- ITV Hub/ITVX only allows users within the UK to access and view content, and strict VPN detection mechanisms mean that, even when using a VPN, you may be blocked when outside the UK.
- ITV constantly works to detect and ban VPNs from the service, but a few VPNs invest in keeping users totally anonymous and avoiding these blocks.
- We’ve tested 78+ major VPNs with popular UK streaming services and websites to find which avoid geo-restrictions and offer fast speeds and reliable connections.
- NordVPN is our top recommendation for ITV Hub. It allows access to UK content, including ITVX, iPlayer, and Sky Go, plus includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
ITVX (previously called ITV Hub) is geographically-restricted. If you try to access it from outside of the UK, content will either fail to play or you’ll see an error message saying:
Oops! It looks as if there’s a problem. Please refresh your page or check out our ITV Hub Help.”
This occurs because the service recognizes that your IP address isn’t from the UK. It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to watch ITV Hub from the US, Spain, Ireland, or any other country abroad, it will be blocked. This is frustrating if you’re trying to chill with a boxset or keep up with the latest seasons of Love Island and I’m a Celebrity. The good news is that there’s a simple way to watch ITV Hub abroad – you just need to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
By connecting to a VPN server in the UK, you can obtain a British IP address and trick ITVX into allowing you to watch its content. You’ll also be able to access other free UK streaming platforms, such as BBC iPlayer and Channel 4.
In this article, we’ll explain exactly how to watch ITVX abroad using a VPN, and we’ll list the best VPNs for the job. Sound good? Let’s get started with a brief summary of the most suitable VPNs for ITVX:
Best VPNs to watch ITV Hub abroad:
- NordVPN The best VPN for streaming ITV Hub overseas. More than 440 high-speed British servers, advanced security and privacy features, and strong unblocking ability. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for ITV Hub. - Surfshark Our top budget VPN for watching ITV abroad. It has powerful security options, an audited zero-logs policy, and no connection limit.
- Total VPN Quick and versatile, this zero-logs VPN is ideal for safely streaming ITVX while traveling outside of the UK. Permits up to five connections at once.
- ProtonVPN Watch ITV from abroad securely with 256-bit encryption and a strict no-logs policy. Has 200+ UK servers suitable for streaming.
- ExpressVPN Has a strong commitment to security, keeps no logs, and can reliably unblock ITVX abroad. Speedy UK servers available in five locations.
- IPVanish Fast connection speeds for HD streaming. 150+ UK servers. Works with ITVX, BBC iPlayer, and Channel 4. Allows unlimited connections.
- CyberGhost A fast and versatile service that’s easy to use. Has servers specifically designed for watching ITVX from outside of the UK.
- PureVPN Hundreds of UK servers for accessing ITV and other platforms. Fast speeds for uninterrupted streaming. Strong on security, with 24/7 support.
- PrivateVPN Strong unblocking capabilities, very fast speeds, and a wide range of security and privacy protections.
Many VPNs claim to work with ITV Hub but most (especially free VPNs) are often blocked.
We regularly test the top 70 VPNs with all major streaming sites and this list only includes VPNs which reliably unblock ITV Hub and offer a full money-back guarantee, allowing you to try them risk-free.
How to watch ITV Hub from anywhere with a VPN
Compared with some of the streaming platforms we regularly use, ITVX is one of the easiest to access using a VPN. Follow the steps below to watch ITV Hub from overseas:
How to watch ITV Hub online from anywhere:
- Start by creating an ITV Hub account. This service is completely free to use, although you will be asked for a postal code during registration. This isn’t used to find your location — in fact, you can enter any British postcode.
- Sign up for one of the VPNs below (we particularly recommend NordVPN).
- Download and install the VPN app, ensuring you get the correct version for your device.
- Connect to any of your VPN’s UK servers. The closest to your location is normally the best option.
- Try playing a video on ITVX. It should begin immediately, but if you’re still having trouble, you can fix most issues by clearing your browser’s cookies and cache and then refreshing the page. For help with more stubborn problems, we’d suggest contacting your VPN’s customer support team.
WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE?
NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for ITV Hub with no restrictions for a month—great if you want to stream your favorite show or are going on a short trip.
There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
Our criteria for the best ITV Hub VPNs
We regularly hear from users who find it difficult to choose between VPN services. The majority of people simply don’t have the time — or inclination — to try out each competing product. That’s where we come in! We have lots of experience with VPNs and know how to tease out the differences between providers. Our tests evaluate VPN products on the following criteria:
- Streaming ability: We scored each provider’s streaming ability based on how well they performed accessing ITVX (as well as BBC iPlayer and Channel 4) and how many servers they have in the UK.
