Best VPNs for BBC iPlayer | Top 10 Reviewed for 2024

The best VPNs for BBC iPlayer make it easy to access the streaming platform no matter where you are, plus you’ll enjoy high speeds and a buffer-free experience, powerful data encryption, censorship bypassing, and robust online security enhancements. That said, it can be challenging to identify the most reliable VPNs for accessing BBC iPlayer.

To help you find the best VPN for BBC iPlayer, we’ve thoroughly evaluated and reviewed a range of VPNs based on factors such as speed, pricing, server locations and availability, customer support, and additional features. Read on to learn how top apps like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access can help you.

The Best VPNs for BBC iPlayer 2024 | Quick Answer

NordVPN is our #1 pick for accessing BBC iPlayer due to its impressive features, including a large network of servers distributed globally, plus a kill switch and CyberSec technology that ensures secure browsing. However, the competition is tough. Here are the best VPN apps for BBC iPlayer:

1. NordVPN — The Best VPN for BBC iPlayer | Put it to the Test With the 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee Now.
2. ExpressVPN — The Most Beginner-Friendly Streaming VPN With Ironclad Encryption | Try it Risk-Free for 30 Days.
3. Private Internet Access — The Cheapest VPN for BBC iPlayer | Give it a Go with the 30-Day Guarantee.
4. Surfshark VPN — Top BBC iPlayer VPN Provider With Unlimited Simultaneous Connections | Has a 30-Day Guarantee.
5. PrivadoVPN — The Best Free VPN for BBC iPlayer.
6. CyberGhost VPN — BBC iPlayer VPN with the Longest Money-Back Guarantee of 45 Days.
7. IPVanish — Popular VPN to Stream BBC iPlayer with 360-Degree Security.
8. PrivateVPN — Leading VPN Provider with Strong Data Encryption.
9. VyprVPN — One of the Cheapest VPNs for BBC iPlayer.
10. ProtonVPN — A Fast & Free VPN for Streaming.

The Best VPNs for BBC iPlayer 2024 | In-Depth Reviews

Are you eager to find out more about the top VPNs for streaming BBC iPlayer? Read on as we provide a thorough review of these VPNs, including their best features, pricing, pros, and cons.

1. NordVPN — The Best VPN for BBC iPlayer

NordVPN is one of the most popular and, by far, one of the best VPN services, hence its stellar reviews across multiple expert review sites. Besides its phenomenal unblocking power, one of its best-known features is undoubtedly the extra layer of security added by the SHA-512 hash function.

Along with the regular 256-bit AES encryption that almost every other VPN service offers, NordVPN goes a step ahead with this hash that breaks down your data into 512 binary digits that look like meaningless chunks of data to outsiders.

This way, even if anyone manages to break into their VPN servers, your data will remain concealed. Besides this, NordVPN is also widely known for its excellent browsing and downloading speed which is great for users looking to use it to access BBC iPlayer.

The better the speed, the higher the picture quality, plus you won’t have trouble with lag or buffering either. On top of all of this, you’ll love how NordVPN is one of the few VPN providers that don’t just rent their servers but have complete ownership of them.

Since there’s no third party involved in the data centers, it’s almost impossible for anyone to leak your data. What’s more, even the NordVPN team can’t store your data — its strict no-log policy ensures that the team neither tracks nor records your browsing history or any data you leave behind when you’re online.

Unblock BBC iPlayer and all other leading streaming services with Nord and experience buffer-free, safe online streaming, gaming, and browsing from anywhere in the world.

Pricing

NordVPN’s Standard plan, at $2.99/month, comes with Threat Protection, simultaneous connections, a strict no-log policy, and everything else to look after your privacy on the internet. It’s an awesome value-for-money proposition for most users.

For companies or professionals that deal with a lot of sensitive data and want to add multiple users on the same plan, the Complete plan at $5.29/month with enterprise-level features will be the best fit.

Try NordVPN risk-free now with the 30-day money-back guarantee — you have nothing to lose, and complete online freedom and anonymity to gain.

