Best VPNs for Viewing BritBox in 2024

BritBox is a digital video streaming subscription service created by the BBC and iTV, and is focused on British television series and films from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.

Unfortunately, BritBox is available only within the borders of the United Kingdom, United States and Canada. (It is scheduled to launch in Australia in late 2020.) In addition, the service places geo-restrictions on some content, meaning all TV shows and films are not available in all countries.

Luckily for British TV and film fans, there is a way to keep access open to the BritBox library, no matter where you may be nearly anywhere around the globe.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides access to geographically-blocked local online content or services, including BritBox, when you are located outside of the areas where the content or service is normally available.

A VPN opens access to geo-blocked local online content by temporarily assigning a new IP address to your device. Since a device’s IP address can be used to determine its geographical location, this makes it appear as if you and your desktop or mobile device are located in another part of the globe. These locations can include the United Kingdom, United States or Canada.

While using a VPN to “spoof” your location has long been a reliable method of unblocking content from geo-restricted streaming providers – like BritBox, Netflix and others – the streaming services have caught on in recent years. They have begun blocking access to their streams by devices using VPN-provided IP addresses.

This makes it quite important to find a reliable, streaming-capable VPN that is willing to fight the good fight by providing new IP addresses when previous addresses have been blocked by a streaming service.

In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the 5 top VPNs for accessing BritBox from outside the three (soon to be four) countries where the British streaming service is normally available. We’ll take a look at the various features of each VPN provider and also explain why each provider makes a good option for viewing BritBox.

How to Watch BritBox Using a VPN

Using a VPN to access BritBox entertainment from outside of the designated viewing areas requires a few, easy-to-follow steps:

1. Subscribe to a BritBox-capable VPN provider. (I recommend NordVPN.)
2. Install the provider’s VPN app(s) on your favorite device(s).
3. Connect to the VPN service.
4. Select a server located in the U.K., U.S. or Canada.
5. Open the BritBox app or connect to their website and start bingeing!

But how do you know which VPN you should subscribe to?

Best VPNs for BritBox

I’ve tested my top VPN providers and the results show that the 5 VPN providers below provide the best access to BritBox content from outside the service’s normal viewing area:

1. NordVPN: This is the top choice for enabling viewing of your favorite BritBox movies and TV shows from outside the service’s designated viewing area. The provider has super-private servers in every BritBox country and delivers fast download speeds, perfect for viewing on most any connected device.
2. Surfshark: This provider is the best option for budget-minded BritBox viewers. In addition to low-priced extended subscription options, the provider also delivers fast, well-protected connections for British film and TV lovers.
3. ExpressVPN: This provider is fast and reliable, delivering an excellent experience while watching BritBox. The provider’s security and privacy protections are top-notch, and its multi-platform support lets you view BritBox on almost any device.
4. CyberGhost: This provider is a great option for first-time VPN users or those who simply don’t want to deal with a bunch of VPN bells and whistles. That said, the provider offers fast connections to most of the globe, which are well-protected from prying eyes.
5. IPVanish: This provider’s features match up well against any other provider on this list and then go the extra step of protecting your privacy with proprietary VPN servers. This is the other “unlimited simultaneous connections” provider.

When I ranked the top 5 VPNs for use with BritBox from outside its designated viewing area, I considered the following factors:

• Servers located in the United Kingdom, Canada, United States and Australia
• Works to unblock BritBox for users outside of the U.K., U.S., Canada and Australia
• Provides fast, streaming-friendly connection speeds
• No data caps or bandwidth limitations of any kind
• Comprehensive multi-platform support

The 5 top VPNs for watching Britbox are:

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024 unblocks Britbox
Tested
Apr 2024

NordVPN is your best option for reliable access to the BritBox streaming service from outside of its designated viewing area. The provider also offers reliable access to other streaming services, including Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Netflix and others.

The provider has over 5,400 servers strategically placed in 58+ countries around the globe, including all four BritBox-enabled countries.

NordVPN has improved their connection speeds recently, and it now delivers the fastest connection speeds available, offering more than enough bandwidth for streaming HD content, sharing files and playing online games. No bandwidth limitations or data caps to worry about with this provider.

Government-grade encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak and IPv6 leak prevention protect your online activities. A Double VPN option reroutes your connection twice, offering additional online protection and privacy.

A strict no-server-logs policy and a cryptocurrency payment option keep things covered on the privacy end of things.

BritBox is available on numerous device platforms, making comprehensive device support an important consideration for any VPN service. NordVPN offers native apps for the Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android TV, Amazon Fire and Linux platforms. Chrome and Firefox users can make use of the provider’s browser extensions.

NordVPN also offers a SmartDNS service, which allows devices incompatible with VPN apps, like Apple TV, gaming consoles and some smart TVs, to access geographically restricted content. (However, the service doesn’t encrypt your connection.)

Support for numerous router makes and models protect all of your connected devices via a single point of access. The provider allows up to 6 concurrent connections using the same set of login credentials.

A chatbot will try to answer your questions 24/7 and will pass you onto a real person if it fails to please. Also available is a searchable support library, as well as email support.