- Speed: ITVX is based in the UK, so we wanted to know how fast each provider was when we connected to their UK servers. We carried out these speed tests on a home broadband connection to simulate the experience for the average user.
- Security & privacy: We scored providers against more than a dozen relevant criteria. These included the levels of encryption and authentication they use, which VPN protocols they support, and whether they ship with built-in leak protection.
- Ease of use: To calculate how easy VPNs were to use, we scored them on 10 different metrics. These included the user-friendliness of their apps and whether they supported router configuration.
- Value for money: We used several different criteria for assessing whether a provider offered good value for money. The price of subscriptions is important, but so too is the number of connections permitted and the availability of discounts.
This is just an overview, but you can read more about how we test the VPNs we recommend – and see the results of those tests – in the methodology section below. For now, let’s take a look at the providers that impressed us.
Best VPNs for streaming ITV Hub abroad: a snapshot of features
We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for ITVX.
No value NordVPN Surfshark TotalVPN Proton VPN ExpressVPN IPVanish CyberGhost PureVPN PrivateVPN Website NordVPN.com Surfshark.com TotalVPN.com ProtonVPN.com ExpressVPN.com IPVanish.com Cyberghost.com PureVPN.com PrivateVPN.com Ranking for ITV Hub 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Streaming services ITVX
Netflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Sky GoITVX
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Sky GoITVX
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Sky GoITV Hub
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Sky GoITVX
BBC iPlayer
Channel 4
NetflixITVX
BBC iPlayer
Netflix
Sky GoITVX
Netflix
Amazon PrimeITVX
Netflix
Amazon PrimeITVX
Netflix
Amazon PrimeAvg Speed for ITV Hub 45.32 Mbps 40.72 Mbps 36.3 Mbps 35 Mbps 35.79 Mbps 36.5 Mbps 35.03 Mbps 34.82 Mbps 36.48 Mbps Simultaneous Connections 10 Unlimited 5 Free: 1, VPN Plus: 10 14 Unlimited 7 10 10 Works with routers? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Best deal (per month) $3.09
Up to 77% off 2 year plans + 3 months free$1.99
Up to 88% OFF + 3 months free$1.59
SAVE 80% on an annual plan$2.49
SAVE 75% on a 2-year plan$3.49
SAVE: Up to 73% + 4 months free on 2 year plans$2.19
Save 83% on 2-year plans$2.19
SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 2 months free!$1.99
85% off + 3 months free on 2 year Standard plan$2.00
Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free
Best VPNs for watching ITVX abroad: detailed reviews
Here are our detailed reviews of the best VPNs for ITV Hub:
1. NordVPN
Nov 2025
unblocks itvxTested Nov 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 9.4 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use: | 9.6 / 10 |
| Security & Privacy: | 9.5 / 10 |
| Streaming Ability: | 10.0 / 10 |
| UK speed testing: | 10.0 / 10 |
| Value for Money: | 7.9 / 10 |
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our top choice for streaming ITVX from abroad. It’s also our top choice for streaming British streaming platforms in general, such as BBC iPlayer and Channel 4. Why? For a start, it has hundreds of UK servers to choose from. This spreads demand and helps ensure consistently fast connections throughout the UK. Better still, users can protect up to 10 devices at once, speak with staff using the 24/7 live chat service, and even stream in places with extreme censorship, like China.
To find out just how fast these connections were, we connected to a UK server and measured our download speeds in the morning, at lunchtime, and during the afternoon. We used a 46.55 Mbps connection to more accurately reflect the kind of performance the average users can expect.
The provider was the fastest in the morning. Overall, its average download speed was 42.32 Mbps. This is more than fast enough to stream Love Island without interruption, and is also fast enough for torrenting, gaming, or video calling.
NordVPN has a fantastic set of privacy features built-in. These include uncrackable AES encryption, automatic DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection, and a customizable kill switch. There’s also an audited no-logs policy, tracker-blocker, and a custom protocol named NordWhisper that was designed to beat strict digital censorship. If you want to stream ITVX while using other apps outside of the VPN tunnel, NordVPN’s split tunneling feature makes this possible. This feature lets you choose which apps you want to use with VPN protection—or vice versa.
NordVPN has three subscription tiers. The cheapest gets you the VPN service and Threat protection. The “Plus” package includes Password management and access to Threat Protection Pro. Updated for the latest release of the app, this feature identifies and neutralizes a broad range of cyber threats — including phishing attempts. It’s great for users who feel particularly vulnerable while online.
