Best VPNs to watch UK TV from abroad

The UK makes some great TV Shows, but many of them are UK-only, so not accessible when on vacation. The good news is that VPNs let you watch the best of UK TV from abroad.

A virtual private network (VPN) allows users to connect to any server in their chosen provider’s network. Once connected, the data traveling to and from that server is encrypted. The connected device also assumes the IP address of the server it connects to. This allows it to bypass geographic restrictions imposed by streaming platforms. 

We’ll explore why particular VPN providers are good options for watching UK TV in more detail later. For now, here’s a summarized list of our top VPNs. 

Best VPNs for watching British TV from anywhere:

1. NordVPN: Our recommended VPN for watching UK TV. Has a global network of fast, RAM-only servers. Obfuscation enables connections in countries like China, Russia, and Turkey. Plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for watching UK TV. Offers unlimited device connections, a full GUI for Linux users and the ability to rotate users’ IP addresses in-session. RAM-only servers in 100+ countries and great for streaming. 
3. ExpressVPN: Excellent security credentials and RAM-only servers in 94+ countries. Provides fast connection speeds and seamless access to UK streaming platforms. Has a dedicated site on the Tor network and an app for routers.
4. CyberGhost: Very fast connection speeds and 792+ RAM-only servers in the UK. The company issues quarterly transparency reports and has an audited no-logs policy. It has servers optimized for individual streaming platforms.
5. PrivateVPN: Swedish provider with good access to UK streaming platforms and a stealth mode that enables connections in restrictive countries. It has two servers in the UK and is a good option for torrenting. 
6. AtlasVPN: Offers unlimited device connections and fast speeds. Optimized servers in the UK provide consistent access to streaming services. SafeSwap servers enable users to switch between IP addresses in session.
7. IPVanish: Owns the majority of the hardware in its server network and provides notably quick connection speeds. It has servers in Birmingham, Glasgow, London, and Manchester, and works well with most streaming platforms.

Summary table

While the majority of subscription-based VPN providers have servers in the UK, far fewer are able to access UK streaming platforms. Fewer still have all the other features we require, which are outlined below.  

• Servers in the UK
• Able to access UK streaming services
• Fast connection speeds
• Strong privacy and security features
• Good value for money
• Easy-to-use apps
• Responsive customer support

To be included as one of our top three providers, we also require VPNs to have a RAM-only server network, independently audited software and infrastructure, effective obfuscation, and a location beyond the reach of cross-border spying alliances. You can read more about our testing methodology later in this article.

Best VPNs to watch UK TV from abroad

Now let’s explore each of our recommended providers in a little more detail:

NordVPN is one of the most recognizable VPN brands and has worked to ingratiate itself with privacy enthusiasts as well as those who just want a way to access additional streaming content. 

The provider has 440+ RAM-only servers in the UK and works seamlessly with British streaming platforms such as BBC iPlayer and ITVX. Its proprietary connection protocol helps ensure speeds fast enough to stream 4K content without buffering.

The NordVPN SmartPlay feature switches the DNS servers of connected devices, thus enabling VPN-incompatible smart TVs and games consoles to access geo-restricted streaming services. 

The company has optimized servers for torrenting as well as for accessing the Tor network in a single click. It allows MultiHop connections and its obfuscation can bypass VPN blocks in China. 

NordVPN’s MeshNet feature enables trusted devices to be accessed from anywhere. It has been made free for anyone to use. The company has also made its Linux app open-source.

The company’s other apps – which are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV – are simple to use and pleasingly minimalist. They come with built-in leak protection, split tunneling, a kill switch, and a dark web monitor. 

Internet traffic is protected using 256-bit AES channel encryption, together with SHA384 for authentication, and a 3072-bit DHE-RSA key exchange. NordVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy and has had multiple audits of its infrastructure and software.

NordVPN switched its server network to RAM-only following an attack on a Finnish third-party data center in 2018. Later that year, it began the process of colocation: buying its own servers and building data centers to house them in. 

BEST VPN FOR WATCHING BRITISH TV: NordVPN is our recommended VPN for UK TV. It has hundreds of fast, RAM-only servers in the UK and provides easy access to British streaming platforms. Plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Surfshark has established itself as one of the foremost VPN providers. A merger with Nord Security – NordVPN’s parent company – in 2022 further strengthened its position.

