4 Best (REALLY FREE) VPNs for BBC iPlayer in October 2021
It’s hard to find a free VPN that can bypass BBC iPlayer’s geoblocks so you can watch it from outside the UK. That’s where I come in. I put together a definitive list of the best free VPNs for BBC iPlayer that still work in 2021 so you can start watching His Dark Materials, Drag Race UK, and other great content for free.
I tested 39 free VPNs with BBC iPlayer and only found four that are powerful enough to bypass the site’s tough geo-restrictions. As expected, many of the free services I tested were poorly designed, slow, and unsafe to use.
But even the best free VPNs come with downsides. Small data allowances and limited server options stop you from streaming more than an episode or two – if they allow streaming at all.
Even worse, some free VPNs actually pose a threat to your safety and privacy with shady data collection practices, adware, or dangerous malware.
That’s why my top recommendation is a low-cost premium VPN service like ExpressVPN so you can safely binge-watch your favorite shows on BBC iPlayer with superb speeds and unlimited data.
Best Free VPNs for BBC iPlayer – Quick Guide
ExpressVPN – Enjoy unlimited streaming and superfast speeds on BBC iPlayer. You also get powerful security, easy-to-use apps, and several servers in the UK. You can try it out risk-free and claim a full refund if it’s not for you.
CyberGhost: With its 24-hour free trial, you’ll have a full day to explore its fast streaming speeds. It even has a server optimized for BBC iPlayer that’s continuously updated, so it will alway give you access.
Windscribe: Access BBC iPlayer with two free UK servers on Windscribe’s well-designed apps and secure browser extensions. You get 10GB of free data per month, which is enough to stream about six movies in SD.
Speedify: UK servers that can reliably access BBC iPlayer with decent speeds. But with only 2GB of free data per month, you won’t be able to stream more than a few episodes in SD.
Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free Now!
What’s the Catch With Free VPNs?
There’s a reason that the best VPNs come with a price tag. Running a good VPN network is expensive. Free VPNs cut costs by limiting you in some pretty significant ways.
Compatibility
Free VPNs rarely offer as many different apps as premium services. You’re better off with a low-cost premium service if you’re looking for a router-compatible VPN or want to watch BBC iPlayer on your Smart TV.
Security
The scariest downside of using a free VPN is that you can’t always trust them to keep you safe online.
Free VPNs often limit your security features to convince you to upgrade. It’s also common for free VPNs to rely on money from third-party advertisers. They use adware and trackers that collect information about you and compromise your privacy.
Premium VPNs secure your private data with IP masking, bank-grade encryption, and advanced IP/DNS leak protection.
Limitations
BBC iPlayer has some of the strictest geoblocks of any streaming site, so finding a free VPN that can unblock it is rare. It is particularly good at detecting and blocking VPN traffic.
It takes advanced obfuscation technology and a large server network to outsmart BBC iPlayer, and most free VPNs lack the resources to make that happen.
Almost all free VPNs limit how much data you can use. This might not be a big issue if you’re just browsing the web or updating your social media, but you won’t be able to do much streaming even if your free VPN can access BBC iPlayer.
For reference, 1GB of free data lets you stream about 1. 5 hours in SD. Most free VPNs only give you a few GB or less each month.
The Best Free VPNs for BBC Player (Updated October 2021)
I found four free VPNs that can reliably bypass BBC iPlayer’s tough geo-restrictions without putting your safety at risk.
1. ExpressVPN – Try Risk-Free With a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Superfast speeds for streaming
Reliable servers in the UK
30-day money-back guarantee
AES 256-bit encryption, automatic kill switch, and DNS leak protection
30 simultaneous device connections
Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Vudu, and more
Compatible with: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, Apple TV, and more
ExpressVPN will give you the best streaming experience with BBC iPlayer. Even though it’s a premium VPN, you can try it risk-free knowing it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not happy with it, you can cancel your subscription and get a refund.
It has an extensive server network with 4 locations in the UK. Each of the cities unblocked BBC iPlayer with zero issues, so you’ll have no trouble accessing the platform.
Buffering isn’t an issue, even when traffic is high. I recorded an average speed of 56 Mbps with tests using its UK IPs. You only need 5 Mbps to stream in HD, so you’ll be able to stream live sports and shows completely lag-free.
This VPN gives you unlimited data and bandwidth, so you can watch BBC iPlayer in HD for as long as you want.
MediaStreamer helps you connect all of your devices, even if they don’t normally support VPNs. I used its easy-to-follow guide to set-up my router in a few minutes. This let me stream BBC iPlayer on my smartTV. With this feature, you’ll be able to watch the platform on any of your Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
Obfuscated servers hide your traffic and keep your VPN use undetected. This will help you bypass censorship and access restricted sites at school, and work with less chance of getting caught and blocked.