The “Ultimate” plan is NordVPN’s premium offering. It comes with a huge 1TB of cloud storage and cyber insurance, including Scam loss and ID theft recovery. The insurance product will reimburse you should you become a victim of a scam or online shopping fraud. Anyone who’s ever been scammed will appreciate the value of this.
Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, and Android. You can also manually install NordVPN on most routers (check the website for instructions).
Buy this VPN if:
- You want a VPN that provides consistent, high-speed UK servers for streaming ITVX and other UK platforms without buffering.
- You’d like streaming-optimized features like SmartPlay, which ensures seamless access to ITVX without manually selecting servers.
- You need advanced privacy features, such as NordWhisper for better reliability in restrictive countries and Meshnet for secure file sharing.
- You like the flexibility of split tunneling.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You want a VPN that’s quicker to connect: The desktop version can take a few seconds to establish a server connection.
BEST VPN FOR ITV HUB:NordVPN is our #1 choice. Offers a no-logs policy, customizable security features, and the ability to watch ITV from anywhere, at a very reasonable price. This service even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.
Read our in-depth review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 9.1 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use: | 9.1 / 10 |
| Security & Privacy: | 9.5 / 10 |
| Streaming Ability: | 9.5 / 10 |
| UK speed testing: | 9.2 / 10 |
| Value for Money: | 8.1 / 10 |
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark is our top budget VPN for ITVX. This is one of the cheapest VPNs on the market but still manages to provide around 4,500 servers in 100 countries and unblock stubborn streaming platforms like ITVX, STV Player, and BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world. What’s more, unlike most other providers, Surfshark lets you secure any number of devices simultaneously. If you need any help, customer suppot is available 24 hours per day over live chat.
So how quick is this VPN? To find out, we connected to Surfshark’s London-based servers using a 46 Mbps connection and performed speed tests in the morning, at noon, and in the afternoon. Here’s a breakdown of our results:
Like NordVPN, Surfshark’s speeds were excellent — and fastest during the morning round of testing. Overall, the average speed was just 5 Mbps slower than when not connected to a VPN. This is too small a difference even to be noticeable.
Surfshark is a very strong performer where security is concerned too. It keeps you safe using DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and unbreakable encryption, as well as an ad and tracker-blocker. There are a few more advanced features too, such as the ability to rotate your IP address periodically, a stealth mode for sidestepping digital censorship, and an alternative ID generator that lets you sign up for websites without providing your real personal information.
Finally, Surfshark is one of the few VPNs to offer free static IP addresses. These are useful if you’re connecting to a service that gets jumpy when it detects changing IP addresses or if you’re running your own gaming server. Static IP addresses are available in the UK, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore, Turkey, Poland, Brazil, and the US.
Surfshark has its own apps for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. Unusually, it also offers an app for Linux with a full GUI (most are command-line only). Its website provides detailed instructions for installing this VPN on your router.
Buy this VPN if:
- You’re looking for the best value for money, without sacrificing performance.
- You want access to a variety of security features, such as rotating IP and static IP addresses.
- You need a VPN that works well with most streaming services, including ITVX, BBC iPlayer, and Channel 4.
- You want to protect a large number of devices or share your subscription with family.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You don’t want to spend time familiarizing yourself with app features – some of its advanced tools require some exploration.
BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark has high speeds, no connection limit, several advanced security features, and a no-logs policy, plus it unblocks platforms like ITV Hub abroad. A 30-day money-back guarantee is included.
Read our full Surfshark review.
3. Total VPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 8.7 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use: | 9.4 / 10 |
| Security & Privacy: | 9.1 / 10 |
| Streaming Ability: | 9.3 / 10 |
| UK speed testing: | 7.0 / 10 |
| Value for Money: | 8.5 / 10 |
Website: TotalVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Total VPN operates more than 1,800 servers across 80+ countries. It has two locations in the UK: Coventry and London, either of which can help you access ITVX (but not STV Player) from abroad. Of course, this service can also unblock platforms like BBC iPlayer, All 4, and Channel 5 while traveling. Up to five devices can be secured at once, and customer support is available 24 hours per day over email.