The company has 3,200+ RAM-only servers worldwide, including those servicing London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Static IP addresses are available via five UK servers, and users have the opportunity to rotate IP addresses in session.

Subscriptions include unlimited device connections and the ability to create bespoke MultiHop connections by manually selecting entry and exit servers. Surfshark’s obfuscation can bypass Chinese blocks, as well as those in other, similarly restrictive, countries. 

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. All – including the Linux app – have a full GUI and come equipped with built-in leak protection; an ad, tracker and malware blocker; and automatic connection for P2P clients. Android users get additional access to a GPS-spoofing tool. 

Surfshark works well with a range of UK streaming platforms and is fast enough to stream 4K content without buffering. It has an audited no-logs policy and protects internet traffic using 256-bit AES encryption, together with a SHA512 authentication hash and 2048-bit DHE-RSA key exchange. 

GREAT VALUE: Surfshark has fast UK servers with good access to platforms like BBC iPlayer. Static and rotating IP addresses are available. Subscriptions include unlimited device connections and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

ExpressVPN is able to justify its slightly more expensive subscription fees because of its reputation for providing market-leading security. Its innovations include Trusted Server Technology, which involves – amongst other things – reinstalling the operating system of every server in its network,  every single week.

Other ExpressVPN features include obfuscation and a dedicated Onion site on the Tor network – both of which help those in restricted countries get connected. The company has its own open-source connection protocol, and a Threat Manager tool that prevents subscribers from accessing malware-harboring websites. 

Access to UK streaming platforms is seamless, with an additional MediaStreamer tool that provides access for VPN-incompatible devices like smart TVs. Connections are fast, and there are several RAM-only server options in the UK.

Approachable apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, Nvidia Shield, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. Unlike most providers, ExpressVPN has a dedicated router app. This lets users easily create an encrypted tunnel that includes every device on their home networks. 

In 2021, ExpressVPN was acquired by Kape Technologies – a cybersecurity company with a roster of VPN companies on its books. These include CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, and Zenmate VPN. Prior to becoming Kape Technologies, the company specialized in creating software designed to inject adware into users’ browsers. 

Despite its acquisition, ExpressVPN says that it continues to function autonomously, and its standards remain high. It offers a one-time $100,000 reward for anyone able to compromise its systems, and has had several independent audits of its software and infrastructure. 

TRUSTED SERVERS: ExpressVPN has speedy RAM-only servers in the UK and offers easy access to streaming services. It has a dedicated router app and an open-source connection protocol. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

CyberGhost has much to recommend it to all types of users. It has impressively fast connection speeds and 9,100+ RAM-only servers spread across 91+ countries. The company has 792+ servers in the UK alone, which are variously optimized for streaming, gaming, or torrenting.

Furthermore, users can choose servers based on the specific streaming platforms they’re optimized for. Windows users have the option to link specific apps with these servers. For example, you can make the BBC iPlayer app automatically connect through CyberGhost servers that are optimized for iPlayer when opened. 

CyberGhost apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. These come with a kill switch and DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection. The Android app has split tunneling, an approximation of which can be set up using a URL bypass in Windows. 

For an additional fee, subscribers can access CyberGhost’s high-security NoSpy servers. These are situated in a purpose-built Romanian data center, and provide additional bandwidth, faster speeds, and a dedicated uplink. 

As mentioned in the ExpressVPN mini-review, CyberGhost is owned by Kape Technologies. Like ExpressVPN, it has continued to prove its security and privacy credentials. This has involved quarterly transparency reports and an independent audit of its server network and management systems.

FAST CONNECTIONS: CyberGhost has 792+ RAM-only servers in the UK and individually optimized servers for platforms like BBC iPlayer. It offers very fast speeds and has an audited no-logs policy. Plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee. 

PrivateVPN is a relatively small Swedish provider that offers an alternative to the big-name companies dominating the VPN market. It has excellent connection speeds and solid access to UK streaming platforms via servers in London and Manchester.

Features include access to a SOCKS5 and HTTP Proxy, protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks, and app-specific and system-wide kill switches. Its stealth mode adds a layer of obfuscation to connections that makes traffic look as if it is unencrypted. This enables it to bypass detection software of the type employed by China.

