Best VPNs to watch Channel 4 outside the UK

Want to watch Channel 4 outside the UK? Whether you're an expat, traveling for work, or on vacation, you can use a VPN to stream shows abroad. Here are the best VPNs for Channel 4.

Channel 4’s video on demand and live TV streaming platform (previously known as All4) is region-locked to the UK. Anyone outside of the UK will be unable to log in and stream the service. The good news is that you can use a VPN to obtain a valid UK IP address, which will let you stream British TV networks such as Channel 4, ITVX, and BBC iPlayer from anywhere.

A VPN is an online privacy tool that encrypts your data and hides your location from the websites you visit. When you connect to a VPN server, you acquire an IP address in the location of the VPN server. This means you appear to be back home in the UK, even when traveling abroad.

Many VPNs compete for your attention, and not all of them work for watching Channel 4 abroad. Several VPNs have already been blocked by Channel 4, so it's crucial to select a provider that has been tested.

The VPNs for Channel 4 recommended in this guide all offer fast servers in the UK that are optimized for streaming. This ensures that you can use them to watch Channel 4 outside the UK without worrying about buffering or reduced video quality. In this guide, we explain how to use a VPN to stream your favorite shows and recommend the best VPNs for Channel 4.

Below, we've provided a quick overview of our top VPN recommendations for Channel 4. Keep scrolling for comprehensive summaries that will provide additional information about each VPN.

Best VPNs to watch Channel 4:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for streaming Channel 4. Fast NordLynx protocol and UK servers are optimized for streaming a wide choice of British TV platforms. Servers in over 61 countries work with Netflix, Hulu, and more. Strong encryption and a reliable no-logs policy. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Large server network covering 100+ countries. UK servers work to watch Channel 4, ITV X, BBC iPlayer, Sky, Now TV, BT Sport, and others. Allows unlimited connections, perfect for sharing your account with friends and family. Solid encryption and a no-logs policy.
3. ExpressVPN: Boasts an expansive network of high-speed servers worldwide, tailored for rapid connections and HD video. Provides excellent privacy features, including a kill switch and AES encryption. Works to stream UK and US services from abroad. No-logs policy.
4. CyberGhost VPN: A cost-effective choice with user-friendly applications suitable for beginners. Offers secure and speedy connections, perfect for uninterrupted streaming on Channel 4 or other British TV platforms. Has streaming optimized servers that are clearly labeled in the apps.
5. PrivateVPN: Features high-speed servers, robust security, and exceptional streaming capabilities. Servers in 63+ countries, including British servers to watch Channel 4 and BBC iPlayer abroad. Port forwarding feature is ideal for torrenting.
6. Atlas VPN: Provides fast servers in the UK that work to watch Channel 4, BBC iPlayer, and more. Allows unlimited simultaneous connections and employs reliable security. 

Summary Table

Finding the perfect VPN to watch Channel 4 abroad can be a daunting task, particularly if you're new to VPNs and don't know what to look for. The market is flooded with VPNs that make extravagant claims regarding their speed and features, which makes it easy to be duped into paying for an inferior service.

In addition, many VPNs are plagued by critical issues, including DNS leaks, inadequate encryption, or other vulnerabilities that pose a threat to your online privacy and safety. These VPNs are unsuitable for gaining online privacy, which is the most important aspect of any VPN.

Besides these issues, many VPNs struggle to access Channel 4 outside the UK. In this guide, we've identified providers that offer dependable features and robust security to facilitate seamless Channel 4 streaming from anywhere on Earth. 

For added transparency, we have included some of the criteria we used to curate this list of the best VPNs for Channel 4:

• Reliably bypasses Channel 4's restrictions and consistently grants access from anywhere in the world.
• Outstanding speeds for streaming content in high-definition.
• Reliable customer support that can help you with setting up or using the VPN.
• Strong security and privacy features, ensuring secure access to the internet.
• Compatible with a wide array of popular platforms, from Apple TV to mobile devices.
• Offers a money-back guarantee to test the service yourself.
• A wide choice of servers that work to stream Channel 4, Netflix Prime Video, etc.
• Apps for all platforms that provide robust encryption for your data.
• A strict no-logging policy that ensures the VPN never retains records of your activities.
• In order to qualify for one of the top three positions, the VPN must operate a 100% diskless server network and have its infrastructure audited by a reputable third party.

