How to Watch UK TV Channels Outside UK [Updated Dec 2024]

Watching globally popular shows such as Love Island and EastEnders can be a great way to relax, but traveling outside the UK brings its own set of struggles. Many streaming services are unavailable when you leave the UK – making it difficult for fans to keep up with their favorite programs while on holiday or business trips abroad.

If you’re outside UK, try as much as you want – but sadly, it’s impossible to access UK TV channels such as ITV Hub, Sky Sports, Channel 4, or BBC. These popular British TV channels remain geo-blocked and inaccessible outside of Britain!

However, you can use a VPN to circumvent this problem. 

With a VPN, you can take an instant virtual vacation to the United Kingdom – no passport required! Quickly switch your location and explore amazing British shows like The Crown, Three Pines, His Dark Materials, and more. 

But which VPN should you get to unblock UK TV channels outside UK?

Well, ExpressVPN is the way to go! For just $6.67/month (49% off) – 1 year + 3 months free, you get access to over 3000 servers in 94+ countries, and the ability to bypass pesky geo-restrictions on popular streaming services like Netflix US and Hulu.

Not only that, but I put it through its paces and it clocked speeds up to 89.7 Mbps on a standard 100 Mbps connection. Plus, you can use it on 8 devices at the same time, and if you’re not completely satisfied, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee. Don’t hesitate, try ExpressVPN today and take back control of your online experience!

5 Quick Steps to Watch UK TV Channels Outside UK

Want to watch your favorite UK television shows outside UK? With a VPN, it’s possible! Follow these simple steps and enjoy the best of British TV.

1. Get ExpressVPN for yourself at only $6.67/mo (49% off).
2. Install its app on your device and log in.
3. After that, connect to a server in the UK.
4. Visit the website of the UK streaming service you want to watch, like BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, or ITV Hub.
5. Enjoy watching UK TV channels outside the UK.

Stream UK TV Channels Outside UK with ExpressVPN

Why Do You Need a VPN to Unblock UK TV Channels Outside UK?

UK television is off-limits to those living abroad – a bummer for viewers wanting their Brit TV fix. Due to regional licensing and copyright agreements, websites such as BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, ITV Hub, and the ever-popular Channel 5 don’t make it easy for international streaming. This is due to the regional licensing and copyright agreements.

If you try to access a UK TV channel like Channel 5, you’ll see the following error message on your screen:

Therefore, if you want to stream British TV from outside UK, you will need a reliable VPN.

A VPN disguises your IP address and makes you appear as if you’re present in a British location where the content is easily accessible.

This way, using a VPN’s UK server, you can bypass geographic restrictions and enjoy exclusive UK TV shows like EastEnders and TopGear without any problem. 

Out of all the VPNs I tested with UK streaming services, I would recommend getting ExpressVPN. It is the most premium VPN out there. It starts from just $6.67/month (49% off) – 1 year + 3 months free. 

Access UK TV Channels Outside UK with ExpressVPN

Quick Overview of the Best VPNs to Watch UK TV Channels Outside UK

Best VPNs to Watch UK TV Channels Outside UK

 1. ExpressVPN: Overall Best VPN to Watch UK TV Channels Outside UK

ExpressVPN is first up on my list, and let me tell you why: it’s more than just speedy! It provides incredible service across all UK TV channels. Quite the express delivery package – this one lives up to its name!

Looking for lightning-speed access in the UK? Look no further than ExpressVPN – with 5 server locations spread across Britain, you can browse like a local! With ExpressVPN’s UK servers, I could unblock Eurosport, BBC iPlayer, BFI Player, Sky Go, and Sky Sports in a matter of seconds. Aside from UK servers, ExpressVPN also offers 3000+ servers in 94 countries.

Testing ExpressVPN’s streaming speed was a no-brainer, especially since I could watch all my favorite shows and movies in glorious HD. On my 100 Mbps connection, I got a download speed of 87.71 Mbps.

It barely felt like I was connected to a VPN server at all!

