Best VPN for BBC iPlayer in 2024

BBC iPlayer is probably the top British streaming platform, carrying loads of the newest and most well-liked TV series, shows, movies, live streams, news, and anything else you might think of. Sadly, this wonderful platform is only available to viewers in the UK. Yet, there’s no problem without a solution, and the best BBC iPlayer VPN can absolutely help you overcome this hindrance. 

With a VPN, you can get a British IP address and trick the provider into thinking you’re streaming it from the British Isles. That said, BBC iPlayer is guarded by a wall of VPN blockers, and not all of them are capable of tearing it down. To find the absolute best BBC iPlayer VPN, I tested over 20 different services and checked how well they managed to unblock the geo-restricted content, how way they were to use, and if they have reliable speeds for HD streaming. Continue reading to learn which VPNs made it to the list and got to be called the best BBC iPlayer VPNs.

Best VPN for BBC iPlayer: shortlist

1. NordVPN

   Best VPN for BBC iPlayer
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   BBC iPlayer VPN unlimited connections
   9.5
3. TotalVPN

   Great value for money BBC iPlayer VPN
   8.2
4. Norton VPN

   Robust BBC iPlayer VPN for a wallet-friendly price
   7.3
5. Proton VPN

   Security-oriented VPN for BBC iPlayer
   8.6

Why do you need a VPN for BBC iPlayer?

You need a VPN for BBC iPlayer to bypass geo-restrictions outside the UK. Due to copyright laws and broadcasting rights, accessing the platform anywhere else (even with a subscription) is impossible. However, the streaming service is well-known for heavily investing in sussing out and blocking virtual private networks.

Luckily, a reliable premium VPN will give you loads of UK servers and instantly provide a British IP address. That way, you can slip through BBC iPlayer’s blocks unnoticed and enjoy the best shows for free, such as EastEnders, Cunk on Earth, A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, or Celebrity Race Across the World.

More so, the best streaming VPN can help you with another nuisance – bandwidth throttling. It occurs when you use too much data while streaming, gaming, torrenting, or browsing. But if your internet service provider (ISP) can’t see what you are doing, they can’t slow you down. So, by anonymizing your traffic with a VPN, you can enjoy excellent connectivity and a lag-free streaming experience.

5 best VPNs for BBC iPlayer: overview

1. NordVPN – the best undetectable BBC iPlayer VPN
2. Surfshark VPN – VPN for BBC iPlayer with Smart DNS feature
3. TotalVPN - great value for money BBC iPlayer VPN
4. Norton VPN - robust BBC iPlayer VPN for a wallet-friendly price
5. Proton VPN - security-oriented VPN for BBC iPlayer

Below, you’ll find the best VPNs to help you avoid BBC iPlayer issues anywhere. Due to excellent geo-block bypassing skills and traffic obfuscation capabilities, you won’t see the infamous “This content is not available in your location” message. Plus, all of these virtual private networks offer the best speeds, loads of British servers, and excellent device compatibility.

1. NordVPN – best VPN for iPlayer with loads of servers in the UK

During multiple tests, NordVPN proved to be the best VPN for BBC iPlayer. That’s because it unblocked the streaming service trouble-free in many countries. Not to mention, other features and aspects make it stand out as the ultimate choice.

It has an extensive network of 7000+ servers in 118+ countries, and almost 450 are in the UK. Additionally, you can get a dedicated IP address. It will ensure smoother access to BBC iPlayer and fewer CAPCHAs. On top of that, streaming in 4K will be a walkover, thanks to the fastest in-house NordLynx tunneling protocol.

Moreover, you can use the SmartPlay feature if you want to avoid BBC iPlayer blocks on smart TVs or consoles. And undoubtedly, you can enjoy the streaming service anywhere on iOS, Mac, Android, Windows, and other devices. And to avoid pesky ads, trackers, and dangerous malware online, Threat Protection will get rid of them.