Best Channel 4 VPNs: Detailed reviews

All our recommendations prioritize data security and privacy, but they differ slightly. We recommend reading our summaries to pick the best Channel 4 VPN for your particular needs.

NordVPN is our favorite VPN not only for streaming Channel 4, but also for other British TV services such as BBC iPlayer, ITVX, BT Sport, Sky TV, Channel 5, and Netflix UK.

The VPN has over 6,000 servers spread across 61+ countries, including more than 450 servers in the United Kingdom. These servers are optimized for reliable streaming of HD content on Channel 4 and other services. They are ideal for watching international services such as Netflix US, Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max.

NordVPN is perfect for getting online privacy and data security. It offers robust 256-bit encryption, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, split tunneling, Tor over VPN, Meshnet, and the ability to connect to two VPN servers in a chain (Double VPN). NordVPN also follows a strict no-logs policy and accepts cryptocurrency payments.

Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Firestick, which makes it easy to watch Channel 4 on any device. You can install and use the VPN on up to six devices consecutively, and you can get help at any time of day using its 24/7 live chat. Plus, you can try it yourself using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

BEST VPN FOR CHANNEL 4: NordVPN is the most reliable VPN for Channel 4 streaming, ensuring seamless access to British content from across the globe. It boasts lightning-fast speeds and robust privacy features, making it a versatile and cost-effective solution for getting privacy and online freedom. Has a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark is a popular VPN that provides a low-cost way to watch British TV platforms, regardless of your global location. You can use it to stream Channel 4, BBC iPlayer,  ITV X, and other British services on any laptop, desktop PC, tablet, smartphone, Firestick, and many popular smart TVs. It allows unlimited connections, so you can share your account with friends and family.

In addition to British servers, Surfshark has over 3,000 servers spanning 100+ countries worldwide. You can use it to watch Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, YouTube TV, and other international services.

Surfshark ensures excellent speeds for streaming, gaming, and torrenting thanks to the WireGuard protocol. You can also connect using the OpenVPN protocol with AES-256 encryption if you prefer.

In addition to letting you stream British TV abroad, Surfshark works to watch Channel 4 privately at work or school. Its robust encryption safeguards your data from prying eyes and potential hackers, whether you're connected at home, at work, or on public WiFi.

Additional features include a kill switch, DNS leak protection, split tunneling, and ad blocking. A bundled Smart DNS helps you stream US services on any devices that don't let you install a VPN app. Plus, you can compare it to NordVPN yourself using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

BEST BUDGET CHANNEL 4 VPN: Surfshark is a low-cost option that you can easily share with friends and family. Fast UK servers and WireGuard protocol. No-logs policy and strong encryption. Fully audited apps and diskless servers for added protection. Includes a kill switch and split tunneling. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN is a superb solution for accessing Channel 4 abroad, or on any network within the UK where it is blocked, such as at work. With an enormous network of over 3,000 servers situated across 160+ locations in 105+ countries, you can use Express to bypass censorship, region blocks, and any other internet restrictions you might encounter. 

Express has five server locations strategically placed in the UK, and they are all optimized for streaming. This makes it a fantastic option for watching not just Channel 4, but also iPlayer, ITVX, and other popular platforms.

It adheres to a no-logs policy and is based in the British Virgin Islands, which puts it well out of reach of invasive jurisdictions.

Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android come with 256-bit AES encryption, a system-wide kill switch, and DNS/IPv6 leak protection, ensuring your online activities remain private and secure. You can pay for your subscription using Bitcoin.

24/7 customer support is available via live chat or email, providing swift responses at any time of day via its website. You can install and use the VPN on up to eight devices, which is quite modest compared to competitors that provide unlimited simultaneous device connections. 

ExpressVPN is quite expensive, but it is a high-quality VPN that works exceptionally well, and you can test it using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

FANTASTIC ALL-ROUNDER: ExpressVPN is a superb option for watching Channel 4 and other British TV services. Servers in 105+ countries allow you to access international services such as Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Max, etc. Fast Lightway protocol for HD streaming. Allows torrenting. No-logs policy and robust AES encryption. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

CyberGhost VPN is a superb option if you are new to VPNs. The apps are available for all devices, and they are extremely easy to use. Despite their simplicity, they still provide strong encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection.

