6 Best VPNs for BBC iPlayer That Really Work – Watch TV Shows & Movies Outside the UK

For many people, the BBC was the first foreign radio service they grew up listening to. Operating from London, the BBC broadcasts in many different foreign languages, making it the largest radio service in the world. From Europe to Africa, Asia to Australia, South America to North America, its powerful signal can be received all over the world.

Today it broadcasts in 40 languages, offering its programs in the local languages of its listeners. In addition to its radio service, it also has a number of television channels, which also target millions of viewers in the UK and abroad.

Why BBC iPlayer?

One of the ways viewers enjoy their programs is through streaming. To do this, they will need the BBC iPlayer. The BBC iPlayer is a paid service, which means that users will have to pay to enjoy the service in the UK. And as you already know, the media house offers a lot of rich programming.

With the BBC iPlayer extension, users can broadcast live programs or catch up with programs they have missed. To make it easily accessible, it runs on Android OS. By design, the service only works in the UK, which locks out the rest of the world.

However, there is a way around it. So, are BBC fans like many people who grew up listening to their quality programming? Do you want to enjoy their programs on the move even if you’re not in the UK? If so, we’ll show you how you can with the BBC iPlayer VPN. Now join us on this extraordinary journey.

6 Best BBC iPlayer VPNs – Comparison Table

Top 6 VPNs for BBC iPlayer

6. Surfshark VPN – User-Friendly VPN for BBC iPlayer

Website: surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30-day

With 3 VPNs in Manchester, Glasgow and London, Surfshark maintains a top position on the list of best VPNs for the BBC iPlayer thanks to the benefits associated with it. For example, if you are having trouble connecting, you won’t have to worry too much as you can easily contact its 24/7 customer service team who will offer you an efficient solution. Also, if you have a small budget, this is the perfect VPN to unlock BBC iPlayer as it is affordable. 

This means that if you are a UK citizen far away from home, you can use this VPN to unlock the streaming site and still have some money left over for other things, unlike when you subscribe to expensive VPN services. Thanks to the strict implementation of the zero-log policy, you can be sure that your privacy will not be compromised. Not to mention that Surfshark’s 256-bit encryption technology plays an important role in hiding your identity.

Supported Client Software: 

Features:

• It has a zero no-log policy
• This VPN has an ad and malware blocker
• Supports BitTorrent file-sharing mechanism 
• Has standard 256-bit encryption technology
• There is an automatic kill switch
• It has 1040 servers deployed in 60 locations around the world

Pros:

• Surfshark is affordable
• This VPN service is easy to use, as you don’t have to be tech-savvy to do that
• With servers in the United Kingdom, unblocking BBC iPlayer is so seamless
• The union of 256-bit encryption, automatic kill switch, leak protection and zero-log policy guarantees user privacy

Cons:

• 3 servers in the United Kingdom are not enough

The only drawback of this VPN service is that it does not have enough servers in the UK. Beyond this drawback, the UK is not a territory with draconian laws, so servers are not at risk. It is therefore safe to say that the servers are good enough to maintain an efficient connection and bypass the streaming site. We can never overestimate the importance of speed in this space. This is particularly important because constant buffering takes the fun out of streaming content online, and the BBC iPlayer is no exception.

However, as this VPN has three servers in the UK, you won’t have the opportunity to experience this every time you bypass and watch BBC iPlayer broadcasts. With this VPN, you can enjoy the interesting BBC programs and other benefits it brings. This is without a doubt one of the best VPNs for iPlayer.

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5. Private VPN – Fast BBC iPlayer VPN

Website: privatevpn.com

Money-back guarantee: 30-day

If you want to break the BBC iPlayer firewalls with ease, you should try PrivateVPN. With 6 servers based in the UK, you know that the developers of this add-on are serious. With this cross-platform VPN, you won’t have to worry that it won’t work well with your operating system. In addition, it has other features that you will find fascinating. 

Supported Client Software: 

Features:

• As its name implies, it offers top-notch security and anonymity
• It has two options for encryption
• It supports the simultaneous connections of six devices

Pros:

• It runs on all the popular operating systems
• This add-on does not keep logs
• It offers top-notch security and privacy
• Apart from BBC iPlayer, this app can also unblock other streaming sites like Netflix

Cons:

• The helpdesk support doesn’t work 24/7, even though there are in-house claims that they do
• If you wish to enjoy BBC iPlayer from China, it needs manual configuration

With around 100 servers spread over 150 locations in total, users can connect to 6 UK servers in London and Manchester. Yes, these UK-based servers are fully optimized for the BBC iPlayer, so you can start watching the site. With a good price plan, this shows that PrivateVPN is one of the best VPN services to bypass the site, as anyone can afford it. Since it prioritizes user privacy, it has no logging policy, no DNS leakage protection and has an Internet kill switch.

