How to watch UK TV: stream free English TV channels in Spain

Missing British TV channels in Spain? I’ll show you how to watch UK TV Spain – live or on demand. From BBC iPlayer and Channel 4 to British Netflix – you can stream all your favorite English channels abroad with the right tools.
Popular UK streaming platforms – like Channel 4, Sky Go, ITVX, and BBC iPlayer – won’t work if you’re in Spain. These services block access the moment they detect a non-UK IP address. So if you’re wondering how to watch UK TV in Spain, or your favorite free English TV channels in Spain – you’re not alone.
The best solution is to use a VPN to watch UK TV in Spain. A reliable VPN gives you a UK IP address, and by doing so it helps you unblock British content instantly, no matter your location. So keep on reading and I’ll show you exactly how to stream British television abroad, including which VPNs are the best for smooth, reliable English TV access.
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How to watch UK TV in Spain with a VPN
To watch UK TV in Spain, you just need to follow these five easy steps:
- Subscribe to a UK VPN from the list below. I recommend NordVPN, now 76% off.
- Download and install the VPN app on your streaming device.
- Launch the app, pick a VPN server in the UK, and connect.
- Head to a UK streaming app or website and start streaming!
- In case the video won’t start playing, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies or using incognito mode – this usually solves most problems. You can also try connecting to a different UK server or get in touch with your VPN provider’s customer support team for further assistance.
Best VPN to watch UK TV in Spain
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The best VPN to watch UK TV in Spain
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VPN for UK TV in Spain with unlimited connections
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Secure, reliable VPN to watch UK TV abroad with a massive server fleet
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Budget-friendly VPN for UK TV in Spain
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User-friendly and affordable streaming VPN for UK TV in Spain



Since 2018, VPNpro has delivered unbiased, expert-backed insights through in-house research and thorough VPN testing. Our team ensures every review is fact-checked and reliable. Learn how we maintain these high standards in our testing methods.
Why do I need a VPN for UK TV in Spain?
You need a VPN for UK TV in Spain because of geo-restrictions and licensing limitations. Here’s why that happens:
- Geo-blocking: UK streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and others check your IP address to determine your location. If it shows you’re in Spain, these services block access to their content.
- Territorial licensing: British broadcasters usually only have the rights to air shows and movies within the UK. These regional licensing agreements force them to block viewers outside the country – even if you’re a UK citizen abroad.

How a VPN lets you bypass these restrictions:
- Assigns a UK IP address: When you connect to a UK-based VPN server, your internet traffic is routed through that server, encrypted, and assigned a British IP address.
- Changes your virtual location: Streaming platforms see the UK IP address and assume you’re located in the UK. As a result, they allow access to content that’s normally blocked in Spain or anywhere else outside the UK.
That all said, if you want to watch British TV in Spain, or if you’re wondering how to get English TV channels while abroad, a VPN is your best bet for bypassing restrictions and enjoying your favorite UK content.
Best VPN for UK TV in Spain: overview
- NordVPN – overall best VPN for UK TV in Spain
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Surfshark – reliable VPN to watch UK TV in Spain with limitless connections
- Proton VPN – best freemium VPN for UK TV in Spain
- TotalVPN – the cheapest VPN to access UK television in Spain
- IPVanish – low-cost VPN for English TV streaming in Spain
If you're looking to access UK TV while in Spain, it can be tough to find the right VPN right away. The ideal service should offer numerous UK servers, reliable and fast connections, and extra features for an optimal streaming experience.
After extensively evaluating 26 widely-known VPNs, I've narrowed it down to the Top 5 providers for British channels. These VPNs pack extensive UK server networks and everything required to stream UK programs and English TV channels in Spain – smoothly and without restrictions.
Top 1. NordVPN – the best VPN for watching UK TV in Spain
118
7400
24/7, email
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Lightning fast NordLynx speeds
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Elite geo-block bypassing
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Industry-leading security and privacy
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Only 10 simultaneous connections
NordVPN is the best VPN to watch UK TV in Spain, especially if you're traveling or living abroad. With over 7400 servers in 118+ countries, 440+ of which are in the UK, you’ll get fast, reliable access to British streaming platforms from anywhere. Thanks to NordVPN’s proprietary NordLynx protocol, you can expect top-tier speeds with minimal drop-off.
NordVPN has a stellar record of bypassing geo-blocks on any restricted foreign content, including free UK TV channels. The built-in SmartPlay feature helps you unblock services like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, or Channel 4 from anywhere on the globe. Additionally, NordVPN supports router configuration and SmartDNS, making it easy to watch English TV on any device – even in your hotel or holiday villa.
And best of all, this won't cost you much. NordVPN subscriptions are now 76% off with available discount coupons. Plus, it includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it with no risks.
