Last Updated on January 2, 2024
Live TV over Internet UK: Watch UK channels Online
The days of special hardware and complicated streaming boxes for accessing foreign TV channels are on the way out. I for one won’t miss them! It’s not because they don’t work, but they’re often unreliable and difficult to maintain. Nowadays every major UK TV station broadcasts virtually everything online so all you need to do is to gain access !
What is a TV Catch-up service?
A catch-up service is a TV channel or online video streaming platform that allows you to watch old episodes of your favorite shows. There are many UK channels and services that offer this, such as BBC iPlayer and ITV Player. You can also re-watch old episodes with most devices and platforms available, including PC/Macs, smart TVs, gaming consoles like Xbox One and PS4, Apple TV, Roku players, Amazon Fire TV box , Chromecast (cable) sticks and many more.
In some senses, these services have revolutionized the way we watch TV. No longer do you have to wait for Sunday night for the next instalment of that thriller you were watching. Nor do you have to guess what happened in your favorite soap when you went on holiday for a week. TV catch up services mean you can watch whatever you want, whenever you want.
Here’s some of the biggest and best in the UK –
- BBC iPlayer is arguably the biggest and best catch up service in the world. It’s a popular choice with lots of platforms and devices available. It’s enough for many people on it’s own and it’s free.
- ITV Player: Catch up on any of your favorite shows from Good Morning Britain, This Morning and The X Factor
- All 4: Watch Channel 4 programmes, and its related channels live and after they’ve aired
- My 5: Channel 5 Offers a diverse range of channels and content.
There are actually quite a few more specific channels like Discovery and Dave but these are the main broadcasters who are available online.
Watching Live UK TV over the Internet
These catch-up services mean that potentially anyone with an internet connection can watch all the main UK television channels. What’s more you don’t need any additional hardware; you don’t even need a TV aerial or a satellite dish outside your house either.
In fact, the internet has the potential to make watching TV much simpler and more convenient. Not only can you watch what you like, you can do it at the time you choose too.
Fast Broadband
A fast broadband is needed to stream UK TV via internet. For instance, Netflix recommends at least 5 Megabits per second for HD quality streaming, and 25 Megabits for 4K streaming. Also forget about internet deals with data limits. Anyone who tries to watch everything online would reach data caps if they are limited with their current plan that has no unlimited data usage.
With the increasing popularity of streaming TV, an internet connection is necessary to access online content. If you are not able to stream your preferred show on time due to buffering issues, it may be best for you to find a different service provider with fast broadband.
Buffering Online Video
If you want continuous streams without interruptions and buffer delays, then look into getting a streaming device that can pause/stop if there’s enough room in the buffer(s). Speed is definitely the key, the main factor being your internet connection’s speed.
For HD streaming on ONE DEVICE at a time, and no one else at your house doing anything “heavy” on the internet, something like a 15-20mb broadband package is usually enough. If you have a bigger household, with more than one person intending to watch streaming TV at the same time (or use the internet for other heavy needs such as gaming or video calls), get a speed of at least 38Mb if you possibly can.
Normally though you won’t see any buffering if your internet speed is sufficient. Although remember the speed of the streaming site is also relevant and can cause buffering in the fastest internet connection.
4K/UHD Streaming Internet Speeds
You’ll see all sorts of recommendations for minimum speed for the highest quality videos. These can be very different usually depending on who’s making them. The video companies and broadcasters (especially the commercial ones) will often underestimate the speeds required for the very high-definition services. This is simply because not everyone can get access to the sort of speeds required to support this level of stream.
You’re probably ok for most levels if you have a 25mb connection available. However, that’s if you don’t have to share it. If there’s lots of people in the house, you may need much more especially if multiple people are streaming UK TV over the internet too.
UK TV Streaming Devices
You don’t really need any specific hardware now to stream high quality TV to your home. Sure, there are a myriad of streaming devices which can enhance the experience, but they’re certainly not necessary.
In fact, you’ve almost certainly already got the ideal device to stream TV to your home. Devices like Smart TVs, games consoles, computers, tablet and laptops can do everything you need. Even most modern smart phone is more than capable of streaming UK TV from any of the major streaming sites like BBC iPlayer. Again, a fast and stable internet connection is what matters most.
In addition, services like YouView, BT Vision, Sky Anytime+, Virgin on Demand can all work fine on all these platforms.
