Nothing shouts the best of British television like BBC iPlayer, and the only thing to ensure a safe streaming experience is a BBC iPlayer VPN. The streaming service is immensely popular in the UK and worldwide, but did you know that you can and should be protected by one of the best VPNs while using it? An effective BBC iPlayer VPN does have to tick some specific criterias though.
Streaming online is a data-heavy activity, so we strongly urge all TV bingers to take advantage of a reliable Virtual Private Network. If not for the privacy benefits, you'll actually require a VPN if you want to use BBC iPlayer anywhere outside of the UK. BBC iPlayer only works on UK servers, so with a solid gold VPN you can bypass regional restrictions and access iPlayer from almost anywhere in the world.
Perhaps you're on holiday when Doctor Who lands back on our screens, or you're across seas on a business trip, and you need your Match of the Day fix. A premium VPN will grant you access to the entire BBC iPlayer catalogue from wherever you are in the world. All you need is a premium streaming Virtual Private Network able to avoid geo-blocks on iPlayer with the capable speeds.
The best BBC iPlayer VPNs at a glance:
• The best BBC iPlayer VPN: ExpressVPN - View on ExpressVPN
• The best BBC iPlayer VPN abroad: NordVPN - View on NordVPN
• The best BBC iPlayer VPN for security: ProtonVPN - View on ProtonVPN
Find the right VPN for you and your devices and enjoy BBC iPlayer from your sofa to the other side of the world. We've assembled a list of very strong contenders for the best BBC iPlayer VPNs, check it out. While avoiding geoblocks isn't illegal, note that you'll still need a TV License to legally watch BBC iPlayer.
The best BBC iPlayer VPN
go.expressvpn.com
It's been well documented that ExpressVPN knocks streaming out the park. UK TV viewers can be assured that BBC iPlayer is well accounted for too. Hailed for its impressive speeds and reliability, ExpressVPN is no-nonsense when it comes to accessing BBC iPlayer and granting your devices with the best protection.
Users found average speeds of 246mbps, and on paper, this is a lot lower than the competition. But in practice, Express runs BBC iPlayer seamlessly and buffer-free. ExpressVPN users swear by the provider as a Netflix VPN, and for BBC iPlayer, the story is more of the same.
The welcoming interface caters to all users on mobile devices. This makes streaming on BBC iPlayer such an easy process abroad.
Pros
- Fast and reliable - rarely lets you down
- Welcoming interface - easy to navigate
- Well-tested for iPlayer
Cons
- Cheaper options offer nearly the same
| Servers: | 3000+ |
| Operating systems: | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Fire TV, routers |
| Simultaneous connections: | 5 |
| Money back guarantee: | 30 days |
- Customer review: "Awesome connectivity, low latency, quick. Of course, you pay for it, but that is the point. It doesn't feel like adware, spyware, or junkware. It operates and feels like robust stable non leaky software and that is sufficient to make me feel comfortable using it. Install, buy, turn-on, smart connect, and that's it."
The best BBC iPlayer VPN abroad
nordvpn.com
The tricky thing about BBC iPlayer is that it can only be accessed on the UK servers. So, you need a Virtual Private Network that's up to geo-blocking standards. NordVPN understood the assignment. With 5709 servers in 60 countries, you can access BBC iPlayer from virtually anywhere in the world.
Unblocking BBC iPlayer isn't the B-all and end-all though. The best VPNs are expected to do this and still achieve optimal speeds while keeping your online device totally safe, NordVPN is one of these best VPNs.
All faith can be had in Nord's double data encryption, users also achieved average speeds of 445mbps. We only wish that Nord's mobile apps didn't feel so cramped and, at times, feel a little awkward to use.
Pros
- Super secure thanks to double data encryption
- Great coverage and worldwide capability
Cons
- Mobile apps can be awkward - tricky interface
| Servers: | 5709 |
| Operating systems: | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Simultaneous connections: | 6 |
| Money back guarantee: | 30 days |
- Customer review: "Bought a 3-year subscription. Installed on a Windows laptop, two Android tablets and an Android phone. Works flawlessly (an outage was already known by tech support and soon fixed when I reported it). Easy to use, and lots of servers to connect to."
The best BBC iPlayer VPN for security
protonvpn.com
Not many premium brands really strive to stand out like Proton does. ProtonVPN is known for its unique features, extensive free version, and strong security. All of these properties contribute to why ProtonVPN is one of the best BBC iPlayer VPNs.
Get the most secure iPlayer streaming experience with Proton. Privacy should be a priority, especially if you're on holiday using either mobile data or an insecure network. Proton's apps are packed with advanced security features ideal for streaming iPlayer outside of the UK.
Speeds of 380mbps have been recorded by Proton users, and this can easily be kicked up a gear with the VPN accelerator feature. Despite ProtonVPN not currently having 24/7 live support, the provider is constantly updating and improving the service, so we can't see users waiting long for this addition.
