The 7 Best VPNs for UK in 2022 (Privacy, Streaming, and Speed)
A virtual private network (VPN) is a network technology that creates a safe and encrypted connection over a less secure network.
By using VPN, you can access blocked websites and also surf anonymously. We’ve researched and tested the best VPNs for UK users. Read on to find out which is our top pick for you.
Best VPNs for UK: Quick Overview
There are hundreds of VPN providers, so it can be difficult to choose the best one. They come at different features and prices. Whatever your needs are, you’re sure to find what you want in our list of the best VPNs for UK users.
- ExpressVPN: The best VPN available in the UK. Compatible with major routers.
- NordVPN: Fast and reliable speed for streaming. Prevents ISPs from throttling.
- Surfshark: Fast enough for streaming. Guarantees privacy while browsing the web.
- CyberGhost: High-speed swiss VPN and strong security. Servers in 88+ countries.
- IPVanish: Fast and reliable internet speeds with a no-logs policy.
- PureVPN: Strong security and great for streaming Netflix.
- PrivateVPN: Strong security, also works with many UK streaming services.
Best VPNs for UK: In-Depth Analysis
There is nothing more important than your privacy and security. Here is a closer look at the best VPNs for UK.
1. ExpressVPN: The Overall Best VPN for UK
ExpressVPN is the overall best VPN service that works across many devices, including Windows PCs, Macs, iPhones, Android devices, Linux machines, and even routers.
Specifications
This VPN has excellent security features like split tunneling and an automatic kill switch to keep your data safe. It also uses strong 256-bit AES encryption by default to prevent anyone from snooping on your traffic.
ExpressVPN has more than 3000+ servers in 94+ countries. This includes the UK. You can use it to unblock streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, etc.
ExpressVPN costs $12.95 monthly, $59.95 billed every six months, and $99.95 annually. They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee that gives plenty of time to ensure that this VPN is the right one for you.
It also delivers very fast speeds, averaging 226 Mbps, ensuring no lag while streaming. You can also connect to up to five devices at a go.
You can also use the ExpressVPN free trial to try it before signing up for a longer-term plan.
Reasons to Buy
- It has Lightway protocol which enhances its fast speeds
- The VPN is good at unblocking UK content
- It has a good browser extension
- Has reliable apps
- It is compatible with all major platforms
- Reliable customer support via chat 24/7
Reasons to Avoid
- Connects to a maximum of only five devices
- Expensive than its competitors
2. NordVPN: Rich Pool of Servers
NordVPN is a Panama-based VPN provider with a rich pool of 5600+ servers in 59+ countries. It has built a reputation as one of the best in the field. Thanks to its huge network of servers, top-notch security, and strong customer service.
Specifications
NordVPN offers some of the best security features currently available on the market. The encryption comes with 256-bit AES protection, a no-log policy, features a kill switch, and DNS leak protection.
The VPN has a huge server network covering 5600+ servers in 59+ countries. More than 440 of the servers are in the UK.
Also, if you are a fan of UK content and you are outside the UK, NordVPN is one of the few providers that can unblock BBC iPlayer. Along with IPlayer, it unblocks other streaming platforms too, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max.
They have recently launched NordLynx, which uses WireGuard to deliver fast speeds. Its average download speed is 249 Mbps.
NordVPN works on Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, and Android. Apps are also available for all platforms and devices. Apps help you get connected quickly with just one click.
The VPN is available for $3.99/mo per month if you sign up for the two-year plan. They have a seven-day free trial for Android users and a 30- day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.
You can also connect up to six devices simultaneously.
Reasons to Buy
- Ideal for UK users
- Unblocks UK major streaming services
- It is super speedy because of NordLynx
- Has good customer service
- It is quite affordable
- It has a good number of servers
- Top-notch privacy protection
Reasons to Avoid
- Its apps can be slow.
3. Surfshark: Unlimited Simultaneous Connections
Surfshark VPN is a great choice for anyone looking for unlimited simultaneous connections with a single subscription plan. It is an affordable and solid VPN service with plenty of useful features.
Specifications
The provider offers 3200+ servers in 65+ countries. It works just as well in the UK as elsewhere.
You can easily unblock the most popular streaming services and other geo-restricted websites and services.
In terms of security, Surfshark VPN has a zero logs privacy policy. It uses 256-bit encryption, DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection. It also comes with an automatic kill switch and split tunneling to control your online experience better.
Additionally, Surfshark provides a double VPN connection and an ‘in-built‘ ad blocker, with the ‘multi hop‘ feature giving you three layers of protection.
Since it uses WireGuard, a new tunneling protocol, Surfshark achieves reliable and fast speeds. In our testing, Surfshark delivered 263 Mbps.
Surfshark is the best VPN for multiple devices as it offers unlimited connections, which means you can secure all your devices using a single account.
It allows you to smoothly stream on famous platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC IPlayer, Disney+, and more.
You can get started with Surfshark VPN for just $12.95/month and if you want to save some more bucks, go for the longer-term plans. All Surfshark VPN plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
You can also try Surfshark for free by using the 7-day free trial before signing up for a subscription plan.