Now, if your goal is to watch live broadcasts, we have to make sure that your VPN is up to the task. To do this, we tested Total VPN’s British servers at three times of day (morning, midday, and afternoon). This approach lets us measure not just its top speeds but also its consistency. Here’s how quick Total VPN was when testing on a standard 50 Mbps broadband connection:
This service managed to achieve an average speed of 36.3 Mbps. While we did see a few quicker providers, this is still extremely competitive and well above what’s needed for everyday usage. For example, our team was able to play fast-paced online games, torrent, and make video calls without the slightest interruption.
This provider does a great job of keeping your online activities private. It uses 256-bit AES encryption (which is currently considered uncrackable), paired with IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leak protection, and a no-logging policy. Total VPN also offers a kill switch on every platform except Windows, which means you’ll never accidentally browse unprotected following an unexpected outage. While there aren’t a ton of advanced features, this VPN does support split tunneling and has a Hydra protocol for even greater anonymity.
Total VPN has apps for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. It currently doesn’t support Linux devices or routers.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want to access Britain’s biggest streaming apps abroad
- You’re looking for a blend of speed and security
- You only have a few devices to protect
- You’d like to be able to speak with support staff at any time
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You’re planning a visit to a high-censorship country like China
PERFECT FOR UK TV:Total VPN has no issues unblocking platforms like ITVX outside of the UK. Also delivers a high level of privacy and beginner-friendly apps for all major platforms. Get a 14-day money-back guarantee on short-term plans or sign up for a year or more to get a 30-day guarantee.
Take a look at our complete Total VPN review.
4. ProtonVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 8.5 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use: | 9.6 / 10 |
| Security & Privacy: | 9.3 / 10 |
| Streaming Ability: | 9.7 / 10 |
| UK speed testing: | 6.4 / 10 |
| Value for Money: | 7.3 / 10 |
Website: www.ProtonVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ProtonVPN is known for its larger network, offering access to 15,000+ secure servers in more than 120 countries. It works flawlessly with most major streaming platforms including ITVX, Hulu, Netflix UK, and BBC iPlayer. Users can connect up to 10 devices at the same time and speak with customer support, day or night, using ProtonVPN’s 24/7 live chat service.
We didn’t experience any buffering while connected, but we carried out speed tests anyway. Using a home broadband connection with an average speed of 46.55 Mbps, we connected to a ProtonVPN server in the UK and measured our speed several times. The provider performed admirably with an average speed of 35 Mbps, more than fast enough for streaming ITVX content in HD.
ProtonVPN’s apps may look a little complicated but you’ll get to grips with everything quite quickly. Uncrackable 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection are all enabled by default but we’d also suggest activating the ad and tracker-blocking feature (called NetShield) for a better streaming experience. You may also want to set up split tunneling or port forwarding. This VPN doesn’t keep any logs, which is to be expected from the company behind many activists’ favorite email client, Proton Mail.
ProtonVPN offers apps for iOS, Android, Linux, MacOS, and Windows. Additionally, it provides manual setup instructions for most routers in its website’s support section.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want a VPN with a strong commitment to privacy.
- You need a VPN with a full complement of advanced features.
- You want to try out the free plan.
- You’re looking for a VPN that supports torrenting.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You’re looking for the most budget-friendly provider
- You want the most beginner-friendly interface.
FULLY FEATURED:ProtonVPN caters to tech-savvy users who torrent, host servers, or need advanced privacy features. With servers available in 120+ countries, it’s ideal for bypassing restrictions to watch ITVX and other UK TV services abroad. 24/7 live chat support in the member’s area. 30-day money-back guarantee on paid plans.
Find out more in our full ProtonVPN review.
5. ExpressVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 8.3 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use: | 9.0 / 10 |
| Security & Privacy: | 9.2 / 10 |
| Streaming Ability: | 9.6 / 10 |
| UK speed testing: | 6.8 / 10 |
| Value for Money: | 7.0 / 10 |
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN is known within the industry for its privacy and security innovations. It has had multiple audits of its apps and infrastructure, and only uses servers that cannot store user-generated data. Each server’s software stack is reinstalled on every reboot, ensuring consistency across the network.
We’re telling you all this to explain why ExpressVPN is fairly expensive compared with its rivals. It’s unabashedly a premium service that invests a lot in behind-the-scenes tech. Essentially, it does the worrying, so you don’t have to. Plus, in order to address their higher-than-average pricing, they’ve recently brought in a tiered pricing structure: Basic, Advanced, and Pro.
The first thing new users will notice is the app’s clean and simple interface. Pressing the big power button connects straight to the best available server for your location. If all you want is to protect your connection, then it’s job done. This makes Express a great VPN for beginners. To find specific locations, open the VPN Locations tab. The provider has servers in five UK locations, four of which are London-based.
