The Best BBC iPlayer VPN to Use in USA, Australia And Abroad in 2023

If you’ve heard of BBC iPlayer, then you probably already know that to access its content, you’re going to need a UK IP address. This service only airs its content within the United Kingdom, and to access it from the USA, Australia, Canada, or abroad, only the best BBC iPlayer VPN can help make that happen.

However, not every VPN can work with it, and if you’d like to know which VPN works for BBC iPlayer, take a look at the list below.

Quick Overview of the Best VPN for BBC iPlayer For 2023

1. Surfshark – Budget-friendly VPN that offers tight security features and unlimited simultaneous connections for accessing iPlayer abroad.
2. ExpressVPN – Offers Blazing Fast Speed for streaming on BBC iPlayer, and has a special MediaStreamer feature to access it on Smart TVs. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. NordVPN – Most Secure VPN for Unblocking Streaming Services like BBC iPlayer and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
4. CyberGhost – This provider has optimized servers specifically for accessing BBC iPlayer and allows you to test the service during its free trial and 45-day money-back guarantee.
5. PrivateVPN – Has UK servers optimized for speedy access to BBC iPlayer, and offers a full 30-day money-back guarantee.

In-Depth Analysis of the Best BBC iPlayer VPN Which Still Works

Below, you’ll find details on each of the BBC iPlayer VPN providers and what makes them best for accessing this platform.

1. Surfshark – Budget-Friendy VPN Service for Accessing BBC iPlayer in USA & Others

Surfshark is a user-friendly VPN and is located in the British Virgin Islands, free from any data retention laws. That’s only one of the reasons why Surfshark is one of the best VPN apps for BBC iPlayer.

It offers 3200+ servers in 64 countries. Within its network, it offers numerous UK servers in 4 locations that when tested, worked profoundly to access the service.

Each of the Surfshark servers can be optimized further with a Smart DNS feature, which allows you to access BBC iPlayer on those devices that don’t support a VPN. However, this feature can only be applied to one IP address at a time. Each UK server delivered great speeds when tested, good for 4K and UHD streams.

Most users deem Surfshark as an all-rounder and pocket-friendly VPN, and this also has something to do with its security backing. It operates using AES 256-bit encryption and offers other advanced features that all aid to access BBC iPlayer with the utmost ease.

For starters, it offers a NoBorders feature that allows you to access this service in countries that are highly surveillance or accustomed to laws for online restrictions. It also offers Geo-Spoofing to mask your physical GPS, leaving you undetected.

All-in-all, Surfshark makes a slick VPN app for BBC iPlayer, offering the best security features and servers to access it.

The added perk is that this VPN provider allows you to make unlimited simultaneous device connections, meaning there’s no limit to how many devices you can use while streaming BBC iPlayer. This VPN is known as one of the best VPNs for multiple devices. You can check our detailed review of Surfshark if you’re thinking to get this affordable VPN.

Get Started with Surfshark Now!

2. ExpressVPN – Offers Blazing Fast Speed for Streaming BBC iPlayer Abroad

ExpressVPN is not only known as one of the fastest VPN services in the industry but also makes one of the best VPN clients to access BBC iPlayer. There’s a lot that this provider has to offer, but first, let’s start with its server coverage.

It offers around 3000+ servers in 94 countries, which is quite an extensive coverage to access numerous streaming services. As for BBC iPlayer, it offers optimized servers in the UK (Docklands, East London, London, and Wembley) to access it.

The best part is that every server delivers maximum speeds, heightening your overall experience on the platform.

The ExpressVPN security infrastructure is also pretty solid, so you won’t have a tough time accessing it. It operates using the strongest AES 256-bit encryption. There are other advanced features like Split-Tunneling and a Kill Switch that secure your connection to the service a whole lot better.

Other than that, if you’re not able to access BBC iPlayer in certain regions, ExpressVPN offers a SmartDNS feature called MediaStreamer that’ll allow you to trick the service into thinking you reside in the UK. However, from a security viewpoint, this feature doesn’t come with the same protection or encryption as the VPN app itself, nor allows you to change your IP address.

