10 Best VPNs for the UK in 2024 (Which One to Avoid)

In 2016, the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA) came into effect, which legalized the surveillance of UK citizens. It allowed the government to snoop on your messages, phone calls, emails, and even online activities.

On top of that, there are strict laws that prohibit copyright infringement. You risk up to ten years in jail if you are caught downloading or sharing copyrighted material. That is why we insist that using a VPN in the UK is necessary.

This guide has compiled the best VPNs for the UK, the benefits of using a VPN, factors to consider when choosing a UK VPN, and much more.

A quick summary of the top 5 UK VPNs

Easy steps to get a UK IP address

Why do I need to use a VPN in the UK?

A VPN is an essential privacy tool you need to use if you live in the UK. It is designed to keep your online activities anonymous, encrypt internet traffic, and prevent third parties from intercepting your traffic. The UK is well known for surveilling its citizens and was the founding member of the 5-EYE Alliance. So, the VPN will allow you to use the internet without worrying about someone monitoring your activities.

Besides, you’ll be assigned a new IP address when you connect to a remote server. This makes you look like you are in a different location to access geo-blocked content. It is also a good way to access websites blocked by ISPs.

As a member of the 5/9/14 Eyes countries, ISPs must collect data on citizens and then share it with the government. The information is also shared with other organizations and government authorities. In addition, the government forces internet service providers to block access to specific websites. You can use a British VPN to bypass frustrating censorship and avoid government surveillance.

Benefits of using a VPN in the UK 

Beyond online anonymity and safety, a VPN is useful in many other ways. Here are some of the lesser-known benefits of using a VPN.

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1. Be safe while working remotely

You probably connect to an internal or local area network (LAN) if you work in a corporate office. Many people work from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so a VPN will help you securely access your office and work from anywhere.

However, remember that corporate VPNs may differ slightly from the regular VPNs we covered above. In most cases, the VPN software is manually installed on devices. Nonetheless, you may need a consumer-grade VPN to access blocked sites in your workplace.

2. Avoid ISP throttling

Have you ever heard about bandwidth throttling? This is where your internet service provider limits your bandwidth if you exceed the set threshold. It significantly lowers your online speeds. Many ISPs use this strategy to ensure fair bandwidth distribution to all users and eliminate congestion. However, some ISPs use bandwidth throttling to encourage you to upgrade your data plans.

Fortunately, a VPN will encrypt your traffic so your ISP cannot monitor your activities. The ISP won’t know that you are using too much bandwidth to torrent, stream, or play games. You will have the freedom to do whatever you want.

3. Access regional sports coverage

Some VPNs will help you access geo-blocked sports coverage. American sports like the NBA and MLB have a massive following in the UK. However, most of the live sporting events are available on US channels like NBC. A VPN will enable you to connect to a US server and watch whatever sporting content you want in real-time.

All you need to ensure is to choose a VPN with several servers in the US so you will always maintain a consistent fast connection. Watch live as LeBron James works his way to the basket and Steph Curry makes incredible three-pointers.

4. Bypass firewalls

Many institutions, workplaces, airports, and hotels have network firewalls to prevent access to particular sites. For example, most schools block social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to encourage students to concentrate on their studies.

The good news is that you can easily bypass those restrictions with a VPN. It will change your IP address and make your traffic appear originating from somewhere else.

5. Secure torrenting

Torrenting is an excellent way to download and share content. It is not necessarily dangerous, but you can compromise your privacy if you don’t use a VPN. Keep in mind that other peers in the network can see your actual IP address. This issue is because a malicious actor can easily trace your location and ISP.

Moreover, you can get into hot waters for accidentally downloading copyrighted material. A VPN will protect your torrenting activities to keep you safe.

6. Improve your gaming experience

A VPN masks your IP address and encrypts your connections. This is one of the main reasons you should use it to improve your gaming experience. It will enable you to access banned games, play in any geographical location, and stay safe from DDoS attacks. A good VPN will also help you avoid IP bans.

7. Avoid price discrimination

Many airline companies and online retailers show prices depending on the geographic location. They do this to manage market segments and improve profitability easily. It’s unfair for you to pay more for a similar service/product because you are in a different location.

A VPN will mask your IP address and hide your real location. You can get better prices if you connect to a server in a less developed country like Malaysia.

Remember that a VPN will not always enable you to get lower prices. This is because some websites use cookies to remember your device. That is why it is advisable first to clear your cache when using a VPN to avoid price discrimination.

8. WiFi protection

Most public WiFi hotspots are free, making them a hub for hackers and other malicious actors. These cybercriminals can intercept your traffic and steal your sensitive data if you don’t use a VPN. Choose a service with robust security features to keep you safe. Some providers, like CyberGhost, offer a specific Wi-Fi protection feature.

What makes a VPN great for the UK

Since all VPNs claim to be the best, it is quite challenging to choose the right provider.

Some have more features and shine in more areas than others. Here are some of the most important factors you should consider when choosing a VPN.

Security

A VPN encrypts your traffic and data, thus safeguarding your connection. It receives your request, encrypts your traffic through encrypted servers, and makes the request on your behalf. Your traffic will seem to be originating from the VPN servers. This prevents third parties from tracking your activities, allowing you to browse safely and anonymously.

Therefore, look for VPNs with strong encryption. AES 256-bit encryption is the industry standard, but you can also choose 128-bit encryption. Some providers, such as NordVPN and ExpressVPN, combine encryption with other security features for optimal protection.

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Speed

As much as security is essential in a UK VPN, don’t forget to pay attention to the connection speed. Remember that the VPN connection may take a toll on your speed because of the encryption process.

