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Best-VPN-for-PBS-UK

Public Broadcasting Service (commonly called PBS) is a non-profit broadcaster that offers a bucketful of engaging educational programs, classic dramas, and period TV shows.

Be it fine arts programs, musicals, rustics, or public affair shows like Washington Week, Downtown Abbey, Soundstage, American Masters – there’s much more to PBS’s primetime than all these amazing shows!

The popular distributor also has a separate service for minors called PBS Kids, which lets kids enjoy Barnie & Friends, Sesame Street, Alma’s Way, and Word Girl. What more can one want?

But enjoying all this comes with a small catch – you need the best VPNs for PBS in UK.

Sadly, PBS is only available in the United States. However, with the best PBS VPN in UK, you can tune in to everything the service offers from anywhere across the world.

So, without further ado, let’s jump right into the list!


Quick Overview: The Best VPNs for PBS in UK

Looking for the best VPNs for PBS in UK? Here are the top VPN providers you need to unblock the streaming service in UK:

  1. ExpressVPN – The Best and Fastest VPN for PBS in UK. ExpressVPN is the best VPN around for unblocking PBS in UK. It came on top in our speed test, which means fast speeds with uninterrupted streaming for you.
  2. Surfshark – Budget-friendly VPN for PBS in UK. Offers an affordable price of GB£ 1.97/mo (US$ 2.49/mo) - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee along with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
  3. NordVPN – Secure VPN for PBS in UK. Equips advanced security features, including obfuscation technology, DNS leak protection, Nordlynx, and CyberSec to stay unidentified.

Detailed Analysis | Testing Methodology for PBS VPNs | FAQs

Watch PBS with ExpressVPN in UK 30 Days Money Back Guarantee

Why Do You Need a VPN for PBS in UK?

You need a VPN to unblock PBS in UK since it’s a geo-restricted service confined to America. Only a reliable VPN with powerful servers can let you enjoy PBS in UK.

If you try to access PBS from UK, then you’ll be prompted with the following geo-restriction error.

pbs-geo-restriction-error-in-2023

We received the “Loading Player” error and couldn’t access PBS in UK without a VPN.

This is because PBS uses your IP address to identify where you’re in the world. To bypass this error, all you need to do is change your IP address to the United States by using only the best VPN for PBS in UK. We recommend ExpressVPN for its consistent performance.

Apart from PBS, by connecting to ExpressVPN’s US server, you can unblock Disney Plus, Tubi TV, And YouTube TV in UK.


Detailed Analysis – 3 Best VPNs to Watch PBS in UK

We tested 40+ VPNs to select the Best VPNs for PBS in UK on the basis of their speeds, unblocking capabilities, security, and device compatibility and shortlisted the 3 most reliable VPN providers to unblock PBS in UK.

Let’s discuss each one of them in detail below.

1. ExpressVPNThe Best and Fastest VPN for PBS in UK

ExpressVPN

Key Features:

  • 3000+ servers in 105 countries, 23+ server locations in US
  • MediaStreamer feature
  • Speeds: 89.38 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection
  • Unlimited bandwidth for streaming in Ultra-HD
  • AES 256-bit encryption
  • 5 simultaneous connections
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • 7-day free trial for iOS and Android 

ExpressVPN is the overall best and fastest VPN service to unblock PBS in UK. The VPN offers robust unblocking capabilities and security, along with an incredible download speed of 89.38 Mbps and upload speed of 84.66 Mbps. (check out our speed test below).

ExpressVPN offers 3000+ servers in 105 countries including 23+ server locations in the United States alone. These locations are available in all popular cities like Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, Chicago, and more.

To test ExpressVPN’s unblocking capabilities in UK, we connected to ExpressVPN’s New York server and were able to unblock the service within a minute. We then accessed the PBS in UK and enjoyed Benjamin Franklin in HD playback quality.

expressvpn-unblocked-pbs-outside-usa-in-2023

We could stream PBS live and watch our favorite shows with ExpressVPN in UK.

