5 Best Free VPNs for BBC iPlayer that Still Work in 2024

BBC iPlayer is a popular streaming service in the UK that allows users to watch a wide range of TV shows, movies, and live events. However, due to licensing agreements, BBC iPlayer is only available to users within the UK. This means that if you are traveling outside the country, you won't be able to access the service unless you use a VPN.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology that allows you to create a secure and encrypted connection to the internet. It can also help you bypass geo-restrictions by masking your IP address and making it appear as if you are located in a different country. In this article, we will discuss the best free VPNs for BBC iPlayer.

How to Watch BBC iPlayer with a VPN

If you want to watch BBC iPlayer with a VPN, you can follow these steps:

1. Choose a VPN provider that offers servers in the UK. Some of the popular VPNs that work well with BBC iPlayer are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost.

2. Download and install the VPN software on your device.

3. Connect to a server located in the UK.

4. Once connected, go to the BBC iPlayer website and log in or sign up for an account if you don't have one.

You should now be able to access all the content on BBC iPlayer.

Note: BBC iPlayer requires users to have a valid TV license in the UK, so make sure you have one before using the service. Also, keep in mind that BBC iPlayer actively blocks VPNs, so you may need to try different servers or VPN providers if you experience any issues.

The 5 Best Free VPNs for Watching BBC iPlayer

Here are five of the best VPNs for watching BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world:

1. Windscribe

Windscribe is a popular VPN service that offers a generous free plan with 10GB of data per month. It has servers in over 60 countries, including the UK, which makes it an ideal choice for streaming BBC iPlayer. Windscribe uses strong encryption and has a no-logs policy, which means that your online activities are not tracked or monitored.

One of the advantages of Windscribe is that it has a built-in ad blocker and malware blocker, which can help improve your online privacy and security. It also supports a wide range of platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. However, the free plan has some limitations, such as limited server locations and slower speeds compared to the paid plans.

2. TunnelBear

TunnelBear is a user-friendly VPN service that offers a free plan with 500MB of data per month. While this may not be enough for streaming BBC iPlayer, it can be useful for browsing the web or checking your email. TunnelBear has servers in 23 countries, including the UK, and uses strong encryption to protect your online privacy.

One of the advantages of TunnelBear is its simple and intuitive interface, which makes it easy to use even for beginners. It also has a no-logs policy and supports a wide range of platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Chrome. However, the free plan has some limitations, such as limited data and slower speeds compared to the paid plans.

3. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is a secure and privacy-focused VPN service that offers a free plan with unlimited data. It has servers in 3 countries, including the UK, and uses strong encryption to protect your online privacy. ProtonVPN has a no-logs policy and is based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws.

One of the advantages of ProtonVPN is its focus on privacy and security, which makes it a good choice for users who are concerned about online surveillance and tracking. It also supports a wide range of platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. However, the free plan has some limitations, such as limited server locations and slower speeds compared to the paid plans.

4. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield is a popular VPN service that offers a free plan with 500MB of data per day. It has servers in over 80 countries, including the UK, and uses strong encryption to protect your online privacy. Hotspot Shield also has a built-in malware blocker and supports a wide range of platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Chrome.

One of the advantages of Hotspot Shield is its fast speeds, which makes it a good choice for streaming BBC iPlayer. It also has a no-logs policy and offers a 7-day free trial of its premium plans, which can be useful if you need more data or server locations. However, the free plan has some limitations, such as limited data and server locations.

5. Hide.me

Hide.me is a secure and privacy-focused VPN service that offers a free plan with 2GB of data per month. It has servers in 5 countries, including the UK, and uses strong encryption to protect your online privacy. Hide.me has a no-logs policy and offers a kill switch feature, which can help protect your data in case of a VPN connection drop.

One of the advantages of Hide.me is its focus on privacy and security, which makes it a good choice for users who are concerned about online surveillance and tracking. It also supports a wide range of platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. However, the free plan has some limitations, such as limited data and server locations.

How to Choose the Best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

When choosing a VPN for watching BBC iPlayer, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best experience. Here are some tips:

1. Server location: Make sure the VPN provider you choose has servers located in the UK. This is essential for accessing BBC iPlayer content.
2. Speed: Streaming video requires fast internet speeds. Look for a VPN provider that offers fast connection speeds to avoid buffering and lagging.
3. Security: A good VPN should offer strong encryption and security features to protect your online privacy and prevent data leaks.
4. Logging policy: Look for a VPN provider that has a strict no-logging policy to ensure your browsing history is not being tracked or stored.
5. Compatibility: Make sure the VPN software is compatible with the device you plan to use to watch BBC iPlayer. Most VPN providers offer software for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices.
6. Reputation: Research the VPN provider's reputation and read reviews from other users to ensure you are choosing a reliable and trustworthy service.

FAQ

1. What are the best free VPNs for BBC iPlayer?

There are several free VPNs available that claim to work with BBC iPlayer, but it's important to be cautious when using a free service. Some of the best free VPNs for BBC iPlayer include Windscribe, ProtonVPN, and TunnelBear. However, keep in mind that free VPNs often have limitations such as data caps, slower speeds, and fewer server locations.

2. Can I watch BBC iPlayer for free with a VPN?

While a VPN can help you access BBC iPlayer content from outside the UK, it's important to note that BBC iPlayer requires users to have a valid TV license in the UK. This means that even with a VPN, you must have a TV license to legally watch BBC iPlayer content.

3. Can I use a free trial of a paid VPN to watch BBC iPlayer?

Yes, some paid VPN providers offer a free trial or a money-back guarantee, which you can use to access BBC iPlayer. However, keep in mind that some VPN providers have restrictions on their free trial or money-back guarantee, such as limiting the amount of data you can use or the number of servers you can access. Additionally, after the trial period, you will need to pay for the VPN service to continue using it.

Conclusion

When choosing a VPN, it's important to look for a provider that offers strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and a wide range of server locations. You should also consider the VPN's speed, as this can have a significant impact on your streaming experience.

While these VPNs offer a range of features and benefits, it's important to keep in mind that free plans have limitations in terms of data, server locations, and speeds. If you need more data or server locations, you may want to consider upgrading to a paid plan.