Best VPNs for BBC iPlayer 2025: 8 Providers That Will Get Through
Unblock the diverse collection of British shows and movies with a BBC iPlayer VPN. This best VPN for BBC iPlayer guide will have you enjoying a healthy dose of British humor, comedy and classic films while overseas.
Written by Samson Kiarie (Writer)
Reviewed by Sapphire Fox (Editor, Writer)
Last Updated:
All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.
Key Takeaways: BBC iPlayer VPNs
- NordVPN — Best VPN overall with great speeds, advanced features and affordable pricing. NordVPN is available at a 72% discount and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark — Best VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections. You can sign up for Surfshark with a 66% (plus 3 months free) discount and use the 30-day money-back guarantee if you change your mind.
- ExpressVPN — User-friendly VPN with premium performance. ExpressVPN’s yearly plan offers 25% off on the first year with three months free.
- CyberGhost — Affordable and specialized streaming servers.
- PrivadoVPN — Best free plan that unblocks BBC iPlayer.
- VyprVPN — Secure VPN with proprietary chameleon protocol.
Facts & Expert Analysis
- NordVPN and Surfshark are the best VPNs to unlock the whole range of British entertainment if you’re on a budget.
- ExpressVPN unblocks BBC iPlayer with ease on PC, iOS, Android and smart TV devices. Once you get into BBC iPlayer’s content library, you can watch BBC shows and movies in HD.
- PrivadoVPN gives you the option to bypass BBC iPlayer content blocks for free. However, you may want to try a paid option like NordVPN for a fast streaming experience.
BBC iPlayer has a good mix of live TV, sporting events, movies and on-demand shows, allowing you to enjoy your favorite ones while on the go. However, anything broadcast by BBC iPlayer is meant for British eyes only — or at least UK residents. So if you’re outside the UK, you’ll need to use one of the best VPNs for BBC iPlayer to access it.
A U.K. VPN helps you break through the wall of geoblocking to gain access to BBC iPlayer content as though you were in the UK. It unlocks infinite options to binge-watch reality shows, kids content, classic films and weighty dramas like Killing Eve, Peaky Blinders and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, to name a few.
You can even stream Glastonbury live or watch sporting events like the Olympics. In this article, we’ll discuss the best VPNs for BBC iPlayer, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right choice. If you’re in a hurry to get that BBC One live stream outside of the UK, though, NordVPN is the best BBC iPlayer VPN choice for getting into the service.
-
09/05/2022
Updated Windscribe pricing: the paid plan increased to $5.75 per month from $4.08. The Build-a-Plan minimum purchase also increased to $3 from $2.
-
10/17/2023
Updated the article to reflect ExpressVPN’s recent increase of 5 simultaneous connections to 8.
-
10/01/2024
We refreshed these rankings based on the latest VPN testing and market analysis.
-
10/31/2024 Facts checked
Updated the VPN list to include PrivadoVPN as the best free service for BBC iPlayer.
-
02/03/2025 Facts checked
Updated the article to discuss more VPN features and new, provider-specific features that enhance security and streaming experience.
The Best VPNs for BBC iPlayer
- 1
- : PayPal, Credit card, Google Pay, JCB, UnionPay, Bitcoin, Ethereum, X-Coin
- : 10
- :
- :
- :
- :
Average speedDownload Speed91 MbpsUpload Speed9 MbpsLatency8 ms - 2
- : PayPal, Credit card, Google Pay, Amazon Pay
- : Unlimited
- :
- :
- :
- :
Average speedDownload Speed94 MbpsUpload Speed9 MbpsLatency4 ms - 3
- : PayPal, Credit card, Bitcoin, UnionPay, iDeal, Sofort, Giropay, Pixpay, Sepa Direct Debit
- : 8
- :
- :
- :
- :
Average speedDownload Speed91 MbpsUpload Speed9 MbpsLatency5 ms - 4
- : PayPal, Credit card, bitcoin, Amazon Pay
- : 7
- :
- :
- :
- :
Average speedDownload Speed83 MbpsUpload Speed9 MbpsLatency50 ms - 5
- : PayPal, Credit card
- : 10
- :
- :
- :
- :
- 6
- : PayPal, Credit card
- : 5
- :
- :
- :
- :
- 7
- : PayPal, Credit card
- : 10
- :
- :
- :
- :
What Makes the Best VPN for BBC iPlayer?
The best VPNs for BBC iPlayer all need to get round its geoblocking. However, there are a few more criteria — like features and speed — to keep in mind when choosing.
