Best VPNs for UK expats: Unlock British streaming services abroad

Are you a British expat struggling to access your favorite UK services while abroad? Are you blocked from streaming BBC iPlayer or making Skype calls? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Discover the solution to bypassing regional restrictions and protecting yourself with a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for UK expats.

From our experience, connecting to a VPN can ensure your online safety through encrypted network traffic. This means your Internet Service Provider (ISP), hackers, or any prying eyes won’t be able to decipher your online activities. Additionally, when you route your internet traffic through one of your VPN’s British servers, geo-restricted websites won’t even realize you’re an expat located outside the UK. Say goodbye to online limitations and stay connected to your favorite content no matter where you are.

For those of you who want to cut straight to the chase, here are our best VPNs for use in the UK or to access UK content and TV from outside the UK:

1. NordVPN: Our #1 choice for UK expats! Best VPN for both those in the UK and outside the UK who want to access UK content. Works with BBC iPlayer, Netflix, SkyGo and most other UK and international TV streaming video services. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for expats.
2. Surfshark: The best low-cost option for streaming British TV abroad. No-logs provider with powerful security features. Connect as many streaming devices as you like with unlimited simultaneous connections.
3. ExpressVPN: Solid choice for streaming UK TV abroad. Veteran provider with a great reputation for privacy and security. Works with most British channels including Channel 5 and Sky Sports.
4. CyberGhost: Beginner friendly UK expat VPN. Suitable for expats streaming British TV online. Has a huge network of servers and strong privacy features.
5. Private Internet Access: Fast connection speeds and good privacy features. Works with several British streaming platforms, iPlayer and Channel 4 included.
6. PrivateVPN: An increasingly popular service with fast connection speeds. Good for streaming British sports content and TV channels. Great for online privacy.
7. AtlasVPN: A fast UK expat VPN that is particularly good for a smooth streaming experience. Apps for all platforms with excellent speeds.

Our criteria for the best UK Expat VPNs

There are numerous VPN services to choose from but not all of them are suitable for streaming British content. To find the best VPN services for UK expats, we looked for services with the following qualities:

• Unblocks popular UK streaming services (BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4)
• Fast connection speeds and several UK servers to choose from
• A high level of security, including strong AES 256-bit encryption
• Minimal logging or preferably, no logging whatsoever

We explain more about our UK expat VPN testing methodology below.

Best VPNs for UK Expats – Our hands-on review

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for UK Expats.

Best VPNs for UK Expats

Based on extensive testing, here is our full list of the best VPNs for UK expats:

1. NordVPN

Dec 2023

NordVPN offers a staggering 600+ UK-based servers. It can unblock all the major British streaming platforms including BBC iPlayer, Netflix UK, ITV Hub, Sky Go, and All 4. Every server is optimized for HD streaming, and this VPN’s speeds are the fastest we’ve seen, so content should play without any buffering or stuttering. No limit to what you can watch with unlimited data included as standard. The expat standard in 2022.

NordVPN even lets you access Facebook from within China. With six simultaneous connections allowed, you can protect an entire household and stream from whichever device you prefer.

This VPN simplifies online security by including an ad-blocker and anti-malware functionality. It features 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and an application-specific kill switch. It’s great for privacy-conscious users with its no-logging policy and subscriptions can be paid for in bitcoin.

NordVPN has apps for Windows, Linux, Android, MacOS, and iOS. It can be manually configured to work with selected routers.

NordVPN speed test data

BEST VPN FOR BRITISH TV:NordVPN is our top choice. It works well with all the major streaming services including BBC iPlayer and Netflix, plus it boasts extremely high speeds and a 30-day money-back guarantee that lets you try it risk-free.

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark operates server locations in London and Manchester. Either one is capable of unblocking popular UK streaming sites including BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, Netflix UK, and Sky Go. Best of all, Surfshark doesn’t put a limit on how many connected devices you have. That makes it a great budget option for a family or group of flatmates.

