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5 Best VPNs for BBC iPlayer Outside UK in 2023

Last updated: August 30, 2023

William Sams

BBC iPlayer works on and off with different VPN services. I last connected on July 2022 from abroad to watch the famous “Peaky Blinders.” I used ExpressVPN to unblock the VoD service!

BBC iPlayer works on and off with different VPN services. Do you want to know which is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer outside UK? I last connected on August 2023 outside UK to watch the famous “Peaky Blinders.” I used ExpressVPN to unblock the VoD service!

In this guide, we’ll tell you how you can be able to watch BBC iPlayer using the best VPN for BBC iPlayer streaming outside UK in no time from overseas! As we all know, the BBC iPlayer is UK based streaming platform that has imposed geo-restrictions and can only be accessed with a UK IP address outside UK. So whether you’re a British ex-pat living overseas or simply want to watch your favorite show from home, you need to use a VPN to unblock its services outside UK.

When reviewing the best VPN for BBC iPlayer outside UK, we reviewed over 50 VPNs. Out of them, only a few have been able to unblock this streaming content and maintain high-quality video performance.

ExpressVPN has always been the best VPN for streaming outside UK due to its extensive server network, great unblocking skills, and flawless speeds so that you can enjoy iPlayer streaming without buffering outside UK. You can try also ExpressVPN free trial for 30 days outside UK.

Moreover, the other 4 best VPN services also unlock access to other well-known streaming sites like US Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, ESPN, and many others. These best VPNs for BBC iPlayer outside UK also boast top-notch speeds, offer a wide variety of server options, and high-end encryption to keep your real location anonymous.

Best VPN for BBC iPlayer Outside UK in 2023: Quick Summary

For those of you who want to know which VPN works best with BBC iPlayer outside UK, here is a quick review. Our testing revealed that these were the top 5 BBC iPlayer VPNs outside UK. We’ll go through all 5 in depth later.

Best BBC iPlayer VPN outside UK: Quick Comparison

Best VPN for BBC iPlayer Outside UK in 2023: In-depth Analysis

The best VPN for BBC iPlayer is ExpressVPN outside UK, continue reading to find out why. Also check out these others that work smoothly with BBC iPlayer outside UK, described in detail after comparing their costs, Trustpilot ratings, and streaming features:

1. ExpressVPN: Best VPN for 4K Streaming on BBC iPlayer Outside UK

Key Features

ExpressVPN is incredibly apt at unblocking all kinds of geo-restricted sites in UK. For my testing, I connected to 5 different servers: UK – Berkshire, London, Berkshire 2, East London, and Kent.

All servers successfully unblocked the BBC iPlayer streaming platform outside UK, including other VoDs like Disney Plus with ExpressVPN in UK, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and more – thanks to the strong AES-256-GCM encryption and leak-free connection.

Apart from this, ExpressVPN offers multiple protocol support, over 3000 global servers that deliver speedy performance outside UK, 24/7 live chat support, and much more. This fast speed makes ExpressVPN, Best VPN for Roku in UK and Best VPN for QQ Music in UK.

ExpressVPN has a download speed of 89.42 Mbps, which is perfect for torrenting and p2p. You will have an upload speed of 84.64 Mbps. These were the results recorded on the ExpressVPN speed test on 100 Mbps internet in UK.

ExpressVPN offers its own router in UK firmware, which users can either download and install for free if they want to watch BBC iPlayer on a streaming device that doesn’t natively support VPNs. Get ExpressVPN free trial in UK to try out this service risk-free.

Read the complete ExpressVPN review UK!

2. Surfshark: Affordable VPN to Unblock BBC iPlayer Outside UK

Key Features

The reason why I list Surfshark second is because of its affordability which makes it the best budget VPN in UK. The price is unmatched in the marketplace of VPNs. Despite this, it goes head-to-head against top names like NordVPN and ExpressVPN.

Just make sure to switch the protocol from the outdated IKEv2 to the OpenVPN (TCP) protocol after installing Surfshark. Otherwise, you will encounter the “proxy” error.

You can unlock a variety of platforms with Surfshark as it is the best VPN for Clash of Clans outside UK among others, such as the best VPN for Elden Ring outside UK, etc. Surfshark is equipped to bypass geo-restrictions and get access to the streaming platforms, this way you can watch Netflix with Surfshark, Hulu with Surfshark, Disney+ with Surfshark, and most importantly BBC iPlayer with Surfshark.

You can get a refund if you cancel your Surfshark subscription outside UK. Read Surfshark Review UK to learn more.

