BBC iPlayer for Android

The BBC iPlayer app for Android

The BBC iPlayer app offers you all the functionality of the BBC iPlayer, made mobile for your convenience. It's worth bearing in mind, however, that only a small amount of content is available free outside the UK. For the rest, you'll either need to be located in the UK or subscribe, at the cost of around €75 ($97) per year.

The best of BBC TV, on your phone

BBC iPlayer basically offers you programs that have been played on the BBC in the UK. To do this, the app has a home screen where you can view a selection of programs that might be of interest to you.

If you'd prefer to search for a particular program, or browse what's available, use the options in the bar across the bottom of the screen. Here you can see content by genre, just in, collections of themed videos, free content, and an A - Z. Of course, you can also simply search by using the spyglass icon up top,

Once you've located the content that interests you, you'll find yourself on an item home page. Here you can see the episodes and series that are available to you, as well as a description of the program and some suggestions of similar shows.

If the content is subscription-only, you won't be able to access it, but if you have a subscription, it's free or you're in the UK, you'll be able to watch it there and then or download it for later viewing.

Simple and elegant

Using BBC iPlayer is very easy and intuitive. Search or browse for what you want, find out about it on its homepage and then watch or download. It really couldn't be simpler.

We have to admit that we thought we'd be given more options, but found they were quite limited - you can create a PIN under parental lock, and tweak some video and download settings, but that's about it. We also missed the ability to mark things as favorites when using BBC iPlayer .

High quality, as befits the BBC

As you might expect, BBC iPlayer is a high-quality app that works well and avoids unnecessary frills or fanfare. It's simple, easy to find your way around, and videos play well and without lag. There's really nothing to complain about here.

A solid Android app for the BBC iPlayer

BBC iPlayer for Android gets a solid 8 from us. As long as you are aware of the geographical restrictions, there's nothing here to make things complicated. The BBC released this global iPlayer with subscription option in order to meet all viewers' needs. They definitely seem to have succeeded.