If you want to watch the best of British television, the BBC is the place to be. With a tried and tested iPlayer VPN, you'll be able to stream everything – from your favorite shows to the latest music and sports events.
We've tested and retested the best VPN services to see which ones unblock BBC iPlayer consistently and weed out the ones that aren't worth your time. In this guide, I'll give you quick recommendations and in-depth streaming VPN analysis to show you which ones are best for iPlayer.
Keep scrolling to see how you can watch UK TV from abroad in just a few clicks, and how each of the best VPNs for iPlayer stack up against one another.
5 best iPlayer VPNs: quick overview
Just want to get up and running? Here's a quick glance at the top BBC iPlayer VPNs.
Recent updates
We've overhauled this guide to make it simpler, clearer, and more helpful – highlighting all of the upcoming events that you can stream on BBC iPlayer. If you want to check out our latest VPN test results and see how each of our top picks did in greater detail, we'll show you all the data from the hundreds of tests we do for the top VPNs.
The best BBC iPlayer VPNs in 2024 – in-depth reviews
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Here's how my top iPlayer VPN picks compare, as well as each VPN's key features, test results, what I liked best about each service, and any reasons you might be better off avoiding them.
The best iPlayer VPN overall
NordVPN continues to lead the way in our VPN testing – though, to be fair, the VPN always impresses. It currently sits at the top of our overall VPN rankings, offering an awesome mix of unblocking power, speed, and security.
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.
Streaming and unblocking
I had no trouble unblocking BBC iPlayer with NordVPN's help (and its sleek and stylish apps), and getting set up only takes a second. So, you'll spend less time scrolling through settings and more time catching up on your favorite British content.
That's not all, though – NordVPN has no trouble unblocking Disney Plus and Prime Video. Where Netflix is concerned, I think NordVPN is one of the best Netflix VPNs out there, reliably unblocking catalogs in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan. NordVPN could even provide a solution to the Netflix password-sharing ban.
Read more about NordVPN's speed, features, app support and security ▼
Speed
NordVPN has always been a speedy service and continued to impress in our most recent round of tests. We recorded speeds of 950 Mbps using its WireGuard-based protocol, NordLynx. You only need 25 Mbps to stream HD and 4K content without constant buffering – so NordVPN is more than up to the task.
Essentially, you can leave NordVPN switched on and go about your day-to-day browsing, or movie marathon, and it won't slow you down. This isn't something that all of today's top contenders can claim.
Features
Currently, NordVPN has a broad network of more than 6,400 servers, and over 440 of them are based in the UK. This is great news for folks looking to appear as though they're in ol' Blighty and access BBC iPlayer, ITVX, All 4, and other British streaming services.
When it comes to protecting your privacy, NordVPN is well-equipped for the job. The kill switch ensures that you don't leak any identifiable information if the VPN connection drops (by cutting your internet connection), and its Threat Protection suite is jam-packed with tools that can block ads, trackers, and nasty strains of malware that might otherwise spoil your streaming sessions.
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.
However, I do have a minor quibble – and that's that the map-based interface can be tricky to use on smaller screens. It's a fun novelty, sure, but you'll be better off sticking to the server list if you want to do some server hopping. It's also worth noting that NordVPN currently offers 10 simultaneous connections. This isn't stingy by any means, but stick to Surfshark if you're looking for a more generous (read: unlimited) offering.
Privacy and security
NordVPN is a top choice for folks on the hunt for a secure torrenting VPN. Why? Well, it uses industry-standard AES-256 encryption to keep your personal data out of the clutches of snoopers, ISPs, and government bodies.
I'm particularly impressed by the fact that NordVPN has undertaken four independent security audits – and that AV-Comparatives ranked its Threat Protection at an impressive #3 when it comes to the best tools for thwarting online shopping scams.
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 design that can feel a little busy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Intuitive apps for all devices, although the 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, a kill switch, and reliable leak protection | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Live chat is ready to help tackle questions and concerns | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Fair prices and excellent value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best VPN for beginners
ExpressVPN is one of my go-to services for unlocking streaming content – and it's particularly adept at accessing goodies on BBC iPlayer. I didn't run into any hiccups during my testing, and I'm confident that total VPN newbies will have an easy time of it, too.
There are more than 3,000 servers to choose from, scattered across 106 countries, and a decent selection of UK locations in London, the Docklands, and the Midlands. These UK servers come in handy for unblocking BBC iPlayer and other British on-demand platforms, like ITVX and All 4.
