If you want to watch BBC shows outside the United Kingdom, we recommend downloading and using a premium BBC iPlayer VPN. iPlayer is a popular streaming service that offers a wide range of exclusive television content. However, it is only available for UK residents who have a UK TV license and a valid UK postcode.
Fortunately, by connecting to a UK VPN server, you can stream anything from BBC iPlayer’s library of television shows and movies, no matter your location. All you need to do is sign up for a subscription with a premium BBC iPlayer VPN to overcome geo-restrictions and access the platform without limits.
The BBC offers access to a host of popular content, including children’s television shows, news coverage, and drama series across channels like CBeebies, CBBC, BBC One, BBC Two, and more. BBC iPlayer also offers access to sports live streams and popular shows like Killing Eve, Doctor Who, and Line of Duty. A VPN will let you access BBC iPlayer even if you’re not located in the United Kingdom.
Look for a VPN that will seamlessly overcome geo-restrictions on BBC iPlayer as well as a range of other streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. If you want to stream your favorite content in high-definition, you’ll need a VPN that offers excellent server connection speeds to avoid lagging and buffering.
It will be necessary to choose a VPN that offers wide device compatibility and support for enough simultaneous device connections to protect all of your streaming devices. It is also a good idea to select an iPlayer VPN that offers 24/7 customer support if you run into any issues while setting up or using the app on your device.
Here are the best and most reliable VPNs for providing access to BBC iPlayer from abroad.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 6 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Boxee Box, Chromecast, ChromeOS, FireOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Roku, Windows |
| Streaming: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouSee, DR TV, Disney+, Plex, Kodi, NBC, ESPN, BBC iPlayer, TV Player, HBO Go, HBO Max, Apple TV |
| Browser Extentions: | Firefox, Safari, Chrome |
Pros:
Fast connection
Zero-log policy
More than 5000 worldwide servers
Cons:
Few payment options
Split tunneling unavaible
6 Devices Maximum
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
NordVPN is another reliable VPN that will enable you to unblock iPlayer from anywhere. The VPN service delivers a host of advanced privacy features to ensure your streaming activities remain completely private too.
NordVPN is one of the best options for streaming BBC iPlayer and a host of other services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, ITV Hub, and Disney+ abroad. Server speeds are super-fast, even on long-distance connections, and there’s an extensive array of servers, as well as a host of advanced security features.
There are more than 440 UK servers as well as more than 5,300 servers worldwide, so you’ll find a secure connection and a UK IP address no matter where you’re located. There are also over 4,000 dedicated streaming servers, making this a great choice for BBC fans.
The VPN service is also optimized for P2P sharing too, so it’s a great option if you’re a fan of torrenting. And, if you’re worried about your internet privacy and security, there’s a wide array of first-rate security features, including an integrated kill-switch, DNS and IP leak protection, military-grade encryption, and an independently audited no-logs policy. This makes NordVPN one of the most secure VPNs on the market.
If any issues arise while you’re downloading the VPN or trying to access iPlayer, there’s a useful live-chat support option that will get you streaming UK content in no time.
Prices start at just $4.13 a month if you commit to a longer-term plan, making it a relatively cost-effective option considering the range of advanced features on offer. You’ll be protected by a hassle-free money-back guarantee, too, in case you change your mind. Test the service for 30 days before deciding and request a refund if you’re not completely happy.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 5 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Android, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Plenty of payment methods
24 hours live chat support
30 days money back guarantee
Cons:
More expensive than competitors
Only 5 simultaneous connections
No servers in Russia
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
ExpressVPN is arguably the best BBC iPlayer VPN on the market. It unblocks BBC iPlayer seamlessly, comes with reliable 24/7 live chat support, a 30-day refund policy, and is compatible with a host of streaming devices.
ExpressVPN is our favorite VPN service as it offers everything required of a VPN and more. There is an extensive array of servers, including four server locations in the United Kingdom, in Docklands, East London, London, and Wembley.
Finding a secure connection is simple, too, so you’ll be streaming BBC iPlayer in no time. There’s a Smart Location button too that will automatically select the best available server for you.
To access BBC iPlayer with ExpressVPN, first, you’ll need to sign up for an account. Prices start at $8.32 a month as long as you’re happy to commit for a year. Connect to an ExpressVPN server in the UK, then visit the BBC iPlayer website to stream live and on-demand television content outside the UK.
ExpressVPN comes with well-designed desktop and mobile apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux so that you can stream BBC iPlayer across your desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or mobile phone. There’s support for a range of smart TV systems and other streaming devices too like Apple TV and Fire TV Stick. If you want to watch BBC iPlayer on your Apple TV or games console, download ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer service to overcome geo-restrictions.