Reasons to Buy
- It has an open plan for an unlimited number of devices
- The Android TV app works well
- It unblocks UK streaming services like iPlayer
Reasons to Avoid
- Its privacy policy is a little unstable
- Not very good on iOS devices
- Longer connection time as compared to others
4. CyberGhost: User-Friendly VPN for Beginners
CyberGhost is another excellent choice of VPN for newbies with its beginner-friendly user interface.
Specifications
CyberGhost works perfectly on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux, making it one of the best options for UK users. The service also has 6000+ servers in 88 to choose from.
You can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously with one subscription and use servers optimized for streaming sites like Netflix and YouTube.
It also has great speed. Its Average UK speeds on the 1Gbps line range from 760-860Mbps.
If you need more reasons to choose CyberGhost, it’s also one of the most wallet-friendly VPN services. You can get six months of service free when you sign up for a 1-year plan ($2.29/mo).
In addition, the company offers a 45-day money-back guarantee if you’re not happy with its service.
Reasons to Buy
- Great speed
- Has many servers
- It is optimized for torrenting and streaming
- It has a no-logs policy
Reasons to Avoid
- Its interface can be inconvenient
- It is not customizable
- It has fewer advanced settings as compared to other VPNs
5. IPVanish: Budget-Friendly VPN for UK
IPVanish is one of the best pocket-friendly VPNs for UK residents.
Specifications
IPVanish is available on most major operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and some routers.
You will be able to unblock Netflix and iPlayer with IPVanish’s servers in the UK and beyond. You can also access YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.
The service has a strict no-logs policy and doesn’t track what you do online. The VPN also has the highest strength encryption to protect your Internet connection.
The VPN has AES-256 encryption with WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols.
IPVanish has 2000+ servers in 75 around the world. If you want to use their UK servers to stream seamlessly, prices start from $3.99/mo per month on a 1-year plan. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
Reasons to Buy
- The VPN has super secure features.
- Impressive video streaming speeds.
- Handy features like kill switch, split tunneling, and DNS leak protection.
Reasons to Avoid
- Lack of optimized servers.
6. PureVPN: Affordable VPN with Secure Features
PureVPN is a reliable VPN and a cheaper option. Let’s take a closer look at its features.
Specifications
PureVPN is one of the most affordable VPN services around. Still, it’s also one of the best when considering its security features.
The provider offers a strict no-logs policy that ensures nobody can track your online activity. At the same time, you’re connected to the service. It also comes with strong encryption protocols: 256-bit AES, IKEv2, and OpenVPN.
The service utilizes cutting-edge encryption and has more than 6500+ servers in 78 to keep your connection as fast as possible. The UK servers achieve a download speed of 74 Mbps and an upload speed of 80 Mbps.
Customers can connect up to 10 devices at once and access 24/7 support if they run into any trouble. Streaming services unblocked include; Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Comedy Central, and BBC iPlayer.
The prices start from as low as $1.99/mo on a 2-year plan. PureVPN also offers a 31-day money-back guarantee, so you can use it completely risk-free for an entire month.
Reasons to Buy
- The VPN is Customizable.
- Has Excellent speeds.
- It works with BBC iPlayer.
- You can connect up to ten devices.
- A huge number of servers.
- Fair pricing.
Reasons to Avoid
- It doesn’t have an obfuscation feature, which is useful in some countries.
7. PrivateVPN: Best Streaming VPN
PrivateVPN is an excellent VPN for UK users who want to unlock streaming services without sacrificing speed or privacy.
Specifications
PrivateVPN has been a favorite VPN among the torrenting community for some time now. However, its streaming features are what make it so popular.
PrivateVPN can unblock Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, YouTube, etc.
The VPN has extremely fast speeds, 71 Mbps, making it a great choice for 4K streaming and gaming, and torrenting.
PrivateVPN also allows up to 6 simultaneous connections on one account. They have an easy-to-use app for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices.
PrivateVPN offers 256-bit AES OpenVPN encryption. This feature ensures that your data is protected.
You can get PrivateVPN for as little as $2.63 per month. You can select different plans depending on how many months you want to pay for at a time. We recommend opting for the longer duration plans to get the best price possible.
Reasons to Buy
- It is a fast
- The VPN is compatible with most devices
- It has an Excellent unblocking ability
Reasons to Avoid
- Live chat is not 24/7
- Has a small network of servers.
- It is a bit pricey as compared to other VPNs.
How to Choose the Best VPN for UK: Methodology
To determine which VPN was the best for streaming, downloading, and torrenting in the UK, we compared all of the paid services based on:
Server Locations
To access content restricted to certain countries, a VPN service with a wide variety of server locations will help you overcome this obstacle. Most of our recommended VPN services offer IP addresses in major countries worldwide, such as the US, UK, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, etc.
Device Compatibility
Every VPN should be compatible with a user’s devices. A good VPN should have Windows, Mac, iOS, Chromebook, Nvidia Shield TV, Firestick, Amazon Prime Video, Roku, and Android software. Some even supports Linux operating systems such as Debian, Raspberry Pi, Mint, Ubuntu, Arch, and Fedora. and mobile apps for BlackBerry phones.
