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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

How to Watch The Great British Bake Off Online FREE in 2024

Anshul Jain Updated on 4th December 2023 Fact-checked by Aleksandra Kovacevic Cybersecurity Researcher

The Great British Bake Off is free to stream on Channel 4 in the UK. The only thing is, if you’re not in the UK, you won’t be able to watch it. Channel 4 can detect your location based on your IP address and prevent you from watching it in an unlicensed location to protect its licensing and distribution agreements. If you’re in the US, you can watch it on Netflix.

In theory, you could use a VPN to get a UK or US IP address and hypothetically watch The Great British Bake Off outside the UK or the US. But that violates the platforms’ Terms and Conditions and may be considered copyright infringement. So I don’t recommend you do this.

However, if you’re in the UK and using a UK VPN server for security while streaming, ExpressVPN is my top choice for The Baking Show. The same goes if you’re in the US and you connect to a US server to safely watch it from your Netflix library. It has excellent speeds for HD streaming and is quick to set up. Plus, you can try it risk-free since it has a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with it, you can get a refund.

Watch in HD With ExpressVPN >>

Quick Guide: How to Watch The Great British Bake Off With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps

  1. Get a VPN. ExpressVPN is my top choice for watching The Great British Bake Off in the UK since it has fast speeds for HD streaming.
  2. From the UK, connect to a nearby server. Choose a UK server close to your UK location. The closer the server is to your actual location, the faster the speeds for streaming The Great British Bake Off.
  3. Start watching The Great British Baking Show. Go to Channel 4 in the UK, sign in or sign up, and enjoy.
IMPORTANT! The vpnMentor team and I disapprove of any form of copyright infringement. The VPNs we recommend have strict no-logs policies, meaning they won’t see your data or activities. It’s down to you to use your VPN in a legal and responsible manner.

Best VPNs to Watch The Great British Bake Off in 2024

1. ExpressVPN — Top Speeds to Watch the GBBO Without Buffering

Best Feature Lightway protocol is fast and reliable, ensuring smooth streaming
Speed Only a 9% speed drop, so you can watch GBBO live in UHD
Server Network 3,000 servers in 105 countries to easily find a preferred location
Compatible With Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more

ExpressVPN was the fastest VPN I tested for watching The Great British Bake Off. Its unique Lightway protocol, which is lightweight and optimized for speed, delivered excellent streaming performance. While testing its UK server from the UK, my speed dropped less than 10% as I watched the show on Channel 4 — from a base speed of 113.03Mbps to 102.47Mbps. So you won’t have to wait for buffering in between the judges’ decisions.

Another thing I liked is that it’s really easy to set up on all your devices. I installed it in just 5 minutes on my Windows laptop, Android phone, and iPad. And it works really great right out of the box. Follow the brief setup instructions, then launch the app, connect to a UK or US server (whichever location you’re in where GBBO is licensed), and start watching the dramatic baking fun.

Streaming The Great British Bake Off on Channel 4 Using ExpressVPN WindowsI was able to stream the show in 4K with no buffering at all

The only catch is that you get all these premium features at a slightly higher price of $6.67/month. The silver lining is that ExpressVPN regularly rolls out great deals. When I signed up for the longest plan, I got a discount of 49%, plus an extra 3 months for free.

You can also try it risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not fully satisfied, you can request a refund using the 24/7 live chat. I tested this refund policy myself, and after answering a few quick questions, customer support processed my request. I got my money returned to my credit card in 3 days.

Useful Features

  • Quick connect. With one tap, ExpressVPN finds the best server for you, so you don’t have to fiddle around with different servers.
  • Multiple simultaneous connections. It lets you connect up to 8 devices, so the whole family can enjoy live reality TV at the same time.
  • Browser extension. This is a handy way to control your VPN directly from your browser. So, you can quickly disconnect/reconnect if you need to.
  • MediaStreamer. A Smart DNS service that you can configure on smart TVs and gaming consoles that don’t natively support VPN apps, so you can watch GBBO in good quality on your big screen from the UK or the US (depending on where you are).
ExpressVPN Offer April 2024: For a limited time only, you can get an ExpressVPN subscription for up to 49% off! Don't miss out!