For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.
Top 2. Surfshark – affordable VPN for UK channels abroad
100
3200
24/7, FAQ
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Unlimited device connections
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Top-class streaming performance
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Wide worldwide coverage
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Extra features behind a paywall
Surfshark is one of the best VPNs to watch English TV in Spain, combining performance, simplicity, and affordability. With over 3200 servers across 100+ countries, including 212+ in 4 major UK cities, Surfshark offers the expansive network needed for smooth streaming outside Britain. Its use of the cutting-edge WireGuard protocol and the proprietary Nexus technology ensures fast, 4K-friendly streaming speeds across all devices.
During tests, Surfshark effortlessly unblocked all top platforms, such as BBC iPlayer, Sky GO, and UKTV, from various locations. It also provides easy-to-use applications for all major operating systems, includes router support, and offers Smart DNS for gadgets that do not support VPN apps directly. Plus, you can connect unlimited devices with just one account.
Accessing British television while in Spain is effortless with Surfshark. Right now, you can get it 86% off, but you may even find better deals using available promo codes. Surfshark provides a 7-day mobile trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee for risk-free streaming.
For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.
Top 3. Proton VPN – secure VPN to watch UK TV abroad
122
13000
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553+ servers in UK
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Fast connection speeds for buffer-free streaming
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Advanced security features
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More expensive than others on the list
Proton VPN is another great pick to get UK TV from Spain, especially for accessing English TV channels with strong privacy protection. Harboring an impressive 553+ servers in five UK locations (London, Manchester, Cardiff, Belfast, and Edinburgh), it smoothly bypasses geo-restrictions imposed by Sky Go, BBC iPlayer, and others. I tested it for ITVX, BBC One, and Channel 4, and was positively impressed with connectivity and speeds. My connection was stable at all times, and speeds were 86% of the original speed. My only advice is to use its VPN Accelerator and WireGuard protocol to land greater speeds.
Another selling point of Proton VPN is its profound security toolkit. Along with AES-256 encryption, it employs robust DNS leak protection and a kill switch to prevent your true location from leaking. Proton VPN’s clear logging policy ensures user activity is never monitored and no IP addresses are logged.
It supports up to 10 simultaneous connections. So you won’t be arguing who’s watching what while enjoying your time in Spain. Besides UK TV, Proton VPN easily unblocks other major streaming platforms, such as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and HBO Max too.
Although it’s not the cheapest provider on the market (prices start at $3.59/month), you might use its coupons and deals to snatch a hefty 64% discount. Plus, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free and get a refund if it’s lacking for your needs.
For a deeper investigation of Proton VPN, read our Proton VPN review.
Top 4. TotalVPN – affordable VPN to watch UK TV in Spain
35
50
24/7, email
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Unblocks most streaming platforms
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Highly affordable
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Easy to use
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Unreliable speeds on long-distance servers
TotalVPN is one of the top VPNs for budget-conscious users looking to stream UK TV in Spain. It helps bypass geo-restrictions on English television and British streaming platforms, offering access to UK content from anywhere abroad. While its network is modest and consists of 50 servers in 35 countries, it includes two locations in the UK: London and Manchester. Moreover, this VPN provides secure connections for streaming UK TV in Spain, powered by the OpenVPN tunneling protocol.
TotalVPN also has excellent security features, including military-grade AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and split tunneling on Android. On top of that, it easily unblocks major streaming services like ITVX and BBC iPlayer, giving you access to free English TV channels in Spain. Finally, with TotalVPN, you can use a single subscription on up to 8 devices, including PCs, smartphones, and smart TVs.
TotalVPN is one of the cheapest options on the market, starting at $1.59/month. Moreover, if you’re not satisfied, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free and see if it’s the right VPN to watch UK TV in Spain.
For a deeper investigation of TotalVPN, read our TotalVPN review.
Top 5. IPVanish – easy-to-use VPN to watch English TV in Spain on unlimited devices
109
2400
24/7, email
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Servers in Belfast, Birmingham, Glasgow, London, and Manchester
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Unlimited device connections
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Bypasses UK TV geo-blocks
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US-based
IPVanish makes this list for its balance of speed, security, and unlimited device connections, making it a strong choice for watching UK TV in Spain – especially for families and users with multiple devices. It offers 2400+ servers in 109+ locations, including the UK. While the exact server count isn’t disclosed, IPVanish confirms servers in five UK cities: Belfast, Birmingham, Glasgow, London, and Manchester. Its apps are easy to set up on all major platforms, and watching UK TV from Spain is as simple as connecting to a UK server – no advanced setup needed.
