How to Watch PBS in UK with a VPN [Feb 2024]

Avatar of Tyler Willis
Last Updated by on November 30, 2023

Can you watch PBS in UK? Yes, by using premium quality VPN you can get PBS in UK. PBS is geo-blocked outside the USA due to geo-limitations imposed by the government, but you can still catch your favorite content on PBS by connecting to a premium VPN, such as ExpressVPN.

PBS, or the Public Broadcasting Service, is a non-profit television network for Americans. It creates content that educates, informs, and inspires. If you are an ex-pat or traveling to the UK, you can still access its informative pieces by only connecting to a reliable VPN. We highly recommend ExpressVPN.

Be with us along with this article to find out the easiest ways we have sorted out for you to watch PBS in UK without any hassle.

How to Watch PBS in UK

To unblock PBS in UK, you’ll only need to follow these 3 easy steps

  1. First, subscribe to any reliable VPN service. We recommend ExpressVPN.
  2. Install the VPN service to connect to the US server from the server list.
  3. Visit the PBS website and start streaming US content.

Unblock PBS in the UK

Why do you need a VPN to Watch PBS in UK?

If you want to watch your favorite PBS shows while in the UK, you’ll need a VPN. PBS is a US-based broadcaster, so its content is geo-blocked outside of the country. If you try to access the content without connecting to a VPN, it will give you a geo-restricted error message:

“We are sorry but this video is not available in your area”

pbs streaming error

Now you must be wondering, what will a VPN do? First, let me tell you that a VPN will allow you to connect to a US server, making it appear as if you are located inside the country. This will give you access to all of the content on PBS, including popular shows like Indian Summer, Sherlock, Emma, and Sesame Street.

Furthermore, a VPN will also protect your online activity from snoopy people. When you connect to a VPN server, all of your traffic is encrypted. This means that your ISP (internet service provider), government, and hackers will not be able to see what you are doing online. This is especially important when using public WiFi, as it will protect your personal information. With the help of a VPN, you can unblock PBS in UK and other regions.

Best VPNs to Watch PBS in UK [Quick overview February 2024

We are sure you need a quick and easy overview of the best VPNs, so here is an outline of VPNs that work best with PBS.

  1. ExpressVPN — It comes with lightning fast VPN connection to ensure you Ultra HD streaming from anywhere at any time. You can access 3000+ global servers, including 20+ location servers in the US. In addition to this, you can save up to 49% on its 1-year plan, cutting the original cost to only $6.71/month.
  2. Surfshark — Features smart DNS to unblock streaming platforms and channels that don’t support the app. You can access 3200+ global servers at low prices, including 20+ US servers. So you will always have something to watch when the cost is $2.30 a month. In addition, you can get an 82% discount on its 2-year plan and an unlimited device connection.
  3. NordVPN — It ensures reliable VPN connection & buffer-free streaming from anywhere. With many servers, you can stream restricted content without violating your privacy. The subscription comes with easy access to 5000+ global servers, including 1970+ servers in the US. In addition, a huge 68% discount is available on its 2-year plan, so you will only need to pay $3.71 a month.

How to Sign up for a PBS account in the UK 2024?

This is how you will sign up PBS account in the UK with ease:

  1. First, subscribe to a trusted VPN (our suggestion would be ExpressVPN.
  2. Connect to US server.
  3. Visit PBS’s official website.
  4. Click ‘Sign in’ from the homepage.
  5. Choose one account of your choice from the options.
  6. Verify your account, and you’re done! Stream all of PBS’s content with ease.

Top Choice VPNs to watch PBS in UK [Detailed Analysis in 2024]

There are so many types of VPNs available for streaming the blocked sites, but here we have tested 3 industry-leading VPNs for our readers. Check them out!

ExpressVPN — Best VPN to Watch PBS in UK

  • Ultra-Fast speed with unlimited bandwidth for bufferless streaming.
  • 3000+ Servers in 90+ Countries, including 20+ location servers in US.
  • Comes with five simultaneous device connections
  • Compatible with Windows, MacOS, iOS, Smart TV, Linux, and more.

