Best VPNs for the UK in 2023

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 2023
2. Surfshark – cheap UK VPN for multiple devices
3. Atlas VPN – private VPN for extra security in UK
4. ExpressVPN – security-guaranteeing VPN
5. CyberGhost – fast VPN for unblocking UK streaming services

How to choose the best UK VPN

The best VPN for the UK will depend on your needs. While some people are more concerned with their privacy online, others are interested in such activities as unblocking streaming platforms while traveling. Whatever the case is, here’s all you need to look for to find the best UK VPN provider for you:

Privacy features:	No-logs policy, independent audit
Security features:	Kill switch, Threat Protection
Fast tunneling protocols:	WireGuard
Servers:	Obfuscated, RAM-only
Encryption:	AES-256
Unblocks:	Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV, and more

• No-logs policy. Seeing that the UK isn’t a privacy-focused country, a no-logs VPN is important to have. They don’t log or collect your data so you get to enjoy complete privacy. Even better if the privacy policy is audited.
• Servers in the UK. Having lots of servers in the country you’re living in or traveling to helps ensure you find servers with optimal performance. Thus, finding a British VPN with servers in London, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, or any other is a must.
• Advanced security features. A VPN should always have a kill switch which prevents data leaks in case your VPN drops. Features that keep you secure from malware, such as threat protection, are also a huge plus.
• Great speeds. Naturally, every VPN will slow down your internet connection a little bit. But it shouldn’t be too visible. So the best VPNs should provide you with excellent performance.
• Streaming capabilities. Whether you’re traveling to, out of, or live in the UK, you may want to access streaming platforms or libraries that are geo-restricted. A streaming VPN can help you unblock such services as Netflix libraries, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney Plus, and more.
• Great value for your money. Make sure you don’t jump on overpriced VPNs. Evaluate what features and benefits they offer and compare the prices.

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

Based in:	Panama
Servers/countries:	5,800+ servers in 60 countries
UK server locations:	1
Current deal:	🔥 Get NordVPN with 68% OFF + 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 400 servers across London. 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.

Features. NordVPN has a functional kill switch to prevent your data from leaking. There’s also the Threat Protection feature that you can use for preventing 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 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 94% of initial internet speeds. Part of it is thanks to its proprietary Nordlynx tunneling protocol. Another reason is the massive server fleet of 5,800 servers in 60 countries.

You can get a 7-day free NordVPN trial for Android devices. NordVPN is available for just $3.19/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

Based in:	The Netherlands
Servers/countries:	3,200+ servers in 100 countries
UK server locations:	4
Current deal:	🔥 Get 82% OFF Surfshark + 2 months FREE 🔥

Visit Surfshark

Surfshark is a cheap VPN for UK citizens or travelers. For only $2.30/month, you get to enjoy remarkable speeds as well as complete privacy while browsing in the UK. Plus, you get to choose 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.

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.

Speeds. Surfshark uses the famously fast WireGuard protocol. It also provides you with over 3,200 servers in 100 countries. All of this explains why our tests showed an average of 90% speed retention rate. While it’s a bit slower than NordVPN, UK users won’t have to worry about 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. Atlas VPN – great VPN service for privacy and security in the UK

Based in:	United States
Servers/countries:	1,000+ servers in 42 countries
UK server locations:	1
Current deal:	🔥 Get Atlas VPN, now 85% OFF + 3 months FREE! 🔥

Visit Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN will benefit UK users who prioritize security and privacy. It doesn’t log data and has plenty of advanced security features. Moreover, while Atlas VPN doesn’t disclose the number of servers they have in the UK, they do state that they’re located in London.

Privacy. The privacy policy of Atlas VPN clearly states that it logs zero information. And while the policy hasn’t been audited, the provider doesn’t have past reputational issues.

Features. We tested the kill switch of Atlas VPN and it leaked no data whatsoever. This ensures you stay private even if your VPN disconnects. Additionally, you get the SafeBrowse feature that blocks malicious sites to keep you safe..

