I love British gems likeStrictly Come Dancing.And thats just one of many programs available on BBC iPlayer.
To ensure that only people in the UK watch iPlayer, the BBC checks visitors IP addresses.
If you dont have a British IP address, you cant watch BBC iPlayer.
However, you also need a British postcode to log into BBC iPlayer.
Still, privacy-conscious people in the UK have good reasons to use a VPN while watching BBC iPlayer.
But not all VPNs work with BBC iPlayer.
In addition to BBC iPlayer, ExpressVPN works with all other major streaming platforms.
In fact, its ourtop-rated VPN for streaming in 2025.
I particularly like ExpressVPNs smart DNS feature, called MediaStreamer.
Plus, ExpressVPN comes with advanced security features.
And, ExpressVPN provides full leak protection against WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leaks.
I tested more than 10 servers and didnt find any leaks.
ExpressVPNs apps are very easy to use, too.
ExpressVPNs plans start at IDR84,610 / month.
All of ExpressVPNs plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
ExpressVPN is the best BBC iPlayer VPN on the market.
It consistently works with BBC iPlayer and has very user-friendly apps for a variety of devices.
ExpressVPN backs all purchases with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
In general, PIA is great for streaming.
Whats more, PIA has RAM-only servers, perfect forward secrecy, and full leak protection.
PIAs plans start at IDR34,420 / month and are all backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Private Internet Access consistently works with BBC iPlayer.
CyberGhost is very secure.
I also really liked its Smart Rules feature, which makes the VPN highly customizable.
CyberGhost offers plans that start at IDR34,420 / month.
I was impressed to see that it backs its long-term plans with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
Its short-term plans, on the other hand, come with a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Still,ExpressVPNworks with more streaming sites (its compatible with 100+ streaming platforms).
I also like its Threat Protection, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware.
NordVPN plans start as low as IDR52,390 / month.
NordVPN offers fast and reliable connections to your BBC iPlayer account.
Surfshark works with most other streaming platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and more.
Surfshark also offers great security and privacy.
It has RAM-only servers, perfect forward secrecy, and an audited no-logs policy.
Unfortunately, Surfshark is missing full leak protection it only protects against DNS leaks.
Surfshark has easy-to-use apps for most devices, including routers and smart TVs, and a smart DNS feature.
Surfsharks plans start at IDR33,740 / month and are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPNs out there.
Can I use BBC iPlayer without a UK TV license?
You cant watch BBC iPlayer content without a UK TV license.
A reliable VPN (likeExpressVPN) lets you connect to a UK server.
This lets UK residents watch their favorite shows with the extra privacy and security afforded by a VPN.
Can I use a free VPN to watch BBC iPlayer?
Maybe, but I dont recommend it.
Mostfree VPNsdont work with BBC iPlayer, and they often lack industry-standard security and privacy features.
Instead, I recommend getting a premium VPN likeone of the VPNs on this list.
Can I use a BBC iPlayer VPN for other streaming services?
Quick Overview of My Top Recommendations:
