How to Watch PBS in UK [Updated Feb 2024]

Wondering how to watch PBS in UK. You can access PBS in the UK via Freeview 84, Freesat 155, Virgin Media 187, Sky 174, Samsung TV Plus, and Amazon UK. But most of its content is geo-restricted. Therefore, to watch PBS in UK, you need to use ExpressVPN.

PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) is an American broadcaster famous for its quality educational programs. From thought-provoking documentaries and captivating dramas to entertaining children’s shows, PBS offers a wide range of content to inform and inspire audiences.

Some of the latest PBS shows are Professor T, Annika, and Message in a Bottle. As mentioned above PBS is restricted in the UK due to licensing agreements; for watching these top-notch programs, you can rely on a trusted VPN.

From understanding the role of VPNs in bypassing geo-restrictions to setting up your PBS account, we provide all the information you need in a simple and easy-to-understand format. Stay tuned as we delve into the details of how to seamlessly watch PBS in the UK.

Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch PBS in UK?

A VPN is essential for watching PBS in UK due to restrictions. This is because, according to content distribution and licensing policies, PBS is only available in the US.

If you attempt to access and watch PBS in UK or anywhere outside of the US, you will receive a message stating that it’s not accessible:

“We’re sorry, but this video is not available in your region due to rights restrictions.”

Whenever you try to access PBS without a VPN in UK, it blocks your access!

However, you can bypass these restrictions using a VPN like ExpressVPN, which offers premium services. Switching to a US IP address through the VPN tricks the PBS streaming UK service into believing that your location is within America, granting you access to their entire library of content.

Moreover, with an excellent VPN provider at your disposal, unblock ABC IView and get Sling TV in UK but also gain access to numerous other geo-restricted websites effortlessly!

Best VPN to Watch PBS in UK in 2024

Explore our curated list of the best VPNs for 2024, specifically chosen for their effectiveness in streaming PBS in the UK. We provide an in-depth analysis of each VPN’s features, performance, and why they stand out in the current market. We evaluated over 20+ VPN services:

1. ExpressVPN – Recommended VPN to Watch PBS in UK

ExpressVPN is the top-most recommended VPN to watch PBS in UK due to its lightning-fast speed and exceptional performance. This VPN service is renowned for its ability to consistently bypass geo-restrictions, making it an ideal choice for accessing PBS and other streaming platforms.

It has 3,000+ servers  in 105 countries, including 20 plus US server locations. Among these, the servers in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami are particularly recommended for their reliable connections and high streaming speeds.

Unblock PBS in UK Using ExpressVPN.

One of the standout features of ExpressVPN is its impressive streaming speed. It ensures that your PBS viewing experience is smooth, with minimal buffering and high-quality video playback.

The speed tests we conducted offered a download speed of 89.38 Mbps and an upload speed of 84.66 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

ExpressVPN is also a reliable VPN to watch US Samsung TV Plus and Paramount+ in the UK! You can enjoy simultaneous connections on up to five devices under one subscription account!

Alongside speed, ExpressVPN doesn’t compromise on security. It offers robust AES-256 encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch feature, ensuring your online activities remain private and secure.

Moreover, it offers MediaStreamer features compatible with Smart TVs or gaming consoles, making it easier to bypass geo-restrictions and watch YouTube TV or unblock HBO Max in the UK.

The pricing is competitive, too, starting as GB£ 5.33 /mo (US$ 6.67 /mo ) - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free, and it has a 30-day money-back guarantee as well.

2. Surfshark – Pocket-Friendly VPN to Watch PBS in the UK

Surfshark is a wallet-friendly VPN solution that offers an excellent way to access PBS in the UK without breaking the bank.

It boasts a massive global network of 3200+ servers in 100+ countries. Surfshark’s appeal lies in its network of US servers that are optimized for streaming. Servers in cities like New York, Boston, Denver, and Seattle are recommended for their consistent performance in unblocking PBS.

Additionally, for users wanting to access Peacock TV and Retrocrush in the UK, Surfshark provides 600 dedicated US servers.

Unblock PBS in the UK Using Surfshark

Surfshark is known for its impressive streaming speeds, which means you can enjoy PBS shows without the annoyance of buffering or lag. The download speed offered by Surfshark was 88.48 Mbps, and the upload speed was 79.42 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection. 

Surfshark’s AES-256-GCM encryption protocols, a strict no-logs policy, MultiHop feature, and perfect forward secrecy technology guarantee your online activities remain secure from prying eyes or potential threats while connected to their servers to watch TSN in the UK.

Moreover, compatibility is not an issue with this user-focused VPN service provider! Whether you prefer surfing using Windows PCs, laptops, MacBooks, smartphones, Android TVs, or iOS devices, rest assured, knowing there’s always a compatible option.

Its affordable pricing starting at just GB£ 1.99 /mo (US$ 2.49 /mo ) - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee, ensures everyone can enjoy seamless streaming on PBS.

3. NordVPN – Fastest VPN to Watch PBS in UK

NordVPN is a top-tier VPN service that offers fast and reliable connections for unblocking PBS in the UK. With its extensive global server network, NordVPN ensures seamless access to content from anywhere worldwide.

Boasting over 6000+ ultra-fast servers 61 countries, including 1970 servers in the US, users can easily connect to regional servers for optimal streaming performance.

