BBC iPlayer is the best streaming service to date for watching UK TV movies and series, and it’s free! However, there’s a downside; BBC iPlayer is geo-locked outside the UK. To unblock it in the US, Japan, India, or even Malaysia, you need to change your IP address to a UK one. The quickest and safest way to do that is by using the best VPN for BBC iPlayer in 2022.
We’ve covered the most reliable providers that work, giving the most credit to ExpressVPN. It’s currently the fastest and offers access to UK TV channels beyond just BBC.
Table of Contents
- 5 Best VPNs for BBC iPlayer – Quick list
- Quick guide – How to watch BBC iPlayer with a VPN
- Why do you need the best BBC iPlayer VPN?
- Best BBC iPlayer VPN 2022 – Detailed Guide
- Unblock BBC with the best VPN on supported devices
- BBC iPlayer VPN not working – Troubleshooting guide
- How to sign up for BBC iPlayer with a VPN
- How to choose the best BBC VPN
- Can I use a proxy instead of a VPN for BBC iPlayer?
- FAQs – Best BBC iPlayer VPN
- To conclude
5 Best VPNs for BBC iPlayer – Quick list
- ExpressVPN is the best VPN to access BBC iPlayer abroad. It works well with BBC iPlayer and other geo-restricted streaming services. The speed results are great too; it’s one of the fastest. You can use the ExpressVPN MediaStreamer DNS proxy to unblock BBC iPlayer abroad.
- NordVPN is one of the best VPNs for BBC iPlayer with no bandwidth limits, doesn’t log data and is one of the few VPNs that were audited. You can use NordVPN to unblock BBC iPlayer during its free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer that offers unlimited device connections, a free trial, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- FastestVPN is an upcoming and affordable VPN for BBC iPlayer. It’s fast, thrives on security, and secures up to 10 BBC iPlayer compatible devices. There’s no free trial, but it offers a risk-free 15-day refund period, and that’s almost free.
- CyberGhost is one of the few VPNs for BBC iPlayer with specialized servers. You can connect to them and access BBC and other UK geo-restricted streaming services. Plus, it comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN is our top pick for the best VPN for BBC iPlayer. It not only unblocks BBC iPlayer but across other channels on it, like BBC One CBeebies and more.
Besides ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Surfshark come in second to unblock BBC iPlayer from anywhere. You must download the app and connect to the best VPN for BBC iPlayer server. Need a quick tutorial to get started? Take a look below this line.
Quick guide – How to watch BBC iPlayer with a VPN
- Sign up for the best BBC iPlayer VPN. We recommend ExpressVPN. However, NordVPN and Surfshark also make great alternatives.
- Download and install the VPN for BBC iPlayer app for a compatible device.
- Launch the VPN and sign in.
- Connect to a British or UK VPN server.
- Sign in to your BBC iPlayer account. If you don’t have one, go to the BBC website to sign up for the service and create your account. The good news is that you can provide any UK postal code to sign up.
- Sign in to your BBC iPlayer account and stream.
- BBC iPlayer is now unblocked with a VPN.
If you’re experiencing issues and BBC iPlayer is not working with the VPN, you can skip to the troubleshooting guide ahead.
Why do you need the best BBC iPlayer VPN?
BBC iPlayer is only available in the UK and is blocked everywhere else in the world. To unblock it abroad, you need the best BBC iPlayer VPN that offers VPN servers in the UK. This will allow you to change your IP address, mask it, and replace it with a virtual UK IP address.
This way, you’ll be able to watch BBC iPlayer with a VPN from any country outside the UK. Another reason you’d need the best VPNs for BBC iPlayer is that while streaming, you will want to encrypt your connection and bypass ISP throttling. Through this, you shouldn’t experience buffering issues.
Best BBC iPlayer VPN 2022 – Detailed Guide
As mentioned above, not every VPN is the best to unblock BBC iPlayer, let alone offers suitable features to encrypt your connection and maintain speeds. For this, I’ve tested many and shortlisted just 5 VPNs to access BBC content outside the UK. Here’s what makes them the best streaming VPN:
1. ExpressVPN – #1 VPN for BBC iPlayer VPN with the fastest speeds & MediaStreamer DNS
If you need to unblock BBC iPlayer with VPN that is the best, we recommend ExpressVPN. It offers a wide network of 3000+ servers, including servers in the UK. Sometimes the VPN doesn’t immediately unblock BBC iPlayer, but you need to switch between servers to get the best one.
