In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to watch UK TV shows abroad with a VPN, whether you are in France, Spain, Germany, Canada, Australia, the USA, or anywhere else in the world. You can get your fix of British TV including live TV streams and on-demand content.

There’s no doubt that many UK TV channels have some fantastic British content that you just can’t get anywhere else. Whether you’ve moved out of the country permanently or are just traveling, chances are you’ll want to get your fix. Unfortunately, a lot of the content you might be used to seeing in the UK is geo-locked. This means that if the provider detects a non-British IP address, it won’t allow access to the content.

For example, trying to access BBC iPlayer from a non-UK server might deliver the following message:

“BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to rights issues.”

Thankfully, there is a way around this that enables you to freely watch content from sites like BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub (formerly ITV Player), All4 (previously 4OD), Netflix UK, and more. The solution is a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which encrypts all of your traffic and tunnels it through an intermediary server in a location of your choice. A VPN service masks your real IP address and replaces it with one from your chosen country. So by connecting to a UK server, you’ll be able to watch British TV channels as if you’re in the UK, from anywhere in the world like Spain.

What’s more, with a VPN, you get additional perks like improved privacy and security and access to other geo-restricted sites. Not all providers offer the same service, so it’s essential to choose the right one.

VPNs are an incredibly popular means for millions of people to keep up with their favorite TV shows. However, you should only access content where you have a legal right to do so.

How to watch UK TV abroad with a VPN

If you’re trying to watch UK TV from Canada, Australia, the US or anywhere else in the world you first need to set up a VPN. Never used a VPN before? Not to worry just follow these steps below to unblock your favorite UK TV streams.

Here’s how to watch UK TV online from anywhere:

  • Choose a VPN provider which can unblock UK TV from abroad. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
  • Download and install the VPN app onto your device from the provider’s website or your official app store.
  • Run the app and select a VPN server in the UK.
  • Once the connection has been established, open the video you want to stream. It should now be unblocked as if you were in the UK.
  • Note that some sites might require you to clear your browser cookies and/or web cache. If the video is still blocked, do so and refresh the page.

If you want to skip ahead and find out which VPN to use to watch UK TV from abroad without reading the whole article, below is a summary of our top picks.

There are no hidden terms or rules—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

Best VPN for UK TV abroad:

  • NordVPN: The best VPN top choice for watching UK TV abroad. Huge network of fast servers, including many in the UK. Easily unblocks geo-restricted content. First-class security and privacy. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: Best value VPN. Unblocks UK TV platforms with ease, keeps no logs, and doesn’t set a device limit.
  • ExpressVPN: Fast servers in the UK make streaming effortless. Unblocks many major UK streaming sites. Solid privacy and security.
  • CyberGhost: Unblocks popular UK shows. Great privacy and security and easy-to-use apps.
  • PrivateVPN: Good up-and-coming VPN that works well with BBC iPlayer and other streaming services.
  • IPVanish: Fast speeds and good privacy features. Doesn’t reliably work with Netflix or iPlayer.

We’ve covered access to specific UK streaming sites — BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Channel 4, Sky Go and BT Sport — in separate articles. If you’re looking for the best VPNs to use while in the UK, we have an article for that too.

We’ve tested many VPNs and have put together a list of the best ones for accessing UK TV abroad. Our choices are based on the following criteria:

  • Has a selection of UK servers
  • Enables access to UK content, such as that from Netflix UK and BBC iPlayer
  • Provides a fast, reliable VPN connection with unlimited bandwidth
  • Uses strong encryption backed by additional security features
  • Keeps no traffic logs of user activity or IP addresses

Best VPNs for watching UK TV abroad – at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for watching UK TV abroad.

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our top pick for watching UK TV abroad. It operates a large network of over 5,500 servers, more than 400 of which are located in the UK. This means it’s well-equipped to help you access content from sites like Netflix UK, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Sky Go, All 4, and more. Its blazing fast speeds make it particularly suitable for accessing content through geographically distant servers.

