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How to Get an Acorn TV Free Trial in 2026: Acorn TV Roku Free Trial

If you’re into U.K. TV shows that aren’t popular on major streaming platforms, Acorn TV may have just what you need. We show you how to start an Acorn TV free trial and enjoy the content library for 14 days without spending a dime.

Andrej Hadji-VasilevSandra PattisonAlison Spedale

Written by Andrej Hadji-Vasilev (Writer)

Reviewed by Sandra Pattison (Editor, Writer)

Facts checked by Alison Spedale (Fact-checking editor)

Last Updated:

All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.

How to Get an Acorn TV Free Trial
Key Takeaways: How to Get an Acorn TV Free Trial
  1. Sign up for a VPN with servers in a country where Acorn TV is available, such as NordVPN.
  2. Download the VPN client, install it, and log in with your account.
  3. Find a server in an Acorn TV-supported country, such as the Netherlands, and connect to it.
  4. Go to Acorn TV’s website and sign up for a free trial.

Best VPNs to Get an Acorn TV Free Trial:

  1. NordVPN — Best VPN to unblock streaming sites, with cutting-edge security and fast speeds. Get 76% off the first two years with NordVPN, covered by its 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. Surfshark — Best budget-friendly streaming VPN, with unlimited simultaneous device connections. Surfshark’s best deal is available at an 87% discount.
  3. Proton VPN — A privacy-first VPN with stable speeds for streaming Acorn TV. Try the free plan or get 70% off paid plans.
  4. ExpressVPN — Most beginner-friendly streaming VPN, with unmatched unblocking ability. Sign up now to get 73% off the first two years.

Acorn TV Free Trials: Facts & Expert Analysis

  • Acorn TV is a niche streaming service that offers mostly U.K.-made shows and movies.
  • You can sign up for a 14-day Acorn TV free trial to check out the service and see whether you like it.
  • If you don’t live in one of the supported regions, you can use a VPN to access the Acorn TV content library. We recommend using NordVPN.
Best VPN for Acorn TV

If you’re looking for lesser-known U.K. TV shows, streaming services like Acorn TV should be on your shortlist. The service offers a solid variety of content and a free trial so you can try it out. 

Launched in 2011, Acorn TV is a relatively small player in the streaming scene compared to household names in the industry. However, it has a solid selection of carefully curated content that resulted in a huge increase in paid subscribers several years ago.  

  • 10/01/2024 Facts checked

    We revised the VPN rankings to account for new security measures and speed enhancements.

  • 03/28/2026

    I updated the article with a new VPN ranking section with four providers and an updated Key Takeaways section.

What Is Acorn TV?

Acorn TV is a niche streaming service that offers crime, drama, mysteries and comedy content primarily created in the U.K. A large selection of the content you can watch on Acorn TV is not available on other streaming services, making it an attractive choice for fans of that type of content.

The service comes at a monthly price of $6.99 or an annual price of $69.99 in the U.S., though pricing varies by region. If you aren’t sure whether the subscription is worth it, you can sign up for a free Acorn TV trial. 

Where Is Acorn TV Available?

Acorn TV is not available everywhere — you can only access it in a handful of countries in Europe, North America, Latin America and Oceania. It is completely unavailable in Asia. If you live in or travel to a country where Acorn TV isn’t available, you can use a virtual private network (VPN) to watch content — we’ll show you how further down.

You can access Acorn TV in certain countries via third-party platforms such as Apple TV, iTunes, Android TV, Google Play, Amazon Fire TV and Roku. Below is a full list of countries where Acorn TV is currently available: 

EuropeOceaniaNorth AmericaLatin America
🇩🇰 Denmark🇦🇺 Australia🇦🇸 American Samoa🇦🇷 Argentina
🇳🇱 Netherlands🇳🇿 New Zealand🇨🇦 Canada🇨🇱 Chile
🇳🇴 Norway🇬🇺 Guam🇨🇴 Colombia
🇸🇪 Sweden🇲🇭 Marshall Islands🇨🇷 Costa Rica
🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇵🇷 Puerto Rico🇸🇻 El Salvador
🇺🇸 United States🇬🇹 Guatemala
🇺🇸 U.S. Military🇭🇳 Honduras
🇺🇲 U.S. Minor Outlying Islands🇲🇽 Mexico
🇻🇮 Virgin Islands🇳🇮 Nicaragua
🇵🇦 Panama
🇵🇾 Paraguay
🇵🇪 Peru

How Do I Get an Acorn TV Free Trial?

Starting a free trial of Acorn TV is very simple if you’re in a supported country — we’ll show you how to do so below. If you’re not in a region where Acorn TV is available, you can start a free trial using a VPN — just make sure you use a VPN with a money-back guarantee to receive a refund when you’re done with the trial.