ExpressVPN hails from a privacy-friendly location in the British Virgin Islands and is a verified no-logs VPN. This adds to the safety of the provider.

Additionally, you’ll also be able to stream on BBC iPlayer on more than one device using the VPN, since ExpressVPN allows up to 5 simultaneous multi-device connections. Check out our full review of  ExpressVPN so you’ll get to know more about this fast VPN.

Get Started with ExpressVPN Now!

3. NordVPN – Most Secure VPN for Unblocking Streaming Service

Another powerhouse in the VPN industry, we have NordVPN. Besides being renowned in the industry as one of the most secure providers, it makes the best VPN app for accessing BBC iPlayer from anywhere. There is more than one reason as to why, but first, let’s take a look at its network coverage.

NordVPN offers impressive coverage of 5200+ servers in 59+ countries, all of which are meshed with Double VPN technology. This means double the encryption standards, making each server secure.

In this list, it includes 440+ UK servers, all of which are optimized to unblock BBC iPlayer from abroad. During testing, we were able to unblock numerous other streaming services and also rendered desirable speeds.

On the security front, it offers a distinct feature called SmartPlay, which allows you to swiftly bypass the BBC iPlayer geo-blocks from anywhere outside the UK. All of its apps are built with the industry’s best AES 256-bit encryption and includes other features like a Kill Switch and CyberSec feature that blocks malicious ads.

Added to the security suite, NordVPN sticks to its strict no-logs policy and has been under several independent audits, which only proves its reliability to access a tough platform like BBC iPlayer. This means you’ll go about it being undetected.

Need to stream on BBC iPlayer on more than one platform? You’re in luck because NordVPN allows users to make up to 6 simultaneous multi-device connections. In this way, you’ll be able to secure every device you use with a VPN while unblocking BBC iPlayer outside UK. Check our in-depth review of NordVPN befoore purchasing this VPN.

Get Started with NordVPN Now!

4. CyberGhost – Comes With the Longest Money-Back Guarantee of 45 Days

User-friendly apps and multiple servers designated to particular streaming platforms are what CyberGhost is known for. After testing the apps, the outcome is what places CyberGhost on the list of one of the best VPN services that work with BBC iPlayer.

You’ll be able to unblock BBC iPlayer with great ease since this provider offers a large network coverage. From a list of 7700+ servers in 90+ countries, you can connect to over 600+ UK servers (Berkshire, London, and Manchester).

The best part about CyberGhost is that on the app, you’ll even see certain UK servers labeled for BBC iPlayer. This makes it easier for users to pick the speediest server.

Where security backing is concerned, this provider might not offer an extensive feature list as compared to the other providers on the list, but it works profoundly. It offers AES 256-bit encryption to keep your data, device, and connection secure, and a Kill Switch. During testing, it didn’t leak DNS and IP either, when connected to the UK server.

Other than that, CyberGhost follows a strict no-logs policy and is far off from the surveillance alliances’ locations. It is headquartered in a privacy-friendly region, Romania. So, you wouldn’t have to worry or stress over your data being logged or activities on BBC iPlayer being monitored.

Even if you need to simultaneously connect the VPN on more than one device, CyberGhost allows up to 7 multi-device connections. If you are interested to buy this VPN, then check our detailed review of CyberGhost.

Get Started with CyberGhost Now!

5. PrivateVPN – Connect up to 6 devices to iPlayer VPN at once

Last, but not least, we have PrivateVPN. Compared to the other top providers that are best for BBC iPlayer, PrivateVPN is more on the simpler side. There generally aren’t many VPN providers that work with BBC iPlayer, but PrivateVPN managed to unblock it.

Its server coverage is very minute, covering around 200+ servers in 60+ countries, with a few UK servers (London, and Manchester) inclusive in the list.

The speeds were good enough for HD and 4K streaming quality, but it highly depends on your internet connection. It even offers unlimited bandwidth.

