Jump to: my top picks at a glance ↴
1. Best UK VPN overall: NordVPN
2. Best for beginners: ExpressVPN
3. Best cheap: Surfshark
Whether you live in Britain or are just traveling there, the best UK VPN is an essential app to protect your devices and stream your favorite British shows.
After 3,000 hours of device testing, 28,000 speed tests, and over 2,200 streaming tests on over 100 reviews of the best VPN services, I've brought the best VPNs for the UK together. With plenty of servers to pick from around the country, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark lead the pack with easy-to-use apps and super-fast servers in the UK.
Keep reading to see how their features, speeds, stream unblocking, and prices compare—so you can get the VPN that suits you best.
Top three best UK VPNs at glance
Recent updates
In one of the biggest shake-ups of the past few years, NordVPN has claimed the top spot thanks to its impeccable track record for streaming, speed, security, and savings. Plus, with more servers in the UK than most other leading VPNs, there are even more reasons to sign up. For more information, check out my latest VPN testing data for more information
The best UK VPNs in 2024
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Let's take a deeper look at the best VPN apps in the UK.
The best overall UK VPN
✔️ You prioritize anonymity: NordVPN's unique features like Double VPN and Onion Over VPN provide additional layers of encryption and anonymity.
✔️ You value blazing-fast speeds: NordVPN placed itself among the fastest VPN services on the market we tried during our last round of testing.
✔️ You appreciate dedicated IP option: either you're a business or individual, you can enjoy the perks of a fixed IP with the security of a VPN for an extra tiny fee
❌ You only want a single month of protection: NordVPN's pricing structure offers better value for longer-term subscriptions, so if you want just one month of coverage, it comes at a premium.
🔒 NordVPN has a great package of advanced features and strong security, making it a reliable choice for anyone in and out of the UK. See for yourself why it's the best UK VPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee
NordVPN is hands-down the best VPN for the UK, thanks to its wealth of British servers, amazing apps, and unbeatable track record for performance. Plus, with tailored pricing plans, you don't pay extra for features you don't need.
It's also one of the fastest VPN services around, with a peak speed of over 950 Mbps in my latest round of tests. Because of this, it's ideal for both gaming online and streaming in 4k, unblocking every streaming service I tried in the UK. You can watch BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, Channel 4, and ITVX when traveling, or even access geo-restricted content.
▶ Try NordVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
What's more, Nord's Meshnet feature even provides a solution to password-sharing bans as it allows different devices to use the same IP address without being physically present in the same location. It's a great alternative to paying extra for dedicated IPs, and can even help you get more out of your 10 simultaneous connections by letting you connect up to 60 different devices together at once.
With around more than 6,000 servers in 140 locations across the world, NordVPN also comes with extensive compatibility. It's able to run on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android TVs, as well as having both iOS and Android apps for your smartphone.
Its feature list is extensive, yet another tick, this time for security. Offering two kill switches to stop all activity when a connection is lost and double data encryption, there is also Onion support and P2P, which is great for torrenters. To finish the list, NordVPN has a strict no-logging policy and, better still, it has a ton of tutorials to help you understand and utilize everything, with friendly customer service to boot.
Again, there's no need to take my word for granted as you can try NordVPN risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee before you commit. If you decide to commit, we suggest going for the multi-year offer as it's the best choice in terms of overall value.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A fun design that can be a little busy for some people | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Excellent automation and easy to use, but a little inconvenient for advanced configurations | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | The fastest VPN in our latest round of tests | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Perfect for Netflix and other streaming sites | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Industry-standard protection and a mission to keep people safe on an open internet | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Friendly, supportive and professional | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Fantastic value for money and customizable pricing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best UK VPN for beginners
✔️You appreciate usability: excellent customer support and user-friendly interface is what you'll get when signing up.
✔️ You value accessing geo-restricted content: from streaming platforms to just any other blocked content, ExpressVPN's consistent and reliable unblocking capabilities make it an ideal choice.
✔️ If you use split tunneling: it routes necessary VPN traffic while sending other traffic directly to the internet, improving internet speed for streaming, and gaming.
❌ Price is a significant factor for you: if you are on a tight budget, we suggest getting Surfshark instead.
❌ You require many simultaneous connections: while up to 8 may be more than enough for most users, Surfshark boasts an unlimited devices allowance.
❌ You require specialized VPN features: we recommend Nord for options that are not offered by ExpressVPN.