On top of its cord-cutting prowess, Surfshark uses strong encryption and adheres to a no-logs policy, so your privacy is secured. Torrenting is allowed and kill switches can prevent user data leaks on both desktop and mobile phones/devices. If you encounter any issues, live chat support is available around the clock.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.

Surfshark speed test data

BEST BUDGET VPN:Affordable and security-conscious, Surfshark ensures you’ll never have to trade privacy for convenience. Expats can connect as many devices as you like and stream UK-only video from anywhere. 30-day money-back guarantee included.

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has several British servers and can unblock popular services like Skype, Netflix UK, and ITV Hub, Sky Go, and BT Sport. You can easily change your real IP address to make it appear as if you are browsing from the UK, or you can select a server in a location of your choice to access other blocked content abroad. Its server networks are fast enough to play HD video without any noticeable buffering, and with unlimited data, it’s a strong choice for watching British TV from abroad.

This provider takes privacy seriously. It uses 256-bit military-grade encryption and perfect forward secrecy to keep your online activities secure. There’s also a kill switch and DNS leak protection, and no logs are maintained that can be traced to an individual user. Further, ExpressVPN accepts bitcoin payments and has an optional .onion site for those who want to remain as anonymous as possible.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Manual configuration is required for supported wireless routers.

ExpressVPN speed test data

HIGHLY VERSATILE:ExpressVPN is quick and reliable with a strong security focus, a large network, and great unblocking ability. It even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you change your mind.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has more than 1,000 servers in the UK, perfect for a British IP address. It offers a simple, user-friendly interface that allows you to select servers optimized for a specific purpose. Options include unblocking sites — such as BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, and Eurosport — or web browsing anonymously on platforms like Facebook. With consistent connections and fast speeds, streaming UK TV isn’t a problem at all.

CyberGhost, like NordVPN, offers anti-malware and ad-blocking features. It utilizes 256-bit encryption, automatic HTTPS redirection, an internet kill switch, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and port forwarding leaks to keep its customers safe. With up to seven connections permitted per account and live customer support in case of any issues,

CyberGhost takes the inconvenience out of using a VPN. Apps are available for MacOS, Windows, Android, Linux and iOS. CyberGhost can be manually installed on certain network routers.

CyberGhost speed test data

Beginner friendly apps:CyberGhost is fast and affordable. It has a simple set up with strong privacy credentials. Streams HD video reliably. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA)  has an incredibly large network consisting of over 10,000 servers in 80+ countries. This includes numerous UK server locations that can be used to access geo-restricted services like Skype, WhatsApp, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, All 4, ITV Hub, and My5.

Its WireGuard implementation also makes it one of the fastest VPNs around; great for gaming, torrenting, and streaming British TV abroad in HD and without worrying about long buffer times or stuttering playback.

PIA is one of the most secure and customizable VPNs on the market. It provides 256-bit AES encryption and offers several additional device security options, including IPv6 and DNS leak protection,  a kill switch, and a Shadowsocks proxy for those who need it.

While being based in the US may be enough to put the more privacy-conscious user off this service, it is worth noting that it has a watertight no logs policy it has proven in court. This means that even if it is served a warrant it never has anything invasive that identifies its users’ online habits.

Dedicated apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and you can set up the VPN on various VPN-compatible routers. It allows 10 simultaneous connections and you can try it out yourself using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Private Internet Access speed test data

GREAT FOR PRIVACY:PIA is fast and secure. It has over 10,000 servers in 80+ countries, including the UK. WOrks to access internet banking, streaming services, Skype, Facebook, and much more. Apps for all platforms with advanced privacy features and settings. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PIA review.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN only offers four UK servers (all located in England) but is fast enough to stream HD content with no noticeable buffering. It can unblock BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, and even permits access to the British Netflix library, something many other VPNs struggle to do.

Up to six simultaneous connections are allowed per account. This VPN offers 256-bit encryption, an internet kill switch, a no-logging policy, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. 24/7 live chat support is available, albeit with slightly longer response times outside of office hours. With your permission, the staff can even take control of your device and set everything up for you.

