Best VPN to Watch Channel 5 from Abroad in 2024

Channel 5 is a popular broadcasting service from the UK that operates many other channels, including 5STAR, 5USA, and 5Spike. Channel 5 has also launched an on-demand streaming service known as My5. As well as showing a range of imported TV shows from the US and Australia, the channels also develop and broadcast many original programs, including documentaries and British dramas.

There is an online catch-up section on the Channel 5 website that allows viewers to watch TV shows online that they may have missed when they were first broadcast. However, if you live outside of the UK, then you won’t have access to this service since it is restricted to British residents only; you’ll instead receive the dreaded error message telling you this content is unavailable in your location.

Fortunately, where there’s a will, there’s a way. For example, a VPN can help you bypass the geo-block that prevents viewers from accessing Channel 5’s catch-up service, enabling you to watch content from its 4 television networks.

Read on to learn how you can watch Channel 5 outside the UK and which VPN provider is the best VPN for Channel 5 fans. Show more

The Best VPNs for Channel 5

If you want access to one of the most popular TV channels in Great Britain and watch My5 abroad, you need a VPN. Below are our top picks for watching Channel 5 outside the UK.

#1

VPN Service: NordVPN

Max Speed: 115000 Mbps
Type of IP offered: Dedicated
Simultaneous connections / Users: 6
Number of Netflix Libraries: 12
Information sharing: None
OS support: Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows
Using VPN on Smartphone
  • proiconUltra-fast connection
  • proiconNo-logs policy
  • proicon5400 servers in 54 countries
  • coniconLimited payment options
  • coniconNo Split Tunneling on desktop
  • coniconOnly 6 simultaneous connection

NordVPN

The best VPN service to watch Channel 5 content and My5 abroad is NordVPN. With Nord, you have access to many UK-based servers as well as other locations around the world.

  • More than 5400 VPN servers
  • 440+ servers in the UK
  • Fast speeds
  • VPN apps for many devices

NordVPN has many servers in the UK, meaning that you have plenty of British IP address options to choose from in order to stream Channel 5 content from anywhere in the world. The large range of British servers also ensures that server loads are low, which is essential for streaming.

Thanks to obfuscation on its servers, Nord can effectively bypass geo-blocks and VPN firewalls on streaming services, including My5, and provide access to other networks in the UK, including Channel 4, Virgin Media, UK Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more.

Speeds are excellent with NordVPN, especially when the VPN connection runs over the NordLynx protocol. NordLynx is the provider’s proprietary protocol and provides advanced security without slowing down your connection.

With NordVPN, you can enjoy Channel 5 content on almost any device, thanks to the wide range of support that the VPN service provides. NordVPN works on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and more. This means you can watch My5 content on your iPad, computer, or Smart TV, depending on where you are.

Each NordVPN plan comes with 6 simultaneous connections, but you can bypass this by connecting the VPN to your router. This enables all users on your home network to enjoy Channel 5 TV shows on their devices.

Should you run into a problem with the VPN, you can make use of the 24/7 customer support available. There is a live chat on the website as well as an informative help section that can help you find the answer you’re looking for. In addition, a 30-day money-back guarantee is available for all new users, so you can get a full refund if you aren’t happy with the VPN provider.

Price Starting At: 3.29 $ / monthly 39.48 $ / annually
For New Users: 30 days free trial + 30-day money-back guarantee
Number of servers: 5400+
#2

VPN Service: Surfshark VPN

Max Speed: Unlimited
Type of IP offered: Shared
Simultaneous connections / Users: Unlimited
Number of Netflix Libraries: 15
Information sharing: None
OS support: Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows
Macbook Pro VPN
  • proiconFull 15 Netflix Libraries
  • proiconTons of server locations
  • proiconGreat deal on 24 months
  • coniconNo Apple Pay Payment Option
  • coniconVery expensive monthly
  • coniconAllows P2P from all servers

Surfshark VPN

An excellent VPN service that enables you to watch a host of video streaming services from anywhere in the world is Surfshark. In just a few steps, Surfshark can help you access Channel 5 TV shows on almost any device.

  • Over 3200 VPN servers
  • 3 UK-based server locations
  • Camouflage mode
  • Excellent security features

If you want to watch unlimited Channel 5 TV and game shows on almost any device, then Surfshark is an excellent option. The provider hosts many servers across 3 British locations, meaning you can subvert geo-blocking and enjoy local content from outside of the country.