2. ExpressVPN — The Most Beginner-Friendly Streaming VPN with Ironclad Encryption

ExpressVPN is the best VPN service for torrenting. Being one of the few quality VPN providers to offer P2P connections, it ensures that you aren’t kicked off the VPN just for downloading from multiple sources.

When it comes to unlocking streaming services, ExpressVPN’s expertise remains unmatched. During our testing, we found that unblocking content on BBC iPlayer and YouTube was the easiest.

We were able to get through on the very first attempt, and the content quality was top-notch. Other platforms that were seamlessly unblocked using ExpressVPN include Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and more.

ExpressVPN was also able to unblock DAZN, which is perhaps the most difficult OTT platform to unblock for VPN servers, and the only provider who has been able to do it besides ExpressVPN is NordVPN.

Our favorite thing about ExpressVPN is its simple and easy-to-use interface, especially for Windows, browsers, and mobiles. The navigation is simple, and the features are easy to find.

While the Linux version has a slightly complicated VPN interface, ExpressVPN’s team will help you master it in no time. With all that said, its biggest USP is the MediaStreamer.

If you’re using a device that doesn’t work with a VPN, you can use the MediaStreamer feature to make the device work like it’s connected to a VPN. While this will only help you unlock content from the US libraries, those are usually the most restricted ones — so it’s still a win.

Pricing

While ExpressVPN is more expensive than some other options on our list, it’s unique in its ability to offer servers in over 94 countries. This extensive reach isn’t commonly found in other VPNs, making ExpressVPN one of the best VPNs for BBC iPlayer.

Plus, all ExpressVPN plans come with a generous 30-day money-back guarantee, the best of which is the 1-year plan at $8.32/month.

3. Private Internet Access VPN  — The Cheapest VPN for BBC iPlayer

Private Internet Access (PIA) has one of the largest fleets of VPN servers in the industry. With more than 30,000 servers in over 83 countries, it’s extremely convenient to find a strong PIA server near your geographical location with excellent speed to enjoy your favorite movie/show on BBC iPlayer.

One of the best things about PIA is that it has virtual servers for those countries where it’s impossible to have physical servers owing to their strict VPN regulatory laws.

For example, their Russian VPN servers are actually located in Estonia. This way, they’re neither breaking Russian laws nor keeping their citizens from enjoying the benefits of VPNs.

Speaking of its ability to unblock content from streaming platforms, PIA does more than a pretty decent job. During our testing, it was successfully able to unblock Netflix US and Hulu.

Besides being one of the fastest VPN services, PIA was also able to unblock geo-restricted content on YouTube easily. While it did struggle a little with BBC iPlayer initially, we did manage to get in, and from then on, the content quality and speed were spectacular.

On top of this, you can also use PIA for torrenting. Just like ExpressVPN, it has P2P connections to simplify the process. So whether you’re using uTorrent, BitTorrent, or qBittorrent, downloading your favorite content will be straightforward with PIA.

Pricing

All PIA plans are dirt cheap. With that said, you’ll get the best bang for your buck with the 3-year (+ 3 months free) package at just $2.03/month.

Try PIA risk-free, thanks to its generous 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don’t like it, get a full refund.

4. Surfshark VPN — Top BBC iPlayer VPN Provider with Unlimited Simultaneous Connections

Surfshark is one of the most popular choices among VPN users looking for a platform that can stream content on multiple devices with the same plan, thanks to its unlimited simultaneous connections.

After all, it makes little sense to pay for a separate plan for your spouse or children when you can all use the same VPN plan at no extra cost.

On top of this, to minimize the risk of data leaks, Surfshark has RAM-only servers, which destroy user data as soon as it’s turned off with no option to recover it.

So if there’s a break into their servers — whether it’s a hacker or government official — your data won’t be there to steal in the first place.

If you don’t want anyone to know that you’re using a VPN, whether it’s to stream BBC iPlayer or whatever reason, you’ll definitely find Surfshark’s VPN camouflage mode helpful.

With these obfuscated servers, you can make your VPN traffic look like any regular online traffic, leaving absolutely no trace of your VPN activities. What’s more, Surfshark VPN has quite a responsive and intuitive kill switch.

It’ll cut you off from the internet if the VPN protection lapses out of nowhere. While almost all reputed VPN providers offer a kill switch, we found Surfshark’s kill switch far more responsive.

