Watch UK TV Abroad with a VPN (2025)
BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 and more while you are outside the UK.
Jump to VPN picksUK catch-up and live TV services aggressively enforce UK-only access. A well-configured VPN with stable UK exits is essential if you want to keep up with UK TV while travelling.
Streaming services update their VPN blocks regularly
Availability of streaming libraries and VPN endpoints can change over time. Always test your VPN with the services you care about during the money-back period and keep an eye on updated recommendations.
Quick answer: best VPNs for Watching UK TV abroad
Short answer: NordVPN, Surfshark and ProtonVPN are consistently strong for UK TV abroad, with multiple UK locations and regular IP refreshes when blocks occur.
Why you need a VPN for Watching UK TV abroad
UK TV services mainly check your IP country and sometimes DNS. A VPN with UK servers and DNS leak protection presents you as a UK resident, while encryption protects your traffic over foreign Wi-Fi and ISPs.
How to watch UK TV abroad with a VPN
- Install your VPN app on the devices you use for UK TV (laptop, phone, Firestick, smart TV).
- Connect to a UK server labelled for streaming where available.
- Enable kill switch and confirm your IP and DNS now show as UK.
- Open BBC iPlayer, ITVX or Channel 4, log in and test live or catch-up content.
- If blocked, switch to another UK server and repeat. For TVs without apps, configure the VPN on your router or use Smart DNS.
When UK TV apps still block you abroad
Some channels work, others do not
Different broadcasters maintain separate VPN blocklists. Try multiple UK servers and contact your VPN's support for their latest UK TV recommendations.
Best VPNs for Watching UK TV abroad
NordVPN
Top speeds • Massive server network • Works with all streaming services
- 8,400+ servers in 126 countries
- NordLynx (WireGuard) protocol
- No-logs policy (audited)
- 24/7 customer support
✓ 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Surfshark
Unlimited devices • Best value • Perfect for families
- 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- CleanWeb (ad & malware blocker)
- MultiHop (double VPN)
✓ 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
ProtonVPN
Swiss privacy • Open-source • Secure Core protection
- 4,900+ servers in 91 countries
- 10 simultaneous connections
- Secure Core (multi-hop)
- No-logs policy (Swiss privacy)
✓ 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare prices, speeds, streaming reliability and privacy features.
| VPN Provider | Regular Price | Black Friday Price | Discount | Bonus | Rating | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | $11.99/mo | $2.99/mo | 72% OFF | +3 Months | ★ 4.7 | Get Deal → |
| | $15.45/mo | $1.99/mo | 87% OFF | +3 Months | ★ 4.6 | Get Deal → |
| | $9.99/mo | $2.49/mo | 75% OFF | - | ★ 4.6 | Get Deal → |
NordVPN
Regular Price
$11.99/mo
Black Friday
$2.99/mo
Discount
72% OFF
Rating
★ 4.7
+3 Bonus Months
Get NordVPN Deal → Surfshark
Regular Price
$15.45/mo
Black Friday
$1.99/mo
Discount
87% OFF
Rating
★ 4.6
+3 Bonus Months
Get Surfshark Deal → ProtonVPN
Regular Price
$9.99/mo
Black Friday
$2.49/mo
Discount
75% OFF
Rating
★ 4.6
Detailed Provider Reviews
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the most popular VPN services with top-tier security, blazing-fast speeds, and excellent streaming capabilities. Perfect for users who want reliable performance and robust privacy protection.
Pros
- Excellent speeds with NordLynx
- Massive server network
- Strong security features
- Works with Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer
Cons
- Desktop app can be slow to connect
- Limited to 10 devices
2. Surfshark
Surfshark offers incredible value with unlimited device connections and robust security features. Ideal for families or users with multiple devices who want premium VPN protection at a budget-friendly price.
Pros
- Best value - unlimited devices
- Strong security and privacy
- Works with major streaming platforms
- Very affordable pricing
Cons
- Smaller server network than competitors
- Speeds can vary on distant servers
3. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is built by the creators of ProtonMail with a strong focus on privacy and transparency. Perfect for privacy-conscious users who value open-source software and Swiss data protection laws.
Pros
- Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland
- Fully open-source and audited
- Secure Core architecture
- Strong commitment to privacy
Cons
- Smaller server network than top competitors
- Can be pricier without deals
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Choose the Best VPN for Watching UK TV abroad
Pick a VPN that balances streaming reliability, speed and privacy. All providers here include at least a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test them from your own network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A VPN does not change the legal requirement for a TV licence when watching live UK broadcasts or using BBC iPlayer.