ITVX is home to original content including Mr Bates vs The Post Office and A Spy Among Friends. Although you can stream its content for free, ITVX is only available in the UK. This means that if you’re traveling abroad, even if just for a short vacation, content becomes geo-blocked. This is where the best VPNs can come in handy.
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a service that helps you navigate geographic restrictions by encrypting your traffic and assigning you an IP address in your preferred location. Through regular and rigorous testing, we’ve identified the best ITVX VPNs so you can unblock and stream your favorite shows regardless of your physical location.
Scroll down to find a quick rundown of the best VPNs for ITVX, detailed reviews of each VPN, instructions on how to unblock ITVX with a VPN, and more.
Best ITVX VPN: a quick overview
Short for time? Here’s a brief glance at the best VPNs for ITVX. If you want to know more, you can always come back to the in-depth reviews further below.
The best ITVX VPNs in 2024
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Best ITVX VPN overall
Subscribe if:
✔️ You’re a regular streamer: NordVPN is capable of unblocking ITVX, BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Prime Video, and more.
✔️ You require some of the fastest speeds: In our recent speed tests, NordVPN was among the fastest VPNs available.
✔️ You want extra security features: With the exception of Basic, all tiers include access to an ad blocker, password manager, and more.
Don’t subscribe if:
❌ You prefer a simple app interface: NordVPN’s apps work well but feel cluttered compared to ExpressVPN, not helped by the clumsy server map.
❌ You want a one-month subscription: NordVPN’s single-month subscription prices are on the expensive side, particularly compared to Private Internet Access.
Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔒 NordVPN offers unbeatable unblocking, is one of the fastest VPNs, and packs plenty of features for an affordable price. It also offers more UK servers than most VPNs. Better still, you can try it risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Want to know more?
Take a look at our in-depth NordVPN review and find out why it’s also our top choice for BBC iPlayer.
NordVPN is by far the best VPN for unblocking content, as not only is it the best ITVX VPN, it’s the best VPN for BBC iPlayer, too. Connecting to a server is quick and easy and I managed to access ITVX on the first attempt. Plus, the fast server speeds ensure high-resolution streaming without having to worry about interruptions.
With more UK servers than most VPNs (440+), NordVPN is well-positioned to bypass ITVX’s restrictions. You’ll have the choice of servers in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. Looking further afield, NordVPN’s 6,000+ servers cover more countries than any other VPN in this post (111) – another reason why it’s comfortably the best VPN for unblocking content. In fact, you can also use it with All 4, Prime Video, and Netflix.
NordVPN offers multiple subscription tiers with varying numbers of features. Indeed, it’s the sheer number of features that makes NordVPN particularly good value. This includes a password manager, data breach scanner, and encrypted cloud storage, providing comprehensive protection from threats.
There’s very little to dislike about NordVPN, though I do think the apps try to pack in too many features, making them cluttered. They’re not difficult to use but the map interface is somewhat clumsy. Not everyone will feel the same way but if you do, know that ExpressVPN’s apps have a more streamlined design.
If you’re a regular streamer, NordVPN is your best bet. With maximum connection speeds of 950 Mbps via its proprietary NordLynx protocol, it’s far faster than ExpressVPN (410 Mbps) and Private Internet Access (330 Mbps) in particular. You’ll also be able to unblock more streaming services than you could with most other VPNs.
A NordVPN subscription includes access to specialty servers including Double VPN for an extra layer of encryption. The fact that NordVPN’s no-logs policy has been independently verified by Deloitte provides further peace of mind. You can test NordVPN’s unblocking and streaming for yourself risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
| Feature | In brief | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Usability | Quick and easy to download and install. Clumsy map view | ★★★★ |
| Speed | One of the fastest VPNs, maxing out our testing line | ★★★★★ |
| Streaming | Best unblocking VPN in the business. ITVX is no problem | ★★★★★ |
| Technical | Comprehensive app security and an independently audited no-logs policy | ★★★★★ |
| Support | Quality live chat and email support 24 hours a day | ★★★★★ |
| Value | Best VPN for ITVX available for an affordable price | ★★★★ |
Best ITVX VPN for beginners
Subscribe if:
✔️ You’re looking for a strong all-rounder: ExpressVPN offers a healthy combination of impressive server speeds and strong security.
✔️ You want an easy-to-use app: ExpressVPN doesn’t try to squeeze in too many features in its apps.
✔️ You want quality customer support: Customer support is quick to provide helpful replies to queries.
Don’t subscribe if:
❌ You want an affordable VPN: ExpressVPN is more expensive than comparable VPNs like Surfshark and NordVPN.
❌ You’d like a complete security offering: It lacks the built-in antivirus of rival VPNs such as Surfshark.
Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
🔒 ExpressVPN has very few areas of weakness. It excels at bypassing restrictions of popular streaming services. It’s also one of the most beginner-friendly VPNs with excellent, straightforward apps and quality 24/7 support. With a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it risk-free.
Want to know more?
Visit our full ExpressVPN review to find out why it consistently ranks among our top VPNs.
ExpressVPN is a strong all-rounder, proving to be one of the most consistent VPNs for bypassing blocks. It makes light work of ITVX, while I’ve never had any issues when accessing other UK streaming platforms such as BBC iPlayer or All 4.
This VPN has a generous server network (3,000+ servers in 105 countries), making it an excellent choice if you regularly travel abroad. For accessing ITVX, you can choose from servers in Docklands, East London, London, and the Midlands. ExpressVPN can also unblock Now TV, alongside international services like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix.
You shouldn’t have any difficulty with ITVX but if you do, know that ExpressVPN provides excellent 24/7 live chat and email support. What’s particularly impressive is that ExpressVPN often replies to emails in minutes. The replies I’ve received have always been helpful and relevant to the question asked.
That’s not to say ExpressVPN is perfect. Although more than fast enough for streaming and online gaming (410 Mbps), it’s behind Surfshark (950 Mbps). It would also be nice to see ExpressVPN add a truly anonymous payment option as is available from NordVPN or Proton VPN.
I really like ExpressVPN’s apps which couldn’t be easier to set up and use. Not all VPNs offer Linux and Apple TV apps so ExpressVPN gets bonus points for this. Where it really sets itself apart, however, is its custom firmware for routers. This makes it particularly quick and easy to get ExpressVPN set up on a compatible router, allowing you to secure all devices connecting to the network.
ExpressVPN isn’t the most affordable VPN but you get a reliable unblocker and streamer with a number of intriguing extra security features such as an ad and tracker blocker and a password manager. You can try out all of these features by taking advantage of ExpressVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee.
| Feature | In brief | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Usability | Excellent user-friendly apps with a quick connect feature | ★★★★★ |
| Speed | Fast enough for streaming ITVX in high resolution | ★★★★ |
| Streaming | Works with many popular streaming services | ★★★★★ |
| Technical | Its apps, no-logs policy, and source code have been independently audited | ★★★★ |
| Support | Quick to reply to messages via live chat and email | ★★★★★ |
| Value | An expensive option but a safe bet | ★★ |
Best cheap ITVX VPN
Subscribe if:
✔️ You’re on a budget: Surfshark is the best cheap VPN with significant savings on one and two year plans.
✔️ You want the fastest speeds: This is the fastest VPN we’ve tested, making it ideal for streaming ITVX lag-free.
✔️ You want an affordable security suite: Despite the low price tag, Surfshark offers a wealth of security features including an antivirus.
Don’t subscribe if:
❌ You only want a one-month subscription: Surfshark’s cheapest one-month subscription is still several dollars more than ExpressVPN.
❌ You require an advanced antivirus: Although Surfshark offers excellent value for money, its antivirus may be too basic for some users.
Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
🔒 Surfshark stands out for its fast speeds and ability to navigate content restrictions. It also has a wealth of features including an antivirus. What’s more, it does all this for a price that’s hard to beat and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Want to know more?
Head to our Surfshark VPN review to see why this speedy service is also our best cheap VPN.
Surfshark provides unblocking on par with NordVPN and ExpressVPN but also happens to be the fastest VPN we’ve tested. This places it among the best VPNs for streaming. I’ve used Surfshark to access ITVX, BBC iPlayer, and Netflix UK (in fact, it unblocks many Netflix libraries).
The fact that Surfshark is so adept at unblocking is in no small part due to its expansive network of servers. With over 3,000 servers across 100 countries, you’ll have access to a vast catalog of TV shows and movies. For accessing ITVX, you can choose between servers in London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.
Surfshark is packed with extra features, particularly those that can further bolster your online security. All plans include an ad blocker and access to MultiHop (Double VPN) servers for two layers of encryption. Opting for the Surfshark One tier provides access to a private search tool and antivirus protection.
One area in which Surfshark could improve is its customer support. Although available 24/7, I’ve found the quality of replies to emails to be a mixed bag and nowhere near the quality of ExpressVPN. There can also be some resistance to actually processing refunds – much more so than with NordVPN.
