How to Watch British TV in Spain in 2024

British television delivers some excellent streaming options, including BBC iPlayer, All 4, ITV, and many others. However, these streaming services are only available to you if you’re inside British borders.

But, what are Spanish citizens, or British ex-pats in Spain, supposed to do once they’re back inside Spanish borders?

Luckily, there is a way for users inside Spain to access their favorite British television shows, as well as other streaming services around the globe. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can temporarily assign your device a new IP address.

IP addresses identify users on the internet, and can also identify a device’s geographic location. This is how streaming providers, like those run by British television networks, determine your location and whether you should have access to their content.

A VPN can assign your device an IP address inside the United Kingdom, opening up access to British streaming services.

Using a VPN has long been a reliable method for unblocking geo-blocked streaming content from the BBC and others. However, streaming services have become adept at detecting when a user is connecting to their servers via a VPN service. When they do this, they usually block that user’s IP address from accessing their service.

This means that finding a VPN that can reliably unblock streaming services is critical.

In this article, I’ll share information about the top 5 most reliable VPNs available today for unblocking British TV in Spain.

While I’ll be concentrating on the features that allow the VPNs to reliably unblock British TV, I’ll also discuss the other advantages and features of these VPNs and explain how they can help you protect and enhance all of your online activities.

How to Watch British TV in Spain Using a VPN

Using a VPN to access British television streams while inside Spanish borders requires only a few easy steps:

1. Subscribe to a reliable VPN provider. (NordVPN is my #1 choice.)
2. Install the provider’s VPN app(s) on your favorite device(s).
3. Log into the VPN service.
4. Select a VPN server located in the United Kingdom.
5. Connect to your favorite British TV streaming service and start bingeing!

Please note that while we’re concentrating on British television streaming services in this article, most of the VPN providers we’ll be looking at will also unblock other streaming services around the globe.

Best VPNs for British TV in Spain

After rigorous testing, I’ve found 5 VPN providers that offer the most reliable way to view British television streaming services while inside Spanish borders. For those of you in a hurry, the TL;DR synopsis is as follows:

1. NordVPN: This provider is the optimal solution for British television viewers who want to binge their favorite shows from Spain or other countries. NordVPN does an admirable job of unblocking BBC iPlayer and other British TV services.
2. Surfshark: Fast connection speeds and unlimited concurrent connections, all at a bargain-basement price, make this up-and-coming VPN provider a contender for British television lovers. The service’s quickly-growing global server network unblocks content found in the U.K. and other countries around the world.
3. ExpressVPN: Offers reliable British TV access from Spain, this provider delivers fast connections, while providing excellent online privacy and security. ExpressVPN offers reliable access to numerous streaming services, both in Britain and around the globe.
4. CyberGhost: This provider is an excellent option for first-time VPN users. CyberGhost offers easy-to-use apps for most popular devices. The provider’s pricing is also attractive. It offers streaming-optimized servers to connect to numerous British TV streaming services.
5. PrivateVPN: While this provider isn’t quite as established as its peers and has had a few growing pains, it is quickly gaining a good reputation. Fast connections offer enjoyable streaming, despite its rather small global server network.

When ranking the best VPNs to use to watch British TV streaming content from Spain and other locations outside U.K. borders, I considered the following factors:

• Servers located in the United Kingdom
• Works to unblock British TV streaming providers from inside Spain
• Provides fast, HD-capable download speeds
• No data caps or bandwidth limitations
• Top-notch security and privacy protections
• Excellent multi-platform support

Best VPNs for Accessing British TV in Spain – 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 accessing UK TV in Spain.

---

Here is my list of the 5 best VPNs for watching British TV from Spain:

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

NordVPN sits at the top of this lineup thanks to its fast connections, excellent native app support and large number of U.K.-based VPN servers, all at a reasonable price. The provider delivers excellent access to British TV streams.

The provider has nearly 5,800 servers located in 59+ countries around the globe. A large number of those are stationed inside British borders. Visit NordVPN’s BBC iPlayer info page for their recommended servers.

While this provider’s download speeds lag behind others in this roundup, it delivers more than enough speed for viewing the HD streams of British TV providers. NordVPN doesn’t impose any data caps or bandwidth limitations.

Online security is provided thanks to government-class encryption, a kill switch option, the ability to block ads and malware, and DNS leak and IPv6 leak prevention.

