How To Watch Doctor Who Online for Free in 2024

You can watch Doctor Who for free on BBC iPlayer from the UK. If you're outside the country, you can turn to paid platforms, like Disney+, and stream all episodes in order (including season 14, airing 11 May 2024).

With a VPN, you can theoretically get a UK IP address and watch Doctor Who for free from anywhere. However, this violates copyright laws and BBC iPlayer’s terms of service. Still, a VPN is a beneficial tool for securely streaming popular fiction from a country with broadcasting rights. Just make sure your VPN is fast enough for HD video and works with your preferred streaming services.

ExpressVPN is my top choice for watching Doctor Who online. It's the fastest VPN I tested for uninterrupted streaming and is easy to use on all major devices, even smart TVs. You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee to try the VPN risk-free. You can get a full refund if you're not 100% happy with it. Editors' Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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Why You Need a VPN To Watch Doctor Who Online Safely

The primary reason to use a VPN when watching Doctor Who is to secure your internet connection and avoid ISP throttling. When you connect to a VPN, your ISP can’t see that you’re streaming, which helps avoid targeted slowdowns during peak hours. A VPN sends your data through its private server network, encrypting your connection and making it unreadable to third parties.

While a VPN safeguards your online activities from hackers and eavesdroppers when watching Doctor Who, not all VPNs are effective for streaming. Only the best VPNs have fast servers worldwide to avoid slowdowns while watching TV shows online. Still, always use a server within your country when streaming Doctor Who on local platforms to prevent breaking any rules.

Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Watching Doctor Who in 2024

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to strict testing methodology.

How To Watch Doctor Who for Free

Although BBC iPlayer is free in the UK, you must create an account to watch Doctor Who. The platform requires some personal details, such as your email address, birth date, and ZIP code. Remember to launch your VPN to secure your online data before signing up.

1. Download a VPN

Make sure your VPN is compatible with your preferred streaming device. For devices without native VPN support, like gaming consoles and older smart TVs, you can use the VPN's smart DNS feature or install it on your router.

2. Connect To a Local UK Server

You need a VPN with fast servers near you in the UK to avoid interruptions while safely streaming Doctor Who on BBC iPlayer. I recommend ExpressVPN because it has many fast servers in Docklands, East London, London, Midlands, and Wembley, and consistently works well with BBC iPlayer.

Use Smart Location to connect to the fastest server automatically

3. Go To BBC iPlayer

From the UK, you can watch BBC iPlayer on various devices, including phones, PCs, and TVs. Download the app to your device, or visit the BBC iPlayer registration page from your web browser. You’ll need to confirm you’re older than 13 and then sign up by entering your email and creating a password.

Click on Show password to make sure you've spelled it correctly

4. Enter Your Details

The platform only asks for your date of birth, a valid UK postcode, and gender. After entering my data and clicking Continue, I was immediately redirected to BBC iPlayer’s homepage. This confused me a bit since I didn’t get any confirmation that my account had been successfully created. However, I later saw I was logged in.

No need to verify your email, you can start streaming right away

5. Confirm You Have a TV License

BBC iPlayer requires a TV license because it's funded by the license fee, a mandatory charge for anyone watching live TV or using BBC iPlayer in the UK. This fee funds the BBC's various services, including TV, radio, and online content. The license ensures that you're legally covered to stream or download all content available on BBC iPlayer, including live broadcasts and full series, movies, and more.

After confirming you have a TV licence, start watching Doctor Who

6. Start Watching Doctor Who

After signing up for BBC iPlayer and confirming your valid TV license, you can watch Doctor Who for free. BBC iPlayer offers all Doctor Who episodes in order, from the earliest adventures to the latest season 14.

The VPN was equally fast on all UK servers I tested from London

Editors' Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Best VPNs To Watch Doctor Who in 2024

Only a few VPNs are fast and reliable enough to stream Doctor Who on platforms like BBC iPlayer and Disney+ without interruptions. After extensive testing, I shortlisted secure VPNs with fast servers in supported locations and user-friendly apps for all devices, including smart TVs.

1. ExpressVPN — Consistently High Speeds for Watching Doctor Who in UHD

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested July 2024

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol reduced my speed by only 3% on local servers. It uses a leaner codebase, so it’s faster than most other VPN protocols I tested. I watched The Church on Ruby Road without buffering testing ExpressVPN with BBC iPlayer from my hotel in London.