NordVPN operates with a strict no-logs policy to help maintain the privacy of its users. For security, you have 256-bit AES encryption, perfect forward secrecy, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. A bonus with this provider is automatic wifi protection, which means you never have to worry about connecting to an unsecured network while on your travels. A NordVPN plan allows up to five simultaneous connections which is great for families or if you tend to switch devices regularly.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

NordVPN speed test data

BEST VPN FOR UK TV ABROAD:NordVPN is our top pick. A good budget all-rounder that works well for viewing UK TV while abroad with a good selection of UK servers. Strong security features and handles up to 6 devices simultaneously from one account. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee for a risk-free deal.

Pros:

  • One of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested
  • Veteran provider with over 400 servers throughout the UK
  • Unblocks most popular UK streaming content
  • Military-grade 256-bit encryption for great privacy
  • Customer service available via 24/7 live chat
  • No-logs policy

Cons:

  • Can select city location of servers, but not specific servers

Our score:

See our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is a great budget-friendly provider that currently operates over 3,000 servers in 95 countries including the UK. Its speeds are fast enough for flawless live streaming, and it can unblock BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, and All 4 effortlessly, meaning you’ll never struggle to find something to watch. One of Surfshark’s standout features is that it has no connection limit: simply, it lets you protect every device you own simultaneously.

This VPN includes a surprising number of security features, given its low monthly price. For example, there’s a kill switch in every version of the app, 256-bit encryption, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, as well as an automatic ad-blocker and malware-scanner. Perhaps most important, Surfshark keeps no logs, meaning your activities cannot be traced back to you.

Surfshark provides apps for MacOS, Linux, Windows, iOS, and Android.

Surfshark speed test data

Read our full Surfshark review.

  • Great at unblocking British streaming services

  • Strong security and privacy features

  • Good speeds, plenty of UK servers

  • No internet connection limit

  • Live chat 24/7 support

  • Occasionally slow to connect to servers

BEST VALUE VPN:Surfshark works out of the box with many UK streaming services, but support is available if needed. It boasts strong security and privacy features and you can connect as many devices as you like. Includes 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN is known for its ability to unblock geo-locked content, including popular streaming sites. It has a network of over 3,000 servers in more than 94 countries, including a selection of UK locations. It works with Netflix libraries from various countries, including the UK. You’ll also be able to access content from other popular sites like ITV Hub, Sky Go, and BT Sport. Great speeds and a reliable VPN connection mean you shouldn’t have to deal with buffering.

Another selling point of ExpressVPN is its excellent customer support. Should you run into problems accessing content, you can contact a representative through live chat. ExpressVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption and perfect forward secrecy. A kill switch means you don’t have to worry if the VPN connection is lost and there’s DNS leak protection to boot. ExpressVPN’s clear logging policy tells us that user activity is never monitored and no IP addresses are logged.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and some wifi routers.

ExpressVPN speed test data

  • Servers in 94 countries including the UK

  • Unblocks all major UK streaming sites

  • Fast server network is great for streaming and downloading

  • High-grade security features and no logs policy protects your privacy

  • Connect up to five devices at the same time

  • Not as cheap as some other services

See our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost is based in Romania and continues to expand its huge network of more than 8,000 servers. CyberGhost puts a lot of effort into ensuring users can access geo-locked content, and with nearly 700 servers in the UK, fans of British TV won’t miss out. You can access sites like ITV Hub, All 4, Channel 5 (My5) and Eurosport player by selecting each channel through the VPN client. Once you’ve made your selection, CyberGhost will automatically connect you to the right server.

This provider pegs some great speeds, even when connected to geographically distant servers, so you shouldn’t run into issues while streaming. CyberGhost is another secure provider, with strong 256-bit encryption and perfect forward secrecy. Its logging policy clearly states that it doesn’t maintain traffic logs and never keeps connection logs that can be traced to an individual user. Further privacy is provided by a kill switch and DNS leak protection. CyberGhost plans allow for up to seven simultaneous connections.

CyberGhost speed test data

FASTEST SPEEDS:CyberGhost has a simple set up. A user-friendly service that unblocks a wide range of geo-blocked UK streaming TV and sports content. Big choice of UK servers that are fast and reliable. Good marks with security and privacy. 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Large contingent of nearly 700 UK servers can unblock most geo-restricted streaming content

  • Strong encryption and solid privacy policy

  • Very good streaming speeds along with unlimited bndwidth

  • Can be used on seven devices at the same time

  • Doesn’t work in China or the UAE

See our full CyberGhost review.

5. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN places a large focus on ensuring users can access geo-locked content. It has a smaller network of servers than others on this list, but it boasts some competitive speeds and can deliver otherwise restricted content. PrivateVPN has multiple servers in the UK. Between these servers, you should be able to gain access to content from Netflix UK, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Sky Go, and BT Sport.

This provider doesn’t disappoint on the privacy and security front. A strict zero-logs policy is backed by strong security, including 256-bit encryption and perfect forward secrecy. A kill switch and DNS leak protection help to further keep your information safe. PrivateVPN allows up to five simultaneous connections with a basic plan.

PrivateVPN speed test data

GREAT SPEED:PrivateVPN is a good family choice. Reliably unblocks a good selection of UK streaming content. Allows up to 6 devices on the same account. Smaller network but with fast connections. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Minimal fuss accessing Netflix UK, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Sky Go, and BT Sport

  • Strong security and privacy protection features

  • Keeps no logs whatsoever

  • Faster than many other providers

  • Live chat isn’t available 24 hours a day

  • Smaller network of servers (just over 200 in all)

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

6. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish has more than 2,000 servers in dozens of countries and is very popular with Kodi users. It doesn’t usually compete as well on the streaming front as it doesn’t put a large focus on watching Netflix. However, if it is UK content you’re after, and in that case, IPVanish can deliver. With five UK servers, it provides access to content including that from BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Sky Go, and All 4.

There are no traffic or connection logs kept, so you don’t need to worry about your information being disclosed. Security is in the form of 256-bit AES encryption along with perfect forward secrecy. Apps come with a built-in kill switch and DNS leak protection. Better still, you can connect an unlimited number of devices at the same time with your subscription.

IPVanish speed test data

UNLIMITED DEVICES:IPVanish has a large network of servers. Unblocks several UK streaming services. Great for families that need many simultaneous connections. Works well with Kodi but look elsewhere if you will be using it from China. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Unblocks most major UK streaming sites from abroad

  • Particularly favored by remote control users with Kodi devices or Fire TV Sticks

  • Keeps no traffic logs or connection logs

  • Apps don’t work in China

  • Doesn’t accept Bitcoin

See our full IPVanish review.

VPN testing methodology for Watching UK TV Abroad

With so many VPNs circulating on the market, choosing one to watch British TV abroad can be tricky. Not all VPNs have servers in the UK that work to stream iPlayer, ITV Hub, Channel 4, BT Sport, Sky TV, Now TV, etc. In fact, British streaming platforms have managed to block most VPNs nowadays. This means you must pick a service carefully.

At Comparitech, we use a precise VPN testing methodology to test the market. This allows us to locate services that are suitable for different use cases, including accessing British TV abroad. Below, we have included a list of features we looked for and tested when curating this list of the best VPNs for British TV:

  • Fast servers: To stream UK TV abroad, you will require a VPN with fast servers in Britain. In this guide, we have recommended VPNs that work to stream iPlayer and other popular services outside the UK. We were also sure to pick VPNs with a large global server network that can access Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Max and other popular services.
  • Apps for all platforms: Our recommendations have apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and various other platforms. This lets you install and use the VPN on a variety of devices to stream UK TV. Some of our recommendations even throw in a free Smart DNS service to allow you to stream on devices that will not let you install a VPN directly.
  • Strong security and privacy features: A reliable VPN must be able to provide solid security and privacy (in addition to increased online freedom). Our recommendations have robust AES encryption, a kill-switch, DNS leak protection, obfuscation, and a no logs policy. This ensures that they are good for protecting your digital footprint and preventing eavesdropping, whether at home or on public wi-fi.
  • Exceptional customer care: You never know when you may want to ask a question or get help with using your VPN. This is why we test VPNs’ customer support teams and recommend services with both email and live chat support that is available at all times of the day.
  • Great value for money: We compare VPNs’ feature to cost ratio in search of VPNs that are priced fairly. In this guide, you will find services at various price points that all offer a high level of service.

