How To Watch BBC iPlayer Abroad [3 Steps Guide]

Thinking, can I use BBC iPlayer abroad? No, only UK citizens are allowed to use BBC iPlayer, which is supported by the country’s TV license.

Since BBC iPlayer is a geo-restricted platform, you will need a VPN to unblock and watch BBC iPlayer abroad. We recommend a premium VPN like ExpressVPN.

BBC iPlayer is a tremendous streaming service with some of the best content to offer to its audiences. The only issue is that it is subjected to copyrights and distribution laws which makes it inaccessible outside UK.

The current content of BBC iPlayer includes King Charles’s Coronation along with some latest sports events like Formula 1 from anywhere in the world.

So without any further delay, read our easy guide to unblock your favorite shows and movies on BBC iPlayer abroad.

Why Do I Need a VPN to Watch iPlayer Abroad?

You need a VPN to unblock BBC iPlayer outside UK without any interruptions because a VPN will provide you an IP address from the UK and trick iPlayer into letting you watch from abroad. The majority of media websites around the world operate similarly, typically limiting access to their home audiences.

So whenever you access BBC iPlayer from abroad, you will see the following error message;

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

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, basically, a VPN masks your real IP address and encrypts all the internet traffic by connecting your device to a server in the UK.

It’s crucial to understand that streaming services, such as the BBC, make a lot of effort to disable VPNs. The VPN providers engage in a game of cat and mouse to block and get around those blocks since it doesn’t want people watching from outside UK.

It’s a good idea to use a VPN app that has a solid track record of being able to unblock iPlayer because not all VPN apps will be able to do so. The good news is there is no cost for BBC iPlayer, it is a free streaming service for all. Just register for the account and avail yourself of its free trial as a viewer in the UK.

A premium VPN like ExpressVPN ensures that you stream securely by protecting your IP and DNS. It also lets you watch other streaming platforms like BFI Player, and NOW TV outside UK.

How do Sign Up for BBC iPlayer from Abroad?

Don’t worry if you don’t already have an iPlayer account; creating one outside UK is simple. Just keep in mind to have a valid UK TV license.

What are the Best VPNs to Watch BBC iPlayer Abroad?

Finding the VPNs that work with BBC iPlayer is a difficult task. But don’t worry. We have tested 20+ best VPNs for iPlayer services in terms of security, speed, unblocking abilities, server count, and privacy.

We have listed the best VPN to let you watch all the amazing BBC content hitting the platform all the time.

ExpressVPN: Best VPN to Watch iPlayer Abroad

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer. This VPN is the top service provider and is well known for its blazing-fast speed. On our 100 Mbps base connection, this VPN provided an incredible 89.42 Mbps downloading speed, which was great for 4K streaming.

ExpressVPN has a large network of 3000+ servers in 94+ countries. including 4 server locations in Wembley, London, and Docklands.

We used the Docklands server for watching iPlayer abroad and experienced no buffering while streaming.

BBC iPlayer smoothly unblocked by ExpressVPN

In the speed tests we conducted, ExpressVPN offered a download speed of 89.42 Mbps and an upload speed of 84.64 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

On a 100 Mbps base connection, ExpressVPN provided incredibly fast results.

It offers 5 simultaneous logins so you can share them with your friends and family. In addition, all its servers have AES 256-bit military-grade encryption and follow a strict no-logs policy, allowing you to watch BBC iPlayer on Firestick with ExpressVPN.

It also offers other features like Split Tunnelling and Kill Switch. With ExpressVPN Media Streamer, you can easily watch geo-restricted content on devices that do not support VPN. With this VPN, you can also watch Sky Sports and Eurosport outside UK.

ExpressVPN also has apps for Windows, Android, iOS,  Roku, Apple TV, Mac, and more. You can also watch An Irish Goodbye with such powerful features of this VPN.

ExpressVPN costs are GB£ 5.39 /mo (US$ 6.67 /mo ) - Save 49% and get 3 extra months FREE with 12-month plan, and you can try this service with a 30-day back money guarantee. It also offers 24/7 live chat support.

