Are you a fan of BBC iPlayer, but frustrated because it’s not available in your country? Or perhaps you’re a UK resident traveling abroad and can’t access your favorite shows?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help you bypass these geo-restrictions and enjoy BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world. But with so many VPNs on the market, how do you choose the right one? In this guide, we’ve done the research for you and rounded up the best VPNs for BBC iPlayer in 2023. Read on to find the perfect VPN for your needs and start streaming your favorite BBC shows today!
Compare The Best 5 Recommended iPlayer VPNs in our table below
How to Access BBC iPlayer from Outside the UK
BBC iPlayer is only available to UK residents. If you’re traveling abroad or live outside the UK, you can still access BBC iPlayer by using a VPN that offers UK servers. Here’s how:
- Sign up for a VPN that offers servers in the UK.
- Download and install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a UK server.
- Once connected, open the BBC iPlayer website or app.
- Enjoy streaming your favorite shows and movies!
Features to Look for in a VPN for BBC iPlayer
When choosing a VPN for BBC iPlayer, there are several features you should look for to ensure a seamless streaming experience:
- UK servers: Make sure the VPN offers servers in the UK to access BBC iPlayer.
- Fast speeds: Streaming requires fast and reliable speeds, so look for a VPN that offers high-speed connections.
- Strong encryption: Encryption is crucial for online security and privacy, so look for a VPN that offers strong encryption protocols.
- No logs policy: A no logs policy ensures that your online activities are not recorded, providing an extra layer of privacy.
- User-friendly apps: Look for a VPN with user-friendly apps that are easy to navigate and use.
Common Issues When Streaming BBC iPlayer with a VPN
Although using a VPN to access BBC iPlayer is a great solution, there are some common issues that can arise:
- Blocked VPNs: BBC iPlayer actively blocks VPNs, so you may need to try several servers before finding one that works.
- Slow speeds: Some VPNs may offer slow speeds, which can result in buffering or poor-quality video.
- Compatibility issues: Not all VPNs work with all devices, so make sure the VPN you choose is compatible with your device.
- Geolocation errors: If your VPN server is not located in the UK, you may encounter geolocation errors that prevent you from accessing BBC iPlayer.
Other Streaming Services to Access with a VPN
A VPN can also be used to access other streaming services from around the world, including:
- Netflix: Access different versions of Netflix libraries from different countries. Get the best VPNs for Netflix here.
- Hulu: Access Hulu from outside the US.
- Amazon Prime Video: Access Amazon Prime Video from different countries.
- Disney+: Access Disney+ from outside your country. Read our guide on unblocking Disney+ with a VPN.
- HBO Max: Access HBO Max from outside the US.
How do we Rate VPN Providers?
Our Recommended iPlayer VPNs in Detail
Surfshark VPN
Surfshark is a BVI-based VPN provider offering 1700+ servers in 63 countries, 3 of which are in the UK.
Similar to VPNArea, Surfshark makes up for this caveat by unblocking BBC iPlayer on all 3 servers (thus far). Additionally, Surfshark is one of our top recommended VPNs in general, with lightning fast speeds, military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and the best VPN protocols.
Surfshark is also able to unblock other streaming services like Netflix and Hulu.
If you’re still feeling hesitant, you can utilize Surfshark’s free 7-day trial (only available through the mobile apps) or their 30-day money-back guarantee.
Specs
- Number of UK Servers: 3
- 45.62 Mbps average (download)
- 256-bit AES-GCM encryption
- No logs
- Unlimited connections
- 1 Month Plan: $11.95
- 1 Year Plan: $71.88
- 2 Year Plan: $47.76
- 7-day free trial via mobile app
- 30-day money-back guarantee on all subscriptions
- 24/7 customer support via live chat and email
CyberGhost
Cyberghost VPN used to be on the list of VPNs to avoid, at least when it came to unblocking online streaming services. But after a major revamp, they climbed back up the list.
Now, you can simply select the VPN’s streaming option, choose the streaming service you want to use, and let CyberGhost connect you to the best-suited server. It’ll even open iPlayer for you.
You also don’t need to worry about network overload: there are 600+ servers in the UK and all of them are optimized for BBC iPlayer.
Specs
- Number of UK Servers: 600+
- 41.53 Mbps average (download)
- 256-bit AES encryption
- No logs
- Up to 7 simultaneous connections
- 1 Month Plan: $12.99
- 1 Year Plan: $71.88
- 2 Year Plan: $88.56
- 3 Year Plan: $99.00 (+2 free months)
- 14-day money-back guarantee on 1 Month Plan
- 45-day money-back guarantee on 1, 2 & 3 Year Plans
- 24/7 customer support via live chat and email
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the most popular VPN providers, shown by its consistent appearance as #1 on many VPN comparison sites.
One of the reasons for this is its superior speed.
Streaming is a data-intensive activity known to slow your internet connection (even without a VPN), but ExpressVPN boasts minimal speed reduction when connected. This includes streaming BBC iPlayer in HD.
