5 Best VPNs to Watch UK TV in 2024 (Outside UK)
Finding the best VPN to watch UK TV shouldn’t be difficult. But when I tested the major VPNs on the market, I found that not all services could access UK channels and, out of the ones that could, many didn’t provide fast enough speeds for streaming.
Some VPNs perform better than others for watching channels like the BBC, ITV Hub, and Sky Sports from outside the UK. Among the 5 services that passed my tests, ExpressVPN stood out from its peers as the best choice for streaming UK TV because of its consistently reliable servers and speeds.
If it’s your first time using ExpressVPN, it’s easy to navigate because of its user-friendly design. You can try it out risk-free before you commit. If you don’t like it, you can request a full refund within 30 days. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.
Watch UK TV With ExpressVPN Now!
Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs to Watch UK TV in 2024
- Editor's ChoiceExpressVPN
My #1 choice! The fastest VPN based on our speed tests.Over 7000 people checked out ExpressVPN in the last month - IPVanish
The best beginner-friendly option for watching UK TV from abroad. - CyberGhost
Optimized servers for UK TV channels and streaming platforms. - Private Internet Access
More than 1,900 servers in the UK. - PrivateVPN
No-frills, easy-to-use VPN for watching UK TV while abroad.
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Why You Need a VPN to Watch UK TV
You need a VPN to watch UK TV because popular channels like ITV Hub, Sky Sports, and UKTV Play can’t be accessed outside the UK. In other words, a VPN is the only way to watch your favorite UK channels if you’re outside the country.
When you use a VPN to connect to a UK server, you get an IP address that makes it look like you’re browsing from within the country. That way you can access BBC iPlayer, BritBox, UK Netflix, and more, while guaranteeing high speeds so that you can catch up on your favorite shows.
It’s also important to choose a dependable VPN to avoid detection. Streaming services like Netflix are getting better at detecting whether or not you’re using a VPN, blocking access to anyone outside the UK. Any of the VPNs on our list will be able to get around this.
The Best VPNs to Watch UK TV (Updated 2024)
1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN to Watch UK TV
Tested November 2024 Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
- 3,000+ servers in more than 105 countries, including the UK
- High-speed connection for streaming
- Up to 8 simultaneous device connections
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Also works with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, BT Sport, HBO, Hulu, and more
- Compatible with Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, and more
I found ExpressVPN to be the best VPN for watching UK TV because of its high-speed connections – I didn’t experience any buffering when I tested it. ExpressVPN has three server locations in the UK, which means you can pick the one that’s closest to you for the fastest speeds.
The MediaStreamer feature also helps improve speeds by allowing you to bypass geoblocks from any WiFi-enabled device. The app even allows you to check your connection speed. See the full results in our ExpressVPN review.
I also experienced consistently fast speeds when watching HD videos on multiple devices – although it’s worth noting that ExpressVPN only allows up to 8 simultaneous device connections, which is less than some other VPNs.
The service unblocked popular channels like the BBC, ITV Hub, and Sky Sports, and I could also watch Shudder, UKTV Play, BritBox, All 4, and more. You can give it a try risk-free before you make a commitment. If you’re not happy with it, you can claim a full refund within 30 days.
2. IPVanish – Beginner-Friendly VPN for Watching UK TV
- More than 2,400 servers in over 75 locations, including 110 servers in the UK
- Good enough speeds for streaming UK TV
- Unlimited device connections
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Also works with BT Sport, HBO Go, Hulu, Netflix, and more
- Compatible with Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, and more
IPVanish is the best beginner-friendly VPN for watching UK TV. Its well-designed user interface is easy to use and provides simple setup instructions, so it’s quick to get started even if you’re new to VPNs.
When I tested it, IPVanish was fast enough for me to watch ITV Hub shows in HD, and I didn’t experience any buffering when watching sports on BT Sport and Sky Sports. Check out our IPVanish review for more details.
I was also impressed with the option to connect unlimited devices. This way, I was able to stream in HD even when using multiple devices at the same time, which was great for sharing my account with family and friends.
What’s more, these features come at an affordable introductory price. If you’re a new customer, I recommend getting an annual subscription for the best value. And if you want to try it out before committing, you can claim a full refund within 30 days.
3. CyberGhost – Dedicated Streaming Servers
- 11,690+ servers in more than 100 countries, including 693 servers in the UK
- High-speed streaming with unlimited bandwidth and traffic
- Up to 7 simultaneous device connections
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Also works with Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, and more
- Compatible with Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, and more
CyberGhost is user-friendly, which makes it a good option for VPN beginners. You can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously and easily browse a list of UK servers.