Overall, NordVPN is the best service to avoid BBC iPlayer detection outside the UK. You can save 74% on a subscription if you use a special NordVPN coupon.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark VPN – VPN for BBC iPlayer to watch abroad

Reddit users highly recommend Surfshark as one of the best options to unblock BBC iPlayer outside Britain. It allows you to choose from 3200+ servers in 100+ countries of which 200+ are in the UK. Plus, you can get a dedicated IP that will make your iPlayer streaming experience easier.

Furthermore, loading screens and lags will be a thing of the past due to the swiftest WireGuard tunneling protocol and Nexus technology. You can also utilize Camouflage mode to avoid BBC iPlayer detecting your VPN traffic. More so, obnoxious ads won’t be a problem with the CleanWeb feature on.

One of the best things about Surfshark is that it offers unlimited connections. Plus, you’ll find apps for all major OS. So, you can watch BBC iPlayer on your iPhone on the go or stream your favorite shows on your Windows computer at home. And there’s also the Smart DNS feature, which will provide easy access to BBC iPlayer on streaming devices and smart TVs.

While some of the features cost extra, they are optional. Surfshark offers outstanding features for just $2.19/month. And right now, you can get a plan with a massive 86% discount if you use a Surfshark coupon.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

3. TotalVPN - great value for money BBC iPlayer VPN

Another VPN that often gets suggested by other BBC iPlayer users is TotalVPN. Like the other services on the list, it can instantly unlock the streaming service in the US, Australia, Canada, or any other location. Plus, it offers reliable speeds with the OpenVPN tunneling protocol.

What’s more, TotalVPN offers 50 servers in 8.2+ countries. All of them are highly reliable, so you should easily bypass iPlayer’s restrictions. This provider offers apps for all major OS, including Android TV and FireOS. Additionally, TotalVPN is very easy to install onto your router.

TotalVPN also has a Total Adblock feature. It blocks and obliterates viruses, trackers, and disturbing ads.

TotalVPN is very wallet-friendly with a $1.59/month starting price. And, you can get an even better deal by using a special discount coupon. That way, you can save 48% on a long-term plan.

For a deeper investigation of TotalVPN, read our TotalVPN review.

4. NortonVPN – robust BBC iPlayer VPN for a wallet-friendly price

Another low-priced yet effective BBC iPlayer VPN is NortonVPN. That’s to plenty of servers in the UK; hence you’ll instantly get a British IP address. So, watching BBC iPlayer abroad will be a piece of cake. Not to mention, there are loads of other things that make NortonVPN a worthy choice.

 Norton VPN has one of the smaller server fleets, covering only [brand_countries_count brand_id="50" brand_name="Norton VPN"] countries. However, the service is still very capable of unblocking BBC iPlayer. Besides, although there are fewer servers to choose from, they’re all equipped with the WireGuard tunneling protocol, which ensures 4K-ready speeds for the best experience.

If you hate seeing ads, Ad Tracker will deal with them in a matter of seconds. And regarding compatibility, Norton VPN has apps for all major OS. Thus, you can enjoy BBC on your phone while on the go or on your smart TV in the comfort of your couch.

NortonVPN offers up to 10 simultaneous connections. You can get the service right now for just $3.33/month. What's even better, at the moment, NortonVPN has a discount coupon that lets you get a plan 84% cheaper.

For a deeper investigation of Norton VPN, read our Norton VPN review.

5. Proton VPN - security-oriented VPN for BBC iPlayer

Proton VPN is an excellent choice for unlocking BBC iPlayer if your main concern is top-notch security. The Swiss-based provider has a third-party audited no-logs policy and is based on bank-grade AES-256 encryption. As for its geo-unblocking capabilities, it’s very able to unlock even the toughest VPN restrictions. 

Proton VPN has a very solid fleet consisting of 9200 servers in 110 countries, 36 of which are based in the UK. If you’re connecting to them from a faraway place, don’t forget to use the VPN Accelerator feature which will boost your connection speeds up to 400%. 