We tried servers in each UK location and could access ITVX every time. We were particularly impressed with how fast a secure connection was established — there’s normally a slight delay when we’ve used other providers.
We also tried ExpressVPN with BBC iPlayer and Channel 4 — it worked great with both. Users who subscribe to international streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ can use ExpressVPN to access content libraries in different countries.
Speed-wise, ExpressVPN typically outperforms most of the competition. In our own tests, it performed solidly throughout the day — though the fastest speeds were in the morning. Overall, it averaged 35.79 Mbps, which is fairly close to our download speed when not connected to a VPN (46.55 Mbps). In practice, this means that users with a decent home broadband speed will have no problem streaming HD content from ITVX.
ExpressVPN has a proven no-logs policy, its own lightweight connection protocol, a built-in kill switch, and app-based split tunneling. We tested the service for IP, WebRTC, and DNS leaks and found none. It’s also capable of blocking ads, trackers, shady sites, and adult content thanks to the newly-added Advanced Protection tab in the settings menu. It also obfuscates your traffic automatically as needed, meaning you can rely on it even in high-censorship countries like China or the UAE.
This VPN has its own Android, iOS, MacOS, Windows, and Linux apps. It also has custom firmware for routers, making it nice and simple to protect every device on your home network. If the price is a little too high, you may want to consider ExpressVPN’s new free VPN service, EventVPN — it has everything you’ll need to stream ITVX and doesn’t cost a cent.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want compatibility with as many streaming platforms as possible.
- You want to watch ITVX via a smart TV or games console.
- You want a premium, easy-to-use VPN with a simple interface for seamless ITVX streaming.
- You need top-tier speeds even during peak times.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You’re looking for inexpensive short-term protection
- You need advanced features for power users, such as port forwarding or multi-hop.
WATCH ITV ANYWHERE:ExpressVPN is ideal for ITV Hub abroad. It’s fast, security-conscious, and capable of unblocking numerous popular streaming services. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Take a look at our full ExpressVPN review.
6. IPVanish
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 8.1 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use: | 8.1 / 10 |
| Security & Privacy: | 8.7 / 10 |
| Streaming Ability: | 9.1 / 10 |
| UK speed testing: | 7.1 / 10 |
| Value for Money: | 7.3 / 10 |
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish is an industry veteran that’s just kept improving its service since it first launched a decade ago. This provider now has 3,200 self-owned servers in over 100 countries and does a great job of unblocking stubborn streaming platforms like ITVX, STV Player, Channel 4, and BBC iPlayer. Better still, it can protect all of your devices at the same time and provides 24/7 assistance over live chat. In our experience, staff are friendly, helpful, and quick to respond.
IPVanish is also very fast. In the years that we’ve spent testing VPNs, IPVanish has consistently ranked as one of the fastest VPN providers. Still, since we’re specifically looking at the performance of its UK servers, we decided to perform another set of tests while connected to a server in London. Here are the results:
IPVanish’s speeds were highest at midday, though with an average speed of 36.5 Mbps, it’s fast enough to watch your favorite ITVX shows at any time. There was only 7 Mbps of difference between its highest and lowest results, making it one of the most consistent options on the market.
This provider has an exceptionally strong security offering. For starters, it prevents ISP snooping using uncrackable 256-bit AES encryption. This is strengthened using a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a true no-logs policy (which has been independently audited). IPVanish also boasts a few more advanced features, such as the ability to obfuscated OpenVPN traffic, block ads and trackers, or check whether a link is safe to open. There’s even a free SOCKS5 proxy which lets you spoof your IP address as well as split tunneling support.
IPVanish has apps for iOS, MacOS, Android, and Windows systems. You can follow manual setup instructions to get this VPN running on Linux devices and routers. There’s also a new Advanced subscription tier that includes the VPN, secure online file storage, and a cloud-based browser.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want to stream ITVX with consistently fast speeds, more than sufficient for HD streaming.
- You prefer a VPN with unlimited device connections, making it perfect for large households or users with multiple devices.
- You want to be able to pick your connection based on server load and ping time.
- You want extra privacy features like split tunneling and the option to use free SOCKS5 proxies, which can be handy for additional anonymity.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You are looking for a VPN that works in highly restrictive countries (e.g., China).
- You’d prefer a VPN that tells you which servers are best for streaming
GREAT FOR UK STREAMING:IPVanish provides consistent and buffer-free access to ITVX and other British streaming platforms. Lets you connect every device you own and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on annual plans.
