How to watch Eastenders abroad (2024 walkthrough)

Eastenders is available to stream to UK viewers through BBC iPlayer. But if you want to watch Eastenders outside the UK, you need to download episodes within the country or use a reliable VPN. Discover how to watch Eastenders abroad.

If you have a VPN that can access geo-restricted websites, it doesn’t matter where you’re based. You’ll be able to stream episodes of Eastenders without hassle. Here, we explain how you can sign up with a VPN and watch iPlayer content from anywhere.

Which VPNs work with Eastenders?

Why you can trust GadgetMouse: Our content is written by a team of humans and we refuse to use AI. Plus, we own (and use) every VPN that we write about. For more details, see our editorial policy.

Can I watch Eastenders outside the UK?

A message on the BBC iPlayer website says: ‘Due to rights agreements, you need to be in the UK to stream and download programmes or watch BBC TV channels on BBC iPlayer.’ But there are still ways you can watch abroad.

Option 1: Download episodes through BBC iPlayer

Downloading a programme on BBC iPlayer when you’re in the UK means you can watch it anywhere in the world. The feature is available on your computer, mobile or tablet.

However, once you’ve watched those episodes of Eastenders, you can’t download more until you’re back in the UK.

Option 2: Watch episodes with a VPN

You can watch Eastenders abroad with a VPN. This will allow you to spoof your location, which tricks the BBC iPlayer website or mobile app into thinking you’re watching from inside the UK.

As iPlayer thinks you’re browsing from within the UK, you won’t get any popups saying you don’t meet the requirements needed to stream.

If your current VPN is failing, see our guide: BBC iPlayer not working with VPN – 11 QUICK fixes.

How to watch Eastenders with a VPN

1. Pick one of our suggested VPNs – we’ll use ExpressVPN for this example.
2. Once you’ve created your ExpressVPN account, sign in.
3. From your device, open ExpressVPN and select a server in the UK. This means you’re picking a server that’s officially compatible with BBC iPlayer.
4. Once you’re connected, head to the iPlayer website.
5. Log in to your BBC iPlayer account and enjoy.

For more details on how we identify the top VPNs for you, see how we test VPNs.

Should I use a free VPN to watch Eastenders?

It’s not a great idea. Steer clear of free VPNs – these tempting services are more likely to sell your data to third parties. Paid-for VPNs are far more secure, offer efficient live chat support and replace broken servers quickly and efficiently.

The best VPNs for Eastenders

ExpressVPN

• 1-month subscription: £10.53 per month
• 6-month subscription: £8.12 per month
• 1-year subscription + 3 months free: £5.42 per month (49% off)

🌎 Number of servers	160
📈 Bandwidth	Unlimited
🗣️ 24/7 live chat service	Yes
📱 Number of devices	5
⏱️ Our speed test results	-8.7% download, -5.5% upload (London)

This secure VPN can defeat geo-locked websites and keep your IP address hidden at the same time. It effortlessly unlocks the BBC iPlayer website so you can watch Eastenders.

By signing up with ExpressVPN today, you’ll get instant access to servers in over 90 countries around the world. Your traffic data isn’t stored by ExpressVPN, which means privacy is guaranteed.

ExpressVPN is compatible on PC and Mac and, if you want the power of a VPN in your pocket, you can use it on Android and iOS smartphones.

Pros: Smartphone app lets you connect in seconds, 'favourite' most-used VPN servers for quick access, performed remarkably well in our chat support speed test

Cons: Rival VPNs are cheaper, can't use many devices at once

Try ExpressVPN today

Ivacy

• 1-month subscription: £8.62 per month
• 1-year subscription: £3 per month (65% off)
• 5-year subscription + FREE password manager: 80p per month (90% off)

🌎 Number of servers	5,700
📈 Bandwidth	Unlimited
🗣️ 24/7 live chat service	Yes
📱 Number of devices	10

Take a closer look at Ivacy if you’re on a budget but you still want the protection offered by a trusted VPN.

A single Ivacy account covers you on up to five different gadgets at once. You can stream BBC iPlayer shows such as Eastenders abroad just by connecting to a UK server while you’re overseas.

This brilliant little VPN also works with other popular streaming websites and services including Netflix, Amazon Prime, ITV Hub and All 4.

Pros: Connection is steady when using multiple devices, notifications mention if Ivacy is disabled, server locations split by country and city

Cons: We think the ExpressVPN mobile app is faster, below-average results in our chat support speed test

Try Ivacy today

NordVPN

• 1-month subscription: £10.49 per month
• 1-year subscription: £3.99 per month (40% off)
• 2-year subscription: £2.79 per month (58% off)

🌎 Number of servers	5,200+
📈 Bandwidth	Unlimited
🗣️ 24/7 live chat service	Yes
📱 Number of devices	6
⏱️ Our speed test results	-14% download, -7% upload (London)

All NordVPN servers (located all over the world) are protected using military-grade encryption. You’re free to browse the web and stream TV shows and movies without your ISP being able to keep track of you.

NordVPN offers a 24/7 live chat service. If you have any questions, you can reach out to a dedicated team of experts.

Pros: Built-in internet kill switch works well, profile page on app includes 'Security score' with privacy tips, takes less than a minute to reach a live chat agent (based on our tests)

Cons: Other VPNs tested are cheaper, some streaming services require multiple resets to work

Try NordVPN today

PureVPN

• 1-month subscription: $10.95 per month (12% off)
• 1-year subscription: $3.74 per month (70% off)
• 2-year subscription + 4 extra months: $1.96 per month (84% off)

🌎 Number of servers	6,500+
📈 Bandwidth	Unlimited
🗣️ 24/7 live chat service	Yes
📱 Number of devices	10

Consider PureVPN if you want to watch Eastenders abroad. PureVPN, aside from unlocking BBC iPlayer, also works with Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime.

At the time of writing, PureVPN has around 2,000 ultra secure servers in over 130 countries. Give it a go if you’re travelling abroad or living overseas permanently.

Pros: Surprisingly affordable considering features, lots of UK and US-based servers, generous with simultaneous devices

Cons: Takes a couple of minutes to reach live chat agents (based on our tests), performs better on iOS compared to Android (in our experience)

Try PureVPN today As per our affiliate policy, we might earn affiliate commission when you select a retailer link. Prices and information correct at time of publication.