BBC iPlayer is a popular free streaming platform in the UK but restricted with a UK IP address, so a VPN can help you bypass this restriction. However, it’s important that BBC iPlayer has been actively blocking VPNs, so not all VPNs are effective in accessing the service. This article is updated with latest working VPNs to successfully unblock BBC iPlayer outside UK.
Some users inquire whether can I watch BBC iPlayer abroad with VPN? Yes, you can. VPNs are getting more sophisticated with time, and BBC’s VPN detection mechanism is also getting more advanced.
So, whether you’re a British expatriate living abroad and want to access the BBC iPlayer website or use the iPlayer app on your device, the solution lies in using the best VPN service. That will assign you a UK IP address and make it appear as if you’re accessing the internet within the country.
Without any further delay, let’s explore the best VPN for BBC iPlayer Outside UK:
What is the Best VPN for BBC iPlayer Outside UK? [Quick Overview]
Want to know What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer? Our top recommendation for this purpose is ExpressVPN, which is highly regarded for its ability to access BBC iPlayer and many other UK platforms.
Here we have the other best VPN for BBC iPlayer outside UK options as well:
- ExpressVPN: The Best VPN for BBC iPlayer Outside UK. With extremely fast and secure servers you can access BBC iPlayer from outside UK. Also, offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Pocket-friendly VPN to access BBC iPlayer. Allows unlimited connections and unblocks a number of streaming services, including BBC iPlayer at just GB£ 1.57/mo (US$ 1.99/mo) .
- NordVPN: Largest Server Network VPN for BBC iPlayer. Offers fast streaming speeds with a large selection of UK servers. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
- CyberGhost: Fast and User-Friendly VPN for BBC iPlayer. Unblocks BBC iPlayer and other streaming services with ease. Comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
- Private Internet Access: Reliable VPN for BBC iPlayer. Another top choice of VPN due to its encryption and security features. It has a server network of 35000 servers in 84 countries.
Also, check out:
What is the Best VPN for BBC iPlayer Outside UK? [Quick Comparison]
| VPNs |  |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking for BBC iPlayer | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 |
| Servers in UK | 5 locations | 4 locations | 440+ servers | 781 servers | 3 locations |
| Unblocks Streaming Platforms | BBC iPlayer, UK Netflix, Amazon Prime, Now Tv, Sky Go, ITVX | BBC iPlayer, UK Netflix, Amazon Prime, Now Tv, Sky Go, ITVX | BBC iPlayer, UK Netflix, Amazon Prime, Now Tv, Sky Go, ITVX | BBC iPlayer, UK Netflix, Amazon Prime, Now Tv, Sky Go, ITVX | BBC iPlayer, UK Netflix, Amazon Prime |
| Total number of servers | 105 countries | 100 countries | 5500+ servers in 60 countries | 91 countries | 35000+ servers in 84 countries |
| Speed (On 100 MBps) | 87+ Mbps | 81+ Mbps | 83+ Mbps | 76+ Mbps | 65+ Mbps |
| Compatible Devices | iOS, Roku, Android, FireStick, Kodi, Windows, macOS, PS4, etc. | Android, Kodi, Windows, iOS, Roku, macOS, FireStick, PS4, etc. | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, FireStick, Roku, Kodi, PS4, etc. | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 | Unlimited | 6 | 7 | Unlimited |
| Current deal | GB£ 5.25/mo (US$ 6.67/mo) (Black Friday Deal: Grab 3 Free Months + 49% OFF 12-Month Plan) | GB£ 1.57/mo (US$ 1.99/mo) (Get 86% + 3 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan) | GB£ 1.66/mo (US$ 2.11/mo) | GB£ 1.66/mo (US$ 2.11/mo) | GB£ 1.66/mo (US$ 2.11/mo) |
Why do you need a VPN for BBC iPlayer Outside UK?
You need a VPN for BBC iPlayer Outside UK because that’s the only way to access the streaming site if you’re located outside the UK. Specifically, since the site is geo-restricted, anyone who accesses BBC iPlayer outside the UK will receive the following geo-restriction error:
If you access BBC iPlayer outside of the UK, you’ll receive this geo-restriction error.
Any IP address that doesn’t belong to the UK and tries to visit the iPlayer website is immediately denied access due to content distribution rights.
How can I watch BBC iPlayer outside UK with VPN? It is the easiest way to bypass BBC iPlayer’s geo-restrictions, by using a VPN, you will get a British IP address. With a VPN, you can connect to a UK server and trick BBC iPlayer into thinking you are accessing it from somewhere within Britain.
Also you don’t have to fret over getting a BBC iPlayer free trial, because there is no BBC iPlayer Subscription Cost and the service is completely free!
That is why most VPNs can’t unblock BBC iPlayer outside UK. But ExpressVPN is one exceptional VPN that can easily bypass BBC iPlayer’s geo-restrictions – thanks to its 5 server locations in the UK.
What is the Best VPN for BBC iPlayer Outside UK? [Detailed Analysis]
There are hundreds of VPN providers in the market today. Only a few VPN services have the capability to bypass the BBC iPlayer firewall. We have shortlisted the top 5 VPNs to choose the best VPN for BBC iPlayer Outside UK:
1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for BBC iPlayer in Outside UK
Key Features:
- 3000+ fast-speed servers in 105 countries, Including 5 UK server locations
- 87.18 Mbps on a 100 Mbps base connection
- 5 simultaneous connections
- Unlimited bandwidth for ultra HD streaming
- Unblocks UK Netflix, BBC iPlayer, ITV, NowTV, and more
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer in Outside UK, with excellent unblocking ability and speed. It offers 3000+ servers in 105 countries, and among these, 5+ are located in the UK location.
ExpressVPN unblocked BBC iPlayer for us within 7 seconds, thus allowing us to The Coronation of King Charles III, Our Changing Planet, and many new shows, BBC iPlayer films, and documentaries in HD:
We used the ExpressVPN UK server in Docklands, and it worked great with BBC iPlayer.
The fast speeds and stable server infrastructure allow for a seamless streaming experience no matter where you are.
When testing BBC iPlayer with ExpressVPN, it offers fast speeds to enjoy a bufferless streaming experience in HD. In our ExpressVPN speed test outside UK, it delivered a download speed of 87.18 Mbps and an upload speed of 52.13 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.
ExpressVPN UK servers provide the fastest speeds for streaming BBC iPlayer.
You can connect up to 8 devices simultaneously on one ExpressVPN account, and it offers apps for many devices. You can stream BBC iPlayer on Android Outside UK, Windows, iOS, macOS, and more. With MediaStreamer, you can watch BBC Live using ExpressVPN on your Samsung smart TV, Apple TV, and more.
With ExpressVPN, you don’t have to worry about online security as it offers an automatic kill switch, DNS leak protection, and 256-bit encryption. Also, it follows a strict no-logs policy, so whatever you do online remains anonymous.
You may also opt for ExpressVPN free trial in UK if you want to test its mobile features, and if it doesn’t satisfy you, which we highly doubt, you can always cancel ExpressVPN subscription by contacting their customer service via live chat. It’s available 24/7.
ExpressVPN is available for GB£5.25/mo (US$ 6.67/mo) (Black Friday Deal: Grab 3 Free Months + 49% OFF 12-Month Plan), and it is also offering a 30-day money-back guarantee during which you can test the service.
To learn more about this service, you can always read our ExpressVPN review UK.
- Offers 5 server locations in the UK
- Best VPN to unblock BBC iPlayer and other UK streaming services
- Offers incredible speeds for HD and 4K streaming
- Excellent multiple-device compatibility
- Lightway Protocol & MediaStreamer
- Slightly pricier
- Quite expensive
2. Surfshark – Pocket-friendly VPN to access BBC iPlayer
Key Features:
- 3200+ servers in 100 countries, including servers in 4 UK locations
- 81.32 Mbps on a 100 Mbps internet connection
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Unlimited bandwidth for ultra HD streaming
- Unblocks UK Netflix, BBC iPlayer, ITV, NowTV, and more.