Along with being able to provide access to the Channel 5 TV station, Surfshark can also provide access to a mammoth 15 Netflix libraries (including in the UK), Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and BBC iPlayer. So if you’re traveling the world and want to watch TV on demand, this VPN is a great option.

Surfshark enables users to bypass firewalls and restrictions due to its Camouflage mode. When browsing the web in this mode, your VPN traffic will appear regular, ensuring that your VPN use remains undetected.

Although users wanting to access Channel 5 content will be more concerned with a VPN’s ability to unblock streaming sites, it is also important to consider security features. Fortunately, Surfshark excels in this area with AES-256 bit encryption and a tight no-logging policy that ensures your browsing data is not stored or shared. No one, including your ISP, will know what TV shows you’re streaming with the VPN.

Unlimited simultaneous connections are available with every single Surfshark plan, meaning you can watch video content on all of your devices at the same time. There is support for Windows and macOS computers and your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices. You can also use the VPN on Amazon Fire TV or your Smart TV.

Thanks to a no-risk 30-day money-back guarantee, you can test out the provider’s efficacy in unblocking Channel 5 content from the UK. If you’re not satisfied, then you can claim a full refund.

Price Starting At: 1.85 $ / monthly 49.93 $ / annually
For New Users: 30 days free trial + No money-back guarantee
Number of servers: 1040+
#3

VPN Service: ExpressVPN

Max Speed: 58000 Mbps
Type of IP offered: Dedicated
Simultaneous connections / Users: 5
Number of Netflix Libraries: 12
Information sharing: None
OS support: Android, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows
VPN on Macbook
  • proiconTons of payment options
  • proicon24-hour live chat suppot
  • proicon30-day money back guarantee
  • coniconMore expensive than competitors
  • coniconOnly 5 simultaneous connections
  • coniconNo servers in Russia

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN offers a Smart DNS proxy amongst its many features on offer, making it super easy for users to watch Channel 5 outside the UK.

  • Over 3000 servers
  • Smart DNS proxy
  • Router app
  • Lightway protocol for fast speeds

With ExpressVPN, you can enjoy the provider’s MediaStreamer feature, which is a Smart DNS tool. This feature enables users to access content from any channel in any country, regardless of their current location. So long as you don’t mind the lack of encryption or safety feature, the Smart DNS feature is a great option for fans of Channel 5 and other streaming services.

ExpressVPN offers many other great features that make it a viable option for internet users. There is split tunneling, which enables subscribers to decide which apps and websites should be accessed via the VPN tunnel and which through the provider’s regular network.

As well as the above, ExpressVPN is fast. It has a protocol called Lightway, which enables users to enjoy a lightning-fast connection, perfect for streaming Channel 5 TV shows. The provider also employs many excellent security features, including the Network Lock, which cuts off internet access if your VPN connection goes down.

Although each plan only comes with 5 simultaneous connections, ExpressVPN can be configured to your router to bypass this limit. ExpressVPN even offers a router app, which allows subscribers to easily connect to the best VPN server in order to access the My5 video service.

ExpressVPN is expensive but offers flexibility regarding payment methods. You can purchase a plan with a credit card, PayPal, or even Bitcoin. A 30-day refund policy protects your purchase should you change your mind about the service, and you can get in touch with the customer support team via the website if you have a question about the VPN.

Price Starting At: 8.32 $ / monthly 99.95 $ / annually
For New Users: 30 days free trial + 30-day money-back guarantee
Number of servers: 3000+
#4

VPN Service: Cyberghost VPN

Max Speed: Unlimited
Type of IP offered: Dedicated
Simultaneous connections / Users: 7
Number of Netflix Libraries: 4
Information sharing: None
OS support: Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows
using vpn
  • proiconServers in unusual countries
  • proiconGreat support options
  • proiconGreat blog and guide universe
  • coniconLimited payment options
  • coniconPoor press area for affiliates
  • coniconFew Netflix libraries

CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost is an excellent provider with an extremely large VPN server network. The VPN provider can unblock any streaming services, including My5.

  • Over 7000 VPN servers
  • 7 simultaneous device connections
  • Support for all devices: iPad, Smart TV, and more
  • 24/7 customer support

With CyberGhost, you can connect to 641 servers in the UK spread across 3 locations: London, Berkshire, and Manchester. The amount of servers means low server loads and many IP address options. Since there are many IPs to use, it is less likely that these will have been blocked by Channel 5, making it easier to access the video service.

