ITV offers an enticing content library through its family of TV channels and ITVX, the UK’s “freshest streaming service.” It’s one of the most-watched in the United Kingdom, with millions of viewers daily. Unfortunately, even if you’re a fan of shows like Love Island and The Real Housewives of Cheshire, you cannot watch ITV in the USA (live or on demand).
That’s because of geo-blocks that enforce copyright licensing agreements. The technology restricts content to different locations — in this case, the United Kingdom. So, even if you’re only taking a short trip to the United States, you’re cut off from your favorite programs. Unless you use a VPN, that is.
In this article, you’ll learn everything about streaming ITV in America. And because not all VPNs are up to the task, we’ll use the most capable providers to enhance your ITVX viewing experience.
How to Watch ITV in the USA With a VPN?
- Get a VPN subscription. Our top recommendation is NordVPN.
- Download and set up the VPN service.
- Open the VPN and connect to the UK server.
- Go to ITV, sign in, and watch it.
Why You Need a VPN to Watch ITV in the USA
A while ago, if you went on the ITV website and tried to watch any of its available titles from the US, you would have seen an error message:
“We’ve detected you’re outside the UK…”
These days, you’re stuck with an obstinate blank screen.
The gist stays the same — the geographical boundaries set by geo-blocking technology are unwavering. Content licensing agreements mandate these restrictions, confining ITV’s offerings within the UK’s borders.
However, a VPN subverts these restrictions, allowing you to outsmart geo-blocking technology and watch ITVX in the US. When you connect to a server in the UK, the provider routes your internet traffic through a secure tunnel to the server.
In the process, it masks your IP address and grants you a UK IP address linked to that server, effectively disguising your location. Regarding ITV’s platform, you’re virtually in the United Kingdom, even though you may be in New York, San Francisco, or reclining on a beach in Florida.
How to Watch ITV in the USA With a VPN
Unlocking ITV’s content from the United States is straightforward with the right VPN.
Here’s a simple five-step guide on how to watch ITV Hub (ITVX) live from the US. We’ll demonstrate using NordVPN. However, any of the other excellent streaming VPNs may work.
Step 1: Choose a Reliable VPN Provider
Select a VPN service that can effectively bypass geo-blocks and provide a seamless streaming experience. Opt for a reputable VPN with servers located in the UK to ensure consistent access to ITV’s content. Our number one recommendation is NordVPN.
Step 2: Sign Up
Visit the VPN website and choose a payment plan that works for you. Sign up for an account and complete payment for the subscription.
Step 3: Install the VPN
Download the VPN app onto your preferred device. VPNs are compatible with a wide range of platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Once completed, navigate to the download folder and install the program.
Step 4: Connect to a UK Server
Launch the VPN app and log in using your credentials. Next, select a server located in the United Kingdom. This assigns your virtual location to the UK and establishes an encrypted connection.
Step 5: Access ITV and Enjoy
Visit the ITV website or app with your VPN connected to a UK server. Sign in to your account, and you now have unrestricted access to ITV’s extensive library.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy your favorite ITV programs from the comfort of your American location.
As a reminder, you can use ITVX to watch the Tour de France, some MotoGP races, or the French Open live.
The Best VPNs to Watch ITV in the USA
Outside the United States, the UK is perhaps the most sought-after VPN location, so dozens of providers offer servers there. However, randomly selecting any of them is not a great idea. So, we set out to provide the best options for reliable, secure connections.
The VPN services on this list come with extensive server networks, impressive speeds, and excellent unblocking capabilities. Most importantly, they secure your data and keep you private while you stream.
Now, let’s dive straight into the details.
1. NordVPN
Pros
- Robust UK server fleet
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Fast speeds thanks to NordLynx
- Advanced Kill Switch
- Support for all devices
Con
- No ad blocking in the Basic plan
NordVPN is the best VPN for seamlessly watching ITV in the USA, backed by an impressive feature toolkit. The provider has over 8,000 servers in 165 locations globally, of which 440+ are in four UK cities, so you have more than enough connection options.
NordVPN boasts excellent unblocking abilities. It effortlessly scales geo-fences on any streaming service, from ITV to Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney+. Distance matters, but you still get lightning-fast connections with NordVPN.