Read our full IPVanish review.
7. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 8 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use: | 9.1 / 10 |
| Security & Privacy: | 8.9 / 10 |
| Streaming Ability: | 8.6 / 10 |
| UK speed testing: | 6.4 / 10 |
| Value for Money: | 7.2 / 10 |
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost is a simple yet versatile VPN designed for novice users who primarily want a VPN for streaming, torrenting, or gaming. It has dedicated servers for these activities, which are easily accessible from the well-designed dashboard. This is the only provider in our list that has servers specifically optimized for watching ITVX abroad. Up to seven devices can be protected simultaneously and in the unlikely event of any problems, you can get help via CyberGhost’s 24/7 live chat system.
We couldn’t resist testing this server out, so we connected to it and tried accessing ITVX content. It worked perfectly well, so (out of curiosity) we tried using the same server to watch BBC iPlayer and Channel 4. Both worked fine, meaning it isn’t always necessary to stick to CyberGhost’s suggested server. This makes life a little easier if you tend to switch between streaming platforms.
CyberGhost has a vast server network, making it one of the best VPNs for international travel, though it doesn’t publish exact server counts anymore. To determine what kind of performance users should expect from the provider, we conducted a series of speed tests while connected to one of CyberGhost’s UK servers. Let’s take a look at those results:
This is normally one of the fastest providers around but it could’ve done better here. Overall, it achieved an average download speed of 35 Mbps, which is almost 10 Mbps less than the average download speed of 46.55 Mbps when not connected to the VPN. It’s a bit of a drop, but still fast enough to stream HD and 4K content. It’s worth noting that switching the MTU size in the app to “Small” or “Auto” can give you a speed boost if needed.
You’ll be pleased to hear that CyberGhost takes your security seriously. It shields your activities using unbreakable encryption, WebRTC, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, an independently-audited zero-logs policy, and a kill switch that stops sending traffic the moment you lose connection to the VPN. When you’re not streaming ITVX, CyberGhost’s automatic Wi-Fi protection will keep your connection safe when using Wi-Fi hotspots found in cafes or hotels. The software also has an ad, tracker, and malware blocker.
Apps are available for Windows, Android, macOS, Linux, and iOS. Router configurations are possible on routers that support OpenVPN. It’s not too difficult to set up, so you can watch ITVX on a smart TV.
Buy this VPN if:
- You are a beginner looking for an easy-to-use VPN with a simple interface
- You want automatic wifi protection to keep you safe on public hotspots
- You want streaming-optimized servers, including dedicated servers for ITVX.
- You’d like a customizable service with real everyday usage potential
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You need more advanced features like obfuscation, multi-hop servers, or port forwarding.
- You want to use this VPN from countries with strict restrictions, like China.
BEST FOR BEGINNERS:CyberGhost makes it easy to watch ITV in other countries. Boasts a high number of British servers, the ability to unblock ITVX abroad, and customizable security features. Annual plans come with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
Check out our complete CyberGhost review.
8. PureVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 7.8 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use: | 9.1 / 10 |
| Security & Privacy: | 8.7 / 10 |
| Streaming Ability: | 8.7 / 10 |
| UK speed testing: | 6.3 / 10 |
| Value for Money: | 6.4 / 10 |
Website: www.PureVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 31 DAYS
PureVPN combines a massive server network with affordable subscriptions. It provides consistently reliable access to UK streaming services, making it popular with UK expats who want to stay up-to-date with British TV shows.
Your first impression when opening the PureVPN app is that the dashboard takes up a lot of unnecessary screen space. Compared with the compactness of some providers, it feels a little intrusive.
However, a little dead space isn’t the end of the world. It’s easy to look for the servers you want, and we immediately found PureVPN’s two UK server locations.
Next to each server, you can see a measurement of how long it takes data to reach the server and get back to your device. Choose the server with the smallest number for the fastest connection.
Using PureVPN’s London server, we were able to watch ITVX without issue. It also worked with Channel 4 and BBC iPlayer.
As many people have at least one paid streaming subscription, we checked which of the major services PureVPN worked with. We conducted successful tests with and could watch Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.
Although we didn’t experience any buffering while connected, we wanted to find out what sort of speeds users should expect from PureVPN. To do this, we connected to a UK server over a home broadband connection (which had an average speed of 46.55 Mbps when not connected to a VPN).
Across our three tests, PureVPN achieved an average speed of 34.82 Mbps. This is fast enough to stream HD content from ITVX and other platforms comfortably. Netflix, for example, recommends a connection of at least 14 Mbps for watching 4K video.