2. CyberGhost — Streaming Servers for Reliable and Smooth GBBO Connections

Best Feature Platform-optimized servers for stable streaming of GBBO episodes
Speed Good speeds with just a 13% reduction on close servers
Server Network 11,690 servers in 100 countries make it easy to pick a nearby one for the best speeds
Compatible With Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more

CyberGhost’s Channel 4-optimized servers make it ideal for beginners — expand the app and click For streaming. You don’t have to waste time testing different different servers to find one that works. The VPN’s team regularly checks and updates these servers to ensure they’re reliable. While testing CyberGhost’s Channel 4 server from the UK, I got a fast and stable connection for watching GBBO.

Screenshot of CyberGhost's streaming-optimized servers on Windows app, connected to London, UK server.You can also type ‘Channel 4’ or ‘Netflix’ into the search bar to quickly find them

I also found it incredibly user-friendly across various devices. The interface is consistent and intuitive, with just a few clicks to your preferred server and the next episode. So you don’t need to navigate tons of menus and settings to get it working. Also, you can save servers as favorites so you can quickly connect next time.

There's a minor hiccup, though. While local server speeds are impressive, connecting to distant servers did result in a speed drop of around 32%. The good news is that despite this, the overall speed was more than enough for streaming GBBO in HD, with no annoying buffering.

CyberGhost's pricing is competitive, particularly with the longer-term plans, which start at $2.03/month. If you're on the fence, you can try CyberGhost free with its 45-day money-back guarantee. Getting a refund is easy. I just canceled via 24/7 live chat and provided a reason for ending my subscription. The refund was paid into my bank account that same week.

Useful Features

  • Simultaneous device connections. CyberGhost lets you connect up to 7 devices, so your family will have no problem watching GBBO on separate screens.
  • Content Blocker. It also has an effective ad-blocker, so you won't be interrupted by pesky ads and pop-ups while watching The Great British Baking Show.
  • WireGuard Protocol. This is a modern, efficient protocol, so you’ll have a reliable and secure connection while streaming and browsing.
April 2024 Deal: CyberGhost is currently offering 84% off its most popular plan! Take advantage of this offer now and save more on your CyberGhost subscription.

3. Private Internet Access — Large Network Provides Uncrowded Connections to Watch The GBBO Buffer-Free

Best Feature Fast and reliable servers in 53 US locations and 3 UK locations
Speed A 20% speed drop is still fast enough for HD streaming
Server Network 29,650 servers in 90 countries, streaming optimized ones
Compatible With Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more

PIA’s most impressive feature is its extensive server network, perfect for avid GBBO fans — whether in the UK or the US. Plus, all of its servers are upgraded to 10Gbps, which gives you more bandwidth for a smooth connection. This gives you plenty of options to choose a nearby location and quickly get back to the pastry delights.

During my tests, PIA gave me speeds of 89.34Mbps on a 111.37Mbps connection (an average decrease). While this is relatively slower than ExpressVPN, it’s still more than fast enough for HD streaming. You only need 5Mbps for HD-streaming, so even if your ISP’s speeds are slower than mine, you can easily watch GBBO uninterrupted.

Screenshot of PIA's server list on Windows app with latency and streaming servers.You can also ‘heart’ your favorite servers, so they’re easy to find the next time

Its customization options can be a bit overwhelming for VPN newbies. But it won’t be a big problem, since it comes pre-configured with optimal settings for streaming. So you can just dive right into the show without any tweaks.

Affordability is another feather in its cap, with longer plans starting at just $2.03/month. Plus, you can test PIA worry-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

  • MACE. This feature blocks unwanted ads and trackers. So you can watch GBBO without annoying interruptions.
  • Secure VPN Protocols. PIA supports multiple VPN protocols, including WireGuard, ensuring a stable and safe streaming experience.
April 2024 Update: PIA doesn't usually have deals or discounts (it's already so affordable), but right now you can get a new subscription for a crazy 83% off!

Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for Watching The Great British Baking Show

To bring you the top VPNs for watching The Great British Baking Show in 2023, I meticulously tested various providers based on these essential criteria. Use this guide to make an informed decision or even test it yourself.

  • Fast speeds. A VPN should offer rapid connections to watch The Great British Baking Show without interruptions. The VPNs listed here all ensure you can watch the show without annoying buffering.
  • Reliable UK and US servers. A vast network in the US and UK ensures you’ll get a stable and reliable connection, whether you’re watching Channel 4 from the UK or Netflix in the US.
  • Easy to use. Any VPN you choose should be really easy to set up and start streaming. Nobody has the time to waste on VPN settings, or navigating several menus to find the server you want.
  • Device compatibility. A VPN that’s compatible with all popular operating systems and even TVs will help you watch the baking show wherever you want.
  • Excellent customer support. Unexpected issues can arise, and when they do, quick assistance is invaluable. I reached out to the support teams of various VPNs to gauge their responsiveness and expertise, ensuring you're never left in the lurch.
  • Reliable money-back guarantee. Commitment can be daunting, especially if you're new to VPNs. During my research, I favored VPNs that provide risk-free trials or solid money-back guarantees, allowing you to test them with GBBO without any worries.