Streaming with Proton VPN is a breeze because of the vast server choice and excellent speeds made possible by the WireGuard protocol. And if you hate ads popping up whenever you stream or browse, Proton VPN is also equipped with a well-functioning ad and tracker blocker. 

There’s one caveat, though - Proton VPN is pricier than average, coming in at $3.59/month. However, you can always catch a handy Proton VPN coupon and enjoy a long-term subscription with 64% off.

For a deeper investigation of Proton VPN, read our Proton VPN review.

Best VPNs for BBC iPlayer compared

During my analysis, NordVPN stood out as the ultimate BBC iPlayer VPN. With it, I managed to access iPlayer abroad without detection, errors, or the “BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to rights issues” messages. So, I highly recommend this service.

What should I look for in a VPN for BBC iPlayer?

A reliable UK VPN for BBC iPlayer of your choice should tick off several requirement boxes. Before you pick the first one you see, evaluate the service based on the aspects provided below:

• UK servers. BBC iPlayer is only available to British IP addresses, so if the VPN does not have servers there, they aren’t worth your time and money.
• Excellent speeds. You need the latest tunneling protocols to be able to stream in 4K/UHD quality with virtually no buffering. Proprietary protocols are also welcome since they tend to improve the ones they are based on.
• Lots of connections. If the whole household plans on watching different shows, you’ll need 5 or more simultaneous connections per account. The best-case scenario is if the service has no device limit at all.
• Extensive compatibility. Whether you’re watching from the comfort of your home or while traveling, BBC iPlayer VPN should make streaming available to as many devices as you own. We’re talking about phones, Smart TVs, and gadgets like Fire Stick.
• Reasonable price. Does paying an exorbitant price net you more than just the security & privacy essentials? Don’t throw your precious money out the window – cheaper VPN providers tend to be highly versatile and just as useful for way less.
• Customer support. One way or another, VPN issues aren’t that uncommon. And if you ever run into them, 24/7 live chat support should be available to help you be it night or day.

How to unblock BBC iPlayer with VPN

1. Pick a VPN that offers IP addresses in the UK. I recommend NordVPN, currently with a 74% discount
2. Download the application and set it up on your iOS, Mac, Android, Windows or any other device
3. Launch the VPN and select a server in the UK. You can choose from London, Manchester, or Glasgow servers
4. Head to BBC iPlayer and sign in or create an account
5. Press “I have a TV license” when you get asked about it
6. Now you can stream the best shows and movies that BBC iPlayer has to offer!

Watch BBC iPlayer abroad with NordVPN

Does BBC iPlayer detect VPN?

Yes, BBC iPlayer can detect your VPN, and the platform is getting better at doing that each day. The service is meant for UK residents only, but this unavailability doesn’t stop outsiders from trying to gain access.

Thanks to suitable BBC iPlayer VPNs, more and more people started bypassing the geo-blocks imposed by the platform. Some studies claim that the number of foreign users is no less than 60 million people.

To conquer the issue and deal with unauthorized access, iPlayer started taking action. First, BBC tightened its geo-restrictions with IP address screening so that VPNs with just the basic tools can’t circumvent them. Then, they started blocking popular VPN ports, rendering most of them useless.

This whole situation isn’t hopeless. As many users have noted and our tests have shown, the proverbial BBC iPlayer wall is not impenetrable – the right providers with robust tools can break through. The best VPNs we’ve provided above successfully unblock iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer not working with a VPN: solution

In some cases, a VPN might not work with BBC iPlayer. You may see the “This content is unavailable in your location” or “BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to rights issues” messages. In some cases, you can also get a BBC iPlayer error code 02056. If you run into any of these issues, I highly recommend visiting our BBC iPlayer troubleshooting article.

Do I recommend a free VPN for BBC iPlayer?