A good VPN should also offer users software apps for these devices; so they can connect to the internet privately through any of their desired devices.
Privacy Protections
We looked at how each service handled privacy issues, including logging connection data and DNS requests. To ensure no one can intercept your data, you need military-grade encryption for multiple protocols such as OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP, and SSTP.
Speed
A fast connection speed is important if you don’t want to wait for pages to load or movies to buffer. We time how long it takes to download a file from a server in our testing.
We do this with each VPN that we test and then compare it to the baseline speed of our internet connection at that time. We chose VPNs with fast-speed test results.
Cost
The pricing structure matters because not everyone can afford an expensive VPN service. A good VPN should offer users a variety of payment plans so they can choose one according to their budget and get connected without any hassle. We have given various options to suit your budget.
Support
Good support is essential – UK VPN providers must have customer support through live chat or email that should be available 24/7. The user should be able to contact customer support if they face any issues with their subscription.
Simultaneous Connections
Some households have more than one device. Thus, a VPN provider needs to allow multiple simultaneous connections with one account.
Streaming Ability
If you’re like most British residents, streaming is a big part of your life. We tested each of these VPNs for their ability to unblock geo-restricted content from Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is also essential if you want to be able to access your favorite content while traveling abroad or just avoid local censorship laws. If setting up a VPN connection is complicated or confusing, you’re unlikely to do it often enough to reap the benefits.
The best VPNs for the UK are easy to set up and use. That doesn’t require logging into a web portal whenever you want to change your server location or make other adjustments.
FAQs: Best VPN for UK
What is the Best VPN to Use in the UK?
Choosing the best VPN for the UK is no simple matter. There are plenty of high-quality services available, but not all of them are created equal. We’ve tested dozens of UK VPNs.
Based on our testing and experience, we recommend ExpressVPN as the best VPN to use in the UK. It’s a high-quality service that consistently performs well in our speed tests and protects your privacy while you browse the web.
To choose the best VPN for UK, we looked at factors like speed, security features, and price. The top three services that we recommend are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark VPN.
What is the Best Free VPN for UK?
Free VPNs can be great options for anonymous browsing, but they also have some downsides. The first is that free VPNs often have bandwidth caps, which means you can only use the service for a certain amount of time.
The second is that free VPNs are far more likely to be insecure than paid ones. You should always use a free VPN with caution and never use it to access sensitive information like your email accounts or bank apps.
However, there are some of our top picks for free VPNs which will help you to stream Netflix too!
Are VPNs Legal in UK?
In the United Kingdom, VPNs are legal. There are no laws prohibiting their use.
However, a few laws govern the use of a VPN in the UK. The main law is the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA). This act protects your privacy by making it illegal for companies to collect and keep any personally identifiable information about you without your consent.
This law applies to ISPs and other communications providers, which means they can’t gather or store your browsing history without your consent.
How do I change my IP Address to the UK using a VPN?
To get a UK IP address using a VPN, the first thing you’ll need to do is sign up for a VPN service. Once you’ve chosen a VPN provider, download the app for your device.
After that, open it and sign in with your account credentials. Now, connect to a server located in the United Kingdom.
Your IP address will change and appear as if you’re browsing from the UK. This will allow you to access British content from anywhere in the world!
Which is the Best UK VPN App for Mobile?
NordVPN is a great VPN service for android and iOS (iPhone/iPad) devices. Many people choose to use NordVPN because it provides advanced security features.
Its app is packed with cool features like an internet kill switch and DNS leak protection. It is also simple to use and easy to install. It only takes a few seconds to connect to the server and set up your preferences.
Is Using a VPN as a UK Expat Legal?
Technically, yes — because there are no laws in place that prevent you from using a VPN as an expat. If you are having trouble connecting to a streaming service, it might be that the service itself is blocking you or not allowing access from outside the UK.
The exception is traveling somewhere like China, Russia, and Iraq, which restricts certain websites and services and blocks virtually all popular VPNs. In these cases, you may have no choice but to use a less secure alternative to stay connected while abroad.
Does a UK VPN Affect my Internet Speed?
A VPN will slow your connection speed down. This is because you add an extra layer of encryption and security to your internet traffic. However, it depends on the VPN you choose.
Most VPNs use a “traffic compression” technique to ensure your data doesn’t take up too much bandwidth. Instead of sending the data in its original form, encrypted or decrypted, it is compressed and then sent.
It uses a lot less bandwidth, so it’s a common practice among VPN providers.
Which VPN has the Most UK servers?
CyberGhost has 119 in Manchester, 53 servers in Berkshire, and 460 in London, making its network presence the largest in the UK.
Wrapping It Up
The UK does have some decent VPN providers, but as with all things, it’s best to check out a few before signing up. Start by reading online reviews from other users or checking out forums related to your interests and concerns.
Then find providers with a history of positive reviews. That way, you’ll give yourself the best chance of finding the best VPN for UK.
It’s also vital to consider speed tests, customer support, free trial periods, and the range of services offered by providers.
