How to watch BritBox outside the US, UK & Canada
BritBox is a relatively new UK-based streaming platform. It carries popular British shows like Downton Abbey, Doctor Who, Wolf Hall, and the Midsomer Murders. It’s a great platform to catch up with high-quality programming.
BritBox users can access the platform via an easy to use app, available for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. The downside is that the content is only available in the UK, Canada, and the US.
The good news is that there is a way around it. Investing in a reliable VPN is a sure way of enjoying the BritBox content to the fullest.
Therefore, we decided to show you how to access the service from any part of the world using a VPN.
Accessing BritBox outside the US, UK & Canada
The service is currently available in the UK, Canada, and the US. This can disappoint Blackadder or Broadchurch fans who aren't located in those countries. Users may be able to sign up for a BritBox subscription, but they won’t access any of the content.
Again, just like Netflix, BritBox uses geo-blocking. Meaning, it prevents viewers outside the three countries it serves from using the platform.
Also, some shows that are available to the UK audience cannot be accessed by US or Canadian users, even if the customers have purchased the subscription.
So is there a solution for those who are left out? Fortunately, yes. Fans of British TV streaming have a few ways to access BritBox from outside the UK, US, or Canada:
- Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). VPNs are the most effective option for accessing BritBox outside the US, Canada, and the UK. By anonymizing users’ IP addresses, VPNs make it impossible for the streaming service to detect where you are located.
- Proxies. Proxies, like VPNs, are designed to anonymize IP addresses. However, they are less sophisticated. They may well be a faster option because encryption is rarely involved, but their success rate is lower.
Let’s see which VPNs are worth checking out for BritBox users.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN was ranked #1 in our annual top VPNs listing. Meaning, it’s easily the best option for anyone who wants to watch BritBox outside the US, UK, or Canada.
The server numbers of the Panama-based NordVPN are second to none. Moreover, it’s super-fast, and all of its servers are optimized for streaming.
Most importantly, the customer support team is happy to solve any problems related to streaming. They provide rapid responses to help users watch the shows they love.
For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark VPN
Surfshark is a relatively new, but incredibly powerful VPN. It offers extreme security, complete anonymity, and, of course, fast speeds. The best thing is that the price is more than user friendly.
If you choose to use Surfshark for watching your favorite TV show on BritBox, you won’t be disappointed. It’s simply an excellent choice for streaming geo-blocked content.
For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.
3. ExpressVPN
Express VPN, based in the British Virgin Islands is one of the most reliable VPNs on the market.
160 server locations and more than 3000 servers provide a way to unblock BritBox wherever you are, and the speeds are sufficient to ensure a smooth streaming experience.
ExpressVPN delivers speeds that are more than enough to make BritBox's HD content as smooth as silk.
For a deeper investigation of ExpressVPN, read our ExpressVPN review.
What makes a VPN good?
VPNs are becoming a vital part of online privacy worldwide. They are also a must-have for digital streamers. But how do you pick one? What makes a VPN good for streaming?
Let’s agree on this one: not all VPNs are equal. Here’s a few things to consider:
- Some leak IP information, while others use banks of IP addresses repeatedly, and lose their unlocking abilities when streaming platforms become aware of this. Choose one that is reliable in keeping you anonymous online.
- Moreover, VPNs speeds vary and speed matters when you are unblocking HD content from BritBox.
- The number of servers is also not the same among different VPNs. Generally speaking, the more servers VPN has, the smoother your streaming will be.
What is BritBox
BritBox was launched back in 2019 by two of the UK’s biggest TV broadcasters, the BBC and ITV.
The idea was to create an alternative to Netflix for the British audience. BritBox offers a range of the UK’s most popular crimes, costume dramas, and comedies. Shows like Downton Abbey, Doctor Who are all available in box set form.
In terms of price, Netflix and BritBox tend to be similar. However, BritBox allows streaming on five separate devices, and HD comes as standard.
Smart TV users will be pleased to know there’s the option of using a BritBox Roku app. There’s also a Britbox Amazon Prime section with almost 800 separate episodes.
How much does BritBox cost?
To start watching UK shows across the world, you will need to purchase a BritBox subscription.
The service isn't free (although 30 day free trials are available), and the standard BritBox subscription costs $69.99 per year. This isn't a contract. Instead, BritBox sells time-limited subscriptions by the month or year.
After paying for a subscription, users can connect five devices. The good news is that there are no advertising breaks. Moreover, you can stream shows on various devices: from Samsung Smart TVs, to Roku boxes, Amazon Fire, and all major smartphone brands.
All the content is available in HD, and the library is constantly expanding, with big additions planned in the future.
BritBox Shows: What's on?
As of early 2020, users have access to various TV shows. Think of dramas like Downton Abbey, Wolf Hall, Broadchurch, and Happy Valley. Enjoy comedies like Gavin & Stacey, Mr. Bean, or Blackadder. You can even find shows like Top Gear on BritBox.
If you’re a science fiction fan, get ready for a huge trove of fun. The whole Doctor Who library up to 1989 was also included. Costume drama enthusiasts could binge on the BBC's acclaimed version of Pride & Prejudice from 1995.
Moreover, a huge array of classics is now available. The library includes the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and Prime Suspect, also Hitchcock's "Thirty Nine Steps." As you can see, everyone is likely to find something for themselves.
Initially, the library was built around the BBC and ITV properties, but this was never intended to be the end goal. Expect to see additions from Channel 4, More4, Film Four, and Channel 5.
The original content library is just a start and it will expand.
Why is BritBox restricted outside the US, UK & Canada?
Aside from having to pay for monthly or annual subscriptions, the only issue with BritBox is its geo-blocks. The service is not available outside the US, Canada, or the UK for copyright-related reasons.
BritBox cannot provide its content outside these three countries. That's because BritBox, just like Netflix, employs geo-blocking. As we've seen in this guide, it's not hard to work around these blocks.
If you live outside the US or you're heading abroad but want access to the best UK TV streaming, choose the best VPN services around.