Now to address the elephant in the room: ExpressVPN is a pricey provider, but it's partially justified by the sheer quality of the ExpressVPN package. Its apps are stellar, the security offerings are top-notch, and customer support always has your back. However, you might want to check out Surfshark if you're looking for a bargain.
I also have to commend ExpressVPN for consistently proving its commitment to privacy with regular audits and a no-logs policy. In fact, no other VPN provider has undergone more third-party examinations than ExpressVPN.
Streaming, unblocking, and speed
Whether it's BBC iPlayer, Netflix, or Amazon Prime, ExpressVPN has no trouble unblocking your favorite shows. During my tests, I was able to access a huge library of content without any roadblocks. The VPN also claims to unblock other Brit favorites, including BT Sports and Now, and international staples like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney Plus.
Admittedly, ExpressVPN isn't the fastest service on my shortlist – that honor goes to Surfshark. 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 you'll still easily be able to stream, torrent, and game online.
Read more about x's app support and features ▼
App support
ExpressVPN has some of my 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, especially when Surfshark supports unlimited devices, but this is usually more than enough to cover the important gadgets in your house.
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.
Features
While ExpressVPN is my number one pick for unblocking BBC iPlayer, it 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).
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 ideal for 4K streaming | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks BBC iPlayer and other UK staples | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Top-notch encryption and an audited no-logs policy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 live chat support can handle even the most techy questions | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | On the expensive side, but the quality speaks for itself | ⭐⭐⭐ |
The best cheap iPlayer VPN
Don’t be fooled by the dirt cheap price – Surfshark is one of my favorite providers and has just as much to offer as many of its pricier rivals.
Surfshark knocks it out of the park when it comes to unblocking BBC iPlayer. I didn’t experience any issues during my testing which is thanks, in part, to the massive network of available servers.
You'll also 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.
So, if you’re on the hunt for a bargain (and don’t want to sacrifice your privacy in the process) remember that Surfshark is the best cheap VPN out there, and manages to cram a ton of features into low-cost subscriptions.
Streaming, unblocking, and speed
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 UK staples like BBC iPlayer, as well as Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu. Basically, you'll never run out of box sets and movies.
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? With Surfshark in your arsenal, you probably won't even notice you're connected to a VPN, even when streaming in 4K.
Read more about x's app support and features ▼
App support
The Surfshark apps are nice and simple to use, even if you're totally new to the world of VPNs, and 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.
Features
Far from being a basic VPN, Surfshark offers great security with its private DNS on each server, and a double-hop ability to further obfuscate your location to ensure ultimate privacy. Add to this P2P support, split tunneling, and more, and you’ve got a premium package. The recent (and welcome) addition of Dedicated IP should result in fewer CAPTCHA checks, too.
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.
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 are clearly signposted | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | A super-fast service ideal for streaming in HD | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks pretty much all platforms in the UK and beyond | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Full of features, including a kill switch and ad-blocking | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Live chat support is quick and resourceful | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | An affordable option packed with value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Other VPNs I've tested and recommend
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 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.
Proton VPN is well known for its proactive approach to defending user privacy, too, offering a cutting-edge bevy of tools designed to protect your digital freedoms. This includes a Stealth protocol that'll mask your VPN traffic – and make it look like regular old internet data.
Oh, and if you want to check out Proton VPN for free, the free plan is an absolute standout. It lacks unblocking power, however, so keep this in mind if accessing BBC iPlayer is your main priority.
Streaming, unblocking, and speed
In addition to BBC iPlater, Proton VPN does a great job of unblocking other popular services like Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. In my most recent tests, I also tried out other UK services, ITVX and All 4, as well as Aussie on-demand channels 9Now and 10Play. That's an impressive, perfect score.
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 plans, a serious feat of speed.
Read more about x's app support and features ▼
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 new browser extension for Chrome and Firefox sounds promising, however. It claims to let users connect to different servers in different browsers, which means you could browse BBC iPlayer in the UK and Netflix in the US without having to switch IP addresses.
Alongside its deteriorating speeds and no sign of 24/7 live chat, there are a few drawbacks that put Proton VPN lower down in my recommendations. What's more, it can be pretty complex – both in terms of its apps and their usability, and when it comes to navigating the online support site.