ExpressVPN also works hard to stay ahead of the BBC iPlayer block. When one of their servers is blacklisted, you can easily reconnect to another. And they typically replace blocked servers within days, so there are always open servers.
The only downside is ExpressVPN’s higher cost.
Specs
- Number of UK Servers: 150+
- 64.09 Mbps average (download)
- 256-bit AES encryption
- No logs
- Up to 5 simultaneous connections
- 1 Month Plan: $12.95
- 6 Month Plan: $59.95
- 1 Year Plan: $194.25 – currently on sale for $99.95 (+3 free months)
- 30-day money-back guarantee on all subscription plans
- 24/7 customer support via live chat and email
NordVPN
NordVPN is a provider with an excellent history of unblocking BBC iPlayer. While ExpressVPN’s server speeds are still faster, NordVPN’s recent network improvements on all 600+ UK servers brought its service drastically closer.
One of the best features NordVPN offers is the optional dedicated IP address add-on. With this feature, your account is the only one able to connect. This means BBC iPlayer is unlikely to blacklist your IP.
Our only reason for complaint is, despite having 600+ servers in the UK, the server speeds aren’t always reliable.
Specs
- Number of UK Servers: 600+
- 52.12 Mbps average (download)
- 256-bit AES-CBC encryption with a 2048bit Diffie-Hellman key
- 256-bit AES-GCM encryption with a 3072bit Diffie-Hellman key for iOS and macOS clients
- No logs
- Up to 6 simultaneous connections
- 1 Month Plan: $11.95
- 1 Year Plan: $143.40 – currently on sale for $83.88
- 2 Year Plan: $286.80 – currently on sale for $95.75
- 3 Year Plan: $430.20 – currently on sale for $107.55
- 30-day money-back guarantee on all subscription plans
- 24/7 customer support via live chat and email
VPNArea
VPNArea offers 100+ servers in 70 countries – with only 3 in the UK.
Despite this caveat, the Bulgarian-based VPN promotes one of the most user-friendly interfaces in the industry. Additionally, all of their UK servers are able to unblock BBC iPlayer (thus far).
You also don’t need to worry about network overload – VPNArea offers a reliably above average connection speed at a surprisingly affordable cost.
If you’re still hesitant, you can take advantage of their 14-day money-back guarantee. Test out the waters…and if they’re too murky, request a refund!
As an added bonus, VPNArea is also one of our recommended best torrenting VPNs!
Specs
- Number of UK Servers: 3
- 35.15 Mbps average (download)
- 256-bit AES encryption with SHA256 and 4096 bit RSA keys
- No logs
- Up to 6 simultaneous connections
- 1 Month Plan: $9.90
- 1 Year Plan: $59.00
- 3 Year Plan: $107.64
- 14-day money-back guarantee on 1 month subscription
- 30-day money-back guarantee on all other subscriptions
- 24/7 customer support via live chat and email
Conclusion
Using a VPN to access BBC iPlayer and other streaming services is a great way to enjoy your favorite shows and movies from anywhere in the world. When choosing a VPN, look for features like UK servers, fast speeds, strong encryption, and a no logs policy to ensure a seamless streaming experience. Keep in mind that some common issues can arise, such as blocked VPNs or slow speeds, but these can usually be overcome with a little persistence.
Does BBC iPlayer Work with a VPN?
Yes. You can unblock BBC iPlayer with the VPN services featured in this article.
Can BBC Detect VPNs?
Yes, but not directly. BBC monitors the IP connections used to access iPlayer and blacklists IP addresses associated with VPN servers.
How Do I Watch BBC iPlayer with a VPN?
Once you install a recommended VPN, you can watch BBC iPlayer by connecting to a UK server. Copy a UK ZIP code when signing up for BBC iPlayer and select yes when asked if you have a UK TV license.
How Can I Watch BBC iPlayer Outside the UK?
You need to purchase a subscription plan with a recommended VPN provider and connect to one of their UK servers.
Are VPNs Legal?
Yes, using a VPN is legal in most countries. Notable exceptions where VPNs are banned or otherwise restricted include China, Iraq, North Korea, and Russia. However, it is illegal to participate in illegal activities with (and obviously without) a VPN.
How Can I Watch BBC iPlayer Abroad for Free?
If you’re a UK resident traveling abroad short-term, you can take advantage of a free trial or 30-day money-back guarantee with applicable VPN companies. It’s never recommended to use a free VPN service, as many are considered dangerous.
Can BBC Track Your IP Address?
Yes. BBC tracks the IP address of every person who visits any of their websites or platforms, including BBC iPlayer.
Can I Watch BBC iPlayer with ExpressVPN?
Yes, ExpressVPN is one of our recommended BBC iPlayer VPNs.
Can I Watch BBC iPlayer in Australia?
Yes, but you need to purchase a subscription plan with a recommended VPN provider and connect to one of their UK servers.
How Do I Get a UK IP Address?
You need to purchase a subscription plan with a recommended VPN provider and connect to one of their UK servers. Some providers, like NordVPN, also allow you to purchase a dedicated UK IP address.