So, choose a VPN with consistent speeds that do not affect your base speeds. With reliable speeds, you can do any task, including streaming, torrenting, and gaming. You can check out our tested list of the fastest VPNs on the market.

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Privacy policy

One of the main reasons for using a VPN is to maintain online privacy. With the increased surveillance in the UK, you would want a provider that does not keep identifiable logs. Many VPNs claim to observe a strict zero-logs policy, but it is not always the truth. So, please pay attention to the data collection policy and choose a provider that follows it strictly.

Some of the privacy features to look out for include the kill switch, DNS leak protection, and Tor compatibility.

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Jurisdiction

Where is the VPN provider located? Some countries compel local companies to collect users’ data and submit it when required. Other countries participate in international pacts that share intelligence information.

The three main alliances include the Five Eyes (the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand), Nine Eyes (5-Eyes countries plus Holland, France, Norway, and Denmark), and 14-Eyes (9-Eyes plus Spain, Sweden, Belgium, Italy, and Germany). Therefore, be wary if a VPN provider is headquartered in these regions.

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Server network

It is crucial to consider the size of the server network when choosing a VPN. You might experience slow speeds if the VPN does not have enough servers to handle the traffic. Few servers get congested easily, leading to slow connections.

Therefore, choose a VPN that has massive server networks. This way, the load will be distributed among the servers, decreasing the impact on the bandwidth. Besides, you can always switch servers if you experience slow speeds on your connection.

Moreover, an extensive network with servers distributed worldwide means you can access geo-blocked content from other countries. When you connect to a server in that country, the site you are visiting will think you are local.

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Compatibility

Not all VPNs are compatible with popular operating systems. So, choose a VPN with multi-device and multi-platform compatibility if you have multiple internet-enabled devices. Check whether the VPN service works well with the platform you wish to use.

The VPNs we have listed above are compatible with Windows and macOS and have Android and iOS apps. Some VPNs support routers, allowing users to connect devices that generally don’t work with VPN. Others like IPVanish and Surfshark do not limit connections; you can connect as many devices as you want.

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Payment

Which method are you comfortable with to make your payments? Are you okay paying with your credit card, or prefer anonymity?

Many providers offer various payment methods, including credit cards, Amazon Pay, PayPal, and prepaid cards. Choose a provider that offers a cryptocurrency method if you would like to make anonymous payments.

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Best VPNs for the United Kingdom

Due to the huge number of VPNs on the market, choosing the best service is a bit hard. We tested over 40 providers to determine which works well in the UK.

Below is our list of the ten best VPNs you can use in the UK today:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN takes the first position on our best VPNs in the UK list. This is a premium service with high-quality features and fast speeds at an affordable price. It is also one of the fastest VPNs on the market. 

First, the provider operates a massive network of over 6,000 servers in 60+ countries, including over 440 servers in the UK alone. This means you can access both international and local blocked content. 

The Quick Connect feature makes getting a reliable connection easy. It finds and connects to the fastest server available based on your location. Alternatively, you can manually connect to the servers if you want to access geo-blocked content from a specific region. 

NordVPN has an impressive unblocking capability. The SmartPlay feature will help you to trounce stubborn geo-blocks while maintaining your privacy and security. It easily unblocks all popular streaming sites, including Netflix, Fox Sports Go, Hulu, and more.

Most of its servers are super fast, so your streaming quality will be in high-definition. Unblocking websites blocked in schools and workplaces, such as Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, is also a good option.

The VPN supports P2P sharing, and some of its servers are even optimized for torrenting. With unlimited bandwidth and fast-speed servers, you can effortlessly torrent as many files as you like. NordVPN also has SOCKS5 proxies to improve your torrenting experience. In addition, it works well with all the popular P2P clients, such as Vuze, BitTorrent, and uTorrent.

Besides streaming and torrenting, NordVPN is also an excellent option for gaming. If you are an avid gamer, you know how buffering is frustrating and can even make you lose a game. NordVPN is powerful enough to handle high-demanding games like Far Cry, Final Fantasy, and The Witcher. It does not allow slow speeds, and your connections will remain steady.

The VPN employs all the necessary features to keep your data safe and secure and encrypt your internet connection and activities. It has AES 256-bit encryption, the highest encryption level available, fortified with a 2048-bit DH key and SHA2-384 authentication. There is also perfect forward secrecy (PFS) to ensure data gets wiped entirely after every session. It also offers OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec, two of the most secure connection protocols.

Does NordVPN gather logs? No. In fact, it observes a strict no-logs policy, so it will not keep any of your identifiable information. Moreover, Panama, where the provider is registered, doesn’t have data-retention laws and is outside the 5/9/14 Eye Alliance. Other privacy features include DNS leak protection, Tor compatibility, and an automatic kill switch. This is great for privacy, as you will be assured that no one will ever intercept your activities.

A VPN that offers an ad blocker is always regarded highly. It is a vital feature to safeguard you from trackers, online profiling, and phishing scams. Moreover, it also blocks intrusive ads that may slow your speed. NordVPN provides an inbuilt ad blocker known as the CyberSec suite. We tested it for over 3 hours, and it blocked all the annoying ads, even on YouTube.

The VPN offers three main plans. You can opt for the monthly or annual plan, but the two-year plan has the best value for the money. Fortunately, all the plans have a 30-day money back guarantee, so you can test the features before committing.

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2. Private Internet Access (PIA)

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a trustworthy VPN for the UK. It has a massive server network and packs all the necessary features you’d need in a VPN.

The recent expansion makes it the most extensive network in the VPN industry, with over 29,000 servers spread in 80+ countries. There are thousands of servers in three UK locations, including London, Manchester, and Southampton. This makes an excellent choice for accessing content and services from other regions. There are many options to choose from if one of your connections is blocked.

