Best VPNs for the UK in 2024

Are you traveling outside the United Kingdom and don’t want to miss out on your favorite British TV shows on BBC iPlayer or Netflix UK? Or simply want to protect your browsing history from your ISP and other third parties? Getting the best UK VPN can help you out.

A VPN for the UK is an excellent way to improve your privacy when online. It changes your IP address to bypass geo-restrictions. A VPN also encrypts your data, making it unreadable to third-party eyes, such as ISP, hackers, or government agencies. This is particularly important because the UK is part of the notorious Five Eyes Alliance.

However, not all VPNs are made equal. If you want to get a VPN that can unblock the geo-restricted content while ensuring the highest security level, check out our tested best VPNs for the UK.

Top 5 best VPNs for UK

1. NordVPN – best VPN for the UK in 2024
2. Surfshark – cheap UK VPN for multiple devices
3. IPVanish – private VPN for extra security in UK
4. ExpressVPN – security-guaranteeing VPN
5. CyberGhost – fast VPN for unblocking UK streaming services

The best VPNs for the UK – our detailed list:

We researched dozens of VPNs and their server fleet in the UK, privacy policies, reputation, and security features. We also tested their average download and upload speeds, streaming platform unblocking capabilities, and found out their server network size. You can read about the results in detail down below:

1. NordVPN – best VPN for the UK overall

Servers in UK:	Yes, 630+
Servers/countries:	6400+ servers in 111 countries
UK server locations:	4
Current deal:	Get 74% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free

Visit NordVPN

NordVPN is one of the best VPNs for the UK because of its excellent performance and security features. It ensures complete privacy online and has over 630 servers in Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, and Manchester. Plus, it’s capable of effortlessly unblocking various streaming services.

Privacy. We read NordVPN’s audited privacy policy, and it clearly stated that they don’t log your personal information. Even the data they do collect (for service improvement purposes), you can simply opt out of it. Plus, you can get a subscription with a UK-dedicated IP address. Essentially, it means that you get an IP address that’s not shared with other users, so you get secure access to business servers, avoid being blocklisted, and evade CAPTCHA authentication.

Features. NordVPN has a functional kill switch to prevent your data from leaking. There’s also the Threat Protection feature that you can use to prevent malware and intrusive ads or trackers.

Streaming. NordVPN is a great choice if you want to watch UK TV abroad. During our tests, we managed to unblock UK streaming services like Channel 4, ITVX, Sky GO, and My5. NordVPN also had no trouble accessing Netflix libraries, HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming services. On top of that, NordVPN has Smart DNS. This feature lets you stream content on devices that don’t support VPNs.

Speeds. During our tests, NordVPN retained 93.6% of initial download internet speeds and 87.4% of initial upload speeds. Part of it is thanks to its proprietary Nordlynx tunneling protocol. Another reason is the massive server fleet of 6400+ servers in 111 countries.

You can get a 7-day free NordVPN trial for Android devices. NordVPN is available for just $3.09/month, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To find out more, check out our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark – affordable VPN for multiple devices

Servers in UK:	Yes, 212+
Servers/countries:	3200+ servers in 100 countries
UK server locations:	4
Current deal:	Now up to 87% OFF Surfshark + 4 months FREE

Visit Surfshark

Surfshark is a cheap VPN for UK citizens or travelers. For only $1.99/month, you get to enjoy remarkable speeds as well as complete privacy while browsing in the UK. Plus, you get to choose from 212+ servers in 4 different UK locations, including London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.

Privacy. Surfshark’s audited no-logs policy claims they keep none of the data related to your browsing activities, IP address, or other data. It does collect information that helps improve its services, but you can opt out of it. Surfshark also offers dedicated IP addresses for its servers in London. It costs extra, but it adds a layer of security and prevents others from abusing your IP address.

Features. Surfshark’s kill switch is a reliable addition for data leak prevention. There’s also the CleanWeb ad blocker that helps prevent malicious content getting into your device. During our tests, the ad blocker removed even the most intrusive ads.

Streaming. Like NordVPN, Surfshark uses the Smart DNS feature. You can use it for streaming on devices that don’t support VPNs, such as Smart TVs. You can use Surfshark to change regions on Netflix, unblock Hulu, HBO Max, Disney Plus, and many other platforms. It works well with popular UK streaming platforms, too, for example, BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, ITVX, and Sky GO.

Speeds. Surfshark uses the famously fast WireGuard protocol. It also provides you with over 3200 servers in 100 countries. All of this explains why our tests showed an average of 90% speed retention rate. To be more specific, Surfshark retained 95.4% of download speeds and 90.2% of upload speeds. While it’s a bit slower than NordVPN, UK users won’t have to worry about a slow Internet connection.

You can try Surfshark out with a 7-day free trial on iOS and Android devices. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee available.

To find out more, take a look at our in-depth Surshark VPN review or contrast it in our Surfshark vs NordVPN comparison.