IPTV Set Top Boxes
What are IPTV Boxes?
IPTV stands for Internet Protocol Television, and it is a type of television service that allows users to watch live TV channels, VOD options, or access other content via the internet. Most IPTV services offer thousands of live TV channels.
Although most devices that can stream television online can be described as IPTV boxes, the term is usually referenced for something more specific. IPTV boxes and services are generally known as the services which stream other people’s content for a specific fee.
They usually offer thousands of live TV channels, VOD options, no contracts, month-to-month plans, and much more. You can get premium TV and Sports channels for a fraction of the cost delivered direct to your home. It’s the modern-day equivalent of ‘stealing cable’ and is hugely popular in many parts of the world.
Illegal IPTV Boxes
These boxes are usually delivered pre-configured and ready to stream the packages you’ve bought. It’s important to remember though that this content is being illegally broadcast. It moves up a whole new level than simply using a VPN to bypass protection blocks.
These unverified IPTV services are taking commercial content and reselling it as their own. In the United States they were declared illegal by the Felony Streaming Bill of 2020. As most of them operate outside the US this is unlikely to stop them, but users may not be as lucky.
They’re fairly easy to spot, they usually offer popular entertainment or sports packages from other providers at a fraction of the subscription cost. If you buy the box and pay the supplier, you’re effectively buying stolen goods and there’s likely to be little defence if you’re caught.
Will I Be Caught with IPTV?
It’s certainly possible, it’s not actually that hard to track the users of these services when you’ve identified them. Everyone’s unique IP address can be easily recorded at a variety of points including at your ISP. What’s more people’s names and addresses can be extracted with the relevant legal documentation. It’s happened frequently in the past with users who have downloaded pirated copies of movies and music.
There is perhaps safety in numbers, the sheer number of people who use these illegal IPTV boxes mean that it’s a huge problem for the content providers to deal with.
Watching UK TV via Internet
If you’re happy with the main UK TV channels and don’t want super commercial content like Premier League sports or the very latest movies, then you really don’t need to bother with these dodgy IPTV providers. Whether there is a huge risk of being caught is debatable but it’s certainly technically possible to track people down and the potential for fines and charges is significant.
In truth there are many websites which stream much of this premium content too and it’s probably a safer option than buying a device specifically configured for downloading stolen content.
Watching UK TV in the UK
Is pretty easy, you’ll need accounts on the major platforms like BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub. However, these are simple to create and completely free. You should have a UK TV license though in order to watch anything live or as it’s broadcast.
Most of us already have this license in the UK though as it’s actually quite risky to own a TV without one! So along with a suitable streaming device like a phone, PC, laptop or tablet – that is pretty much anything that connects to the internet and has or can be attached to a screen that’s all you need.
Of course, you’ll need an internet connection however even the slowest connection can work on the standard definition settings. What’s more on BBC iPlayer you can actually download onto a device to watch it later too without an internet connection.
Watching UK TV Online Outside the UK
If you’re outside the United Kingdom, then it gets a little more complicated as all of the catch-up broadcasters restrict access to the domestic market. That is, you have to physically be located in the United Kingdom when you connect. It doesn’t matter if you’ve got a UK TV license but are travelling, on holiday or are temporarily out of the country – if you’re outside the UK then you’ll get blocked.
The technique used for this is called geo-targeting and is an increasingly important technology for the major websites. Basically, when you connect to the website your IP address is checked to see where you are located. If it’s in the UK then that’s fine and everything will work perfectly. If it’s not registered in the UK then you won’t be able to stream anything from any of the UK TV sites.
Fortunately, there is a solution that millions of people use every day to watch the BBC iPlayer and other UK TV channels online.
Using a VPN to Watch UK TV Via the Internet
This is a simple method of hiding your location using something called a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Although it sounds complicated it isn’t really and mostly involves installing a simple application and pressing a button to connect.
BBC iPlayer From Abroad
Here’s a quick video to see how simple it is to watch BBC iPlayer outside the UK.
This is using a VPN service called NordVPN which you can use on pretty much all your devices. You simply click on a UK server and then connect to the BBC site. It will only see the IP address of the VPN server not your real location. So as long as you use a UK server then you’ll have a UK IP address, and everything will work fine. When you disconnect the VPN your own IP address will again be visible, and you will be able to access the sites you normally can.