Pricing

Surfshark, as the best cheap VPN, offers plenty of payment options, including credit cards and Amazon Pay or Bitcoins. With plans in six different currencies and a 2-year plan at just $2.05/month, Surfshark looks after all its users:

To sweeten things further, a 30-day money-back guarantee has your back and will ensure you don’t lose a penny in case you don’t find Surfshark to be your cup of tea.

5. PrivadoVPN — The Best Free VPN for BBC iPlayer

PrivadoVPN provides the highest level of data security. In addition to all the encryption and security protocols, your data will be protected by strict Swiss privacy laws, known to be one of the strongest consumer laws in the world.

Not only hackers, but government officials outside Switzerland too, will have a tough time breaking into your personal records. Plus, PrivadoVPN also has excellent censorship-surpassing strategies.

No matter what content you want to watch, be it a movie, show, music, or even social media, you’ll be able to access any platform you want within seconds with PrivadoVPN’s superior site unblocking feature.

It also has a decent free plan that gives you access to servers across 12 cities and a monthly pack of 10 Gb of data. This plan also comes with the standard no-log policy and multiple device compatibility — including iPhone, Android, Windows, or Mac devices.

Get on the premium plan to benefit from additional features, including 10 simultaneous connections for your whole family to enjoy their favorite content online, advanced threat protection, and parental control (in case your kids are using the VPN to watch BBC iPlayer).

Pricing

PrivadoVPN has a free forever plan that’ll fetch you 10Gb data every month and access to servers in 12 cities, but you’ll only get one connection at a time.

The best premium deal is the 1-year plan at $4.99/month, which comes with a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

However, like with most VPNs, the 1-month plan does not come with a money-back guarantee, so we recommend you pick the 1-year plan once you’ve found PrivadoVPN to be of your liking after countless trials on the free plan.

6. CyberGhost VPN — BBC iPlayer VPN with the Longest Money-Back Guarantee of 45 Days

CyberGhost VPN is popular for two reasons — a 45-day money-back guarantee on its paid plans (except the monthly plan) and its expertise in unlocking content from Netflix and BBC iPlayer.

In fact, during our testing, we found that it was able to unlock every single streaming platform, including YouTube, HBO MAX, Sling TV, Amazon Prime, and several others.

Its servers are optimized for streaming platforms, so all of them were unblocked on the first try itself. The speed and picture quality were pretty decent as well.

We did have to wait a few minutes for the content to load on BBC iPlayer, but that issue was fixed as soon as we moved to a server optimized for BBC iPlayer. Mind you, this is one of CyberGhost VPN’s biggest USPs.

Every VPN provider has their own set of VPN servers, but how many of them are specially optimized to serve a purpose? But with CyberGhost, you get dedicated servers for independent tasks such as streaming, torrenting, or gaming.

For instance, torrenting requires excellent downloading skills and data protection from scam websites. On the other hand, streaming requires better loading speed, content quality, and zero buffering.

So these special servers equip you with the necessary tools and features required to enjoy each of these activities to the fullest.

Also, CyberGhost has over 9,700 servers in 91+ countries which is a fairly extensive network covering all major cities around the world. As the rule goes, the more VPN servers one has, the better its speed and connectivity.

Pricing

CyberGhost is right up there with the cheapest VPNs on the market right now. Each plan also comes with adequate money-back protection (14 days for the 1-month plan and 45 days for the rest), so there’s no financial commitment from the get-go.

The 2-year + 2-month plan offers the best value for money at just $2.19/month, which is easily one of the lowest-priced VPNs on the market right now. See for yourself. 45-day money-back guarantee. No risk.

7. IPVanish — The Best VPN to Stream BBC iPlayer with 360-degree Security

IPVanish was founded in 2012, and having started with a network of just 32 servers, it’s grown into one of the most feature-rich VPN providers with an extensive global network of 2,000+ servers in 75+ countries.

What makes IPVanish stand out is its shared IP feature. If you’re looking for an extra layer of security for your internet activities, you can pick a shared IP address from IPVanish’s lot of 40,000.

