5 Best BBC iPlayer VPN for Unblocking UK Content from Abroad

There are so many streaming services available but only a few are accessible by all. Take BBC iPlayer for starters; is only available within the UK. However, all that is about to change, using the best BBC iPlayer VPN in 2020.

Streaming is the number one source of entertainment, especially now, since the world is asked to remain home during the pandemic. With numerous amounts of streaming services available, among the more popular choices is BBC iPlayer.

It holds countless TV shows, movies, Live TV, Sports and news channels to stream through, but, what’s the point when you won’t be able to access it? This is the case for most popular streaming services. They’re either not available in your country, or blocked due to censorship issues.

So, how do you access BBC iPlayer from a country like Russia, Pakistan, or the United States? You use a VPN! However, not just any VPN will do, and that’s exactly what this article is about!

I’ll be guiding you through a list for the best BBC iPlayer VPN, carefully selected based on testing and multiple other user-experiences, which will give you access from anywhere around the world.

You’ll soon get your hands on the latest BBC iPlayer movies, documentaries, and even live news updates in no time!

But, before we move on and if you’re short on time, here’s a quick look at 5 of the best BBC iPlayer VPN providers:

• Surfshark – top VPN pick for BBC iPlayer, with great speeds, allows unlimited device connections, and a secured connection.
• CyberGhost – best user-friendly VPN app for unblocking BBC iPlayer, with great privacy and security features.
• ExpressVPN – the best VPN with unblocking features for BBC iPlayer, fast speeds, has MediaStreamer feature for geo-blocked websites.
• NordVPN – VPN with robust security features and fast speeds for accessing BBC iPlayer; also uses SmartPlay technology.
• VyprVPN – good VPN for unblocking BBC iPlayer and other streaming services.

How to choose the best BBC iPlayer VPN

Here’s a quick insight, what would you choose?

1. A free piece of candy from a stranger? Or
2. A piece of candy from your regular superstore that costs a few cents?

Whichever one you go for, makes all the difference in the world. Sure the free candy is the most tempting option, but, do you trust the source it comes from? What if there’s something wrong with it? You’ll never know until you’ve consumed it.

In the same case, choosing a BBC iPlayer VPN is much similar. There are so many that claim to unblock its services but only a few well-renowned providers have succeeded in the process.

So, to choose the best one, specifically the ones on my list, I looked for particular features or aspects. Here’s what to look for:

Privacy and reliability

Firstly, since you’re going to be accessing streaming services that aren’t already available to you, within your country, you’ll need a VPN that is safe and reliable. Privacy policies play a big part in this as well as the VPNs country of origin. Choosing a VPN provider that is away from the 14-eyes agreement is your best bet, and if not that, then look for ones that have strong privacy laws and no-data logging agreements, like the top 5 providers on my list.

Server coverage

Since the service is only available in the UK, you’ll need a VPN that offers wide server coverage that also offers UK IP addresses. Other than that, the servers should be spread across all the major countries in the world, just in case you’re looking to utilize the VPN far beyond than just BBC iPlayer.

Security and encryption standards

Security is a major issue where VPNs are concerned. Many providers claim to offer top of the line encryption and other unblocking features to bypass BBC iPlayer’s strict censor blocks. However, there are a few providers, like the ones on my list, which do provide great security features that’ll help you access any streaming service securely, all while making sure your connection, IP, and identity is private.

Fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth

What’s streaming without fast speeds? If I wanted to wait for hours just to download a 1.5-hour movie, I’d go for a free VPN. But, to get the best streaming experience on BBC iPlayer, fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth go hand-in-hand. All the BBC iPlayer VPNs I chose rendered fast speeds against my local connection during the testing phase.

User-friendly apps

You finally get your hands on a VPN for BBC iPlayer, and then find out you don’t know how to use it. How does that help? The VPNs chosen were also based on user-friendly apps for multiple clients.

Device compatibility and simultaneous connections

Speaking of multiple clients, device compatibility is a key ingredient. A VPN should be compatible with not only the major operating systems but also all the BBC iPlayer streaming compatible devices. Secondly, they should also allow multiple simultaneous connections to encrypt not only your streaming device but other devices that you use on a daily basis.

The best BBC iPlayer VPN – 5 top VPN services!

Trying to access BBC iPlayer during quarantine or in general? Tired of seeing this?

Well… take a look at what the top VPN providers for BBC iPlayer have to offer! Starting with:

1. Surfshark

When choosing the best VPN for BBC iPlayer or any other popular streaming service, it’s always wise to go back to the basics, who’re top contenders in the industry. Surfshark is one of them. This British Virgin Islands VPN is one of a kind provider, which offers the best privacy for its users.

You can enjoy streaming through unlimited content, using all of Surfshark’s 1700+ servers covering 64 countries worldwide, which also includes servers in the UK.