IPVanish didn’t disappoint me in terms of speed, even when I was connected to distant servers. During testing, it retained 83% of my original speed – enough for smooth HD streaming on British services like BBC iPlayer, Channel 5, Eurosport, and others. While slightly slower than NordVPN and others on this list, it still performs reliably without major buffering, even in Spain.
Security-wise, IPVanish uses AES-256 encryption and includes DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy – even thought it’s US-based. It also owns its entire server network, offering more control and privacy than many providers.
IPVanish pricing starts at just $2.19/month. On top of that, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial on mobile – so you’ll have plenty of time to test it out risk-free and see if it’s the right VPN to watch British TV from abroad.
For a deeper investigation of IPVanish, read our IPVanish review.
Best VPNs to watch UK TV in Spain compared
Best UK TV VPN | VPN Rating | Unblocks UK TV from Spain | Lowest price | Average Speed | Other platforms unblocked | Devices supported |
1. NordVPN | 9.8 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes | $3.39/month | 100+ Mbps | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, DAZN | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, iPadOS, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV |
2. Surfshark | 9.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes | $2.19/month | 100+ Mbps | Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Max | Windows, MacOS, iOS, iPadOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV |
3. Proton VPN | 8.6 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes | $3.59/month | 100+ Mbps | Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max | Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, Android TV, iOS, iPadOS |
4. TotalVPN | 8.2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes | $1.59/month | 100+ Mbps | Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube TV | Windows, macOS, Android, Android TV, iOS, iPadOS |
5. IPVanish | 8.4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes | $2.19/month | 85+ Mbps | Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV |
How I tested the best VPNs for British TV in Spain
Choosing the right VPN for the job is vital if you want to watch English TV channels in Spain and beyond. There's an abundance of providers with UK servers to pick from, which brings us to the most essential VPN criteria.
The ideal VPN needs to offer numerous benefits, most importantly speed, security, and robust unblocking capacities. I weighed in several key factors when reviewing VPNs for streaming British TV abroad, including:
- UK Servers. A strong UK server network is essential when choosing a UK VPN. In this case, I only picked out services that offer plenty of UK servers. Nonetheless, broader worldwide coverage earned extra points.
- Speed. It directly impacts the quality of the viewing experience. The fastest VPNs ensure smooth playback by minimizing buffering and lag, especially with high-definition content. Since the main goal is streaming UK TV, I tested the speed of each VPN’s UK servers.
- Streaming capabilities. Even if your top priority is accessing BBC iPlayer or Channel 4, you should not miss out on other streaming services. My chosen streaming VPNs also unlock global libraries of services like Netflix, MAX, and Amazon Prime Video.
- Security & privacy. Leading-edge encryption, a dependable kill switch, and robust DNS leak protections are essential for safely watching UK TV in Spain. I gave extra attention to VPN services with strict and audited no-logs policies for guaranteed online privacy.
- Ease of use. Whether on desktop, mobile, or smart TV, a VPN should be simple to set up and navigate, even for beginners. I prioritized services with intuitive apps and fast, hassle-free connections.
- Value for money. A great VPN should balance price with features. I gave preference to services that offer strong performance, security, and streaming access to British TV at a fair cost.
Note: Many VPNs claim to work with British TV, but most – especially free ones – fail to unblock key platforms. That’s why we regularly test over 70 VPNs with all major UK streaming platforms, and only those that reliably work and offer a risk-free money-back guarantee made it onto this list.
What UK TV channels can I watch from Spain?
There are quite a few UK TV channels that you can watch online from anywhere in the world. Major online streaming services like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and Channel 4 let you watch popular UK TV channels from Spain on pretty much all your devices. Some of the most popular options include:
Online UK TV service | What’s available? | Price |
BBC iPlayer | Offers a wide range of BBC channels, including BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three, BBC Four, CBeebies, and BBC News. | Free |
Channel 4 | Offers live streaming and on-demand content from Channel 4, 4seven, E4, More4, Film4. | Free |
Channel 5 | Offers live streaming and on-demand content from Channel 5 itself as well as 5Star, 5USA, 5Action, 5Select, 5Cops, 5Police Interceptors, 5Trucking Hell, 5Crime, 5A&E, 5GPs Behind Closed Doors, 5Yorkshire Vet, 5Bargain Loving Brits, 5Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly, 5History, MTV Catfish, MTV Geordie Shore, MTV Reality, MTV Teen Mom, and Milkshake! | Free |
ITVX | Provides access to channels like ITV, ITV2, ITVBe, ITV3, ITV4, and CITV. | Free |
Sky Go | Allows subscribers to watch channels from the Sky network, including Sky One, Sky Atlantic, Sky News, Sky Sports, and many more. | Free (for current Sky customers, £15/mo for standalone) |
UKTV Play | Offers channels like Dave, Drama, Yesterday, Really, and Home. | Free |
As long as you have an internet connection, you can conveniently access a wide variety of UK content from the comfort of your home in Spain. Most major streaming platforms provide mobile apps and web access, making British programming easily viewable on your devices abroad.