BBC iPlayer is aggressive in blocking VPN users, so you need a VPN that can get around the geoblocking unnoticed. Thankfully, all of the VPNs we’ve chosen are optimized for streaming and can easily get past the BBC iPlayer’s notorious geo-restrictions. They offer servers in the UK, and some even provide dedicated IP addresses at an extra charge.
Fast VPN speeds are essential when it comes to streaming videos on BBC iPlayer, as it allows you to enjoy a great streaming experience free of any buffering or video lag. Not all of our picks are the fastest VPN services you can get, but they’re still good enough for binge-watching HD content.
Luckily, the modern WireGuard protocol implementation ensures the fastest possible streaming speeds, with providers like NordVPN and Surfshark offering optimized versions specifically for their networks.
In addition, look for VPNs with split tunneling configuration options, which let you route only your BBC iPlayer traffic through the UK while maintaining local connections for other apps. As for using a VPN in restrictive locations, the best BBC iPlayer VPNs offer obfuscated servers that disguise VPN traffic as regular web traffic, making it harder for networks to detect and block VPN connections.
Lastly, it’s best to choose a VPN that comes with unlimited bandwidth, as bandwidth limits are a noticeable pain of streaming services such as BBC iPlayer. Also, if the VPN imposes a data cap, there is an imminent risk of getting cut off in the middle of an enthralling drama or football match.
The Top 6 VPNs for BBC iPlayer
Though there are some great VPN choices out there, not all of them work with BBC iPlayer. In this section, we’ll run down the top six BBC iPlayer VPNs to help you find suitable services in terms of feature set and price. NordVPN starts off our list, so let’s dive straight into it.
1. NordVPN — Best VPN for BBC iPlayer
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
The best VPN to access BBC iPlayer content is NordVPN. This VPN has an extensive network of over 440 servers in the UK, making it easy to find a specific server for the best performance. The UK servers are fast enough to support lag-free streaming, but the speeds dip if you’re accessing BBC iPlayer from further away, say, Australia. There are no bandwidth limits to contend with, though.
BBC iPlayer is constantly looking to block VPN users, so NordVPN gives you specialty servers to ensure your IP address is never blocked. The double-VPN server adds an extra layer of encryption, giving the BBC iPlayer algorithms zero chance to detect your actual IP address. What’s more, NordVPN gives you an option to use a dedicated UK IP address to break through BBC iPlayer’s geoblocks.
On that note, NordVPN implements an automatic protocol selection system that intelligently chooses the best protocol for your connection, optimizing both speed and reliability when accessing streaming services. NordVPN has also evolved its security features with Threat Protection Pro, which now includes advanced anti-malware capabilities, phishing protection, and ad blocking.
Another big pro: NordVPN’s SmartPlay technology automatically optimizes your connection for streaming services like BBC iPlayer, combining the security of a VPN with the convenience of Smart DNS.
As a wallet-friendly VPN, NordVPN only sets you back $2.52 per month on the two-year plan. If you’re worried about committing for such an extended period, though, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee for peace of mind. NordVPN may be a better choice if your wallet is spitting dust. It can unblock any service you throw at it, including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and BBC iPlayer, as you can read in our NordVPN review.
- **VAT may apply
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are shown only apply for the first 12 months.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- **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 BBC iPlayer VPN
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
Our next pick is Surfshark, a relatively new VPN that has taken the crowded VPN space by storm, as you can read in our Surfshark review. The VPN service has amassed a server network of over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, including the UK. Its servers in the UK are fast enough to help you catch up on movies and shows on BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Better yet, Surfshark’s Stealth VPN protocol helps bypass strict network restrictions and VPN blocks, ensuring reliable access to BBC iPlayer even on networks that typically block VPN traffic.
Price-wise, Surfshark is in the same echelon as CyberGhost. Its monthly rate isn’t good, but you can bring the cost down when you subscribe to longer plans. The good thing is that each plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
- 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
- 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
- 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. ExpressVPN — Best Easy-to-Use VPN for BBC iPlayer
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
ExpressVPN is one of the best BBC iPlayer VPNs, thanks to its fast speeds and ability to get past geo-restrictions. It makes our best VPN for streaming list, and as you’d expect, it can break through BBC iPlayer’s barriers without issue. Plus, it has many servers in the UK spread across four server locations, giving you a chance to try different UK IP addresses to gain access to BBC iPlayer.
ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer Smart DNS feature allows you to unblock BBC iPlayer on devices that don’t natively support VPN connections, like gaming consoles and certain smart TVs. In addition, ExpressVPN’s Network Lock technology goes beyond a basic kill switch, ensuring zero data leaks that could reveal your actual location to BBC iPlayer.
ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, as you can read in our ExpressVPN review. This means you can watch Doctor Who without interruption in HD. Even better, it comes with unlimited bandwidth, giving you the freedom to binge-watch as many BBC iPlayer shows and movies as you want.