The combination of these features guarantees excellent protection and privacy. In other words, it is possible to use this service without fear of cybercriminals following your activities on the Internet. Let’s not forget that with 2048-bit military-grade encryption, you can be sure that your security is guaranteed. 

Read our detailed review of PrivateVPN.

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4. VyprVPN – Big Value of Servers for BBC iPlayer

Website: vyprvpn.com

Money-back guarantee: 30-day

If you need a VPN service that offers incredible speed while unlocking and streaming the BBC iPlayer, choose VyprVPN. Really, this VPN allows you to watch all your favourite programs from the platform even if you’re miles away from the UK. This means that if you live in a country where you can’t access BBC iPlayer programs, you have absolutely nothing to worry about as this VPN technology will help you get around the restrictions. In the end, you will enjoy the streaming site.  

Another advantage that PrivateVPN brings is that it protects you from prying eyes, thanks to its no-logining policy and military-grade encryption. When you sign up, your IP and Internet activities will be hidden, which means that no one will be able to discover the identity of the user. With over 200,000 IP addresses, it’s easy to connect to a server and stream the BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world. Below are some of the features you may find interesting.

Supported Client Software: 

Features:

• It runs on all the world’s leading operating systems
• This add-on has a strong encryption
• There is a kill switch
• It has servers in the UK
• It stores user’s logs (but this function can be turned off)

Pros:

• It speedily connects to the BBC iPlayer
• The apps are user-friendly
• It has an unbelievable speed
• Apart from BBC iPlayer, you can also use it to unblock other streaming sites, such as Netflix

Cons:

• Watching BBC iPlayer on user’s TV is a bit difficult

While other companies reimburse the user if he is not impressed, this add-on offers a different package. On top of that, it works perfectly in China. So, if you read this article from there, you can try it out. On the other hand, it’s a bit more expensive than the rest. And it doesn’t accept the virtual currency payment option either. Beyond these drawbacks, it’s the best VPN for iPlayer.

Read our detailed review of VyprVPN.

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3. ExpressVPN – Value-Packed VPN for BBC iPlayer

Website: expressvpn.com

Money-back guarantee: 30-day

Over the years, ExpressVPN has earned a reputation as the VPN leader in bypassing geographic restrictions. And BBC iPlayer is one of the streaming sites that you can effortlessly bypass using the technical magic of ExpressVPN. The BBC is one of the world’s most trusted media companies, delivering credible, entertaining and verifiable content to millions of homes worldwide. With this VPN service, you can safely bypass site restrictions and enjoy the rich content of the BBC iPlayer. 

To unlock and watch BBC iPlayer using this VPN service, you will need to follow three simple steps. First, subscribe to ExpressVPN, connect to a secure server in the UK and then start streaming on-demand TV content. With over 30,000 IP addresses in over 3,000 servers deployed in 160 locations, this VPN service is invaluable. Well, ExpressVPN has other fascinating features as you’ll soon see. 

Supported Client Software:  

Features:

• It offers exciting extras, such as streaming
• Lots of protocols are enabled on it
• It does not record logs
• Comes with a kill switch
• It has 3000+ servers deployed across 160 locations

Pros:

• This addon for BBC iPlayer supports all known operating systems
• It has a strong encryption as well as top-notch security features
• Users will find it easy to use
• There is a dedicated helpdesk for complaint resolution
• The speed of this app is extremely fast

Cons:

• There are cheaper products that offer similar services

At this point, you have seen the features, advantages and disadvantages of ExpressVPN. Make no mistake, this is one of the best VPN services for BBC iPlayer as it wastes no time in unlocking the pay stream site – thanks to the 6 servers it has in the UK. It does, however, have standard 256-bit encryption technology which ensures that no-one will be able to decrypt your data when you stream the site.

In other words, you can live in a draconian jurisdiction while bypassing the UK streaming platform for your viewing pleasure. What’s more, this VPN service runs on the iOS, Android, Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems, which are the most popular platforms. There is no doubt that this VPN service is a must.

Read our detailed review of ExpressVPN.