Since these IP addresses are used by all their users worldwide, it’s practically impossible to trace back any online activity to a particular user. What you do online remains untraceable.

Also, just like Surfshark, IPVanish, too, lets you connect unlimited devices at the same time. We all know that sharing a VPN account with your friends or family comes with its own benefits.

Plus, if you’re paying for a BBC iPlayer account on top of that, little savings on a VPN plan certainly would be welcome. On top of this, IPVanish also follows the standard no-log policy, just like most other VPN providers.

But what gives it an edge over its peers is that its no-log policy is independently audited and verified. Plus, if you’re new to VPN, you’ll surely appreciate IPVanish’s friendly customer support team, available 24/7 through live chat, phone, or email.

For additional support, it also provides a rich knowledge database filled with FAQs and tutorials.

Pricing

IPVanish’s 1-month plan at $10.99 is around the price point of most VPNs’ 1-month plans, but its unparalleled security makes it worth a try.

That said, if you’re convinced that this is the VPN for you, the yearly plan costing only $3.99 per month and backed by a generous 30-day money-back guarantee is what we recommend you get.

8. Private VPN — Leading VPN Provider with Strong Data Encryption

PrivateVPN puts your convenience and experiences over everything else. That’s why it has one of the simplest VPN setups. All that you have to do is download the app and connect it to your device in a click — it all takes less than a minute.

It’s also perhaps the only VPN provider to have in-house developers in its customer support wing. Instead of talking to bots, you get to share your problems with human experts who maintain the platform and know it inside out.

This ensures you get your problems fixed sooner rather than later, and you don’t miss your favorite movie/show on BBC iPlayer. Plus, PrivateVPN also takes your security and data protection quite seriously.

That’s why while other VPN providers use 256-bit AES encryption, PrivateVPN uses 2048-bit military encryption that’s secure, stable, and perfect for HD streaming.

Speaking of its capability of unblocking streaming platforms, PrivateVPN is optimized to handle all the popular sites such as BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Spotify, YouTube, and many more — you’ll never be short of content.

Also, with each account, you get up to 10 simultaneous connections, which is another way it makes your streaming experience enjoyable and certainly a better deal than the standard 5 to 7 connections offered by some of PrivateVPN’s competitors.

Pricing

PrivateVPN’s 1- and 3-month plans are priced like most other VPNs’ short-term plans, but its 3-year plan at just $2/month is one of the best VPN deals out there currently.

Plus, you’ll also get a 30-day money-back guarantee. A fantastic deal overall.

9. VyprVPN — One of the Cheapest VPNs for BBC iPlayer

VyprVPN is known to be one of the safest and most feature-packed VPN platforms. With stable connections, unbreakable encryption, safe torrenting, and mobile-friendly apps, it doesn’t get much better than VyprVPN.

VyprVPN works great with almost all streaming platforms. During our testing, we found that it unlocked content on YouTube and BBC iPlayer pretty easily.

The only issue was it struggled with a few Netflix locations, and you only have the VPN alone to unblock streaming platforms.

This means that in case your device doesn’t support VPN, you won’t have any other option, such as SmartDNS, to access the platform. However, this problem can be easily fixed if you have a router.

VyprVPN will easily connect with your router — watch as many shows as you want on BBC iPlayer, even if your device doesn’t support VPN. Another benefit of using VyprVPN is it owns all its servers, just like NordVPN.

The biggest benefit of owning VPN servers over simply renting them is that the VPN platform can provide you with better service, protection, and infrastructure, all for the same cost.

While VyprVPN might not have a huge server network, it’s widely spread across all the major parts of the world, including Asia, the Middle East, Europe, America, Oceania, and Africa.

A wide VPN coverage ensures that users from all around the world can connect to its servers, even if they’re from a VPN-restricted zone.

Pricing

VyprVPN has pretty straightforward pricing. It offers only two plans:

Sure, it’s not the cheapest tool on our list, but it’s expanding as we speak. Plus, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on both its plans, so try it for yourself and then decide.

10. ProtonVPN — A Fast & Free VPN for Streaming. Try the Freemium Plan Before Committing

ProtonVPN is best known for its generous free plan. While there are many free VPN services — besides PrivadoVPN, none are as reliable and feature-rich as ProtonVPN.

