Are you a British expat? You’ve probably been looking for ways to access services like BBC iPlayer and other British TV services, but you’ve not been able to do that from your location. You can get past the geo-blocking by using a high-quality VPN. There are hundreds of VPN services available on the net, and it will be pretty difficult to choose the right one. To help you get the best without scanning through the exhaustive list for weeks to months, we have tested over 100 VPNs and selected the 10 best VPN services to watch British TV. You’ll get fantastic results from anyone you select on this list.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is our best VPN service to perform most online activities, not only using BBC iPlayer. Apart from streaming, you can also use it to play games, make Skype calls in restricted countries, and do other things you are not permitted to do because you’re not in the UK. NordVPN has 5,390 servers across 62 countries, and you will find 690 in the UK alone. This means a faster connection and access to multiple servers. It has a SmartPlay feature for its users to enjoy streaming online. It also provides superfast speed and unlimited data. You can use NordVPN to stream on Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, HBO, and CBS.
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has no limits when you’re streaming British TV with BBC iPlayer. Although it has a relatively smaller number of servers in the UK when compared to NordVPN, it still works fine. With only 3 servers in the UK, NordVPN connects to BBC iPlayer in only a few seconds. When streaming, you can watch in HD without any delays. You need at least 5 Mbps to stream in HD, but ExpressVPN provides you with at least 38 Mbps. It allows connections on up to 5 devices and is compatible with your Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome, routers, and Firefox. It also has great 24/7 live support, so you would get help when you encounter any problems.
3. CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost boasts of over 400 servers in the UK. Each server can access the BBC iPlayer and you can enjoy streaming seamlessly. One reason why we enjoyed testing CyberGhost is its ease of use and simple setup procedure. You can get it running in about five minutes. We suggest that you connect to the BBC iPlayer server manually and not using the quick-connect function. After registering, you get a 45-day money-back guarantee if you sign up for at least 6 months. You also have access to a 24/7 live chat service to answer all your questions. CyberGhost works with Hulu, Disney+, Netflix, and CBS among others. So, you never go out of things to watch.
4. Surfshark
With Surfshark, you get access to unlimited internet and unlimited connections on various devices. Yes, there are no limits. So, once you login to any device irrespective of your location, you can enjoy streaming your BBC iPlayer without hassle. It only has 3 UK locations, but they all access the BBC iPlayer server and stream fast. Also, it has tight security features and gets past geoblocks easily, even in security-tight countries like Russia. Surfshark is very easy to use, and you can find a server in seconds. With this service, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, if you don’t like it, you can always ask for a refund. Just give it a try.
5. VyprVPN
VyprVPN has only 1 server in the UK, but it safely unlocks BBC iPlayer on all your devices. You can use the apps on your mobile phones and also use desktop software. They both work great. We added Vypr on this top 10 list because it is easy to use, has great apps, and streams fast. It protects your privacy by using high-level encryption, so you don’t have to worry about getting blocked or flagged by BBC iPlayer servers. You can also use VyprVPN on other streaming platforms like Netflix, and to watch other British TV channels.
6. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN has 6 servers in the UK and allows you to connect on up to 6 devices simultaneously. Although it is a small VPN, it is very powerful and reliable, as it offers impressive download and upload speeds. You can stream for as fast as 37 Mbps, which means you get to enjoy your Ultra-HD movies with no difficulties. PrivateVPN provides a 24/7 live chat to assist you with setting up and any other support you may need. You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, you can enjoy its premium services for a month.
7. SaferVPN
SaferVPN is both safe and very fast. Its lightning speed connection is one of the main things we like about it. Although you may experience lagging after several hours of streaming, you will enjoy your HD pictures most times. SaferVPN is also very easy to set up. You can connect to the server and start enjoying its service in less than five minutes. They also provide step-by-step guides to help you start and give access to support agents to assist you. SaferVPN works with Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, routers, and Firefox. You can also use it to stream other services like ESPN, HBO, and Amazon Prime Video.
8. Zenmate
Zenmate has more impressive server coverage than many VPN services. It has 3,600 servers in 74 countries and over 270 in the UK alone. Zenmate wastes no time in accessing the BBC iPlayer server. It by-passes the geo-blocks and gets in almost immediately. Also, you will barely experience any interruptions when streaming in HD. It might lag sometimes, but it works fine. You can try the 7-day free trial to see if you would like its features, or you can also go for the 30-day money-back guarantee. In any case, you have nothing to lose.
9. Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield only has servers in 2 UK locations, but these servers are really fast. Although we would have loved more connections, we were still able to get past BBC iPlayer’s geo-restrictions with every server we tried and in different locations around the world. With Hotspot Shield, you do not experience any lagging since all its servers are optimized for streaming. You get lightning speed connection and watch clear HD pictures. You can even set your VPN to connect automatically whenever you open your BBC iPlayer app on your phone, so you can just enjoy streaming as if you’re in the UK. No need to think about bypassing blocks.
10. PureVPN
With 168 servers in the UK, PureVPN is one of the most affordable VPN services for people looking for an easy and cheap way to access BBC iPlayer in restricted countries. It has great apps for your mobile devices and they all come with VPN features you’ll need. The only problem we encountered with this service is that it lags sometimes. However, this is not too frequent. It uses an OpenVPN encryption and a kill switch to keep your data private, so you don’t have to worry about leaks to your ISP. So, if you want great service at a low cost, this is a good pick.
If you do not like using a VPN, you maybe interested in trying some proxies that does the job for you.