I do not advise using free VPNs if you want to watch BBC iPlayer anywhere. That’s because most of them can’t bypass the streaming platform’s blocks. Additionally, no-pay services offer terrible speeds and no servers in the UK. And let’s not forget about the data collection and malware that these services contain.

Instead, you may want to try freemium VPNs, such as Proton VPN. They are absolutely safe and will keep you private while browsing. However, they do come with limitations, such as data caps. Plus, bypassing geo-blocks might be a challenge.

Therefore, the best no-pay option is to get a free trial VPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can pick from top-tier providers like NordVPN or Surfshark. That way, you’ll have unrestricted access to BBC iPlayer and its rich content library for a limited time.

Watch BBC iPlayer for free with NordVPN

What can I watch on BBC iPlayer?

Using a VPN for BBC iPlayer lets you enjoy both new and old cinematic masterpieces. Plenty of shows, films, documentaries, animations, shorts, and even radio broadcasts are available to everyone with a UK IP address.

The best thing about this streaming service is that the library is constantly updated with classics and fresh material. You’re guaranteed to find something new to watch every month. Movie enthusiasts will be delighted to find that even the latest cinema releases are readily available on the Player.

Can’t watch anything listed here because you’re not in the UK? Do not fret – services like NordVPN will unblock BBC iPlayer so that you can enjoy everything it has to offer to your heart’s content.

Stream on BBC iPlayer with NordVPN

Bottom line

BBC iPlayer is a hugely popular streaming platform favored by millions of streamers. It offers a wide variety of free content, including the most recent TV series, such as Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, a top movie selection, music festival live streams, and many documentaries. However, the service is only available in the UK. That said, a reliable VPN service saves the day again, by allowing you to connect to UK-located servers and bypass geo-restrictions. 

My recommendation for the best BBC iPlayer VPN is NordVPN. The provider has hundreds of UK servers to choose from, which guarantees you access to the coveted platform. Besides, my top best VPN for BBC iPlayer is also equipped with the latest security features, ensuring your data is safe while you stream. Lastly, it comes at only $2.99/month, and you can try it out with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Have you used a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer before? What British shows are the most binge-worthy? Share your thoughts below!

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FAQ

How do I get a VPN for BBC iPlayer?

You can get a VPN for BBC iPlayer by choosing one from our Top 5 list. Then you have to install the VPN and join a server in the UK. After that, create a BBC iPlayer account with a random UK postcode and enjoy the best shows and movies.

Is it legal to use a VPN for BBC iPlayer?

Yes, it’s legal to use a VPN on iPlayer. Although, the platform is actively seeking out and banning VPN ports. The worst possible scenario is your account getting banned if you’re caught. And even then, you can create a new one and still use a VPN to watch anything.

What is the best free VPN for BBC iPlayer?

The best free VPN for BBC iPlayer is Proton VPN. Just keep in mind that bypassing geo-blocks might take some time, and this free service has a 5 GB/month of data available. If you want easier access, I recommend getting NordVPN free trial, as it’s the best BBC iPlayer VPN overall.

Is NordVPN better than ExpressVPN for BBC iPlayer?

Yes, NordVPN is a better choice for BBC iPlayer compared to ExpressVPN. That is because NordVPN provides more servers in the UK (700+), better speeds with the NordLynx tunneling protocol, and the SmartPlay feature for streaming on smart devices. Not to mention, NordVPN is a lot cheaper than ExpressVPN.

Is there a VPN that works with BBC iPlayer?

Yes, NordVPN works with BBC iPlayer. NordVPN is highly capable of bypassing any geo-restrictions and unlocking BBC iPlayer no matter where you are located. Additionally, the service is equipped with all the latest cybersecurity features, and you can try it out for just $2.99/month.

How to play BBC iPlayer outside the UK?

To play BBC iPlayer outside the UK, you have to use a VPN. Choose a reliable service, like NordVPN, download the app, create an account, connect to a server located in the UK, and you’re ready to stream your favorite shows.