If you’re on a mission to watch ITV live outside the United Kingdom, consider yourself lucky. We know accessing ITVX abroad is impossible but hold on a second. This UK TV channel, also known as Channel 3, requires you to be in the United Kingdom to access it.
In other words, the prerequisite to access the channel is to have an IP address located in the UK. Apart from traveling there, which is bloody expensive, as Brits would say, there’s a much simpler solution to get it. With a VPN provider.
In today’s comprehensive guide, that’s what we’ll do. We’ll present you with the top 3 VPNs to watch ITV live outside the UK, see how to use them, and answer a few more questions related to unblocking this channel abroad. Interested? Then read on.
Best VPNs That Work With ITVX Outside the UK [Top 3]
The goal of this article is to teach you how to watch ITV live abroad but first, we need to present you with a means of doing that.
ITVX can and will detect VPN services, and when this happens, you’ll be faced with a geo-restriction or a black, infinite-loading screen.
This is why you must use a quality VPN service that will successfully dodge anti-VPN measures set in place by ITVX. Our team of experts tested dozens but we think these 3 offer the best performance, and above all, work with ITV flawlessly.
6300 servers
111 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
10 simultaneous connections
9.4 /10
3000 servers
105 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
8 simultaneous connections
9.1 /10
27000 servers
91 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
Unlimited connections
9 /10
1. NordVPN
Pros
- Unlimited bandwidth for endless streaming
- Fast speeds thanks to NordLynx
- Threat Protection provides additional security
- Applications for all devices
- 6,400+ servers in 110+ countries
- Attractive 2-year deal with a hefty discount
Cons
- No discounts for monthly plans
- Slightly overwhelming apps for beginners
At #1, we have NordVPN. It allows you to watch ITV (live and on-demand) outside the UK thanks to 440+ UK servers. Above all, the provider is streaming-optimized and can even unblock BBC iPlayer, which is no easy feat for many VPNs. Another benefit is the performance.
NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol is the leading choice for many. Coupled with NordVPN’s 10 Gbps servers and unlimited traffic, NordLynx ensures a buttery-smooth streaming experience. We must praise its SmartPlay support, which is a breath of fresh air. It’s Smart DNS that lets you access Netflix US and other popular streaming platforms.
As the number one VPN to watch ITV abroad, it’s also packed with unique features. There’s Meshnet that can be used to circumvent geo-blocks and remotely control devices.
We also have Double VPN servers that drive your traffic through two different servers and add another encryption layer. NordVPN’s Threat Protection blocks malware and trackers, while the Kill Switch prevents IP and DNS leaks.
Device compatibility is paramount if you’re looking for a VPN to watch ITVX live overseas. Therefore, NordVPN works on Windows (according to our tests, it’s the best VPN for Windows 11), macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. It also supports routers, Smart TVs, Firestick, and other devices, packing 10 simultaneous connections.
It’s an end-all-be-all solution to access ITVX live outside the UK. Better yet, NordVPN’s 2-year deal is attractive with a sweet 60+% discount and 3 free months. You can test it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee as well, so don’t hesitate – be our guest!
2. ExpressVPN
Pros
- Impeccable streaming optimization
- TrustedServer (RAM-based servers)
- Lightway protocol
- Parental Control is included in every plan
- Works in China thanks to obfuscation
Cons
- More expensive than NordVPN
- Lacks advanced security features (MultiHop, Port Forwarding, …)
ExpressVPN also works with ITVX no matter which UK server you use. The VPN has plentiful locations on British land, offering servers in 105 countries globally.
We love ExpressVPN’s simplicity and the ability to work on all devices – including Apple TV and Chromecast.
Moreover, the VPN is famous for its fast speeds, especially when using the Lightway protocol. This brings out the best in the VPN, as its unlimited traffic lets you watch ITV outside the UK limitlessly. However, that’s not all – ExpressVPN offers other qualities.
One of them is Advanced Protection, which blocks trackers and ads. Parental Control blocks porn sites, which is handy for protecting your children online. We love its Network Lock kill switch, as it disables your internet access if the VPN connection drops to keep you private.