ExpressVPN Recommended Servers: New York, New Jersey – 3, Chicago

Throughout streaming, there were no stutters on our connection. This made us conduct an ExpressVPN speed test to know what speeds the VPN is offering on our network. On our 100 Mbps, the VPN delivered an average download speed of 89.38 Mbps and an upload speed of 84.66 Mbps.

expressvpn-speed-test-result-in-2023

We faced a speed drop of almost 11% with ExpressVPN, which is pretty low!

Except for PBS, we could also use ExpressVPN’s US servers to unblock other American streaming services in UK. As per our testing, we could unblock Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Showtime, Disney Plus, and Directv Stream outside the USA. Its unbelievable features make ExpressVPN the Best VPN for FXNOW in UK and Cleo TV in UK.

With ExpressVPN, you can enjoy PBS in UK on a variety of operating systems, including iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.

It allows users to connect up to 5 devices simultaneously. The VPN also offers a MediaStreamer feature that lets you enjoy a VPN connection on devices that do not offer native VPN support, along with smooth streaming.

This means that along with operating systems, you can also use this VPN on devices like Samsung Smart TV, FireStick, Roku, PS4, and more. You can also configure ExpressVPN on Kodi if you love streaming on the media player.

ExpressVPN backs up its streaming capabilities with robust security. This means that your actual IP address wouldn’t be leaked to PBS at all, thanks to this VPN’s DNS leak protection. Its kill switch allows you to avoid all kinds of activity leaks.

Hails to its amazing service, ExpressVPN really is the best VPN for PBS in UK. It comes at a cost of only GB£ 5.28/mo (US$ 6.67/mo) - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free, along with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a more detailed analysis of this best PBS VPN in UK, go through our ExpressVPN review.

Watch PBS with ExpressVPN in UK 30 Days Money Back Guarantee

2. Surfshark – Budget-friendly VPN for PBS in UK

Surfshark

Key Features:

  • 3200+ servers in 100 countries, 600+ servers in 25+ locations in US
  • Whitelister feature
  • Speeds: 81.32 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection
  • Unlimited bandwidth for streaming in Ultra-HD
  • AES 256-bit encryption
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections on all devices
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • 7-day free trial for iOS and Android 

Surfshark is the most affordable VPN service for PBS in UK. It’s known for offering a consistent service at a price of only GB£ 1.97/mo (US$ 2.49/mo) - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee that’s backed with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Surfshark offers 3200+ servers in 100 countries, among which 600+ are available in 25+ cities of the United States. These cities include Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Atlanta, New York, and more.

Accessing PBS in UK was a pretty smooth process with Surfshark. We connected to its Atlanta server and unblocked the streaming platform within 2 minutes. On PBS, we enjoyed a variety of best PBS programs in HD, including Sesame Street, American Masters, and Downtown Abbey.

surfshark-unblocked-pbs-outside-usa-in-2023

Surfshark let us enjoy multiple trailers and quick videos on PBS in UK.

Surfshark Recommended Servers: Miami, Buffalo, and Atlanta

The speeds of Surfshark were fast on its US server. In our Surfshark speed test, the VPN delivered an average download speed of 81.32 Mbps and an upload speed of 76.12 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

surfshark-speed-test-result-in-2023

While streaming PBS in UK, the speed drop on Surfshark’s US server was around 19%.

Apart from PBS, Surfshark’s US servers were great for unblocking other American streaming services as well in UK. These include Hulu, Comedy Central, Amazon Prime, Netflix, Bravo TV, and more. Surshark is considered as the best VPN for OnDemandKorea in UK. Now you can access Korean shows from the comfort of your home.

This VPN is compatible with multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, and Android.

The best thing about Surfshark is that it allows users to connect as many devices as they like with a single account. This means that whether you own 10 devices or 50, Surfshark would offer its amazing service on each and every one of them.

Along with your operating systems, you can connect a variety of gaming consoles, Smart TVs, and routers with this VPN as well. Surfshark is compatible with PS4, Roku, Xbox, FireStick, Nvidia Shield, and more.

This VPN equips advanced security features that work great in keeping you anonymous and secure. With its MultiHop feature, your ISP wouldn’t be able to decrypt your connection, thanks to the multi-layer protection offered by the VPN.

