Virgin Media is the United Kingdom-based company that provides telephone, television and internet services in the region. They also offer Virgin TV Go, a streaming version of their cable television service.
Like many other streaming services, including Hulu and BBC iPlayer, Virgin TV Go is restricted to viewers in a certain area (the U.K.) due to content agreements the provider signed with movie and television studios.
This means Virgin TV Go viewers who are visiting or living abroad cannot view their favorite shows and movies. While they can download Virgin Media content to their devices for later viewing outside of the Virgin Media territory, they are unable to stream that content from outside U.K. borders.
However, there’s a way around these roadblocks: A Virtual Private Network (VPN).
A VPN provides access to blocked content by temporarily “spoofing” your IP address. It does this when you log into a server inside the country where your desired content resides.
When you connect to the VPN server, it temporarily assigns your device a new IP address, inside that country, making it appear you are in that country. This opens access to content in that country (in this case, the U.K.).
Although using a VPN has long been the most reliable way to access geo-blocked content located in other regions, Virgin Media and other streaming providers have gotten hip to the trick and become adept at detecting and blocking VPN-provided IP addresses from accessing their content libraries.
When a VPN’s IP addresses are blocked, it’s up to the provider to set up new VPN servers sporting fresh IP addresses. Only VPN services with considerable financial and staffing resources can keep up.
That’s why finding a reliable VPN willing to fight the good fight is more important now than ever.
In this article, I’ll provide mini-reviews of the 5 VPN providers that have proven to offer the best access to Virgin Media content from outside the United Kingdom.
How to Watch Virgin Media Using a VPN
It’s easy to quickly gain access to Virgin Media content while out and about internationally. Here’s what you do:
- Subscribe to a Virgin Media-capable VPN provider. (NordVPN is my #1 choice.)
- Install the VPN’s app on your favorite device(s).
- Log into the VPN service.
- Connect to a server located in the U.K.
- Open the Virgin TV Go app or connect to the Virgin Media website and enjoy the show!
Best VPNs for Virgin Media
After rounds of extensive testing, the 5 VPNs listed below proved to be the best choice for users looking to access Virgin Media from outside the U.K. Here’s a quick summary, in case you’re in a hurry:
- NordVPN: This is the #1 option for reliable access to all that Virgin Media has to offer. NordVPN excels at unblocking streaming services, and Virgin Media is no exception. The provider offers speedy, well-protected connections from servers around the globe.
- Surfshark: This low-cost provider does an admirable job of unblocking Virgin Media and other streaming services, and offers top-notch app support. Surfshark’s low pricing structure will make it an attractive option for users on a budget.
- ExpressVPN: This provider is an all-around great pick for many online activities, unblocking and streaming Virgin Media being one of them. You can expect fast speeds and solid security and privacy protections from this provider.
- CyberGhost: Novice VPN users will appreciate CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps, which provide one-click access to servers with access to Virgin Media. The provider’s streaming-optimized servers provide reliable access to numerous streaming services around the globe.
- PrivateVPN: This provider has a rather small global server network, but their U.K.-based servers provide reliable access to Virgin Media. In addition, the provider’s fast connection speeds can easily handle the high-definition content that the streaming service offers.
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When ranking the best VPNs to use to watch Virgin Media content from outside the United Kingdom, I considered the following factors:
- Offers United Kingdom-based servers
- Reliably unblocks Virgin Media from outside of the U.K.
- HD-capable connection speeds
- No data caps or bandwidth limitations
- Comprehensive multi-platform support
Best VPNs for Virgin Media – Summary table
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 Virgin Media.
| No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | PrivateVPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | ExpressVPN.com | CyberGhost.com | PrivateVPN.com | Ranking for Virgin Media | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Streaming Services | Virgin Media BBC iPlayer Netflix ITV Hub Sky Go | Virgin Media BBC iPlayer Netflix ITV Hub Sky Go | Virgin Media Netflix ITV Hub Sky Go | Virgin Media Netflix ITV Hub Sky Go | Virgin Media BBC iPlayer ITV Hub | Simultaneous connections | 10 | Unlimited | 5 | 7 | 10 | Devices Supported | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, Linux (command line), iOS, Android, Smart TVs Routers | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Routers | Avg Speed (UK) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 41 Mbps |
| Best deal (per month) | $3.09 Up to 69% off + 3 months FREE | $2.29 85% off a 2yr Starter plan | $6.67 49% off plus 3 months Free! | $2.19 SAVE 82% on the 2 year plan | $2.00 Save 85% on a 12 month plan + 24-mo/free |
Here is my list of the 5 best VPNs for watching Virgin Media content:
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is the best option for providing reliable access to Virgin Media’s Virgin Go TV streaming service. The VPN also offers reliable access to other streaming providers, inside the U.K. and around the globe.
The provider offers nearly 5,500 servers in 59 countries, with plenty of those located in the U.K. In addition to Virgin Go TV, NordVPN provides access to Netflix in the U.K. and around the globe, BBC iPlayer, Hulu in the U.S., and many other streaming services.
