BBC iPlayer is only available to UK TV license holders. Try accessing it from anywhere else in the world, and you'll find yourself blocked. To get around that you can use a VPN to watch UK TV shows while abroad.
These are the iPlayer VPNs that we recommend for the job. They all feature as one of the best VPN services we've tested, and are great options as a general-purpose streaming VPN.
Best iPlayer VPNs: quick list
Just want to get up and running? Here are the Best iPlayer VPNs at a glance:
Recent updates
The most recent update sees Surfshark overtake ExpressVPN as a better choice for an iPlayer VPN. Why? Surfshark does the unblocking job just as well, it's super-fast, much cheaper and offers unlimited simultaneous connections on a single account. Do take a look at our latest VPN test results for more details.
The best BBC iPlayer VPNs in 2024: in-depth reviews
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Here's a closer look at our top iPlayer VPN picks and why we recommend them:
The best iPlayer VPN overall
Unblocking BBC iPlayer is quick and easy with NordVPN. It doesn't quite have the best apps on the block (those belong to Surfshark), but it's a reliable all-rounder that will suit most users and currently sits at the top of our overall VPN rankings.
Streaming and unblocking
We had no trouble unblocking BBC iPlayer with NordVPN. It also has no trouble unblocking Disney Plus and Prime Video. NordVPN is one of the best Netflix VPNs. It reliably unblocks Netflix catalogs in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan, even providing a solution to the Netflix password-sharing ban.
Speed
NordVPN has always been a speedy service. We recorded speeds of 950 Mbps using its WireGuard-based protocol, NordLynx, and you only need 25 Mbps to stream HD and 4K content without constant buffering – so NordVPN is more than up to the task.
Features
NordVPN has over 440 servers based in the UK. That's great news for folks looking to watch iPlayer and other British TV streaming services from abroad, offering plenty of space for people wishing to appear as if they're back in Blighty.
App support
All of NordVPN's apps look fantastic and work like a charm – which is good news if you plan to take BBC iPlayer with you on your mobile or tablet, or tune in via a smart TV.
The only quibble we have is that the map-based interface can be tricky to use on smaller screens. It's also worth noting that NordVPN currently offers 10 simultaneous connections – not stingy by any means, but try Surfshark if you need more than 10 devices or users on the same account at once.
Privacy and security
NordVPN's built-in kill switch ensures that you won't leak any identifiable information back to the streaming services by accident which means you can maintain your anonymity no matter what. The solid industry-standard AES-256 encryption helps make it a good choice as a torrenting VPN too.
NordVPN is an awesome all-rounder that won't break the bank. You'll get access to BBC iPlayer, as well as a ton of Netflix libraries, and lightning-fast speeds that'll ensure your streams are HD and buffer-free. NordVPN will be a fantastic pick for most people who want solid protection for their everyday browsing.
★★★★½
Read more: NordVPN review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A fun and fresh, if a little busy. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Intuitive apps – map interface could be easier to use. | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Among the fastest VPNs available, especially using WireGuard. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and a ton of British staples. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Built-in antivirus, kill switch, and leak protection. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24hr live chat. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Fair price, good value. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best cheap iPlayer VPN
Don’t be fooled by the dirt cheap price – Surfshark is one of our favorite providers and knocks it out of the park when it comes to unblocking BBC iPlayer.
You get a full toolkit of security features, well above-average speeds (in fact, it's one of the fastest), and unlimited simultaneous connections to play with, which is some serious value for money.
Streaming and unblocking
Surfshark excels when it comes to unblocking streaming platforms – and, with more than 3,200 servers spread over 100 countries, it's easy to see why. You'll have reliable access to BBC iPlayer, as well as Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu. Basically, you'll never run out of box sets and movies.
Speed
The sheer speed of Surfshark makes it a perfect streaming companion, too. It soared to the top of our latest testing results, hitting peaks of 950 Mbps, making it the fastest VPN around. In short? Whether it's HD or 4K, it's got you covered.
Features
Far from being a basic VPN, Surfshark offers great features. There's P2P support, split tunneling, and more, for a proper premium package feel. The recent (and welcome) addition of Dedicated IP should result in fewer irritating CAPTCHA checks, too.
App support
The Surfshark apps are nice and simple to use, even if you're totally new to the world of VPNs, and they work well on just about any device you can imagine. There's even a dedicated Linux GUI – which makes a nice change from the bog-standard command-line interface you'll see most other providers offering.
You shouldn't run into too many hiccups with Surfshark, but if you do need a bit of expert advice (about which server or protocol to use, for example), you can reach out to the customer service team via live chat.
Privacy and security
Like NordVPN, Surfshark has its own set of built-in security tools to keep your browsing private – but you'll need one of the best antivirus solutions for guaranteed protection.
It has private DNS on each server, and a double-hop ability to help further obfuscate your location to ensure ultimate privacy.
Surfshark always manages to blow me away with just how affordable it is – and how much you get in exchange for a minuscule monthly fee. It's a great companion for avid streamers, and its speeds make online gaming and video calls nice and easy, too.
