We have recently covered the best VPN choices for the UK, and now why not talk about the massively popular British network that is BBC One, and the favorite new way to watch through online streaming with iPlayer. We all know how great the network is in terms of delivering fantastic programs and some of the most sought after documentaries, but unless you’re living in the UK, or paying for a very expensive television package, you won’t have access to iPlayer.
Of course, downloading pirated videos is not the best way to solve this problem, but using a VPN would not only be effective, discreet and safe, it can also actually accentuate and improve your streaming experience. BBC’s iPlayer programming offers the best the network has to offer, including all big sports events, and dedicated children’s programming. With BBC One, Two, three, FOUR, Cbbc, Cbeebies, BBC Parliament, News and ALBA from Scotland, you have enough to satisfy the whole family in viewing pleasure. So, don’t miss out on having access to this network that you can simply stream through your living room TV or computer.
So, what makes a VPN service the best one for this specific application? Number one, there needs to be fast and available servers in the UK. By connecting to a UK server, you will be masking your IP, and making it look like you are located there, allowing you full access to their online services and websites. Second, speed and stability come in, since streaming requires bandwidth and a constant stream of it, testing for fast transfer rates is key. And third, since you will be paying for the service, might as well suggest some that are really worth every penny, and offer you further powers and functions by providing a complete global network of servers for various needs you may run into, all while better protecting your data from hackers and spying.
ExpressVPN – Full Review * 5 Simultaneous Connections Allowed
ExpressVPN was our first choice for UK citizens, but also those who wish to access British websites. The amazing speeds and effective unblocking capabilities of ExpressVPN, make it and ideal choice for BBC iPlayer. ExpressVPN can help you to enjoy your favorite content from anywhere in the world. This provider offers ultra fast servers in the United Kingdom and thanks to the high standard of encryption used, your activities will remain private. ExpressVPN doesn’t keep logs of your activities and its network of servers in regularly being updated to ensure that users have many options to unblock international content.
Private Internet Access – Full Review * 3 Simultaneous Connections Allowed
Private Internet Access is one of the most used services today and that is simply because they have a large, solid network and the best prices in the industry. If you want something that works, provides above average performance, and costs the least amount of money. PIA also has a very big presence in the UK with over 70 servers in London alone, you won’t have a hard time finding fast routes to watch some good live television from anywhere in the world.
Hide My Ass – Full Review * 2 Simultaneous Connections Allowed
An honorable mention for HMA, which has been in business for long enough to know a thing or two about fast routes. We tested their servers located in the UK and surroundings, and although they boast a smaller number, coming in at 19 servers and over 3500 IPs, the speeds we’re on par with competitors, making them a valuable choice for streaming British services.
NordVPN – Full Review * 6 Simultaneous Connections Allowed
NordVPN is another provider that has built a solid reputation in the industry thanks to the advanced security used, the varied selection of servers and a no logs policy that ensures that your data remains private. NordVPN supports Tor over VPN and double VPN encryption to keep your information protected from the dangers that lurk online. It also offers fast servers that will help you to defeat geo-blocks so that you can access BBC iPlayer from any location.
Surfshark – Full Review * Unlimited Simultaneous Connections Allowed
Surfshark is gaining fans thanks to the good quality of its service. Apart from offering strong encryption and a a policy that promises that no logs are kept of your online activities, this provider offers incredibly fast speeds. They have multiple servers in the United Kingdom and thanks to the No Border mode, you will be able to bypass restrictions and stream content using the BBC iPlayer, no matter where you are. Surfshark also offers features that will protect you from malware and annoying ads.
Conclusion
Don’t be fooled by geo-fencing, and fight for net neutrality, if your ISP has started capping your speeds while streaming video online, have no fear, the VPN service will effectively remove the caps as your internet provider will no longer have the ability to see what websites you are visiting and what kind of traffic is passing to and from your network computers, and devices. Magic ain’t it? Go ahead and discover the open internet today, by joining a VPN service, all while regaining some privacy.
I tried Surfshark a week ago to unlock UK BBC and access “The Dropout” documentary on ABC TV (USA only), – both worked well. On the first try I did have a problem connecting to the USA servers so had to contact their customer support, got an explanation I had to change some kind of protocol in the app and that fixed the issue. If there’s no more troubles during the 30d. money back period I’ll make a purchase, speeds are enough for HD stream and that’s all I need.