3. IPVanish – great VPN service for privacy and security in the UK

Servers in UK:	Undisclosed number
Servers/countries:	2400+ servers in 55 countries
UK server locations:	4
Current deal:	Now up to 83% OFF IPVanish + 3 months FREE

View IPVanish

IPVanish will benefit UK users who prioritize security and privacy. It maintains a strict no-logs policy and has plenty of advanced security features. Moreover, while IPVanish doesn’t disclose the number of servers they have in the UK, they do state that they’re available in 4 locations, namely London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow.

Privacy. The privacy policy of IPVanish clearly states that it logs zero information. To prove that, this provider undergoes external audits that verify the integrity of their commitment to user privacy.

Features. We tested the kill switch feature of IPVanish, and it leaked no data whatsoever. This ensures you stay private even if your VPN disconnects. Additionally, you get the Threat Protection feature that shields you from online trackers and blocks unwanted ads.

Streaming. Unfortunately, IPVanish struggled to access Netflix in the UK, so our tests were incomplete. In other words, IPVanish might be better suited for gaming rather than streaming content. Plus, IPVanish doesn’t support a smart DNS feature, which allows you to stream content faster.

Speeds. IPVanish uses the WireGuard protocol, which is part of the reason it’s still one of the speediest VPNs on the market. When testing performance, it managed to retain 90% of download and 96.6% of upload speeds.

IPVanish is refreshingly affordable – the plans start at just $2.19/month. You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. ExpressVPN – security-focused VPN for UK citizens

Servers in UK:	Undisclosed number
Servers/countries:	3000+ servers in 105 countries
UK server locations:	5
Current deal:	Now up to 48% OFF ExpressVPN + 3 months FREE

Visit ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a safe UK VPN alternative that guarantees privacy and lets you stream content on various devices. It doesn’t lack in terms of security, and you’ll find servers in 5 UK locations, including London, East London, Midlands, Wembley, and the Docklands.

Privacy. ExpressVPN’s privacy policy states that they collect zero logs regarding your online activities. While they collect some usage information for service improvement, you have a choice to opt out. Although this provider doesn’t offer dedicated IPs, there are other privacy features, such as private DNS to make your connection safer and faster.

Features. Like all trustworthy VPN services, ExpressVPN has a kill switch that will prevent your data from leaking. Additionally, you get a threat manager – there will be no more trackers or malicious activity bothering you.

Streaming. ExpressVPN can unblock everything from Channel 4, Sky GO, Netflix, and Hulu to BBC iPlayer and HBO Max. During our tests, VPN usage was detected and the UK’s Netflix library didn’t load all titles. However, once it loaded, we were able to watch content in HD quality without any buffering. There’s even Smart DNS, or the MediaStreamer, available, letting you stream content on devices that don’t allow VPN connections.

Speeds. This VPN uses a modern and proprietary version of the WireGuard protocol called Lightway. Let’s get one thing straight – ExpressVPN is not as fast as market leaders like NordVPN and Surfshark. During our tests, it managed to retain 92% of download and 88.4% of upload speeds. However, that’s more than enough not only for browsing but streaming or torrenting as well.

ExpressVPN is a bit pricier, but it’s a VPN for multiple devices. Its plans start from $6.67/month, and it also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To find out more, read our in-depth ExpressVPN review or size it up against the best in the NordVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison.

5. CyberGhost – fast VPN suitable for streaming

Servers in UK:	Yes, 1065+
Servers/countries:	11500 + servers in 100 countries
UK server locations:	3
Current deal:	Get 83% OFF CyberGhost + 2 months FREE

Visit CyberGhost

If you want a VPN that combines impressive security with great global server coverage, CyberGhost might be the perfect solution for you. It operates a strict no-logs policy and has 1065+ servers in 3 locations, namely London, Berkshire, and Manchester.

Privacy. When reading CyberGhost’s privacy policy, we noted that it doesn’t keep any logs regarding your online activities. Plus, the policy has even been audited. Additionally, this VPN provider offers dedicated IP addresses for the UK that you can purchase on top of your CyberGhost subscription.

Features. The included ad blocker of CyberGhost doesn’t just stop intrusive ads, it also prevents malicious content from infecting your device. A kill switch is also available, as well as very secure NoSpy servers that are managed by CyberGhost.

Streaming. CyberGhost provides specialized servers for streaming. After trying a couple of times, we were able to access the UK’s Channel 4, ITVX, Sky GO, and My5. With some hiccups, it also managed to unblock Netflix libraries, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, YouTube TV, and others. So, despite having dedicated servers, CyberGhost may not be the best option for streaming.

Speeds. We tested CyberGhost’s speeds using the WireGuard protocol. The results proved that it’s a fast UK VPN with enough speeds for data-consuming activities and casual browsing. CyberGhost retained 86% of download and 87.6% of upload speeds, which is a bit slower than our top providers but should be enough for a seamless streaming experience. The best part about this provider is that it offers the largest server fleet on this list. This is especially important if you want to avoid traffic congestion and IPs that some websites may already block.

You can take a look at CyberGhost coupons for the best deals. The plan prices start from $2.19/month. There’s a generous 45-day money-back guarantee in case you change your mind as well.

