How to watch Channel 4 on demand from anywhere

Channel 4’s on-demand online service (formerly known as All 4) is a treasure trove of content, offering viewers the ability to watch titles such as Jamie’s Feasts for a Fiver and Patience with just the click of a button. It also allows you to watch live TV on Channel 4. However, if you’re outside of the UK, you won’t be able to enjoy the service.

Luckily, you can bypass this geographical restriction with the help of a VPN. In addition to helping users to navigate geo-blocks, VPNs protect users’ private information from the prying eyes of governments and internet service providers (ISPs). VPNs can even protect users from some cyber threats.

I tested several VPNs to help users identify the best options for accessing Channel 4 outside the UK. I’ve reviewed the best providers for the job in detail below. First, let’s look at how to watch Channel 4 online while traveling abroad.

How to watch Channel 4 outside of the UK

If you want to watch Channel 4’s on-demand, online service outside of the UK, you can do so with the assistance of a VPN.

Fortunately, it isn’t too difficult to get up and running with a VPN, but there are a few steps involved. Here is how you can get things set up.

How to watch Channel 4 from anywhere:

1. Sign up for a top-tier VPN service. I recommend NordVPN because it offers fast connection speeds, strong unblocking capabilities, and UK servers that help circumvent Channel 4’s geographic restrictions.
2. Download and install the VPN client for the service you’re subscribed to on the device(s) you want to watch Channel 4’s video-on-demand service.
3. Sign in to your account using your login credentials.
4. Connect to a server in the UK and then head to the Channel 4 website. As you have now obtained a UK IP address, you should be able to watch your favorite TV shows without any issues.

If you encounter any issues, try clearing your cache and cookies. If you still encounter any problems, contact your VPN’s customer support team.

So, now you know how to access Channel 4 outside the UK using a VPN, let’s explore the best providers. If you’re in a rush, here’s a quick summary.

The best VPNs for Channel 4:

1. NordVPN: My number one choice for watching Channel 4 online. It is fast and secure, with a network of over 8,900 servers in 127+ countries. This includes 440+ servers in the UK. It also comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: A great budget option for Channel 4. It is affordable and has strong security measures. Has servers in the UK and unlimited simultaneous connections.
3. Total VPN: An easy-to-use VPN. It is relatively affordable and has a large global server network, including in the UK.
4. Proton VPN: Largest network of servers on this list, with 17,800+ in 129+ countries, including 733+ in the UK. Excellent for streaming your favorite shows.
5. ExpressVPN: Fast streaming speeds and one of the best in the business for unblocking streaming platforms abroad. Easy to use and set up.
6. IPVanish: Another great streaming option, thanks to fast speeds and unlimited simultaneous connections. Also, a great option for torrenting.
7. CyberGhost: Has a very large server network and offers servers optimized for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
8. PrivateVPN: A privacy-conscious VPN. It has a smaller network but excels at unblocking services and includes robust security features.

While evaluating VPN options for Channel 4, I considered several factors to identify the best. Here are the most important criteria:

• Strong server network with locations in the UK
• Fast connection speeds
• Strong security and privacy measures
• Ease of use
• Value for money

For more information on the criteria I used, check out the testing methodology section later in this article.

Best VPNs for watching Channel 4 anywhere

With that being said, here are the best VPNs for watching Channel 4 from anywhere, whether you’re in the UK or abroad:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is my number one choice for watching Channel 4 from anywhere. In total, it has over 8,900 servers in 127+ countries, including 440+ in the UK. NordVPN delivers fast streaming speeds and strong unblocking capabilities, granting access to geo-restricted services such as Channel 4, ITVX, and BBC iPlayer without issues.

Strong security measures include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. NordVPN provides Tor over VPN functionality, and no logs are stored. It also supports cryptocurrency payments, allowing users to make anonymous payments.

NordVPN allows for 10 simultaneous connections, too. It provides apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, and can be manually installed on some routers.