Still, it’s impressive that Surfshark packs this impressive performance and so many features into such an affordable subscription model. Although one-month subscriptions are expensive, you can make significant savings with its one-year and two-year plans (as much as 86%) and pay significantly less than other top-rated VPNs, be it NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
There’s no limit to the number of simultaneous connections you can have with Surfshark, which gives you the chance to try it on all of your devices. You can see just how fast it is by making use of its 30-day money-back guarantee.
| Feature | In brief | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Usability | Apps are easier to use than NordVPN | ★★★★ |
| Speed | The fastest VPN in our recent speed tests | ★★★★★ |
| Streaming | One of the best unblocking VPNs available | ★★★★★ |
| Technical | Improved antivirus but kill switch can be temperamental | ★★★★ |
| Support | Improved support but not on a part with ExpressVPN | ★★★★ |
| Value | Offers lots of features for an unbeatable price | ★★★★★ |
Other VPNs I’ve tested and reccomend
Subscribe if:
✔️ You’re looking for an anonymous signup. Proton VPN is one of the few VPNs that accept cash payments.
✔️ You’re a Linux user. Not all VPNs offer an app for Linux but Proton VPN has a GUI app, making it easy to use.
✔️ You want a good free VPN. Proton VPN has one of the best free plans with no data or speed limits.
Don’t subscribe if:
❌ You need 24/7 live chat support. Despite offering high-quality support, Proton VPN’s live chat is only available during business hours from Monday to Friday.
❌ You’re an Apple TV user. Unlike NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN, Proton VPN doesn’t offer an Apple TV app.
Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
🔒 Proton VPN has a reputation for strong security and privacy protection but has a growing server network and is highly adept at unblocking streaming services. It has an excellent free plan but you can try the premium version risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Want to know more?
Read our comprehensive Proton VPN review to discover how Proton VPN has improved its service.
Proton VPN lets you securely access ITVX at home and when traveling abroad. I used it to livestream a recent Euro 2024 match. It worked on the first attempt and I had no interruptions in the form of lag or buffering. UK servers are offered in London and Manchester.
This VPN unblocks UK streaming platforms including ITVX, BBC iPlayer, and All 4. I also had success with multiple Netflix libraries, Disney+, and YouTube. It helps that Proton VPN has a rapidly growing server network which now stands at over 6,000 servers in 100 countries.
An area in which Proton VPN has made huge improvements is its server speeds. It uses the WireGuard protocol and managed to max out our connection speeds at 950 Mbps. This places it among the fastest VPNs. Even if you use the OpenVPN protocol, you’ll experience faster speeds than most VPNs offering the same protocol.
A particular drawback of Proton VPN is the absence of 24/7 live chat support. This is something that all major rivals offer, NordVPN included. It’s only available during business hours from Monday to Friday. Fortunately, the quality of support is very high and I generally received replies to emails within as little as three to five hours. The absence of an Apple TV app is another downside but Proton has stated that one is in the works.
Proton VPN is unique in that, unlike the vast majority of VPNs, it offers an anonymous payment option. Note that to see this option, you’ll first need to sign up for a free plan. The fact that Proton VPN also has a strict no-logs policy with no connection logs makes it a very strong VPN for privacy.
Proton VPN offers many extra features including Double VPN servers, split tunneling, and an ad blocker. Thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee, you’ll have plenty of time to test these features out.
| Feature | In brief | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Usability | Apps are user-friendly but not as simple as ExpressVPN | ★★★★ |
| Speed | Ranks among the fastest VPNs | ★★★★★ |
| Streaming | Has established a reputation for unblocking | ★★★★★ |
| Technical | Impressive stealth feature for bypassing VPN blocks | ★★★★ |
| Support | Quality replies but lacks 24/7 live chat | ★★★★ |
| Value | Not the cheapest but privacy comes at a cost | ★★★★ |
Subscribe if:
✔️ You want a high level of customization: PIA’s apps are highly customizable, allowing you to switch up the layout to your liking.
✔️ You have a lot of devices to secure: Private Internet Access doesn’t impose a connection limit so you can secure all of your devices.
✔️ You’re after an affordable VPN: This VPN has some of the most affordable subscription prices across the board.
Don’t subscribe if:
❌ You want an easy-to-use app: Despite being customizable, PIA’s apps aren’t the most user-friendly and may be overwhelming to newcomers.
❌ Speed is key to your needs: Private Internet Access is more than fast enough for streaming but is some way behind Surfshark.
Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Private Internet Access comes with a wealth of features including an ad blocker and MultiHop servers, all at a highly affordable price. A 30-day money-back guarantee gives you plenty of time to try it out.
Private Internet Access stands out as a feature-packed VPN with the ability to bypass the restrictions of most streaming platforms. Aside from ITVX, I tested its servers against BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Netflix and it had no trouble with any of them, placing it level with our top-rated VPN in NordVPN.
That PIA has servers in three UK cities (London, Manchester, and Southampton) makes it highly suitable for ITVX. However, its entire network covers more than 90 countries. PIA no longer specifies its server count but this once stood at over 35,000 servers. It’s a fair bet that it’s still one of the largest available. Its servers cover dozens of US cities which is why it’s the best US VPN.
