Twelve new bakers are ready to step into the Great British Bake Off tent and rise to a whole new gauntlet of challenges – and the culinary sensation has amassed fans from around the world! Unfortunately, you won't be able to catch Bake Off on Channel 4 if you live outside of the UK.
Luckily, there are plenty of VPNs that are more than capable (or should that be cake-able) of accessing the streaming platform, and we'll take a lot at the cream of the crop in this guide.
How to watch The Great British Bake Off
UK broadcasters, like channel 4, use geo-restrictions to stop people from watching their content from abroad. The good news is that you can use a VPN service to unblock The Great British Bake Off from outside of the UK.
VPN service will conceal your real IP address, so when you visit Channel 4's streaming service, All 4, you will appear to be in the UK!
Simply follow the steps below to unblock The Great British Bake Off:
- Sign up to a VPN service – we recommend ExpressVPN and have listed some other options further down this article.
- Download and install the VPN software on your device.
- Connect to a VPN server in the United Kingdom.
- Go to All 4 and start streaming the show – you will be able to watch it live or stream every episode from season 8 to season 12, the present season.
Where to watch The Great British Bake Off?
The 2024 season of Bake Off will be aired every Tuesday night at 8pm GMT on Channel 4 and streaming service All 4. You can catch up on all the action (or relive each week's challenge) in your own time too using the All 4 on-demand service.
This year, twelve new contestants are eager to compete, and their culinary skills will be assessed by judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, whilst Matt Lucas and Noel Fielding return to host.
The best 5 VPNs for the Great British Bake Off
We recommend that you use the following VPNs for watching The Great British Bake Off.
ExpressVPN has speedy servers in the UK that make catching the Bake Off a piece of cake. ExpressVPN Demo ExpressVPN is a titan of the VPN scene and a superb choice for anyone looking to stream Bake Off! The VPN can also unblock a wealth of other content from pretty much any streaming service you can imagine, and has the speeds to ensure that you're not stuck watching your videos buffer. In addition, ExpressVPN is jam-packed with security features that'll keep your logs and personal information out of the hands of any snoopers. You're getting the full package with ExpressVPN, and I think the quality of the service is well worth the more expensive price tag. In order to catch Bake Off, you'll need to connect to a VPN server in the UK – and ExpressVPN has a number of servers in London you can choose from! Plus, unblocking restricted content from other international broadcasters is a breeze, thanks to ExpressVPN servers in 94 countries worldwide. These servers are incredibly fast, too! I often find myself gravitating towards ExpressVPN when I'm looking to watch a new series, and that's primarily because the VPN can handle HD streaming and even prevent ISP throttling, so there's no lag to worry about. ExpressVPN can unblock Channel 4 and All 4, as well as Netflix UK, BBC iPlayer, and BT Sport – though this is really only a small example of the services you'll be able to access. I also like that ExpressVPN can bypass any restrictions imposed on social media sites like Twitter and Facebook, too, which can come in handy if you're bored on campus or at work, or live somewhere where those sites are blocked by an oppressive government. ExpressVPN is hard to beat when it comes to security! The service keeps your browsing sessions secure with 256-bit AES encryption, so nobody can keep track of what you get up to, and a number of VPN protocols are available to subscribers. I'd recommend sticking to OpenVPN if security is your priority, though Lightway is a promising alternative, and a proprietary protocol developed by ExpressVPN itself! It's a lightweight, quick, and secure protocol that can speed up connection times. Speed is everything when it comes to streaming, so Lightway is definitely worth checking out if you've got a long list of shows to catch up on! I like that ExpressVPN clearly values its users' privacy; a no-logs policy attests to that, and the service has even invited independent auditors to comb through the policy, which is a huge plus in my books. Being based in the British Virgin Islands also means that ExpressVPN is not required to store logs by law! If you want an additional layer of privacy, you should consider paying for your subscription with Bitcoin, as you'll only need to provide an email address to do so, and no personal details (though bear in mind that ExpressVPN will always know your original IP address). Admittedly, an ExpressVPN subscription doesn't come cheap. But the old adage of "you get what you pay for" is true – and with ExpressVPN, you're getting an incredibly reliable product for the price. The VPN is compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux devices, so you can watch Bake Off wherever you go, and up to 5 simultaneous connections are supported! It's also reassuring to know that 24/7 customer service is available via live chat or email, and that you can reach out to the ExpressVPN team anonymously if you'd prefer. If you're intrigued, you should take advantage of the ExpressVPN 30-day money-back guarantee to put the service through its paces without risking your cash. NordVPN is a simple and secure way to access All 4, and boasts more than 400 UK servers! Nord Demo You've probably seen a few of your favorite YouTubers talking about NordVPN – it's an incredibly well-rounded and reliable service that I frequently recommend to VPN newcomers! So, if you'd like to catch every second of this year's Bake Off competition without being slowed down by an overly-techy service, NordVPN is a great pick. It routinely tops our speed tests and has a nice collection of features that'll shore up your digital security, too! Similar to ExpressVPN, NordVPN has a large selection of servers in the UK – specifically London. This means you'll have no trouble accessing Channel 4 and All 4 from outside of the country! NordVPN has a total of 5,200 servers across 60 countries worldwide, ideal for geo-hopping