How to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA in 2025

BBC iPlayer is a treasure trove for both TV shows and live content. If you’re an expat living in the US, you may be upset at not being able to watch your favorite content on BBC iPlayer due to the service being geographically restricted to the UK.

However, with a VPN, you’ll be able to watch shows like EastEnders, Strictly Come Dancing, and Match of the Day without any issues.

In addition to providing users with access to geographically restricted services, VPNs also offer other benefits. These include encrypting your traffic and protecting your information from being monitored by hackers, governments, your employer, and internet service providers (ISPs).

Not all VPNs are created equally, however, and some VPNs are not capable of unblocking services like BBC iPlayer from outside the UK.

For this reason, I tested the best providers in the business to ensure that I found the top VPN for BBC iPlayer. Before we get into my in-depth VPN reviews, let’s take a look at how to use one for BBC iPlayer.

How to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA using a VPN

Ready to get started? Follow these simple steps if you want to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA:

1. Sign up for a top-tier VPN with servers in the UK. This will allow you to unblock services such as BBC iPlayer with ease. My first choice is NordVPN, which you can try risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Download and install the VPN’s app onto the device(s) you want to watch BBC iPlayer on. Some of the providers in this list offer unlimited simultaneous connections.
3. Sign in to your VPN app and connect to a server in the UK. This will give you a UK IP address.
4. Head to BBC iPlayer and you should be able to watch live TV, series, movies, and sports without encountering any errors.

If you still run into any issues, try clearing your cache and cookies. If this still doesn’t work, contact your VPN’s customer support team.

So, now you know how to watch BBC iPlayer in the US using a VPN, let’s start looking at the best VPN for the job.

I have reviewed the best VPNs for watching BBC iPlayer in the USA in detail below. However, if you’re in a rush, here’s a quick summary.

The best VPNs for BBC iPlayer in the USA:

1. NordVPN: My number one choice for watching BBC iPlayer in the USA. Has servers in the UK, reliably bypasses geo-blocks, offers fast streaming speeds, and boasts strong security measures. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: A great budget option for watching BBC iPlayer. It is fast, secure, and has a decent server network. Unlimited simultaneous connections.
3. Total VPN: Solid choice for those who like to stream. It has a decent reach globally and offers fast connection speeds. Strong unblocking capabilities.
4. Proton VPN: Very large server network, including servers in the UK, so you can unblock streaming platforms with ease. Excellent privacy measures.
5. ExpressVPN: A beginner-friendly option that offers fast connection speeds and strong security measures. One of the best for unblocking geo-restricted services.
6. IPVanish: Great for streaming and gaming, and can unblock a wide variety of geo-blocked services. No device connection limit.
7. CyberGhost VPN: Has servers optimized for different purposes such as streaming, gaming, and torrenting. Huge server network.
8. PureVPN: An easy-to-use provider that has thousands of servers globally. It can unblock BBC iPlayer and other popular UK streaming platforms.
9. PrivateVPN: A smaller, privacy-centric VPN with servers in the UK. It can unblock many streaming services and boasts excellent security features.

When searching for the best options for watching BBC iPlayer in the USA, I considered several factors to ensure I made the most informed decision. Here is my criteria:

• Servers in the UK
• Fast speeds for streaming
• Great unblocking capability
• Strong security and privacy measures
• Ease of use
• Value for money

You can read more about my criteria in the testing methodology section of this article.

Best VPNs for watching BBC iPlayer in the USA

Having considered all of the above, here are the best VPNs for watching BBC iPlayer in the USA:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN offers its customers over 8,400 servers in more than 127 countries, all of which are fast and secure. This includes 440+ servers in cities like London, Glasgow, Manchester, and Edinburgh in the UK. NordVPN is also great at unblocking a variety of different UK streaming services, such as BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, and TNT Sports.

The provider has a number of different security and privacy measures in place, including 256-bit AES encryption and a kill switch. Obfuscated servers mask VPN activity, helping users to navigate VPN blocking technology (such as what’s found in China). There is also an option that lets users access the TOR network without installing a separate browser. This feature is called Onion Over VPN.

Other privacy features include a dark web monitor that alerts users if their personal information is exposed online and an ad tracker and malware blocker. A strict no-logs policy is in place, and cryptocurrency payments are accepted.

NordVPN apps are available for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android. Some routers can also be manually configured to work with this service. Users get 10 simultaneous connections, and the customer support team is available 24/7 via live chat.