Pros
- Powerful security
- Constantly improving - updates
Cons
- No 24/7 live support (yet)
| Servers: | 1720 |
| Operating systems: | macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android |
| Simultaneous connections: | 10 |
| Money back guarantee: | 30 days |
- Customer review: "Love it! I've literally never had trouble with Proton VPN ever. Even if something is laggy, it's always on the other end (site/app server or whatever) and all I have to do is disconnect, reconnect, suddenly everything is fine. Unlimited customer for 2 years and would recommend."
The best BBC iPlayer VPN for value
surfshark.com
When looking for a premium VPN, you don't necessarily have to pay the premium prices. Surfshark has proved time and time again that it's an excellent choice for budget VPN, and it still offers a service that rivals the more costly competition.
Surfshark is effective, accessible, and affordable. Subscribers have sworn by its streaming and unblocking capabilities, so we can't see you having any trouble getting onto iPlayer. For such a cheap VPN, the privacy benefits certainly fit the premium definition.
Smooth streaming awaits on unlimited devices with solid speeds of around 263mbps. Just take care with testing out that unlimited capacity. Surshark users have found the kill switch to be sometimes unreliable under extreme use.
Pros
- Affordable choice
- Smooth streaming - high resolution, little buffering
- Unlimited connections - covers all devices
Cons
- Minor kill switch issues under intense use
| Servers: | 3200+ |
| Operating systems: | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, and Firefox |
| Simultaneous connections: | Unlimited |
| Money back guarantee: | 30 days |
- Customer review: "Quick and easy setup. Great customer service and fast. Very fast. The scanning for troublesome issues and attacks feature is great. Multiple options for VPN connections makes this one of the best."
The best BBC iPlayer VPN for beginners
www.cyberghostvpn.com
Perhaps you're new to Virtual Private Networks or just want a VPN that's simple to use and doesn't make you feel like you're lost in a virtual maze. CyberGhost makes accessing BBC iPlayer a breeze, and it's capable of holding its own against competition.
If you choose the little Ghost, you'll have access to dedicated streaming servers and vast worldwide coverage. This means that your chances of unblocking and watching BBC iPlayer worldwide is far higher. CyberGhost offers a very generous trial period with a 45-day money-back guarantee, so you have plenty of time to test it out.
Users have found the CyberGhost apps to be very inclusive to beginners and highly functional. This is fortunate as the provider's live support hasn't been rated too well.
Pros
- Dedicated streaming servers
- Wide coverage
- Easy to operate
Cons
- Support is minimal
| Servers: | 7000+ |
| Operating systems: | Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, Windows |
| Simultaneous connections: | 7 |
| Money back guarantee: | 45 days |
- Customer review: "Would recommend. Easy to use and the overall performance and features at the price point is what attracted me to Cyber Ghost."
Please note: All prices are correct at time of writing. VPN deals and savings are subject to change at short notice.
About our expertise
At What's The Best, we live and breathe technology. Among our team of tech experts, we have pretty much every base covered - from televisions and speakers to cameras and smartphones.
To say we spend a lot of time on the internet is a bit of an understatement, and most of the time, we're using a VPN. Whether for work or recreation, we're regularly connecting to VPN servers near and far.
It's by collecting this shared knowledge, experience and passion that we are able to select the best VPNs for you. We trust each of our picks implicitly - in fact, many of them we use ourselves. That's because at What's The Best, if we wouldn't buy it ourselves, we don't recommend it. Simple.
Important terms
VPN – Virtual Private Network
Geo-blocked content – Region specific content
Kill switch - If internet connection is lost, it kills any internet connection until a secure VPN link is re-established
Mbps – Megabytes per second, the higher the number, the better the internet speeds
How to watch BBC iPlayer when abroad
You can easily watch BBC iPlayer from beyond the UK with a VPN. Once your Virtual Private Network is set up, change your location to the UK, and you'll have access to British content like BBC iPlayer. When we travel, we tend to leave the bigger devices at home and rely on our phones and tablets. It's important you choose a VPN that can unblock BBC iPlayer, but also one that has a good reputation with their mobile apps. You'll find VPNs that are better suited towards iPhones and iPads too.
Do you have to pay for BBC iPlayer?
No, BBC iPlayer is a free streaming service. All you need to watch iPlayer is an account and access to a UK network.
Do you need a TV License to watch BBC iPlayer with a VPN?
Yes, you need a TV license to watch BBC iPlayer using a VPN. Head to the official TV License website to find out more.
What's the best free VPN for BBC iPlayer?
If you're planning to use a VPN to access BBC iPlayer, we'd highly recommend a premium VPN. This way, you'll avoid the data limits, reduced speeds, and overall restricted experience you'll get from a free VPN. That being said, free VPNs like Windscribe and Tunnel Bear are solid options for BBC iPlayer as long as your usage is only light.
Is using a VPN for BBC iPlayer legal?
Yep, using a Virtual Private Network to access BBC iPlayer is completely legal, even when you're not in the UK. Note that you still need a TV LIcense.
The only instance using a VPN is illegal is if you were accessing illegal sites and material or if VPNs are illegal in your country altogether.
Jack Barrell is the Commercial Content Writer for VPNs. He's hands-on when it comes to producing best-of articles, how-to guides, and product reviews for Virtual Private Networks. On his off-days, Jack can be found in the gym, at the movies, or flicking through a car mag.