Features
Proton VPN doesn't skimp when it comes to features. You can check out the kill switch and DNS leak protection, which will prevent any accidental data leaks from happening, and that come in especially handy when you consider that Proton VPN is a P2P-friendly service. The Stealth protocol is a must-have for anyone living with VPN blocks and bans, too, able to bypass them in even the most privacy-unfriendly countries.
Proton VPN's drawbacks may or may not be a dealbreaker depending on what you need from the service. With its own free VPN, though, prospective customers can give it a try to see if it's worth upgrading to a paid account. Be warned, however, that the unblocking features are reserved for paying customers, so you won't be able to watch BBC iPlayer unless you subscribe to one of its premium plans.
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 an awesome standout | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Great mobile apps, but the desktop version can be fiddly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Recent improvements in speed have seen Proton VPN jump up our rankings, especially using WireGuard. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Only paid accounts get access to unblocking features, which are solid | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Lots of security add-ons, audited apps, and strong encryption | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Getting through to an agent can be tricky | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Premium plans are pretty pricey, but there's a great free option | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
CyberGhost is a long-standing favorite of privacy purists everywhere, and a solid pick for anyone hoping to access BBC iPlayer from overseas.
I especially like how user-friendly it is – which makes it an attractive alternative to ExpressVPN for newbies with a budget. Using CyberGhost 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.
One of the first things you'll notice about CyberGhost is its sprawling server network. There are more than 9,200 servers dotted across 91 countries and over 700 of those are in the UK, in London, Manchester, and Berkshire. With their help, you'll be able to unblock BBC iPlayer, even if the first UK server you connect to doesn't work.
Streaming, unblocking, and speed
I particularly like that 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.
The overall performance is more encouraging – CyberGhost's speeds are consistently quick, achieving peaks of 760 Mbps when I last put it to the test. That's a slight improvement from its previous 730 Mbps speeds.
Read more about x's app support and features ▼
App support
CyberGhost's apps are clutter-free and intuitive, so you'll have no trouble getting connected to those UK servers. I really like the overall design, too, which is easy to navigate even if you’re using a smartphone with a smaller screen.
CyberGhost's support team offer quick and thorough advice via live chat or email ticket, but the support pages could be more detailed. Some people prefer to troubleshoot issues themselves, after all, and a better-organized knowledgebase would make things easier.
Features
There are a ton of handy features to check out, including an auto-connect feature, although I would like to see CyberGhost implement notifications when it connects or disconnects.
In even better news, CyberGhost has begun to address some of my previous security concerns by undergoing a zero-logs audit, carried out by Deloitte. That's a great start, and now I'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 that can handle streaming and torrenting | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Dedicated streaming servers come in handy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | An audited no-logs service with a few hiccups | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 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
With so many VPNs on the market, the reality is that there are some duds in the bunch that just won't work with BBC iPlayer. So, with that in mind, there are a few key criteria to keep in mind when shopping around for a reliable service:
- Servers: first and foremost, your VPN needs a selection of servers in the UK to access BBC iPlayer. All of my 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 me show you how to do it in just 3 steps:
- Pick a VPN that suits you best: all of the apps above have proven time and again that they unblock BBC iPlayer in our stringent testing.
- 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 my list of the best BBC iPlayer VPNs. It continues to provide a near-unrivaled experience for unblocking BBC iPlayer, thanks to a smart mix of speeds, security, and compatibility. With apps for almost any device, a wide array of security features, and some of the fastest WireGuard speeds available, you'll struggle to fault your experience using NordVPN with BBC iPlayer.
Why would I need a VPN for BBC iPlayer?
With more streaming services popping up than we can feasibly subscribe to, the BBC's on-demand platform, BBC iPlayer, is a bit of an anomaly, offering thousands of TV shows and films to stream 100% for free. However, if you find yourself outside of the UK for whatever reason, you're going to need a VPN to bypass the geo-restrictions implemented across the platform's library of content.
Hosting incredible British television like Peaky Blinders, BBC iPlayer is also the place to watch Sally Rooney adaptations Normal People and Conversations with Friends, and US imports like the 2021 reboot of Gossip Girl. You'll also want an iPlayer VPN to watch Gavin and Stacey, Fleabag, and Strictly Come Dancing.
What else can a VPN do?
VPNs have become a handy way to watch your favorite shows when abroad and open up a whole world of content on BBC iPlayer and beyond – the amount of people using a VPN for Netflix is enormous. The same goes for Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and regular domestic stations, too.
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, I'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.