ExpressVPN has incredible server speed to ensure smooth and high-quality streaming from anywhere. It has 3000+ optimized servers installed in 90+ countries and 20+ location servers in the US only. It comes with Ultra fast connection speed, allowing users to have top-quality streaming without error.

Its high-speed servers can easily unblock geo-restricted streaming platforms, encrypt your data, bypass the IP tracking system, and provide unlimited bandwidth for bufferless streaming.

Regarding device compatibility, ExpressVPN has a dedicated VPN app designed for all compatible devices and routers. It offers five simultaneous device connections that you can run on macOS, iOS, Android, Fire devices, browsers, gaming consoles, routers, smart TVs, and more.

Now, let's talk about its price!

Its yearly subscription will cost you $6.67/month, with an extra three months for free. Furthermore, you can connect up to 5 simultaneous devices with a single subscription.

Pros

  • Budget-friendly
  • Compatible with all streaming sites
  • Connect up to 6 devices
  • It works in China & UAE
  • Follows Zero Log Policy
  • 7-day free trial

Cons

  • A bit costly service
Buy ExpressVPN Now!

Surfshark — Affordable VPN to Access PBS in UK

  • Comes with SmartDNS to unblock content on non-native devices
  • 3,200 servers in 100 countries, including 20+ location servers in the US.
  • Compatible with Android, Windows, Mac, iOS, Linux,  smart TVs, and more
  • Offers minimum price of about $2.30/month with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Surfshark's minimum price tag makes it the most wallet-friendly VPN for streaming. It is equipped with 3000+ global servers in 100 countries, including 20+ location servers in the US. Surfshark stands out among all is non, but it's a Smart DNS server that enables users to access geo-restricted content without a native app.

Moreover, a Surfshark subscription ensures unlimited device connection on all compatible devices, whether Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, smart TVs, or more.

Regarding price, you can expect to have $2.30/month, saving 82% on its two-year plan along with two extra months. It offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee, ultra HD streaming, Unlimited bandwidth, and Zero log policy, all wrapped under its modest pricing plan.

Pros

  • Budget-friendly
  • Compatible with all streaming sites
  • Connect up to 6 devices
  • It works in China & UAE
  • Follows Zero Log Policy
  • 7-day free trial

Cons

  • Poor Customer Support
  • Some user experience low speed
Get Surfshark Now!

NordVPN — Reliable VPN to Stream PBS in UK

  • NordLynx Protocol to help boost streaming experience
  • 5000+ Servers in 60 Countries including 17 location servers in the US.
  • Comes with 6 simultaneous device connections.
  • Compatible with Android, Windows, iOS, Linus, Smart TVs & Routers.

When it comes to reliability, you won't find any other option better than NordVPN!

Apart from its giant web of VPN servers, including 17 server locations in the US, NordVPN has recently launched NordLynx. This new-generation VPN protocol provides an improved connection for an uninterrupted streaming experience.

NordVPN has SmartPlay integration that unblocks various content with its IP spoofing feature. Like Surfshark, NordVPN incorporates its dedicated SmartDNS service that can easily unblock geo-restricted content on devices with no native app.

You can connect Nord with almost all devices, including windows, macOS, Android, Apple, Smart TV, Xbox, PS series, and more. The cost will drastically reduce if you opt for its two-year plan, which will cost you $3.49/per month, six device connections, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

  • 5000+ global servers
  • Secure VPN System
  • Zero Logs Policy
  • Works in China and the UAE
  • 24/7 Live Chat Support
  • Military grade Encryption
  • Private DNS System

Cons

  • Little Expensive
  • No app for router
Get NordVPN Now!

Can I use a free VPN to watch PBS in UK?