Almost all of its servers are optimized for unblocking heavily censored platforms on the network, with great speeds. Some of these services include BBC iPlayer, Hulu, US and UK Netflix, Amazon Prime, ESPN, and a lot more.

The Surfshark servers are also modified with private DNS on each, which are also obfuscated for double protection. There would be no limit to a full binging marathon because Surfshark also offers unlimited bandwidth. For a full inside scoop into Surfshark’s speed tests and performance, you can take a look at my Surfshark review.

You can run the Surfshark app on multiple supported platforms like Windows, Android, and iOS, Linux, macOS, Firestick, Apple TV, PS4 and so much more. The plus point in all of this is that Surfshark also allows unlimited simultaneous device connections.

What would keep your connection and access to these services secure are the security features that the Surfshark app comes with. It runs on top-grade 256-bit AES encryption, has Split-Tunneling features, a Kill Switch, protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, and a lot more!

All-in-all, Surfshark is one of the best-budgeted VPNs for BBC iPlayer and you can also put that to the test using its free trial run. If the trial run isn’t enough time, it also has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Get SurfShark Now

2. CyberGhost

Next on the BBC iPlayer VPN list, we have CyberGhost. This VPN is one click away from having the best privacy during your streaming journey. It is a Romanian provider that works great lengths to stick to its no-data logging policies.

CyberGhost has around 6000+ servers in 59, with around 450+ servers in the UK (Berkshire, London, and Manchester). The ample server coverage in the UK is a plus point so that many users will be able to access BBC iPlayer from all over the world, without having any lagging issues.

The great thing about the CyberGhost servers is that they are assigned to unblock specific streaming services, with the inclusion of BBC iPlayer.

Other services that you can unblock besides BBC iPlayer, include the US Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, Hulu, FOX, NBC, and others, all with great speeds and unlimited bandwidth. You can have a look at the speed results and more in my CyberGhost review.

You can even go as far as binging on BBC iPlayer using your smart TV and at the same time run the VPN on another supported device, since CyberGhost allows 7 multi-device connections simultaneously.

Some of the major BBC iPlayer supported devices that CyberGhost is compatible with include Windows, iOS, Android, Firestick, macOS, Linux, Routers, browser extensions, Android TV, and others, with each client app being user-friendly.

Besides privacy, great speeds, and unblocking abilities, CyberGhost also has great security backing to support its performance. It operates using military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, a Kill Switch in case your VPN connection drops, and other advanced features to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth, which by the way, is quite affordable.

You can try using the CyberGhost free trial for unblocking BBC iPlayer for 24-hours on your PC or macOS, or for around 7-days on Android and iOS. If that’s not enough time or you’d like to test it out on multiple devices, you can use the CyberGhost 45-day refund policy.

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3. ExpressVPN

The VPNs on my list are ranked in no particular order just to be clear, so that doesn’t make ExpressVPN any less of a great option just because it’s placed third. ExpressVPN is diverse, flexible, and functional. That’s the best VPN choice when trying to access a platform like BBC iPlayer.

ExpressVPN is another British Virgin Islands VPN provider just like Surfshark, which means perfect privacy for online browsing or streaming.

ExpressVPN is one of the best choices for unblocking BBC iPlayer, with it having a huge coverage of 3000+ servers in 94 countries, with the inclusion of servers in the UK (Docklands, East London, London, and Wembley) Each server is highly optimized for streaming and P2P activities with great speed results. So, bypassing BBC iPlayer’s blocks won’t be an issue.

You won’t have a tough time unblocking other popular streaming services like BBC iPlayer, which include Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Disney Plus, HBO GO, NBC, and a lot more! You can also connect to the VPN on multiple devices because ExpressVPN allows 5 simultaneous multi-device connections.

And speaking of device compatibility, ExpressVPN supports all the major operating systems and apps for Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, Apple TV, Firestick, Browser extensions, and a lot more. Using any one of these devices, you can binge on BBC iPlayer and that too with HD streaming speeds. For a complete speed test on numerous servers, you can have a look at my ExpressVPN review.

When I said versatile, I meant it. ExpressVPN has robust security features, like 256-bit AE encryption, a Kill Switch, a Split-tunneling feature, and much more! It also has a private DNS feature called MediaStreamer, which helps to unblock heavily censored content.

Yes, to some ExpressVPN might be known to be on a slightly expensive side, but it is well worth the money! You can test it out using its 7-day free trial for mobiles (Android and iOS) or invest in a reliable 30-day refund period!

Get ExpressVPN Now

4. NordVPN

Next, we have NordVPN, another ace VPN provider! It’s best known mainly for its security features which will be discussed further on.

First, let’s talk about reliability. NordVPN is a Panama-based VPN, which pretty much speaks for itself. It observes strict no-data logging policies, making sure that your digital footprints are private.

In terms of a BBC iPlayer VPN, it surely makes a great provider! NordVPN has over 5000+ servers in 59 countries, with each server built with Double VPN technology.

