What BritBox is and who runs it

BritBox is a streaming service owned jointly by the BBC and ITV, two major British broadcasters. It streams television programmes, films, and documentaries — mostly British and Irish content, though the library includes some international shows. You pay a monthly or annual fee to watch on demand through an app or website.

BritBox is separate from BBC iPlayer (which is free in the UK) and from ITVX (ITV's free streaming service). If you live outside the UK, BritBox International operates in the US, Canada, Australia, and other countries, and the cost and content library differ from the UK version.

The service is run by BritBox Limited, a joint venture between BBC Studios and ITV Studios. You subscribe directly through BritBox's website or through third-party platforms like Amazon Prime Video Channels or Apple TV Channels, depending on where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • BritBox costs £5.99 per month or £59.99 per year in the UK, with a free trial period available when you first sign up.
  • You can watch on multiple devices at the same time depending on your subscription tier, and you can download programmes to watch offline.
  • Cancelling your subscription can be done through your account settings at any time, and you keep access until the end of your billing period.
  • BritBox is available in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and other countries, but the content library and pricing vary by region.
  • If you subscribe through a third-party platform like Amazon Prime Video, you cancel through that platform, not directly with BritBox.

Pricing and payment options in the UK

In the UK, BritBox costs £5.99 per month if you pay monthly, or £59.99 per year if you pay annually. The annual option works out cheaper per month. Both tiers give you the same content and features — there is no "premium" tier that costs more.

You can pay by debit card, credit card, or PayPal. If you subscribe through Amazon Prime Video Channels or Apple TV Channels, you pay through those platforms instead, and the price may differ slightly. When you first sign up, you usually get a free trial period (commonly 7 days), though this varies and is not may provide.

Your payment renews automatically on the same date each month or year. You can change your payment method or billing cycle through your account settings at any time.

What you can watch and how many devices

BritBox's UK library includes current and archive programmes from BBC and ITV channels — dramas, comedies, documentaries, and films. The exact titles available change regularly as licensing agreements shift. You can search the full catalogue on the BritBox website or app before you subscribe to see whether specific shows are there.

With a standard UK subscription, you can watch on up to four devices at the same time. You can download programmes to watch offline on mobile devices and tablets. There are no ads during programmes (it is ad-free viewing).

BritBox International (US, Canada, Australia) has a different content library — it focuses on British and Irish shows but does not include everything available in the UK version. Pricing and features also differ by country.

How to sign up and start watching

Go to britbox.com (UK) or the BritBox app on your device. Enter your email address and create a password. Choose whether you want to pay monthly or annually, and enter your payment details. You will then have access to the full library immediately (or after the free trial ends, if one is offered).

You can watch through the website on a computer, or download the BritBox app on a smartphone, tablet, smart TV, or streaming device. The app is available on iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Roku, Apple TV, and other platforms. Log in with the email and password you created.

If you subscribe through Amazon Prime Video Channels or Apple TV Channels, the sign-up process happens through those platforms instead, and BritBox content appears in your existing Prime Video or Apple TV app.

Cancelling your subscription

You can cancel at any time through your BritBox account settings. Log in, go to Account or Settings, find the Subscription or Billing section, and select Cancel Subscription. You will keep access to BritBox until the end of your current billing period — if you cancel mid-month on a monthly subscription, you can watch until the end of that month.

If you subscribed through Amazon Prime Video Channels or Apple TV Channels, you cancel through those platforms, not through BritBox directly. Go to your Prime Video or Apple TV settings, find Channels or Subscriptions, and cancel BritBox from there.

BritBox does not charge a cancellation fee. If you cancel and later want to resubscribe, you can sign up again at any time.

Troubleshooting common issues

If you cannot log in, check that you are using the correct email address and password. If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it. If you are locked out of your account, contact BritBox support through the Help section on their website.

If a programme will not play, try closing the app and reopening it, or try watching on a different device. Check that your internet connection is stable. If the problem continues, clear your app cache (in your device settings) or uninstall and reinstall the app.

If you are charged twice or see an unexpected charge, check your payment method and billing history in your account settings. Contact your bank or payment provider if the charge came from them. If the charge came from BritBox, contact BritBox support with your transaction details.

BritBox in other countries

BritBox International operates in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and other countries. The pricing, content library, and features vary by region. In the US, for example, BritBox costs $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year, and the library is smaller than the UK version.

If you travel outside the UK, you may not be able to watch BritBox content in some countries due to licensing restrictions. Some programmes are only licensed for viewing in specific regions. Check BritBox's terms of service for your country to understand what is and is not available where you are.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my BritBox account with family members?

Yes, you can watch on up to four devices at the same time, so multiple people in your household can watch simultaneously. However, BritBox's terms of service state that accounts are for personal use only and should not be shared outside your household. Sharing login details with people outside your home may violate the terms.

What happens if I don't cancel before my free trial ends?

Your subscription will convert to a paid subscription and you will be charged according to the plan you chose (monthly or annual). Your payment method will be charged automatically. You can cancel at any time through your account settings if you do not want to continue.

Can I watch BritBox on my smart TV?

Yes, BritBox has apps for most smart TVs, including Samsung, LG, Sony, and Panasonic. It also works on streaming devices like Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, Apple TV, and Google Chromecast. Check the BritBox website to see which devices are supported in your country.

Is BritBox the same as BBC iPlayer?

No. BBC iPlayer is free and available only in the UK. BritBox is a paid subscription service available in the UK and other countries. BritBox includes content from both BBC and ITV, whereas iPlayer only has BBC content. You do not need a BritBox subscription to use iPlayer if you are in the UK.

What if I move to a different country?

If you move outside the UK, you may lose access to BritBox UK due to licensing restrictions. You may be able to subscribe to BritBox International in your new country, but the content library and pricing will be different. Contact BritBox support if you are unsure whether your subscription will work in your new location.