ExpressVPN is less advanced than NordVPN, so it lacks Double VPN servers and other tidbits. On the other hand, it has a no-logging policy and cutting-edge “passive” security in the form of Perfect Forward Secrecy, Private DNS, and RAM servers (TrustedServer).
ExpressVPN allows for up to 8 simultaneous connections, which should be enough. Users enjoy its P2P optimization for torrenting, plus, it’s fully capable of working in China thanks to built-in obfuscation. We put ExpressVPN at #2 because of a slightly higher price.
Granted, it costs way more than NordVPN, so it’s not the most feasible option for some users. However, Gizmodo lets you claim a 49% discount thanks to 3 free months for the annual plan. Of course, let’s not forget about a 30-day refund policy – a holy grail!
3. Private Internet Access
Pros
- Dedicated UK streaming servers
- PIA MACE (ad blocker)
- The cheapest VPN for ITV
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
Cons
- Lacks a Fire TV VPN app
- Could be slightly faster
- Difficulties with unblocking some Netflix catalogs
Private Internet Access also lets you watch ITVX abroad. With 30,000+ servers around the world, the provider is as numerous as it’s feature-packed. Streaming lovers will appreciate its UK servers dedicated to streaming, as they work surprisingly well.
Whether you want to access ITVX overseas or watch BBC iPlayer, they’ll be there. PIA isn’t the fastest option but when WireGuard is enabled, connection stability is impressive. We also love its security, which is perhaps the standout feature of this VPN.
It uses 256-bit encryption followed by advanced features like PIA MACE (ad blocker), protocol customization, and split tunneling. Users can opt for obfuscation through the Shadowsocks proxy for watching ITV live abroad in censored regions.
Another thing about PIA is that it keeps no logs, so it’s perfectly safe to use. In our PIA VPN test, we highlighted its unlimited simultaneous connections – another standout perk. Additionally, the VPN works on all devices, except for Firestick, which is a bit of a shame.
However, you can’t blame the VPN whose price is unbelievably low. Namely, Private Internet Access is the cheapest option that lets you watch ITVX live outside the UK. At just over $2/mo for the 2-year plan with 2 free months, all complaints are pointless.
Let us remind you that Private Internet Access exudes impressive quality levels. Other features we haven’t mentioned include a kill switch, SOCKS5 support, P2P-friendly servers, Dedicated IPs, optional antivirus, and many others.
How to Watch ITVX Live Outside the United Kingdom – Our Tutorial
Now that we provided you with the 3 best VPNs for ITVX, let’s see how to use them.
As explained, users abroad will be faced with a, perhaps, unforeseen geo-restriction. However, ITVX’s licensing agreements allow it to broadcast only to people in the United Kingdom.
With our VPNs, you can become anything you want and switch your IP address to one of 90+ countries. For this tutorial, we’ll use NordVPN as it is our favorite choice. If you opt for ExpressVPN or maybe its rival, PIA, the procedure is more or less the same.
1. Subscribe to a VPN that works with ITVX
If you haven’t already, your first step is to subscribe to any of the VPNs from above. As said, we’ll be using NordVPN, in which case, this step is quite simple. You can get the VPN from our site, claim a 50+% discount for the 24-month plan, and enter your email address.
Now, you’ll have to choose the payment method and complete the purchase. Shortly after, NordVPN will send you an email where you can create a password and your subscription is complete – congrats! From here, you’ll be allowed to download the app.
Do this and then install it on your device. With 10 simultaneous connections, you can protect up to 10 devices and watch ITV outside the UK on all of them. We used NordVPN on Windows and upon installation and logging in, the app looked like this:
2. Obtain an IP Address from the United Kingdom
Getting a UK IP address is the main goal if you want to unblock ITVX abroad. To get it, open the server list and then use the Search bar. Type in “United Kingdom” and it’ll appear in a second. Click once on this country and NordVPN will connect.
This will be reflected in its “Connected” message up top, which tells you everything is ready.
3. Watch ITV Live Abroad
Now, for the fun part – you can immediately watch ITV live outside the United Kingdom! Go to ITVX, make sure you create an account (it’s free), and watch it live.