Though ExpressVPN is pretty expensive compared to other VPNs, you get a lot of bang for your buck, including a rich feature set and eight simultaneous connections. Plus, you can save money by opting for a longer plan. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, too, so you’ve got nothing to lose.
- Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
- Unlimited GB
- 8
- Yes
4. CyberGhost
Very Fast
Very Fast
Fast
Next up, we have CyberGhost. It’s not as fast as NordVPN, as you can read in our CyberGhost review. However, its VPN servers are fast enough to deliver the ultimate experience when watching BBC iPlayer content and UK TV channels. There are no bandwidth caps to worry about, though, and it has an easy-to-use interface.
What sets CyberGhost apart from other services on our list is its massive server count (around 7,800 at the time of writing). You’ll be pleased to know that 649 of CyberGhost’s VPN servers are physically located across three cities in the UK. However, the best part is that all of the UK servers are optimized for streaming, so you can enjoy BBC shows devoid of buffering or video lag.
CyberGhost is one of the cheapest VPNs we’ve reviewed, especially over the longer plans. Though it does come with a free trial (one day on desktop and seven days on mobile devices). There’s also a 45-day money-back guarantee for standard subscriptions.
- *The 2-year plan includes 4-months free which breaks down the 56.94 t0 $2.03 per month. *The price under the 2-year plan is billed yearly after the first two years.
- Unlimited GB
- 7
- Yes
5. PrivadoVPN
PrivadoVPN is fifth on our list, but it’s inarguably the best free VPN for BBC iPlayer. You get access to a London-UK server with the free plan, with fast speeds for the first 10GB of data you use. In our testing for our PrivadoVPN review, we found that it unblocks BBC iPlayer with ease.
All of PrivadoVPN’s servers excel at unblocking streaming services such as BBC iPlayer, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. However, after you hit 10GB of data use, PrivadoVPN limits speeds and auto-connects you to the nearest server — you can’t manually choose a UK server to watch BBC iPlayer.
Its free plan is generous, even taking the title for the best free VPN, but it obviously doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles. However, if you decide to go for the paid plan, the monthly price isn’t the best option. Longer plans save you money in the end.
- 10GB
- 1
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
6. VyprVPN
VyprVPN is a good VPN, notably for its security, but it has some great streaming qualities about it, too. In our VyprVPN review, you’ll notice that it was able to get into streaming services such as BBC iPlayer, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video right off the bat.
It doesn’t offer the largest server network (only 700 servers), but its servers in the UK are at the ready to get you past BBC iPlayer restrictions without issues. VyprVPN, through its proprietary Chameleon VPN protocol, offers the perfect work-around for BBC iPlayer’s geoblocking.
VyprVPN comes with 30 simultaneous connections if you sign up through the website — or five if you sign up through the mobile app — and the use of its proprietary Chameleon protocol. A 30-day money-back guarantee is in place, too.
- Unlimited GB
- 5
- Unlimited GB
- 5
- Unlimited GB
- 5
More plans
- Includes 3 Users, $99 per year per additional user, Multiple User Management. Global Business Servers, Dedicated Account Manager
- Unlimited GB
- 3
- Includes 3 Users $99 per year per additional user, Multiple User Management, Your own dedicated server, Fast and easy deployment
- Unlimited GB
- 3
Final Thoughts: Best BBC iPlayer VPN
We hope we’ve helped you find the best VPN service for BBC iPlayer. Whether you’re after some BBC news streaming or want to watch top BBC shows such as Luther, all of the above recommendations will allow you to access BBC iPlayer abroad. Remember, though, that the performance with each VPN varies, so keep that in mind.
NordVPN is the best VPN to access BBC iPlayer abroad, and it works for BBC iPlayer radio, too. If you’re in the U.S. check out our guide on how to watch BBC iPlayer in the U.S.A. NordVPN’s fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth make it a pleasant experience. Trying NordVPN for a month is completely risk-free, as you can use the 30-day money-back guarantee if you end up not liking it.
If you have experience loading a BBC iPlayer stream from another country with a VPN, let us know about it in the comment section below. Check out our other VPN articles and our streaming archive, too. As always, thank you for reading.
FAQ
Yes, if you find a VPN that offers fast and secure servers in the UK, you can access BBC iPlayer content and stream in HD.
NordVPN is the best BBC iPlayer VPN for various reasons, and its lightning-fast speeds and unrivaled ability to unblock streaming services top the list.
PrivadoVPN is the best free BBC iPlayer VPN because its free plan offers a UK server that allow you to bypass BBC iPlayer content blocks.