Compared to Netflix, HBO and Disney+ – TVPlayer is a smaller streaming service but is still offering a ton of news and entertainment on your computer or mobile device for free. But only if you’re in the United Kingdom. Otherwise, you can’t access it. Actually, that applies only if you don’t use a VPN which will let you bypass silly restrictions imposed by the content rights owners.
With a VPN, you get to choose your “virtual country” so by connecting to a UK-based server, you can enjoy TVPlayer from all parts of the world.
But that’s not all, as a good VPN has much more to offer — including allowing you to access any streaming service you want. Also, it will keep you anonymous online so that the likes of Google and Facebook can’t follow every step you make on the Internet.
In addition, a VPN will encrypt all data that is exchanged between your devices and the world wide web, making your connection to public Wi-Fi hotspots much more secure.
That being said, we think everyone should be using a VPN these days, and these are the best services you can get (which you can also use to access TVPlayer from anywhere):
Pros
Cons
- 5,000+ servers in the network
- Easy to use - install it and forget it
- One license is good for up to 6 devices
- Strict zero-logs policy
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Chrome extension is just a proxy
- You can't pay with PayPal
Summary
Its network includes more than 5,000 servers spread across 60 countries, which directly translates into faster speeds. NordVPN is also very secure, relying on the strong 256-bit encryption combined with secure VPN protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec). But as a user, you get a seamless experience with all this technology "doing its thing" in the background.
NordVPN is well suited to pretty much every task you throw at it — whether it's accessing a banned site from some country that filters out the internet, torrenting, accessing streaming services, or just wanting to keep a low profile on the web. It also doesn't keep any logs.
We highly recommend NordVPN to anyone looking for reliable service.
Pros
Cons
- Feature-rich yet easy to use
- One of the best VPNs around
- Strong no-logging policy
- Reliable support you can reach 24/7
- Limited number of servers in Africa and the Middle East
- Kinda pricey
Summary
ExpressVPN has great desktop apps for Windows and Mac, mobile apps and browser extensions. Also, it is well suited for video streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and others.
However, what makes it stand out is its ease of use. We can't emphasize this enough. One could tell a lot of time has been spent making sure even the advanced features are easily accessible. And we love it for that. Plus, let's not forget ExpressVPN's speed which tends to leave other services in the dust.
Pros
Cons
- It's super fast!
- Works with Netflix, BBC and others
- Easy to use apps, browser extensions
- You can try it for free!
- Some advanced features are not configurable
- Not the best for high-censorship countries
Summary
Furthermore, thanks to the availability of browser extensions - Hotspot Shield is also one of our top choices for Chrome and Firefox VPNs.
Your privacy is equally well protected, with the software only collecting some anonymized that help continually improve its service.
There is one caveat though - it won't work in high-censorship countries like China. If you don't need that in the first place, we highly recommend Hotspot Shield.
As that's typically the case with most VPN services out there, the longer you commit - the better deal you get. However, what makes Hotspot Shield even better is the fact that it offers a 7-day free trial of its service. A few other top VPN providers do the same. Plus, its money-back guarantee lasts for 45 days, making for a risk-free purchase. Cause, you can always get your money back. Sweet and just the way we like it.
Pros
Cons
- One the best VPNs for torrenting
- Works well with Netflix
- Simple setup on all popular devices
- Strict zero-logs policy
- Doesn't work with BBC iPlayer
- Doesn't work in China
Summary
Its desktop apps are not among the prettiest ones, but they get the job done. The important thing is that installation is easy and straightforward, and that no logs are kept by the company.
When it comes to pricing, IPVanish is somewhere in the middle — it's not the most affordable option but also not the most expensive one. As noted, it will be most appreciated by heavy BitTorrent users, and — related — Kodi fans.
Pros
Cons
- Reliable download and upload speeds
- Works with Netflix and BBC iPlayer
- Strict zero-logs policy
- Lets you use it on unlimited number of devices
- Low number of servers in Africa and Australia
Summary
You can rely on it for streaming and torrenting, with included extra features like CleanWeb and MultiHop, delivering a that much better — and more secure — experience.
Surfshark, the company, is based in the British Virgin Islands and with its zero-logs policy makes for a powerful combo to anyone looking to keep its web whereabouts under the radar.
The service is easy to use and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
TVPlayer 101
Launched in December 2013, TVPlayer is an Internet TV service in the United Kingdom, owned by international digital distribution company Alchimie. It provides access to free and paid live television channel streams using a web browser or an app.
Originally, TVPlayer was available only on Android and iOS devices, but later (in 2017) it expanded to Windows 10 computers — helping the TVPlayer app hit 2.5 million downloads and over one million active viewers.
Aside from offering live TV, the service also lets users catch up on up to 30 days of TV programs. However, some television channels are not available on certain devices and software due to licensing rights and legal restrictions.
The TVPlayer free plan includes access to the following channels: BBC One, BBC Two, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, Sony Channel, ITV2, BBC Four, ITV3, Film4, More4, 5USA, ITV4, ITVBe, 5Star, Paramount Network, 4Seven, 5Select, CBeebies, CBBC, and CITV.
The Premium Pack includes MTV, Comedy Central, Comedy Central Extra, Sky History HD, Sky History 2, Crime+Investigation HD, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr, Nicktoons, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Cartoonito, and Nick Jr Too.
You need a VPN to watch TVPlayer outside the UK
If you’re in the UK, you can just visit TVPlayer’s website or fire up its app – and you’re good to go. Otherwise, you’ll need a VPN to first connect to a UK-based server and only then watch their TV offering.
Even the free pack is rock solid and you’ll only have to pay for the VPN itself, which is really not that much considering all other benefits a VPN offers. For instance, it will:
- Protect your privacy from the government and big corporations
- Bypass restrictions imposed by the government or various organizations
- Change your IP address so you get unrestricted access to Netflix, Disney+, iPlayer, HULU, and other video streaming services
- Encrypt and protect private data from cybercriminals
The top contenders that check all these boxes include the following:
