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How to watch Channel 4 in Canada


Channel 4 is one of the most popular TV channels in the UK, known for its great mix of dramas, comedies, documentaries, and reality shows. Such Channel 4 programs as The Great British Bake Off and Black Mirror have huge followings worldwide. However, if you're in Canada, you can’t access the platform because Channel 4 is only available in the UK.

Luckily, there’s a way around this. By using a VPN, you can watch Channel 4 from Canada or, for that matter, anywhere else. In this guide, I explain how to use a VPN to unblock Channel 4 in Canada and provide a list of the best Channel 4 VPNs. Together with our expert team, I selected these providers based on our hands-on testing and research.

How to watch Channel 4 in Canada with a VPN

watch channel 4 in canada
  1. Choose a VPN with servers in the UK, like NordVPN, currently 76% OFF
  2. Download and install the VPN app on your device
  3. Open the VPN app and connect to a UK server
  4. Go to Channel 4 website or download the app on your mobile device and sign in
  5. Watch your favorite shows on Channel 4 without restrictions

Why do you need a VPN to watch Channel 4 in Canada?

The Channel 4 streaming service is only available in the UK because of licensing rules. When you try to access the website, Channel 4 checks your IP address, and, if you’re outside the UK, you are met with the following message: “Not Available. Channel 4 is only available in the UK."

Channel 4 error message when trying to access from Canada
Channel 4 error message when trying to access from Canada

A reliable VPN can solve this problem and enable you to access Channel 4 content from anywhere. It does that by connecting you to a server located in the UK and virtually changing your IP address to make it appear like you are physically located in the UK.

Channel 4 unlocked in Canada
Unrestricted access to Channel 4 from Canada using a UK server

A trusted VPN can also help you watch other UK streaming services like BBC iPlayer and ITVX. Of course, besides unblocking video content, a VPN can be useful in many other scenarios.

For one, it can enhance your online security by hiding your location and keeping your data private. Top VPNs also come with powerful ad and malware-blocking capabilities, ensuring protection against cyberattacks. A VPN can even help you save money as certain services and products cost less in other regions.

Best VPNs to watch channel 4 in Canada

Not all VPNs work well with streaming services like Channel 4. After reviewing 41 providers, I found the top 3 VPNs that work best for watching Channel 4 from Canada. These VPNs demonstrate fast speeds, have plenty of UK servers, and I found them to work seamlessly on all popular devices.

1. NordVPN – overall best VPN for fast and secure streaming of Channel 4 in Canada

NordVPN banner
Unblocks Channel 4: ✅ Yes
Servers in the UK:440+
Global server network:9.500+ servers in 149 countries
Current deal:Get 76% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free

NordVPN is the best VPN for watching Channel 4. It’s fast, secure, and has lots of UK servers to choose from.

Number of servers. NordVPN has more than 9.500 servers worldwide, with 440+ in the UK. This availability means you’ll always have a good connection to Channel 4.

In-house speed test. During in-house NordVPN tests, the provider averaged 97% of the original speeds while connected to UK servers. This allowed me to stream Channel 4 in HD or 4K without buffering.

Supported devices. NordVPN works on smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, and tablets, and you can connect up to 10 devices at once. And all that is available from just CA$3.99/month.

2. Surfshark – best VPN for affordable streaming on Channel 4

Surfshark banner
Unblocks Channel 4: ✅ Yes
Servers in the UK:212
Global server network:4.500+ servers in 100 countries
Current deal:Now up to 87% OFF Surfshark + 3 months FREE

Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN that’s great for families or people with multiple devices as it supports unlimited simultaneous connections. Plus, with prices starting at just CA$2.79/month, it’s highly affordable. And it works beautifully for streaming Channel 4 in Canada.

Number of servers. Surfshark has over 4.500 servers globally, and 212 of them are located in the UK, which provides a reliable connection for streaming Channel 4.

In-house speed test. Surfshark performed very well during speed tests. On average, this VPN retained about 94.4% of the original internet speed on UK servers, which means it’s not far from NordVPN. Undeniably, it’s perfect when you want to watch Channel 4 shows in HD without delays.

Supported devices. Our Surfshark VPN review releaved that one of the greatest Surfshark benefits is that allows you to connect as many devices as you want using just one account. This is a great choice for big households with lots of gadgets.

3. PureVPN – best VPN for reliable access to Channel 4 in Canada

purevpn new
Unblocks Channel 4: ✅ Yes
Servers in the UK:677
Global server network:6.000+ servers in 65 countries
Current deal:Now 83% OFF PureVPN + 3 FREE months

PureVPN is a solid choice for anyone who wants an easy, reliable VPN to watch Channel 4 in Canada. It’s simple to use and has more UK servers than NordVPN and Surfshark.

Number of servers. PureVPN has over 6.000 servers globally, and you can choose from 670+ servers located in the UK. Just like NordVPN and Surfshark, PureVPN has enough servers to avoid crowding and stream Channel 4 in Canada without buffering.

In-house speed test. PureVPN was the slowest out of the three providers on this list. During PureVPN analysis, it retained an average of 83.4% of the original speed on UK servers. Of course, that’s still good enough to offer a stable connection for HD streaming without lag.

Supported devices. PureVPN works on a variety of devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and even streaming devices like Roku and Fire TV. Although the prices are slightly higher compared to NordVPN and Surfshark – from around CA$5.63/month – you can use the same account on up to 10 devices at once.

Comparison of the best VPNs to watch Channel 4

Here’s a quick comparison of the top three VPNs for streaming Channel 4 in Canada. It shows their ratings, prices, server numbers, UK servers, and how much speed they retain when streaming via UK servers.

ProviderOur rating PriceGlobal server networkUK serversSpeed retention
NordVPN
4.9
From CA$4.16/month9.500+ servers in 149 countries440+97%
Surfshark
4.7
From CA$2.69/month4.500+ servers in 100 countries21294.4%
PureVPN
4.2
From around CA$5.63/month6.000+ servers in 65 countries67783.4%

What can you watch on Channel 4?

Channel 4 has something for everyone, from a mix of drama, comedy, reality TV, and documentaries. No matter what you like to watch, there's always something to enjoy.

If you’re into dramas, Channel 4 has powerful shows like The Tudors and Suspect

For fans of reality TV, The Great British Bake Off is a big hit. This show brings together amateur bakers to compete in fun challenges and create delicious cakes and desserts. Perfect Match is another favorite, where strangers go on a seductive dating competition.

If you prefer comedy, Channel 4 has some of the best British sitcoms and comedies. Derry Girls follows a group of teenagers growing up in Northern Ireland during the 1990s, while The Great is absurdist historical fiction about the Empress Catherine the Great

For those who enjoy documentaries, Channel 4 offers a wide range of programs, including 24 Hours in Police Custody, The Dog House, and Invisible Monsters: Serial Killers In America.

Final thoughts

Watching Channel 4 in Canada is really easy with a good VPN. Since Channel 4 is only available in the UK, a VPN helps you get around the restriction by connecting to a UK server. With services like NordVPN, Surfshark, or PureVPN, you can stream all your favorite shows without any hassle.

Using a VPN not only lets you access Channel 4 but also keeps your online activities private and secure. The steps are simple: choose a VPN, connect to a UK server, and start watching. You’ll be able to enjoy all the British dramas, comedies, and documentaries Channel 4 has to offer, right from Canada or anywhere else in the world.