There’s a reliable 24/7 live chat support option, too, if anything goes wrong while you’re setting up the VPN or accessing the iPlayer app. The customer support agents are helpful and should be able to get you streaming quickly.
ExpressVPN also offers the option to enable split tunneling if you want to choose which of your connections run through the VPN, while others continue to use your normal ISP internet connection. This is useful if you are using apps that aren’t compatible with the VPN, but you still want to access BBC iPlayer abroad and unblock content.
Although ExpressVPN is slightly more expensive than most other options on the market, it delivers an extensive range of high-quality features and a seamless BBC iPlayer streaming experience. And, if you’re not completely satisfied with the service on offer, you’ll be protected by a risk-free 30-day refund policy.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 5 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Free version
Fast server speeds
Unblocks Netflix
Cons:
Expensive paid plan
Based in USA (5 Eyes)
Only 5 simultaneous connections
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
Hotspot Shield is the fastest VPN on the market, making it an excellent choice if you want to stream BBC iPlayer abroad. Every subscription comes with an industry-leading 45-day refund policy, so you’ll have plenty of time to try it out before making a decision.
If you want to avoid geo-restrictions and unblock BBC iPlayer abroad, Hotspot Shield is one of the best VPNs on the market. Connection speeds are super-fast thanks to the VPN’s proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol, too, so you can stream your favorite UK content in high-definition with no buffering.
If you’re traveling abroad and want to stream BBC iPlayer while connected to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, Hotspot Shield will ensure your connection is protected with AES-256 bit encryption and safe from the prying eyes of hackers and cybercriminals. You can also hide your Player app activity from your internet provider to avoid it throttling BBC iPlayer.
To unblock iPlayer with Hotspot Shield, sign up for an account and download the VPN on your streaming device. Then, launch the app, click “Connect,” and change your VPN server location to the United Kingdom for unlimited access to your favorite BBC content.
With more than 3,200 high-speed servers spread across over 80 countries, you’ll find a fast and reliable connection no matter where in the world you’re located. And with unlimited streaming data, you can watch as much BBC iPlayer content as you like without ever having to stop.
Hotspot Shield supports a wide range of streaming devices and offers dedicated apps for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. There are manual setup guides for a host of other devices too. Every plan comes with support for 5 simultaneous connections, which is the industry average. If you need assistance while setting up the BBC iPlayer VPN, there’s reliable 24/7 customer support too.
And, you don’t just have to enjoy BBC iPlayer; watch live sports and television shows from all your favorite streaming services from around the world, including Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and more.
Like all of the best VPNs, Hotspot Shield operates on military standard encryption to ensure your internet connection is secure while you watch BBC iPlayer. The provider does log slightly more data than some other premium VPN providers, but none of this information could be used to link your activities back to you.
Sign up for a year, and you’ll get the BBC iPlayer VPN for $7.99 a month, which does make it one of the more pricey options on the market. However, considering the advanced security features and super-fast server speeds on offer, it is worth the extra investment. You’ll be protected by a 45-day refund policy, too, in case you decide that the VPN isn’t for you.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | Unlimited |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Unlimited simultaneous connections
Unblocks streaming services
Based in privacy-friendly country
Cons:
No phone support
No 12 month plan
Few payment methods
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
If you’re looking for an affordable VPN for watching BBC iPlayer abroad, Surfshark is an excellent choice. It is one of the cheapest VPNs on the market, but it comes fully featured to offer an enhanced streaming experience.
Despite the low price, Surfshark is one of the best VPNs on the market, and its advanced service rivals many of its more expensive competitors. Server speeds are decent and will let you stream in HD without lagging or buffering. There are unlimited simultaneous connections, too, so you can download the VPN on as many devices as you like and even share the VPN with your friends and family.
Watch your favorite UK television shows and movies on BBC iPlayer, even if you’re traveling abroad. Whether you’re in the United States, Europe, or anywhere else in the world, Surfshark will let you access the popular streaming service without restrictions, buffering, and lagging. There are servers in Manchester, Glasgow, and London.
To use BBC iPlayer abroad with Surfshark, sign up for an account with the VPN provider and download the app on as many devices as you like. Then, connect to any UK server location and access the BBC iPlayer website. You can create a free account with BBC iPlayer to stream any content you like. Surfshark will unlock a host of other streaming sites, too, like Netflix, Peacock, Hulu, HBO Go, HBO Now, YouTube, Spotify, Vudu, Disney+, CBS, Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar, and much more.
Surfshark will secure your online privacy so you can stream BBC iPlayer with peace of mind. There is private DNS across every Surfshark server, as well as MultiHop servers for an additional layer of protection for your online activities by routing your connection through a different VPN server.