Strong encryption technology, an automatic kill switch, and DNS leak protection keep your data secure while you’re torrenting, checking emails, or streaming.
A strict no-logs policy ensures that nothing you do online while connected to ExpressVPN is recorded. Plus, its TrustedServer technology eliminates all of your sensitive information, including IP addresses, browsing history, and metadata, so it can never be shared with a third-party.
Check out our in-depth review to learn more about ExpressVPN’s features and performance.
Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free Today!
2. CyberGhost: 24-Hour Free Trial with Full Access to Premium Features
24 hours of unlimited free data
BBC iPlayer-optimized server
Great speeds for streaming
Military-grade encryption, kill switch, and leak protection
Strict no-logs policy
Located in privacy-friendly Romania
Works with: BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Disney +Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and more
Compatible with: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Routers, smart TVs, and more
CyberGhost gives you an entire day to test out its server specifically optimized to unblock BBC iPlayer. Every time anyone logs in, they’re given a different UK location. This makes it more difficult for BBC iPlayer to discover your VPN use and ban the IP address. Plus, if any of the addresses are ever banned, CyberGhost removes them from the rotation. This makes it one of the most reliable VPNs for accessing BBC iPlayer.
The optimized servers were a bit faster in my experience. However, there are 3 regular UK locations that I used to unblock BBC iPlayer as well. So, you’ll have several ways to unblock BBC iPlayer.
Speaking of speeds, CyberGhost impressed me with its download speeds. I had an average of 53 Mbps testing its UK locations. So, you’ll be able to stream without any annoying load times or lag.
You get access to all its premium features during the 24-hour free period. This means you’ll have unlimited bandwidth, so you can watch BBC iPlayer for as long as you want during the free trial.
No-Spy servers give you an added layer of security. These servers are housed at CyberGhost’s headquarters, so there’s no third-party involvement. This gives them added physical security and eliminates another way your data can be compromised.
CyberGhost keeps the No-Spy servers in its home country of Romania. This is outside of the 14 Eyes Alliance, an agreement between several governments to share data on their citizens. So, being located in Romania is great because it’s a privacy-friendly country that doesn’t spy on its citizens.
On top of that, CyberGhost has a strict no-logs policy. It’s also extremely secure with military-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, and leak protection. You can read more about CyberGhost’s great security, speeds, and streaming capabilities here.
Try CyberGhost Free Now!
3. Windscribe – 10GB Free Data Each Month
10GB of free data per month
Two free servers in the UK (including one with access to BBC iPlayer)
No ads with a free account
AES 256-bit encryption and IP masking
Connect an unlimited number of simultaneous devices
Works with: BBC iPlayer, HBO GO, YouTube, and Kodi
Compatible with: Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, Chrome, and Firefox
Windscribe gives you a generous 10GB of free data per month. You can’t have multiple binge-watching sessions with 10GB, but you can stream about six movies in standard definition (SD) every month. Plus, you can get an extra 5GB free by tweeting the company, as well as an additional 1GB for every new user you refer to Windscribe.
You can choose from 10 free server locations, including two servers in the UK. The first server I tested couldn’t access BBC iPlayer, but I was able to consistently stream BBC iPlayer while connected to the London Tea server.
These free servers offer decent speeds. I experienced brief buffering delays when I tested the VPN during high-traffic periods, but overall, Windscribe offers much more reliable connections than most free VPNs.
You can also use Windscribe to ensure your privacy while you torrent. It has a strict no-logs policy and offers P2P support on multiple servers.
The free version of Windscribe comes with the same robust security features as the premium version. It protects your privacy and safety with IP masking and secure encryption. It even protects you from malware, trackers, adware, and other cyber threats.
Windscribe’s chatbot, Garry, can answer most questions, but you can also chat with a live customer service representative if your query is more complicated. Windscribe also has an online support ticket system.
Learn more about Windscribe by reading our full review. Get Windscribe for Free!
4. Speedify – 6 Free UK Servers to Access BBC iPlayer
2GB of free data per month
Six free servers in the UK (including two with access to BBC iPlayer)
Choose between AES- or ChaCha-based encryption for a balance of speed and security
Works with: BBC iPlayer, YouTube, HBO GO, and Kodi
Compatible with: Windows, macOS iOS, Android, and Linux
Speedify offers 2GB of free data per month, which is only enough to stream in SD for about three hours. Still, it is a reliable choice if you just want to watch a sports match or a specific movie that’s only available on BBC iPlayer.