PIA offers full P2P support on most of its servers. You can torrent as much as you want since it does not cap the bandwidth and data. The provider has a no-logs policy, so your torrenting activities will remain anonymous.

It will keep you safe with 128-bit encryption. You can also choose between OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, and WireGuard protocols to protect your internet connection. Moreover, the MACE feature will prevent ads, malicious trackers, and malware.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is an all-around ideal VPN for the UK. It offers feature-filled apps for all devices, unblocks streaming services, and is excellent at torrenting and gaming.

The VPN operates a network of over 3,000 servers in 94 countries. It has several servers in 4 UK locations, including London, Wembley, East London, and Docklands. With this expansive server network, you will likely get a server closer to your location for better speeds.

Does ExpressVPN bypass geo-blocks? Yes, and it is one of the best VPNs to unblock geo-blocked content and services. The VPN has several servers in the US, which is great if you want to access Netflix US. It also unblocks other popular streaming services such as Hulu, Amazon Prime Videos, Disney+, and more. You can stream in HD, as the servers are pretty fast.

Since ExpressVPN offers fast speeds, your gameplay will be remarkable. It will manage to maintain data-intensive games like Fortnite without any buffering or lags while gaming. You will be able to play in high definition and keep up with your fellow teammates.

The best part is that it allows P2P sharing across its entire server network. You can torrent completely unrestricted since it does not cap its bandwidth and data.

Using the Smart Location feature connects you to the fastest server available. We tested it, and our normal speeds dropped by only 3%, which is impressive. The speeds will remain steady even if you connect to international servers like the US.

ExpressVPN uses top-tier AES 256-bit encryption to maintain your security by encrypting the internet traffic. What does this mean? One key is used to encrypt and decrypt your data, making it almost impossible to break. Just like NordVPN, it braces the encryption with SHA-512 HMAC authentication and a 4096-bit RSA key.

On top of that, perfect forward secrecy assigns you a new encryption key every time you start a session. This makes your browsing activities completely secure. In addition, ExpressVPN uses several security protocols to protect your connections. OpenVPN UDP is the default protocol, but you can opt to switch to OpenVPN TCP, L2TP/IPsec, and PPTP.

ExpressVPN has a straightforward privacy policy. It does not store any of your activities or connection logs. It only keeps the data you provide when creating an account. Fortunately, the provider is based in the British Virgin Islands, which is not a member of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance.  

The kill switch is an essential privacy feature. It ensures your traffic does not leak if the VPN connection drops, keeping your activities completely private. Besides, the solid DNS/IPv6 leak protection guarantees complete anonymity. In addition, ExpressVPN is compatible with the Tor network and supports the Tor over VPN setup for maximum privacy.

Another incredible privacy feature is the TrustedServer technology. It ensures that the servers run on RAM, which cannot hold any data. This means that your data is deleted after every session. It wipes off everything, and the operating system is reloaded afresh, making you less vulnerable to attacks.

The VPN even has servers in countries with heavy online censorship, like Pakistan and Turkey. If you have travelled in such regions, the obfuscated servers will mask your VPN activities to avoid censorship.

ExpressVPN is priced slightly higher than its competitors, especially the monthly plan. However, you can use the 49% discount and three free months on the annual plan. Luckily, all the plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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4. Surfshark

Surfshark is another excellent VPN for the United Kingdom. It is a newcomer in the industry but has already made a name. The provider uses the latest technology and features.

It has recently expanded its network, surpassing even established brands like ExpressVPN. Now it has over 3,200 servers in 65 countries, including the United Kingdom. So, you can access international geo-blocked content if you are in the UK. On the other hand, the UK servers will enable you to access locally blocked sites like PiratesBay.

Fast and reliable speeds make a VPN more valuable. A slow VPN will impede your ability to browse, torrent, stream, or play games. Surfshark has blazing-fast servers and only caused a 4% drop in our regular speeds.

This is one of the best VPNs for streaming due to its unblocking capability and reliable speeds. It can bypass geo-restrictions of almost all popular streaming services, including HBO GO, Hulu, Amazon Prime Videos, Netflix, and more. The high speeds mean you can stream smoothly without buffering or lagging.

Surfshark is a dependable choice for torrenting. The VPN supports P2P sharing, and some of its servers are optimized to improve your torrenting experience. It offers unlimited bandwidth and data, so you’ll torrent as much as you want without restrictions.

Our several tests show that Surfshark is a safe VPN. It uses multiple high-end features to protect your data and activities. First, industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption prevents third parties from accessing your information. Second, it offers MultiHop mode (double VPN) that routes your traffic through two servers. Although it might affect your speeds, it is a great security feature.

You know how popups can be frustrating if you stream content online. Some even contain malware that can infect your device. Surfshark offers CleanWeb, which eliminates pesky ads to make your overall streaming experience smoother. It also blocks malicious trackers and malware.

Its Camouflage Mode is useful if you want to stay completely anonymous. It will disguise your VPN traffic and make it look like regular traffic. This means no one will see you using a VPN, including your ISP.

Surfshark is based in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands. It is not a member of the 5/9/14 Alliance, so you should not worry about your privacy. The privacy policy confirms that the provider does not store connection or usage data.

The monthly plan is a bit pricier than its competitors. However, you can opt for the 6-month plan that cuts the cost by 50%. The two-year plan has the best value for money with an 81% discount. You’ll get a 100% money-back guarantee on all the plans for the first 30 days.

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5. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a simple VPN with all the features you find in advanced brands. Although it has a relatively small network with 200+ locations in 63 countries, the servers are superior and will handle any task.