🔒 ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for UK users who prioritize reliable performance, privacy and security, a vast server network, and user-friendly apps.
ExpressVPN may not hold the top spot anymore, but it's a more-than-capable VPN service that makes streaming British shows a breeze. With its one-click connection, it automates all the configurations most other services would have you do manually—giving you a reliable connection you can stake your life on.
In terms of security features, Express boasts industry-standard 256-bit encryption, along with its very own Lightway protocol (which comes with post-quantum protection), and a ton of strong options like its ultra-reliable kill switch and Threat Manager DNS blocker. You also get split tunneling, which allows you to choose which programs utilize the VPN and which don't at any one time. I usually use split tunneling to prevent Android Auto from running through the VPN and make sure my maps and music still work as needed.
► Try ExpressVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
With over 3,000 servers across 105 countries, ExpressVPN also offers a wide range of easy-to-use apps for all the main operating systems—including on your Xbox and PlayStation consoles. If you're looking to protect all the devices at home at ease, you can even opt for its router with built-in VPN Aircove.
Trying to watch British TV shows from overseas? ExpressVPN easily unblocks most geo-restricted streaming services, including UK favorites such as BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and Channel 4. That's in addition to biggies like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube, and plenty more. If you're on the other side of the world and fancy catching up on Corrie or just want to check in on UK news sites, ExpressVPN won't disappoint.
It's also worth mentioning that, despite still not being the fastest VPN around, its peak speeds sit around 410 Mbps with Lightway last time we checked. But don't worry, that's still more than 15 times what you need to stream in 4K
If you're not sure, there's a generous 30-day money-back guarantee so you can trial the service risk-free for a month. And, if you're looking for a hefty saving, follow the link on this page to enjoy a taste deal available for TechRadar's readers only...
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A clean and simple design that gives you everything you need, exactly when you need it | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Intuitive apps with auto-connect functionality make life easier | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Fast enough for anything you could throw at it, but slower than NordVPN and Surfshark | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Effortlessly gives you access to content around the world | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Express offers military-grade protection for total peace of mind | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Always available, friendly, and helpful | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | More expensive than leading competitors | ⭐⭐⭐ |
The best cheap UK VPN service
✔️ You value affordability: Surfshark is a great cost-effective VPN solution that doesn't compromise on features and performance.
✔️ You're after a security suite: alongside its VPN service, Surfshark One plans also include data leak detection, a private search engine, and antivirus software
✔️ You need to protect your whole household: Surfshark offers unlimited device connections with just one subscription.
❌ You need a torrenting VPN: despite Surfshark being more than capable, we found ExpressVPN P2P connections to be more reliable.
❌ You need an iPhone VPN: Surfshark excels on Windows, Android, Mac, and Linux, but its iOS apps are an acquired taste.
🔒 Surfshark is a solid choice for anyone in the UK looking for a cheap, reliable, and privacy-focused VPN to secure as many devices as you can throw at it.
Unlike most cheap services, Surfshark is a feature-packed VPN for the UK that offers outstanding value for money. With built-in ad blocking and antivirus, you can cut the cost of other services by getting everything in a single cost-effective bundle.
With unlimited simultaneous connections and excellent dedicated IPs, you can avoid household detection on streaming services by connecting any device through the same address. That makes it perfect for password sharing families that don't want to pay more than they have to.
▶ Try Surfshark with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
In terms of security features, it includes a kill switch, OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2 support, AES-256-GCM encryption, DNS protection, split tunneling, and even an extra protection layer with a Double VPN hop.
It's worth noting, though, that we experienced some kill switch issues last time we checked. However, these occur only in extreme situations and on Windows.
Unlike more vague wording from other VPNs, Surfshark proudly states its ability to unblock foreign Netflix libraries, including countries like the UK, US, France, Japan, and Australia. Brits can also unblock BBC iPlayer from abroad, not to mention Disney Plus and Prime Video.
Also this time, Surfshark confirms itself as one of the fastest VPNs around reaching peaks of over 950 Mbps when connected to WireGuard. Its speeds were below average when used with the OpenVPN protocol, though.
Looking for a more complete security package? Surfshark One with its newly added Alternative ID tool is ideal to secure your digital life on all fronts. Plus, if you want to secure all of your devices, you'll be happy to know you get unlimited connections with just one subscription.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A clean interface that feels intuitive and elegant | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Connecting only takes a few clicks—ideal for newbies | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | One of the fastest providers around | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks virtually everything you'll need | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Some kill switch issues under extreme stress testing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Browsing support articles isn't as intuitive as I'd like | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Real value for money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Other UK VPNs I've tested and recommend
✔️ You need a secure free VPN: ProtonVPN offers a free plan with unlimited bandwidth and great security.