The VPN has more than 10,000 servers in 100+ countries, including the UK to watch Channel 4. Those servers are fast thanks to the WireGuard protocol, and you can use it to access a wealth of popular international services like Netflix US, Disney Plus, Peacock, YouTube TV, and others.

CyberGhost VPN improves usability by labeling its streaming servers for each country. That allows anyone to find the exact servers needed for Channel 4, Netflix, iPlayer, ITVX, or any other TV service in more than 20 different countries. 

The provider is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, and Android. These apps include integrated ad blocking for added protection. All this is available at an affordable starting price of just $2.19 per month, and you can use a subscription on up to seven devices.

CyberGhost VPN is based in Romania and it has a solid no-logging policy, which means it never tracks what you do online. You can also use it for torrenting, and compare it to any other VPN using its 45-day money-back guarantee. A no-frills VPN that packs a punch at a low cost. 

LOW COST: CyberGhost VPN is a simple, cheap VPN that offers reliable privacy and accessibility. Has more than 10,000 servers worldwide. Has been tested with a wide range of international streaming platforms. Works to access Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, etc. Solid no-logging policy and strong encryption. Has a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.

PrivateVPN is a provider based in Sweden. The VPN has around 200 servers worldwide that are spread across 63+ countries. The VPN works to watch BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, ITV Hub, Channel 4, and more than 20 different Netflix regions. 

Admittedly, PrivateVPN is not the fastest VPN in this guide. However, we had no problem watching Channel 4, or any other service using a reliable home broadband connection. If you are using an exceptionally slow mobile internet connection, you may prefer to stick to one of our top recommendations instead to ensure you get the best speeds possible.

As you would expect from its name, privacy is a top priority. The VPN has a no-logs policy, and protects your data with IPv6 and DNS leak protection, OpenVPN with 256-bit encryption, and a kill switch. PrivateVPN ensures that your online traffic remains concealed at all times, which lets you use public WiFi safely, and allows you to access Channel 4 at work without being tracked.

24/7 support is available via live chat, and you can test the VPN using its 30-day money-back guarantee. The port forwarding feature makes it a solid option if you want to torrent.

SOLID PRIVACY: PrivateVPN is a secure VPN that is excellent for torrenting. Accesses Channel 4, iPlayer, and other British services. Allows up to 10 connections. Servers in 63+ countries. Includes a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and port forwarding. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

Atlas VPN is another excellent option for watching British and international TV networks and streaming services. It has servers in over 44 countries, including the UK to access your home services on vacation. It also works with Netflix US, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and others.

Atlas VPN provides the WireGuard protocol by default, which is fast for playing games, making video calls, torrenting, and watching high-definition streams. Dedicated applications are available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. They come with robust encryption, protection against DNS leaks, and a kill switch. It has MultiHop servers, split tunneling, and built-in ad blocking.

A no-logs policy ensures your privacy is protected now and in the future. The only caveat is that the kill switch leaks momentarily during reconnection, which means you should pause your torrents until the reconnection is established. 

You can compare it to any of our other recommendations using its 30-day money-back guarantee. Best of all, this VPN is relatively cheap considering what you get, and you can share your account with friends and family because it allows unlimited simultaneous connections.

DECENT SPEEDS: Atlas VPN offers fast connection speeds at a low price. It works with Netflix, Hulu, Channel 4, BBC iPlayer, and many other international streaming platforms. Unlimited simultaneous connections. Offers built-in malware filtering and ad blocking for enhanced security. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Atlas VPN.

Channel 4 VPN testing methodology

Our approach includes speed tests, evaluating privacy policies, checking the VPN apps for leaks, and a comprehensive assessment of the encryption and protection features offered by each VPN.

Our recommendations are reserved exclusively for VPNs that offer data protection and privacy first and foremost. This ensures that you can use the VPN to protect yourself against government snooping, surveillance capitalism, and the threat of hackers and other eavesdroppers. 

To find suitable VPNs for this guide, we considered each VPN's ability to access Channel 4 and other British streaming services, as well as access to popular international services such as Netflix US. Below, we have included additional information about how we picked the VPNs recommended on this page using our testing methodology.