3. NordVPN: Most Secure VPN to Bypass BBC iPlayer Restrictions Outside UK

Key Features

NordVPN is the best secure VPN to access with BBC iPlayer outside UK. With over 5600servers 59 placed worldwide, NordVPN BBC iPlayer VPN has been providing exemplary unblocking facilities to users across the globe.

For the UK alone, they have a whopping 700+ exclusive servers for its users to unblock BBC iPlayer with NordVPN outside UK, Hulu with NordVPN in UK, and other streaming services as well, like Netflix with NordVPN UK and Disney+, etc.

The UK server list at NordVPN is comprehensive, and it even informs you about the current server usage and overload notifications. If one of them is not working, just switch and connect to the next one on the list.

You shouldn’t have any trouble streaming in HD or even 4K because his service had one of the best results in our NordVPN speed test UK featuring a download speed of 83.82 Mbps and an upload speed of 76.12 Mbps.

Strong encryption and a rigorous zero-logs policy provide great security and confidentiality of your personal information, including your IP address. With NordVPN you are promised AES-256-Bit military grade encryption. It provides secure access to different platforms and websites for example it is the best VPN for Nascar in UK and the best VPN for DSTV in UK and more.

For me, it took two to three server switches to connect to BBC iPlayer, despite selecting those with a high server load already.

NordVPN offers a 7-day trial in UK for iOS and Android users and a 30-day money-back guarantee on all of its subscription plans. Read the detailed NordVPN review UK!

4. CyberGhost – Dedicated servers are available for BBC iPlayer Outside UK

Key features

CyberGhost is another popular VPN service outside UK that has added the capability not just to unblock BBC iPlayer outside UKbut also to deliver fast and high-quality streaming. The method of bypassing the restrictions is quite simple too.

The CyberGhost apps allow you to select a dedicated server based on the streaming platform you wish to unblock. Open the app and click on the streaming option will display a long selection of well-known streaming services, including BBC iPlayer outside UK. To connect, simply select that option, and the app will connect you to the iPlayer server.

Fast speeds from CyberGhost should be more than enough for high-definition video streaming outside UK. For secure streaming. It uses high-level encryption with perfect forward secrecy automated kill switch.

You get to enjoy your favorite streaming services with CyberGhost like BBC iPlayer and others including Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ in UK.

Apart from this, CyberGhost offers up to 7 simultaneous connections, dedicated client apps, OpenVPN protocol support, live chat support, and over 6000+ servers 88 worldwide, with 600 of them situated in the United Kingdom.

Along with amazing speed attested by CyberGhost Speed Test featuring a download speed of 75.47 Mbps and an upload speed of 69.34 Mbps on a 100 Mbps internet connection in UK.

5. PureVPN: Offers reliable servers in the UK to access BBC iPlayer Outside UK

Key Features

If you click on the “Streaming” tab, on the left corner of the app, you will find a list of channels available to unblock. Simply click on “BBC iPlayer” outside UK and wait a few seconds for the UK version of the website to open up on your browser.

You can even unblock BBC iPlayer through manual server switches outside UK. For me, it took two to three server switches to connect to BBC iPlayer, despite going for those with a high server load already.

With fast streaming, tested through PureVPN speed test UK, you are promised quick and uninterrupted access to Netflix, Disney+, Hulu and most importantly BBC iPlayer with PureVPN outside UK.

We received a download speed of 74.12 Mbps and an upload speed of 38.48 Mbps on a 100 Mbps internet connection.

PureVPN servers were quite reliable as we were able to make the most of our experience outside UK.

Why Do You Need VPN for BBC Player Outside UK?

BBC iPlayer is only accessible if you have a UK IP address outside UK, hence it is unavailable to people living outside the UK. However, there is a loophole to that, you can trick BBC into thinking you are living in the UK by changing your IP address outside UK. The iPlayer was BBC’s attempt to make its programming more accessible to viewers by allowing them to stream it online. However, just like Netflix, it encounters licensing issues that lead to geo-restricting licensed content.

It is because of these licensing issues from production houses of different movies/documentaries/TV shows that users are forced to seek other means of accessing the complete BBC iPlayer content outside UK.

That is why you need a BBC iPlayer VPN to access this streaming service outside UK, despite the platform imposing a ban on VPNs.

How to choose the Best VPN for BBC iPlayer outside UK: Methodology

You can unblock this British entertainment service by using reliable VPNs, that too on a budget. We made sure each VPN tested for BBC iPlayer outside UK had the capabilities you’d need for quick, dependable access to the website. Consider these factors before choosing the best VPN for BBC iPlayer for you.

