Updated on: September 4, 2024
Only 3 Steps (Quick + Easy) to Stream UK TV From Anywhere in 2024:
- Download and install a reliable VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN because it offers multiple server locations in the UK, works with popular UK streaming platforms, and has superfast speeds.
- Choose a server. Open the app and connect to a nearby server for the best possible speeds.
- Start watching UK TV. Log into your favorite UK streaming platform, search for the show you want to watch, and start binging.
UK TV shows aren’t available worldwide. This is because the licensing agreements of most British streaming services prevent their content from being shown outside the UK. UK streaming platforms use your IP address to determine your location and block you if you’re not in the UK.
You can use a virtual private network (VPN) to change your IP address. When you connect to a VPN server, it hides your actual location and assigns you an IP address that matches the location of the VPN server you’re connected to — for example, a UK server. This makes it possible to stream UK TV shows from anywhere in the world.
There are a few good options if you want to watch UK TV with a VPN. Of the bunch, ExpressVPN is my favorite — it’s the fastest VPN on the market and can access many UK TV sites. But all of the VPNs I mention below work with major UK streaming platforms and provide good speeds for a smooth streaming experience.
Editor’s Note: Each VPN below has a strict no-logs policy and doesn’t record your streaming activities. Please be responsible for how you choose to use a VPN. Neither I nor my colleagues at SafetyDetectives condone the use of a VPN to break a streaming platform’s Terms of Service or to commit copyright infringement.
Editors' Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
How to Watch UK TV on Any Device
1. Find a VPN that works with UK TV.
ExpressVPN is my top pick for UK TV since it has multiple server locations in the UK, always works with UK TV, and offers a great value.
2. Download and install the VPN.
First, download the app for your device by going to the app store or visiting the VPN website. Then, follow the installation instructions.
3. Go to the app, choose a server, and start streaming UK TV.
Now, you can watch any UK show or movie securely.
Best VPNs for Watching UK TV in 2024
Quick summary of the best VPNs for watching UK TV in 2024:
- 🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for streaming UK TV (it’s the fastest VPN & has a smart DNS).
- 🥈2. Private Internet Access (PIA) — User-friendly apps for UK TV with strong privacy.
- 🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — Has streaming-optimized servers for UK platforms + easy interface.
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN for Watching UK TV in 2024
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for watching UK TV. It can access many UK streaming platforms, including BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, ITV, Netflix UK, Now TV, and Sky Go, all without any problems. And with 5 server locations in the UK, it is always easy to connect to a nearby server.
ExpressVPN offers user-friendly apps for iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, and even routers, so you can watch UK TV on any device. The apps are easy to navigate, and you can add servers to your favorites for quick access.
ExpressVPN offers plans that start at $4.99 / month. All of ExpressVPN’s plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you can test it risk-free.
Read the full ExpressVPN review
🥈2. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Easy-to-Use VPN That Works With UK Streaming Sites
Private Internet Access (PIA) has beginner-friendly apps for watching UK TV. It displays the ping for all of its UK servers, making it easy to find and connect to the fastest one and enjoy buffer-free streams on UK streaming sites.
The VPN offers 3 server locations in the UK, including 1 streaming-optimized UK server location, and they all work with Channel 4, BBC iPlayer, ITV, Netflix UK, Now TV, Sky Go, and other UK streaming platforms.
Private Internet Access offers cheap plans that start as low as $2.03 / month. With its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can test PIA risk-free.
Read the full Private Internet Access review
🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — Streaming-Optimized Servers to Watch UK TV Instantly
CyberGhost VPN offers servers that are optimized to stream UK content. These servers can access Amazon Prime Video, Netflix UK, Sky Go, BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, ITV, and more 100% of the time.
CyberGhost keeps its streaming-optimized servers in a separate tab. To find a UK streaming-optimized server for a specific app, all you have to do is either type “UK” or the streaming app’s name in the search bar, and it’ll show you the full list.
CyberGhost offers very budget-friendly prices starting at $2.03 / month. These plans are all backed by a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full CyberGhost VPN review
Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
Quick Comparison Table
Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
How to Choose the Best VPN for Watching UK TV in 2024
- Choose a VPN that works reliably with UK streaming services. All the VPNs on this list can access top UK TV streaming sites and apps.
- Assess speeds. Connection speeds should be fast enough that you don’t notice significant buffering or lag times. ExpressVPN has the fastest speeds on the market.
- Opt for a VPN with user-friendly apps. It’s important that the VPN offers a native app for your device. I ensured that all VPNs on this list have a wide range of compatibility, and some, like ExpressVPN, even work with smart TVs and routers.
- Get a VPN with strong security. A VPN should keep your online information safe while watching UK TV. All VPNs listed here come with industry-standard VPN security features like AES 256-bit encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch that disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection ever drops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a free VPN to watch UK TV?
Technically yes, but I wouldn’t recommend it. It’s better to use a low-cost premium VPN with a money-back guarantee. Free VPNs often come with small, overcrowded server networks; slow speeds; and annoying data caps. Lastly, free VPNs can be risky to use because they might log and sell your data to third parties.
Can I watch UK TV without a TV license?
That depends on the platform. You can watch on-demand content on ITV, NOW TV, Sky GO, All 4, and Channel 4 without a license. However, you do need a license to stream all content on BBC iPlayer and for streaming live content on all the other platforms. It’s also possible to watch UK TV from any location by connecting to a VPN’s UK servers.
What should I do if I can’t stream UK TV with a VPN?
To watch UK TV using a VPN, it’s best to get a premium VPN. The VPNs I recommend here can access UK TV streaming services, and my top ExpressVPN works with them 100% of the time, without any issues.
If UK TV streaming services are blocking your VPN IP address, however, you can try switching servers, clearing your browser history and cookies, using another browser, or using incognito mode.
Can I watch UK TV with a VPN?
Yes, you can use a VPN for better privacy and security when streaming UK TV. A VPN also helps improve your streaming speeds if your ISP is throttling them. Finally, a VPN allows streaming UK TV from anywhere in the world — but that’s only if the VPN you’re using has good streaming support, like the VPNs I recommend here.