You can choose any channel – ITV1, ITV2, ITVX Kids, and so on. Everything will work perfectly.
Can a Free VPN Unblock ITV Overseas?
Okay, so let’s tackle the subject, or better said, the issue with free VPNs. We’ll be direct. They won’t allow you to access ITV abroad. Most of them lack UK servers, and those that have them, like PrivadoVPN, are limited to a few gigabytes of bandwidth a month.
We can confirm that PrivadoVPN works with ITV. However, its limited bandwidth means you’ll be able to watch it for a few hours monthly. A glaring issue is also speed, which free VPNs won’t provide sufficiently for any form of streaming – HD, Full HD, or UHD.
We’re not fond of free VPNs and their lack of features. Many will block P2P traffic and we’ve seen severe cases of IP/DNS leaks, for example. Some, or better said MOST of them will also store logs and sell them to earn money. They don’t earn from subscriptions.
In our experience, free VPNs are loaded with compromises and shortcomings. Some of these include compatibility, as many providers fail to provide apps for specific platforms. Oh, and one more thing – not a single free VPN offers simultaneous connections!
You can protect only one device at a time, which likely won’t suffice for many users. Frankly, we don’t think free VPNs make sense for unblocking ITV abroad. With NordVPN and PIA both costing well under $3.50 per month, it’s impractical to replace them with an incapable free VPN.
Is It Legal to Use ITVX Outside the UK?
VPNs are legal in the majority of the world. If you’re in Europe, Canada, or the USA, you’ll face no issues. Very few countries explicitly ban VPNs and if you’re reading this article, we’re confident you aren’t in these countries. There’s another question, though.
Can you use a VPN to legally watch ITV outside the UK? Again, the answer is positive. ITVX is restricted to the United Kingdom but using a VPN to access it isn’t against the law. It is, however, against the terms and conditions of the platform.
Logically, ITVX will forbid the use of IP-changing tools to access it but it doesn’t penalize it. Neither do the authorities who won’t be able to see your VPN traffic either way. If you’re worried about being fined or sent to rot in a prison cell, give it a break.
Nothing’s going to happen. As always, our team is against any copyright violation but we’re not lawyers to distinctly tell you what is or what isn’t legal in your country. Don’t take anything as legal advice from cybersecurity specialists – talk to a lawyer instead!
Conclusion
To conclude, it’s possible to watch ITV live outside the UK using a VPN.
NordVPN is the best overall option, and as you’ve seen, it’s simple to set up and use. Once set up, you can explore ITV and watch all of its channels live – there are 15 or more available.
Alternatively, you can try ExpressVPN or Private Internet Access. They’re both awesome, with the former being more expensive and the latter slightly cheaper. Take your pick and enjoy. Don’t be afraid to discover our favorite Netflix VPNs as well.
FAQ
So let’s cover a few more questions related to watching ITVX outside the UK.
What can I watch on ITVX?
Pretty much anything you want. ITVX is home to many sub-channels, many of which we mentioned previously. The platform includes dedicated kid channels where you’ll find family-friendly entertainment. Apart from that, this channel offers access to movies and shows.
The repertoire is similar to BBC iPlayer variety-wise. If we include news, which ITV frequently broadcasts, you get a platform with both entertainment and informational value.
Is ITV a free TV channel?
Yes, it’s free to use. The channel offers its premium version as well, which comes without ads and lets you download content on the god. On top of that, users can watch 100+ more films and shows such as Hannibal, Logan Lucky, Peep Show, and many others.
The Premium version has a 7-day free trial but after that, the price is £5.99/month or £59.99/year. Whether it’s worth the money is up to you.
What to do if my VPN isn’t working with ITVX?
Well, you can do plenty of things, such as:
- Using another VPN server
- Trying another VPN protocol (OpenVPN TCP, for example)
- Wiping your browser cache and cookies
- Switching to a different browser (Edge worked for us many times)
- Enabling IP and DNS leak protection
- Using Obfuscation or Obfuscated servers
- Reinstalling and/or updating the VPN client
- Contacting the VPN’s customer support
If everything fails, consider getting a refund from the chosen provider and using another one.