★★★★½
Read more: Surfshark review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Simple and straightforward. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | All features clearly signposted. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | A super-fast service ideal for hi-res streaming. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks pretty much all platforms in the UK and beyond. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Fully featured with a kill switch and ad-blocking. | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Live chat support. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Extremely good value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best VPN for beginners
ExpressVPN is one of our go-to services for unlocking streaming content – and it's particularly adept at accessing goodies on BBC iPlayer. We're confident that total VPN newbies will get on well with it.
Streaming and unblocking
Whether it's BBC iPlayer, Netflix, or Amazon Prime, ExpressVPN has no trouble unblocking your favorite shows. During our tests, we were able to access a huge library of content without any roadblocks. The VPN also claims to unblock other Brit favorites, including BT Sports, Now, ITVX and All 4 along with a host of international services.
Speed
ExpressVPN isn't the fastest service on the shortlist – that honor goes to Surfshark – but that doesn't mean ExpressVPN moves at a snail's pace, even if its speeds have dropped again to 396 Mbps. These results place it somewhat below average for performance, but it's still easily enough for you to stream HD iPlayer content without a hitch.
Features
ExpressVPN doesn't come with built-in antivirus capabilities like NordVPN. All of the VPN staples are there, however, including a reliable kill switch and split tunneling (which allows you to pick and choose which apps and sites use the VPN connection and which ones don’t).
You shouldn't run into any issues, but if you do struggle to unblock BBC iPlayer (and if the Smart Location server feature isn't fixing the problem), live chat support is available 24/7. ExpressVPN's agents are always happy to help, and can point out exactly which server you should use to continue your journey through the BBC's extensive collection of entertainment.
App support
ExpressVPN has some of out favorite apps – they're incredibly easy to use, regardless of the device you install them on, and have a fresh, fun design. It's a little disappointing that the VPN only gives users eight simultaneous connections to play with but it will be more than enough to cover the important gadgets in your house for most users.
Privacy and security
If you need some help keeping your BBC iPlayer login secure (and the credentials for all of your other streaming accounts), it's well worth checking out the optional password manager – ExpressVPN Keys. Strong, unique passwords are a must-have, after all, and the easier way to give your overall privacy a massive boost.
ExpressVPN is the total package, with sleek, stylish apps for all your devices and tons of security tools. Plus, the VPN can unblock virtually all in-demand streaming services, including BBC iPlayer. The ExpressVPN price point is on the steeper side, that's undeniable, but you're getting a premium provider stuffed with features.
★★★★½
Read more: ExpressVPN review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A stylish (and clutter-free) design that stands out from its competitors. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Newbies and VPN veterans will have no trouble tweaking settings or finding UK servers. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Not the quickest VPN, but still great for 4K streaming. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks BBC iPlayer and other UK streamers. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Top-notch encryption and an audited no-logs policy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 live chat support. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Expensive but the quality speaks for itself. | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Whether it’s a journey through time and space with the Time Lord in Doctor Who or strutting on the mainstage of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, Proton VPN makes light work of unblocking BBC iPlayer's extensive library no matter where you find yourself.
There is a free VPN version of Proton available but bear in mind that it doesn't allow streaming, so it's not the one to choose as an iPlayer VPN.
Streaming and unblocking
Proton VPN does a great job of unblocking BBC iPlayer and other popular services like Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. In our most recent tests, it also worked a treat on other UK services, ITVX and All 4, as well as Aussie on-demand channels 9Now and 10Play. Very impressive.
Speed
Proton VPN's speeds reached 630 Mbps when using its WireGuard protocol. These speeds put Proton among the fastest VPN providers currently available, perfect for streaming your favorite shows. Plus, with OpenVPN speeds of around 220 Mbps, you won't find faster speeds on this protocol aside from Surfshark and Mullvad.
Features
There are 36 handy UK servers to choose from in Proton VPN's arsenal, so you'll have easy access to BBC iPlayer even if it has been blocked by your school, workplace, or network admin.
App support
Proton VPN is available for every platform you can imagine, and is one of only a handful of services to offer a full Linux GUI. The browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox are also handy. They claim to let users connect to different servers in different browsers, which means you could watch BBC iPlayer in the UK in one window and Netflix in the US on another!
The only real downside for apps is that they're not the best for usability and can be comparatively complex when it comes to navigating the online support site.
Privacy and security
Proton VPN is well known for its proactive approach to defending user privacy, too. The kill switch and DNS leak protection will prevent any accidental data leaks. The Stealth protocol will mask your VPN traffic – and make it look like regular old internet data – and that's useful for anyone living in a location where VPN blocks and bans are imposed.
Proton VPN has earned its reputation for airtight security and unblocking power over the years, and has undergone a transformative makeover more recently. Plus, with its awesome free plan, you have all the time you need to take the VPN for a test drive.