NordVPN boasts a vast network of US servers, with locations like Atlanta, Chicago, and San Francisco being particularly effective for accessing PBS. NordVPN can also help you unblock Unimas and ESPN Plus in UK.

Unblock PBS in UK Using Nord VPN.

NordVPN is renowned for its lightning-fast streaming speeds, ensuring that your enjoyment of PBS content is free from buffering and interruptions. This VPN offers a download speed of 86.49 Mbps and an upload speed of 79.42 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

NordVPN speed test on a 100 Mbps connection.

Security-wise, NordVPN offers cutting-edge features including military-grade encryption, Double VPN for extra security, and a strict no-logs policy, safeguarding your online privacy and activities.

One of the remarkable aspects of NordV’s services lies in its support for simultaneous connections to six devices.

This high level of security provides peace of mind to watch Greek TV and stream Pantaya in the UK without limitations.

Moreover, compatibility is not an issue when using NordVPN, as it caters exceptionally well to various devices and operating systems, including Windows PCs/laptops, Macs/iMacs, and iOS/Android smartphones.

NordVPN’s pricing is competitive, offering great value for its top-tier features. The price of this VPN is GB£ 3.19 /mo (US$ 3.99 /mo ) - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend.

Is PBS free in UK?

Yes, PBS is free in the UK. You can easily access and watch numerous videos on the PBS website or app without any charges or requiring a PBS account. This section is providing detailed information on PBS’s availability, subscription models, and any associated costs for UK viewers, helping you plan your PBS experience.

However, you may need to be in a station’s area due to legal obligations to view its Livestream content.

Fortunately, this shouldn’t pose an issue as there are options such as using a premium VPN like ExpressVPN, which allows viewers easy online accessibility to watch PBS in the UK.

How Much is the PBS Channel Per Month?

The cost of a PBS channel on Amazon lies between £2.34 to £4.69 per month ($2.99 to $5.99 in USD). Below are the details of different PBS cost plans:

You have also to include Amazon Prime (GBP 155.95 yr) or Prime Video (GBP 7.05/month) costs from where you can get PBS.

What is PBS Passport in UK?

A PBS passport is an added perk for people who make donations to any PBS station. In return for their contribution, they have access to the PBS extended media library.

There is such a facility of PBS Passport in UK, but you can get one using a premium VPN like ExpressVPN.

How much is PBS Passport in UK?

PBS passport is available at GBP 4.25 per month or GBP 50.98 per year. With a PBS Passport, you can stream all Passport exclusive content.

How to Watch PBS in UK without cable?

You can watch PBS in UK without cable services through PBS.org or by downloading the convenient PBS App.

It’s important to note that a device with internet and a reliable network connection must stream PBS online. Plus, you also need to connect to a US server of a reliable VPN to enjoy PBS without cable for free.

Can I watch PBS in UK with a free VPN?

Yes, you can watch PBS in UK with a free VPN, but it is not recommended. Free VPNs are unreliable, and they put your security at risk.

Free VPNs may not cost you any money, but they charge you worse by selling your information to third parties and making money from that. All in all, it is strongly suggested to never use free VPNs for accessing any streaming platforms.

You should always use reliable VPN services like ExpressVPN to unblock PBS and other streaming services.

Which Devices Support PBS in UK?

You can watch PBS in UK on the following devices:

• Apple iPhone and iPad
• Android mobile and tablets
• Roku
• Apple TV
• Amazon Fire
• Google Chromecast
• Android TV
• Samsung TV and
• VIZIO SmartCast TV

How to Download PBS App in UK?

Below we have shared the easy steps to download the PBS app UK:

Best PBS Shows in 2024

Don’t miss out on the best of PBS! Our list includes the most popular and critically acclaimed PBS shows and movies you should be watching in 2024, ensuring you’re up-to-date with the latest and greatest on PBS. Here we shortlisted the best shows on PBS:

1. Antiques Roadshow
2. Arthur
3. Call the Midwife
4. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
5. Downton Abbey
6. Frontline
7. Ken Burns’s Country Music
8. Reading Rainbow
9. Rick Steves’ Europe
10. Sesame Street
11. Sherlock
12. The Great British Baking Show
13. The Joy of Painting
14. Victoria
15. World on Fire

What to Watch on PBS in February 2024?

The following are the new programs available on PBS in February 2024:

• Secrets of the Dead ‘Death in Britannia’
• Far Out ‘The Future of Forests’
• Annika
• Message in a Bottle
• A Town Called Victoria
• The Princes in the Tower
• Grand Prismatic Spring

FAQs

Conclusion

We have covered all the details on how to watch PBS in UK. To access PBS content in the UK, use a premium VPN like ExpressVPN.

This top VPN guarantees exceptional security protocols and boasts high-speed servers. If you have any further queries on how to watch PBS in UK, feel free to comment below.

Chris Mack

Meet Chris Mack, your go-to expert for the best of BBC iPlayer with a twist—he's also a cybersecurity enthusiast. Whether you're into British entertainment classics or searching for hidden gems, Chris has you covered, always with an eye for secure streaming practices. Beyond the screen, Chris blends his love for reading and exploring the outdoors with a passion for staying ahead in the world of cybersecurity, ensuring a safe viewing experience. If you're looking for top British TV picks or tips on keeping your digital viewing secure, Chris is your guide. Dive into the drama of British TV with Chris!