Yes, you can use a free VPN to watch PBS in UK. But before using that, keep few things in mind. First, many free VPNs have data limits, so you may not be able to stream as much content as you want. Second, some free VPNs are slower than paid ones, so your streaming experience will be slow and lazy. Finally, free VPNs tend to have fewer servers than paid ones, so you may not be able to find a server in the UK that works for you. So, If you’re looking for buffer-less, fast, smooth streaming, go for ExpressVPN. It’s one of the quickest and most reliable VPNs on the market, and it has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

Try ExpressVPN Now!

How Much Does PBS Cost To get a Passport?

PBS Passport gives the benefit of streaming many of your favorite PBS programs – full seasons of Masterpiece as well as episodes of Nature, NOVA, KCET Originals, American Experience, American Masters, Great Performances, and more to members who donate at least $60 a year, or $5 Sustainer/Ongoing-monthly gifts.

Why isn’t PBS available in UK?

The main reason is that PBS is a US-based network and isn’t available in the UK because of licensing agreements. Many of the shows that PBS airs are only licensed for airing in the US. This means that if PBS were to make its programming available in the UK, it would be violating these agreements. As a result, PBS has chosen not to do so to avoid any legal complications. Hence, you have to connect to a premium VPN provider to watch PBS in UK so that it can connect to a US server and fool the restrictions that we are currently present over there.

Compatible Devices with PBS in UK

Because Device compatibility is essential for any streaming service or channel, we’ve provided guidance on how to watch PBS on your chosen device.

For Android Users

  1. Download and install the ExpressVPN app on your Android device
  2. Connect it with the server in the US.
  3. Log in to your new google account.
  4. Look for the PBS app in the Play Store.
  5. Now enjoy PBS on your android device happily!

For iPhone/iPad Users

  1. First, change your Apple ID region to US in Settings > Network.
  2. Go to ExpressVPN on your iOS device.
  3. Connect with the US-based server.
  4. Look for PBS in the Apple app store.
  5. Install the application of PBS and log in.
  6. Now the perfect streaming of PBS.

For Roku Users

  1. Get the ExpressVPN app and connect it to your Wi-Fi router.
  2. Then connect with the US-based server.
  3. Now insert your Roku stick into your smart TV through the HDMI port.
  4. Go to your device and choose PBS on the Roku home screen.
  5. Enjoy the all-PBS streaming!

For PS3/PS4 Users

  1. Download and install ExpressVPN on your device.
  2. Connect with the US server.
  3. Go to the category of TV/Video Services.
  4. From the list of alternatives, look for “PBS.”
  5. Select “Get” from the drop-down menu.
  6. PBS has now been added to your “My Channels” list.
  7. Enjoy all your favorite content on PBS in your region.

For Xbox Users

  1. Download and install ExpressVPN on your device and log in.
  2. Connect with the server in the US.
  3. From the Xbox menu, select “My games & apps.”
  4. Search for “PBS” in the “Xbox Store.”
  5. Now! Click the “Install” button.

For Kodi Users

  1. Download and install a VPN app on your Kodi device. We highly recommend ExpressVPN.
  2. Connect the Kodi device with your VPN.
  3. Download the VPN software to your computer, save it to a USB stick, and then plug it into your Kodi device.
  4. On your Kodi device, go to Settings, System Settings, and Add-ons.
  5. Now toggle on Unknown Sources.
  6. Install the VPN app on your Kodi device. Connect to a server in the United States after that.
  7. Go to Kodi’s home screen by turning on your TV.
  8. In the end, install the PBS add-on on Kodi to start watching.

For Firestick Users

  1. Open your FireStick and go to search.
  2. Shift to unknown sources, download ExpressVPN, and then connect to the US server.
  3. Add the word ‘PBS’ and press enter.
  4. The search results ‘PBS app for Fire TV Stick’ will appear.
  5. Click ‘Get’ to download the app.
  6. Open the PBS app after installing it.
  7. Go to the PBS app and sign up with your credentials.
  8. Now don't wait and start watching PBS on Firestick.