It's easy to watch Doctor Who on your big screen with ExpressVPN's native apps for Apple TV and Android TV. If you have an older TV model that doesn't support VPNs natively, you can use ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer smart DNS feature, which is faster since it doesn't encrypt your traffic. However, it only works for UK and US content, so if you live somewhere else, install the VPN on your router using its custom app and use it on any WiFi-connected device.

The only downside is that the VPN is slightly more expensive than its competitors at $6.67/month. However, ExpressVPN offers frequent deals and discounts to help you save. I got 49% off and 3 months free when I signed up for a long-term plan. A 30-day money-back guarantee is also included with all subscriptions, and you can use it on up to 8 devices simultaneously. If you're not 100% satisfied, getting a refund is easy when requesting via 24/7 live chat.

2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers That Work With Doctor Who Streaming Platforms

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost has dedicated streaming servers for BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Max — all of which have Doctor Who. These servers are regularly tested and updated for an optimum streaming experience and are easy to use. Expand the app, click For Streaming, and type your country into the search bar to find them. It took me only a few seconds to launch the BBC iPlayer-optimized server during my tests from London, and speeds were only slightly slower than ExpressVPN, at a 5% drop.

One minor con is that the monthly plans are pricey and offer a short refund period. However, you can securely stream Doctor Who free for 45 days using CyberGhost's extended money-back guarantee on long-term plans, which only cost $2.19/month. I got my money back 3 days after I requested a refund via 24/7 live chat.

3. Private Internet Access — Global Network to Reliably Watch Doctor Who Online

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

With PIA's vast server network, you'll have no problem finding one near you to stream Doctor Who securely. More servers also mean less chance of delays due to overcrowding. For example, there are servers in every US state, so you'll get great speeds on platforms like Disney+. Some country servers, like the US, UK, and Australia, are even optimized for streaming. My US colleague reported only a 7% speed reduction testing the US-optimized server.

PIA offers a wide range of configuration options, which can be overwhelming if you’re a new VPN user. However, you don’t need to change any settings to stream Doctor Who, just click on a server in your country. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee, and you can use it on unlimited devices at once.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to strict testing methodology.

Our Methodology For Testing VPNs for Streaming Doctor Who Online

A key factor in our selection process is compatibility with streaming services like BBC iPlayer and Disney+, which block VPNs even though you’re located in a valid streaming country. Only a few VPNs reliably work with these platforms and are fast enough for HD streaming. We also thoroughly tested security and privacy features and their compatibility with popular devices.

Where Can I Watch Doctor Who Online?

Depending on your location, there are several streaming options. In the UK, season 14 episodes premiere on BBC iPlayer just after midnight, following their broadcast on BBC One. You can also watch all previous seasons on BBC iPlayer from the UK.

In the US, Australia, Canada, and many other countries, Disney+ is the go-to platform for watching Doctor Who, making it easily accessible to fans worldwide. For the classic series, you can use BritBox, which can be added to your Amazon Prime Video account (with a 30-day free trial for new subscribers). You can also get a BritBox add-on for Apple TV, giving you more control over your viewing experience. To catch up on the latest season, refer to the list below:

How To Watch Doctor Who’s Entire Whoniverse in Order

You can watch Doctor Who episodes in various orders, choosing to focus on thematic narratives or specific characters' journeys. The series includes multiple timelines, special episodes, minisodes, and spin-offs, sometimes intersecting with the main storyline.

The easiest way to watch Doctor Who in order is on BBC iPlayer, as it carries all Doctor Who episodes. However, BBC iPlayer is only available in the UK. If you’re in the US, Canada, Australia, or Sweden, you can watch the classic series on BritBox via Amazon Prime Video. Apple TV also offers a BritBox add-on for those countries, plus Denmark, Finland, and Norway. US fans can then switch to Max for modern Doctor Who. The latest series featuring the fifteenth Doctor is available on Disney+ in all supported countries.