✔️ You value Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS): even if your VPN connection is compromised, previously encrypted traffic remains secure.
❌ You need a large server network: while Proton VPN has a decent server network, it's not as extensive as some other providers.
❌ You need a free VPN for advanced activities: Proton VPN supports streaming unblocking and torrenting, but only on Premium plans.
❌ You need to protect all your household: while a 10 device allowance is already a generous offer, Surfshark gives you the option to connect unlimited devices.
🔒 ProtonVPN's free plan option is a good option for those looking for basic VPN functionality without spending money.
Proton VPN continues to move forward in terms of performance, apps, and streaming, truly earning itself a spot as one of the best UK VPNs. Not only are its apps open-source, but it offers a great free VPN plan for those looking to dip their toes—you'll still need to upgrade to a paid plan to enjoy streaming service unblocking and P2P customized servers, though.
With a ten-device limit across Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Chrome, and even Android TV, you'll surely have a place for each one of your gadgets to stay protected. Plus, if staying private is key for you, Proton lets you pay anonymously via Bitcoin or cash, so your identity can stay hidden.
▶ Try Proton VPN's unlimited free plan.
The Swiss-based VPN is regularly adding new tools and features to its repertoire and is one of the most outspoken services for global censorship. As one of the most secure VPNs around, Proton VPN comes with industry-leading protection, and its Secure Core technology routes you through multiple servers for better defense against network attacks. On top of that, expect a kill switch, MultiHop VPN function, Netshield (aka, its ad-blocker), and split tunneling when you subscribe.
ProtonVPN is also a strong streaming VPN. In my latest round of tests, it unblocked every service in every region I threw at it. On top of that, I even saw a big jump in performance, with WireGaurd speeds maxing out my line at over 950 Mbps. Sadly, this doesn't translate into its free service, which is half as fast and couldn't unblock a single streaming service in my tests.
Even still, Proton VPN apps are easy to navigate, keeping most things tidy and within just a few mouse clicks. Its family subscriptions might be just the right solution for bigger households.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Great if you love dark mode, but a bit awkward if you don't | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Good for beginners, but definitely not the easiest | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Premium servers are incredibly fast, but the free servers lag behind | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | The premium plans unblocked everything we threw at them, but the free plan failed at every opportunity | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Reliable and secure, with great transparency | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Good customer support and plenty of articles to help, too | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Decent pricing, but for what's on offer, it's not as much value for money as NordVPN or Surfshark | ⭐⭐⭐ |
✔️ You value a big server network: with more than 9,200 dotted around the globe, CyberGhost boasts the bigger servers network in our list.
✔️ You want more than a month to test it: CyberGhost VPN offers the longest money-back guarantee on the market at a spectacular 45 days.
✔️ You appreciate affordability: after Surfshark, CyberGhost is another provider to check if you're on a tight budget.
❌ You need a Disney+ VPN: in our latest round of testing, CyberGhost VPN struggled to unblock the popular streaming service.
❌ You need in-depth support: while the customer support agents are friendly and helpful, CyberGhost's support site lacks the depth on offer with PIA, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN.
❌ You want to use it on more than seven devices: opt for Surfshark to enjoy unlimited simultaneous connections.
🔒 CyberGhost VPN is another popular choice for beginners with easy-to-use apps and a whopping 45-day money-back guarantee.
Rounding out our list, CyberGhost rises above its competitors when it comes to server choice. The provider boasts, in fact, more than 9,200 dotted 125 locations around the globe. It has 814 servers in the UK alone, spread across three cities (Berkshire, London, and Manchester). This means you can keep your browsing locally without the fear of experiencing any network congestion.
CyberGhost isn't big just on servers, though. Among its many features and functionalities, we especially love its Smart Rules panel which allows users to automatically connect to their preferred server every time they launch its apps. You can even take advantage of one of its Romanian-based NoSpy servers and boost your security even further. You will have to pay a tiny additional charge for this, though.
▶ Try CyberGhost VPN with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Unfortunately, we were less impressed by its performances this time around. Its unlocking power wasn't the best—it failed to unlock Disney Plus, but it managed to do so with both UK and US Netflix—so were its top speeds. However, a solid 760 Mbps when connected to the WireGuard protocol still beats the likes of ProtonVPN.