Aside from fast speeds, ExpressVPN provides outstanding apps with one-click connectivity for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Fire Stick devices, and more. Oh, and it even offers 8 simultaneous connections making it a great option to share with your friends and family. 

In terms of pricing, ExpressVPN’s 1 year package costs $6.67/month (49% off) + 3 months free. Also, you can take advantage of a 30-day money-back guarantee when you subscribe to their plans.

Unblock UK TV Channels Outside UK with ExpressVPN

2. Surfshark: Affordable VPN to Watch UK TV Channels Outside UK

Wave goodbye to geo-restrictions and say hello to Surfshark! This all-in-one VPN is my second preferred choice as it unlocks British TV channels, so you can watch the best of British programming from outside UK. With a quick connection test, I managed to get unrestricted access to the best British streaming services in the UK — from BBC iPlayer and ITV to Channel 4 and 5!

If we talk about servers, Surfshark offers 360 servers in 4 UK locations. And guess what? All of these servers offered fast speeds. Aside from just UK servers, Surfshark has around 3200+ servers in 65 countries.

With so many servers, Surfshark is definitely blazing fast. With my snappy 100 Mbps connection, I got an impressive 86.29 Mbps downloading speed to watch all of the hottest shows on BBC iPlayer in glorious HD!

One thing that makes Surfshark the best is the fact that it offers unlimited simultaneous connections. With a single subscription, I could use Surfshark on multiple devices, including iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Roku, Kodi, Smart TVs, and more.

From a budget standpoint, it doesn’t get better than Surfshark!

As for pricing, you can get it for just $2.29/mo (85% discount – 2 years). With an unbeatable price, users can also enjoy a full month of the service for free! Thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee policy.

Watch UK TV Channels Outside UK with Surfshark

3. NordVPN: Reliable VPN to Watch UK TV Channels Outside UK With a Massive Server Network

Say goodbye to geo-restrictions with NordVPN – the kind of servers. With more servers in Britain than any other VPN, you can say hello to reliable streaming every time and enjoy all that British television has to offer outside UK!

Speaking of servers, it offers 440+ servers in 4 cities in the UK. With so many servers, I could access Channel 4, Channel 5, NOW TV, BFI Player, and ITV in High Definition. Aside from just the UK servers, NordVPN offers 5200+ reliable servers in 59 countries.

NordVPN is also fast, just like ExpressVPN and Surfshark. With NordVPN, you can experience lightning-fast internet speeds – perfect for streaming and downloading in no time. When I tested its servers in the United Kingdom, it managed to output a downloading speed of 82.14 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

Want more reasons to get NordVPN? 

Well, how about the fact that it offers 6 simultaneous connections? The VPN is also compatible with all major devices and operating systems, like Fire Stick, Kodi, Xbox, Roku, Android, iOS, and Windows, so you can enjoy UK TV channels on any device you like.

Finally, as for pricing, NordVPN costs just $3.09/month (58% off) and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Access UK TV Channels Outside UK with NordVPN 

Methodology: Selecting the Top VPNs for Unblocking UK TV Channels Outside UK

With numerous VPNs vying for attention, selecting the best option can be tricky. Some prioritize speed or top-notch security, while others provide expansive networks to access global streaming services with ease — each offering its own distinct set of features and benefits.

To find the best VPNs for UK TV channels, I looked for providers that met the following criteria:

1. Provide a significant number of servers in the UK
2. Can unblock various British streaming channels, like BBC iPlayer, Channel 4 and 5, and NOW TV
3. Offer apps that work with smart TVs, computers, smartphones, FireSticks, and gaming consoles
4. Do not log user information
5. Encrypt data using powerful encryption techniques

Stream UK TV Channels Outside UK with ExpressVPN

How to Sign Up for UK TV Providers Outside UK?

To access the full range of British drama, comedy, and entertainment programming, subscribing to a UK TV channel is essential. Although I’m using BBC iPlayer as an example, you can use similar steps to sign-up for any streaming platform:

• Subscribe to a VPN with UK servers. I recommend ExpressVPN for just $6.67/mo (49% discount).
• Download its app on your device and connect to a UK server.