PrivateVPN has dedicated apps for MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. Linux and some routers are also supported but manual configuration is required.

PrivateVPN speed test data

FAST SPEEDS:PrivateVPN offers fast speeds Although a newcomer, this VPN performs well for unblocking streaming sites and scored highly in our speed tests. Reliable but a bit pricey. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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7. AtlasVPN

AtlasVPN is a US-based provider that was launched in 2019. Since then it has been acquired by Nord Technologies which technically puts it in the jurisdiction of Panama; well out of reach of the US government and its invasive alphabet intelligence agencies. Add to this the VPN’s solid no logs policy and you have a service that you can use to gain online privacy from anywhere in the world.

Although this VPN has fewer servers than the competitors recommended above it, it is spectacularly good when it comes to streaming. The VPN has around 700 servers in 30 countries, including a number in the UK that work with Netflix UK, BBC iPlayer, Sky TV, Now TV, BT Sport, All4 It also has US servers that work to watch US Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and more.

Apps are available for all po[p[ualr platforms and while they aren’t as comprehensive as its sister service NordVPN, it still has a kill-switch, DNS leak protection, malware filtering, AES encryption (IKEv2 protocol), and split tunneling. Torrenting is also allowed and you do get live chat support once you subscribe. Finally, you can compare it to our other recommendation by using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

AtlasVPN speed test data

FAST FOR STREAMING:Excellent UK servers that work with all popular platforms, internet banking, social media services, and TV streams. Very easy to use. Works with Netflix. WireGuard for even better speeds. Allows an unlimited number of connections, making it great for families or friends who want to share. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our full AtlasVPN review.

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Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for UK expats

From our years of experience, we’ve carefully considered the unique needs that people in your position face and determined which aspects of a UK VPN are the most important. You’ll find a breakdown of our reasoning below:

• British servers: If you don’t have access to servers in the UK, you won’t be able to unblock UK-only platforms like ITV Hub. We favored providers with servers in more than one UK country, since these allow you to access a far wider range of services.
• Speed: Speed is vital, especially if you’re planning to stream live TV. We perform regular speed tests on 30+ different VPNs; to ensure you have the best possible experience, we only recommend those that provide consistently high speeds and reliable connections.
• Streaming ability: Not every VPN works with every service. Plenty struggle with BBC iPlayer, for example. We put all of our potential recommendations up against popular services like Netflix UK, ITV Hub (and STV Player), All 4, and Disney+ to see which are best for expats looking to watch TV from back home.
• Ease of use: You shouldn’t have to be a computer expert to browse the web safely. All of our top VPNs must be easy enough for a complete beginner to use. Ideally, they’d provide setup guides, live chat-based support, and an expansive help section on the website.
• Value for money: Some providers think they can charge more than their services are worth, simply because they have a recognizable name or because their users don’t really know how much similar services cost. We evaluate each VPN’s features, compare their pricing options, and recommend only those that are priced fairly.
• Security and privacy toolkit: These services are, first and foremost, privacy tools. The VPNs we recommend must have, at a minimum, bulletproof encryption, a no-logs policy, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. We tend to favor providers that go above and beyond in this area, since attackers’ methods are always evolving.
• Apps and devices: Each VPN should have apps for popular devices so you can stream your favorite British TV and movies on the go on any platform. We look for compatibility with PC, Macs, iPhones, Androids, and more. We also look at how many simultaneous devices are supported so that you can share your subscription with other household members.

This is just a small taste of our larger VPN testing plan. Because we perform regular tests, we’re able to analyze the differences in each service over time, and tweak our recommendations to better suit our readers’ needs.

Can I use a free VPN to access British streaming platforms?

Although you might be tempted to use a free VPN for accessing UK-based streaming services, we advise against it. Some organizations, like the BBC, have taken steps to prevent VPN users from watching their content, so in all likelihood, a free VPN just won’t work. Also, these services are almost always slower than their paid-for counterparts. This means that even if you do manage to gain access, the streaming video playback may be choppy or buffer endlessly.