In fact, it marginally beats ExpressVPN in terms of speed, so you can expect stable streaming experiences, even in 4K video quality. While it excels in those areas, no other provider is touching NordVPN in terms of security and privacy functionality.
It offers industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption, IP, DNS, and WebRTC leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy. However, several other advanced features are also available, including native Onion over VPN support, an app-specific kill switch, and more.
NordVPN works with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, streaming boxes, smart TVs, and other ITV-supporting devices. With one NordVPN account, you can watch content on the platform on up to ten devices. If you’re unimpressed by the VPN’s service, you have up to 30 days after your purchase to request a refund.
2. ExpressVPN
Pros
- Beginner-friendly apps
- In-house Lightway Turbo protocol
- Streaming-friendly servers
- Split tunnelling
- Strict no-logs policy
Cons
- It could be cheaper
- No MultiHop
ExpressVPN is reliable for watching ITV Hub (ITVX) from the USA, mirroring its position on most rankings — it’s arguably the best VPN service to date, right after NordVPN. The British Virgin Islands-based VPN offers 3,000+ servers across 105 countries.
That collection includes scores of servers in five locations in the United Kingdom, so you have plenty of options. ExpressVPN breezes past most geo-blocks to provide unrestricted access. You can stream ITV in the USA and unblock popular streamers like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+.
The VPN is incredibly fast, thanks to its custom Lightway Turbo protocol and high-bandwidth infrastructure. As a result, you can stream ITV in UHD, despite your distance from a UK server. While you enjoy your favorite shows, ExpressVPN keeps your data safe and private.
It implements AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technology ensures all identifiable data is wiped off its servers after each reboot. In any case, the VPN has a strict no-logs policy.
ExpressVPN’s broad compatibility means you can watch ITV on any device that supports it. One account covers up to eight devices, depending on your subscription plan. You can try the VPN out risk-free, thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. CyberGhost
Pros
- Dedicated streaming servers
- Affordable prices
- NoSpy servers
- 45-day refund policy
- Smart DNS support
Cons
- No obfuscated servers
- No malware protection
CyberGhost comes with a massive network of servers, with over 12,000 spread across 100 countries. More than 700 of those are strategically located in three UK cities — you won’t find many providers with a broader coverage.
The extensive network ensures consistent and reliable access to ITV’s library, making it an excellent choice for streaming your favorite British shows and movies. But CyberGhost is just as impressive when unblocking other streaming services.
For variety, you can also watch BBC iPlayer live in the US or switch to Netflix, Hulu, and several others. For best results, use its streaming-optimized servers, which show the platforms they support and the current server load. CyberGhost is fast enough to binge-watch live events, movies, or series in HD with no buffering.
The VPN covers privacy and security. CyberGhost scrambles your data with military-grade encryption to keep hackers and other malicious actors away. In addition, it comes with a kill switch and IP/DNS leak protection and doesn’t log any personally identifiable data on its servers.
Plus, an effective ad blocker keeps the pesky ads away. Backed by CyberGhost, you can stream ITV on your computer, smartphone, smart TV, or streaming device. It permits up to seven simultaneous devices. With its 45-day money-back guarantee, there’s ample time to test the VPN and determine its quality.
4. Surfshark
Pros
- Excellent streaming prowess
- Ad and virus protection
- It doesn’t keep logs
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
Cons
- Higher renewal costs
- No virus protection in the Starter plan
Surfshark is the best budget VPN for watching ITV in America or anywhere else. That said, affordable service doesn’t mean this provider compromises on quality.
For instance, it offers the most extensive country spread on this list, with 3,200+ servers spanning 100 countries. Don’t worry about congestion and slowdowns in the United Kingdom, as Surfshark has over 200 servers in four cities. The provider lets you keep up on Love Island, Inspector Lewis, and your favorite ITV shows hassle-free.
In addition, Surfshark unblocks many other popular streaming services to grant you access to exclusive content. That way, you can easily switch to Top Boy and other shows only available on Netflix UK. Surfshark does not keep user logs on its servers, a claim verified by an independent audit.