• Unblocks BBC iPlayer: A VPN should have reliable UK servers if you want constant access to BBC iPlayer outside UK. Even better, it needs to offer multiple UK connections in case one is difficult to use or slow due to congestion. All of the VPNs on this list have a minimum of 5 UK servers respectively.
• High-Speed: The maximum resolution of BBC iPlayer is 1080HD, which requires download speeds of at least 5 Mbps. I speed-tested each VPN on this list to make sure it can handle HD streaming. You can enjoy unlimited streaming because they all offer limitless data.
• Device Compatibility: All the VPNs I suggested were compatible with the most widely used platforms, including Linux, Windows, Android, and iOS. Additionally, I made sure the apps were simple to use and install. Each VPN supports simultaneous use on several devices.
• Efficient Customer Service: Your VPN should have quick and effective customer care to solve your queries on time. A 24/7 live chat option is much better for getting responses immediately via live chat or email forms. These suggested VPNs offer dependable customer service with prompt responses.
• Money-back Policy: Any quality VPN includes a money-back guarantee option on their subscription plans for users to try their service capabilities risk-free.

How to Setup VPN for BBC iPlayer Outside UK?

Note: If you find difficulties in unblocking BBC iPlayer while using a VPN outside UK. Check these solutions to fix VPN problems with BBC iPlayer.

How to Fix VPN Problems with BBC iPlayer Outside UK

Are you having trouble with your VPN, try clearing out cookies and cache. When the iPlayer has got enough data to suggest a VPN is in action, it moves to ban it from accessing the site and app altogether. Here are some great ways to fix BBC iPlayer from detecting your service outside UK:

Fix Your DNS Cache

Ever heard of cookies? No, I am not talking about the ones that you dip in warm milk. I am referring to the log files stored by your browser, which include important data like your location.

If you have not cleared your cookies, BBC iPlayer will instantly be able to discern that you are using a VPN or proxy outside UK. Simply clear the cache and cookies each time you want to unblock the streaming platform.

You can also flush your DNS cache on Windows. Launch “CMD” and run the following command “ipconfig /flushdns” by typing it in and pressing enter.

Get a Dedicated IP Address outside UK

As we have mentioned here before, iPlayer detects VPNs when there are too many connections being routed through a single server or a group of similar IP addresses.

Acquiring a dedicated IP VPN in UK will surely help you never face this problem as the iPlayer won’t be singling you out for a suspicious connection ever.

Switch Servers outside UK

The best way to get around the iPlayer VPN detection problem is to try switching to a new server down the list. Many top VPNs offer multiple UK servers allowing you to do this quite easily.

ExpressVPN has secure UK servers, so if one is not working, select another from the list. You can also ask your VPN’s live chat support team for their best UK servers to unblock BBC iPlayer, as I did for CyberGhost.

The VPNs That Can’t Stream BBC iPlayer Outside UK

Many paid and free VPNs for BBC iPlayer outside UK may help in unblocking websites overall but fail to unblock sites like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and more. This means you need to test each service before making a decision to sign up with them.

TunnelBear

Released in 2011 and based in Canada, TunnelBear is one of the most famous names in the FREE VPNs marketplace.

We connected to a server in the UK but suffered instant disconnection upon playing a video. A few seconds after, we received the “BBC iPlayer only works in the UK” error outside UK.

Windscribe

Founded in 2018, Windscribe is another Canadian-based VPN service outside UK.

We connected to a UK server from their limited number of locations, and though we were successful in accessing the website from the US, we faced tremendous trouble in getting a video to run on BBC iPlayer.

ZenMate

Established in 2014, ZenMate is a Berlin-based provider that has three plans available with a provider with the inclusion of a free subscription. Regardless, the service was unable to connect to BBC iPlayer successfully, displaying the error outside UK.

Other VPN Services that Fail at Unblocking BBC iPlayer outside UK

• AvastVPN❌
• PIA❌
• IPVanish❌
• ProtonVPN❌
• HideMyAss❌
• Hide.Me❌
• LeVPN❌
• VPNBook❌
• VPNTunnel❌
• TorVPN❌
• VPN Master❌
• OverPlay❌
• iPredator❌
• GooseVPN❌
• EarthVPN❌
• VPN4All❌
• Proxy.sh❌
• Perfect Privacy❌

How to Access BBC iPlayer on Firestick Using VPN Outside UK

Firestick users around the world may be looking for solutions to unblock BBC iPlayer from outside UK. There are typically two methods available for using BBC iPlayer the free VPN for amazon fire tv in UK.