Surfshark: Affordable VPN to Watch iPlayer Abroad

Surfshark is a budget-friendly service and ideal for those new to the world of VPNs. You can get Surfshark’s for GB£ 1.86 /mo (US$ 2.30 /mo ) - 82% Off on 2 Years Plan as it is the lowest price available in the industry. With Surfshark, you can share your account with as many people as possible because of its unlimited multi-login feature.

It enables all security features by default and has a powerful unblocking ability. Overall, it has 4 server locations in the UK and 3200+ servers in 65+ countries. 

We have connected to a server in London. Its London and Glasgow servers are the most optimal servers for unblocking BBC iPlayer.

Surfshark unblocked BBC iPlayer in a second

It offers a download speed of 88.48 Mbps and an upload speed of 79.42 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

Surfshark offers optimal speed for streaming.

Surfshark has impressive security and privacy features like a kill button, 256-bit AES encryption, and a no-logs policy. In addition, you can use this VPN service to watch streaming platforms like BT Sports channel and Channel 4 outside UK.

You can use this VPN service on devices like iPhones, Firestick, Roku, Smart TVs, and Apple TVs. It also has apps for Android, macOS, Windows, and iOS.

Surfshark comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and also offers 24/7 live chat support for assistance.

NordVPN: Largest Server Network VPN to Watch iPlayer Abroad

NordVPN has the largest server network to unblock and stream BBC iPlayer. With NordVPN, the user can bypass the geo-blocking measures and stream BBC in the USA.

It has more than 5543+ servers in 94+ countries, and also it has 440+ servers in the UK.

We used the UK server #2398 and enjoyed streaming without facing any buffering or lagging issues.

NordVPN successfully unblocked BBC iPlayer outside UK

NordVPN servers are capable of delivering fast speed for streaming.

All of the servers of NordVPN are protected by AES 256-bit encryption and have no issues with IP or DNS leaks. You can use this VPN service to watch streaming platforms like the Sky Go channel and ITV  in the UK.

You can use NordVPN on iPhone, Windows, Android, Roku, Firestick, and Apple TVs. It allows 6 simultaneous connections. You can also watch Dog Days on BBC iPlayer with Surfshark.

The cost of this VPN service is GB£ 2.82 /mo (US$ 3.49 /mo ) - Save 60% on 2 Years Deal and also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can also use the 24/7 live chat support of this VPN service.

CyberGhost: A cheaper solution to watch iPlayer Abroad

CyberGhost is considered a cheaper solution to watching BBC iPlayer abroad for the price it comes at. As compared to the other VPNs in the market, CyberGhost offers a great deal at GB£ 1.8 /mo (US$ 2.23 /mo ) (3 Years + 4 Months).

It has a large server network, with 7700+ in 90+. It also has servers in the UK to get you BBC iPlayer from abroad hassle-free.

CyberGhost unblocks BBC iPlayer outside UK

CyberGhost also offers 256 AES bit encryption along with IP/DNS leak protection and a kill switch to keep the communications secure and encrypted in every manner. This means you can watch Match of the Day and Blue Lights on BBC iPlayer securely.

When we tested CyberGhost it gave us amazing results. We received a download speed of 86.49 Mbps and an upload speed of 79.42 Mbps on a 100Mbps connection.

CyberGhost gave us satisfying speed results while streaming BBC iPlayer

The price of CyberGhost is simply unmatchable in comparison with the other VPNs. Other than unblocking BBC iPlayer, it is also known for unblocking major streaming platforms like Disney+ Hotstar, Netflix, and Sky TV.

Quick Comparison: Best VPNs for BBC iPlayer Abroad

Here is a quick comparison of the VPNs that help how can I watch iPlayer abroad easily;

Top VPNs	BBC iPlayer Streaming	Price	Server count	Simultaneous Connections	Streaming reliability	Devices Supported
	1	GB£ 5.39 /mo (US$ 6.67 /mo ) - Save 49% and get 3 extra months FREE with 12-month plan	3000+ servers in 94+ countries	5	Excellent	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux
	2	GB£ 1.86 /mo (US$ 2.30 /mo ) - 82% Off on 2 Years Plan	3200+ servers in 65+ countries	Unlimited	Good	iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux
	3	GB£ 2.82 /mo (US$ 3.49 /mo ) - Save 60% on 2 Years Deal	5543+ servers in 60+ countries	6	Good	iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux
	4	GB£ 1.8 /mo (US$ 2.23 /mo ) (3 Years + 4 Months)	7700+ in 90+	7	Good	iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux

Can I Use Free VPNs to Watch BBC iPlayer Abroad – outside UK?

