaming speeds depending on the VPN server’s distance and load. However, top VPN providers work to minimize any impact on streaming quality.
Tried watching ITV using Smart DNS. I was able to view clips but when I tried to watch full shows the problem then is it requires you to sign up which requires an address in the region. Same for BBC.
Hi there, while both of these services ask for a British address, they don’t verify it in any way, and creating an account is free. Thanks, Ian