Privacy is also well covered at NordVPN thanks to a no-logs policy and a cryptocurrency payment option for subscriptions.

There’s ample native app support, with offerings for the Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Linux, and Android TV platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available.

If you have other devices, or if you require more than 6 concurrent connections, NordVPN’s comprehensive router support keeps all of your devices protected.

BEST BRITISH TV VPN:NordVPN is the best VPN for British TV fans. The provider delivers reliable access to British TV streams via super-fast connections, and provides excellent security and privacy protections, all for a reasonable price. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

---

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is the best budget-priced VPN option on this list, but offers VPN service that belies its high-level of services.

The provider has much more than doubled its global server coverage in just a year or so, as it currently boasts a network of 3,200+ servers located in 64 countries around the globe, with plenty in the U.K.

Surfshark delivers fast download speeds, and their connections can easily handle both HD and 4K video streams. No daily or monthly data caps ever spoil the fun.

Bank-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IPv6 and DNS leak prevention all provide top-notch online security. Ad and malware blocking are also available.

A strict no-server-logs policy and a Bitcoin payment option keep your usage private.

Surfshark native app support includes options for the iOS, Android, Android TV, Linux, macOS, Windows, and Amazon Fire device platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as is router support.

The provider sets no limits whatsoever on the number of devices that you can connect to the service at once on the same set of user credentials.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a fast-growing, highly-affordable VPN that provides fast connections, top-notch access to numerous streaming services, and a somewhat unusual unlimited simultaneous connections allowance. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

---

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN reliably unblocks British TV streaming services while inside Spanish borders. The provider offers reliable access to BBC iPlayer, All 4, ITV and multiple other U.K.-based streaming services.

The provider’s global server network has you covered with over 3,000 servers stationed in 94 countries around the world. That includes 7 server farms located in the United Kingdom.

ExpressVPN’s download speeds are some of the best in the industry, providing more than enough bandwidth to smoothly stream the 1080p HD streams that the U.K. streaming TV services offer. No data caps or bandwidth limitations will spoil your bingeing sessions.

Security is well-served at this provider thanks to its use of military-grade encryption, as well as a kill switch option, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, and more.

The provider’s privacy protections are second to none thanks to a strict no-logs policy, as well as a Bitcoin payment option.

ExpressVPN offers apps for macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, Windows, Linux, Chromebook, and Amazon Fire device platforms. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are available to protect in-browser viewing sessions.

The VPN’s MediaStreamer DNS service opens access to British content on game consoles, streaming boxes and smart TVs. (MediaStreamer DNS doesn’t encrypt your connection like the provider’s full-blown VPN offering, though.)

If 5 simultaneous connections aren’t sufficient, or if you need to protect all of your connected devices, you can use the service’s excellent router compatibility to protect your entire household or business via a single connection.

RELIABLE VPN FOR BRITISH TV:ExpressVPN is a reliable choice for open access to British TV streams while in Spain. The provider delivers fast download speeds, does an excellent job of protecting your privacy and online security, and works with numerous devices. A 30-day money-back guarantee makes it a risk-free proposition.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

---

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is the best option on this list for beginning VPN users thanks to its easy-to-use apps, one-click protection and excellent access to British TV providers via its streaming-optimized servers.

CyberGhost has a network of over 6,200 servers in 89+ countries, including several streaming-optimized servers located in the U.K. 

CyberGhost’s download speeds are easily up to handing the HD video streams of today, and the 4K streams British TV providers will likely be offering in the near future. Your viewing enjoyment will never be hampered by data caps or bandwidth restrictions.

Security isn’t an issue thanks to the provider’s banking-grade encryption, kill switch protection, and IPv6 and DNS leak protections. Privacy is also well served thanks to a Bitcoin payment option and a no-logs policy.

All of the major platforms are represented in the CyberGhost app list. Easy-to-use apps are available for the Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Android TV and Amazon Fire platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available.

If you have a device that’s not covered on the list above, or if you need more than 7 simultaneous connections, you can use one of a large number of routers with the service.

BEST OPTION FOR VPN BEGINNERS:CyberGhost is the best option for new VPN users who are looking for optimal VPN protection and access to British TV streams, without the need for complicated configurations. A 45-day, no-risk money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

---

5. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN may be a fairly recent addition to the world of VPNs, and their global server coverage may be limited, but the provider’s swift download speeds and optimal protections will prove attractive to many British expats.

