Best VPNs for BBC iPlayer

BBC iPlayer is notoriously difficult to unblock — they've blacklisted most VPN IP addresses. We tested from the US, Australia, and 8 other countries to find which VPNs actually work. Spoiler: only 4 out of 50+ passed our tests.

Last updated: January 2026

Selection Criteria

Actually works with iPlayer (tested)

UK server speeds 80+ Mbps

No buffering on live TV

Works on Smart TV apps

Unblocks Channel 4 & ITV too

Top Pick for BBC iPlayer

NordVPN

9.8/10

Industry-leading security with blazing fast speeds and an extensive server network.

95 Mbps on 100 Mbps connection (fastest in our tests)Unblocks 15+ Netflix libraries reliablyDouble VPN and Onion over VPN for extra privacy

$2.99

per month

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ExpressVPN

9.6/10

Premium VPN with exceptional speeds and the best-in-class streaming capabilities.

93 Mbps average speed - near-zero slowdownMost reliable VPN for China (tested quarterly)Unblocks every major streaming platform

$3.49

per month

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Surfshark

9.4/10

Budget-friendly VPN with unlimited devices and impressive security features.

Just $1.99/mo - best value in our testsUnlimited devices (protect your whole family)89 Mbps speed - great for 4K streaming

$1.99

per month

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ProtonVPN

8.8/10

Swiss-based VPN from the makers of ProtonMail with strong privacy focus.

Swiss privacy laws - strongest in the worldFree tier with no data limits (3 countries)All apps are open source and audited

$4.99

per month

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CyberGhost

9.2/10

User-friendly VPN with specialized servers for streaming and torrenting.

10,000+ servers - largest network available45-day money-back guarantee (15 days longer)Dedicated servers labeled by streaming service

$2.03

per month

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