and beating even the most stubborn restrictions, and the Quick Connect feature will automatically connect you to the server that suits you best! NordVPN allows for 6 simultaneous connections, too, so the whole family can check out content from overseas. It's hard to overstate just how speedy NordVPN is. I didn't encounter any lag or slow-loading pages when testing the service, and streaming in HD isn't a problem either. Plus, these blazing speeds make any P2P activity and BitTorrent downloading equally pain-free! NordVPN has a huge number of security features that'll keep you secure whenever you're connected to the net – like AES 256-bit encryption that renders your traffic unreadable to snoops like your ISP and government. The service supports OpenVPN encryption, which is my protocol of choice, as well as NordLynx! NordLynx is based on WireGuard and is a speedy, resource-light protocol that's just as easy to use as it is to audit. And speaking of audits, I'm happy to see that NordVPN has invited an independent auditing firm to examine its no-logs claim. NordVPN isn't interested in keeping hold of any connection or traffic logs, and since it's based in Panama, away from the EU and US jurisdictions (and surveillance alliances), you can rest assured that your personal information won't end up in the hands of a third-party. Just like a number of other VPNs on the market today, NordVPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee that you can use to put the provider through its paces. If you decide to take the plunge and purchase a subscription, you can do so via credit card, Amazon or Google pay, and even cryptocurrency! This is a nice option to have if you're looking to stay as anonymous as possible. I like that NordVPN throws in a split tunneling feature with each subscription, so that users can geo-hop and check out Bake Off whilst still browsing local content, all at the same time. NordVPN is compatible with all platforms and has a 24/7 customer support team on hand to tackle any questions or issues that might arise. You can contact them via email or live chat, and they'll be happy to troubleshoot your concerns. Surfshark can unblock a wealth of content, including All 4 and BBC iPlayer, and even throws in a Smart DNS service! Surfshark Demo Surfshark is one of the newer providers on the VPN block (especially compared to some of the other services in this list), but it's already made a huge splash – and plenty of consumers have praised its geo-hopping capabilities. Surfshark has a huge network of servers and does an excellent job of unblocking streaming and social media sites, so you can browse the web just as freely as was originally intended. A VPN needs servers in the UK to be able to access Channel 4 and All 4, and the Great British Bake Off, and Surfshark more than meets this requirement with servers in London, Manchester, and Glasgow! Connect to any of these to be able to witness every baking triumph (and cake-related disaster), or take your pick of more than 3,200 servers in 65 countries worldwide to browse other international content from the comfort of your couch. Surfshark can access Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and many more. Surfshark's speeds are impressive and consistent, and the provider's servers are also super secure, as they're RAM-only and wiped each time they're switched off. It's also cool to see that Surfshark offers a Smart DNS service, ideal for folks who prefer to stream via their smart TV, though you'll need to remember that this service won't encrypt your traffic like a regular VPN! As you'd expect from a provider like Surfshark, it packs robust AES 256-bit encryption to keep all of your devices secure and your sensitive information out of the hands of hackers and snoops. So, whether you're watching Bake Off at home, on the go, or on holiday, you'll have total security. Surfshark's kill-switch is another handy feature that prevents your original IP address leaking to your ISP and clueing them in on what you're doing – just remember to head into your settings to enable the kill-switch, first. Plus, Surfshark lets users take their pick of OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols, as well as the Shadowsocks proxy, which is useful if you live somewhere with heavy internet restrictions. Just like ExpressVPN, Surfshark is based in the British Virgin Islands, and isn't required by law to keep hold of user logs. The provider's no-logs policy further highlights its dedication to secrecy, and it has even been verified by a team of independent auditors, which is just what we like to see! Surfshark's main selling point is that it offers unlimited simultaneous connections – which is, admittedly, pretty awesome! You'll be able to cover all of your own devices as well as those belonging to your friends and family, if you're feeling generous, and all without paying any extra money. Surfshark is also compatible with most platforms, and can even be used with smart TVs and games consoles. 24/7 customer service is ready to assist with any issues that crop up whilst you're using the service, and you'll get 30-days to claim your money back if you decide to purchase a subscription. However, Mac, iOS, and Android users can take advantage of a 7-day free trial! Surfshark will even be kind enough to send you an email before your trial comes to an end, so you won't be charged. PIA is an established, hard-working service that can unblock the best of British TV... and then some! PIA Demo Private Internet Access (or PIA) is a VPN service that's stood the test of time, drawing on ten years of experience within the industry! PIA is a firm favorite of Reddit users and does an exceptional job at ensuring you're secure whenever you're online – thanks in no small part to a no-logs policy that's been proven in court. Of course, PIA will also unblock All 4 in a blink, so that you can watch the Great British Bake Off from any corner of the globe. PIA has a wide selection of servers to choose from (in 78 countries, to be exact), although the provider does have a domestic focus on its locations in the US. Despite that, however, PIA can unblock All 4 along with BBC iPlayer and Netflix UK, so if you're a fan of British TV, you're in luck! PIA can also access various other streaming