  1. Sign up for a VPN

    Sign up for NordVPN by going to its website and grabbing a 76% discounted plan risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

    nordvpn step 1
  2. Download and install the VPN client

    Head over to the VPN’s download area, find the client for your operating system and download it. Once the download finishes, run the file and follow the instructions to install.

    download nordvpn
  3. Connect to a VPN server

    Launch the newly-installed VPN app and log in with your account. Find a server in a country where Acorn TV is available, for example the Netherlands, and connect to it.

    nordvpn netherlands connect
  4. Go to the Acorn TV Website

    In your web browser, navigate to the Acorn TV website. In the upper right corner, click “start free trial.” 

    acorntv trial 1
  5. Start the Registration Process

    Once the page opens, click “start your free trial.”

    acorntv trial 2
  6. Register an Account

    Enter your email address and password and click “create account.” On the next page, enter your payment information and choose a subscription. Once you’ve created your account, click the link to navigate to the Acorn TV login screen and log in. 

    acorntv trial 3
  7. Log In and Watch Content

    Enter the email address and password you just used to register, and log in. You should now be able to watch content on Acorn TV. Don’t forget to cancel your free trial after 14 days — otherwise, you’ll be charged.

    acorntv trial 4

Is There an Acorn TV App?

Yes — though you can access the content library in a browser, there is also an app for almost all devices. You can download the mobile app from your device’s app store, and you can get apps for smart TVs and streaming devices from their respective app stores.

MacOS users can install the Acorn TV app on a desktop device, but if you’re a Windows user, you’ll need to use a browser. 

Can I Get Acorn TV on Roku?

Yes, you can get Acorn TV on Roku. All you need to do is add the Acorn TV channel and log in with your credentials. You can also create an account through Roku if needed once you’ve added the channel to your device, and you can even start an Acorn TV free trial via Roku.

Keep in mind that by using this method, your subscription will be added to your Roku account, so you’ll need to manage it from there.

How Do I Watch Acorn TV With a VPN?

If you don’t live in a supported country, you’ll need to use a VPN to take advantage of the free trial or to watch content if you’re paying for a subscription. We’ll explain how to do so using NordVPN as an example.

  1. Register for and Download a VPN

    Go to the NordVPN website and click “get started” in the upper right corner or “get NordVPN” in the middle of the page. Follow the instructions to create an account and download NordVPN for your device.

    nordvpn step 1
  2. Log in to the VPN App

    Open the NordVPN app on your device and log in. 

    nordvpn login
  3. Connect to a VPN Server

    In the NordVPN app, open the list of available servers. Choose a location where AcornTV is supported and click the server.

    nordvpn netherlands connect
  4. Log in to Acorn TV

    Go to the Acorn TV website and click “log in” in the upper right corner. Enter your login email and password. You should now be able to watch the available content.

    accorntv vpn 4

What Are the Best VPNs for Watching Acorn TV?

The best VPNs for watching Acorn TV are NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN and ExpressVPN, which can all handle streaming without interruptions. NordVPN is our top VPN for the task, but the others are all worth considering depending on your needs. Let’s take a look at each of them.

1. NordVPN — Best VPN for Watching Acorn TV

nordvpn uk server
NordVPN is the top service for streaming, including accessing Acorn TV.

Pros

  • Unblocks streaming apps
  • Has the fastest speeds
  • Affordable long-term plans

Cons

  • Mobile interface isn’t great

Break free from geo-restrictions — sign up for NordVPN with a 76% discount today.

down md
Download
288 Mbps
up md
Upload
48 Mbps
lat md
Latency
7 ms
Very Fast
Source: Cloudwards VPN Speed Test. We test daily. Data from 03/16/26 to 04/13/26
Data for region:

NordVPN is the top choice for a VPN and can effortlessly access Acorn TV. It’s quicker than most other VPNs. You’ll have access to thousands of servers, plus excellent security features. Acorn TV is accessible in the U.S., U.K., Netherlands, and a few other regions, so with NordVPN’s extensive network, you have many options to connect to a supported location.

NordVPN’s app comprises a nifty interactive map that you can use to select servers around the world. NordVPN has an affordable two-year plan available. Yes, it means signing up for two years from the get-go, but there is a 30-day money-back guarantee in place for peace of mind. You can read our NordVPN review for more details.

Plus
  • *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
  • Unlimited GB
  • 10
  • Yes
Complete
  • *The prices are shown only apply for the first 12 months.
  • Unlimited GB
  • 10
  • Yes
Prime
  • **The prices are applicable only for the first 24 months. Secure, high-speed VPN Threat Protection Pro™: Anti-malware and advanced browsing protection Threat Protection Pro™: Ad and tracker blocker Password manager with Data Breach Scanner 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage Identity and SSN monitoring and alerts Credit monitoring services Up to $1M in identity theft insurance Up to $100K in cyber extortion insurance
  • 10

2. Surfshark — Best Budget VPN for Watching Acorn TV

surfshark uk server
Surfshark’s low-cost plans are great for households with lots of devices.

Pros

  • Strong security suite options
  • Solid security
  • Excellent speeds

Cons

  • Expensive month-to-month plan

Access your favorite shows from anywhere — try Surfshark risk-free for 30 days and save 87%.

down md
Download
289 Mbps
up md
Upload
48 Mbps
lat md
Latency
23 ms
Very Fast
Source: Cloudwards VPN Speed Test. We test daily. Data from 03/16/26 to 04/13/26
Data for region:

Surfshark is a solid VPN choice for streaming Acorn TV and more. You can connect to a wide range of locations, including the U.S. and U.K., where Acorn TV is available, thanks to its extensive server network. Your plan lets you connect unlimited devices at once, perfect for the whole family to stream British dramas together.

The best value Surfshark plans (30-day money-back guarantee included) are the 24-month subscriptions, as we explain in our Surfshark review. These long-term plans cut down costs drastically because paying month by month is very expensive. You can take advantage of Surfshark’s 30-day money-back guarantee.

Surfshark Starter
  • Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
  • Unlimited GB
  • Unlimited
  • Yes
Surfshark One
  • Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
  • Unlimited GB
  • Unlimited
Surfshark One+
  • Everything in One, plus Data removal Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
  • Unlimited GB
  • Unlimited

3. Proton VPN — Best Privacy-Focused VPN for Watching Acorn TV

proton vpn uk server
Proton VPN provides private connections for streaming Acorn TV.

Pros

  • Stable U.S. speeds
  • Free plan available (no data caps)
  • Strong privacy & security suite

Cons

  • Free plan doesn’t allow manual server selection

Try Proton VPN free or save 70% on a paid plan — backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

down md
Download
275 Mbps
up md
Upload
46 Mbps
lat md
Latency
8 ms
Very Fast
Source: Cloudwards VPN Speed Test. We test daily. Data from 03/16/26 to 04/13/26
Data for region:

If you’re reading an article about getting a free trial, chances are you appreciate a good deal, and Proton VPN fits nicely into that equation. Its plans offer reliable access to international servers, which pair well with Acorn TV’s 14-day free trial for uninterrupted streaming.

In our recent tests, Proton VPN delivered impressively consistent download speeds. On the security front, Proton VPN is based in privacy-friendly Switzerland and backs up its strict no-logs policy with independent audits. You can read our Proton VPN review for more details or take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Free
  • Unlimited GB
  • 1
  • Yes
Proton VPN Plus
  • 500 GB storage 1 user 15 extra email addresses for you Support for 3 custom email domains Unlimited folders and labels Unlimited hide-my-email aliases Dedicated customer support Ultra fast and private VPN Encrypted password manager Encrypted cloud storage for photos and documents Advanced account protection
  • Unlimited GB
  • 10
  • Yes
Proton Unlimited
  • **Renewal prices differ for the 1-year and the 2-year plans. Price includes all premium Proton services (Proton Mail, Calendar, Drive, VPN, Pass, & Wallet)
  • Unlimited GB
  • 10

4. ExpressVPN — Best User-Friendly VPN for Watching Acorn TV

expressvpn uk server
ExpressVPN is easy to use for beginners with an intuitive interface.

Pros

  • Unlocks all streaming apps
  • Easy-to-use app
  • Fast speeds

Cons

  • Expensive plans

Stream without limits — join ExpressVPN now and get 73% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee.

down md
Download
229 Mbps
up md
Upload
38 Mbps
lat md
Latency
5 ms
Very Fast
Source: Cloudwards VPN Speed Test. We test daily. Data from 03/16/26 to 04/13/26
Data for region:

ExpressVPN is a great option for streaming Acorn TV. It’s quick and effortlessly unblocks streaming services, so you barely notice you’re using a VPN. It has a vast server network, allowing you to access content from various countries, including all the regions where Acorn TV is offered. With ExpressVPN’s robust security, you can feel safe while doing so.

There’s an app for almost every device, and they’re all user-friendly, even for newcomers. You can read our ExpressVPN review if you’re not quite convinced, or try it for yourself with the 30-day money-back guarantee.

ExpressVPN Basic
  • Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
  • Unlimited GB
  • 10
  • Yes
ExpressVPN Advanced
  • Advanced Protection, ExpressVPN Keys, 3 days unlimited eSIM data, Identity Monitoring, IDP Insurance, Credit Monitoring, 25-50% off on Aircove Router Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
  • Unlimited GB
  • 12
ExpressVPN Pro
  • Everything on the Advanced Plan, Credit Monthly Report, Data Removal, 50-75% off on Aircove Router Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
  • Unlimited GB
  • 14

What Can I Watch on Acorn TV?

Acorn TV has plenty of shows you can enjoy even if you’re only on the two-week free trial. Here is a short list of some of the most popular shows to watch:

Final Thoughts

If you want to watch niche shows that aren’t available in most streaming services’ content libraries, Acorn TV might have just what you’re looking for. The service is an affordable way to access excellent content, and it offers a 14-day free trial that lets you check out everything that’s available.

If you’re not in one of the officially supported regions, using a VPN such as NordVPN is the best way to start the free trial and enjoy content. Skeptical? Put NordVPN to the test yourself — its 30-day money-back guarantee means you can try it without any financial commitment.

Have you subscribed to Acorn TV yet? What’s your favorite show so far? Let us know in the comments, and as always, thank you for reading. 

FAQ: Get an Acorn TV Free Trial

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