• Solid security: Our selection criteria prioritize VPNs with robust security and privacy features. The VPN connections in this guide provide strong encryption, cutting-edge protocols, well-designed applications, a kill switch that cuts your net to prevent you from leaking data outside the tunnel, and protection against DNS leaks.
• Strong privacy policies: These VPNs have an unwavering commitment to user privacy. They never share your data and maintain no records of your online browsing activities or IP address. Our top three recommendations bolster this with diskless servers that can be wiped remotely in an emergency.
• Fast servers: To watch Channel 4 in high quality and without buffering, we look for fast protocols like WireGuard, and speed test multiple global servers to ensure they won't slow you down.
• Global server network: The best VPNs for Channel 4 let you connect to an extensive global server network to access IP addresses all over the world. This allows you to bypass online restrictions when you visit countries like the UAE, where VoIP apps are blocked, or region-locked services like Channel 4 when you go on vacation. The provider should also offer stable connections via reliable servers. 
• Cross-platform compatibility: The VPNs in this guide cater to all consumers by offering applications for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Firesticks. These VPN apps can be installed on multiple devices, and some even allow an unlimited number of simultaneous connections.
• Reliable support: We exclusively recommend VPNs that offer world-class customer support. This includes access to live chat support, fast responses via email assistance, comprehensive setup guides, FAQs, and other valuable resources that help you understand, set up, and use the VPN. 

In addition to the attributes mentioned above, our top three recommended VPNs must have had a full independent audit of their service and apps. The VPN has been verified by a third-party security firm to ensure there aren't any underlying vulnerabilities that could affect your data.

Besides this, our top three picks must also have a network of diskless servers that run in RAM. This allows the VPN to completely erase all the data passing through a server by pulling the plug.

How do you sign up for Channel 4 streaming?

To sign up for Channel 4, follow these simple steps:

1. Head over to the website and click on the tab that says Sign in to My4. 
2. Now click the green Register button. 
3. You will be asked to provide a valid email address and a password. 
4. Next head to your emails and follow the link in the confirmation email.
5. Log in to the Channel 4 website.

Once you have an account, you will be able to keep track of your watch history, a list of shows you have favorited to watch later, and see those shows you are halfway through watching. If you prefer to watch live Channel 4 programming on Channel 4, More 4, E4, Film4, or 4S, simply click the tab that says Live TV.

You will need to have an IP address in the UK to register and use your My4 account on Channel 4. If you are currently outside of the UK, then you will need to connect to one of the VPNs recommended in this guide. Only premium VPNs are likely to be able to access popular channels from abroad.

Channel 4 VPN FAQs

Can I use a free VPN for Channel 4?

Sadly, the answer is no. Free VPNs generally have few servers to choose from, and even fewer countries. This leaves them vulnerable to detection and blocking by Channel 4. We are not aware of any free VPNs with UK servers that successfully access Channel 4. 

In addition, free VPNs are usually sluggish, suffer from congestion, and are subject to bandwidth limits, making them too slow to stream video.

Some trustworthy VPN providers typically offer free plans to showcase their service's capabilities. They only provide limited VPN access for users who can't afford a premium account. This free plan allows people to get online privacy in an emergency and allows people to bypass strict government blocks during times of need. However, they typically reserve their streaming-optimized servers (such as those that work to watch Channel 4 or Netflix) exclusively for paying customers. 

To enjoy Channel 4 with a VPN, a premium subscription with one of the VPNs recommended in this guide is necessary.

We urge you to stay away from most of the free VPNs currently available in app stores. Many free VPNs have dodgy privacy policies that allow them to track your IP and all the websites you visit. They use this for profiling purposes and sell your data to third parties such as data brokers. 

In addition, free VPNs have been found to suffer from leaks, lack encryption, have server vulnerabilities, and even contain spyware in their apps. This makes using the vast majority of free VPNs a threat to your security. 

Stick to our recommended free VPNs that offer complete, unrestricted data security and privacy.

How do I catch up on recently aired Channel 4 shows?

To stream Channel 4 shows that recently aired, or any of its catalog of on-demand shows, simply head over to the website and log in. You can click Box Sets to search through a vast catalog of shows – or use the search function to find the show that you missed and stream the latest episode. 

Shows that air on live TV should be available to stream on Channel 4’s website around one hour after they finish being broadcast. Please bear in mind that live TV shows are usually only available for a limited amount of time after they air. Head to the website as soon as possible after the show airs to avoid disappointment.