To secure your connection and access to BBC iPlayer, PrivateVPN operates using the industry’s best AES 256-bit military-grade encryption. Its features include a Kill Switch to protect your connection in case the VPN shuts off midway, IPv6 leak protection (anonymity in case the VPN drops), and Port Forwarding.

Additionally, there’s also a Stealth mode, which allows you to bypass extreme geo-blocks or restrictions in countries like China.

This makes it easier to get the BBC iPlayer service in countries with severe internet surveillance. You can connect this VPN to more than one streaming device since PrivateVPN allows up to 6 multi-device connections.

Get Started with PrivateVPN Now!

How to Use a VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer Abroad

Need a little assistance with getting started with your BBC iPlayer VPN? Then take a look at the simple tutorial below:

1. First, you start by subscribing to the best VPN service for BBC iPlayer. You’ll find detailed descriptions of each of the providers. However, we recommend ExpressVPN. It is the fastest and offers UK servers.
2. Once you’ve subscribed and created your account, download and install the VPN app on a supported device. If your device doesn’t support a VPN app, you can add the connection to a router.
3. When you’re all done with the installation process, launch the VPN.
4. Now, sign in to your account.
5. Since you’re trying to unblock or access BBC iPlayer, make sure you connect to the best UK server to unblock the service.
6. Next, make sure that you’re connected and all set up with a UK IP, you can check your IP address using any IP checker website.
7. Next, clear your cookies and cache, and open a new incognito window.
8. Now, visit BBC iPlayer, log in to your account, and start streaming!

Can I use BBC iPlayer when I’m outside the UK?

Technically speaking, you cannot stream on BBC iPlayer from anywhere outside the UK. The service comes with a few agreement rights and is geo-restricted to only the residents of the UK.

However, BBC iPlayer does offer an option for offline viewing. Meaning if you can download some movies while inside the UK, and then watch them while traveling elsewhere. There’s only so much you can do with offline viewing.

So, to access all UK TV content on BBC iPlayer from abroad, you’re going to need to connect to a strong VPN that works with the service. Other than that, if you’re looking for other services that offer a limited number of BBC iPlayer content, there are platforms that can be accessed without a VPN. They are:

• BBC Sounds
• BBC Podcasts
• BBC News
• BBC Sport
• BBC Three YouTube channel

However, if you’re trying to get all channels in one, then BBC iPlayer is the best for it!

Frequently Asked Questions – iPlayer VPN

1. Can we use a free VPN to unblock BBC iPlayer?
2. Can I watch Planet Earth 2 on BBC iPlayer?
3. Can I watch BBC iPlayer in Australia?

Can we use a free VPN to unblock BBC iPlayer?

No, you can’t. We’ve tested countless free VPN services, but the thing about them is that none are strong enough to handle a platform like BBC iPlayer. It’s very tough as it is to access this service with a good premium VPN, so how would a free service work in comparison?

Free VPN services don’t have very poor or no encryption and advanced features. There’s also a lack of servers to connect to. The speeds are slow, and the provider logs user data.

Can I watch Planet Earth 2 on BBC iPlayer?

Yes, you can watch the Planet Earth 2 documentary series on BBC iPlayer. In fact, you can watch it from anywhere in the world. However, as mentioned in the guide above, you can only access it with the help of the best BBC iPlayer VPN.

Can I watch BBC iPlayer in Australia?

Yes, you can! When you connect to a BBC iPlayer VPN, you’ll be able to watch the service in Australia. You’ll have to choose a VPN that offers an ample supply of UK IP addresses, renders fast or desirable speeds, supports apps for numerous devices and that comes with solid encryption.

Conclusion

BBC iPlayer is one of the most popular streaming services geo-restricted to only the people living within the UK.  However, if you want access to the services from abroad, make sure you’re connected to the best BBC iPlayer VPN.

All you need to do is follow the tutorial above and you’re good to go! All the best VPN providers mentioned on our list have been tested in multiple areas, which is what landed them on the top 5 list!