Other than that, if you need assistance or further guidance, you could always contact the ExpressVPN 24/7 live support chat. Apart from being the best BBC iPlayer VPN, ExpressVPN also offers access to Disney Plus, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Hotstar, and much more.
If you’re worried about buffering issues, then don’t. The ExpressVPN servers and protocols pave consistent speeds and unlimited bandwidth, bypassing ISP throttling. This provider uses military-grade encryption and a Kill Switch to protect your connection.
It further has a unique DNS feature called MediaStreamer, which assists in unblocking BBC iPlayer outside the UK. Have four users on your BBC subscription that all use different devices for it? Don’t worry; ExpressVPN allows up to 5 multi-device connections.
It offers apps for Firestick, Windows, iOS, Android, and Browser extensions and can be configured on your router. You can put it to the test and unblock BBC iPlayer with a VPN using the ExpressVPN free trial or extend the trial period for multiple devices using its 30-day refund.
2. NordVPN – Smart Play DNS feature to unblock BBC iPlayer with a VPN
NordVPN is a popular choice that not only is one of the best VPNs for BBC iPlayer but comes with solid security features as a bonus. You don’t have to worry about your ISP tipping into your connection. It comes with over 5500+ servers in 59 countries.
Within that list, there are around 440+ servers in the UK. You can connect to almost any of those UK servers to unblock BBC iPlayer abroad. You can stream BBC iPlayer from the US, Canada, Australia, Spain, and other countries worldwide.
When we tested the VPN, we also got access to other geo-locked content from services like Disney+, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBO Now, Hotstar, DAZN, ESPN, and a lot more. NordVPN is compatible with a wide range of supported devices and apps. Some of these include Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, Firestick, Apple TV, Android Box, PS4, and others. You can also connect up to 6 devices simultaneously, meaning you can use the BBC VPN and other streaming services or websites on more than one device.
There might be a country with harsher censorship laws, or maybe you’ve got a device that doesn’t support VPN apps. For this, you can use the SmartPlay smart DNS proxy it offers. Also, secure your connection with the high-end security features it offers. Need to test NordVPN? It offers a free trial and a risk-free 30-day refund money-back guarantee that you can use.
3. Surfshark – VPN for BBC iPlayer with unlimited device connections
Third, on the list of best BBC iPlayer VPNs, we have Surfshark. It offers optimized UK servers to unblock the service from anywhere. It has around 3200+ servers in 65 countries that are speedy and secure. You can even use them to access geo-restricted streaming services like Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, and more, besides BBC content.
One of the other reasons why users prefer Surfshark VPN for BBC iPlayer is because it allows unlimited device connections. So, if you have up to four profiles on BBC iPlayer, you can customize the app on yours by unblocking the service with Surfshark. You can stream BBC content on supported devices like Firestick, iOS, Android, macOS, Apple TV, routers, browser extensions, and many more.
The bandwidth is unlimited, and the speeds are fast; you won’t experience any buffering issues. If we talk about going undetected on BBC iPlayer, the VPN offers military-grade encryption, a Kill Switch, and more.
There’s even a GPS Spoofing feature to mask your whereabouts. Its DNS and IP leak protection make sure your data is never exposed. If you need to test the VPN for BBC iPlayer, you can use the Surfshark free trial and its 30-day money-back guarantee.
4. FastestVPN – Most affordable VPN for BBC iPlayer
Next on the list, we have FastestVPN, which you may or may not have heard of. FastestVPN is one of the more underrated VPNs for BBC iPlayer that are the best right now. Leading names like ExpressVPN or NordVPN mostly overshadow it.
However, after testing the VPN, FastestVPN for BBC iPlayer not only works but is extremely affordable. It has a smaller list of 550+ servers in 52+ locations but offers coverage in the UK. If it doesn’t work for you, try disconnecting and reconnecting to the VPN, and you’ll be assigned a different UK IP address.