BEST VPN FOR BRITBOX:NordVPN is the best VPN for reliable access to BritBox content from nearly anywhere around the globe. The provider delivers fast connections, while also doing a top-notch job of protecting your identity and privacy. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

unblocks Britbox
Tested
Apr 2024

Surfshark offers excellent online security, fast connections and reliable access to BritBox and other streaming services, all at a low price.

The provider’s global server count of 3,200+ servers located in 64+ countries is about twice what it offered at this time last year. The provider has servers stationed in all BritBox countries.

Surfshark’s download speeds can easily handle HD video streaming like what BritBox offers, online gaming and sharing large files. The provider never limits your bandwidth or imposes daily or monthly data caps.

All Surfshark connections are protected with banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and ad-blocking, tracker, malware and phishing protection.

The firm keeps no logs of their users’ online activities and accepts various forms of cryptocurrency in return for their services. This adds up to excellent protection on the privacy end of things.

Surfshark offers native app support for the iOS, Android, Linux, Windows, macOS, Android TV and Fire TV platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available.

The provider’s excellent router compatibility can be used to protect all of your devices as soon as they connect to your network.

Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous connections allowance allows you to protect an entire family or company full of film and TV fans.

The provider’s around-the-clock support is made up of 24/7 support chat, a searchable support library and FAQ section, and a support request form.

BEST BUDGET-PRICED VPN:Surfshark is the best option for BritBox viewers looking for reliable access at a low price. The provider offers budget-priced extended subscription options, delivers fast connection speeds and offers unlimited simultaneous connections. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

unblocks BritboxTested
Apr 2024

ExpressVPN offers a reliable service that includes access to BritBox, fast speeds and excellent multi-platform support, allowing you to stream BritBox quickly on your favorite device.

With over 3,000 servers in 90+ countries, this provider has the majority of the globe covered in servers. ExpressVPN has plenty of servers stationed in the U.K., U.S., Canada and Australia.

The provider’s connection speeds are easily fast enough for any of your favorite online activities, including high-definition streaming, online gaming or sharing large files. No worries about daily or monthly data caps or bandwidth restrictions when using this provider.

All of those fast connections are protected using military-level encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak and IPv6 leak prevention. A split tunneling option allows users to select which apps will use the ExpressVPN protected tunnel.

Privacy is also never a worry, thanks to the provider’s no-server-logs-ever policy, as well as a private Bitcoin payment policy. The provider’s proprietary “TrustedServer” technology runs all server operations from RAM, with no data ever being saved to the server’s hard drive. This means all data is completely wiped from the server whenever it is rebooted.

ExpressVPN’s native app support includes desktop & mobile apps for the iOS, Android, Android TV, Windows, macOS, Amazon Fire TV, Kindle Fire, Chromebook and Linux device platforms.

Viewers can also protect their in-browser viewing sessions by using ExpressVPN’s Firefox and Chrome extensions. The VPN’s MediaStreamer DNS service offers game consoles and streaming boxes access to BritBox. (Keep in mind though that this service does not encrypt your connection like the provider’s VPN service does.)

ExpressVPN allows up to 5 simultaneous connections on a single account. It also offers extensive router support, allowing you to protect all of your connected devices via a single point of access.

24/7 customer support is available thanks to around-the-clock support chat, email support, a support ticket system and a searchable support library.

FAST AND RELIABLE VPN:ExpressVPN is a reputable provider that offers fast and reliable connections to your favorite BritBox content. Although it doesn’t come cheap, ExpressVPN’s service offers a great return on investment. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

unblocks Britbox
Tested
Apr 2024

CyberGhost is an excellent VPN option for newbie users or for those users who are looking for a simple yet efficient VPN service.

CyberGhost’s global server network consists of over 6,800 servers based in 90 countries. Many of those are located in BritBox countries and some are even optimized for streaming video. Those streaming servers also do a great job of unblocking numerous other streaming services.

CyberGhost provides HD-capable connection speeds, meaning it can handle all that BritBox or any other streaming service can provide. Plus, there are never any bandwidth or data cap limitations to cut you off in mid-show.

Military-level encryption, a kill switch and DNS leak protection all add up to top-notch online security. Plus, you can enable ad and malware blocking, as well as force websites to serve up secure versions of their content if it’s available.

A strict no-server-logs policy and a Bitcoin payment option optimally protect your privacy.

Easy-to-use CyberGhost apps are available for the Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV and Amazon Fire TV platforms. Browser extensions are available for Chrome and Firefox.

For devices not on the above list, or if you need more than the 7 simultaneous connections that CyberGhost allows, router support is available.

Around-the-clock customer support includes 24/7 support chat, email support, a contact form and a searchable support library.

EASY-TO-USE VPN SERVICE:CyberGhost is an excellent option for users with little to no experience with VPN apps. The provider delivers one-click access to streaming-optimized servers around the globe. A 45-day, no-risk money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

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5. IPVanish

unblocks Britbox
Tested
Apr 2024

IPVanish provides VPN protection that matches up well with other providers on this list and then takes its privacy protections a step further.