Pros:

• Fast streaming speeds
• Great unblocking capabilities
• Robust security measures
• Strong customer support
• Servers in the UK

Cons:

• Desktop app can be slow at times

BEST VPN FOR WATCHING CHANNEL 4:NordVPN can bypass geographical restrictions on Channel 4 with ease. It is simple to use and can unblock geo-blocked services stress-free. Gives its subscribers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is the best budget-friendly option for watching Channel 4 online from anywhere. In addition to being affordable, it offers strong unblocking capabilities and speeds fast enough for users to stream without lag/buffering.

Strong security features include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks. There is also a strict no-logs policy in place.

Surfshark offers users unlimited simultaneous connections, which is perfect for users with lots of devices. The customer support team is available 24/7, allowing users to get assistance with any problems they have. Apps are available for macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, and Linux.

Pros:

• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Strong security features
• Fast streaming speeds
• Great unblocking capability

Cons:

• Some server options can be slow at times

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a great option thanks to its affordable price point. It’s also genuinely fast and can unblock streaming services such as Channel 4 with ease. Unlimited simultaneous connections and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. Total VPN

Total VPN is a great option for beginners. It is easy to use and has great unblocking ability, with over 1,800 servers in around 90 countries. This includes servers in the UK, making it easy for users to circumvent geographic restrictions on services such as Channel 4, My5, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Netflix UK.

Total VPN offers 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. Plus, it stores no logs, and its Hydra protocol offers obfuscation and split tunneling.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. You can connect up to five devices at the same time. The customer support team is available 24/7 for any issues.

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly
• Fast connection speeds
• Great unblocking ability
• Bundled with an antivirus and a password manager

Cons:

• Doesn’t work in China
• Only allows for five simultaneous connections

GREAT BEGINNER VPN:Total VPN is easy to use, making it a great option for newbies. It can unblock Channel 4 with ease and provides robust security options. Offers its users a 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. Proton VPN

Proton VPN has a huge network of over 17,800 servers in 129+ countries, which is the largest on this list. It doesn’t compromise on quality and comes from a team with a track record of delivering high-quality products, such as Proton Mail. With 733+ servers in the UK, you’ll have no issues accessing services like Channel 4, TNT Sports, and BBC iPlayer.

ProtonVPN has strong security measures in place. These include a strict no-logs policy, a kill switch, and protection against leaks. There is also a stealth mode and strong, 256-bit AES encryption.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. Plus, the service can be manually configured on certain routers. Up to 10 devices can be connected simultaneously, and 24/7 customer support is available via live chat.

Pros:

• Very large server network
• Strong security and privacy features
• Great unblocking ability
• Fast streaming speeds

Cons::

• Cap on simultaneous connections
• Doesn’t work in China

LARGE SERVER NETWORK:Proton VPN offers the largest server network on this list, with 17,800 in 129+ countries, including 733 in the UK. This makes it a great option for Channel 4 and other geo-restricted services. Subscribers can enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a great streaming option thanks to its fast speeds. It is also easy to use and very beginner-friendly. In total, it has over 3,000 servers in 105+ countries, including the UK. As one of the best VPNs in the business for unblocking geo-restricted services abroad, you’ll have no issues accessing Channel 4, Sky Go, NOW TV, BBC iPlayer, and ITVX.

ExpressVPN doesn’t skimp on security either. It provides security and privacy features that include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy. It also accepts cryptocurrency payments and has a .onion website that lets users look up the service anonymously.

It offers up to 14 simultaneous device connections, depending on the plan you choose, with apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. It can also be manually configured on some routers. In fact, ExpressVPN has its own line of Aircove routers that work with the VPN. The customer support team is available 24/7.

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Great unblocking ability
• Strong security features
• Great customer support

Cons:

• More expensive option
• Lack of customizability

EXCELLENT UNBLOCKING CAPABILITIES:It's hard to beat ExpressVPN when it comes to speed and accessing geo-restricted services. Very secure thanks to fantastic privacy measures, and it offers subscribers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

6. IPVanish

IPVanish is a great streaming VPN that’s incredibly popular with the Kodi community. This service is fast and excellent at unblocking services such as Channel 4. In total, IPVanish has over 3,200 servers available in more than 145 locations, including in the UK.

Security features include 256-bit AES encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch. Users can also choose to obfuscate their OpenVPN traffic and block all local connections. Personally identifiable information isn’t logged, and the customer support team is available 24/7.

IPVanish offers users an unlimited number of connections, too. This makes it a great option for those with many devices. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, and this VPN can be manually installed on Linux devices and routers.

Pros:

• Locations in the UK
• Unlimited connections
• Fast connection speeds
• Strong security measures

Cons:

• Based in the US
• Doesn’t work well in China

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish is fast and has servers in the UK, allowing you to connect all of your devices at once. It has always been a good streaming option, which makes it a great choice for Channel 4. 30-day money-back guarantee.

7. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN has a very large server network in place, with over 11,500 servers in 100+ countries (including the UK). It also has servers that are optimized for different purposes, such as gaming, streaming, and torrenting. This VPN can unblock many different services, including Channel 4, Sky Go, and BBC iPlayer.

CyberGhost has strong security measures in place, including 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against leaks. No logs are stored either.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, and iOS. This VPN can also be manually installed on some routers. The customer support team is available 24/7, and seven simultaneous connections are allowed.

Pros:

• Servers optimized for streaming, gaming, and torrenting
• Very large server network
• Strong security features
• Great unblocking ability

Cons:

• Doesn’t work well in heavily censored countries such as the UAE and China
• Not very customizable

OPTIMIZED STREAMING SERVERS:CyberGhost has a very large server network and servers optimized for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. Very secure, and it offers its subscribers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

8. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a privacy-conscious option with a smaller network. In total, it offers around 200 servers in 63+ countries, including the UK. Thanks to this, PrivateVPN can unblock services such as Sky Go, ESPN, Channel 4, and BBC iPlayer with ease. Its speeds are also competitive.

This is a secure VPN option, too. Privacy and security measures include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. No logs are stored either.

PrivateVPN offers VPN apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. This VPN can be manually installed on Linux and on some routers. 24/7 customer support can help users with any questions they have at any time of day.

Pros:

• Great unblocking capabilities
• Multi-platform support
• Strong security measures

Cons:

• Not many UK locations
• Smaller server network

PRIVACY CONSCIOUS OPTION:PrivateVPN offers a smaller, privacy-conscious network. It has robust security measures in place and can unblock UK services with ease. It offers users a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Testing methodology: How I chose the best VPNs for watching Channel 4

When evaluating the best VPNs for accessing Channel 4 on demand from anywhere, I considered several factors. Not all VPNs are created equally, so it was necessary to find the best providers.

I sifted through several options before landing on the VPNs above. Here are the most important factors I considered:

• Strong server network with locations in the UK: Having as many servers as possible gives users more options for obtaining IP addresses in different countries. This means users can unblock geo-restricted services without issues. For Channel 4, UK servers are required, so for this article, I selected VPNs that are reliable and have UK locations.
• Fast connection speeds: Ensure users can watch content without lag or buffering, which can be quite annoying when watching content. All of the VPNs in this list are quick and efficient.
• Strong security and privacy measures: Vital in allowing users to browse the internet safely. VPNs protect user data and prevent some cyber threats, so you can rest assured that your personal information won’t be compromised. A fully audited, strict no-logs policy is a must.
• Ease of use: VPNs need to be accessible for everyone. Having easy-to-use VPNs ensures that anyone can protect themselves online and that they can unblock services like Channel 4 with ease. A decent customer support team should be available 24/7 – live chat is a bonus.
• Value for money: Another important factor in ensuring that VPNs are accessible for as many people as possible. All of the options reviewed above are within reach for the average person, ensuring that doing things like unblocking Channel 4 is affordable. I also prioritize those providers who offer money-back guarantees and discounted rates.

For more information about the criteria I use, check out my VPN testing process guide.

How to watch Channel 4 FAQs