Its Camouflage mode conceals your VPN traffic and portrays it as usual internet traffic so you’re not monitored. Surshark is also considered one of the best VPN for DStv Now in UK.

If you’re still unsure, then you can avail Surfshark’s free trial, available for 7 days on iOS and Android. While this cheap VPN comes at a price of only GB£ 1.97/mo (US$ 2.49/mo) - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee, you can still first try it out by availing its risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee to test its performance.

For a more detailed analysis of this best VPN for PBS in UK, go through our Surfshark review.

Watch PBS with Surfshark in UK 30 Days Money Back Guarantee

3. NordVPNSecure VPN for PBS in UK

NordVPN

Key Features:

  • 6000+ servers in 61 countries, 1970+ servers in 15 cities in US
  • Double VPN feature
  • Speeds: 83.82 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection
  • Unlimited bandwidth for streaming in Ultra-HD
  • AES 256-bit encryption
  • 6 simultaneous connections
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • 7-day free trial for Android

NordVPN offers the most powerful security features to stay secure and anonymous while accessing PBS in UK. The VPN’s advanced security features include obfuscation technology, DNS leak protection, and Double VPN, which all combine and keep users secure while streaming PBS in UK.

NordVPN offers 6000+ servers in 61 countries, among which 1970+ servers are in 15 cities of the United States. These cities include Los Angeles, New Jersey, Denver, Chicago, and Buffalo, which are all great options for accessing PBS.

We connected to NordVPN’s Chicago server and accessed PBS in around 2 minutes. After that, we caught up on the best PBS programs along with a public affairs show: PBS NewsHour, and streamed them in HD and without any lags.

nordvpn-unblocked-pbs-outside-usa-in-2023

Rustic TV series and scientific programs were easy to watch with NordVPN in UK.

NordVPN Recommended Servers: Denver, Dallas, and Chicago

NordVPN’s speeds seemed to be quite fast while streaming. So, we conducted a NordVPN speed test, and the VPN delivered an average download speed of 83.82 Mbps and an upload speed of 44.64 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

nordvpn-speed-test-result-in-2023

The speed drop of almost 17% was comparatively low with NordVPN.

Along with PBS, we could also unblock a variety of popular streaming services from America in UK, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, CW, Disney Plus, FXNow, and more. NordVPN also worked pretty great with MHZ Choice in UK.

We managed to access Crave tv using the Best VPN for NOS TV in UK and Best VPN for Pure Flix in UK without any hassle.

Moreover upon our further streaming tests, we found that NordVPN worked very well to unblock Comedy Central in UK, and MGM HD in UK.

NordVPN offers compatible apps for all popular platforms you own. You can get NordVPN on a variety of operating systems, including iOS, Windows, Android, macOS, and Linux.

Since the VPN allows users to connect up to 6 devices simultaneously, you can also get it on multiple devices, like Roku, Smart TVs, routers, PS4, FireStick, and more. 

NordVPN is known for its security features. It equips the obfuscation technology that hides your VPN traffic and makes it look like your normal traffic, so no one can snoop into your connection. NordVPN is also  considered one of the beset the best VPNs for ViuTV in UK.

Its DNS leak protection feature ensures that your actual IP address isn’t leaked to anyone, including the streaming service. Its Onion over VPN feature combines the security of a Tor browser with a VPN’s security.

All in all, NordVPN is a great choice to earn a position in our best VPN for PBS in UK list. It comes at a price of only GB£ 3.16/mo (US$ 3.99/mo) - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend along with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a more detailed analysis of this best VPN for PBS in UK, go through our NordVPN review.

Watch PBS with NordVPN in UK 30 Days Money Back Guarantee

Best VPNs for PBS in UK (Testing Methodology)

There are various factors you need to look into when choosing the best PBS VPN in UK. After all, a poor-quality VPN may cause serious privacy and security risks and may leave you worse off.