★★★★½
Read more: Proton VPN review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | The dark mode interface is awesome. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Great mobile apps, but desktop can be fiddly. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Recent improvements in speed using WireGuard. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Only paid accounts get access to unblocking features. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Lots of security add-ons and strong encryption. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Getting through to an agent can be tricky. | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Premium plans are pretty pricey. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
CyberGhost is a long-standing favorite of privacy purists everywhere, and a solid pick for anyone hoping to access BBC iPlayer from overseas.
It has a sprawling server network. There are more than 9,200 dotted across 91 countries and over 700 of those are in the UK. With their help, you'll be able to unblock BBC iPlayer, even if the first UK server you connect to doesn't work.
Streaming and unblocking
CyberGhost has a roster of specialized servers for specific streaming platforms. Connect to the BBC iPlayer server for more reliable access to your UK favorites, or switch things up and check out the Netflix and Amazon Prime libraries. It is worth noting, however, that the service struggles to unblock Disney+ and 10Play, which is a little disappointing.
Speed
The overall performance is more encouraging – CyberGhost's speeds are consistently quick, achieving peaks of 760 Mbps when we last put it to the test. That's a slight improvement from its previous 730 Mbps speeds. As with all on this list, though, the speeds are easily enough for streaming shows on iPlayer without an issue.
Features
There are a ton of handy features to check out, including an auto-connect feature, although we would like to see CyberGhost implement notifications when it connects or disconnects.
CyberGhost's support team offer quick and thorough advice via live chat or email ticket, but the support pages could be more detailed for better self-guided troubleshooting.
App support
CyberGhost's apps are clutter-free and intuitive, so you'll have no trouble using it. We really like the overall design, too, which is easy to navigate even if you’re using a smartphone with a smaller screen. It feels just like using any other app on your desktop of mobile. Basically, you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to get started.
Privacy and security
In even better news, CyberGhost has begun to address some of our previous security concerns by undergoing a zero-logs audit, carried out by Deloitte. That's a great start, and now we'd like to see a deeper dive into its apps and overall security to really cement its place as a reliable and robust service.
CyberGhost is a popular VPN that's a great pick for streamers, thanks to its specialized servers and huge network (with plenty of choices in the UK). A lengthy 45-day money-back gives you heaps of time to try it for yourself, too.
★★★★½
Read more: CyberGhost review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Easy to customize and navigate. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Beginners will appreciate the clutter-free layout. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Middle-of-the-pack speeds. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Dedicated streaming servers. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | An audited no-logs service. | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Great live chat support, but support articles aren't as useful. | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | A low-cost provider packed with value. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
How to choose an iPlayer VPN
Here are a few key criteria to keep in mind when shopping around for a reliable iPlayer VPN:
- Servers: first and foremost, your VPN needs a selection of servers in the UK to access BBC iPlayer. All of our top picks have coverage across the British Isles that'll unblock the likes of ITVX and All 4, too.
- Speed: imagine you're halfway through a show and everything grinds to a half because of a buffering circle – and now imagine that it's thanks to a sluggish VPN. Today's top services are more than quick enough to handle HD and 4K streams - even if you're not in the UK.
- Security: this one is critical, and any VPN worth its salt needs to offer a buffet of privacy-boosting features that'll protect your personal data. This includes everything from your BBC iPlayer login to your financial details. So, look for secure protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, and industry-standard AES-256 encryption.
- Customer service: everyone needs a bit of help from time to time – and it's the same in the world of VPNs. If you want some advice about which server to pick, how to improve your performance, or simply get set up, it's a good idea to look for a VPN with 24/7 live chat or an email ticketing service.
How to unblock BBC iPlayer with a VPN
Using a VPN with iPlayer is way simpler than it sounds. Let us show you how to do it in just 3 steps:
- Pick a VPN that suits you best: all of the apps above will unblock BBC iPlayer.
- Connect to the UK: once you've got your VPN, install it on the device you want to stream on, and pick a server in the UK. Most premium VPNs will automatically assign you the fastest server, so don't worry about which city to use.
- Start streaming: head over to iPlayer and watch UK TV from anywhere in the world.
You'll get the best results from a web browser, especially if you have the VPN's extension installed, but most will work with the iPlayer app, too.
iPlayer VPN FAQs
What is the best working BBC iPlayer VPN?
Right now, NordVPN tops our list of the best BBC iPlayer VPNs. It continues to provide a near-unrivaled experience thanks to a smart mix of speeds, security, and compatibility.
Why would I need a VPN for BBC iPlayer?
BBC iPlayer offers thousands of TV shows and films to stream 100% for free but it's only available to watch in the UK. A VPN can bypass the geo-restrictions and allow you to watch from abroad.
What else can a VPN do?
The geo-spoofing nature of virtual private networks that makes them so useful for streaming also acts as the perfect tool for unblocking restricted websites and sidestepping country-wide internet restrictions. This is also why VPNs for use in China are so popular.
Their encrypted tunnels also make VPNs a kind of de facto antivirus companion. Using an unrelated IP address effectively makes you anonymous as you use the internet, and your data is shielded from prying eyes and cyber crooks.
If you fancy learning more, or just want to brush up on your VPN know-how, we've put together a guide that'll show you how to use a VPN.
Disclaimer
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