Surfshark BBC iPlayer is a budget-friendly VPN for BBC iPlayer for viewers who are on a budget as it costs just GB£ 1.57/mo (US$ 1.99/mo) (Get 86% + 3 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan). There are over 3200+ servers in 100 countries and more than 4+ server locations in the UK.
Surfshark reliably unblocks BBC iPlayer without any issues. It offers a smooth streaming experience with no resolution or latency problems.
On Surfshark’s London server, we got fast speeds and experienced no buffering.
Surfshark also offers reliable speeds for streaming in HD. On our Surfshark speed tests UK, we got a download speed of 81.32 Mbps and an upload speed of 76.12 Mbps and experienced no buffering.
Surfshark speed test results on its UK servers on other platforms.
Surfshark allows connecting unlimited simultaneous devices with a single account. It is compatible with operating systems like iOS, Android, Windows, and others. We tried setting up Surfshark on Firestick, Roku, and PS4 and faced no issues whatsoever.
Surfshark backs its geo-restriction bypassing capabilities with some highly encrypted security features like a kill switch, private DNS, NoBorders Mode, AES 256-bit encryption, camouflage mode, and multiple encryption protocols for users to choose from.
With Surfshark, you can easily access iPlayer BBC by connecting to one of its UK servers. The user-friendly logging policy ensures that you can do so without the knowledge of your ISP while streaming Surfshark iPlayer.
If you’re unsure about this VPN, try Surfshark’s free trial UK to make up your mind about it. It also comes with a 30-day refund policy, so you can always cancel Surfshark subscription if you don’t like the service.
To learn more about this service, you can always read our Surfshark review UK.
- Most budget-friendly VPN
- Capable of unblocking Channel 4 along with other UK streaming channels
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Strong security and privacy
- For iOS, split tunneling is not supported
- Occasional slow speeds
3. NordVPN – Largest Server Network VPN for BBC iPlayer
Key Features:
- 5500+ servers in 60 countries, including 440+ servers in UK
- 83.82 Mbps speed on a 100 Mbps internet connection
- 6 simultaneous connections
- Unlimited bandwidth for ultra HD streaming
- Unblocks UK Netflix, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, NowTV, and more.
NordVPN has the largest server network across the globe for BBC iPlayer as it consists of 5500+ servers in 60 countries, including 440+ servers in the UK.
If you thinking, you can watch BBC iPlayer abroad free without VPN, that is not the case, due to iPlayer’s strict geo-blocks. We unblocked BBC iPlayer using NordVPN servers and were able to watch Murderville without any buffering to interrupt our viewing experience:
With NordVPN, you’ll be able to watch your favorite content on BBC iPlayer in HD quality.
When testing NordVPN with BBC iPlayer, we experienced less than a 10-15% speed drop. There was no buffering or lag during streaming. Based on our NordVPN speed tests, we received a download speed of 83.82 Mbps and an upload speed of 44.64 Mbps on a 100 Mbps internet connection.
With this amazingly fast speed, you can easily watch BBC iPlayer on PS5, and BBC iPlayer on Chromecast Outside UK, and many other devices.
The huge variety of servers allowed us to switch to the fastest server easily.
NordVPN also offers a SmartPlay feature making it an extremely powerful service accessing BBC iPlayer on six devices simultaneously without affecting the speeds on each device. While testing, NordVPN worked well on PS4 for us and other devices.
It keeps your online activity completely encrypted with its AES 256-bit encryption and security features like a kill switch, double VPN, no logs, obfuscated servers, etc.
Besides its outstanding server infrastructure, NordVPN is also known for its excellent logging policies and extra features that boost user security. As for pricing, it costs GB£ 3.14/mo (US$ 3.99/mo) (Get 57% Off + 3 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan) and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee to users.
Try NordVPN’s free trial UK to test its features and cancel NordVPN subscription if you feel like you’re not on the same page with the VPN, and try another VPN from this list. You may also contact customer support if you face issues like NordVPN BBC iPlayer not working.