Where Can I Watch The Great British Bake Off Online?

The Great British Bake Off is available in the UK on the Channel 4 player, where series 8 to 14 are available. You can set up an account for free from within the UK because ads monetize the platform. There is also an option of an ad-free service for a fee.

If you’re in the US, you can watch The Great British Baking Show on Netflix. It’s also available in a couple of other Netflix libraries, so check yours to see if it’s there. Subscriptions vary based on your region.

You can also check your local listings for over-the-air broadcasts and streams. For example, in Canada, The GBBS is available for free on CBC Gem. Here's a breakdown of all the platforms where the show is available:

Platform Country Free Trial Seasons Available
Channel 4 UK 7 days 8–14
Netflix US No 8–14
CBC Gem Canada 1 month 1–14
iTunes UK No, Available for Purchase 1–14
Amazon Prime Video UK No, Available for Purchase 1–14
The Roku Channel US 7 days 1–7

FAQs on Watching The Great British Bake Off With a VPN

Can I watch The Great British Bake Off for free?

Yes, you can watch The Great British Bake Off for free in some regions. In the UK, series 8 to 14 are available for free (with ads) on Channel 4. In Canada, you can see all seasons on CBC Gem.

The only thing is that you can only watch these platforms in their respective regions due to licensing and distribution agreements. They use IP detection to find out your location, so for instance, if you try to watch Channel 4 from outside of the UK, you will see an error message.

Is it legal to use a VPN to stream The Great British Bake Off?

It depends. If you are in a country where the show is licensed, and you’re connected to a server in your country, then it’s legal. Otherwise, using a VPN to hypothetically watch the show on a platform that’s not available in your country goes against the platform’s T&Cs and could even constitute copyright infringement.

We don’t condone copyright infringement at vpnMentor, so please only use a VPN to secure your connection and avoid ISP throttling while watching GBBO on a platform in its licensed location.

Can I use a VPN to watch international versions of the GBBO?

Technically, you can — but I don’t recommend it. You should only use a VPN server in your country for privacy protection while watching the version of GBBO that is available in your location.

That said, VPNs can, in theory, provide you with an IP address in another location, which could hypothetically allow you to watch an international version of GBBO. However, doing this goes against most platforms’ T&Cs and may even amount to copyright infringement.

Where can I watch all seasons of The Great British Baking Show?

You can watch all seasons of The GBBO on CBC Gem if you’re in Canada. If you’re in the UK, you can watch series 8 to 14 on Channel 4 for free.

Can I use a free VPN to watch The Great British Bake Off?

It may be possible to use a free VPN to watch the GBB, but it's not recommended. Free VPNs tend to have slow speeds that cause lag, limited servers, and sometimes they don’t even work with the platforms at all. A tried-and-tested premium VPN with a money-back guarantee is a more reliable option for watching GBBO in HD.

How can I stream The Great British Bake Off online in the US?

You can stream The Great British Bake Off in America on Netflix US. It’s called The Great British Baking Show in the US, and Netflix has seasons 8–14 available on its platform.

Watch The Great British Bake Off in Minutes

Whether you’re in the UK, the US, or another GBBO-licensed location, you can watch all of the excitement without compromising speeds or privacy. The VPNs in this list all offer fast and reliable connections in the countries where GBBO is available. This means you can easily find a fast server in your country to watch the show in the best possible quality while also protecting your connection.

ExpressVPN came out on top during testing. It’s easy to install and use, and speeds are ideal for watching GBBO without buffering. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free since it has a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can request a refund if it doesn't meet your expectations.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for Watching The Great British Bake Off...

Rank
Provider
Our Score
Discount
Visit Website
1
medal
9.9 /10
9.9 Our Score
Save 49%!
2
9.7 /10
9.7 Our Score
Save 84%!
3
9.5 /10
9.5 Our Score
Save 83%!
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The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.

VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 49% off.

Visit ExpressVPN

We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

About the Author

Anshul is a vpnMentor writer and cybersecurity enthusiast, focusing on helping readers navigate the online world with peace of mind that their data and online identity will remain private.

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