Other services that FastestVPN unblocked were DAZN, Hotstar, ESPN, Disney Plus, Hulu, and more. FastestVPN is great for BBC iPlayer also because it supports platforms like Windows, Routers, macOS, Linux, Firestick, Android, iOS, and others.
You’ll also be able to connect to the VPN using multiple devices since FastestVPN allows 10 simultaneous device connections. If you’re worried about online security or IP masking, then FastestVPN is great. It operates using 256-bit AES encryption and a Kill Switch and supports many protocols. There’s even a Smart Connect feature connecting you to a suitable server according to your location and much more.
There’s sadly no free trial available, but you could settle for its 15-day risk-free money-back guarantee. However, keep up with the new app updates that are being released this year in July 2022.
5. CyberGhost – 751+ UK VPN servers to unblock BBC iPlayer
Last on the list for the best VPN for BBC iPlayer, we have CyberGhost. This user-friendly provider offers specialized servers to unblock it or other UK-locked TV channels worldwide.
You can connect to any of its 751+ UK servers to access them or connect to any of its 8919 global servers to access other regionally-locked content. When we tested the VPN for BBC iPlayer, we checked its performance on other platforms.
We accessed FOX News, Amazon Prime, Hulu, the US Netflix library, and more. It’s also a budgeted choice and allows up to 7 multi-device connections. Some of the compatible devices include Windows, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Firestick, Android Box, Apple TV, and more.
Even if you have a device for BBC iPlayer that doesn’t support VPN apps, you can add the VPN on routers. Need to test the VPN? You can use a few CyberGhost free trials on smartphones, Windows, and macOS. You can also hack one during its 45-day money-back guarantee if you need more time with a free trial.
Unblock BBC with the best VPN on supported devices
Got a particular streaming device that you use for BBC iPlayer? Find tutorials below on how to unblock the service with a VPN on popular platforms:
How to unblock BBC iPlayer with VPN on Firestick
- Sign up with ExpressVPN.
- Download and install the VPN on your Firestick.
- Launch the VPN and sign in.
- Connect to a UK VPN server.
- Launch the BBC iPlayer app on Firestick and sign in to your account. You can download the app from the Amazon Store if you don’t have the app.
- That’s all! You can now stream BBC iPlayer with VPN.
How to unblock BBC iPlayer content on PC with a VPN
- Sign up with ExpressVPN.
- Download and install the VPN on a PC.
- Launch the VPN, and sign in.
- Connect to a UK server.
- Create a BBC iPlayer account. When signing up, you’ll be asked for a postal code. You can add just any UK postal code since the service doesn’t really look into it.
- Sign in to your BBC iPlayer account and start streaming.
- You’ve now unblocked BBC iPlayer with a VPN.
How to unblock BBC iPlayer with a VPN on Smart TV
- Subscribe to ExpressVPN.
- Add a VPN connection on your router.
- Connect to a UK server.
- Connect your Smart TV to your router.
- Look for the BBC iPlayer app or download it on your Smart TV.
- Sign in to your account and access BBC iPlayer on Smart TV with a VPN.
How to unblock BBC iPlayer with a VPN on Smartphones
This tutorial will show you how to watch BBC iPlayer on Android and iOS smartphones. Let’s first start with Android:
Unblock BBC iPlayer with VPN on Android phone
- Sign up with a ExpressVPN.
- Download the app from the Google Play Store.
- Launch the VPN, and sign in to your account.
- Connect to a UK server.
- Unblock and stream BBC iPlayer content.
Unblock BBC iPlayer with VPN on iOS phone
- Sign up with ExpressVPN.
- Download the app from the App Store.
- Launch the VPN, and sign in to your account.
- Connect to a UK server.
- Unblock and stream BBC iPlayer content.
BBC iPlayer VPN not working – Troubleshooting guide
Now, when you use a VPN for BBC iPlayer, it doesn’t always mean it works. Sometimes, even the best VPN providers fail to work. It could be due to several reasons. Firstly, the UK servers you’re connected to, might be blacklisted, the VPN might leak DNS, or the cookies on your device are leaving trails.
So, when or if your BBC VPN is not working, you can use the quick troubleshooting guide below:
- First, change the server you’re using. Connect to a different BBC iPlayer VPN server.