• Visit BBC iPlayer’s website and sign in/create an account. You can use similar steps for any other British streaming service.

• Next, provide your personal details and choose an email address and password for account registration.

• For a UK zip code, you can either pick one from Google or use these postal codes: (E16 2JE for Docklands, EC3A 8BF for London, and E1 OAA for East London).
• Review your personal information and click the “Register” button to complete the registration process.

How to Watch UK TV Channels Outside UK on Your Device?

How to Watch UK TV Channels on Your PC?

Follow the guide below to watch UK TV Channels on your PC:

1. Download and install a VPN on your PC with UK servers. I recommend ExpressVPN.
2. Connect to a UK server.
3. Visit the website of the streaming service or UK channel of your choice.
4. Create an account using a UK zip code (This step is unnecessary every time).
5. Choose a TV show and enjoy it.

Stream UK TV Channels Outside UK with ExpressVPN

How to Watch UK TV Channels on Smart TV?

A VPN app can often be downloaded on Smart TVs. You can download and install a VPN app for Amazon Fire Stick/Fire TV or Android TV. Alternatively, you can configure a VPN to your Wi-Fi router and enjoy streaming that way!

Here’s how:

1. Download a VPN with servers in the UK. I recommend ExpressVPN.

2. Log into your router. Most routers require you to log in first by typing their IP address into your browser’s search bar.

3. Next, configure your router. Some routers, including many of Asus’s models, include built-in VPN capabilities. A VPN connection on such a router should typically be set up as follows:

• Launch the browser on the network of your device.
• Log in using the router’s credentials (username and password).
• The VPN option can be found and enabled in the “Advanced,” “Advanced configuration,” or a section with a name similar to that.

4. Connect to a UK server.

5. Download the UK streaming service’s app (example: BBC iPlayer) on your Smart TV.

6. Sign in/create an account, and enjoy!

Get UK TV Channels Outside UK with ExpressVPN

How to Watch UK TV Channels on iOS?

Follow the steps below to watch UK shows from outside UK on your iPhone and iPad:

1. From the App Store, download ExpressVPN on your iOS device.
2. Connect to a UK server.
3. Then, install the app of your selected streaming platform. 
4. Sign up and enjoy!

Access UK TV Channels Outside UK with ExpressVPN

How to Watch UK TV Channels on Android?

Here’s how to watch UK channels outside the UK on Android smartphones/tablets:

1. Visit your Google Play Store and download ExpressVPN.
2. Launch its app and connect to a UK server location.
3. Then, search for the UK-based streaming service you want to stream.
4. Register/sign in, and stream anything you want.

Get UK TV Channels Outside UK with ExpressVPN

How to Watch UK TV Channels on Your Streaming Devices?

For fans of British television living outside the UK, a VPN is vital for accessing streaming content. ExpressVPN is an excellent choice – it provides fast UK servers and has earned its place as one of the most reliable providers around!

If you’re eager to watch UK television, look no further! I’ll now tell you how to stream UK TV channels on a selection of devices popularly used for streaming:

How to Watch UK TV Channels on Roku?

Roku users can’t access UK TV channels directly, as the streaming device has no native VPN compatibility – a crucial element for overseas viewing. Fortunately, you may still change your IP address and access Brtish TV platforms by following the steps below:

1. Subscribe to ExpressVPN at just $6.67/mo (49% discount).
2. Configure the VPN on your router and connect to a server in the UK.
3. Make sure to connect your Roku device to the router.
4. Install the streaming app or channel you wish to watch on your Roku.
5. Search for your favorite movie or TV show, and enjoy.

Stream UK TV Channels Outside UK with ExpressVPN

How to Watch UK TV Channels on Amazon FireStick?

It’s very easy to stream UK TV channels on FireStick. Follow the simple steps below to do that:

1. Subscribe to ExpressVPN and install its app.
2. Connect to a UK server.
3. Visit the Amazon App Store.
4. Look for the app of the streaming platform you want and install it.
5. Sign in, search for your favorite UK TV shows, and start streaming.