How can I watch iPlayer abroad for free? You can use free VPNs to watch BBC iPlayer outside UK but we do not recommend it, as it poses a risk to your security, due to which you will always remain scared of your DNS and IP address getting leaked.

Free VPN can sometimes bypass geo-restrictions, but it has fewer servers and poor security features. Moreover, it can leak your personal information to third parties.

Free VPN providers maintain user records and track user behavior. So, a premium VPN like ExpressVPN should always be used to watch BBC iPlayer content outside UK. Furthermore, ExpressVPN provides a free trial, so if you don’t like the service, you can get your refund within 30 days.

Methodology: How to Choose the Best VPN for BBC iPlayer Abroad?

Choosing a VPN provider might be challenging because there are so many of them claiming to be the best. We have evaluated the top VPNs on the market using a data-based testing process.

This enables us to compare services directly in order to identify the best VPNs for particular use instances, such as accessing iPlayer while traveling.

• Works trustworthily with BBC iPlayer and comparable streaming services. We search for VPNs with reliable British servers that support popular services like online banking as well as iPlayer, All 4, and ITV Hub.
• Offers connections that are always fast. Many VPNs utilize slow networks of low-cost servers and out-of-date protocols. WireGuard and other quick VPNs with recent protocols come highly recommended.
• Uses robust encryption and has a number of additional security features. We only suggest VPNs with fully functional apps that are loaded with cutting-edge privacy and security features. We also check the VPN for a kill switch and test it for IP and DNS leaks.
• Doesn’t record any data that could be used to identify you. For complete assurance that your browsing activities are always kept secret, we suggest VPNs with solid privacy practices.
• Has applications for all of the widely used operating systems. To ensure you can stream iPlayer on all of your devices, we verify the VPN provides apps for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android.

Why is BBC iPlayer not working with a VPN?

It is not guaranteed that BBC iPlayer will definitely work with a VPN and before you cancel your BBC iPlayer subscription, here are some possible explanations for why BBC iPlayer won’t connect to your VPN:

• The BBC has blocked the VPN’s servers.
• The locations of your device’s IP address and GPS don’t line up.
• Whenever the geo-blocking on BBC iPlayer is imposed, your VPN lacks the power to unblock it because of its slow servers.

What’s the best content to Watch on BBC iPlayer in 2023?

We have picked out the best TV shows, movies, and Documentaries to watch on BBC iPlayer abroad this year. Here is a list:

What’s coming new on BBC iPlayer in May 2023?

The best upcoming BBC shows in April are as follows:

• Rain Dogs
• The Cleaner
• I Kissed a Boy
• Control Room
• Highland Cops
• Fboy Island NZ
• Project Icon
• Top Gear
• Killing Eve
• Strictly Come Dancing
• Vigil
• In The Night Garden
• Gordon Ramsay’s Food Star
• Phoenix Rise
• Race Across the World 
• Red Nose
• Interior Design Masters
• Better
• Eastenders
• Question Time
• Dragon’s Den
• Colin from Accounts

What Devices are compatible with BBC iPlayer Abroad?

You can watch the content of BBC iPlayer on a number of devices. Here is the list of devices on which you can watch the amazing content of BBC iPlayer UK.

• iPhone
• Apple TV
• Roku
• Chromecast
• Windows 10
• Firestick
• Smart TV
• PS4/PS5
• Mac
• Android

FAQs: BBC iPlayer Abroad

Chris Mack

Chris is a technology and entertainment writer whose main interests revolve around the art of writing and expression. He loves writing research-based articles in different niches and translating his thoughts into words that inspire others.