Fortunately, the provider runs several UK servers in London and Manchester to easily access locally blocked sites. It also designated streaming servers in Canada, Germany, the US, and Peru. These servers offer improved speeds to stream smoothly.

PrivateVPN supports unlimited P2P sharing and offers unrestricted bandwidth to torrent securely and anonymously. In addition, port forwarding is available on specific servers to improve the torrenting experience. As its name indicates, PrivateVPN is privacy-friendly as it does not keep any identifiable logs.

The PrivateVPN uses AES 256-bit encryption to secure your connections. It also offers multiple security protocols such as OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, and IKEv2. OpenVPN is the default protocol, but you can switch to the other protocols depending on your needs.

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6. IPVanish

IPVanish is an excellent VPN for the UK. It offers an impressive list of advanced features at a competitive price.

The VPN runs over 1,600 servers in 75 countries. There are 110 servers in the UK; 18 in Manchester, 20 in Birmingham, 6 in Glasgow, 4 in Maidenhead, and 62 in London. You will get better speeds when you use these servers in the UK. International servers also offer reliable connections if you would like to access content and services in other regions.

IPVanish is nowadays able to unblock almost all streaming sites. Its biggest concentration of servers is in the US, so you’ll have multiple options to access the US version of Netflix. We connected fastest with the Chicago, Dallas, Miami, and Boston servers.

The VPN allows P2P sharing on most of the servers. It also offers unlimited bandwidth and data to torrent unrestricted and securely. The provider partners with SugarSync to offer free 250GB of secure storage. This is a good place to back up your work, music, and movie files.

It will safeguard your data and activities with AES 256-bit encryption, which is almost impossible to break. This means third parties such as your ISP, government agencies, and hackers cannot see what you are doing because your internet traffic will be encrypted.

The DNS request can take an accidental route through your internet service provider servers even when using a VPN. This can reveal your IP address, and the ISP can track your activities. IPVanish prevents this from happening with its DNS leak protection feature. On top of that, it offers an automatic kill switch that stops the exposure of your data and activities if the VPN connection drops.

IPVanish is based in the US, a member of the 5-Eye Alliance like the UK. However, according to its privacy statement, it follows a strict no-logs policy to keep your information private. This means there will be no data even if it is forced to hand over user information.

It is compatible with almost all operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. You can also install it on your router to connect devices that don’t normally work with VPNs. Fortunately, IPVanish allows you to make unlimited simultaneous connections.

The VPN has a confusing pricing structure, with two monthly and yearly plans billed differently. We noticed that the 30-day money back guarantee is only available on the annual plans. You can easily contact customer support through live chat for clarity. The Help Section on its website is extensive, covering all the common issues.

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7. VyprVPN

VyprVPN is another excellent choice VPN for the United Kingdom. It has a good balance of speed and privacy so that you can use it in many applications.

The provider has a decent network of over 700 servers in 70+ countries. Plus, its Chameleon technology will enable you to bypass the geo-blocks of all streaming sites. It unblocks Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Hotstar, DAZN, and more. Since it has a server in London, you can circumvent restrictions of locally blocked sites.

Regarding protection, VyprVPN uses AES 256-bit encryption and an automatic kill switch. The NAT firewall will prevent malware and trackers. It also offers OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, PPTP, and WireGuard security protocols to protect your connections.

VyprVPN adheres to a strict zero-logs policy and does not store logs. In fact, it has undergone an independent audit to verify the claims. Furthermore, the provider is registered in Switzerland, which is well-known for its privacy stance.

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8. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a well-established VPN for the UK. It is an excellent option for beginners as the apps are easy to use. The best part is that it offers optimized streaming, torrenting, and gaming servers.

It is one of the most extensive networks on this list, with over 8,000 servers in 91 countries. Fortunately, it runs more than 650+ servers in 3 locations in the UK. This means you can access content in many regions, including locally.

We tested it and discovered closer servers are faster than international connections. However, the speeds are enough for internet surfing, even on the slowest servers. Nearby servers have a low ping rate, which means you will stream, torrent, and play games buffer-free. Quick speeds will also enable you to make high-quality VoIP calls.

CyberGhost is powerful enough to bypass geo-blocks. In fact, it offers streaming-optimized servers for faster speeds and reliability. If you are in the UK, you will access popular streaming sites in other countries. We were able to unblock sites such as USA’s DirecTV in the UK, Netflix US, Hulu, CBS, Fox Sports Go, and more. It also has multiple servers in the UK if you are abroad and would like to access locally blocked sites.

Is CyberGhost good enough for gaming online? Yes. Although the gaming-optimized servers are supposed to offer better speeds, they didn’t during our testing. In fact, these servers had a ping rate of more than 400ms, which is not ideal for gaming. Instead, we recommend you connect to servers closer to your location to get better speeds.

The provider uses AES 256-bit encryption to keep you safe online. This is the highest encryption available; even the most powerful computer cannot intercept your information. CyberGhost also offers OpenVPN as the default protocol on all its apps. You can also switch to WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols. WireGuard is the latest protocol and is adopted by most VPN services because of its improved security and speed.

CyberGhost has a strict zero-logs policy. This means that it won’t keep any of your logs so that no one will trace your activities and information. In addition, the provider is headquartered in Romania, which is not part of any intelligence alliance.

The VPN offers user-friendly apps for almost all devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, and iOS. There are also free Chrome and Firefox browser extensions, though they have limitations. CyberGhost allows you to have seven simultaneous connections.

Like Surfshark above, the monthly plan is on the higher side. In this case, it also only comes with a 14-day money-back. However, the price drops by nearly 70% for the one and two-year plans. The provider has recently introduced a 3-year plan. It has the best value for money as you’ll get an 83% discount plus three free months.