To learn more about this service, you can always read our NordVPN review UK.
- Largest sever network in the UK and abroad
- Reliably unblocks BBC iPlayer and other streaming sites
- Six simultaneous connections to enjoy watching together
- Credible security features
- Windows app needs work on its responsiveness
4. CyberGhost – Fast and user-friendly VPN for BBC iPlayer
Key Features:
- 9700+ servers in 91 countries, including 781 servers in UK
- 7 simultaneous connections
- Unlimited bandwidth for ultra HD streaming
- Unblocks UK Netflix, BBC iPlayer, ITV, NowTV, and more.
- Price: GB£1.66/mo (US$ 2.11/mo)
CyberGhost is considered the most secure VPN to use for BBC iPlayer. It also has a server network of 9700 servers in 91 countries all over the world along with servers located in United Kingdom.
Also, unlike other VPNs, you don’t have to connect to a country server, as there are plenty of streaming-optimized servers available in CyberGhost’s app. For example, if you want to access BBC iPlayer, simply connect to a UK BBC iPlayer dedicated server.
CyberGhost swiftly unblocked BBC iPlayer outside UK
It allows 7 simultaneous connections on a single account subscription. You can easily get CyberGhost on devices supported by all major operating systems like iOS, macOS, Android, Windows, and Linux. So, watch Murderville and Mood on your streaming device with CyberGhost.
You can get CyberGhost on your Windows, iOS, Android, Mac, and other OS. Also, being a user-friendly VPN, you can also install CyberGhost on Kodi, and other streaming players.
Moreover, you also get top-notch security features like split tunneling, rapid-ad, malware filtering, and AES 256-bit encryption with a no backlogging policy.
While conducting a CyberGhost speed test UK, we received an average download speed of 75.47 Mbps and an average upload speed of 69.34 Mbps on our 100 Mbps internet connection.
You can subscribe to CyberGhost at a current price of GB£1.66/mo (US$ 2.11/mo) with a 45-days money back guarantee that is an exciting offer. You can also try CyberGhost’s free trial UK on mobile phones. To learn more about this service, you can read our CyberGhost review UK.
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Most secure VPN
- Seven simultaneous connections to enjoy watching together
- Effective security features
- Slow connection speeds
5. Private Internet Access – Reliable VPN for BBC iPlayer
Key Features:
- 35000+ servers in 84 countries, including servers in 3 UK locations
- Compatibility with major operating systems: iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux
- Unlimited bandwidth for ultra HD streaming
- Unblocks UK Netflix, BBC iPlayer, ITV, and more
Private Internet Access VPN is considered another reliable VPN for BBC iPlayer as it has the best privacy and security features along with highly effective unblocking technologies.
Currently, Private Internet Access VPN has 35000 servers in 84 countries with servers located in the UK as well to smoothly unblock BBC iPlayer outside UK.
BBC iPlayer unblocked by Private Internet Access VPN in seconds
It is compatible with all major operating systems like iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux. You can also get Private Internet Access to gaming consoles as well. You can watch Inside No. 9 on BBC iPlayer with Private Internet Access.
Moreover, the security features of the VPN are also quite attractive. It comes with a kill switch, split tunneling, and an ad-blocker.
PIA speed test UK performed fairly well as the download speed was 65.78 Mbps and the upload speed was 57.16 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection. It also offers excellent server coverage that helps avoid congestion and makes it well-suited for activities like gaming, and torrenting with PIA.
Get PIA for GB£ 1.66/mo (US$ 2.11/mo) which includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. This VPN also comes with a PIA free trial UK that lasts for 30 days. You can contact PIA’s customer support 24/7 if PIA is not working. Learn more about the VPN by reading our PIA review UK.