For Apple TV Users

  1. Pick a VPN service that allows the Smart DNS. We highly recommend ExpressVPN.
  2. Search your Smart DNS addresses > go to your Apple TV’s Settings menu and select Network at the bottom of the page.
  3. Select your network by pressing the Wi-Fi button.
  4. Go to DNS Configuration and select Manual Configuration.
  5. Connect your Apple TV to a US server by typing in your DNS address and restarting it.
  6. You are all set to download and install the PBS app on your Apple TV.

For Smart TV Users

  1. Get a subscription to a premium VPN. We highly recommend ExpressVPN.
  2. Connect with the server in the US.
  3. Head to your Wi-Fi router’s admin.
  4. Connect it to your VPN network.
  5. Download the PBS app on your smart TV, and create a free account to start watching.

For PC Users

  1. Download a VPN service on your computer; We suggest ExpressVPN.
  2. Connect it with the server in the US.
  3. Head to the PBS official website, create an account, and log in.
  4. If you are still unable to access PBS, clear your cookies and cache before logging back in.

What to watch on PBS in UK?

Here is the list of Best movies and shows to watch on PBS in UK and it offers Kid’s shows as well, we have mentioned that too, have a look below:

Popular TV Shows on PBS

  • Sesame Street
  • Sherlock
  • Antiques Roadshow
  • Arthur
  • Frontline
  • Victoria
  • Ken Burns’s Country Music
  • Rick Steves’ Europe
  • Call the Midwife
  • Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
  • The Great British Baking Show
  • Reading Rainbow
  • The Joy of Painting
  • World on Fire

Popular Movies on PBS

  • Victoria
  • All Creatures Great and Small
  • Poldark
  • Howards End
  • Bleak House
  • Brideshead Revisited
  • Wolf Hall
  • Little Women
  • Downton Abbey
  • Poirot
  • Last Tango in Halifax
  • Call the Midwife
  • Mr. Selfridge
  • Emma
  • Indian Summers
  • Wallander

How to Watch PBS in Your Country

PBS America is a British free-to-air broadcasting network that is exclusively available in the USA and geo-restricted outside it, but what about people who are traveling outside the country for work or vacations, but don’t want to miss any of PBS content, they don’t have to wait anymore! Subscribing to a premium VPN, like ExpressVPN will help you unblock not only PBS in UK but it will also accessible PBS in Australia.

FAQs on PBS in UK

How to watch PBS in UK?

  1. Choose a reputable VPN application wisely.
  2. We highly recommend ExpressVPN.
  3. Install the VPN application and log in with your credentials.
  4. Connect to a US server.
  5. Visit PBS official website and you will be able to stream its content.

Is PBS offering free streaming in UK?

No, if you register on the PBS website but are not a regular user of the platform, PBS does not allow free streaming.

Is it possible to watch PBS without a passport?

Yes, if you use a VPN and choose any USA server, you can access PBS videos without a passport.

PBS is available on which streaming service in UK?

You can watch PBS content whenever you want on Amazon Prime, Netflix, and a number of other streaming services.

Is PBS free on Amazon Prime UK?

No, PBS on Amazon Prime is not free; instead, an Amazon Prime membership costs $5.99 per month to subscribe to the PBS Masterpiece Prime Video Channel. With an Amazon Prime membership, the usual monthly subscription fee for the PBS Documentaries Prime Video Channel is $3.99.

Is the PBS channel on Freeview?

Yes, it is, but to enjoy this channel you’ll need a TV with Freeview HD built-in or an HD-ready TV connected to a Freeview HD Recorder.

Can you get PBS channel on Sky?

In a word, yes! The sky is one of the services that work with PBS, and it’s simple and trouble-free to stream the channel on the broadcasting network.

Is PBS America on Amazon Prime?

PBS KIDS, Masterpiece, and other on-demand PBS channels are accessible via Amazon Prime or Prime Video, respectively.

Conclusion

When it comes to streaming, geo-restriction is common. However, I’m hoping that this article will make it easier for you to understand how to use a high-quality VPN to watch PBS in UK.

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