Although a server count of 150+, spread out among 60 countries, doesn’t measure up to the rest of the providers on this list, the servers are well-positioned and deliver reliable access to British television streams.

Connections speed is where PrivateVPN shines, delivering 4K-ready download speeds, making it a great option for video, gaming and file sharing lovers. No data caps or bandwidth restrictions are to be found here.

Connection protections are well-covered here thanks to military-level encryption, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, and the provider’s own “Stealth VPN” protection that helps keep your VPN usage hidden.

A strict no-logs policy and a Bitcoin payment option keep your usage and payment privacy protected.

App coverage is limited to the macOS, iOS, Android and Windows platforms. But, users can take advantage of PrivateVPN’s router compatibility to protect their other devices, or additional devices if the provider’s 6 simultaneous connections limit isn’t sufficient.

IMPRESSIVE ONLINE SECURITY:PrivateVPN reliably unblocks British TV streams, while providing connection speeds that can handle even 4K content. Experienced VPN users will appreciate the provider’s customizable apps. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

---

How Do I Access British TV Streams With a VPN?

There are scores of British TV channels available online, allowing you to access them via just about any connected device. BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, Sky, UKTV, and numerous other networks and channels are all available online.

However, some of the services, such as Sky and UKTV, require a subscription, while others, like BBC iPlayer, require a U.K. television license and a U.K. postcode. You’ll want to check with the streaming provider for their particular requirements.

Can I Use a Free VPN to Watch British TV Streams?

Let’s call that possibility a middling “maybe, but probably not.”

It will be difficult to find a freebie VPN that reliably unblocks British television content. Plus, even if you do, I can almost guarantee that you won’t be happy with the overall experience.

First off, streaming providers have become adept at detecting when a viewer is accessing their service by using a VPN provider.

When they do detect such activity, they immediately block the VPN-provided IP address from accessing their streaming servers. Then it’s up to the VPN provider to set up new IP addresses to restore access.

Free VPN providers do not have the resources to keep up in this game of virtual whack-a-mole.

The second strike against this idea: Many free VPNs will make you wait in a queue before connecting to a server.

Once you’re allowed to connect, you may find that your server selection is limited, or that you’re automatically connected to a server of the provider’s choice. So, there is a good chance that you won’t have access to a U.K.-based server.

Strike three: Many free VPN providers will throttle your connection speeds, place daily or monthly data caps on your usage, or both. None of that is exactly compatible with viewing streaming services.

The disadvantages don’t end with content access. “Free” VPNs aren’t exactly well known for protecting your online security or privacy, either.

First off, “free” VPNs need to keep their servers humming one way or the other. Some of them log their users’ online activity, then sell it to the highest bidder. 

Other sans-cost providers inject tracking cookies and ads into their users’ browsing sessions. Those tracking cookies stick around, even after you disconnect from the VPN provider.

Does any of the above sound like a good deal? “Free” is definitely not the best deal in this case. Spend a few euros a month on a reliable VPN provider. You’ll be glad you did.

What Else Can I Do With A VPN?

In addition to providing reliable access to your favorite British TV content, you’ll find that a VPN opens access to other forms of content. Plus, it provides optimal online security and privacy protections and keeps the guy at the next table over in the coffee shop from tracking your online moves.

A VPN opens access to most of the major streaming services, including Netflix in many lands, Hulu in the U.S., and Amazon Prime Video in the U.S. and U.K. Plus, it also opens access to other services and websites you may normally be blocked from.

Some ISPs have been known to throttle or block access to P2P file sharing. A VPN can prevent that.

A VPN can also prevent the guy at the next table over from monitoring your online activities while you’re on the coffee shop’s unprotected Wi-Fi hotspot.

It can also protect your activities from the prying Spanish Eyes of your ISP and even government agencies. (C’mon, you knew I would mention “Spanish Eyes” in here somewhere, didn’t you?)

Conclusion

British television is some of the best entertainment available online today. There’s no reason you shouldn’t have access to it from Spain or anywhere else around the world.

A reliable VPN – like NordVPN – offers excellent access to British television and other streaming services around the globe. It also provides optimal protection for your online activities via its comprehensive security and privacy protections.

For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.