All plans come with a hassle-free refund policy so you can test the VPN’s ability at unblocking iPlayer outside the UK before making a decision. If you’re not completely satisfied, get in touch with the customer support team, request a refund, and you’ll get your money back, no questions asked.
Prices start at just $2.49 a month if you sign up for Surfshark’s 2-year plan, making it one of the cheapest BBC iPlayer VPN services on the market.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 7 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, iOS, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Roku, Windows, Xbox 360 |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Located in privacy-friendly Romania
Accepts Bitcoin as a payment option
NoSpy server network
Cons:
Limited Netflix unblocking capability
No phone support
Uses virtual servers
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
Watch BBC iPlayer overseas for an extremely affordable price with CyberGhost. Whether you want to watch Killing Eve or Doctor Who, CyberGhost works with BBC iPlayer and will let you enjoy streaming content without restrictions, throttling, or buffering.
Watching BBC iPlayer is easy with CyberGhost. Sign up for an account with the VPN provider. Prices start at just $2.25 a month as long as you’re happy to commit to a long-term 3-year plan. Then launch the VPN app, connect to one of CyberGhost’s servers in the UK optimized for streaming, and enjoy watching BBC iPlayer with unrestricted access.
CyberGhost’s large server network offers a range of optimized servers for streaming services like BBC iPlayer and Netflix, making it one of the best VPN services for streaming fans. This also means that CyberGhost’s server speeds are some of the fastest available. You’ll be able to watch your favorite television shows on iPlayer with super-fast connection speeds and no lagging or buffering.
The provider offers more than 370 UK servers, making it easy to find a fast and secure UK server connection and a British IP address. And, with unlimited data, you’ll be able to stream as much iPlayer content as you like without having to worry about how much data you’re consuming.
CyberGhost is a great VPN that comes with wide device support, too, so whether you want to stream iPlayer on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Android TV, Kodi, or Linux, there is a dedicated app for you. If you need to access customer support while setting up the VPN on your streaming device, there’s reliable 24/7 live chat support available.
If you’re concerned about your internet privacy while you watch iPlayer, CyberGhost operates on military-standard AES-256 bit encryption as standard to ensure you’re identity is protected at all times. There is complete DNS leak protection and an integrated kill switch that will automatically cut your internet connection if the VPN ever fails for any reason so that no unencrypted internet traffic is ever exposed.
All CyberGhost subscription plans come with a hassle-free 45-day refund policy so you can test it fully before making a decision. If you’re not completely happy, request a refund, and you’ll get your money back, as long as it’s still within 45 days of purchase.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 10 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Large server network
Support for torrenting on all servers
Bitcoin as payment option
Cons:
Limited features
Based in US (Five Eyes)
Netflix access issues
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
Private Internet Access is one of the most popular VPN services, and it also has one of the largest server networks of any VPN on the market in [year].
Private Internet Access will keep your data and identity private while you stream your favorite TV shows on BBC iPlayer. PIA offers a strict no-logs policy, too, so you can rest assured that the VPN will never store or share your private data.
With PIA, you’ll be able to access content on BBC iPlayer and almost any other streaming service without restrictions, no matter where you are. By connecting to a UK server location, you’ll be able to watch iPlayer from anywhere. And, if you want to unblock Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ too, PIA will let you do so with ease.
Every subscription plan comes with support for 10 simultaneous device connections, double the industry average and more than enough for the typical user. This means that you can use the VPN across all your devices and even share your subscription with your partner too. There’s wide device support, too, with dedicated apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, as well as browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
There’s unlimited bandwidth so you can stream as much as you like without having to worry about how much data you’re consuming. Connection speeds are also super-fast to support streaming in high-definition without lagging or buffering. There’s 24/7 live chat support, too, if you need assistance while using a VPN connection or accessing BBC iPlayer.
If you sign up for the 2 Year + 2 Months Free plan, you’ll get the VPN for just $2.31 a month, making it one of the most affordable BBC iPlayer VPNs on the market. All plans are covered by a 30-day refund policy, so you can test the VPN’s ability at accessing iPlayer before committing.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 5 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Android, Android TV, Apple TV, iOS, macOS, Windows |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Audited zero-logs VPN
Chameleon protocol
Supports P2P networking
Cons:
No free trial
Small server network
No browser extensions
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
VyprVPN is a powerful streaming VPN that offers first-rate security protection for a bargain price.
VyprVPN may not be the most popular of VPN providers when it comes to streaming VPNs, but it does provide an excellent service. It will not only allow you to watch BBC iPlayer, but other popular streaming sites like Prime Video, Netflix, and Disney+.
