Updated on: April 24, 2024
Only 3 Steps (Quick + Easy) to Stream UK TV Online With a VPN in 2024:
- Step 1: 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.
- Step 2: Choose a server. Open the app and connect to a server in the UK. This could hypothetically allow you to watch UK TV from countries where it isn’t normally available. However, please note that this may constitute copyright infringement and could violate the Terms of Service of the streaming service you’re using.
- Step 3: 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.
In theory, you could 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. Hypothetically speaking, this makes it possible to stream UK TV shows from abroad. But this is against most streaming services’ Term of Service and may even be regarded as copyright infringement (so it’s not something that I or anyone else at SafetyDetectives condones).
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 my colleagues in the UK tested it and confirmed it works with 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.
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. 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.
How to Watch UK TV on Any Device
PC or Mac
- Choose a VPN that works with UK streaming platforms. Get a VPN that’s proven to work with UK streaming services. I recommend ExpressVPN because it has multiple server locations in the UK and has superfast speeds.
- Download and install the VPN app. Follow the installation wizard instructions. This whole process only takes a few minutes.
- Launch the VPN and connect to a UK server. This allows you to stream UK TV content securely. Note that watching UK TV content from outside the UK by connecting to a UK server might breach the terms of service of many streaming platforms and could be viewed as a copyright infringement.
Smartphone or Tablet
- Choose a VPN that works with UK TV on Android or iOS. I recommend ExpressVPN because it has user-friendly Android and iOS apps.
- Download and install the VPN app. Follow the step-by-step setup process.
- Open the app, select a server, and start streaming. Now you can watch your favorite UK shows on your smartphone or tablet.
Smart TV
- Choose a reliable VPN for streaming UK TV. ExpressVPN is my #1 choice because it is easy to set up on smart TVs and Android TVs.
- On Android TVs. Download and install the VPN app from the Google Play Store.
- On non-Android TVs. Use ExpressVPN’s step-by-step guides to configure the VPN on your router. This will allow you to connect the VPN to your smart TV.
- Open your UK streaming service of choice on your smart TV. Now you can start watching your favorite UK shows on the big screen.
Gaming Console
- Choose a VPN that works on routers. I prefer using ExpressVPN because it’s easy to install on routers.
- Set up the VPN on your router. Once you connect to a server, your gaming console will be automatically connected to the VPN using your wifi network.
- Start streaming UK TV on your gaming console. Now you’re ready to binge-watch your favorite UK shows on your Xbox or PlayStation.
Amazon Fire TV Stick
- Get a VPN that works with UK streaming platforms. I recommend ExpressVPN for Amazon Fire TV Stick.
- Download and install the app on your Fire TV Stick or Fire TV. Follow the installation instructions.
- Launch the VPN and connect to a UK server. You can now watch UK TV on your Amazon Fire Stick. Please note that connecting to a UK server to watch UK TV content from outside the UK is against most streaming services’ Terms of Service and can be seen as copyright infringement.
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 in 2024 (it’s the fastest VPN out there & has a smart DNS).
- 🥈2. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Fast speeds for streaming UK TV (also provides very strong privacy features).
- 🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — Has very user-friendly apps and streaming-optimized servers for UK platforms.
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN for Watching UK TV in 2024
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for watching UK TV. My colleagues in the UK tested it and confirmed it works with 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 $6.67 / 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) — Fast Speeds for Streaming UK TV Without Slowdowns
Private Internet Access (PIA) has superfast speeds that allow you to stream UK TV in HD. My colleagues in the UK tested it with UK streaming sites and confirmed they had virtually no delays when watching content on these platforms.
The VPN offers 3 server locations in the UK. My colleagues in the UK confirmed they worked 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, including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix UK, Sky Go, BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, ITV, and more. My colleagues in the UK tested all of them and said they worked well with every platform.
CyberGhost offers easy-to-use apps. To connect to a server in the UK, all you have to do is type “UK” in the search bar, and it’ll automatically show the optimized servers for UK streaming platforms.
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
Comparison of the Best VPNs for Streaming UK TV in 2024
How to Choose the Best VPN for Watching UK TV in 2024
- Choose a VPN that works reliably with UK streaming services. The VPN should work with streaming services that show UK TV 100% of the time. My colleagues in the UK tested all the VPNs on this list several times during the day and never had any trouble watching their favorite UK TV shows.
- 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. TV license or not, you can, in theory, watch UK TV from outside of the UK by connecting to a VPN, but keep in mind this is against most streaming sites’ Terms of Service and can constitute copyright infringement.
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. During tests, my UK-based colleague found that ExpressVPN worked with UK platforms hassle-free every time. 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. However, if you use a VPN to stream UK TV from outside of the UK, this would most likely break your streaming platform’s Terms of Service and may even be regarded as copyright infringement (which neither I nor my colleagues at SafetyDetectives condone). Additionally, there are a few countries where VPNs are banned or restricted, such as Iraq and China, so always check local rules and regulations before using a VPN.