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9. Ivacy

Ivacy VPN is perhaps the most affordable VPN for the UK. It is secure, does not keep logs, and supports unlimited server switching.

The provider operates a decent-sized network with over 5,700 servers scattered across 66 countries. More importantly, there are more than 510+ servers in the UK so that you can access locally blocked content and services. With over 12,000 frequently recycled IP addresses, you will always find a reliable connection.

It can unblock Netflix, CBS, Discovery GO, and Hulu, among other popular streaming sites. Most of the servers are fast enough to stream without buffering or lags.

Ivacy protects your activities with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption and multiple protocols, including OpenVPN, L2TP, IPsec, and IKeV. Besides, the VPN offers a kill switch that will cut your traffic if the VPN connection is leaking.

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10. Windscribe

Windscribe is the best free VPN for the UK. It offers feature-packed apps that are extremely easy to use for all devices.

The VPN has a smaller network of 170 servers spread out in 60 countries. There are five servers in the UK; 3 in London, 1 in Edinburgh, and 1 in Manchester. In addition, it offers dedicated servers for streaming labeled as Windflix on the selection menu.

Windscribe offers an ad blocker called ROBERT. It not only prevents annoying pop-ups but also protects you from invasive and harmful content. Other security features include AES 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch.

The only issue with the free version is the limited monthly data of only 500MB. Otherwise, you will still get complete protection and privacy. Fortunately, the Pro version is affordable, with the annual plan offering a discount of 54%.

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Best UK VPNs comparison table

	NordVPN	PIA	ExpressVPN	Surfshark	PrivateVPN	IPVanish	Vypr	CyberGhost	Ivacy	Windscribe
UK servers	440+ servers	100+ servers	4 locations	212+ servers in 4 locations	111+ servers in 5 cities	4 locations	7 servers at 1 location	690+ servers in 3 cities.	510+ servers	3 locations
Streaming	Netflix UK, BBC iPlayer, BritBox	Netflix UK, Disney+, Hayu, Pluto TV	Netflix UK, All 4, Sky Go, BBC iPlayer	Max, YouTube TV, UKTV Play	BBC iPlayer, MUBI, All 4, Discovery+, ITVX	Netflix UK, Amazon Prime, Sky Go	Netflix UK, BritBox, BFI Player, Hulu, Now TV	Netflix UK, BBC iPlayer, MUBI, Paramount+, Max	Netflix UK, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, HBO Max	Netflix UK, MAX, YouTube TV, MUBI, Sky Go, Hayu, Pluto TV
Supported devices	Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, smart TVs, Routers	MacOS, Windows, iOS, Linux, Android, Routers, smart TVs	Windows, iOS, macOS, Linux, Android, Routers, smart TVs	Android, Windows, iOS, macOS, Routers, smart TVs, Linux	Windows, iOS, macOS, Linux, Android, Routers, smart TVs	Windows, iOS, macOS, Linux, Android, Routers, smart TVs	iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Routers, smart TVs, Android	Windows, iOS, macOS, Linux, Android, Routers, smart TVs	Windows, iOS, macOS, Linux, Android, Routers, smart TVs	Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, Routers, smart TVs
Avg speed	119 Mbps	130 Mbps	121 Mbps	100 Mbps	86 Mbps	43 Mbps	64 Mbps	79 Mbps	56 Mbps	36 Mbps
Best deal	$3.99	$2.03	$8.32	$1.99	$2.00	$2.99	$5.00	$2.1	Free	Free

Methodology for choosing the best VPNs for United Kingdom

We thoroughly researched various VPNs to determine the ideal VPN for the UK. Here are some of the things we considered. 

1. UK servers – You can only unblock UK content with servers in the UK. So, we only choose VPNs with UK servers, especially in different cities. 
2. Privacy policy – A VPN provider with a strict no-logs privacy policy is desirable. We reviewed each VPN’s privacy policies and only chose those that don’t collect user data. Even better, we had a soft spot for those independently audited. 
3. Security – Even the best VPN can malfunction. Therefore, we chose VPNs with sufficient security precautions besides robust encryption, like a kill switch. This will keep you safe if your VPN connection drops. 
4. Streaming – A VPN is a great tool for streaming. So, we selected VPNs that bypass geo-restrictions on popular streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer, Netflix UK, etc. 
5. Speed – A VPN usually slows down your speed because of the rerouting and encryption processes. We used a speed test tool to select VPNs with sufficient speed for various activities like streaming, gaming, and torrenting. 
6. Price – Even if you want to protect your online activities and bypass geo-restrictions, the price is critical. So, we chose affordable VPNs with premium features.

Is the best free UK VPN for my device?

The free UK VPNs we suggest can be installed on various operating systems, including iOS, Windows, Android, and macOS. TunnelBear, ZoogVPN, and Windscribe are the best free VPNs available. However, remember these freemium VPNs (premium VPNs with free versions) are better than completely free VPNs. 

It’s worth noting that you can also use free VPNs on other devices. However, if you’re looking for recommendations for specific platforms, operating systems, and devices, check out our suggestions below.

Linux

One of the top VPNs for Linux is Windscribe’s free version. While it doesn’t come with a graphical user interface like many VPNs, it does offer a simple command-line interface that can be easily downloaded and executed. On the other hand, TunnelBear and ZoogVPN provide only limited Linux support and require manual installation.

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Kodi

Accessing Kodi streams can result in fines from ISPs or even blocked traffic. A VPN for Kodi can prevent ISPs from monitoring and recording your streaming activities.

For UK Kodi users, Windscribe is the top recommended free option. It offers fast speeds, free P2P servers, and robust security measures. Additionally, it provides a Kodi manual setup guide on its website. However, with a limit of 10GB of data, you may be unable to watch or stream much content.