There is a host of advanced privacy features, including military-grade encryption, audited mobile apps, and a strict no-logs policy. You can also choose to activate the VPN’s own Chameleon protocol if you need to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN connection and bypass DPI.
VyprVPN offers more than 300,000 IP addresses across more than 70 countries worldwide, including the UK, so you’ll find a secure connection no matter where you are. Changing between different VyprVPN servers is easy, and server speeds are impressive, even on long-distance connections.
There are dedicated, user-friendly apps for macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android, so you’ll be able to watch BBC iPlayer on all of your favorite streaming devices. It may not be the absolute best VPN on the market, but it works at unblocking iPlayer.
Moreover, Vypr offers an extensive network of servers and support for 10 simultaneous connections on a single subscription for just $1.67 a month. You’ll be protected by a risk-free 30-day refund policy, too, for added peace of mind.
A VPN or Virtual Private Network is an advanced piece of internet security software that will reroute your internet connection through an encrypted tunnel of VPN servers before it exits onto the internet. This means that no one, including your ISP (Internet Service Provider), the government, hackers, or cybercriminals, could ever access or decipher your private internet data.
When you connect to a VPN server, your real IP address, the unique code assigned to you by your ISP and used by online services and websites to identify you, is replaced by the VPN server’s IP address. This ensures that your online activities could never be linked back to you or your device.
By connecting to a server in another country, you can mask your real IP address with that server to make it appear as if your activity is originating from an entirely alternate location. This method is useful if you wish to overcome geo-restrictions on streaming sites like BBC iPlayer.
Most streaming sites like BBC iPlayer are only available in certain countries due to copyright restrictions. This means that you’ll have to use a VPN connection to hide your real location to access it. By connecting to a UK server, you can trick iPlayer into thinking that you are located in the UK, and it will grant you access without geo-restrictions.
Also, if you’re concerned about your internet privacy and security while streaming, we would recommend using a Virtual Private Network whenever you’re online. Using a VPN is the only way to ensure your online identity and private data are protected.
BBC iPlayer gives you access to on-demand BBC content across channels, including BBC One for general programming, BBC Two for documentaries and series, BBC Three for reality TV shows, BBC Four for music, arts and science content, CBBC and Cbeebies for children, BBC News for national, international, and sports news coverage, BBC Radio 1 for music videos and celebrity interviews, BBC Parliament for parliament sessions, BBC Alba for Gaelic-language content, and S4C for Welsh-language content.
Connect to a VPN server located in the UK to gain unlimited access to all of BBC iPlayer’s content.
If you have tried to watch the BBC iPlayer app with a VPN, but you were met with a message stating “BBC iPlayer only works in the UK,” or “This content is not available in your location,” there are many reasons to explain why iPlayer may not be working.
BBC iPlayer may be blocking VPN IP addresses to prevent VPN users from accessing BBC iPlayer overseas. Alternatively, you may have saved cookies on your device from previous visits to the iPlayer website, or the IP address of your server does not match your device’s GPS location. Or, your IP address may even be leaking.
If you are having issues getting a VPN to work with BBC iPlayer, contact your VPN provider’s customer service team to determine which servers are optimized for iPlayer. Also, try clearing your device’s cookies or opening iPlayer on a different browser. And, to avoid iPlayer detecting a mismatched GPS location, try accessing the site on a computer instead of a mobile device.
Many free VPNs work with BBC iPlayer, the most famous of Hola VPN, the famous P2P-powered free proxy service. However, we advise against using free BBC iPlayer VPN solutions for several reasons:
BBC iPlayer is notoriously difficult for VPNs to unblock since it operates some of the most advanced VPN detection and blocking technology. Many VPN providers can’t get past iPlayer’s strict firewall.
Fortunately, all the providers on our list could get through to the platform during recent tests, and some such as NordVPN consistently unblock BBC iPlayer. However, since technology is constantly changing, it is likely that at some point, BBC iPlayer will update its platform and block access for some of the VPNs on our list.
BBC iPlayer is a television service that is only available to residents in the UK. This means you can't access the platform from outside the UK.
Although BBC iPlayer doesn't function like Netflix, it is not a free service. Only users who have paid a TV license fee in the UK are allowed to use the online service.
Hola VPN can bypass geo-restrictions on BBC iPlayer, but it's better to use a paid VPN since these are more secure and offer a better performance.
Hi, I'm Cliff. I'm based in Cleveland, Ohio, with my wife and two kids.
I have a keen interest in cybersecurity and have been writing about it for around a decade now. Due to my background in computer science, I am familiar ...
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