The first involves the purchasing of a pre-configured DD-WRT Flash Router. You can check this link out for a complete listing of VPN routers available from prominent names in the industry.

The second option would be to get the best VPN for BBC iPlayer from the Firestick store. For both methods, you will have to simply connect to a UK IP address to spoof your online location and trick the VoD service.

You can then easily access the complete database of BBC iPlayer’s content and other UK channels like Channel 5, Channel 4, Now TV, Sky, ITV, and more outside UK. For more detailed steps, follow the instructions below:

1. Get the Best VPN app for Firestick from the VPN providers mentioned above, we recommend ExpressVPN.
2. Download and Launch the VPN app and sign in using your login credentials
3. Connect to a server in the UK and head to the iPlayer website
4. Sign up for a UK account and enjoy streaming on iPlayer!

How to Access BBC iPlayer on Android using a VPN Outside UK

The BBC iPlayer is available as an Android app outside UK, which we have already described in detail above. Using the service on Android is not much different from the website.

And if you want to unblock BBC iPlayer on your Android outside UK, the 5 VPNs for BBC iPlayer I listed above do offer Android apps. For clearer instructions, follow the steps below.

• Subscribe to a Top VPN service and pay for its pricing plans
• Obtain user credentials for your VPN account via the confirmation email
• Download the Android app of your VPN from Google Play Store
• Let it install on your device and then log in into it
• Once the VPN is installed, connect to a UK server on it
• Visit BBC.co.uk/iPlayer and sign up for the service
• Enjoy live TV and your favorite shows on BBC iPlayer!

How to Access BBC iPlayer VPN via Chromecast outside UK:

Chromecast is Google’s answer to popular streaming devices like Roku and Firestick. It is a device through which you can stream video content on large-screen devices like your TV via your computer or mobile device.

1. Get a subscription to a reliable VPN service like ExpressVPN.
2. Download the app on your preferred device and log in.
3. From the server list, choose a UK server.
4. Connect your Chromecast device to the internet and enjoy streaming.

If you want to watch BBC outside UK through your Chromecast, the best way to do it is through your computer. You can also do it with your mobile and the steps to both are pretty similar and straightforward.

Through Your Laptop:

• Your laptop needs to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast outside UK
• Open the Chrome browser on your laptop and install the Chromecast extension.
• Now open bbc.co.uk/iplayer and select the program you want to stream.
• Click on an icon from the control bar known as “Cast.”
• Your Chromecast will now stream to your device.

Through Your Smartphone:

• Your smartphone needs to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast outside UK
• Ensure that the iPlayer app you are using is updated to the latest version.
• Open the app and click on the “Cast” icon in the top left corner.
• If the icon is blue in color, you are successfully connected.
• Simply play any video to stream to your TV/tablet.

Note: if you are trying to watch BBC outside UK, you will need to use the Best VPN for BBC iPlayer Chrome in order to unblock the service and continue watching it via your Chromecast.

How is BBC iPlayer Blocking/Detecting VPN outside UK?

If your VPN is not strong enough at hiding your IP address, BBC can detect it and find out your actual location. Some VPNs are successful in masking IPv4, yet leave IPv6 unmasked and in turn, leak your true IP address outside UK.

VPN bans have become a standard industry practice across the streaming domain. Similar bans can be found on sites like Netflix and Hulu. However, you can still bypass these VPN bans through a powerful service.

Generally, weak VPNs are the most vulnerable to cannot make it through the ban, as they leak your WebRTC/DNS/IP and do not come equipped with features like StealthVPN, a.k.a. obfuscation in UK.

List of Channels Available on BBC iPlayer

BBC iPlayer is not just your average media library but a comprehensive service that also offers live TV. The only catch of signing up with the provider is that you only have BBC-specific content available outside UK, nothing else.

Channels offered by BBC iPlayer at the moment include:

1. S4C
2. CCBC
3. Cheebies
4. BBC One
5. BBC Two
6. BBC Three
7. BBC Four
8. BBC Alba
9. BBC News
10. BBC Radio
11. BBC Parliament

FAQs: Best VPN for BBC iPlayer Outside UK

Conclusion

This Best VPN for BBC iPlayer guide was an exercise towards explaining the ways through which users who live outside UK can also watch and enjoy all that streaming platform has to offer.

With every factor taken into consideration, ExpressVPN is the undisputed champion for unblocking BBC iPlayer outside UK and is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer outside UK. However, if you want a cheaper alternative, consider signing up with Surfshark.

If you face any issues or need to give better recommendations, feel free to comment below. Also, do share the guide with friends and family members who are looking for a “working” Best VPN for BBC iPlayer outside UK.