The best VPNs for unblocking and watching BBC iPlayer

We'd like to introduce you to BBC iPlayer, one of the most popular streaming sites in the UK. Users get access to a wide range of dramas, original shows, and much more on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs. BBC iPlayer services also feature no adverts for viewers, which is a nice bonus that we're sure everyone can appreciate.

The only catch is that you must be covered by a TV licence to download or watch shows on BBC iPlayer, whether those shows are live, on catch up, or on demand. Well, there is one more thing to consider before signing up. If you're travelling or not permanently based in the UK, BBC iPlayer will recognise that you're not in its catchment area and immediately block you. To bypass this frustrating blockade, you will need to use a VPN. These cybersecurity services can hide your real IP address and connect you to a secure server in the UK, which tricks BBC iPlayer into thinking you are still based in the country. This quick and easy process maintains access to everything that BBC iPlayer has to offer.

So the message is that if you want to keep up to speed with all your favourite shows on BBC iPlayer, you are going to need to VPN. But which VPN is the best for unblocking and watching BBC iPlayer. We'll get to that after answering a few of the most important questions concerning the world of VPNs.

What is a VPN?

Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, are powerful security tools that provide protection for your identity and data by creating a private network that hides your real IP address. The best way to visualise a VPN is to think of it like an encrypted tunnel through which all of your online traffic passes through. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside is protected against online threats like hackers, viruses, and malware.

Do you really need a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer?

You can continue to watch BBC content when you're outside of the UK by downloading your favourite shows on the iPlayer app before you depart the country. This is a solid move for any movies or shows that have already been released in full. This method does not however help with shows that are still being released or live sports.

To keep up with this kind of entertainment, your only option is to use a VPN.

How do you access BBC iPlayer with a VPN?

If you think accessing BBC iPlayer abroad is going to be tricky with a VPN, think again. It's actually a really simple process that absolutely everyone can understand. Yes, even you.

All you need to do is open up your favourite VPN, connect to a secure server in the UK, and then head to BBC iPlayer. This simple process makes BBC iPlayer think you're in the UK when you're not, so you can watch all that great content that is normally unavailable. You could be anywhere in the world, but the process remains the same.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

There are a lot of VPNs out there that can reliably access BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world, but which is the best service for you? To help you find something that ticks your boxes, we've handpicked a selection of the very best streaming-friendly services for everyone.

ExpressVPN can be found at the top of this roundup for a number of reasons: it has a streaming-friendly interface, security focused features, and strong connection speeds. All of this provides users with a straightforward and speedy streaming experience. That's not to say that ExpressVPN will suit everyone best, and the likes of Surfshark, CyberGhost VPN, and NordVPN will appeal to many users.

These are the best VPNs for BBC iPlayer in 2022.