Pros:

• Unblocks BBC iPlayer and other UK streaming platforms with ease
• Fast streaming speeds
• Strong security measures
• No logs are stored
• Apps available across many different platforms

Cons:

• Desktop app can be slow at times

BEST VPN FOR BBC IPLAYER IN THE USA:NordVPN is my number one choice for watching BBC iPlayer in the USA. Boasts plenty of UK servers, offers fast connection speeds, and has strong security measures in place. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is my number one budget choice for watching BBC iPlayer in the USA. It has a speedy server network that consists of more than 4,500 servers in over 100 countries. This includes 440+ servers in four cities in the UK. Surfshark is great at unblocking geo-restricted services, such as BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video.

This provider also has strong security measures, including a kill switch, 256-bit AES encryption, split tunneling, an ad tracker, a malware blocker, and leak protection. Crypto payments are accepted, and a fully audited, strict no-logs policy is in place. Surfshark lets users connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously.

The customer support team is also 24/7, giving users access to support whenever they may need help. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. This service can be installed on some routers as well.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly option
• Secure platform
• Many servers in the UK
• Accepts cryptocurrency payments
• Unlimited simultaneous device connections

Cons:

• Some servers can be a little slow at times

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is my top choice for those on a budget and wanting to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA. It is fast, secure, and gives users an unlimited number of device connections. 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. Total VPN

Total VPN is a beginner-friendly provider that has servers in more than 90 countries. This includes servers in the UK, making it a solid option for bypassing geographical restrictions on services such as BBC iPlayer and ITVX. Total VPN users are allowed five simultaneous connections, which is a modest but decent number for most users.

Total VPN is fast enough to let users stream without lag or buffering, and has several security measures in place. These include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. Total VPN doesn’t store any logs either.

This provider provides apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Total VPN also offers 24/7 live chat support for users, should they ever experience any problems.

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Affordable option
• Great unblocking ability
• Comes bundled with antivirus tools

Cons:

• Only supports five simultaneous connections
• Doesn’t offer many advanced configuration options

SOLID PROTECTION:Total VPN offers fast servers located in the UK and solid security and privacy features. Apps are easy to use, and you can reliably unblock most UK streaming platforms. Provides an antivirus. 30-day money-back guarantee on long-term plans.

4. Proton VPN

Proton VPN offers a large network of over 14,800 servers in 126+ countries. In fact, Proton VPN has more than 733 servers in the UK alone. You’ll have no issues accessing BBC iPlayer and other free UK streaming sites like ITVX and Channel 4. You can also unblock international streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Streaming speeds are fast.

Security and privacy features include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. Proton VPN allows port forwarding, which is useful to torrenters seeking greater upload and download efficiency. App and IP-based split tunneling is available, and users can choose between the WireGuard, OpenVPN, and Stealth protocols.

Apps are available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. There is even a command-line option available for those who use Linux. Proton VPN offers its subscribers live chat support 24/7.

Pros:

• Great at unblocking BBC iPlayer
• Allows port forwarding, which is great for torrenting
• Open source apps across a wide range of platforms
• Massive server network

Cons:

• No live chat support available
• Can be difficult to navigate for beginners

HUGE SERVER NETWORK:Proton VPN has an excellent global server network and is an advanced VPN option with strong security measures. Fast enough to stream BBC iPlayer without buffering issues. Users get a 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is one of the best in the business for streaming, offering fast speeds and the ability to reliably unblock most geo-restricted streaming platforms. It has over 3,000 servers in more than 105 countries, including the UK. It is also a great choice for beginners.

Security measures include a kill switch, split tunneling, a malware blocker, and 256-bit AES encryption. In addition, users can choose between the OpenVPN protocol or ExpressVPN’s own Lightway protocol (which is faster). There is even a .onion site that allows users to access the website anonymously. ExpressVPN has a strict no-logs policy and accepts cryptocurrency payments.

This provider’s apps are available on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It can also be installed on some routers. This provider also offers up to 14 simultaneous device connections, depending on the plan.

Pros:

• Fast streaming speeds
• Strong security measures
• Beginner-friendly, easy-to-use option
• Excellent unblocking credentials

Cons:

• More expensive than other options
• More expensive options could find a lack of customizability frustrating

GREAT STREAMING VPN:ExpressVPN offers very fast streaming speeds and excellent unblocking capabilities. This provider offers users advanced privacy options like a .onion website and the acceptance of cryptocurrency. 30-day money-back guarantee.

6. IPVanish

IPVanish is a well-known provider that offers users thousands of servers globally, including locations in the UK. It is fast and great at unblocking geo-restricted streaming platforms, such as BBC iPlayer and Channel 4. For these reasons, it has been a trusted tool for the Kodi community for many years.

Security features include protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks, 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy. Multiple protocols are also supported, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Its Scramble feature enables you to navigate VPN-detection technology, but it doesn’t work in China.