PureVPN has a split tunneling feature, though you can only use it with the ITVX app rather than the website. It also has a tracker blocker, which will help reduce the amount of personal data that’s harvested while you’re online.
One of PureVPN’s most striking aspects is that it offers a five-year subscription plan, which costs the equivalent of $2.16 a month. The majority of other providers max out at two years, after which costs increase.
Despite being relatively cheap, PureVPN has a no-logs policy that’s been audited multiple times. It uses strong encryption and has built-in leak protection. We evaluated its ability to hide our true IP address by running IP, DNS, and WebRTC leak tests. It passed all three, so you can be sure that ITVX won’t be able to identify where you’re connecting from.
While PureVPN won’t win any design awards for its apps, it’s still a great provider. Plenty of speedy servers are available, and it worked smoothly with all the streaming platforms we tested it with — including ITVX.
Buy this VPN if:
- You need a large server network to choose from.
- You’re looking for a super affordable long-term subscription.
- You want an audited no-logs policy to ensure your privacy is protected while streaming ITVX and other content.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You prefer a more user-friendly app design – interface is cumbersome compared to some competitors.
- You need advanced features or security configurations.
FAST AND CHEAP:PureVPN makes it easy to watch ITVX abroad, at work, on campus, or on any other restricted network. Works with BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, and Netflix UK. International servers network in 65+ countries works to access most streaming services. Easy to use on all devices. Strong security. 31-day money-back guarantee to test it yourself.
Find out more in our full PureVPN review.
Get Deal >9. PrivateVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 7.5 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use: | 8.2 / 10 |
| Security & Privacy: | 8.6 / 10 |
| Streaming Ability: | 7.2 / 10 |
| UK speed testing: | 7.1 / 10 |
| Value for Money: | 6.5 / 10 |
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN is a small but highly capable provider. It’s great for streaming and torrenting and has a long history of protecting user privacy.
Its distinctive app interfaces are easy to find your way around, if a little dated stylistically.
We had no problem locating the provider’s UK servers. It’s worth noting that PrivateVPN has a very small network compared with the rest of the VPNs in this article. It currently consists of approximately 200 servers. For many locations, this means that the location is inaccessible if a server is down. Luckily, the provider has servers in two UK locations.
We used the London server to successfully access ITVX. The same server also worked for BBC iPlayer and Channel 4.
PrivateVPN has servers in 12 US cities that work when accessing the US content libraries of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. The service also works with Disney+, Max, and many other platforms.
In terms of speed, PrivateVPN was generally very fast — particularly during our morning and afternoon testing. It averaged 36.5 Mbps overall, which was 9 Mbps slower than our average speed when not connected to a VPN. It gave us more than enough speed to stream ITVX content in HD.
PrivateVPN keeps you safe online using 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. We carried out our own IP, DNS, and WebRTC leak tests to ensure our true location was hidden when connected. PrivateVPN passed all three tests.
Uniquely among VPN companies, PrivateVPN acts as its own hosting provider, reducing the exposure of your data to third parties. The company also has a no-logs policy, though this has yet to be audited externally.
If you’re trying to access ITVX from a country where VPN use is restricted, PrivateVPN has a Stealth VPN feature that will obfuscate your traffic. It’s effective enough to work in China, which has the toughest filtering we know of.
Apps are available for macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android. PrivateVPN also works with routers that support OpenVPN. Instructions for configuring a router connection are available on the PrivateVPN website. Connecting via a router will enable you to watch ITVX on your smart TV or games console.
PrivateVPN subscriptions are excellent value—particularly the three-year plan, which costs the equivalent of $2 a month. This, together with its streaming ability, speed, and features, makes PrivateVPN a great option for anyone looking to stream ITVX from abroad.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want a streaming-focused VPN that has easy-to-use apps.
- You want to access ITVX from countries where VPN use is restricted using Stealth VPN feature.
- You appreciate responsive customer support, including remote control assistance for troubleshooting streaming issues.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You need a large server network – only about 200 servers, which may be limiting.
- You want to customize your VPN experience – simpler dashboard might not appeal to advanced users.
FLAWLESS STREAMING:PrivateVPN provides excellent accessing ability allowing you to easily watch ITV Hub outside the UK. It offers excellent security and privacy protections including a zero-logs policy. This VPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Take a look at the complete PrivateVPN review.