Among its coverage, it includes 600 UK servers, all of which can help unblock BBC iPlayer and a lot more. Some of these other streaming services include Netflix, HBO GO, Hotstar, Amazon Prime, Sky Go, and others. NordVPN sports some pretty decent speeds too, which you can look into in my NordVPN review.

Where device compatibility is concerned, you don’t need to worry, because BBC iPlayer can be accessed on multiple supported devices. Some of these include Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, FireTVstick, Routers, Browser extensions, PS4, and a lot more. NordVPN also allows simultaneous connections up-to 6 devices per subscription.

Now coming to NordVPN’s specialty; its security and advanced features. Firstly, it has a SmartPlay feature which is specifically designed to bypass tough geo-blocked streaming websites. Among security features, it operates using 256-bit AES encryption, a Kill Switch, a CyberSec feature that helped block ads and malicious content, and is DNS/IP/WebRTC leak protected.

NordVPN has pretty affordable packages, but if you feel like diving into a test drive first, you can use its 7-day free trial or extended period using its 30-day refund.

Get NordVPN Now

5. VyprVPN

Last on the list we have VyprVPN, another great VPN provider known for its unblocking skills. This provider is based in Switzerland and doesn’t log any data, securing your privacy on the internet.

Compared to the other providers on my list, it has far less server coverage in comparison, namely around 700+ servers in 70+ countries, with the inclusion of servers in the UK (London). Yes, that seems like a very small list but it’s on the list for best BBC iPlayer VPN mainly because during testing, it unblocked it and a number of other streaming services.

A few of the other popular and high-in-demand services that VyprVPN unblocked were Netflix, HBO Go, Hulu, Amazon Prime, ESPN and others. You can binge the latest show and protect multiple devices in one go because it also allows simultaneous connections on up to 5 devices.

Speaking of device compatibility, VyprVPN supports all the major devices and apps, some of which include Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, smart TVs, and much more. You can go through its complete list of apps on its website.

VyprVPN uses Chameleon technology, which is the best thing for unblocking highly censored content like that of BBC iPlayer. Other features include high-end encryption, a Kill Switch feature, and protection against DNS and IP leaks.

The only downside; there’s no free trial but VyprVPN does have a 30-day refund policy that you can look into for thorough testing. For more on the VPN, you should check out my detailed VyprVPN review.

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How to install and use a BBC iPlayer VPN

It’s pretty simple to get started with a VPN for BBC iPlayer, all you have to do is:

• Subscribe to any one of the BBC iPlayer VPN services. I’ve recommended 5 top providers (Surfshark, CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and VyprVPN).
• Then you download the app on any supported device.
• Install it and open the app.
• Sign in to your account using the same credentials as the ones you signed to the service with.
• Now, since you’re trying to unblock BBC iPlayer, select any UK server and hit the connect
• In case you doubt your connection, you can check out your new UK IP address using any IP checking website.
• Before streaming, make sure you clear your cookies and cache.
• That’s it! Start binging!

FAQs

Do I need a BBC iPlayer VPN?

Yes, you do. If you’re living anywhere out of the UK, then you definitely need a VPN to unblock BBC iPlayer. Just like many other popular streaming services, BBC iPlayer is among the few that have very strict censor blocks and copyright laws. Neither I nor topvpnservices, condone downloading copyrighted content, but only here to provide you the safest passage to it, if ever you’re thinking of streaming on BBC iPlayer. Secondly, it’ll help protect your devices from hackers or other forms of malicious attacks.

Can I use a free BBC iPlayer VPN?

No, you shouldn’t. I always recommend going for safer free options like using a free trial from a premium service. There are only a handful of free VPNs that unblock BBC iPlayer, but that highly depends on the service. Free VPNs will just make things difficult for you, steal your data, or sell it to third party companies. Apart from that, you’ll experience bad speeds and restricted data.

What’s the best BBC iPlayer VPN according to Reddit?

BBC iPlayer isn’t a very easy platform to unblock to get access to. Only the best VPN for it will help unblock its services. So, for that, a little work will have to be done on your part. Yes, I provided a genuine list of BBC iPlayer VPNs, but I always recommend my viewers to go a step further and look up other reliable recourses for user-experience.

Reddit happens to be the best community for that. So, after going through many BBC iPlayer posts on Reddit, regarding the best VPN to unblock it, CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN were the top combined results.

Here’s a small clip from one of the Reddit findings:

In conclusion

Let’s go over the facts, shall we? Just in case you rushed through all the lengthy details and want an “all in a nutshell” scenario, I’ve listed 5 of the best BBC iPlayer VPN, (Surfshark, CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and VyprVPN).

They all managed to unblock the service with great ease and will provide the most necessary privacy and protection for all your devices, your data, and your identity. However, since BBC Player is one of the most difficult platforms to get a hold of, there are circumstances where the VPN you use might not work. So, even if your BBC Player VPN isn’t working, there are workaround methods to fix it.