If you love using BBC iPlayer around the world through VPN, or inside the UK, you might be disappointed coming September 1 of 2016. The reason being that BBC iPlayer is now requiring a TV license to watch or download ANY programmers on demand as well as catch-up TV on BBC iPlayer.
In the past, users did not need a TV license to watch catch-up programs–only live programs, but that is now no longer the case. According to BBC TV, around 500,000 thousand users dodge the current fee by not watching live BBC TV.
Many users are upset at the new fee since they feel like there should be various options for BBC iPlayer usages. However, those over 75 can get a free TV license, and news, weather and other information accessed through iPlayer can be watched for free.
Given that BBC iPlayer is intent on cracking down, you might be thinking about using some other services to consume media.
Here are some great BBC iPlayer alternatives:
Important Note:
Keep in mind that some of these services, like BBC iPlayer, restrict content based on region. So if you’re in the UK, you might not be able to access the same content that USA users get. You can use a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions since VPNs change your IP, but you might get a proxy error if you aren’t using the correct VPN. Read this article on how to unlock Netflix restrictions, this article on how to unlock Hulu restrictions and this article for HBO Go.
Netflix
Netflix is one of the best BBC iPlayer alternatives since it has one of the largest content libraries around the world with the best content. In a lot of ways, Netflix is kind of a jerk since it hates proxy users. Thankfully, we have the best VPNs that work with Netflix.
On the flipside, they can’t stop putting out AMAZING content. Stranger Things, Narcos, Marco Polo, Daredevil, Luke Cage…. Netflix why you so good?!!?
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is probably second only to Netflix. However, they have some excellent shows that make it stand out from the rest that is exclusive only to Amazon. Check out BoardWalk Empire for example (Amazon exclusive), or shows like Flight of the Conchords and Survivor!
Hulu
While Netflix has their content and movies which make them stand out, Hulu is a great service to use if you want more access to shows live right now on various networks. This makes it one of the great alternatives to BBC iPlayer.
HBO Go
HBO Go is similar to Netflix, just not as big. However, they do hold the rights to HBO shows which can be incredible! Check out Spartacus if you haven’t seen it yet!
Have any other good BBC iPlayer alternatives? Let us know below!