- Clear the cookies and cache from your browser.
- Run a leak test to ensure your VPN is not leaking DNS or IP.
- Check to see if your internet is working.
- Restart the VPN.
- Restart the WiFi router or modem.
How to sign up for BBC iPlayer with a VPN
- Sign up with the best VPN for BBC iPlayer.
- Download and install the VPN on your device.
- Connect to a UK server.
- Head to the BBC iPlayer website and click “Sign in or Register.”
- Enter your birthday, and click on “Next.”
- Enter your email, password, country, postcode, and gender.
- Click on “Register” to complete the sign up.
- You should now receive a message confirming your sign-up.
How to choose the best BBC VPN
The best BBC iPlayer VPN you choose must come with British servers to unblock UK TV channels and streaming sites. Additionally, the added bonus would be for them to bypass ISP throttling. With this said, here’s how you should choose the best BBC iPlayer VPN:
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BBC iPlayer VPN servers
Firstly, I looked for server coverage. BBC iPlayer is only accessible within the UK. You need to pick a VPN that offers UK servers.
In the same way, along with these UK servers, there should be servers extending coverage to all the world’s major countries. For example, to access the US Netflix library, you’ll have to connect to a US server and so on. This way, you can use the VPN to access Disney Plus, Hulu, Netflix, and others.
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Privacy to prevent surveillance
Privacy is another thing to focus on when choosing a VPN for BBC. Since you’ll try and access its services from outside the UK, you’ll need all the online privacy you can get. You wouldn’t want your ISP or the BBC detecting your access to the service with a VPN.
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Security and encryption
Security features play a big part. Remember when I said that not all VPNs could unblock services as big as these? Well, that’s also mostly because the VPN’s security structure lacks strong backing.
A good VPN for BBC needs to be highly encrypted, has to ensure that your IP and DNS aren’t leaking, and possess features strong enough to bypass the biggest geo-blocks from anywhere in the world.
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Good speeds and unlimited bandwidth
Another thing, if you’re in the UK and already have access to BBC iPlayer, you could still opt for a VPN. This solely depends on whether you’ve paid for a faster internet package or your ISP is throttling your speed and bandwidth.
I chose these 5 providers based on their ability to render great speeds regardless of whether you need the VPN in the UK or abroad.
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Device compatibility
Most BBC iPlayer users stream the service on a Firestick, another Smart TV, or a PC. The BBC iPlayer VPNs chosen are compatible with all the major streaming devices or operating systems. Plus, they also come with simultaneous device connections per subscription. This means VPN protection for more than 1 device.
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User-friendliness
An app with a user-friendly design is best. Some people have a hard time navigating through VPN apps. A user-friendly app makes the provider more approachable.
Can I use a proxy instead of a VPN for BBC iPlayer?
Yes, you can use a proxy to unblock BBC iPlayer, since it too works to mask your IP address. However, proxies don’t encrypt your connection.
This is probably one of the most contested debates in the world of unblocking streaming websites. Yes, you can choose between a proxy and a paid VPN service, but there’s a big difference.
While you can use a proxy to stream on BBC iPlayer, I doubt that would be the best choice. The difference is that you would be placing your privacy and security at risk.
Proxy services are free, so they’re making their money some way or the other. It could be through advertisements or by selling your data to other third-party sites.
Nevertheless, when you subscribe to a provider like FastestVPN & ExpressVPN, you are guaranteed protection. This is regardless of what device you use, and free from any third-party control for no additional costs.
FAQs – Best BBC iPlayer VPN
Why would I need a VPN for BBC iPlayer?
Even though BBC iPlayer is a free service, it’s geo-restricted and available only in the UK. You’d need a VPN to unblock and access it anywhere else in the world. A VPN encrypts your connection and leaves your device’s internet traffic hidden before routing it through its servers. So, when you try to access BBC iPlayer abroad, you only need to connect to the VPN’s UK server. Additionally, even if you’re in the UK and can watch BBC iPlayer content, your ISP and the service track data. You can prevent it by using a BBC iPlayer VPN.
What is the best working BBC iPlayer VPN?