- Unrestricted P2P connections
- Kill switch
- Ad blocking feature
- Large server network
- Average speed connections
- The application interface can be improved
How to choose the best VPN for BBC iPlayer? [Testing Methodology]
What VPN should I use for BBC iPlayer? We have tested 40+ VPNs on various performance criteria to bring you the 5 best VPNs for watching BBC iPlayer Outside UK. If you are looking for a reliable BBC iPlayer VPN outside UK, make sure to look for the following things:
- Access to BBC iPlayer — Based on our research, unless a VPN is capable of bypassing BBC iPlayer’s geo-restrictions, it’s not worth investing in. Many VPNs are incapable of doing that; that’s why we haven’t suggested them.
- Speed — The VPNs we’ve recommended are fast and unblock BBC iPlayer easily within a few minutes. With the high speeds, you also get HD-quality streaming and unlimited bandwidth to watch as many shows/movies as you’d like.
- Privacy — Each of these VPNs follows a strict no-logs policy and abides by user-client confidentiality; hence, they won’t be selling your data to third parties or even the government. Moreover, they can keep all your activities hidden by keeping your identity anonymous.
- Security — All these listed BBC VPNs provide strong encryption and DNS Leak protection. Hence, you can watch BBC iPlayer without worrying about IP leaks or being caught for using a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions.
- Customer support — Offers 24/7 live chat support so you can get help in case you are facing issues accessing BBC iPlayer in the US. During testing, each VPN’s customer support was extremely helpful in resolving our queries.
- Device Compatibility — Ensure that the VPN is compatible with your operating systems (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and other streaming devices). Furthermore, the VPNs we’ve recommended provide multiple simultaneous connections for your family or friends to enjoy watching together miles apart.
What to do if BBC iPlayer is detecting a VPN?
If BBC iPlayer suspects that a VPN is being used, if too many users visit the website from the same server using shared IP addresses, it will ban the servers associated with the VPN, leaving users unable to access the streaming platform.
So, what can you do if iPlayer is not working with a VPN? If your VPN has been blocked by BBC, you can try the following steps to fix the issue.
1. Get a Dedicated UK IP Address
One thing that you can consider doing is getting a dedicated VPN IP address situated in the UK. BBC iPlayer can detect the use of VPNs to gain entry if multiple users are connected with the same IP address. So, you can try a dedicated IP address that will only be used by you.
2. Use a VPN proven to unblock BBC iPlayer
While BBC is trying its best to block VPNs, there are some that still work; try different services. The VPNs we mentioned above have all been tested with BBC iPlayer and are currently able to unblock it in any region.
You shouldn’t experience any problems if you are trying to access iPlayer through one of the VPNs described above. You can use ExpressVPN, which works perfectly well with BBC iPlayer.
You can also try reconnecting to a different VPN server to get a fresh IP address.
3. Update BBC iPlayer App
Another problem could be that you are using an outdated version of the app. If that is the case, download the up-to-date app for your respective device:
You can check if there are pending updates that you may have not followed inside the app.
This is how:
- Android Devices – Settings –> About Device –> Software Update
- iOS Devices – Settings –> General –> Software Update
If you are watching BBC iPlayer with VPN through the app, you can also try watching it online.
Can I use a free VPN to Unblock BBC iPlayer?
No, using a free VPN is not recommended to unblock BBC iPlayer. Despite the fact that there are a few free VPNs available on Google Play and App stores, they are unable to bypass iPlayer geo-restriction.
Free VPNs often come with significant limitations and drawbacks. Firstly, free VPNs usually have a limited number of servers, which can lead to congestion and poor performance, making them unsuitable for streaming and other data-intensive activities.
Moreover, the BBC actively blocks IP addresses associated with VPNs, and most VPNs, including many paid services, have been detected and blocked. Free VPNs are particularly easy to identify, so they are usually the first to lose access to BBC iPlayer.
It’s also important to be cautious about using free VPNs for security reasons. Studies have shown that many free VPNs have questionable privacy policies, allowing them to collect and sell user data for marketing purposes. This means that your online activities may be tracked and your data sold to third parties, such as data brokers.
Furthermore, free VPNs have been known to suffer from data leaks, weak or nonexistent encryption, app vulnerabilities, and even include spyware. Using such VPNs can pose significant risks to your online privacy and security. A VPN should be used to enhance your privacy, not compromise it.