services and international Netflix libraries. Thanks to unlimited bandwidth and servers that've been optimized for speed and security, your streams will run smoothly regardless of where you are in the world. PIA also supports P2P activity (though you'll want to make sure you're using the kill-switch, too), so you'll be able to download files quickly and without your ISP catching on. PIA's software is open-source, which is pretty impressive, seeing as it allows anyone to comb through it themselves to see if the service really is keeping its promise to provide top-notch privacy. If this sounds a bit too technical for your tastes – don't worry! PIA only takes a moment to set up, and once you've got it up and running, you can start browsing securely right away without dipping into the various advanced menus. AES 256-bit encryption keeps users secure and all their personal details cloaked and out of reach of snoopers, and the aforementioned kill-switch will likewise ensure that your real IP address doesn't leak in the event of a VPN dropout. I like that PIA offers OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, so you can tailor your experience (and security) as and when you need to. Unfortunately, PIA is based in the US, and this isn't a good thing when it comes to privacy. The United States is also home to the CIA and NSA, and it's entirely possible for a VPN provider to be forced into cooperation with authorities by handing over user data, and then abiding by a gag order. This might be enough to put some prospective users off the service, but PIA does have a strict no-logs policy that ensures there'd be nothing to hand over to the authorities in the first place! PIA is compatible with Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android devices, with apps that are easy for even a VPN novice to set up! Customers get 10 simultaneous connections to play with, too, which is pretty generous for a VPN as affordable as PIA is. And since we're on the topic of price tags, you'll be able to pay for your PIA subscription with cryptocurrency and gift cards, if you like! So, if you have an old Starbucks or Walmart card lying around the house, consider treating yourself to one of the best VPNs on the market. 24/7 customer service is also available through live chat, and you will, of course, get a 30-day money-back guarantee when you take the plunge and commit to a longer subscription. CyberGhost is an impressive service that can unblock All 4, Netflix UK, and BBC iPlayer, thanks to hundreds of servers in the UK. CyberGhost Demo CyberGhost wins a spot in our top 5 by boasting a huge server network with extensive coverage in the UK – meaning you'll never be more than a few clicks away from the latest Bake Off episode, or any of your other British TV favorites. In addition, CyberGhost comes with robust security features and excellent speeds, so your streams, torrents, and online games will all run smoothly. CyberGhost has hundreds of servers within the UK, and in key locations like London, Manchester, and Berkshire! Connecting to any of these will grant you access to the full All 4 catalogue of content, as well as international Netflix libraries, and HBO, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer. Basically, you'll have your pick of content from around the globe. CyberGhost has a total of 7,000 servers spread across 91 countries, and even has dedicated servers for those looking to stream, torrent, or really boost their privacy. That might sound a little overwhelming, which is why CyberGhost can also recommend a server for you, based on your current location and activity preferences! I like that CyberGhost comes with a split tunneling feature, which will allow users to geo-hop and check out international content whilst also browsing local services, all at the same time! As soon as you connect to a CyberGhost server, your traffic will be secured by strong AES 256-bit encryption, which is a vital part of any VPN offering and prevents any third-parties from keeping tabs on your activity. CyberGhost also protects against DNS and IP leaks, and packs an automatic kill-switch so you don't have to worry about your IP address leaking in the event of a VPN drop out. OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols are available to all users – though if you prefer, you can simply install CyberGhost without digging into the settings, as its default ones are superb! This VPN isn't exactly no-frills, but it is a lot less techy and complicated than some others on the market. I like that CyberGhost makes a home in Romania, a country famed for its privacy-friendly values, far beyond the reach of the 5 and 14 Eyes Alliances. Plus, the service doesn't hold on to user logs, thanks to a no-logs policy. It is, however, disappointing to see that CyberGhost has not had this policy audited since 2012 – and I think if the VPN were to invited independent auditors to examine the service it'd do wonders for its reputation, particularly as some users may be wary about CyberGhost's owners, Kape technologies. CyberGhost 8, the latest software edition, is incredibly intuitive and easy-to-use, making the VPN a great choice for anyone unfamiliar with the technology. You can take advantage of 7 simultaneous connections, and CyberGhost has fresh and sleek apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, and can even be used on smart TVs, consoles, and routers! If you run into trouble installing the VPN, or have any questions, get in touch with the CyberGhost customer service team, available 24/7 via live chat or email. A rather generous 45-day money-back guarantee is available to subscribers, which should be more than enough time to try the service out on your own devices! If you'd rather not spend a penny, you can instead make use of the 24-hour free trial, though you may need to do some Googling to find it! 1. ExpressVPN
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Don't risk your wallet
At ProPrivacy, we regularly test the VPNs we recommend. To make sure that we've picked services that'll actually unblock Bake Off (and keep you secure whilst you're at home or on the go), we tested for the following important factors:
- Servers – to be able to unblock Bake Off, a VPN needs to have at least one VPN server located in the UK.