It has VPN servers in 35+ locations across the globe, including six free UK servers. Two of these servers successfully unblocked BBC iPlayer during my tests. I was able to stream with minimal buffering, but it wasn’t fast enough to watch anything in high definition.
Speedify’s Channel Bonding technology sends your data over two or more internet connections at once to improve your connection speeds. The downside is that it can use up to twice as much of your WiFi and cellular data.
Speedify uses AES 128-GSM encryption to protect most modern devices. If you have an older device, Speedify’s ChaCha encryption cipher can dramatically improve your speed without compromising security.
The VPN’s effective IP masking hides your location from the websites you visit, while the strict no-logs policy ensures that your activity stays private.
You can use Speedify to effectively bypass censorship and access a wide range of geo-restricted content online.
Speedify supports torrenting on its Amsterdam server, which is available for free and is optimized for BitTorrent. However, you won’t be able to download large files with only 2GB.
Find out how Speedify performed in other areas by reading our full expert review. Get Speedify for Free!
FAQs
What features should I look for in a VPN for BBC iPlayer?
Your VPN’s network should have multiple servers in the UK to increase the chances that you can find a server that’s able to unblock BBC iPlayer. A larger server network also improves your VPN connection speeds by reducing traffic and server crowding.
In addition to fast speeds, you need unlimited data and bandwidth so that you don’t run out of data right in the middle of an episode.
Other useful features to look out for are device compatibility so that you can watch BBC iPlayer on your favorite platforms, and responsive customer service to help you troubleshoot if you have trouble streaming content on BBC iPlayer.
How do I watch BBC iPlayer with a VPN?
It’s easy to watch BBC iPlayer with a high-quality VPN. After you download the VPN to your device, open the VPN app and, connect to a server in the UK. You should now be able to watch BBC iPlayer with no further steps.
If you still can’t access BBC iPlayer, try connecting to different UK servers in your VPN’s network until you find one that works.
Make sure you refresh BBC iPlayer after connecting to a new server. Depending on your browser settings, restarting your browser may also help.
Can I also use the VPNs on this list to watch Netflix?
If you are looking for a VPN that works with multiple streaming sites, including BBC iPlayer and Netflix, a premium VPN like ExpressVPN is your best option. CyberGhost works great with Netflix. Windscribe also works with Netflix, but only if you upgrade to a premium account. Speedify does not currently work with Netflix.
Are VPNs legal?
Generally yes, but it depends on where you live. VPNs are legal in most countries, but a select few restrict or completely ban the use of VPNs. To check if VPNs are legal where you live, you can read our complete guide here.
Bottom Line
The free VPNs on this list can access BBC iPlayer, but you can only stream a limited amount because of their data limits.
BBC iPlayer is continuing to crack down on the use of free VPNs. There’s no guarantee that any free VPN will always be able to access the content you want in the future.
A premium VPN is your best option to have consistent, long-term access to BBC iPlayer. I recommend ExpressVPN because it offers top-notch security, a vast server network, blazing-fast speeds, and unlimited streaming.
With ExpressVPN, you can unblock all of your favorite streaming sites, including BBC iPlayer, Netflix, HBO Max, and tons more. You can even test out ExpressVPN risk-free for 30-days with its money-back guarantee. If you don’t like it, you can always ask for a refund.
Top VPNs for BBC iPlayer that you can try risk-free with money-back guarantees…
Take a look at our VPN deals page (updated weekly) for big discounts on top-rated VPNs.
Privacy Alert!
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The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.
VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we’ve tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it’s currently offering 49% off.
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How to watch BBC iPlayer abroad on iPhone, iPad or Mac – Macworld UK
Want to watch iPlayer from outside the UK? BBC iPlayer is one of the biggest streaming services, and is free for those inside the UK with a TV licence – here’s how to stream it when you’re abroad too, from anywhere in the world including the US.
By
| 20 May 21
If you’re trying to watch BBC iPlayer from outside of the UK, you’ll find that it’s not as easy as logging in and pressing play. It’s a frustrating problem, but there is a workaround and it’s quite simple; here, we show you how to watch BBC iPlayer when travelling abroad to anywhere in the world.
iPlayer is one of the biggest streaming services in the UK, offering a range of high-quality television both live and on demand across popular channels including BBC One and CBeebies, radio shows and feature films, direct from the BBC, entirely free from advertising.
The shame is that it’s limited to UK viewers, and – in principle – you can only watch it from inside the UK. Funded by a licence fee, UK TV owners pay for the BBC – so it makes sense to limit BBC iPlayer to UK viewers.