Can I use a free VPN to watch British TV abroad?

When researching various VPN providers, you’ll likely encounter some attractive free offerings. While some of these might be able to get you access to some UK content, free services usually come with some downsides.

One of the major problems from a streaming standpoint is that a free VPN service is typically slower and less reliable than a paid one. You’re more likely to endure slow or dropped connections and buffering while trying to watch shows. What’s more, you’ll have access to fewer servers and might have to wait in a queue to connect to the ones you want.

Aside from lacking from a practical perspective, free VPN providers often fall short from a privacy and security standpoint too. They usually have to make money somehow and common business models involve collecting and selling user data and displaying ads through the service. Some providers have even been known to carry malware.

How to connect and watch TV through streaming sites

Once you’re set up with a VPN, watching UK TV is fairly straightforward. You’ll first initiate your VPN connection using a UK server. For example, below we’re connecting to a UK server using NordVPN.

You can then access your desired content as usual. For Netflix, you’ll need a paid subscription no matter where you are. The difference is while you’re connected to a UK server, you’ll see the Netflix UK library instead of the one for the country you’re in.

Other sites offer content for free but still require you to sign into an account. For sites like BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub, you can just set up an account if you don’t have one already. You may be asked to enter a postal code, so make sure it’s a UK one.

If you’ve tried to access a site before without first connecting to a UK server, you might still have issues. If so, you can try clearing the cache and cookies or switching to a different browser.

Note that once you’ve got your VPN subscription, you can use it to access all types of content, not just UK TV. For example, you can connect to a US server to obtain access to US Netflix, HBO, Hulu, and more from your Smart TV or other device.

How to watch UK TV through streaming apps

If you want to watch UK TV channels via a mobile app for Android or iPhone, a VPN can help with that, too. You just need to set up the VPN on whichever mobile device you’re using so that you can mask your IP on that device. All of the plans we’ve talked about above allow for multiple devices to be connected simultaneously, so you’ll have no problem switching at your leisure.

While your IP address will be masked by the VPN, depending on your device settings, its GPS could still give away your real location. If you’re having issues, try disabling the GPS in your settings menu.

What about the UK TV license?

Anyone who watches live TV in the UK needs to be covered by a TV license or could face fines of up to £1000. A UK TV license is required if you’re watching or recording live TV. If you’re accessing on-demand or catch-up TV, a license is not usually required.

The exception here is if you’re watching any content on BBC iPlayer, in which case it is stipulated that you should have a license. Before you play a show, a popup will ask you if you have a TV license. Things get a bit tricky when you’re watching from abroad. For example, unless you live in the UK, you won’t have a license. However, it appears that the TV license check is pretty much based on the honor system and not well enforced.

When it comes to travel outside the UK, the same section simply states that the iPlayer won’t be accessible from abroad, but you can view shows that you’ve downloaded prior to travel (for a limited period of time). So, it’s not really clear if the licensing laws would apply to persons overseas.

While it’s not addressed directly, it seems like you should be okay to watch BBC iPlayer overseas if you have a TV license at your home address and your device is not plugged in. Although to err on the side of caution, you may want to stick to previously downloaded content or shows from other sites. After all, you wouldn’t want to get stuck with a nasty fine.

  • How to get a UK IP address

  • Watch EastEnders abroad

  • Watch Love Island abroad

  • Pointless

  • Mastermind

  • 8 Out of 10 Cats

  • QI

  • CatchPhrase

  • Big Fat Quiz of the Year

  • University Challenge

  • Countdown

It is also worth noting that the Freeview app will allow you to download content to watch at a later date. Thus, if you are only leaving the country for a short time, and want something to watch until you return, you could use this feature.

So how does this work? Simply, VPNs send your traffic through a server in a location of your choosing. This makes it seem like you are browsing from wherever your server is. Just choose a server in the UK to continue using services like BBC iPlayer whether you’re in Spain, the US, or anywhere else.

Fortunately, you don’t need to be negatively impacted by the change when you use a VPN. You can then bypass content restrictions and watch British TV as normal from abroad.