The provider has over 1,500+ servers located in 55+ countries, including the U.K., the U.S., Australia and Canada. IPVanish owns and operates its entire global server network. That provides an extra layer of privacy, as it keeps third-party operators away from your personal data.

IPVanish’s no-data-cap and no-bandwidth-restriction connections provide plenty of speed for viewing HD video, sharing files and playing games.

Online security is never an issue, thanks to the service’s use of government-grade encryption, an internet kill switch with an auto-reconnect feature, and a “scramble” feature that hides your VPN activity by making it appear to be normal internet browser traffic.

Although the provider sticks to a no-server-logs policy, payment options are limited to credit card and PayPal, so no fully private payment options are available.

The provider offers apps for the Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, ChromeOS and Amazon Fire device platforms. Manual setup instructions are available for the Linux and Windows Phone platforms.

Sadly, no browser extensions are available. However, router support is available. The service allows an unlimited number of concurrent connections using a single set of credentials.

Customer support is always available, offering 24/7 support chat, a searchable support library and email support.

ADDITIONAL LAYER OF PRIVACY:IPVanish owns and operates  its entire global server network, thus keeping third-party contractors away from customers’ personal information. The provider also offers fast connections for an unlimited number of devices, and around-the-clock support. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of IPVanish.

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How Do I Access BritBox With a VPN?

While we’ve covered the steps required to use a VPN with BritBox, the streaming service itself has a few requirements for usage.

Access to BritBox isn’t free. Access to the service is $6.99 USD per month, or $69.99 USD per year. A 7-day free trial is available.

You need a connection speed of at least 3 Mbps (1.5 Mbps for iOS and Android devices) and 6.5 Mbps to stream reliably in high definition.

Can I Use a Free VPN to Watch BritBox?

You may be able to find a free VPN provider that will offer access to BritBox, but I can almost guarantee that you will not be satisfied with the experience.

First of all, as I mentioned above, streaming services are really good at detecting and blocking VPN users. When that happens, you need a VPN that has the resources to quickly restore internet access. Free VPN providers are run on a shoestring, and just don’t have the time or money to compete in this game of IP address whack-a-mole.

Second, free VPNs are known to throttle their users’ internet traffic speeds and place daily or monthly data caps on their customers’ data usage. So much for streaming all the movies and TV episodes you want to watch.

Free VPNs are inconvenient. When you connect to a free VPN, you may be forced to cool your virtual heels in a queue until a slot on a free VPN server becomes available. Once you’re allowed to connect, you’ll be faced with a limited number of server locations to select from, and that’s only if the provider doesn’t connect you automatically to one of its choosing.

Last but not least, your privacy is at risk when using a free VPN. If a product is free on the internet, there’s a good chance you and your information are the product the service is selling. Free VPNs track their users’ online travels, then sell that information to the highest bidder.

Some free VPNs have even been known to inject tracking cookies and ads into their users’ browsing sessions.

None of this really sounds like a good idea to me. Does it sound good to you?

What Else Can I Do With A VPN?

In addition to opening access to streaming services, gaming services, and other online sites and services, a VPN can also be used to enhance and protect your other online activities.

A VPN encrypts your internet connection, protecting all of your online activities from being monitored by the prying eyes of your Internet Service Provider (ISP), hackers or even your own government.

ISPs have been known to monitor their users’ internet usage for two main reasons. First, they record your online travels and sell that usage information to advertisers and other nosy parties. Second, some ISPs will throttle or block your internet connection if they see you’re streaming from “unapproved” sources or that you’re sharing files via peer-to-peer file sharing.

Hackers love to sit on unprotected public WiFi hotspots (like you find in airports and coffee shops) and monitor other users’ online connections. They can then steal personal data, such as credit card and banking account info, and even reroute your online shopping connections.

The government monitors your online activity because, well, they’re the government, it’s what they do. Governments have always monitored their own citizens as well as citizens of other countries, and they always will.

A VPN prevents all of the above, keeping your online activities safe from prying eyes, protecting your personal freedoms and your personal information.

Is It Legal to Watch BritBox From Abroad?

It’s perfectly legal to watch BritBox from abroad. Simply fire up your VPN, connect to a server in the U.S., U.K. or Canada, and connect to the BritBox service.

However, if BritBox detects that you are using a VPN to connect to their content library, they may block the IP address that your VPN provider is using. This means the VPN service will need to set up new IP addresses for use with the service.

Can I Watch BritBox on Multiple Devices?

Yes. All you need to do to watch BritBox on multiple devices is load the BritBox app on other devices and sign into the service on that device. So even if you subscribed on your Android device, you can also watch BritBox on your iPad.

The only “gotcha” is that if you subscribe to BritBox through an add-on subscription through Apple TV Channels or Amazon Prime Video, you’ll only be able to watch via their platforms.

Conclusion

BritBox is an excellent value for lovers of British cinema and television. However, it’s not available around the globe, so if you’re not in the right country, there will be no dry, scathing humor for you, sir (and/or ma’am).

A comprehensive VPN service – like NordVPN – offers comprehensive global server coverage, speedy connections and excellent privacy protections. It is an excellent way to access BritBox shows and movies from anywhere around the world, while also protecting your other online activities from prying eyes.

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