But what about holidaymakers and those with homes in two countries? If you’ve paid for it, then you might want to be able to watch BBC iPlayer when overseas in countries including Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, US, Spain, Italy and more.
Hit shows including Eastenders, Strictly Come Dancing, The Apprentice and more are available to watch live and on demand on BBC iPlayer, and many will be sad to miss an episode or two while they’re away from the UK.
You need a TV licence to watch on-demand content on the iPlayer. Previously, you only needed a licence to watch TV being broadcast live, but now the rule change means all iPlayer content requires you to pay up. Our sister title Tech Advisor explains here: do I need a TV licence?
How to get BBC iPlayer abroad
Here’s a quick rundown of the steps you’ll need to follow to access BBC iPlayer on your iPhone, iPad or Mac if you’re outside of the UK. This will also work on a PC, and on Android devices too.
Be aware though, this breaks the terms and conditions of BBC iPlayer so you should go ahead at your own risk. You’re not going to get fined or arrested, but you could have your account suspended – though in practice it’s unlikely.
In summary:
You’ll need a subscription to a VPN We’d recommend NordVPN or Surfshark but you can find our whole top ten in our round-up of the best VPNs.
Download your VPN app of choice on your Mac, iPhone or iPad.
Log in.
Choose a server based in the UK.
Browse to BBC iPlayer and log in.
You should now find that you are able to access BBC iPlayer content.
How to watch iPlayer with a VPN
Just as Netflix dominates US traffic, BBC iPlayer dominates in the UK, with up to six percent of all our internet traffic going the BBC. So you lot apparently love it. But you can’t watch the BBC while you’re overseas.
When you open the BBC iPlayer app on your iOS device or log on to iPlayer on your Mac or PC, it checks your public IP (Internet Protocol) address. This address is a four-part number, such as 91. 108. 140. 168 (a quick way to find yours is by typing “IP Address” into Google).
This figure relates to your ISP (Internet Service Provider) or cellular connection, linked to the server that is sending you data. Enter the digits into IP Location and you’ll find where the server is located as well as the host. If this location isn’t in the UK, then BBC iPlayer will refuse to show you content.
To use BBC iPlayer abroad, you need to convince the BBC that you’re using an IP address based in the UK.
Don’t worry – this is a lot easier than you think, thanks to VPNs (or virtual private networks). Instead of connecting directly to iPlayer’s servers, you log into the VPN, and that connects using a British IP address, letting you access all the iPlayer content you normally would.
As mentioned, this breaks the terms and conditions of BBC iPlayer so you should go ahead at your own risk.
Here are some of the best VPN services for BBC iPlayer, in our experience. All of these have apps for both Mac and iOS, so you can use them to watch from just about any Apple device.
If you want to watch from Apple’s set-top box it’s a little trickier, but we have a dedicated guide to using a VPN with the Apple TV that should help.
Surfshark: This is the best value VPN on our list, and currently sits at number one in our VPN chart. It’ll work well for BBC iPlayer, but it does miss out on the speciality servers offered by NordVPN. Sign up here.
NordVPN: This service offers a complete VPN service at a fair price. Your data is encrypted so you can surf worry-free wherever. Not only can you access iPlayer abroad with it, but you can also benefit from services such as secure online banking when on public Wi-Fi hotspots. It offers speciality servers designed for streaming, so is ideal for watching BBC iPlayer. Sign up here.
ExpressVPN: Another of our favourite VPN services with top security and privacy features and simple-to-use apps. It is a bit more pricey than NordVPN and Surfshark but is certainly a premium service. Sign up here.
You might also like to find out how to get American Netflix in the UK.
Author: Jim Martin, Associate editor
Jim is editor of Tech Advisor and a contributor to Macworld. Jim has been testing and reviewing both hardware and software for 15 years. These days his specialities include tablets, smartphones and gadgets as well as writing and commissioning reviews, features and tutorials.
Best VPNs for BBC iPlayer 2021: 8 Providers That Will Get Through
Table of ContentsWhat Makes the Best VPN for BBC iPlayer? The Top 8 VPNs for BBC iPlayer1. ExpressVPN2. NordVPN3. CyberGhost4. Surfshark5. Windscribe6. VyprVPN7. ProtonVPN8. Hotspot ShieldHow to Watch BBC iPlayer With a VPNFinal Thoughts
BBC iPlayer has a good mix of live TV, sporting events, movies and on-demand shows, allowing you to enjoy your favorite ones while on the go. However, anything broadcast by BBC iPlayer is meant for British eyes only — or at least UK residents. So if you’re outside the UK, you’ll need to use one of the best VPNs for BBC iPlayer to access it.