Another secure alternative for UK Kodi users is Hide.me, a free VPN service. It offers installation options for OpenELEC “Kodi” and LibreELEC “Kodi.”

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Amazon Fire TV Stick

Windscribe is the top recommended VPN app for Fire TV Stick due to its fast and user-friendly interface and ability to unblock BBC iPlayer. However, it does come with a streaming limit of 10GB per month, so it’s best to stream in SD quality. 

On the other hand, TunnelBear and ZoogVPN do not have exclusive Fire TV Stick apps, while PrivadoVPN Free’s Fire TV Stick app is currently not functioning.

Hide.me is another great option with an easy-to-use Fire TV Stick app, but it doesn’t have any servers in the UK, and it also comes with a 10GB monthly data limit like Windscribe.

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VPN browser extensions

A VPN browser extension is a convenient way to change your IP address directly from your web browser. However, it’s worth noting that most VPN extensions are proxies that don’t offer the same level of encryption as VPN software.

Among the best VPN extensions for Chrome and Firefox, Windscribe’s browser extension is highly popular. It’s a free proxy and ad blocker that includes free London servers. Upgrading to a paid plan unlocks access to Manchester and Edinburgh servers. Meanwhile, TunnelBear also offers a VPN extension for anonymous browsing on Chrome and Firefox, but you’ll need an existing account with them, and it uses the same free data.

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Premium vs. free VPNs in the UK

A dependable VPN cost in the UK ranges between $5-$12 (£4- £9) per month. This will vary depending on the provider, with some even offering a free version.

Many premium VPNs offer subscriptions over a month, year, or longer. In most cases, the longer the plan, the less you pay monthly. For instance, the monthly plan can cost as much as $12, but you can get discounts of up to 80% on the two-year plan. Luckily, almost all plans come with a money-back policy so that you can test the services risk-free.

Never attempt to use a free one, even if you are on a tight budget. This is because many free VPNs use inadequate security that can jeopardize your privacy. Besides, many of them cannot handle data-intensive tasks such as gaming, torrenting, or streaming.

Reasons why you should avoid free VPNs in the UK 

1. Allow government agencies to collect your data

Premium VPNs are revered because they offer robust security to prevent third parties from spying on users’ activities.

On the other hand, free VPNs don’t have enough resources to provide advanced security features.

As a result, your IP address and activities can become visible to anyone. The government can trace your activities if you do anything illegal, like downloading copyrighted material or stalking.

2. Infected with malware

A recent Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) study found that 60% of free VPNs contain malware. In most cases, the malware is related to advertising. This is unsurprising, as most free VPNs make money through advertisements.

Malware can cause detrimental damage to your device, network, and data. The extent of damage will mainly depend on the type of malware, the device you are using, and the nature of your data.

Many premium VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark have an in-built ad blocker and malware protection. So, you can use the internet securely without worrying about getting infected with malware.

3. Embedded with trackers

The same CSIRO study found 7 out of 10 free VPNs embed trackers in their software. The trackers are used for analytics, advertising, and tracking purposes. Some free VPNs even sell the information to the highest bidder. Whatever the case, a VPN is supposed to maintain your privacy and not share your information with third parties.

Notably, the CISRO study found that premium VPNs have few trackers. This means you will get the privacy you want when subscribing to a premium service. The ad blocker used by most premium VPNs also prevents trackers.

4. Slow your connection

Managing and operating a VPN network is very expensive. Free VPNs can only provide a handful of servers since they don’t have the resources. These servers are mostly congested, so you’ll likely get slow connections no matter if you deploy hacks to make VPN faster.

This is not a problem you will find with paid VPNs. Most of them have extensive networks with servers spread across the world. You’ll have several options to choose from if any of your connections are blocked. In fact, a premium VPN may even help to improve your speeds if your ISP is throttling your bandwidth.

5. Fail to unblock content

Many streaming services like Netflix offer content based on geographic location. This means content varies from region to region.

For example, some of the US Netflix library titles may not be available in the UK. A VPN will assign you a US-specific IP address if you connect to the US server. This will trick the streaming site you are accessing into thinking that you are within the US, so it won’t block your connection.

The problem with free VPNs is that they cannot get past restrictions put by many streaming sites. Even if you occasionally manage to get a connection, it is likely to get flagged.

So, you want a formidable service like NordVPN to unblock geo-blocked content. It offers state-of-the-art features and frequently recycles IP addresses so the streaming site won’t cut your connection.

6. Invasive ads

As mentioned before, free VPNs rely on advertisements to make money. These ads can be very annoying when streaming content online. Besides, they may slow your speeds and even contain malware.

Premium VPNs offer adblockers to prevent intrusive ads. NordVPN is an excellent example with its CyberSec suite that is built into the app. Alternatively, you can check out our article on the best ad blockers if your VPN provider does not offer the feature.

7. Hijack your browser

Some free VPNs are known for hijacking and redirecting users’ traffic to other sites. The CSIRO study found that HotSpot Shield redirected its users to ebay.com and Alibaba.com without consent.

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Which is the fastest VPN in the UK?

In the UK’s rapidly advancing digital landscape, having a fast and dependable VPN is essential for many internet users.

It allows you to stream geo-restricted content and ensure privacy and security without sacrificing speed. Our tests show ExpressVPN and NordVPN are currently the fastest VPNs available. 

The table below shows how various VPN speeds in the UK compare.