Stream UK TV Channels Outside UK with ExpressVPN

How to Watch UK TV Channels on Kodi?

Here’s how you can watch UK TV on Kodi:

1. First, you must get a trustworthy VPN provider (I recommend ExpressVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN app on your device.
3. Sign in and choose a British server.
4. Launch Kodi, and install the relevant add-on like Xumo TV or Exodus Redux.
5. Search for your favorite show and watch it.

Get UK TV Channels Outside UK with ExpressVPN

How to Watch UK TV Channels on Chromecast?

You can stream UK TV with Chromecast by installing a VPN on your router. I’ll demonstrate how below:

1. Download a VPN that’s compatible with the router you own. I recommend ExpressVPN.
2. Configure the VPN on your Wi-Fi router. Make sure you choose the UK server. 
3. Power up your Chromecast and make sure it is connected to your router.
4. Look for the streaming service or channel you want to cast on your TV.
5. Find your favorite British show and enjoy.

Access UK TV Channels Outside UK with ExpressVPN

Worth Watching Content on UK TV Channels Outside UK

From comedies to dramas, British television offers something for everyone. Whether you prefer the dry wit of a sitcom or the captivating storylines offered by period pieces, UK TV channels have it all!

With countless options available on outlets such as BBC 1 and ITV1 – including classic favorites like Fawlty Towers and Coronation Street – viewers are guaranteed endless hours of entertaining content. Without a doubt, British television is an international viewing sensation!

Following is a list of some of the best British TV programs and channels:

UK Channels	Shows/Movies to watch
Channel 4	First Dates
ITV	Love Island
BBC iPlayer	Line of Duty
Channel 5	Lucifer
Sky Go	New Amsterdam
BFI Player	The Handmaiden
Amazon Prime Video UK	Good Omens
UK Netflix	Peep Show
BBC	Killing Eve, BBC News, Eastenders
E4	The Big Bang Theory

New Releases to Watch on UK TV Channels Outside UK

• Dreaming Whilst Black (BBC iPlayer)
• Drag Race Down Under (BBC iPlayer)
• Alone (Channel 4)
• Levison Wood: Walking with (Channel 4)
• The Girl From Plainville (Channel 4)
• Wonders of the Moon with Dara O’Briain (Channel 5)
• Susan Calman’s Summer by the Sea (S3) (Channel 5)
• The Reunion (ITVX)
• Olivia Marries Her Match (ITVX)
• The Tower II: Death Message (ITVX)
• Bangers & Cash (S8) (UKTV Play)
• Secrets of the London Underground (S3) (UKTV Play)
• The Brokenwood Mysteries (S9) (UKTV Play)
• Mary Kills People (STV Player)

UK TV Channels That You Can Access Outside UK

• How to access Channel 4 outside UK
• How to access Channel 5 outside UK
• How to access BBC iPlayer outside UK
• How to access BT Sport outside UK
• How to access Eurosport outside UK
• How to access Sky Go outside UK
• How to access ITV outside UK
• How to access BFI Player outside UK
• How to access Sky Sports outside UK
• How to access UK TVPlayer outside UK
• How to access TalkTalk TV outside UK
• How to access UKTV Play outside UK
• How to access STV Player outside UK
• How to access Quest TV outside UK

Conclusion

With a wide variety of well-known shows and films, UK TV channels never cease to impress a global audience.

Even though many UK-only streaming services geo-block their content, using a trustworthy VPN makes it easy to watch UK TV channels outside the UK.

A VPN helps bypass geo-blocks and change your IP address to make it appear that you are based in the UK. This way, you can access BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, NOW TV, Sky Sports, and Channel 4 without a problem.

Out of the three VPNs above, ExpressVPN has the most effective UK servers and blazing-fast speeds for HD streaming, making it the best VPN for watching UK TV channels overseas. Best of all, it only costs $6.67/month (49% off) – 1 year + 3 months free.