A VPN helps you break through the wall of geoblocking to gain access to BBC iPlayer content as though you were in the UK. It unlocks infinite options to binge-watch reality shows, kids content, classic films and weighty dramas like Killing Eve, Peaky Blinders and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, to name a few.
Key Takeaways:
ExpressVPN unblocks BBC iPlayer with ease on PC, iOS, Android and smart TV devices. Once you get into BBC iPlayer’s content library, you can watch BBC shows and movies in rdVPN, CyberGhost and Surfshark are the best VPNs to unlock the whole range of British entertainment if you’re on a dscribe gives you the option to bypass BBC iPlayer content blocks for free. However, you may want to try a paid option like ExpressVPN or NordVPN for a fast streaming experience.
In this article, we’ll discuss the top VPNs for BBC iPlayer, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right choice. If you’re in a hurry to get that BBC One live stream outside of the UK, though, ExpressVPN is the best BBC iPlayer VPN choice for getting into the service.
Yes, if you find a VPN that offers fast and secure servers in the UK, you can access BBC iPlayer content and stream in VPN is the best BBC iPlayer VPN for various reasons, and its lightning-fast speeds and unrivaled ability to unblock streaming services top the dscribe is the best free BBC iPlayer VPN because its free plan offers UK servers that allow you to bypass BBC iPlayer content blocks.
What Makes the Best VPN for BBC iPlayer?
There are a few criteria to keep in mind when choosing the best VPNs for BBC iPlayer. Many of the providers in our best VPN reviews have great features, but that doesn’t mean they’re capable of accessing the platform, as well as performing well once connected. These are the best VPNs to use for BBC iPlayer.
ExpressVPN — Lightning-fast servers and unparalleled unblocking capabilitiesNordVPN — Easy-to-use and specialty streaming serversCyberGhost — Affordable and specialized streaming serversSurfshark — Inexpensive and water-tight digital privacyWindscribe — Free plan and servers optimized for streamingVyprVPN — Chameleon protocolProtonVPN — Servers optimized for streamingHotspot Shield — Intuitive interface and Catapult Hydra protocol
BBC iPlayer is aggressive in blocking VPN users, so you need a VPN that can get around the geoblocking unnoticed. Thankfully, all of the VPNs we’ve chosen are optimized for streaming and can easily get past the BBC iPlayer’s notorious geo-restrictions. They offer servers in the UK, and some even provide dedicated IP addresses at an extra charge.
Fast VPN speeds are essential when it comes to streaming videos on BBC iPlayer, as it allows you to enjoy a great streaming experience free of any buffering or video lag. Not all of our picks are the fastest VPN services you can get, but they’re still good enough for binge-watching HD content.
Lastly, it’s best to choose a VPN that comes with unlimited bandwidth, as bandwidth limits are a noticeable pain of streaming services such as BBC iPlayer. Also, if the VPN imposes a data cap, there is an imminent risk of getting cut off in the middle of an enthralling drama or football match.
The Top 8 VPNs for BBC iPlayer
Though there are some great VPN choices out there, not all of them work with BBC iPlayer. In this section, we’ll run down the top eight BBC iPlayer VPNs to help you find suitable services in terms of feature set and price. ExpressVPN starts off our list, so let’s dive straight into it.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN unblocks BBC iPlayer with ease.
More details about ExpressVPN:
Pricing: $8. 32 per month on the annual planProvider Website:
Pros:
Multiple servers in the UKFast speedsEasy to use
ExpressVPN is the best BBC iPlayer VPN, thanks to its blazing-fast speeds and ability to get past geo-restrictions. It’s our best VPN for streaming, and as you’d expect, it can break through BBC iPlayer’s barriers without issue and in multiple regions. Plus, it has many servers in the UK spread across four server locations, giving you a chance to try different UK IP addresses to gain access to BBC iPlayer.
ExpressVPN is as fast as VPNs can get; in fact, it’s the fastest VPN we’ve tested, as you can read in our ExpressVPN review. This means you can watch Doctor Who without interruption in HD. Even better, it comes with unlimited bandwidth, giving you the freedom to binge-watch as many BBC iPlayer shows and movies as you want.
ExpressVPN works on all devices: PC, Android, iOS or Apple TV.
Though ExpressVPN is pretty expensive compared to other VPNs, you get a lot of bang for your buck, including a rich feature set and five simultaneous connections. Plus, you can save money by opting for a longer plan. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, too, so you’ve got nothing to lose.
ExpressVPN Plans: Unlimited GB: 5:
ExpressVPN offers a whole package of beneficial features that allow you to get the most of your BBC iPlayer subscription. Its ability to get past geo-restriction is unrivaled, so it’s no surprise that it unblocks BBC iPlayer without issues. This is why ExpressVPN takes the top spot as the best BBC iPlayer VPN.
2. NordVPN
Watching BBC iPlayer with NordVPN is a cinch.
More details about NordVPN:
Pricing: $3. 71 per month on the two-year planProvider Website:
Over 400 UK serversFast on certain serversInexpensive on long-term plans
Cons:
Can be slow over long distances
Another great VPN to access BBC iPlayer content is NordVPN. This VPN has an extensive network of over 440 servers in the UK, making it easy to find a specific server for the best performance. The UK servers are fast enough to support lag-free streaming, but the speeds dip if you’re accessing BBC iPlayer from further away, say, Australia. There are no bandwidth limits to contend with, though.
BBC iPlayer is constantly looking to block VPN users, so NordVPN gives you specialty servers to ensure your IP address is never blocked. The double-VPN server adds an extra layer of encryption, giving the BBC iPlayer algorithms zero chance to detect your actual IP address. What’s more, NordVPN gives you an option to use a dedicated UK IP address to break through BBC iPlayer’s geoblocks.
NordVPN works seamlessly with all streaming devices.
As a wallet-friendly VPN, NordVPN only sets you back $3. 71 per month on the two-year plan. If you’re worried about committing for such an extended period, though, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee for peace of mind.
NordVPN: Unlimited GB: 6:
NordVPN may be a better choice if your wallet is spitting dust. It can unblock any service you throw at it, including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and BBC iPlayer, as you can read in our NordVPN review. Though its UK server count is great, its spread could be better. Ultimately, NordVPN trails ExpressVPN because its connection speeds dip when connecting over longer distances.
3. CyberGhost
CyberGhost works just fine on Apple TV, PC and mobile devices.
More details about CyberGhost:
Pricing: $2. 25 per month on the three-year planProvider Website:
Over 600 servers in the UKDedicated streaming serversInexpensive
Next up, we have CyberGhost. It’s not as fast as ExpressVPN, as you can read in our CyberGhost review, and it suffers from the same long-distance speed dips that NordVPN does. However, its VPN servers are fast enough to deliver the ultimate experience when watching BBC iPlayer content and UK TV channels. There are no bandwidth caps to worry about, though, and it has an easy-to-use interface.
What sets CyberGhost apart from other services on our list is its massive server count (over 6, 500 at the time of writing). You’ll be pleased to know that 649 of CyberGhost’s VPN servers are physically located across three cities in the UK. However, the best part is that all of the UK servers are optimized for streaming, so you can enjoy BBC shows devoid of buffering or video lag.
CyberGhost is compatible with all streaming devices.
CyberGhost is one of the cheapest VPNs we’ve reviewed, especially over the longer plans. Though it does come with a free trial (one day on desktop and seven days on mobile devices). There’s also a 45-day money-back guarantee for standard subscriptions (find out how to get a CyberGhost refund).
CyberGhost Plans: Unlimited GB: 7:
If you want to get a healthy dose of BBC shows on a budget, CyberGhost is an excellent service. It offers great security, and all of the UK servers are optimized for streaming on all devices, though it’s not as fast as ExpressVPN or NordVPN, so it settled for the third spot. However, you’ll barely experience any video lag, especially when accessing BBC iPlayer from Europe.
4. Surfshark
Surfshark unblocks all streaming services.
More details about Surfshark:
Pricing: $2. 49 per month on the two-year planProvider Website:
Unlimited simultaneous connectionsInexpensive
Slow over longer distances
Our next pick is Surfshark, a relatively new VPN that has taken the crowded VPN space by storm, as you can read in our Surfshark review. The VPN service has amassed a server network of over 3, 200 servers in 65 countries, including the UK. Its servers in the UK are fast, though not as fast as our top three picks, to help you catch up on movies and shows on BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Enjoy excellent viewing on all streaming devices with Surfshark.
Price-wise, Surfshark is in the same echelon as CyberGhost. Its monthly rate isn’t good, but you can bring the cost down when you subscribe to longer plans. The good thing is that each plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
SurfShark Plans: Unlimited GB bandwidth,
Unlimited devices: Unlimited GB: Unlimited:
Surfshark packs all the features you need to stream BBC iPlayer, including UK servers fast enough to support streaming of British entertainment from anywhere in the world. It also provides basic and advanced security and privacy features to hide your IP address from BBC iPlayer, so it doesn’t block you. However, its internet connection speeds and server count in the UK could be better.
5. Windscribe
Unlock the power of BBC-terrific programming with Windscribe.