VPN	Download	Upload	Latency
ExpressVPN	186.32Mbps	96.07Mbps	7m/s
NordVPN	143.12Mbps	139.84Mbps	11m/s
Surfshark VPN	111.24Mbps	91.92Mbps	13m/s
PrivateVPN	110.90Mbps	89.40Mbps	21m/s
IPVanish VPN	99.37Mbps	71.38Mpbs	33m/s
VyprVPN	99.01Mbps	22.70bps	33m/s
Private Internet Access VPN	94.61Mpbs	55.82Mbps	19m/s
Cyberghost VPN	48.02Mpbs	32.96Mpbs	16m/s
Ivacy VPN	29.46Mpbs	15.58Mpbs	51m/s

However, many variables, like the distance between your location and the nearest server and ISP internet speed, can affect VPN speed. Additionally, the tunneling protocol you choose can impact performance, so using one of the fastest protocols, such as WireGuard, is recommended.

How will a VPN improve my speed?

In most cases, a VPN will not improve your speed. This is because your speed will depend on the ISP data plan you have subscribed to. All VPNs work by encrypting your traffic and routing through remote servers, which causes some latency. So, a VPN is more likely to cause slow connections than the other way around.

Even so, your ISP may be throttling your bandwidth for doing data-intensive tasks like torrenting or gaming. A VPN will mask your activities to avoid throttling, thus improving your speeds. This is the only way a VPN will help you increase your speeds. However, the VPN will not help improve your speeds if you have subscribed to low-speed broadband.

Will a VPN slow my internet connection?

The impact of a VPN on your internet speed may be more noticeable on the fastest connections, but it shouldn’t significantly affect your internet experience. 

Our tests are conducted on a high-speed connection that gets around 787Mbps, and we’ve found that the fastest VPN connections typically don’t exceed 300Mbps, with the average throughput in the UK being around 194Mbps. Despite this, these speeds are still fast enough for most practical purposes. Sometimes, a VPN can improve performance on slower connections, particularly when communicating with servers in distant countries or 4G networks. Also, if your internet service provider (ISP) is throttling your internet speed, a VPN can help you overcome it and improve your speed. However, it’s important to note that using a VPN may increase battery consumption on mobile devices because it remains active in the background.

What is the cheapest VPN in the UK?

Surfshark is reasonably priced if you are looking for an affordable UK VPN. Its cheapest plan is $1.99, offering high-quality features that rival established providers. 

For example, it has over 212 servers in 4 UK locations. Moreover, the VPN provides more than 3,200 servers in 100 countries worldwide. This will enable you to unblock content in many regions while protecting your connections. Moreover, the VPN supports almost all operating systems, including Windows, Android, Linux, macOS, iOS, etc. Interestingly, Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you to use as many devices as possible. Before committing to a long-term subscription, you can test it with the 30-day money back guarantee

Surfshark is reasonably priced if you are looking for an affordable England VPN. Its cheapest plan is $1.99, offering high-quality features that rival established providers. 

For example, it has over 212 servers in 4 UK locations. Moreover, the VPN provides more than 3,200 servers in 100 countries worldwide. This will enable you to unblock content in many regions while protecting your connections.

Moreover, the VPN supports almost all operating systems, including Windows, Android, Linux, macOS, iOS, etc. Interestingly, Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you to use as many devices as possible. Before committing to a long-term subscription, you can test it with the 30-day money-back guarantee

Are there websites blocked in the UK?

Popular sites such as The Pirates Bay and even some TPB alternatives, Popcorn Time, 123movies, and many more are unavailable in the UK. This is because UK ISPs block them. What’s worse is that the list of blocked websites is expected to grow. Indeed, these sites harbor copyright infringements, which is why they are on the government’s radar.

Due to the strict copyright laws, we recommend you use a Virtual Private Network UK when accessing torrenting sites. It will help you avoid trouble even if you accidentally download or share copyrighted material.

What is the difference between logging and non-logging UK VPNs?

Logging and no-logging VPNs are two types of VPNs that differ in their approach to user data. A VPN service logs user data if it keeps identifying records of users’ online activity, such as browsing history, IP addresses, and device information. On the other hand, a no-logging VPN is a service that does not track or store user data. However, it may keep non-identifying data like bandwidth consumption, time stamps, and other network traffic data, providing better privacy and security.

One approach that some no-logging VPNs use to enhance user privacy further is by using RAM disk servers. Unlike traditional servers that store data on hard drives, RAM-disk servers store data on temporary memory, which is wiped clean when the server is restarted. This ensures that even if a hacker can access the server, they will not find any user data, as it’s been wiped clean. NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN are some VPN providers that use RAM disk servers.

It is worth noting that not all VPN providers have trustworthy logging policies. PureVPN and IPVanish, for example, have both provided recorded data in court cases despite claiming to have no-logging policies. PureVPN has since changed its logging policy.

Conversely, legal proceedings have revealed that certain VPN providers do not retain any logs to disclose, such as Perfect Privacy, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. Some providers, such as VyprVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN, have even undergone independent network audits to verify their no-logging claims. PureVPN, on the other hand, has commissioned a no-logging audit to enhance its reputation. Logging VPNs are generally less secure and private than no-logging VPNs since they collect sensitive user data that third parties can access. While some logging VPNs claim to keep user data to improve their services, others do so to comply with local laws or to share user data with third-party advertisers, which can put your privacy at risk.

VPNs to unblock UK streaming services

As mentioned above, a VPN will help you access geo-blocked content from anywhere. It allows you to connect to remote servers in any country to access whatever you want.

Using a VPN to stream outside the UK

If you have recently traveled or are an ex-pat living abroad, you’ll need a VPN to access UK streaming services. Most of these services use geo-blocking technology to restrict access outside the UK’s boundaries. Accessing BBC iPlayer abroad is one of the best examples here.

All you will have to do is to connect to a UK server. You can choose any of the recommendations above because they are up to the task. Once you connect to a UK server, you will be assigned a UK IP address. It will enable you to access UK streaming services and enjoy your favorite content.

