How to watch British TV shows online with a VPN
Watching British TV online with a VPN app helps protect your connection on public or shared Wi-Fi networks and reduces content-based throttling. Enjoy more consistent British TV streaming, whether you’re at home or on the go!
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Watch British TV online in 3 easy steps
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![How to sign up for ExpressVPN]()
Step 1
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![Setup 6731c7d7c0332b5720e7e6a6fb8f8fc0]()
Step 2
Download the latest app for your device.
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Step 3
Connect to a VPN server.
How a VPN works with British TV
When you connect to a VPN server, it creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the remote server. Your internet traffic is routed through that server before reaching the streaming sites or apps you use. With ExpressVPN, this takes no more than a few seconds and you’ll barely notice a difference in your streams.
Your device also appears to connect with the VPN server’s IP address and location, while your actual IP address and physical location stays private from streaming sites and third parties. So, if you connect to a UK server, you’ll be assigned a UK IP address, but your real IP is hidden. At the same time, VPN encryption protects your data and streaming activity from being monitored.
Secure access and privacy on restricted networks
If you’re in the UK, you can just log in and watch British TV without a problem, provided the content you’re looking for is available in the country, on your preferred streaming platform. But your security and privacy may be at risk on unsecured public Wi-Fi networks without a VPN.
When the network is stretched to capacity during peak hours, your ISP may slow down or throttle bandwidth-intensive activities, like streaming and gaming, to minimize network congestion. With VPN encryption, your ISP can’t see what you’re doing online to throttle your connection. As a result, you can watch British TV at the speed you’re accustomed to.
A VPN may also help access your favorite British TV shows consistently on managed networks. Workplace and school networks generally block streaming apps and VPN traffic to minimize distractions. But obfuscated servers like ExpressVPN’s network in the UK can make your traffic look like it’s not from a VPN, which allows it to work with popular streaming services.
What British TV shows can I watch online?
Will I be able to access my existing services?
ExpressVPN works with most British streaming services, although streaming with a VPN does not include a subscription for any of these services. You will still need an existing account, or can sign up on your own.
With ExpressVPN’s fast connection speeds, you can watch your favorite shows in HD, even on office and public Wi-Fi networks.
Compatible British TV channels that are free
Every major British free-to-air network offers some combination of on-demand, simulcast, or live streams. ExpressVPN works with all these British TV channels and streaming services.
BBC iPlayer offers content from BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three, BBC Four, CBBC, BBC News, BBC Radio 1, BBC Parliament, BBC Alba, CBeebies, and S4C.
ITVX offers content from ITV, ITV 2, ITVBe, ITV3, ITV4, and CITV.
All 4 offers content from Channel 4, E4, More4, Film4, and E4 Extra.
My5 offers content from Channel 5, 5Star, 5USA, 5Action, and 5Select.
Why ExpressVPN is the best VPN for streaming British TV
Lightning-fast speeds
While other VPNs can slow down your internet connection, ExpressVPN is consistently ranked as one of the fastest VPN services available. This means that you can stream HD video with little to no buffering. In fact, if you’ve noticed that your internet service provider is slowing down your streaming traffic, using a VPN may help you maintain more consistent speeds.
Choose from ultra-fast servers in London, East London, Tottenham, Docklands, and the Midlands. To get the best speeds for streaming, connect to a server close to your geographical location or choose Smart Location and let ExpressVPN select the best server based on current conditions.
VPN apps for all major devices
ExpressVPN works with all major devices, allowing you to watch British TV from your laptop in your hotel room or on your phone at the airport. You can download apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone, and it’s compatible with gaming consoles and smart TVs.
With an ExpressVPN subscription, you can download the app on as many devices as you want and connect up to 14 devices to the VPN simultaneously. This is great for when everybody in your family wants to watch different shows at the same time on their respective devices.
Easy to set up, easy to use
Setting up ExpressVPN for streaming is a breeze. From signup to installation to selecting a server location, you'll be connected in under five minutes. There's no need to tinker with network configurations or settings. It's as simple as clicking a button!
If you ever run into any issues, our Support Team is available 24/7 via live chat or email.
Start watching British TV with ExpressVPN
The best VPN for multiple devices
Frequently asked questions: Streaming British TV
How do I watch British TV overseas?
Several streaming platforms offer British TV content abroad:
- BritBox: A well-known option with a large library of British dramas, comedies, and classics. Available in the US, Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe.
- Acorn TV: Focuses on British and international dramas, widely available in North America and beyond.
- BBC Select: Offers BBC documentaries and factual content internationally, separate from BBC iPlayer.
- BFI Player Classics: Classic movies curated by the British Film Institute, available in select regions including the U.S.
How can I watch British TV on my smart TV?
ExpressVPN offers several methods to watch British TV on your smart TV:
- Installing an ExpressVPN app on supported smart TVs, like Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV
- Sharing ExpressVPN connection with Samsung smart TV through screen casting or mirroring
- Using our MediaStreamer service
Which streaming service has the best British TV shows?
BritBox is a great on-demand streaming service for those based outside of the UK that includes a wide range of movies, shows, documentaries, and other content from the BBC and ITV. It is currently available for viewers in the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa.
ExpressVPN is a privacy and security service and should not be used as a means of copyright circumvention. We cannot see or control what you do while connected to our VPN, so you are responsible for complying with our Terms of Service, your content provider’s terms, and any applicable laws.
Why streamers love ExpressVPN
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With its consistent performance and reliable security, ExpressVPN is the best VPN out there.
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