IPVanish has apps available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It can be configured on some routers as well. Subscribers get an unlimited number of simultaneous connections.

Pros:

• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Fast streaming speeds
• Strong unblocking ability
• Trusted by the Kodi community

Cons:

• Headquartered in the US
• Some servers don’t work with Netflix

UNLIMITED DEVICE CONNECTIONS:IPVanish allows you to connect all of your devices at the same time, is fast, and has servers in the UK. It can unblock services like BBC iPlayer and Channel 4 with ease. 30-day money-back guarantee.

7. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN has a very large server network. In total, it consists of over 11,500 servers in around 100 countries, including locations in the UK, such as London, Manchester, and Berkshire. Servers are optimized for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

Security features include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. There is a malware blocker in place and a strict no-logs policy. URL-based split tunneling and automatic public WiFi protection are also available.

CyberGhost provides apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. It supports some network routers, but they require manual configuration. Subscribers can connect up to seven devices simultaneously.

Pros:

• Beginner friendly
• Very large server network
• 45-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

• Not customizable enough
• Blocked in the UAE and China

OPTIMIZED STREAMING SERVERS:CyberGhost VPN has a large server network with servers optimized for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. This makes it a great option for unblocking BBC iPlayer. Gives subscribers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

8. PureVPN

PureVPN is an affordable VPN with servers in the UK (London and Manchester). The ping times are helpfully listed next to each location. This makes it an excellent option for BBC iPlayer and other UK-based services, such as ITVX, Channel 4, and My5.

Strong security measures include 256-bit AES encryption, leak protection, a kill switch, a tracker blocker, and app-based split tunneling. It also has a no-logs policy in place. Users have the option of choosing between WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN protocols. PureVPN obfuscates users’ traffic by default, unlike its competitors.

Apps are available for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows. You can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. Users have a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

• Multiple UK servers
• Strong security measures
• Allows torrenting

Cons:

• Can’t unblock Netflix
• Somewhat unpredictable speeds

RELIABLE BBC IPLAYER ACCESS:PureVPN is simple to use and works well with BBC iPlayer. Boasts strong security measures, such as split tunneling and a kill switch, and comes with a 31-day money-back guarantee.

9. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a privacy-conscious provider. Despite its small network of just over 200 servers spread across 63+ countries, it’s still more than capable of unblocking streaming platforms and other services, including BBC iPlayer. It works in China, too.

Security measures include 256-bit AES encryption, a no-logs policy, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. Its Stealth VPN feature obfuscates traffic so that it isn’t recognizable as VPN-generated. PrivateVPN allows port forwarding.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. It also works on Linux platforms and wireless routers with manual configuration. Note that PrivateVPN’s customer support team is not available 24/7. You can connect up to 10 devices at once.

Pros:

• Can unblock many different services
• Fast connection speeds
• Works in China

Cons:

• Smaller server network
• Customer support team isn’t available 24/7

PRIVACY-FOCUSED VPN:PrivateVPN is a privacy-centric VPN, with excellent security features on offer. Easily unblocks services like BBC iPlayer and works in China. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Testing methodology: How I chose the best VPNs for watching BBC iPlayer in the USA

While looking for the best VPNs for watching BBC iPlayer in the USA, I researched dozens of different providers. This is because not all VPNs are created equally.

To find the best VPNs, I used a strict set of criteria to ensure that I found the best options for watching BBC iPlayer. Here are the factors I considered:

• Fast speeds: Necessary when streaming, the top-tier VPNs in this guide are all capable of watching live TV and on-demand content without lag or buffering. This means you can watch all of your favorite shows on BBC iPlayer without any issues.
• Great unblocking capability: Not all VPNs are capable of unblocking services like BBC iPlayer. This is because BBC iPlayer is always on the lookout for people bypassing geographical restrictions. Decent VPNs, such as those reviewed here, are able to use measures such as obfuscation to work around any restrictions put in place. The same goes for ITVX, Channel 4, My5, Sky, and TNT Sports.
• Strong security and privacy: These measures protect users in the online environment. The VPNs reviewed here protect users’ information from the prying eyes of governments and ISPs. They also protect you from some cyber threats.
• Ease of use: VPNs should be suitable for beginners and experts alike. If a VPN is too complex to use, it reduces the number of people who are willing to jump through the hoops to use the service to bypass geographical restrictions.
• Value for money: You should never have to break the bank for a VPN. All of the providers in this list are affordable, without discounted subscription rates and money-back guarantees.

For more information about this criterion, explore my full VPN testing process guide.

How to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA FAQs