While all the Best VPNs for PBS in UK mentioned above are the top PBS VPNs in UK, if you still want to conduct the research on your own, then the following factors are the most significant ones:

  1. US servers: For unblocking PBS in UK, a VPN should offer at least one server location in the United States. However, if the VPN offers multiple locations/cities, then that’s a bonus.
  2. Unblocking capabilities: If you’re an avid streamer, then you should definitely check if your chosen VPN is capable of unblocking other streaming platforms as well, like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, in UK along PBS.
  3. Speeds: Fast speeds are a vital consideration when it comes to streaming with a VPN. For PBS in UK, you’d require a VPN that offers unlimited bandwidth and fast speeds to enjoy box-set binges.
  4. Compatible devices: Nowadays, we don’t only stream on our web browsers or laptops but also on other devices, like Roku, Smart TVs, smartphones, and more. Look for the best VPN for PBS in UK that offers compatibility with multiple devices, along with simultaneous connections.
  5. No-logging policy: A zero-logging policy proves that the VPN takes users’ privacy seriously and doesn’t collect users’ data or keep tabs on their activities when connected to a VPN server.
  6. Customer service: You may not need it, but it would still be a relief knowing that a team of experts is ready and waiting to help you in case you face any issues.

To get these and even more features in a single VPN provider with unparalleled performance, we highly recommend subscribing to ExpressVPN.


PBS Not Working in UK with VPN? Here’s How to Fix That!

If PBS is not working with your current VPN in UK, then the streaming platform may have identified and blocked the US server of your VPN. The best VPN services react quickly to these blockages and host new servers that let you access PBS once again. However, poor-quality VPNs take too long to make those changes.

This is why we highly recommend using only the best VPN for PBS in UK – ExpressVPN. This VPN refreshes its IP address list from time to time so you don’t get blocked while accessing your favorite content on PBS in UK.

However, if you’re already using ExpressVPN and, for some reason, facing a connection issue, then follow any of the tips given below.

  1. Disconnect and connect to any other US server in UK.
  2. Check your internet connection.
  3. Clear the cache and cookies of your browser.
  4. Update your VPN app.
  5. Sign out of your VPN and sign in again.

How to Install a VPN for PBS in UK?

You can learn how to install and stream PBS in UK using the following steps:

  1. Subscribe to ExpressVPN.
  2. Install its VPN app on your device.
  3. Connect to a US server (We recommend ExpressVPN’s New York server).
  4. Visit PBS and enjoy your favorite content in UK!
Watch PBS with ExpressVPN in UK 30 Days Money Back Guarantee

FAQs – Best VPN for PBS in UK

Yes, you can watch PBS in UK with a VPN. If you reside outside the US, then you need to get a VPN like ExpressVPN and connect to its US servers to access PBS. You can then start streaming it by visiting the official PBS website or downloading its app on your device.

Yes, it’s absolutely legal to access PBS using a VPN in UK. While PBS does equip a VPN detection technology to block all traffic coming from VPN-enabled IP addresses, there is no law that deems using a VPN illegal for accessing PBS in UK. However, if you want to avoid getting blocked by PBS, use the best VPN for PBS in UK that refreshes its IP address list often, like ExpressVPN.

Yes, you can use a free VPN to watch PBS in UK, but we strongly advise against it. Free VPNs offer just a few servers worldwide along with limited bandwidth, which is ultimately a bad combination for streaming geo-restricted content in UK.

This means that you will face a lot of buffering and lag due to traffic overload if you use a free VPN server. However, you can curb this issue and enjoy bufferless streaming with the best VPNs for PBS in UK like ExpressVPN.


Conclusion

Isn’t it annoying visiting the PBS site in UK just to be greeted with its error message? Well, this guide helps you fix the issue once and for all. Our top best VPNs for PBS in UK help you access all of PBS’s engaging educational and scientific content anywhere in the world.

All you need is to choose the provider that best meets your needs. To get the overall best streaming experience, we highly recommend ExpressVPN as the best VPN for PBS in UK.

It lets you bypass geo-restrictions within seconds and enjoy its content without any buffering or delays. It would offer you fast speeds along with excellent security, and multiple servers in 23+ US locations.

Ready to catch up on Downtown Abbey and Sesame Street this weekend? Happy binge-watching!