This VPN provider can not only provide access to Channel 5 outside the UK but can also unblock many other streaming platforms. Whether you’re a Netflix, ITV, or BBC iPlayer fan, it doesn’t matter as CyberGhost can provide access to all from anywhere in the world.

7 device connections per plan allow users to watch content from all of their operating systems. There are dedicated VPN apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and more. The CyberGhost app is user-friendly and enables users to set up a VPN connection with the tap of a button.

If you run into any issues while using the VPN service, there is excellent customer support on offer. A live chat on the website enables users to speak directly to a customer service team member. Alternatively, you can use a support ticket or access the help section on the CyberGhost website.

CyberGhost is based in Romania, a privacy-friendly location. Users can rest assured that their VPN usage is not being logged or shared with the Romanian government or any other third parties, and a zero-logs policy guarantees this.

With CyberGhost, you can enjoy a 45-day money-back guarantee which far exceeds the industry standard. This guarantee is an indication of the provider’s confidence in its product and reassuring for new customers.

Price Starting At: 2.25 $ / monthly 29.25 $ / annually
For New Users: 45 -day money-back guarantee
Number of servers: 7200+
Table of content

Why Do I Need a VPN to Watch Channel 5 Outside the UK?

Channel 5 broadcasts a lot of great programs, many of which can be found on its My5 streaming service. However, it is difficult to watch the Channel 5 TV station outside the UK due to licensing rights and geo-restrictions.

You need a VPN to change your IP address and location in order to trick My5 into thinking you’re based in the UK. In doing so, you will be able to watch many programs, including Celebrity Big Brother, Law & Order, The Gadget Show, Home and Away, Neighbours, and The Hotel Inspector.

A VPN doesn’t just help you watch Channel 5 outside the UK. With a VPN, you can hide your activity from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and prevent bandwidth throttling. For example, when you stream, your ISP can purposefully slow down your internet connection, but you can prevent this with a VPN.

Not only does a VPN help your internet speed by hiding your internet activity, but you can also prevent third parties from building user profiles based on your browsing activity and ensure that your Channel 5 streaming activity remains completely private.

How to Watch Channel 5 from Anywhere in the World?

To watch Channel 5 content from outside the UK, you need to follow the steps below:

Why is VPN Access Blocked on My5?

Sometimes you may be unable to use My5 with your VPN active. This could be for a couple of reasons:

To ensure that My5 doesn’t block you for using a VPN, make sure to use one of the best VPN services on the market. Not only will you have access to more British IP addresses, but you are also less likely to be blocked for the ‘bad neighbor’ IP address effect.

How Do I Get a UK IP Address?

To watch Channel 5 outside the UK, you’ll need a British IP address. To surf the web using one, first, download one of the streaming VPN services listed above.

Once you have done that, you need to open up the VPN app on your device and connect to a server in the UK. Having done so, you’ll be surfing the web with a UK IP address and will be able to access geo-restricted content that is only available in the United Kingdom.

The Bottom Line

Channel 5 can be unblocked with a VPN but only if it is a reliable and strong service. Not just any VPN will do so it is important that you choose a VPN from the list above to ensure you can access My5 at all times.
Pros

Pros

  • Watch My5 from outside the UK
  • Get a British IP address and unblock other streaming services
  • Stay safe online
Cons

Cons

  • My5 can detect VPN IP addresses
  • Not all VPNs work with My5
  • VPNs are costly

FAQs

Which free VPN works with Channel 5?

Since Channel 5 easily detects VPN usage, not many free VPNs work with Channel 5. It is better to use a premium VPN to gain access to Channel 5 from outside the UK since these are more reliable in terms of unblocking the TV channel and its app.

How to get an IP address from the UK?

To watch Channel 5 or My5, you need to use a reliable British IP address. By downloading one of the VPNs we recommend, you can connect to a UK-based server, change your IP address, and then access the app under a new geo-location.

Why doesn't my VPN work with Channel 5?

Not all VPNs can unblock Channel 5 since My5 needs to determine that users are based in the UK. Channel 5 verifies this by checking the IP address and if it is found to be a VPN IP, your access will be blocked.

Author Madeleine Hodson

I’m Madeleine, and I'm a writer that specializes in cybersecurity, tech products, and all things related to the internet. I have a keen interest in VPNs and believe that everyone deserves internet freedom and security. I wr...
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VPNSurfers » 10 Best VPNs in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks » Best VPN to Watch Channel 5 from Abroad in 2024
Last updated: July 6, 2022