More details about Windscribe:
Pricing: $4. 08 per month on the yearly planProvider website:
Generous free plan that can get into BBC iPlayerUnlimited connectionsStreaming-optimized servers
Expensive full plansA bit slow
Windscribe is fifth on our list, but it’s inarguably the best free VPN for BBC iPlayer. You get access to UK servers with the free plan, so you can play around a bit if you do have any trouble. Though the free UK servers aren’t the fastest, in our testing for our Windscribe review, we found that it unblocks BBC iPlayer with ease.
Windscribe’s UK servers are spread across three cities: London, Manchester and Edinburg. Better still, Windscribe’s servers are optimized for streaming — a holdover from their deprecated “Windflix” servers. All of its servers excel at unblocking streaming services such as BBC iPlayer, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Unblock BBC iPlayer streaming service with Windscribe for free.
Its free plan is generous, even taking the title for the best free VPN, but it obviously doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles. However, if you decide to go for the paid plan, the monthly price isn’t the best option. Longer plans save you money in the end, and it does offer a unique “build-a-plan” option that costs $1 per additional server.
Build a Plan: Per “Pro” server location: 10 GB: Unlimited: Pro Plan: Unlimited GB: Unlimited:
Windscribe is solid proof that a free VPN can be reliable. Its free plan has all the essential tools, but to make the most of the Windflix servers, unlimited simultaneous connections and other advanced tools, you have to subscribe to a paid plan or “build a plan” to your needs. Windscribe’s speeds are fine for streaming videos on BBC iPlayer, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, but our top four picks are faster.
6. VyprVPN
VyprVPN works on all streaming devices.
More details about VyprVPN:
Pricing: $1. 66 per month on the 36-month planProvider Website:
Accesses BBC iPlayer easilyChameleon protocolConsistent performance
VyprVPN is a good VPN, notably for its security, but it has some great streaming qualities about it, too. In our VyprVPN review, you’ll notice that it was able to get into streaming services such as BBC iPlayer, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video right off the bat.
It doesn’t offer the largest server network (only 700 servers), but its servers in the UK are at the ready to get you past BBC iPlayer restrictions without issues. VyprVPN, through its proprietary Chameleon VPN protocol, offers the perfect work-around for BBC iPlayer’s geoblocking.
VyprVPN prides itself on water-tight digital security and privacy.
VyprVPN comes with 30 simultaneous connections if you sign up through the website — or five if you sign up through the mobile app — and the use of its proprietary Chameleon protocol. A 30-day money-back guarantee is in place, too.
Monthly: 1 month free (2 months total): Unlimited GB: 30 One year: 6 months free (18 months total): Unlimited GB: 30 Two years: 12 months free (36 months total): Unlimited GB: 30
Thanks to its security and streaming capability, VyprVPN is a reliable BBC iPlayer VPN. It offers unlimited bandwidth and has an easy-to-use interface. That said, its speeds aren’t the best, but to be fair, it didn’t let us down in streaming performance.
7. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN doesn’t stream on Android and iOS devices.
More details about ProtonVPN:
Pricing: $7. 91 per month on the Plus plan (billed every two years)Provider website:
Gets into BBC iPlayer easilyUnlimited bandwidth with any plan
The Plus plan, which can access BBC iPlayer, is expensiveLimited customer supportHard to setup alternate VPN protocolsNo automatic protection for WiFi
ProtonVPN is another good BBC iPlayer VPN, thanks to its ease of use and unlimited bandwidth. It also has over 35 servers in the UK that allow you to unblock BBC iPlayer without an issue. However, while testing for our ProtonVPN review, we found that BBC iPlayer took too long to load on some servers, so you have to try different servers to find one that works well.
ProtonVPN streams BBC iPlayer content only on Windows and macOS devices.
It’s bare-bones in terms of streaming functionality, but ProtonVPN made it to our list because its Plus servers in the UK are optimized for streaming. However, while there are free and cheap plans, you have to subscribe to a top-tier plan to unlock ProtonVPN’s streaming capability.
Visionary: Unlimited GB: 10:
ProtonVPN misses the mark on various fronts that matter most when it comes to streaming BBC iPlayer shows and movies. Its servers aren’t slow, but they’re not very fast, either. Though its free and basic plans are wallet-friendly, they don’t let you access streaming servers in the UK, so they’re not an option for BBC iPlayer. Plus, ProtonVPN allows you to stream on only Windows and macOS devices
8. Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield’s UK server location takes multiple attempts to connect.