- Speed – unless you want to spend more time watching a buffering circle than biscuit week, stick to speedy VPNs that perform well in our daily speed test.
- Security – a VPN has to be able to keep your sensitive information and online habits safe, and should implement OpenVPN encryption to do so.
- Money-back guarantee – with a money-back guarantee, you'll be able to test the service in your own time.
- Support – you might not need help, but if you do, it's better to know that it's available 24/7 and provided by a team of experts.
Why do I need a VPN to watch the Great British Bake Off?
You might be wondering why it's even necessary to invest in a VPN if you're a fan of Bake Off living outside the UK – and it all boils down to licensing agreements. Channel 4 (and other broadcasters) enforce geo-restrictions in order to ensure that its programming is only available to UK residents. So, if you live outside of the UK, or Europe, and want to watch Bake Off as it happens, you'll need a VPN.
VPNs are incredibly useful online services that can bypass those geo-restrictions that'd otherwise prevent you from watching Channel 4 content. They do this by temporarily assigning you a new IP address that lets you appear to be in a different country. But they unblock a lot more than Channel 4! With a VPN, you can catch up with live and on-demand content from Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and many more – though it's always best to check which services each individual VPN can access.
How does a VPN work?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is practically a necessity for anyone who values their online privacy. They encrypt your internet traffic, making it unreadable to anyone intending to take a peek – including your ISP, government, network administrator, and even your school or workplace from keeping tabs on what you do online.
In order to bypass geo-restrictions, like those imposed by Channel 4, a VPN conceals your original IP address and assigns you a new one, based in the same country as the VPN server of your choice! As a result, sites like streaming services won't be able to use your real IP address to determine where you are in the world and subsequently grant or deny access to licensed content. Connect to a VPN server in the UK and you'll appear to really live there, and be able to watch Channel 4, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, and Netflix UK without any issues.
Can I use a free VPN to watch the Great British Bake Off?
It's entirely possible to watch Bake Off by using a free VPN service – but it's also not something we'd recommend.
Free VPNs are typically designed to give you a taste of the full VPN service, like a sample platter, and so come with some hefty limitations. Expect a reduced number of available servers, bandwidth limits that aren't ideal for streaming, and data caps that are often rather restrictive. All in all, you likely won't get to appreciate the spread of cakes and treats in HD – and that defeats the purpose of the show, surely?
Other free VPNs are far more malicious. They'll often lack encryption, peddle malware, and even log your personal information to sell on to third-parties. This violation of your digital privacy is not at all what you want from a service that's supposed to safeguard it. We'd recommend avoiding free VPNs, and taking a moment to ponder what you're really paying for the service with if you're not paying with your money – because usually, it ends up being your privacy.
Final thoughts
After a relatively crumby year, a new season of the always-wholesome Bake Off is just what a lot of us need! The show is usually only available to viewers in the UK, but with a VPN, you can tune in regardless of your actual location.
If you need a final reminder of the VPNs we'd recommend for streaming Bake Off, here they are!
- ExpressVPN - a premium provider that values privacy, with a no-logs policy and strong encryption designed to deter snoopers.
- NordVPN - easy to use and extraordinarily quick, so you'll have no trouble streaming, gaming, or hopping into VoIP calls.
- Surfshark - an audited, no-logs provider that boasts unlimited simultaneous connections and platform-wide compatibility.
- Private Internet Access - jam-packed with security features that can be tailored to your circumstances, and the WireGuard protocol is also freely available.
- CyberGhost VPN - quick and simple to use, with attractive apps for just about any platform you can imagine.