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2. NordVPN – Privacy BBC iPlayer VPN

Website: nordvpn.com

Money-back guarantee: 30-day

Here’s another premium VPN service you can use to unlock BBC iPlayer and start streaming its rich content. From NordVPN’s servers in the UK you can access the streaming company, bypassing local restrictions. There are a number of factors that distinguish NordVPN from other services. Firstly, it has an extensive network of servers, which means it has a global footprint. Technically, it has over 690 servers in the UK to access the BBC iPlayer. That’s a lot! 

What’s more, your connection is secure every time you broadcast the BBC iPlayer – thanks to NordVPN’s military-grade encryption. With its dual VPN, which encrypts your data twice, those living in draconian locations wouldn’t have to worry about their government tracking their online activities. You can access the UK streaming site from NordVPN’s servers in the UK from your mobile devices and computer. If you are having difficulty logging on to the site, you should contact their customer service department. The team works around the clock and will be more than willing to help you. There are other features that make this VPN special.

Supported Client Software: 

Features:

• There is a kill switch
• It supports protocols, such as IKEv2/IPSec and OpenVPN
• It allows the simultaneous connection of 6 devices
• This add-on has over 5,100 servers hosted across 60+ locations

Pros:

• With many servers in the UK, the BBC iPlayer streams seamlessly are in HD
• It is a user-friendly add-on
• Apart from BBC iPlayer, users can also stream other sites, such as Netflix
• It blocks unnecessary ads
• The helpdesk stays online 24/7 to tackle users’ complaints

Cons:

• The add-on doesn’t work in China

Thanks to its superb ad blocking capabilities, you can be sure that you won’t see ads appearing from time to time when you play the BBC iPlayer. Although this VPN service is not so affordable, it does offer many advantages. You certainly wouldn’t want to stream the site while the HD video is buffered, would you? Well, that’s another advantage of using this VPN service.

You see, it has unlimited bandwidth and a vast array of servers, which makes it impressively spread. Interestingly, this VPN keeps updating its configuration just to keep your connection secure and enhance your viewing pleasure. With all these advantages and many more, the NordVPN has permanently marked the minds of many users as one of the best BBC iPlayer VPNs. Indeed, it is a must. 

Read our detailed review of NordVPN.

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1. CyberGhost – Affordable VPN for BBC iPlayer

Website: cyberghostvpn.com

Money-back guarantee: 45-day

If you live outside the United Kingdom, you may not be able to access the full content. CyberGhost VPN is one of the best VPNs for streaming the BBC iPlayer from outside the UK. With interesting shows streamed over the platform, you can be sure to stay in touch even if you don’t live in the UK. Interestingly, this VPN is easy to install and use, as you don’t need to be a technology expert to do so. 

With its 3 step installation process you will bypass all the restrictions of the pay streaming site and start enjoying your favorite programs. Plus, with servers fully optimized for the streaming site, you can be sure to get an exceptional viewing experience. Of the 5,700 servers worldwide, CyberGhost has 694 servers in the UK. With this, limited bandwidth, throttling and buffering will never be a challenge. In truth, all these gains explain why CyberGhost remains one of the best VPNs to unlock the BBC iPlayer.

Supported Client Software: 

Features:

• It supports protocol like OpenVPN
• There is strong privacy and security
• With 5,700 servers, they are scattered across over 112 locations
• It runs on all the popular operating systems
• It is specially designed for powerful Windows users

Pros:

• It has a decent long-term plan
• This add-on blocks malicious websites and ads
• With automated HTTPS redirect, it provides tight connection
• The customer care support team is very active and helpful
• Apart from BBC VPN, you can also use it to unblock Netflix

Cons:

• There are no enough advanced features

The truth is that the 10 million people who use this add-on cannot be wrong. Besides, what? It works by allowing you to choose a video server on the site to allow you to unlock it. It is capable of supporting 7 devices simultaneously, which is commendable. Note that we have already looked at products that offer 5 devices. Technically, this gives you much more value. Now join a growing list of users who depend on this add-on to enjoy BBC iPlayer and other similar services.

Read our detailed review of CyberGhost.

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Watching BBC iPlayer for Free

If you are going to order one of the add-ons for BBC iPlayer that we have reviewed above, then you no longer need a free VPN for BBC iPlayer. However, with the help of the UK VPN for BBC iPlayer, you no longer need to buy a license to watch TV shows.

In other words, with this application running on your device, you can watch movies and shows anywhere in the world. You can also use an add-on that offers a free trial period. But if you opt for a completely free add-on, note that it still has limited bandwidth, poor speed and limited switching between servers.