PrivateVPN is one of the relatively few providers that allows port forwarding. This is particularly useful for P2P file-sharers, as it enables them to connect to more peers in a torrent swarm. The company also has dedicated P2P servers that can cope with large file transfers. 

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV. Users can adjust the level of encryption used and choose between connection protocols. Options include OpenVPN with UDP/TCP, L2TP, IPsec, PPTP, and IKEv2.

PrivateVPN acts as its own server host and ISP, which is a definite plus for security. It has a strict no-logs policy, though this has yet to be verified via a third-party audit. It is based in a country that is a member of the SIGINT Seniors Europe international intelligence-sharing alliance. That said, PrivateVPN has never suffered a data breach in its 10+ years of existence. 

STEALTH MODE: Offers fast connection speeds and good access to streaming platforms in the UK. Allows port forwarding and can bypass VPN blocks in China and other restrictive countries. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Atlas VPN offers a winning combination of robust security, fast speeds, and excellent access to UK streaming services. While it may not have the largest server network, its acquisition by Nord Security in 2021 will likely see this increase. At the time of writing it has several options for the UK, making it a good overall choice for streaming British TV from abroad. 

Subscriptions include unlimited device connections and access to SafeSwap servers. These automatically change users’ IP addresses as they move between online sessions – thus making them yet more difficult to track.

Refreshingly minimalist apps are available for Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux – though the lattermost is command-line only. 

Atlas VPN apps provide access to MultiHop servers, which allow users to connect via multiple rotating VPN locations. It supports split tunneling, which protects specified apps while allowing others to connect normally. Other features include built-in leak protection, and a data breach monitor and malware blocker. 

While connected, users’ internet data is protected using 256-AES encryption, together with SHA-384 or Poly1305 authentication, and BLAKE2s for hashing. Atlas VPN’s no-logs policy has been independently audited. 

STRONG ON SECURITY: Atlas VPN provides unlimited device connections and consistently fast connections to UK servers. It works well with British streaming platforms and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

IPVanish owns the majority of its own network hardware and provides notably quick connection speeds. It’s a good option for accessing UK streaming platforms and has British servers in London, Birmingham, Glasgow and Manchester.

Features include unlimited device connections; access to a SOCKS5 proxy; split tunneling; a kill switch; and built-in leak protection.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, ChromeOS, and FireTV. Although there’s no dedicated Linux app, IPVanish provides detailed instructions for manually configuring a connection. 

Users’ data is protected using a combination of 256-bit AES encryption, SHA512 for authentication, and a DHE-RSA 2048 key exchange. IPVanish uses WireGuard as its default connection protocol, though this can be changed to OpenVPN, IKEv2, or IPSec.

IPVanish is currently owned by J2 Global, where it forms part of the company’s NetProtect portfolio. IPVanish’s no-logs policy was independently audited by the Leviathan Security Group in 2022, which is just as well given what happened under its previous owners. 

In 2016, IPVanish provided details of one of its customers to the US Department of Homeland Security – despite claims that it kept no logs. This cast a long shadow that IPVanish is only now emerging from. 

FAST SPEEDS: IPVanish has several notably quick servers in the UK. It owns most of its hardware and works well with British streaming services. Subscriptions include unlimited device connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Methodology for choosing the best VPNs for UK TV

It’s fair to say that VPN providers are prone to exaggeration. Bold assertions about being the fastest or most secure abound and should not be taken at face value. To make an objective comparison, we test VPNs against a specific list of criteria using our testing methodology, which are discussed below.