Can I use a free VPN for UK TV in Spain?
While truly free VPNs might sound tempting for streaming UK TV in Spain, most come with too many downsides – limited security, slow speed, data caps, and unreliable access to UK platforms. Many free VPNs don’t even offer UK servers, struggle to unblock BBC iPlayer or ITVX, and may log your data or throttle your connection.
For instance, there’s Proton VPN – a service that offers an impressive, truly free plan. It’s ideal for everyday browsing and anonymity, has no data caps, and includes strong privacy features. However, it lacks UK servers on the free tier, and the available free servers aren’t optimized for streaming. So, if you’re searching for the best free VPN for UK TV in Spain, your best bet is a free trial from a premium VPN like NordVPN. It offers over 440 high-speed UK servers, a 7-day free trial on Android, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. With it, you’ll get full access to UK channels, enjoy fast streaming, and benefit from robust security features.
Conclusion
If you want to watch UK TV in Spain, including free English TV channels, a reliable VPN like NordVPN is essential. Without a UK IP address, streaming services like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and Sky Go will block your access. That’s where a VPN comes in – it bypasses geo-blocks by routing your traffic through UK-based servers, giving you a local IP address and unlocking your favorite British TV and live content, no matter where you are.
NordVPN stands out as the best UK VPN to stream British TV in Spain. With fast speeds, strong privacy, and 440+ UK servers, it hides your true location and offers a buffer-free streaming experience. Plus, with a free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it risk-free and enjoy British TV from anywhere in Spain.
FAQ
Are there any English TV channels in Spain for free?
While there are no official free English TV channels broadcast in Spain, you can use a VPN to access UK platforms like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and Channel 4. A VPN like NordVPN gives you a UK IP address, letting you bypass geo-restrictions and stream British TV content abroad.
How do I watch English TV in Spain?
To watch English TV in Spain, use a VPN with UK servers. Subscribe to a VPN like NordVPN, install the app on your device, and connect to a UK server. This gives you a UK IP address and lets you stream content on BBC iPlayer, Channel 5, ITVX, and more.
Can you get English television in Spain?
Yes, you can get English television in Spain by using a VPN. A VPN routes your connection through the UK, letting you stream popular services like BBC iPlayer and Sky Go just like at home.
How can I watch BBC in Spain for free?
You can watch BBC in Spain for free by using a VPN. Reputable providers like NordVPN offer free trials or money-back guarantees, so you can try it risk-free. Just connect to a UK server to access BBC iPlayer and stream live or on-demand BBC content at no cost.
How can I watch live UK TV in Spain?
You can watch live UK TV in Spain by using a VPN to get a UK IP address. This lets you bypass geo-blocks and stream BBC, ITV, Channel 5, and more through their official platforms.
Can you watch UK Now TV in Spain?
Yes, you can watch UK Now TV in Spain with a VPN. While Now TV is blocked outside the UK due to geo-restrictions, but a VPN with UK servers gives you a British IP address so you can stream your Now TV library as if you were in the UK.
What are the best English channels in Spain?
The best English channels in Spain include BBC, ITV, and Channel 4, but you’ll need a VPN to watch them. For instance, with NordVPN, you can connect to one of 440+ UK servers to get a British IP address and watch these channels live or on demand in Spain.
Can I watch any UK TV in Spain?
Yes, you can watch any UK TV show or channel while in Spain. However, most popular UK television streaming platforms are geo-blocked outside the UK. Using a tested VPN solution with UK servers lets you bypass geo-restrictions by tricking the platforms into thinking you're accessing them within the UK.
Can I watch the Premier League in Spain?
Yes, you can watch Premier League football in Spain. The Premier League has a dedicated channel on Sky Sports, but it’s only available in the UK. To watch the Premier League in Spain, you'll need to connect to a UK VPN server and bypass geo-restrictions, allowing you to access Sky Sports from anywhere.
What is the best VPN for UK TV in Spain?
NordVPN is the best VPN for UK TV in Spain. With over 440 fast, secure UK servers, it bypasses geo-blocks on platforms like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and Channel 4. It’s a perfect VPN for watching free English TV channels while abroad.
- How to watch UK TV in Spain with a VPN
- Best VPN to watch UK TV in Spain
- Why do I need a VPN for UK TV in Spain?
- Best VPN for UK TV in Spain: overview
- Best VPNs to watch UK TV in Spain compared
- How I tested the best VPNs for British TV in Spain
- What UK TV channels can I watch from Spain?
- Can I use a free VPN for UK TV in Spain?
- Conclusion
- FAQ