Don’t want to miss your favorite BBC shows when you’re abroad? If you are in another country, you will not be able to watch BBC programs because it is geographically restricted.
However, through a virtual private network (VPN), it is possible to unblock platform restrictions and return to your viewing habit.
Read on as we list the best VPNs for BBC iPlayer.
What is BBC iPlayer?
BBC iPlayer is a BBC streaming service. Since its stable launch in 2012, the BBC has expanded its content to offer documentaries, family programmes, drama, comedy, reality TV and some of the best British films. As of 2021, the number of accounts using the service per week has increased to 10.7 million on average. The BBC also reported that, as of April 2021, BBC iPlayer had more than 1.7 billion plays in the first quarter of the year.
Some of its most popular shows include Doctor Who, EastEnders, Starstruck, The Witchfinder, McMafia and Peaky Blinders. Plus, new content is added every week, so subscribers don’t run out of content to enjoy.
Why can’t I watch all programs on BBC iPlayer?
Since all BBC TV productions are funded by public money from UK television licensing and rights agreements, BBC programs are limited to UK viewers. Therefore, all BBC iPlayer content is limited to IP addresses assigned to the United Kingdom only. (This is different from their radio content where only sports broadcasts have limited access.) If you’re wondering why most BBC competition shows don’t offer monetary prizes either, this is the same reason it’s not legally allowed to give out cash rewards.
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So, if you are traveling abroad and want to catch up on your favorite BBC show on your BBC iPlayer, it would be impossible unless you use a VPN to connect to a VPN server located in the UK.
However, not all VPNs can provide you with the best service so you can stream on BBC iPlayer. So, we tested several VPN services and found out which one is the best to help you spoof your location and start streaming BBC shows.
VPNs that work with BBC iPlayer and other streaming sites
1. ExpressVPN
Of all the VPNs on this list, nothing compares to the performance of ExpressVPN. Firstly, it offers many UK-based VPN servers, so you’ll never run out of options if you want to bypass BBC iPlayer geo-restrictions. We tested each server during peak and off-peak hours for watching on BBC iPlayer and found hardly any speed or latency issues.
Second, ExpressVPN offers the fastest connection speed. We all know how a VPN can slow down connections, but with this tool, streaming any content on BBC iPlayer was smooth and buffer-free.
Third, security is top-notch. ExpressVPN offers the best IPv6 leak protection. This makes it even harder for BBC iPlayer or any streaming service to detect your actual location.
Fourth, ExpressVPN does not log any of your personal data. You will always be able to maintain your privacy and anonymity without having to worry if your personal information will be sold to third-party data research companies.
Finally, if you’re concerned about cost, ExpressVPN offers the best value for money. If you select the 12 Month Plan today, you’ll get a 49% discount that brings your monthly bill to just $6.67. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a full year of free, unlimited cloud backup from Backblaze.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN has more than 5,490 servers in 60 countries. You also have options for optimization of your VPN servers as well as dedicated IPs so you can purchase a static IP address to select a permanent virtual UK location to enjoy BBC iPlayer. Many fans of streaming sites use NordVPN because it allows them to access servers that have access to streaming libraries, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and DAZN.
NordVPN does not record, store or transmit timestamps, bandwidth used, traffic data, IP addresses, session logs and browsing-related activities, except for certain customer information, such as username, in order to improve its services.
3. surfer shark
With over 3,200 VPN servers in 65 countries, Surfshark is another good option for streaming content from BBC iPlayer. We’ve tested every UK server that Surfshark offers and all those located in Glasgow, Edinburgh, London and Manchester worked well for BBC iPlayer streaming.
And the best thing about this VPN is that it has no limit on the number of devices that can share the same account. Additionally, it has no bandwidth limitations. This means your whole family can watch BBC iPlayer and other streaming sites simultaneously on each of your devices.
4. cyberghost
CyberGhost has been around since 2015 and offers a wide selection of servers in addition to a host of other security tools. It has more than 7,960 servers in more than 91 countries and 114 locations, with the majority of its servers concentrated in Canada, Germany, Australia, the Netherlands, the United States, and the United Kingdom, so you can access BBC iPlayer content.
CyberGhost boasts one of the lowest discounted monthly rates for the highest possible VPN speeds. The service was founded in Germany, but is now based in Bucharest, Romania, a country that does not have mandatory retention rules. You are assured that all your online activities are secure from logging and recording.
5. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN has over 1,400 servers in over 60 countries and allows you to connect up to 10 devices. Their 44 UK servers are located in Manchester and London, so you have more options when switching to another server if some of the options become loaded during peak times.
The good thing about this VPN is its VPN Accelerator tool that allows you to increase your speed by redesigning the VPN protocols used. Additionally, it offers unlimited bandwidth and cross-platform support.
How to watch all BBC iPlayer programs
Accessing BBC iPlayer content is easy if you use a VPN wherever you are. In this example, we will use ExpressVPN.
Step 1. Sign in to ExpressVPN.
Step 2. Select a UK-based VPN server.
Step 3. Sign in to BBC iPlayer.
Stage 4. Start watching your favorite BBC shows.
Frequent questions
Why do I need a VPN to stream BBC iPlayer?
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted, so it can only stream when it detects your IP address is in the UK. This means you should use a VPN if you are outside the country and still want to access BBC programmes.
Where is BBC iPlayer available?
BBC iPlayer is available on a variety of devices such as smart TVs, games consoles, set-top boxes, streamers and platforms such as Sky and Virgin Media, just to name a few.
Can BBC iPlayer detect my location if I use a VPN?
It depends on whether it can detect the same server that the platform has previously identified. That’s why it’s better to use a VPN service like ExpressVPN which offers many VPN servers.
What is the best VPN for streaming BBC iPlayer?
ExpressVPN According to our tests, it is the best tool to use. It offers many UK-based VPN servers to help you unblock BBC iPlayer.
