From TV shows to live sports, BBC iPlayer allows users to watch all free content on the web. But it is available only to viewers with a UK IP address. With BBC iPlayer available only in the UK, viewers from abroad will not be able to access it. But they can access it if they are connected to a VPN. However, not all VPNs are good at unblocking BBC iPlayer as this streaming service has blocked most VPN services. This article explains how to access BBC iPlayer using a VPN from anywhere in the world. This article has detailed information on VPNs that we have tried and tested and that really works with BBC iPlayer.
About BBC iPlayer
A free and top-rated streaming service, BBC iPlayer is available for viewers in the UK. Viewers from outside the UK cannot access it. This applies to the iPlayer app as well as the website.
The only way to watch shows and movies on BBC iPlayer is by using a VPN that can unblock this streaming service.
BBC iPlayer lets viewers in the UK watch a wide range of shows which includes drama, series, news coverage, and programs for children across its different channels listed below. When you use a VPN, you can bypass blocks and enjoy BBC content securely and privately.
The following are the 11 channels to which you will get access.
BBC One
BBC One is the original channel that features programs for the general audience. On BBC One, you can watch Eastenders, BBC News, etc. The original channel, BBC One has something for everyone.
BBC Two
BBC two is for those who love documentaries like Top Gear and other intellectual programs, which includes acclaimed series, crime stories, and more.
BBC Three
It is a colorful channel for the younger demographic. Alaska and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK are two of the most-watched shows on BBC Three. This channel is also home to investigative journalism videos.
BBC Four
Here’s where you can learn about science, arts, and music. Archeology series and true crime shows are among the famous shows aired on BBC Four.
BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1 is famous for music videos and celebrity interviews. This is a peppy channel where you can listen to live music by your favorite singers.
BBC Parliament
BBC Parliament is for you if you are into politics. It airs live and recorded Parliament sessions.
BBC News
As its name claims, BBC News is home to international, national, political, and sports coverage. You can also watch world issues and documentaries on BBC News.
CBBC
CBBC, which stands for Children’s BBC, primarily focuses on children between ages 6 and 12. If you have kids at home, this channel is for you. It has a lot of content for kids.
CBeebies
If your kids are under six years, CBeebies is the right channel for them. This channel has educational programs for small kids.
BBC Alba
BBC Alba is a Scottish Gaelic-language channel. This channel is home to sports, music, and drama.
S4C
S4C is a Welsh-language channel for Welsh speakers. But you can watch this channel even if you are not fluent in Welsh as it comes with English subtitles for most shows.
With a VPN, you can watch shows televised in all the above channels effortlessly. Hit shows on BBC include Gentleman Jack, Downton Abbey, Killing Eve, and Doctor Who. You can watch all these at any time from anywhere in the world. While many VPNs are unable to bypass regional blocks, the VPNs listed below have a track record of getting around regional restrictions.
Let’s find the best VPN for BBC iPlayer:
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is our top recommendation when it comes to VPNs to unblock BBC iPlayer. With ExpressVPN, you can stream BBC iPlayer shows and movies from anywhere in the world. ExpressVPN is compatible with all devices so that your streaming experience will be smooth. Be it computers, tablets, smartphones, gaming consoles, and Smart TVs, we are sure ExpressVPN will help you access BBC iPlayer on all these devices. In addition, this VPN will help you stream shows on BBC iPlayer on Xbox, PlayStation, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.
ExpressVPN has servers in over 90 countries and it offers lightning-fast speeds. It has a good network of servers in the UK so accessing BBC iPlayer will be a breeze. Likewise, you can watch your favorite shows with minimal buffering.
It also offers unlimited bandwidth so that you can watch your favorite shows and movies for as long as you want. You can access sites like Twitter, YouTube, etc banned in certain countries, as well.
Read our extensive review on ExpressVPN to know more.
- 160 server locations
- Network Lock kill switch
- Zero-knowledge DNS
- VPN split tunneling
- Stream Sports online
NordVPN
One of the best all-rounder VPNs, NordVPN is great at unblocking BBC iPlayer and other streaming services, which includes Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and more. While many VPNs are unable to bypass BBC iPlayer’s blocks, NordVPN has a proven record of unblocking BBC iPlayer.