CyberGhost claims to be the first VPN to have dedicated servers for streaming platforms, including BBC iPlayer and YouTube. Its optimized servers for watching geo-blocked channels aim to provide the fastest possible speeds for people who are looking to watch TV – which means no more waiting for a video to load. You can check out the full test results in our CyberGhost review.
That said, CyberGhost isn’t perfect. For example, the VPN’s unblocking capabilities aren’t as reliable as ExpressVPN – I was unable to access Sky TV. However, if you want to test it for yourself risk-free, as it comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
4. Private Internet Access – Affordable Option for Watching UK TV
- 29,650+ servers in more than 91 countries, including 1,916 servers in the UK
- Fast speeds for streaming ITV Hub and All 4
- Up to Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Also works with Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, and more
- Compatible with Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, and more
Private Internet Access is a great choice because it has over 1,900 servers in the UK. This means you’ll have more options for unblocking channels, particularly ITV Hub and All 4. Based on my tests, the VPN consistently provided access to these two platforms. You can read more in our PIA review.
However, I found that Private Internet Access wasn’t the best VPN for unblocking BBC iPlayer. And while you’re able to connect up to Unlimited devices simultaneously, your connection speed might also suffer from buffering if you try to connect all of them at once.
That said, although Private Internet Access isn’t as reliable for streaming UK TV as some other VPNs, it’s one of the most affordable options. Private Internet Access is affordable already, so you can give it a try risk-free. If you’re not happy, you can claim a refund within 30 days.
5. PrivateVPN – Simple Yet High-Performing VPN for UK TV
- 200+ servers in more than 63 countries, including 2 server locations in the UK
- Consistently fast speeds for streaming
- Up to 10 simultaneous device connections
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Also works with Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Netflix, and more
- Compatible with Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, and more
PrivateVPN is a no-frills VPN to watch UK TV from anywhere in the world. This simple yet high-performing VPN is particularly good for streaming and unblocks All 4, ITV Hub, and Sky Sports. For detailed test results, check out our PrivateVPN review.
In addition, I found the app to be incredibly user-friendly, with a straightforward interface that allows for easy customization without overwhelming the user with too many options. The VPN offers two connectivity modes: simple and advanced. Simple mode enables you to start watching UK TV promptly, while advanced mode provides greater control over your VPN connection, allowing you to switch between servers and tailor your settings to your preferences.
There are dedicated apps for Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices as well. You can give PrivateVPN a try risk-free before you decide and if you don’t like it, you’re entitled to a full refund within 30.
FAQs on the Best VPNs for UK TV
What’s the best VPN for UK TV?
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for watching UK TV because it allows high-speed streaming with no download limits. It’s a powerful and reliable VPN that can unblock streaming services with tough location restrictions.
The user-friendly interface and quick setup also make ExpressVPN the best choice for first-time VPN users.
Can I use a free VPN to watch UK TV?
You could, but I don’t recommend it. A free VPN can limit the amount of UK TV you stream, and some are even unsafe to use, so I recommend using a paid VPN instead.
ExpressVPN is my recommendation for watching UK TV from outside the country. It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can buy in confidence.
Which VPN is the fastest?
ExpressVPN consistently ranks as the fastest VPN based on our tests. You’ll be able to stream HD content without buffering or interruptions. ExpressVPN also offers a Speed Test feature, which can help you choose the best server for even faster speeds.
How can I get a UK IP address?
By using a VPN to connect to a server in the UK, you’ll be able to get a UK IP address. With ExpressVPN, you can get a UK IP address in three easy steps: download the app or extension; install it on your chosen device, and connect to a server in the UK. You can now browse as if you’re in the UK!
Get the Best VPN for UK TV Today
Among the VPNs listed, each offering access to UK TV, ExpressVPN stands out as the top contender. It surpasses the competition with its consistent ability to bypass restrictions on UK TV, blazing-fast connection speeds, and an extensive server network. Furthermore, ExpressVPN has consistently delivered exceptional speed for streaming HD videos.
When I tested it, I could watch my favorite UK channels as well as other streaming platforms from around the world. You can try it out risk-free before you make a long-term commitment. If you don’t like it, you can request a refund within 30 days.
To summarize, the best VPNs for UK TV are...
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
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