• Servers in the UK: If you’d like to stream British TV then you’ll need to connect to a server in the UK. All of our recommended providers have multiple options in Britain – several hundred in some cases – and provide consistently reliable connections.
• Able to access UK streaming services: BBC iPlayer is the platform of choice for most people seeking to watch UK TV from abroad. Unfortunately, it’s the most able to block VPN use. We regularly check which providers are able to access it, as well as other popular platforms such as ITVX and C4OD.
• Fast connection speeds: There’s little point being able to access UK streaming platforms if your connection is too slow to stream without interruption. We regularly perform speed tests to check which providers are fast enough to be included in our recommendations. At the very least, they should be able to stream HD content without buffering.
• Strong privacy and security features: VPNs should first and foremost keep your data safe. This requires a combination of – at the very least – 256-AES encryption, a strict no-logs policy, a kill switch, and leak-protection. We rate providers more highly if they provide access to MultiHop servers, split tunneling, and port forwarding.  
• Good value for money: VPN subscriptions vary in price, as do their relative levels of service. If a VPN is expensive, it should be able to justify it. We only include those that represent a good deal for consumers. 
• Easy-to-use apps: The best apps enable users with no VPN experience to get connected in seconds. This requires well-designed GUIs that can be navigated intuitively. Apps should also have enough functionality to satisfy those with more experience. 
• Responsive customer support: If you’re unable to connect to a particular UK streaming service, the VPN’s customer support team should be able to provide assistance. The best have 24/7 live chat as well as plenty of detailed online guidance for troubleshooting failed connections.

Bonus points

To take a spot in one of our top three positions, VPN companies must offer the following features:

• Access to China: Restricting access to information is a key feature of any authoritarian government. Over the years, China has become exceptionally skilled at identifying and blocking VPN internet traffic. As very few VPNs are now able to access the country, those that still work are highly valued. 
• Diskless servers: VPN servers can be targeted by bad actors or seized and interrogated by the state. Any information stored on them is thus at risk of exposure. With this in mind, better VPN providers have switched their server networks to RAM-only hardware that is physically unable to store information long-term. 
• Incorporation outside the scope of intelligence alliances: The existence of the Five/Nine/Fourteen Eyes alliances has been well documented – primarily via the Snowden leaks. These alliances allow member countries to gather data on one another’s citizens and share it. This circumvents national laws designed to prevent individual government’s spying on their own citizens. To prevent their services being co-opted, the better VPN providers place themselves beyond the reach of known intelligence-sharing alliances – in countries such as Panama and the British Virgin Islands. 
• Audited software and infrastructure: It’s no longer enough for VPN companies to simply state that they don’t keep user activity logs. The best way to prove such claims is to bring in third-party auditors, who check that the VPN’s infrastructure cannot be used to store user information. The audits also identify exploits in the company’s software.

How to stream British TV from anywhere

Follow these simple steps to stream UK TV from abroad:

1. Choose a VPN that is able to access UK streaming services. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Select a subscription plan and sign up – longer terms are almost always cheaper. 
3. Download and install the relevant app for your device.
4. Restart your device once the installation is complete. 
5. Open the VPN app and choose a UK server from the list of available countries.
6. Click the “connect” button.
7. Wait until the app tells you that a connection has been established.
8. Open the desired UK streaming service and start watching.  

Can I use a free VPN for watching UK TV from abroad?

You can try, but you’re unlikely to have much success. Platforms such as BBC iPlayer can easily identify – and block – traffic coming from the data centers used by free VPNs. Even if you could establish a connection, the heavy loading endured by their servers means buffer-free streaming is all but impossible. 

Free VPNs are also problematic privacy-wise. Most employ trackers and have some form of logging policy. The collected data can be sold on to third parties as a way of generating additional revenue. 

Best VPNs to watch UK TV from abroad – FAQs

Is it illegal to use a VPN for watching UK TV?

VPNs aren’t illegal in the UK. However, when you create an account to access your streaming platform of choice, you will be asked to agree to its terms of service. Using a VPN could violate these terms. 

What British streaming services can I watch with a VPN?

The king of UK TV is BBC iPlayer, though there are others that are worth your while trying out. These include:

• ITVX
• C4OD
• S4C
• My5
• UKTV Play 
• Freeview

What do I need to watch English TV?

You need to find a VPN with servers in the UK. It’s unnecessary to seek out a provider with servers specifically in England – IP addresses from any country in the United Kingdom will suffice. 

How can I watch Eurovision from abroad?

Eurovision will be available on BBC iPlayer, with the semi-finals on the 9th May 2023 and 11th May 2023 being shown live. Using one of our recommended VPN providers will enable you to connect to a server in the UK and access BBC iPlayer.  

What British TV should I watch?

A VPN gives you access to a host of popular UK TV shows and movies. These include: 

• Ghosts
• Eastenders
• The Office
• Happy Valley
• Luther
• Great Expectations
• Death in Paradise