From EastEnders to Cuckoo or even the League of Gentlemen, there are plenty of entertaining, educational and interesting programs you can watch on the BBC iPlayer. Well, you can only stream all these interesting programs if you’re based in the UK. However, outside the UK, it’s a different story, because you can’t stream the programme for free. So you will need a VPN to allow you to bypass firewalls.

So, if you are outside the UK, you can use one of the VPN services we have discussed in this guide. To do this you need to choose and connect to the server in the UK and then open the BBC iPlayer web page. At this point the coast is clear and you can now start streaming the site. With a VPN service, you can watch the broadcasts with the assurance of optimum speed and privacy.

When it comes to free VPNs, you’ve seen all the shortcomings. To make matters worse, they often sell their subscribers’ data to third-party advertising companies. The proceeds from these sales pay for their overhead. When you have a VPN service provider that trades your data for money, then the privacy associated with the VPN is compromised. In this case, you put your personal information, privacy and security at risk.

VPNs That Don’t Work with BBC iPlayer

The BBC team doesn’t sleep a wink. They are always on the lookout for VPN services used to bypass their services. As soon as they detect them, they are quick to block the VPNs. In our tests, some VPN services were blocked to prevent the UK-based streaming site from being bypassed. In this segment, we’ll highlight a few of them.

• HideMyAss: Until now, HideMyAss was one of the best VPNs used to unlock content for BBC iPlayer. However, after performing a series of tests on these VPNs, we discovered that this service can no longer unlock content from the streaming site. We therefore strongly advise you to avoid this VPN if you wish to unlock the BBC iPlayer.
• Private Internet Access (PIA): Here is a highly sought after single VPN that has been blocked by the British streaming giant. In the past, PIA was able to bypass a number of geo-blocked sites, including the BBC iPlayer. However, our findings show that it is no longer possible to bypass the site. Therefore, you should avoid this service if you want to use it to unblock the site.  
• SuperVPN: This is a free VPN that is specially designed for Android devices. It allows users to broadcast a lot of ads, and it could unlock the BBC iPlayer until now. When we tested it, we noticed that this VPN no longer bypasses the platform. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you avoid it.
• VPNTunnel: Well, this VPN has been around for a while now. Just like other premium services, it has unlimited bandwidth, good speed, lots of IP addresses and could bypass paid streaming sites. However, the VPNTunnel no longer bypasses this platform.
• EarthVPN: With wide distribution in 190 physical locations around the world, EarthVPN was one of the most popular VPN services at one time. Today, the picture has changed as VPN cannot bypass the BBC iPlayer and has become a shadow of its former self. 

How to Choose the Right VPN for BBC iPlayer

In order to choose the most appropriate VPN for the BBC iPlayer, there are a number of factors to consider. These factors are as follows:

• Server proximity: One of the factors to consider before choosing the right VPN for BBC iPlayer is the proximity of the server. If the VPN service provider has a large network of servers, this is a plus. This means that it will be able to unlock many paid geo-restricted sites, including BBC iPlayer.
• Connection speed: Although the VPN connection generally slows down the speed of the Internet connection, the degree of impact varies from one VPN to another. In addition, VPNs have different speeds, so you should always pay attention to the speed of the VPNs before choosing a particular service.
• Privacy (anonymity) of connection: There are policies and functions that work together to ensure that VPN users remain safe and that their activities are private. Some of these are the no-log policy, encryption technology, no DNS leak, etc. When one or more of these elements are not available, it is certainly not a good VPN service to unlock the BBC iPlayer.
• Helpdesk support: We cannot overestimate the importance of a support team working around the clock to ensure that users get the most out of their streaming experience. If a VPN service provider works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, it means that the team will be able to help you whenever you encounter technical issues. Most top VPN service providers respond to these messages through live chats. 

Overall, these are the most important factors considered for the best BBC iPlayer VPN.

Overall Conclusion

In conclusion, you have the best VPNs for the BBC iPlayer. The BBC is continually improving its technology to spot and block add-ons that have bypassed its firewalls. This explains why a VPN could work today and could stop working the next day.

Stop looking for a free BBC iPlayer VPN, a free BBC iPlayer VPN or a free BBC VPN; take advantage of the trial period for these add-ons. Then check if they can actually unlock BBC iPlayer. The reason for this is that we have already told you about the shortcomings of the free add-ons for BBC iPlayer.

Basically, this guide reviews the latest add-ons that can bypass BBC firewalls and allow you to enjoy all the company’s programs. Whether you are in China or another similar jurisdiction, you can enjoy everything BBC iPlayer has to offer with an add-on. Yes, any of the above add-ons will be the perfect VPN for watching BBC programs.