For more information, read our in-depth CyberGhost VPN review.

Best UK VPNs compared

There are many VPN providers for the UK that are packed with great features. Here, you’ll find a table that contains all the information you need to know about each provider, including VPN cost comparison, rating, UK servers count, and whether they offer a free trial.

	Rating	UK servers	Free trial	Price
NordVPN	4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	630+	✅Yes, 7-day	$3.09/month
Surfshark	4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	212+	✅Yes, 7-day	$1.99/month
IPVanish	4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	Undisclosed number	✅Yes, 7-day for iOS mobile devices and Android devices	$2.19/month
ExpressVPN	4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	Undisclosed number	✅Yes, 7-day	$6.67/month
CyberGhost	4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	1065+	✅Yes, 1-day on a desktop, 3-day on Android, and 7-day on iOS	$2.19/month

How we selected and tested these VPNs

We performed various tests for dozens of VPNs and ranked the best ones based on various factors. Here are all the things we took into consideration when ranking the best VPNs for the UK:

• Privacy policy. We read privacy policies of each VPN provider and only included those that clearly state they don’t log data related to your browsing activities or IP address. Even better if the policy was independently audited.
• Servers in the UK. We researched how many servers each VPN has in the UK. While many VPNs don’t disclose such information, they provide information in which cities the servers are located.
• Security. If your VPN connection ends up dropping, your VPN should ensure security precautions. Thus, all of the VPNs on our list include a functional and reliable kill switch.
• Streaming. Some people need a VPN for streaming purposes only. For such a reason, we included VPNs that are also able to bypass geo-restrictions on various streaming platforms. We tested all of these VPNs on Netflix UK, BBC iPlayer and other popular streaming providers in the country.
• Speeds. We tested each service to find which VPNs are the best for UK citizens.
• Price. As with any long-term subscription, price is a critical factor. This is why we only chose cheaper VPNs that get you your money’s worth.

How to get a UK IP address?

Getting a UK IP address is very simple if you get a high-quality VPN that has servers in the UK. Here’s a simple guide on how to do it:

1. Get a high-quality VPN. We recommend NordVPN, now 74% OFF!
2. Download the VPN and follow the installation instructions.
3. Create an account or log in.
4. Find the United Kingdom in the server list and connect.
5. You now have a UK IP address.

Get a UK IP address with NordVPN

Alternatively, you can check out our detailed guide on how get a UK IP address.

What's the cheapest UK VPN?

If you're looking for an affordable UK VPN, IvacyVPN is a solid option. It costs $1.17/month and comes with benefits that rival the best VPNs on the market.

For instance, IvacyVPN has a large server fleet that covers 55 countries worldwide. The wide server coverage will help you unblock content in any region, guaranteeing fast connection speeds and no lag.

It also offers excellent cross-platform compatibility, allowing you to use it on any device. Also, it allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, which is rare for a VPN that cheap. . This means you can easily split the cost with your family and friends. So, try it out with a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Which VPN is the fastest in the UK?

A speedy VPN can help have a buffering-free experience while streaming geo-restricted content. Plus, if privacy and security are your main concerns, you won’t have to compromise speeds because of it.

Our tests showed that NordVPN and Surfshark are the fastest VPNs on the market. Below you can see results of testing NordVPN vs Surfshark in the UK with the WireGuard protocol in the last 14 days.

In your personal experience, the results may slightly differ depending on your location and your Internet speed. Also, you should keep in mind that performance depends on the tunneling protocol you use. So always opt for one of the fastest – WireGuard – protocols.

Can I use a free VPN for the UK?

Yes, you can use a free VPN for the UK if it’s a trustworthy service. Unreliable VPNs may end up selling your data to earn a profit or even infect your device with malware.

Instead, you should opt for freemium VPNs. They’re free plans of premium VPN providers, so they’re truly reliable. Here’s a list of the best free VPNs for the UK:

• Hotspot Shield VPN. You get around 160 servers in 1 location (the US) for free. The service keeps no logs but has a 500MB data cap. So it’s more than enough for simply browsing in private.
  
• Proton VPN. With no data caps on this free VPN, you can browse freely and safely from any part of the UK. You also get servers in Japan, the Netherlands, and the US.

One thing to be aware of, though, is that freemium VPNs have certain limitations. You’re likely to encounter monthly data caps, and a very limited server fleet. If you want a VPN for unblocking streaming services, freemium VPNs can barely ever do that.

Conclusion

Getting a reliable VPN for the UK is a must considering the country isn’t privacy-conscious. It belongs to the global surveillance alliance and requires ISPs to collect your data. A VPN can encrypt your information, making your data unreadable to any third party.

Additionally, a VPN can be a useful tool for unblocking streaming services that are unavailable in the UK. It’s also good for accessing geo-restricted content libraries, such as those on Netflix, Disney Plus, or other platforms.

Our top suggestion for UK citizens or travelers is NordVPN. It provides you with 630+ servers in the UK alone, complete privacy, and features for streaming and advanced security.

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