NordVPN’s download speeds, by far the fastest in this top 5 list, are more than up to handling the HD content from Virgin Media. No daily or monthly data caps will ever get in the way.
The service’s connection protection is some of the best around, with bank-grade encryption, as well as a kill switch, and DNS leak and IPv6 leak protection. Plus, the provider offers a Double VPN option, which runs your connection through twin VPN servers, and an obfuscated server option, which helps hide your VPN activity as normal browser activity.
The provider keeps no logs of any kind and offers a cryptocurrency payment option.
Native app support from the provider covers most popular devices, including the Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS, Amazon Fire and Windows platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available.
Router support offers protection for all of your connected devices. Up to 6 concurrent connections can be made to the VPN service.
NordVPN also offers a SmartDNS service, which allows VPN-incompatible devices such as set-top boxes and gaming consoles to connect to international streaming services. However, the service does not encrypt your connection like the VPN service does.
Pros:
- Servers in 59 countries, with plenty in the U.K.
- Fast connections easily handle HD content
- Wide-ranging app support
- Top-notch security and privacy
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Apps could be more user-friendly
BEST VPN FOR VIRGIN MEDIA:NordVPN is the best VPN option for reliable access to Virgin Media content when you’re outside of U.K. borders. The provider’s excellent connection speeds and comprehensive server coverage add up to excellent service. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark offers an excellent VPN option for users on a budget. A low price isn’t its only attractive feature, however, as the provider also offers reliable access to streaming services like Virgin Media and an unlimited simultaneous connections allowance.
The provider’s global server network is made up of over 3,200 servers stationed in 65+ countries. The servers the provider has in the U.K. do an excellent job of unblocking Virgin Media and other U.K.-based streaming services.
Surfshark’s connections are more than fast enough for all of your streaming needs. Whether it’s HD or 4K, your favorite movies and TV shows will begin streaming quickly and continue to play smoothly. No data caps ever restrict your online activities.
All Surfshark VPN connections are protected with military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak and IPv6 leak protection. The provider’s CleanWeb protection blocks ads and trackers.
As for your privacy, the provider’s no-server-logs policy and cryptocurrency payment option has it covered.
Surfshark’s native app support covers the iOS, Android, Linux, Windows, macOS and Fire TV platforms. Chrome and Firefox extensions are also available. Routers can also be set up with the VPN to protect all of your devices.
No need to ever worry about running out of protections for your devices, as Surfshark offers an unlimited simultaneous connections allowance.
Pros:
- U.K. servers provide reliable access to Virgin Media
- Unlimited concurrent connections allowance
- Budget pricing
- Excellent security and privacy protections
Cons:
- Apps lack some advanced options
BEST FOR BUDGET:Surfshark is the best option for Virgin Media viewers on a budget. The provider’s top-notch features belie what you’d normally expect from a budget-priced VPN provider. An unlimited simultaneous connections allowance adds to the value. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of Surfshark.
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a well-rounded provider that offers fast speeds, a massive server network, total security and privacy protection, and wide app support.
The provider’s global server network is made up of over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, including plenty stationed inside U.K. borders. You’ll have an easy time unblocking Virgin Go TV and other streaming services.
ExpressVPN’s servers provide reliable, speedy connections with more than enough bandwidth to handle the high-definition content that Virgin Media supplies. Plus, there are no data caps or bandwidth limitations.
The provider’s online security protections include military-grade encryption, kill switch protection, DNS leak and IPv6 leak prevention, and more.
Your privacy is never a worry thanks to the provider’s no-server-logs-ever policy and a Bitcoin subscription payment option.
ExpressVPN offers apps for the iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Chromebook, Linux, macOS and Windows device platforms. Plus, in-browser viewing is made possible thanks to the provider’s Chrome and Firefox browser extensions.
Up to 5 devices can connect at once using the same username. The service’s extensive router support makes it possible to protect all of your connected devices.
ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer DNS service also opens access to blocked content to game consoles, set-top boxes and smart TVs. (Keep in mind, though, that MediaStreamer doesn’t encrypt your connection as a full-blown VPN does.)
Pros:
- Reliably unblocks Virgin Media and other streaming services
- Global server coverage includes servers inside the U.K.
- Comprehensive privacy and security protections
- Impressive app support
Cons:
- More expensive than some other VPN services
- Only 5 simultaneous connections
ALL-PURPOSE VPN:ExpressVPN does a great job unblocking Virgin Media content. In addition, its fast speeds, massive server network and excellent app support make it a great choice for other activities, too. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of ExpressVPN.
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost will be an attractive option for novice VPN users thanks to its easy-to-use apps, comprehensive server coverage and fast download speeds.
The provider has over 6,700 VPN servers located in 90 countries. Many of those servers are stationed in the United Kingdom, and they include streaming-optimized servers. In addition to Virgin Media, the provider offers reliable access to plenty of other streaming services around the world.