• Classic Doctor Who (1963–1989) — Begin with Season 1, starting with An Unearthly Child, and proceed through to Season 26. Then you can watch the spin-off K-9 and Company.
• Modern Doctor Who
  • Series 1 (2005) — Start with Rose and finish with The Parting of the Ways
  • Christmas Special (2005) — The Christmas Invasion
  • Series 2 (2006)
  • Christmas Special (2006) — The Runaway Bride
  • Series 3 (2007)
  • Christmas Special (2007) — Voyage of the Damned
  • Series 4 (2008)
  • Specials (2009-2010) — Includes The Next Doctor, Planet of the Dead, The Waters of Mars, and The End of Time parts 1 & 2
• Eleventh Doctor — Matt Smith
  • Series 5 (2010)
  • Christmas Special (2010) — A Christmas Carol
  • Series 6 (2011)
  • Two-part comic relief special Space and Time (2011)
  • Night and the Doctor (2011)
  • The Doctor, The Widow, and The Wardrobe: Prequel (2011)
  • Christmas Special (2011) — The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe
  • Pond Life (2012) — A series leading into Series 7, chronicling the lives of the Ponds when not with the Doctor
  • Series 7 (2012-2013)
  • The Great Detective (2012) — A mini-episode prequel to The Snowmen Christmas special
    Christmas Special (2012) — The Snowmen
  • Rain Gods — Another mini-episode included in Series 7
  • Clara and the TARDIS (2013)
  • Christmas Special (2013) — The Time of the Doctor
  • Minisode The Last Day (2013) — A prequel to The Day of the Doctor
  • 50th Anniversary Special (2013) — The Day of the Doctor
• Twelfth Doctor — Peter Capaldi
  • Series 8 (2014)
  • Christmas Special (2014) — Last Christmas
  • Minisode The Doctor’s Meditation (2015) — A prequel to the Series 9 opener The Magician’s Apprentice
  • Series 9 (2015)
  • Christmas Special (2015) — The Husbands of River Song
  • Series 10 (2017)
  • Christmas Special (2017) — Twice Upon a Time
• Thirteenth Doctor — Jodie Whittaker
  • Series 11 (2018)
  • New Year's Special (2019) — Resolution
  • Series 12 (2020)
  • New Year's Special (2021) — Revolution of the Daleks
  • Series 13 (2021)
  • Specials (2022) — Including Eve of the Daleks, Legend of the Sea Devils, and The Power of the Doctor
• Fourteenth Doctor — David Tennant (60th Anniversary Specials)
  • Specials (2023) — The Star Beast, Wild Blue Yonder, and The Giggle
• Fifteenth Doctor — Ncuti Gatwa
  • Specials (2023) — Starting with The Church on Ruby Road
  • Series 14 (2024)
• Spin-offs
  • Torchwood (2006–2011)
  • The Sarah Jane Adventures (2007–2011)
  • Class (2016)

FAQs on Watching Doctor Who

Why is my VPN not working for streaming Doctor Who and how can I fix it?

Your streaming service has probably detected and blocked your VPN traffic, which they do to prevent unauthorized access. This can happen even when streaming on a locally available platform with a server in your country. The easiest way to resolve this is to switch to a different server in your country. Also, make sure your VPN software is up to date, and check for any IP or DNS leaks.

Is Doctor Who on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video?

Doctor Who isn’t available on Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video only offers the modern version in the UK. Disney+ is the official broadcaster for new episodes in countries like the US, Canada, and Australia. You can find out which other platforms broadcast season 14 of Doctor Who here. In many countries (like the US), you can add BritBox to Amazon Prime Video to watch the classic series.

Can I stream Doctor Who with a free VPN?

Maybe, but watching Doctor Who with a free VPN is not recommended since they limit bandwidth and speed, so you can expect buffering. A premium VPN with a money-back guarantee is a more reliable option. Many free VPNs also collect and share your data, which defeats the purpose of using one in the first place. Additionally, free VPNs are more likely to be blocked by streaming services.

Is it legal to watch Doctor Who with a VPN?

Yes, watching Doctor Who with a VPN is legal in most countries. VPNs are valuable tools for securing your online data, and the right VPN can help you watch Doctor Who safely and in the best quality. However, using a VPN to hypothetically watch Doctor Who on platforms unavailable in your country is copyright infringement, which you should always avoid. Be sure you check the specific laws in your country regarding VPN use, as regulations can vary.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for watching Doctor Who...

Rank

Provider

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1

9.9 /10

9.9 Our Score

Save 49%!

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2

9.7 /10

9.7 Our Score

Save 83%!

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3

9.5 /10

9.5 Our Score

Save 82%!

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