Included with a PIA subscription is a kill switch which is available in all apps. Should your VPN connection drop, it cuts your internet traffic to prevent the exposure of your data. Yet there are many extra security features as well, be it a built-in ad blocker or MultiHop servers for connecting via two locations for an extra layer of encryption.
PIA was able to reach speeds of up to 330 Mbps in testing. That’s certainly not slow but it’s some way off the fastest VPNs such as Surfshark and Mullvad, both of which maxed out at over 950 Mbps. Although PIA’s apps have a high level of customization, they may be daunting for beginners due to the many options available.
Where PIA edges out Surfshark and NordVPN is with its no-logs policy. That’s because it’s one of very few VPNs without connection logs. Its one-month plan is far more affordable than the likes of Surfshark and NordVPN, and you can save significantly with longer-term subscriptions.
All in all, PIA offers great value for money, and the fact that you can connect as many devices as you like simultaneously is a bonus. PIA comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, providing you the chance to try it out risk-free.
| Feature | In brief | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Usability | Complicated for beginners but ideal for advanced users | ★★★ |
| Speed | Average speeds but fast enough for streaming | ★★★ |
| Streaming | Impressive ability to unblock stubborn platforms | ★★★★★ |
| Technical | Packed with advanced features for power users | ★★★★★ |
| Support | Live chat and email support around the clock | ★★★★★ |
| Value | Plenty of features for a competitive price | ★★★★★ |
How to choose an ITVX VPN
There’s an increasing number of VPNs to choose from and not all are capable of unblocking ITVX. The ability to unblock popular streaming services like ITVX is a priority and requires plenty of UK servers. However, there are other factors to consider when choosing a VPN.
It does little good if a VPN unblocks ITVX but has speeds that are too slow for streaming. We look for VPNs that offer fast protocols such as WireGuard and test each VPN’s server speeds. The aim is to identify those VPNs that can stream content in high resolution without interrupting streaming with performance issues.
Strong security can’t be ignored either, particularly when browsing. We want to see high-end encryption (256-bit AES or ChaCha20) as well as protection from data leaks. This ensures that even if you stream using public wifi when traveling abroad, you’ll be able to do so with peace of mind.
How to unblock ITVX with a VPN
First time using a VPN to unblock ITVX? It couldn’t be simpler:
- Choose your preferred VPN provider. All of those covered above successfully unblocked ITVX in testing.
- Download and install the VPN on your streaming device before connecting to a server in the UK.
- Visit ITVX and start streaming. You may need to clear your cookies for the change in your IP address to take effect.
How we test ITVX VPNs
The VPN market moves fast as evidenced by the constantly fluctuating server speeds and server counts of VPNs. We test VPNs on a regular basis to keep up with these changes. The aim is to separate VPNs of genuine quality from the many VPNs that ultimately fall short in key areas.
Key features: We start by looking at a VPN’s key features, such as the number of servers and server locations, VPN protocols, and encryption types. This information is usually a good indicator of how a VPN will fare in other areas, be it unblocking, speed, or security.
Security and privacy: From running DNS leak tests to studying the small print of a provider’s no-logs policy, we run a battery of tests to make sure a VPN is secure and protects your privacy. A quality VPN won’t keep identifying logs and will have undergone an independent security audit to prove it.
Connection speed: Using a variety of devices over a 1Gbps connection, we measure the connection speeds of VPNs countless times. For the most accurate results, we do so multiple times a day, and at different times of day. We also put a VPN’s servers to the test by carrying out bandwidth-intensive activities such as streaming.
Unblocking ability: Not all VPNs can unblock streaming platforms which makes testing each VPN against a variety of services all the more important. We not only tried each VPN with ITVX, but also BBC iPlayer, All 4, and a host of international platforms such as Netflix.
Customer support: Although we’ve chosen VPNs that are more user-friendly, issues may still arise. We expect, at minimum, live chat and email support. Ideally, this should be available 24/7 and provide knowledgeable, relevant replies.
ITVX VPNs: frequently asked questions
Which is the best VPN to watch ITVX with?
NordVPN is the best ITVX VPN thanks to its unrivaled unblocking, impressive speeds, and large UK server count (440+). Add to this its wide range of extras including specialty P2P and Double VPN servers and a password manager, and you have a VPN that ticks every box.
Will ITVX work with a VPN?
All of the VPNs covered above successfully unblocked ITVX in testing. However, like most streaming services, ITVX has been known to blacklist VPN IP addresses. If you find it’s not working, be sure to switch VPN servers (and clear your cache and cookies).
How can I watch ITVX outside of the UK?
If you’re traveling outside the UK, be it for a vacation or work, you can watch ITVX as normal by connecting to a VPN server in the UK. This ensures you’re given a UK IP address, allowing you to spoof your location and stream content as if back home.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:
1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).
2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.
We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
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