As free VPN services can’t charge their users directly, they’ve been known to rely on shady tactics to generate income. These include injecting targeted ads on the pages you visit, selling your browsing habits to third parties, and using tracking cookies to keep tabs on you even after you disconnect.

Unfortunately, free VPNs have a proven track record of misleading their users. In recent years, these services have been caught coming bundled with malware and even going as far as to sell their users’ bandwidth for use in botnets. To protect yourself and your private information, we highly recommend using a reputable VPN service with a focus on customer privacy. If you only need a VPN for a short amount of time, however, all the VPNs on this list offer a money-back-guarantee meaning you can use it for around a month (depending on the VPN) and then ask for a full refund.

Useful guides to watching British TV abroad:

• How to watch BBC iPlayer abroad
• Watch ITV live abroad
• How to watch Channel 4 abroad
• Watch Sky Go abroad

How to watch UK TV online from anywhere

If this is your first time using a VPN you’ll be happy to know getting set up is a quick and simple process. Below we reveal how to start watching UK TV from abroad in less than 2 minutes.

Here’s how to watch UK TV online from abroad:

1. Sign up to one of the VPN services listed above (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the appropriate VPN app for your device. There will be a few different versions, so be sure to get the right one for your operating system.
3. Connect to a server in the UK to get a UK IP Address.
4. Try watching geo-restricted content on your usual sites such as All 4 or BBC iPlayer. It should load quickly with minimal, if any, buffering. Note that you may have to clear your cookies and reload the page to see any changes.

Video: How to watch UK TV abroad with a VPN (includes tips and troubleshooting).

What else can I do with a VPN?

Aside from having problems accessing streaming channels while abroad, you may find that some governments prevent access to certain websites. Usually, only sites with extremist or illegal content are blocked, but in some cases, geographic blocking is used to enforce internet censorship (such as with China’s Great Firewall) or prevent people from contacting others outside of the country.

A VPN will allow you to access blocked services like Skype or Facebook so you can communicate with your friends and family. That said, it’s important to know that some countries, such as China and the United Arab Emirates, have laws against using a VPN. For this reason, we advise researching your country’s VPN legislation before attempting to use one.

Which services are blocked?

Depending on where you live, you might find that the services you’ve come to rely on are blocked by the local government. The specific sites differ from one region to another, but if you live in China, Russia, Sri Lanka, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, or Iran, you may be unable to access the following services:

1. Facebook
2. WhatsApp
3. Skype
4. YouTube
5. Instagram
6. Twitter
7. Google and Gmail

We have a more detailed list of sites blocked in China here.

Additionally, these countries tend to censor sites dedicated to the following things:

1. News that is critical of the government
2. Gambling
3. Adult content
4. Free exchange of information (Wikipedia, Reddit, etc)
5. VPNs and internet privacy

Why can’t I access a specific site?

All of the VPNs above have been confirmed to work with the most popular British streaming platforms. That said, the companies behind these services have invested lots of time and effort into preventing VPN users from accessing their content.

Recently, streaming platforms have begun blocking IP addresses known to belong to VPN providers. As such, you may find yourself unable to stream content from geo-locked sites, even when connected to a British server with a UK IP address.

The good news is that it’s very rare for these sites to account for every suitable IP address. The solution is often as simple as switching to a different server in the same country. Some VPNs even provide the ability to switch IP addresses with the touch of a button. If you still have issues, you can contact a customer support agent who can direct you to a working server or run you through some troubleshooting steps.

Why can’t I watch a specific show or channel?

Some platforms have specific web players for individual parts of the UK. For instance, ITV Hub redirects Scottish viewers to the STV Player. If you’ve connected to a server in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, this could be the issue. Try connecting to an English server instead to see if this fixes the problem.

Despite its attempts to block VPN users, BBC iPlayer actually makes it fairly easy to watch content from other regions of the UK. You can simply open the Change location menu (in the bottom-left of the website, and in the Settings menu of the app), and select a different region.

UK VPNs for British Expats FAQ