Currently, ExpressVPN is the best BBC iPlayer VPN. The speeds are ultra-fast, and it offers unlimited bandwidth. You can even test the VPN with its free trial and a money-back guarantee. If you’re looking for other options that are second to it, we recommend Surfshark and NordVPN.
Which free VPN is the best for BBC iPlayer?
Windscribe is the best BBC iPlayer free VPN to use. However, Reddit users recommend TunnelBear too. Although, its service is unreliable to the point that there is no live chat support nor a working ticketing system to help you when your BBC iPlayer VPN is not working. It’s why using a paid VPN to unblock BBC iPlayer is the best solution.
Does BBC iPlayer allow VPN?
No, it doesn’t. Most geo-restricted streaming services like BBC iPlayer restrict access to their services using a VPN. Even though it’s not illegal to use the VPN, it goes against the BBC iPlayer terms and conditions. However, if you’re traveling outside the UK, the best and safest solution to unblock BBC iPlayer content is a VPN.
How much does BBC iPlayer cost?
Absolutely nothing! BBC iPlayer is a free service, but you do need a UK TV license to watch its content.
How do I get BBC iPlayer VPN?
To get a BBC iPlayer VPN, you need to subscribe to the VPN and connect to a UK TV VPN server. Once you’re connected, you get a UK IP address, allowing you to access BBC from outside the United Kingdom.
Do I need a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer abroad?
Yes, you need a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer movies and TV shows like Peaky Blinders, and Killing Eve from abroad. This is because BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted outside the UK.
What is the best BBC iPlayer VPN Reddit?
Surfshark, CyberGhost, and NordVPN are recommended as the best for BBC iPlayer on Reddit.
How do I bypass BBC iPlayer restrictions?
Regional restrictions on BBC iPlayer can be avoided with a VPN. However, if you’re already using a VPN and it’s not working, try changing servers or the provider itself.
Is it legal to watch iPlayer with a VPN?
Yes, it’s legal to use a VPN for BBC iPlayer, even though it goes against the streaming service’s terms of service. The only thing that can happen is that BBC will suspend your account. However, you could create a new account since the service is free.
Can I watch BBC iPlayer abroad without a VPN?
No you can’t. The only way to watch content BBC iPlayer content abroad without a VPN is by using a proxy. However, a proxy does not encrypt your connection.
Is NordVPN BBC iPlayer VPN good?
NordVPN is one of the greatest choices to watch BBC iPlayer content from abroad. It bypasses geo-blocks without a fuss and offers a SmartPlay DNS proxy to help you access the service on your Smart TV.
How does a VPN let me watch BBC iPlayer?
A VPN allows you to access BBC iPlayer abroad by giving you a temporary UK IP address. Your traffic will then appear as if you’re living in the UK.
Can BBC iPlayer detect VPN?
Yes, BBC iPlayer detects VPN access to the service, but this mostly happens when you’re using a free VPN. It’s why we recommend using a paid service, like the VPNs on our list.
Does ExpressVPN unblock BBC iPlayer?
Yes, ExpressVPN is one of the best BBC iPlayer VPNs users connect to to access UK TV channels and geo-locked streaming services.
On what devices can I watch BBC iPlayer with ExpressVPN?
ExpressVPN is compatible with the best devices like Smartphones, Windows, Firestick, Apple TV, routers, browser extensions, gaming consoles, and more.
Can I use a free VPN for BBC iPlayer?
You can, but it doesn’t come recommended. Free VPNs aren’t always secure nor offer unlimited bandwidth, which is something you need for streaming.
Do you need a UK TV license to unblock BBC iPlayer with a VPN?
You do need a UK TV license to stream UK services like BBC iPlayer, but the good news is that BBC iPlayer doesn’t ask its users to verify if they have one.
To Conclude
Even though ExpressVPN is the best BBC iPlayer VPN, there are still 4 other options that you can choose from that are currently the best too (NordVPN, Surfshark, FastestVPN, and CyberGhost).
If you’re still indecisive, I recommend you go for the free trials or refund period for a clear idea. Moreover, with one of these VPN services, you also get added benefits. It’ll allow you to remove ads and pop-up windows, ideal for streaming sites like BBC iPlayer.