Can I stream The Great British Bake Off on Channel 4?

Yes. You can currently watch seasons 8 to 14 of The Great British Bake Off on the Channel 4 website. Last year’s Christmas special is also available to stream. To locate the episodes, simply click the search button, enter the name of the show, and then click any of the options that appear.

Is it illegal to stream Channel 4 with a VPN?

No. As a British resident who pays their TV license, you are entitled to watch live TV online. Using a VPN to gain privacy and regain access to home services while on vacation is not illegal, and nobody has ever faced punishment within the UK for using a VPN to watch Channel 4, BBC iPlayer, or any other channel.

Channel 4 enforces region locks to prevent people from getting around licensing restrictions. Using a VPN to watch its content is technically a breach of its Terms of Service and could theoretically result in account termination.

In reality, however, users do not lose their accounts for using a VPN. The legitimate use cases for a VPN make it hard for Channel 4 to ban VPN users. As a result, Channel 4 (and most other streaming services) make efforts to block VPNs rather than users. Only a few VPNs reliably access Channel 4, BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and other popular services. 

What can I watch on Channel 4?

Below, we have included some of the shows and box sets you can find on Channel 4:

• The Inbetweeners
• Black Books
• Da Ali G Show
• Hollyoaks
• The IT Crowd
• Peep Show
• Phone Shop
• Frasier
• Friday Night Dinner
• Young Sheldon
• Big Bang Theory
• ER
• The Goldbergs
• 2 Broke Girls
• West Wing
• Rick and Morty
• Cheers
• The King of Queens

How can I download the Channel 4 app outside the UK?

When you connect to a VPN server in the UK, you appear to be physically located there. This will update your app store and allow you to download and install the Channel 4 app. If you have any issues while using your current Play Store account, we recommend logging out and creating a new one that is registered using the IP address of your VPN. This will ensure that the app store updates to the British version. 

Using a VPN will also allow you to download the iOS version from the UK Apple App Store. However, you will need to sign out and create a new Apple ID, because the iOS app store is based in the location you registered it.

Can I watch Channel 4 shows offline?

Yes. Channel 4 allows you to download and watch shows for 30 days. You can download shows to watch offline or while traveling overseas. Alternatively, you can use a VPN to gain access to Channel 4 even while on vacation. 

To download shows you must use the Channel 4 Android or iOS application. You will need to be signed in, have an internet connection, and have enough space on your device. Following that, you can watch the shows offline for 30 days, without needing to log in.

Does a VPN for Channel 4 make my internet slower?

The way a VPN works means that it must encrypt your data and route it via a remote server location on its way to Channel 4’s website. This inevitably causes some overhead. As a result, even the fastest VPN will slow down your connection slightly.

The VPNs recommended in this guide were selected because they have servers that are optimized for streaming British TV. This makes them ideal for streaming in HD and without worrying about buffering. 

Thanks to their speedy servers and quick tunneling protocols, such as WireGuard, the VPNs in this guide will only slow down your internet an imperceptible amount. This will allow you to stream shows at your convenience with no loss in quality.

If you try to watch Channel 4 on a slow mobile internet plan or public WiFi network, you may encounter issues. If your internet base speeds are too slow for streaming, the VPN will slow you down even further, causing buffering.

Can I watch Channel 4 on TV while abroad?

Yes. The VPNs we have recommended in this guide are compatible with Firestick devices and some smart TVs, such as Android TVs. This should allow you to watch Channel 4 on a TV in a hotel room, as long as you take your Firestick device with you. We recommend installing your VPN onto the Firestick before you go on vacation to ensure that it is ready to use as soon as you arrive in your hotel room.

What devices can I use to watch Channel 4?

The VPNs in this guide have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Firestick, Linux, Android TV, and routers. This should allow you to stream Channel 4 on a wide variety of devices:

• Android smartphones
• Android tablets
• Android TV
• Desktop PCs
• Laptops
• Macbooks
• iPad
• iPhone
• Smart TVs
• Game consoles

If your device does not let you install a VPN directly, you can set up a laptop or desktop computer as a VPN-protected virtual hotspot. This will allow you to connect any internet-connected device to the VPN. Alternatively, some VPNs come bundled with smart DNS services that can be used without the VPN app to unblock region-locked content.