It has over 700 servers in the UK and connecting to one of those servers will help you to access BBC iPlayer in a breeze. NordVPN has obfuscated servers so that no one can figure out that you are making use of a VPN. This feature makes NordVPN one of the best VPNs for BBC iPlayer and other streaming services as its obfuscated servers make it impossible for BBC iPlayer and other streaming services to find out and block the VPN. Even if BBC iPlayer figures out that you are connected to a VPN, it might block just a few IP addresses but you will still have many servers to connect.
Speed is another factor that makes NordVPN one of the best VPNs for BBC iPlayer. We’re sure you will be able to stream videos without buffering. NordVPN offers strong security features and at the same time, it offers fast speeds, as well.
Check out our NordVPN review to know more.
- 5200+ servers in 62 countries
- Use up to 6 devices
- Next-generation Encryption
- Double VPN Feature
- Strict no-logs policy
CyberGhost VPN
Cyberghost VPN, one of our top VPN choices, is great for BBC iPlayer and other streaming services, as well. You can unblock all your favorite shows from anywhere in the world. Unblocking BBC iPlayer will be a breeze with Cyberghost VPN. You just have to connect to one of Cyberghost VPN’s servers in the UK to unblock BBC iPlayer.
Without any hassle, you can access this streaming service from anywhere in the world. Cyberghost VPN has servers dedicated to streaming shows on BBC iPlayer. This makes Cyberghost VPN, one of the top VPNs for BBC iPlayer.
You can watch your favorite shows without any lags as Cyberghost VPN offers ultra-fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth. You can watch it from anywhere in the world just like how would someone in the UK watch it. Cyberghost has over 350 servers in the UK so that you need not worry about slow speeds or buffering.
Cyberghost VPN has apps for all devices which include Mac, Windows, Android, Android TV, iPhone, iPad, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Linux, and Kodi. Cyberghost VPN will take care of your privacy needs by offering strong encryption, DNS leak protection, and the kill switch that will make sure your data does not leak when the VPN connection drops.
Read the Cyberghost VPN review.
- 6100+ Servers Worldwide
- Protect up to 7 devices/li>
- DNS and IP leak protection
- Unlimited bandwidth and traffic
- Highest possible VPN speeds
- 45-day money back guarantee
VyprVPN
VyprVPN is another top VPN service that will help you watch all your favorite shows and movies on BBC iPlayer. VyprVPN has a huge server network for streaming movies and shows on BBC iPlayer across the globe. It has over 700 streaming servers that are all managed and owned by VyprVPN itself. In addition, you can access other streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, HBO GO, and more.
VyprVPN has a huge server network so that you can connect to one of its servers in the UK and access BBC iPlayer just like viewers in the UK. This way you need not worry about regional restrictions of any kind. VyprVPN is a no-log VPN service so that your streaming and personal data will be safe from third-parties. This VPN service does not log its users’ internet activity or their IP addresses.
You can connect up to five devices at a time and stream your favorite shows on BBC iPlayer. Whether you are a non-UK viewer or someone from the UK who is traveling abroad, you can catch up on your favorite shows at any time, with VyprVPN. There are no limitations on the bandwidth too.
You can choose an IP address from VyprVPN’s 200,000 IP addresses from across the globe and connect to a server in the UK and stream shows on BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Read our full review of VyprVPN.
- 160 server locations
- Network Lock Kill switch
- Zero-knowledge DNS
- VPN split tunneling
- Stream Sports online
Surfshark VPN
Surfshark VPN offers fast speeds that are enough to stream high definition videos. It does not store logs and does not even keep track of its users’ IP addresses. It has an extremely easy to use app so that you need not be an expert to use this VPN.
It offers strong encryption and has over 800 servers in over 50 countries which includes the UK. You can seamlessly stream HD content with Surfshark VPN. Apart from BBC iPlayer, you can stream shows on ITV Hub and Netflix US without any noticeable buffering. Also, you can connect all your devices at a time and there is no limit on the number of devices you can connect to the VPN at a time. Surfshark VPN features a kill switch and protects users against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. It has a strict no-logs policy and automatically blocks malware and ads.