Here’s the link to latest NordVPN Discounts Here !
How Do I Get a VPN?
It’s really not hard, there are lots of VPN services available. You’ll need to pay a small subscription; these are normally cheaper the longer you subscribe for.
Most will work on the vast majority of platforms and they’ve usually all got UK servers included in their subscriptions. Don’t subscribe if they haven’t got these – you must connect to a VPN based in the UK to watch UK Television.
Best VPNs for watching UK TV abroad
Although in theory any VPN service should work for allowing people to watch UK TV online from outside the UK. In practice this isn’t the case particularly with regards BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub. The problem is that over the last couple of years the companies have started to block access to these VPNs.
Using a variety of techniques, they have started to try and identify the IP addresses of VPN servers and will block them from accessing. This means that you can be using a UK VPN and you’ll get blocked just like standard users.
Fortunately, not all VPN services have been blocked however it’s a significant number and you should check first whether a VPN server will allow you access to UK TV.
Here’s our favorite NordVPN for the following reasons – it’s fast, low priced, supports most devices and most importantly their servers work with all the UK TV sites including BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub. Probably the most popular VPN in places like Spain for BBC access.
These are the best Nord VPN servers to use for BBC access.
UK# 1840-1847, 1850-1863, 1865, 1869, 1873, 1875-1878, 1880-1881, 1900-1901, 1903-1904, 1911, 1913, 1917, 1919-1920.
FAQ – British Television over the Internet
Do I need a TV Licence?
If you’re in the UK then you’ll need a UK television license to watch online or through your TV. Every address is registered and checked so it’s not worth the risk avoiding this as you can also get a large fine. However, you cannot get a TV license from outside the UK so if you’re watching through a VPN then you’ll be fine. You will be asked by the BBC iPlayer site if you have a license, you must say yes to continue (don’t worry they don’t check).
Do I need a BBC iPlayer account?
Yes, everyone who watches BBC iPlayer online now needs to login with an account. These are free and you need to create one before you can watch the service. They’re mainly used to keep track of your viewing, so if you return halfway through a programme or box set it can return you to the right place. If you’re creating from abroad make sure your VPN is enabled and connected to a UK server. You will be asked for a postcode, any valid one will do, or you can copy one from here.
Does a VPN give you Access to Premium TV Channels like Sky?
Using a VPN just bypasses the geo-targeting blocks from the UK TV websites. It doesn’t allow you access to premium sites without a subscription. Although don’t forget Match of the Day has highlights of most of the Premiership games. You can watch all the free to air UK TV channels using your UK VPN, but you’ll need to subscribe to access the premium channels. Use it to access an existing subscription or subscribe but you will need a UK form of payment to do this.
Does a VPN help with Websites like Netflix?
Using a VPN can allow you access to different versions of Netflix. So, if you’re in Spain for example and you connect to Netflix using your UK VPN then you’ll get the UK version of Netflix. Many people connect to a US server first to get the American version of Netflix which has more films and TV series. Be warned though Netflix is always blocking VPN services so it might not always work!
Will a UK VPN allow me access to UK TV From Anywhere?
It will work from anywhere your location is immaterial. So, you can watch UK TV in France via internet connection and do exactly the same in Australia, Canada, Japan etc! The websites will only see the VPN location, so it doesn’t matter where you are. Watch iPlayer abroad wherever you are!
Are there other options for Internet TV UK channels?
If you don’t fancy using a VPN – perhaps you can’t install software on your device then there are other options. Some people use IPTV flash drives which you find online, most of these can give you access to the major UK TV channels for a yearly fee. The cost is usually similar to a VPN and often gives you access to some premium channels. I don’t use these as they’re linked to your home device so you could get tracked down and they often just disappear without warning (or any refunds).
Is there lots of UK TV on Internet Sites Available for Free?
Yes, as long as you have a UK IP address either automatically or through a VPN or proxy. All the main free to air UK TV channels are available online so anyone can potentially watch them online.
UK TV Channels Internet Sites – Which should I look at ?
For fans of British TV, you don’t need to look beyond the main TV channels. Load up your UK VPN if out of the country and start with creating free accounts on BBC iPlayer, ITVX and All4. This will provide you access to many live TV channels and thousands of on-demand shows. Remember to say you have a UK TV license if asked or nothing will work properly.