The support site isn't as robust as some other providers, but the answers are still there should you need them. There are certainly a few omissions here, but most can easily be overlooked in favor of what you do get for the price. Its apps are pretty easy to use, though, and available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more.
After Surfshark, CyberGhost is also one of the cheapest VPN providers you'll find with prices for the 2-year term consistently hovering around $2 a month.
On a slightly negative note, CyberGhost's security and apps haven't been audited yet—at the time of writing, only a no-logging audit has been released. This is becoming a bigger issue as more and more providers back up the trustworthiness of their data protection policies by having their services regularly checked.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Simple, intuitive, and easily customizable | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Perfect for beginners and anyone wanting a simple experience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Decent speeds that are great for torrenting, streaming and gaming online | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Dedicated streaming servers, but struggles to unblock Disney Plus | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | A few notable hiccups, but a third-party audit from Deloitte | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Agents are helpful, but the on-site content could be better | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Excellent value and competitive pricing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
How to choose the best UK VPN
Well, despite this very much depending on your own needs, there are a few key characteristics and features you should look out for in your UK VPN in any case.
Security should certainly be the main priority of any VPN. In terms of encryption protocol look for software including WireGuard as it's the most secure and fastest right now, but bear in mind that OpenVPN is still a good option. A reliable kill switch is another security feature you should look out for as it helps to prevent any leaks when the connection drops.
Choosing a service with a strict no-logging privacy policy is also very important—even better if that's independently audited regularly. This means that the provider never retains any identifying information about you, so even if governments request your data, it won't have any sensitive details about your sessions to share.
Connection speed is important, especially if you want to use a VPN for streaming, online gaming, or torrenting. The fastest VPNs in our list reached staggering peaks of over 950 Mbps during our last round of testing. Though services with a top speed of only 410 Mbps like ExpressVPN are still good enough to support TV streaming.
The number of servers and server locations is another relevant factor to consider. More options mean a better chance of getting a fast and reliable connection. VPN apps should be straightforward and user-friendly, too, and the number of simultaneous connections supported might be another crucial factor for users looking to secure all family devices.
Best UK VPN FAQs
What should I look for when choosing the best UK VPN?
Depending on what you plan to use your VPN for, the device you wish to install it on, and of course your budget, there are plenty of elements to consider when choosing a VPN for the UK. For streamers, you'll want a VPN that has fast, smooth performance and allows access to the content you want to watch, including the likes of BBC iPlayer abroad or different Netflix libraries.
Check that the VPN you choose supports the hardware you use the most—the best services out there cover your PC or Mac, smartphone, TV, and even your game consoles. Of course, you should also be considering the level of security the VPN offers, and whether its provider has a good reputation for customer support in case you face any hurdles while installing or making the most of your VPN.
What is the best VPN to use in the UK?
Currently, we rate NordVPN as the best UK VPN. As well as offering watertight security and online anonymity, really fast connections to thousands of global servers, and 24/7 live chat support, ExpressVPN also unblocks a throng of geo-restricted streaming services—including BBC iPlayer at the time of writing.
Is using a VPN in the UK illegal?
It's not exactly surprising that the usage of a VPN can be a bit of a gray area. Allowing you to evade data logging and unblock content that might otherwise be off limits to you, it certainly can come off a bit on the dodgy side. Of course, though, VPNs are a vital tool, offering that extra layer of security for businesses and individuals alike.
Whilst there are countries out there with heavy restrictions and outright bans on the use of VPNs, including Russia and North Korea - and why do you think VPNs in China are so popular—the UK is not one of them.
That said, any VPNs within the UK are obliged to provide information under the Investigatory Powers Act to the police and intelligence when prompted. To avoid any information being handed over, you'll need to pick a VPN that doesn't work out of the UK. Both NordVPN and Surfshark are great shouts and outside the jurisdiction of the UK or US.
Is it illegal to watch Netflix with a UK VPN?
When it comes to using a UK VPN to unblock geo-restricted libraries for streaming services, while not illegal, this does go against many streaming services' terms of use—including Netflix.
Use of a Netflix VPN must then be done at a user's discretion. That said, there have been no reports of Netflix shutting down someone's account for trying to unblock content with a VPN, so...
Disclaimer
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:
1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).
2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.
We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