Check out our Surfshark VPN review to know more.
- Connect unlimited Devices
- AES-256-GCM encryption
- IP & DNS leak protection
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Free Browser Extensions
- Strict no-logs policy
Why do you need a VPN for BBC iPlayer?
While there are many reasons why you need a VPN, the top reasons are privacy and security. VPNs offer strong privacy and security by encrypting data you send and receive with 256-bit encryption. Even your ISP will not be able to find out that you are connected to a VPN.
VPNs hide your real location by assigning you an IP from one of their servers. This way, the websites you visit and the streaming services you use will not be able to track your original location as you can pretend like you are in another location. For example, if you are connected to a US server, it will look like you are in the US. This way, you will be able to access streaming services available only in the US. The same applies to the UK and you can access BBC iPlayer like how people in the UK access it.
How to Use a VPN to Unblock BBC iPlayer?
Follow the steps below to connect to a VPN to unblock BBC iPlayer.
- Choose a VPN from the above list and subscribe to it. Multiple monthly and yearly plans are available and you can choose one that suits your needs. Remember, choose a VPN with servers in the UK. We recommend ExpressVPN for BBC iPlayer
- Download the VPN app for your specific device. Remember to check if the VPN service has apps for different devices so that you will not have trouble connecting to all your devices.
- Once you install, run the app and log in and connect to a server in the UK.
- Now, visit BBC iPlayer and sign up for a new account if you do not have one. You can now stream all your favorite shows for free on BBC iPlayer with a VPN.
Let’s Compare Some of the Best VPNs for BBC iPlayer
Main Features | ExpressVPN | NordVPN | CyberGhost VPN | Surfshark |
---|---|---|---|---|
Company | ||||
$8.32/mo | $3.30/mo | $2.15/mo | $2.49/mo | |
94+ | 60 | 91 | 65+ | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | |
3000+ | 5600+ | 7600+ | 3200+ | |
5 | 6 | 7 | Unlimited | |
Good | Good | Moderately Good | Good | |
Inverse Split Tunneling | Double VPN - VPN cascading | Ad and Malware blocker | Whitelister™ - Split tunneling mode | |
256-bit AES | 256-bit AES | 256-bit AES | 256-bit AES | |
British Virgin Islands | Panama | Romania | British Virgin Islands | |
Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux Ubuntu, Linux Fedora | Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux Ubuntu | Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux Ubuntu | Windows 8, Windows 7, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux Ubuntu, Linux Fedora | |
Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Apple TV | Chromebook | Chromebook | N/A | |
DD-WRT, Tomato | DD-WRT, Tomato | DD-WRT, Tomato | DD-WRT, Tomato | |
$12.95/mo | $11.95/mo | $12.99/mo | $12.95/mo | |
N/A | N/A | |||
$9.99/mo | N/A | $12.95/mo | ||
$8.32/mo ($99.95) | $4.92/mo ($59.00) | $3.95/mo ($47.40) | N/A | |
30 Days | 7 days | |||
30 days | 30 days | 45 days | 30 days | |
Visa, PayPal, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Bitcoins | Visa, PayPal, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Bitcoins | Visa, PayPal, Mastercard, American Express, Bitcoins | Visa, PayPal, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Bitcoins | |
Email, Twitter, Facebook, Community, On Call, Remote Desktop | 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Twitter, Facebook, Community | 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Twitter, Facebook, Community | 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Twitter, Facebook | |
Conclusion
With several VPN services available, it may not be an easy task to find a VPN service that can unblock BBC iPlayer. We tested some VPN services along with the above-mentioned VPNs and found that the ones listed above are good at getting around BBC iPlayer’s geo-restrictions. These are the VPN services that we tested and all these services have a strong record of unblocking BBC iPlayer and many other streaming services. Likewise, these VPNs are fast and offer strong security. We hope this article helps you choose the right BBC iPlayer VPN.
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