CyberGhost’s download speeds are some of the fastest around and can easily handle 4K streams. No data caps will ever spoil your movie binges.
CyberGhost keeps your online activities safe from observation, thanks to kill switch, IPv6 leak, and DNS leak protections. Also, the provider offers blocking of ads, malicious websites and online tracking. It also can force websites to serve up HTTPS versions of their pages, if available.
A no-server-logs-ever policy and a Bitcoin payment option protect your privacy.
Users of Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows devices will find easy-to-use apps readily available here, as well as Chrome and Firefox browser extensions.
Router support is also available. You can connect up to 7 devices at once.
Pros:
- Servers in 90 countries, including streaming-optimized servers
- Excellent connection speeds
- Easy-to-use apps for most popular platforms
- Online security protection is second to none
Cons:
- Advanced users might prefer more advanced options
- Doesn’t unblock ALL streaming services
BEST FOR BEGINNERS:CyberGhost is the best option for Virgin Media viewers who have little to no experience with VPN apps and services. The provider’s easy-to-use apps provide one-click access to streaming-optimized servers that easily handle Virgin Media and many other streaming services around the world. A 45-day, no-risk money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of CyberGhost.
5. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN earned a spot this time around thanks to their speedy connections and reliable unblocking of numerous streaming providers, Virgin Media included.
The provider’s server coverage is, at best, stretched thin, with only 150+ servers in 60 countries. However, they have them located in most of the more “popular” countries, the U.K. included. Those U.K.-based servers do a good job of unblocking U.K. streaming services.
PrivateVPN’s connection speeds are easily up to handling HD and 4K streams from services such as Virgin Media, and the provider never imposes any limits on your streaming.
The provider’s speedy connections are well-protected thanks to military-level encryption, a kill switch, IPv6 and DNS leak prevention, and a Stealth VPN option that helps hide your VPN activity by making it appear to be normal internet traffic.
A no-logs policy and a Bitcoin payment policy ensures your privacy is well-kept.
Apps are available for the Android, Amazon Fire, iOS, macOS and Windows device platforms. Routers can also be used with the service. No browser extensions are available. Up to 6 concurrent connections can be made on the same username.
Pros:
- Reliable Virgin TV Go support
- Fast connection speeds
- Up to 6 simultaneous connections on a single username
Cons:
- Server coverage is spread thin
- Multi-platform support could be better
IMPRESSIVE CONNECTION SPEEDS:PrivateVPN reliably unblocks Virgin Media streams, providing access for as many as 6 devices at once. Impressive connection speeds mean showtime starts as soon as you click the movie or TV show link. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of PrivateVPN.
Can I Use a Free VPN to Watch Virgin TV Go?
Don’t use a free VPN in a misguided attempt to save a few bucks. The frustration you’ll experience using a freebie VPN provider will easily outweigh the expense of a paid VPN service.
“Free” VPNs come with a number of hidden costs. Those costs come in the form of convenience, efficiency, and personal privacy and online security.
First, convenience. When you connect to a free VPN provider, you may be forced to cool your heels in a queue until you’re allowed to connect to the provider’s limited number of free VPN servers.
Then, once you’re given the green light, you either find that your server selection is limited to a few regions, or you may even be automatically connected to a server of the provider’s choice.
Now we come to efficiency. Many free VPN providers will throttle your connection speeds. They’ve got to reserve all the bandwidth for paying customers, don’tcha know. Plus, many freebie providers also impose daily or monthly data caps on your usage.
Last but not least, the lack of privacy and security protections. Many “free” VPN services keep things running by monitoring your online activity and then selling that information to advertisers and other interested parties.
Others will inject unwanted ads and tracking cookies into their users’ browser sessions. (And those tracking cookies hang around even when you’re not connected to the VPN’s servers.)
So, yeah. You can try a free VPN, but only if convenience, performance, and privacy aren’t big concerns for you.
What Else Is A VPN Good For?
While we’ve been concentrating on a VPN’s ability to unblock Virgin Media and other geographically-blocked streaming content, a VPN enhances and protects all of your online activities.
In addition to streaming content, a VPN can also unblock other types of content. A VPN can open access to gaming servers, financial services, and numerous other services and sites.
ISPs, the government, and even the hacker at the next table over down at the coffee shop would love to see what you’re up to online. A VPN encrypts your internet connection, which prevents outsiders from monitoring your online travels.
Plus, by blocking your ISP from monitoring your online activities, it prevents your ISP from throttling your internet speeds just because you’re viewing video from an “unapproved” source, or because you’re engaging in P2P file sharing.
Conclusion
Virgin Media offers the best in British entertainment, as well as a variety of entertainment from around the world, including content from American TV networks. There isn’t any reason for you to miss out on your favorite shows simply because you’re not inside U.K. borders.
A VPN – like my #1 choice, NordVPN – offers reliable access to blocked content thanks to its comprehensive global server coverage, speedy connections and excellent privacy and security protections for all of your online antics.
For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.