Streaming. Atlas VPN successfully accessed a bunch of geo-restricted streaming platforms. This includes various Netflix libraries, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube TV. The only drawback is that you won’t be able to set up this VPN on your router or Smart TV, as it doesn't support Smart DNS.

Speeds. Atlas VPN uses the WireGuard protocol, which is part of the reason it’s one of the speediest VPNs on the market. When testing performance, it managed to retain around 80% of initial connection speeds.

You can check out our Atlas VPN coupons – the plans start at just $1.82/month. You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To find out more, take a look at our in-depth Atlas VPN review.

4. ExpressVPN – security-focused VPN for UK citizens

Based in:	British Virgin Islands
Servers/countries:	3,000+ servers in 94 countries
UK server locations:	3
Current deal:	🔥 Get ExpressVPN, now 49% OFF the 1-year plan! 🔥

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 3 UK locations, including London, 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.

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 Netflix and Hulu to BBC iPlayer and HBO Max. 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 up to 77% of initial internet 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

Based in:	Romania
Servers/countries:	9,600 + servers in 91 countries
UK server locations:	3
Current deal:	🔥 Get CyberGhost VPN, now 84% OFF + 3 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 plenty of servers in 3 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.

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

Streaming. CyberGhost is a very great option for streaming considering it even provides specialized servers for it. We had no trouble accessing Netflix libraries, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, YouTube TV, and others.

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. On average, it retained 84% of initial internet speeds. 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 $2.11/month. There’a 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

	NordVPN	Surfshark	AtlasVPN	ExpressVPN	CyberGhost
Brand
Free trial	Yes, 7-day	Yes, 7-day	Yes, unlimited	Yes, 7-day	Yes, 1-day on a desktop, 3-day on Android, and 7-day on iOS
Logging	No logs, independently audited twice by PwC	No logs, independently audited by Deloitte	No logs, not audited	No logs, independently audited by Cure53	No logs, independently audited by Deloitte
Servers	5,800+ servers in 60 countries	3,200+ servers in 100 countries	1,000+ servers in 42 countries	3,000+ servers in 94 countries	9,600+ servers in 91 countries
UK server locations	London	London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh	London	London, Wembley, and the Docklands	London, Berkshire, and Manchester
Streaming	Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more	Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube	Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more	Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+
Simultaneous connections	6	Unlimited	Unlimited	8	7
Price (lowest price per month)	$3.19/month	$2.30/month	$1.82/month	$6.67/month	$2.11/month
Review	NordVPN review	Surfshark VPN review	Atlas VPN review	ExpressVPN review	CyberGhost review

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 used our speed test tool 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 68% 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, Surfshark is a solid option. It costs $2.30/month and comes with benefits that rival the best VPNs on the market.

For instance, Surfshark has a large server fleet that covers 100 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's interesting to see the unlimited connections feature for such a cheap VPN. This means you can easily split the cost with your family and friends. So, try it out with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

There’s also another budget option – Atlas VPN. While not as feature-rich as Surfshark, it has a decent number of servers and good performance. The starting price is only $1.82/month. Furthermore, it has a completely free version. While it has limited features and servers, this is still a decent option.

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.

UK VPN not working? Here’s what to do

If you encounter issues with your United Kingdom VPN, don’t give it all up just yet. Here are a few things you can try:

• Try switching the tunneling protocol.
• Reconnect to another server.
• Check your internet connection.
• Make sure you have the latest version of the VPN app.
• Contact your VPN’s customer support service.
• Choose a more reliable VPN, such as NordVPN, which is now 68% OFF!

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:

• Atlas VPN. This free VPN gives you a 5GB data cap as well as servers in 3 locations. It also encrypts your data with the powerful AES encryption and keeps no logs.
• 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 over 440+ servers in the UK alone, complete privacy, and features for streaming and advanced security.

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