Recent VPN Product Updates
Our recommended VPNs are constantly improving and adding new features, and we work hard to keep our readers in the know. Here are some of the biggest changes since our last update:
NordVPN
- Launched the NordWhisper VPN protocol (January 2025)
- Threat Protection Pro now works on ARM-based devices (April 2025)
- Scam call protection now identifies more types of unwanted calls (September 2025)
- Linux platform is now open-source for more transparency and accessibility for users (October 2025)
- Timezone spoofing launched on browser extensions to pair with location spoofing (October 2025)
Surfshark
- Rolled Bypasser out to all platforms (April 2025)
- Added seven new dedicated IP server locations (April 2025)
- New 100Gbps servers launched in Amsterdam to meet higher speed demands (October 2025)
- Server network has been increased to 4,500+ for more worldwide variety (October 2025)
- Launched a new web content blocker to protect minors from harmful content (October 2025)
Total VPN
- Apple TV ecosystem joined with tvOS application
- Android security reinforced with “always on” kill switch
- Apple devices protected via “connect on demand” features
- WireGuard speed optimization available on all platforms
- Android app includes split tunneling feature
Proton VPN
- Television streaming enhanced with a dedicated Apple TV app (October 2024)
- Modern internet support through IPv6 in extensions and Linux (2024)
- Instant access enabled via Android guest mode (2024)
- Security upgraded with anti-phishing NetShield features (Spring 2025)
- Entertainment access expanded to nearly 100 streaming services (Spring 2025)
ExpressVPN
- Overhauled the account deletion process. (March 2025)
- iPad app redesigned to feel more native to a tablet (October 2025)
- Tiered pricing introduced – Basic ($3.49), Advanced ($4.49), and Pro ($7.49) (September 2025)
- Launched a new free service, EventVPN, designed to disrupt the free VPN space (September 2025)
IPVanish
- Let Apple devices pick what uses VPN. (December 2024)
- Made WireGuard easier to set up. (December 2024)
- Now accepts product suggestions from users (February 2025)
Watch ITV Hub with a free VPN
We strongly advise against using a free VPN for several reasons. First and foremost, they generally provide very slow speeds since they often have fewer servers yet more users than paid VPNs. This makes browsing frustrating and streaming near-impossible. Additionally, popular streaming platforms tend to block free VPNs first, so even if you manage to get a fast enough connection, you might still not be able to watch ITVX abroad.
There’s not even any guarantee your free VPN is safe. In fact, an analysis of 280+ free VPN apps found that almost 40% contained malware. Perhaps worst of all, 18% never used any encryption whatsoever, meaning they were effectively no safer than browsing without a VPN. You aren’t necessarily any safer with a well-known service, as we’ve seen Hola sell idle user bandwidth to help run a botnet.
Using a VPN with a user-first logging policy and a history of standing up for customer privacy is the best way to stay safe online.
Read related articles here:
ITVX VPN FAQs
Can I download the ITV Hub app outside the UK?
The ITVX app is only included in the British version of your favorite app stores, so unless you change your store region, you won’t normally be able to download it from abroad. There are two ways around this: either find a version hosted elsewhere on the web, which we don’t recommend for safety reasons, or simply download and install the app before you leave the UK.
Is it illegal to watch ITV Hub abroad?
ITV Hub states that it doesn’t hold the international rights for all of its shows. For this reason, it’s only available in the UK. Indeed, its Terms and Conditions state that “you must be located in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands or Isle of Man” to stream its content.
Fortunately, it’s legal to use a VPN to watch ITV Hub abroad. VPNs are legal in the vast majority of countries and can not only be used to bypass restrictions, but to secure your browsing and streaming experience. At worst, the VPN IP address you use may become blacklisted in which case, you’d simply switch servers.
Do I need a TV license to watch ITV Hub?
Unlike BBC iPlayer, you don’t need a TV license to watch ITV Hub content on-demand. However, a TV license is required to watch any content that is being broadcast live. As long as you avoid live TV streams, you’ll be able to stream ITVX without a TV license with no issues. You can also watch All4 and My5 on-demand without a TV license.
What do I do if I see an ITV error code?
If you see an ITV error code on your screen, try the following steps:
- Check if there is a problem with your internet connection or router. Then, restart both and see if that solves the issue.
- Check for any software updates available for your device and install them if necessary.
- Delete the ITV app and re-install it for a fresh start.
- Check if the ITV service is down or experiencing technical difficulties.
- Contact your ISP provider to see if they have any advice about the situation.
- Contact ITV’s customer support team for further assistance if all else fails.