More details about Hotspot Shield:
Pricing: $6. 99 per month on the Plus plan (billed annually)Provider website:
Fast speeds on paperGood interface
Inconsistent performanceFree plan only has U. S. servers
Hotspot Shield made it onto our list of the best BBC iPlayer VPNs, thanks to its unlimited bandwidth and servers in the UK. During our testing for our Hotspot Shield review, we found that it unblocks BBC iPlayer from outside the UK with ease. Besides that, we noticed that the servers are fast enough to support fast streams with no buffering, but other VPN services on our list are faster.
It uses the Catapult Hydra protocol instead of more common ones, like OpenVPN, which enables Hotspot Shield to overcome potential latency challenges. The only quibble is that, with the protocol, you have to make a few lengthy tries to get connected to a UK server.
Hotspot Shield’s speed isn’t consistent.
Hotspot Shield’s pricing is standard for a VPN, but you can save money by choosing a longer subscription. A refund policy is not directly advertised on the site, but you can request one within 45 days by contacting customer support. There is a free seven-day trial if you want to tinker with its features.
1 Month Premium: Unlimited GB: 5 1 Year Premium: Unlimited GB: 5 1 Month Family: Unlimited GB: 25 1 Year Family: Unlimited GB: 25
Though Hotspot Shield made it onto our list, it’s the last pick because its service has some questionable aspects. Even though it allows you to stream BBC iPlayer anonymously, it takes a few lengthy attempts to connect to an optimal UK server. Plus, its speeds are a little inconsistent, and you’d be better off using our first pick, ExpressVPN.
How to Watch BBC iPlayer With a VPN
If you try to connect to BBC iPlayer from any other country, you’ll get an error message saying: “BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to rights issues. ” That’s when a virtual private network can help. A VPN will allow you to spoof your location, making it look like you’re accessing BBC iPlayer from the UK. All you have to do is use the VPN to choose a UK IP address before opening the BBC iPlayer app.
Install Your VPN and Log In To ItSign up for your VPN of choice and install the VPN app on your device. Log in and choose and connect to a suitable VPN server in the Over to the BBC iPlayer Website and Create an AccountOpen the BBC iPlayer homepage and create a BBC iPlayer account. You don’t need to be a UK resident to create the account, but you need a UK IP address to watch any On Your Best British Accent and Say, “I Have a TV Licence”Because the BBC is funded through the license fee that UK households pay, you may need to “confirm” that you have one. A notice may pop up saying that a TV license is required to get access, but you can simply click “I have a TV licence” and access the platform. You don’t need to provide evidence of having a British TV license.
If you’re asked to enter a postcode — the UK equivalent of a ZIP code — just enter any UK postcode that you can find on Google. You’ll be fine, provided that you’re connected to a UK server. That’s it; you get to enjoy all of your favorite British TV shows without ever stepping foot in the UK.
Final Thoughts: Best BBC iPlayer VPN
We hope we’ve helped you find the best VPN service for BBC iPlayer. Whether you’re after some BBC news streaming or want to watch top BBC shows, all of the above recommendations will allow you to access BBC iPlayer abroad. Remember, though, that the performance with each VPN varies, so keep that in mind.
ExpressVPN is the best VPN to access BBC iPlayer abroad, and it works for BBC iPlayer radio, too. You’ll be able to easily watch UK TV online outside of the UK for free, as it can get into BBC iPlayer without a problem. Plus, its fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth make it a pleasant experience. With the 30-day money-back guarantee, you’ve got nothing to lose.
If you have experience loading a BBC iPlayer stream from another country with a VPN, let us know about it in the comment section below. Check out our other VPN articles and our streaming archive, too. As always, thank you for reading.
Frequently Asked Questions about watching bbc iplayer abroad free
How can I watch BBC iPlayer abroad for free?
How to get BBC iPlayer abroadYou’ll need a subscription to a VPN We’d recommend NordVPN or Surfshark but you can find our whole top ten in our round-up of the best VPNs.Download your VPN app of choice on your Mac, iPhone or iPad.Log in.Choose a server based in the UK.Browse to BBC iPlayer and log in.More items…•May 20, 2021
Which free VPN is best for BBC iPlayer?
ExpressVPN is the best VPN to access BBC iPlayer abroad, and it works for BBC iPlayer radio, too. You’ll be able to easily watch UK TV online outside of the UK for free, as it can get into BBC iPlayer without a problem. Plus, its fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth make it a pleasant experience.Sep 27, 2021
How can I watch BBC iPlayer outside UK for free?
BBC iPlayer is exclusively available to UK residents. British expats living in US, Australia, Canada, Germany, UAE, or Spain cannot watch any content on BBC. Simply configure your devices to use Unlocator Smart DNS. Once done, you will be able to watch BBC iPlayer outside UK regardless of where you currently reside.