For starters, the free plan fetches you access to over 100 servers from 3 countries. This means you’ll have enough server options to stream your favorite content at $0.

What’s more, the free plan also includes a strict no-log policy, decent speed, and compatibility with multiple device types. However, the biggest reason why you should choose ProtonVPN to access BBC iPlayer is that its servers are actually designed to unblock and handle streaming platforms.

If you take a closer look at the services listed on its website, you’ll see that it extends its site-unblocking services to many sites like BBC iPlayer, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. The best part? These benefits are available to you even when you’re on the go.

In addition to all this, ProtonVPN will also provide you with a seamless streaming experience by blocking ads. After all, online ads not only disrupt your movies/shows but can also hide malicious links designed to track or steal your data.

With ProtonVPN’s NetShield Ad Blocker removing ads, your security and experience both get an extra pump.

On the whole, ProtonVPN is trusted by millions of individuals and businesses worldwide, especially because its servers are well protected by strict Swiss privacy laws.

Pricing

Available in Euros, Swiss Francs, and USD dollars, all ProtonVPN plans are, although not the cheapest in the industry, surely very affordable:

Considering you’ll get a free trial to try the service and a 30-day money-back guarantee on any of the paid plans, there’s no reason ProtonVPN shouldn’t see your sign-up.

Best VPNs for BBC iPlayer | Top 10 Compared

If you’re running low on time, here’s a quick summary of our top picks, highlighting their main differences. This will help you make a quick, informed decision:

How We Chose the Best VPNs for BBC iPlayer

Wondering how we zeroed down on the best VPNs for BBC iPlayer? When choosing a suitable VPN, we considered the following factors:

Server Locations

Ensure the VPN has servers in the UK, as this is necessary to access BBC iPlayer.

Without a UK server, you can’t access BBC iPlayer. Some VPNs have servers located in multiple cities throughout the UK, giving you more options and potentially better performance.

Speed

By using a VPN with fast speeds, you can minimize the risk of buffering and other issues that can interrupt your streaming experience. The speed of your VPN connection can be affected by many factors, including the:

• Distance between your device and the VPN server
• Number of users connected to the server

We evaluate download rates when users connect to VPN servers located all over the world.

With the VPNs mentioned above, streaming high-definition video should be simple. Since they all provide unlimited bandwidth, performance issues like lag and buffering are unusual.

Encryption

A strong encryption protocol will protect your data and keep your internet connection secure while using the VPN.

These use advanced algorithms and keys to encode data, making it very difficult for anyone to intercept and decrypt the data without the proper keys.

Particularly for those that stream while traveling, you’ll probably be using open networks with poor security. Don’t expose yourself to risks, and use a VPN that talks the talk when it comes to internet security.

Compatibility

When choosing a VPN to access BBC iPlayer, it’s important to ensure that the VPN is compatible with your device and the platform you want to use.

Moreover, you’ll also want to ensure that the VPN is compatible with the platform you wish to use to access BBC iPlayer.

This could include the BBC iPlayer website, the BBC iPlayer app for a particular device (e.g., Android, iOS), or a third-party platform (e.g., a smart TV or streaming device).

Price

When choosing a VPN, it’s important to consider your budget and look for a service that offers a good balance of features and value for money.

Some VPNs offer a range of features and services for a relatively low price, while others may be more expensive but offer additional features or more advanced security measures.

How to Set Up VPNs for BBC iPlayer

To set up a VPN for BBC iPlayer, you’ll need to follow these steps:

1. Subscribe to a VPN service that offers servers in the UK. Some popular options include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark.
2. Download and install the VPN client on your device.
3. Launch the VPN and log in using your account credentials.
4. Connect to a server in the UK. Some VPNs allow you to select a specific city or location, while others may connect you to the fastest or most optimal server automatically.
5. Enjoy BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world. Once connected to a UK server, you’ll be able to access BBC iPlayer as if you were physically in the UK.

It’s important to note that the effectiveness of VPNs in unblocking content can vary, and the BBC may take measures to block VPNs from accessing its content.

VPNs for BBC iPlayer FAQs