So, to get BBC iPlayer unblocked reliably and securely outside the UK, it is generally recommended to choose a reputable, paid VPN service that offers a wide range of servers, strong encryption, and a solid track record for bypassing geo-restrictions.
What are the VPNs to avoid using with BBC iPlayer Outside UK?
It is essential to know which VPN can bypass BBC iPlayer. As per the tests we conducted, here are the following VPN providers that could not unblock BBC iPlayer:
- IPVanish
- PureVPN
- Hide.me
- LeVPN
- HideMyAss
- Betternet
- VPNBook
- SuperVPN
- VPNTunnel
Even though the providers mentioned above may not be able to unblock the popular streaming service in the UK, they may prove to be beneficial for other online activities.
FAQs – Best VPN for BBC iPlayer Outside UK
How can I watch BBC iPlayer outside UK?
Follow these simple steps to watch BBC iPlayer with VPN outside UK:
- Sign up for a VPN that allows streaming. Use ExpressVPN for better results.
- Download the app on your preferred device (the best UK VPNs provide apps for Windows, iOS, Android, Mac, Linux, and more).
- Launch the app and connect with a UK server.
- Now access BBC iPlayer (clear your cache and cookies if you couldn’t access it).
Is NordVPN better than ExpressVPN for BBC iPlayer?
Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN are reputable streaming VPN providers known for their ability to bypass geo-restrictions, including those imposed by BBC iPlayer. Not only do they unblock BBC iPlayer but also other popular streaming services including different Netflix libraries.
However, ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your individual preferences and needs.
Which VPN can unblock BBC iPlayer Abroad?
Here are VPNs that can unblock BBC iPlayer effortlessly:
- ExpressVPN. Best VPN for streaming
- Surfshark. Best affordable VPN to stream on multi-device connections.
- NordVPN. Best secure VPN for security.
- CyberGhost VPN. Best VPN For Beginners.
- Private Internet Access. Best VPN for a huge server network.
Does BBC iPlayer track IP Outside UK?
Yes, BBC iPlayer does track your IP address through your device ID, and by looking at information from your browser, they can determine which website led you to the BBC. By tracking IP addresses, BBC iPlayer can identify the location of users and determine if they are accessing the service from within or outside the UK.
Can BBC iPlayer detect VPN Outside UK?
Yes, BBC iPlayer can detect a VPN Outside UK. It makes use of IP-detecting technologies that basically identify and detect frequently used IP addresses, mostly used by VPNs. As a result, BBC iPlayer blacklists these IP addresses and you will not be able to connect through this blacklisted server.
Therefore, we recommend the best VPN BBC iPlayer like ExpressVPN. We assure you that you’ll be in safe hands and will be able to stream BBC iPlayer for as long as you’d like.
How does BBC iPlayer detect and block me when I’m Outside UK?
BBC iPlayer can detect and block your access when you’re Outside UK by examining your IP address like most geo-blocked websites. If, at any point, BBC iPlayer figures out you don’t have a UK IP address, it’ll block your access either from the get-go or while you’re watching a TV show or movie. As a result, your viewing experience will be interrupted.
Is it Legal to Use a VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer Outside UK?
Yes, it is legal to use a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer Outside UK. Although you’ll probably be violating the Terms and Conditions of BBC iPlayer, you can’t be held responsible legally for it. Also, you’ll need a TV Licence if you want to watch or record shows on TV or even download any of the shows offered by BBC iPlayer.
Wrapping Up
The detection systems of streaming services are getting smarter by the day. This is a big concern for fans of geo-restricted streaming sites located outside their domain of availability. Thankfully, there are still a few working VPNs that will let you bypass the BBC iPlayer VPN block from anywhere in the world.
We believe the best VPN for BBC iPlayer Outside UK is ExpressVPN. With ExpressVPN, you will have no issue unblocking BBC iPlayer abroad as it offers 5+ server locations in the UK, and is powerful enough to bypass geo-restrictions and firewalls.
Also if you ever change your mind you can easily delete BBC iPlayer subscription without using a password or an email address.