It uses bank-level encryption to protect your data from hackers and provides IP/DNS leak protection. A kill switch ensures that an interruption to the VPN connection doesn’t expose your data to prying eyes.
What’s more, it offers an ad/malware blocker and several advanced and extra features. We especially like this VPN because a single subscription lets you connect to as many devices as you want. That’s great, considering its wide compatibility.
If you don’t like Surfshark for some reason, you can claim a refund under a 30-day money-back guarantee.
5. Private Internet Access
Pros
- Modest prices
- MultiHop connections
- Fast streaming servers
Cons
- Average performance
- Convoluted desktop apps
PIA VPN is affordable, reliable, and full of features. It’s an excellent option for watching ITVX in the USA and reaping all the amazing content. Besides, PIA is a US native, so you’re supporting a local VPN by purchasing it! There are plenty of incentives to get it: one is its price.
The VPN starts at only $2 or so monthly for the biennial plan. This price allows unlimited traffic, servers in nearly a hundred countries, and streaming/P2P allowance. Private Internet Access is safe and secure, thanks to MultiHop, which doubles the already powerful encryption.
Moreover, PIA supports unlimited simultaneous connections, which is seen only in Surfshark at this price. We’ll also praise PIA VPN’s WireGuard protocol, which makes the VPN decently fast. PIA’s optional extras are masterfully done, and one of them is a helpful antivirus.
For just over a dollar, you can enjoy full virus protection on your Windows PC, making PIA an exceptional Windows VPN. While its clunkier desktop apps might not be the most professional, PIA compensates with 24/7 support and ample features for the money.
This low-cost package includes smart DNS, dedicated IPs, a no-log policy, RAM servers, and more. PIA VPN’s plans are fully refundable for 30 days, so if you’re unimpressed, you can be reimbursed within this period.
Can You Watch ITV in the USA With a Free VPN?
ITV has solid geo-blocks that obstruct watching content on the service from abroad, even with the help of many VPNs. A few free VPN services may be capable of surmounting those restrictions, but we don’t recommend using them.
Here’s why free VPNs should not be your go-to solution. In general, they come with limited server options, resulting in no or very few servers in the UK. The latter inevitably translates to congestion and slowdowns.
Considering most free VPNs don’t have high bandwidth infrastructure or speedy protocols in the first place, you’ll likely be stuck with slow connections, which can be pretty frustrating for streaming. Another common restriction is data and bandwidth caps, which severely limit the extent to which you can stream.
Even worse, free VPNs may compromise your online privacy and security. Some collect and sell user data to support their free services, potentially exposing your personal information to third parties. Besides, their infrastructure may have vulnerabilities, leading to data leaks or hacks.
In contrast, premium VPN services invest in robust server networks, high-speed infrastructure, and advanced technologies to ensure consistent access to geo-blocked content. If pricing is a significant concern, you could use a cheap VPN instead.
Conclusion
ITV is one of the largest television networks in the UK, offering millions of users access to live and on-demand content. Unfortunately, you cannot take your favorite movies, sports, and shows along with you on a trip to the US, as the service enforces content licensing agreements with geo-restrictions.
That is, unless you use a quality VPN service.
We recommend NordVPN as the best provider to watch ITV in the USA. It offers extensive server coverage in the United Kingdom. Plus, you get blazing-fast connection speeds, excellent unblocking, and robust security and privacy features to shield your online traffic.
FAQ
Do I need a TV license to watch ITV in the USA?
No, you can sign in and enjoy the content without a TV license. The same goes for most British TV channels, such as BBC iPlayer and Channel 4. Be aware that ITV requires an account, but since it’s free and isn’t followed by a subscription, it takes a minute to make.
Is ITVX free?
Yes, ITVX is a free-to-watch video-on-demand service. There’s an optional subscription called ITVX Premium, which removes ads for a couple of pounds monthly.
Does ITVX block VPNs?
Yes, it blocks VPNs, but not all. Some VPNs, most of which are presented above, are well-versed in unblocking streaming services. ITV likely won’t detect them, which cannot be said about free providers or other non-streaming-optimized services you can find online.