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Using a VPN to stream inside the UK

On the other hand, a VPN will also allow you to pretend to be in another country. So, if you are in the UK, you can connect to servers in Canada to access locally blocked content. This is an excellent way to access movies and TV series unavailable in the UK.

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Is the best free UK VPN for my device?

The free UK VPNs we suggest can be installed on various operating systems, including iOS, Windows, Android, and macOS. TunnelBear, ZoogVPN, and Windscribe are the best free VPNs available. However, remember these freemium VPNs (premium VPNs with free versions) are better than completely free VPNs. 

It’s worth noting that you can also use free VPNs on other devices. However, if you’re looking for recommendations for specific platforms, operating systems, and devices, check out our suggestions below.

Linux

One of the top VPNs for Linux is Windscribe’s free version. While it doesn’t come with a graphical user interface like many VPNs, it does offer a simple command-line interface that can be easily downloaded and executed. On the other hand, TunnelBear and ZoogVPN provide only limited Linux support and require manual installation.

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Kodi

Accessing Kodi streams can result in fines from ISPs or even blocked traffic. A VPN for Kodi can prevent ISPs from monitoring and recording your streaming activities.

For UK Kodi users, Windscribe is the top recommended free option. It offers fast speeds, free P2P servers, and robust security measures. Additionally, it provides a Kodi manual setup guide on its website. However, with a limit of 10GB of data, you may be unable to watch or stream much content.

Another secure alternative for UK Kodi users is Hide.me, a free VPN service. It offers installation options for OpenELEC “Kodi” and LibreELEC “Kodi.”

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Amazon Fire TV Stick

Windscribe is the top recommended VPN app for Fire TV Stick due to its fast and user-friendly interface and ability to unblock BBC iPlayer. However, it does come with a streaming limit of 10GB per month, so it’s best to stream in SD quality. 

On the other hand, TunnelBear and ZoogVPN do not have exclusive Fire TV Stick apps, while PrivadoVPN Free’s Fire TV Stick app is currently not functioning.

Hide.me is another great option with an easy-to-use Fire TV Stick app, but it doesn’t have any servers in the UK, and it also comes with a 10GB monthly data limit like Windscribe.

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VPN browser extensions

A VPN browser extension is a convenient way to change your IP address directly from your web browser. However, it’s worth noting that most VPN extensions are proxies that don’t offer the same level of encryption as VPN software.

Among the best VPN extensions for Chrome and Firefox, Windscribe’s browser extension is highly popular. It’s a free proxy and ad blocker that includes free London servers. Upgrading to a paid plan unlocks access to Manchester and Edinburgh servers. Meanwhile, TunnelBear also offers a VPN extension for anonymous browsing on Chrome and Firefox, but you’ll need an existing account with them, and it uses the same free data.

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Internet Freedom in the UK

Under the common law and Human Rights Act, UK citizens have the right to freedom of expression. On the downside, the right is subject to many exceptions, conditions, and formalities.

The law also prohibits interference with privacy. However, there has been a steady shift towards increased surveillance in the UK since the mid-2000s. Security concerns such as terrorism have made the government introduce far-reaching surveillance measures that impact online privacy.

In fact, the UK is included in the Enemies of the Internet list by Reporters Without Borders. This is a group of countries with high internet censorship and surveillance of their citizens. Other major countries in the list include Russia, Saudi Arabia, China, Iran, and Pakistan.

So, the best way to avoid government censorship and surveillance is to use a VPN. If you choose a reliable service like NordVPN, you will enjoy the internet privately and anonymously.

Avoid UK government surveillance

The UK government heavily surveils its citizens. In fact, the GCHQ is the agency responsible for monitoring and spying on everyone. It then hands the information to the government and armed forces.

Furthermore, the government uses the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 to force ISPs to gather user data. Surveillance is slowly becoming prevalent and pervasive in the UK. A VPN is the only way to keep your online activities private.

Therefore, it is essential to use a VPN to keep your internet traffic encrypted if you are concerned with your privacy. Some of the information your ISP can gather and store include:

• Your IP address
• Payment details, address, etc
• Communication metadata
• Log of every site and time of visit

Top VPNs to avoid in the UK

While we advise you to use a VPN when accessing the internet, not all VPNs are safe to use. Some services are worse, and you will be better without them. Here are some of the VPNs you should avoid if you care about your privacy.

Hola

Hola promises to unblock sites in other countries. Unlike other free services like Windscribe, it does not limit data usage. Instead, it claims to offer completely free services through a peer-to-peer network. This is the first red flag, as the company does not have servers worldwide. The disadvantage of a P2P connection is that your traffic is visible to other peers in the network.

Worse of all, it has a commercial version dubbed the Luminati brand that sells VPN services to businesses. The brand has been involved in a botnet attack in the past. This type of attack infects many devices and harnesses their power to carry out a bigger attack. That is to say that cybercriminals hijacked all devices belonging to Hola users.

Sadly, this is not an isolated incidence. The provider is known to turn free users’ devices into exit nodes, allowing the paying customer to utilize their unused bandwidth.

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Facebook Onavo VPN

The in-built feature that Facebook uses is known as Onavo VPN. Although the VPN might effectively protect your traffic, it has a significant disadvantage. Onavo will gather your traffic data to improve Facebook’s services and products. Sadly, there is no way you can prevent Facebook from collecting your information unless you deactivate your account.

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VPN not working in the UK – Troubleshooting tips

Don’t give up if your VPN stops working abruptly. Try the following tips to solve the issue.

1. Switch to another tunneling protocol. For example, if you use OpenVPN, you can switch to WireGuard.
2. Check if your internet connection is working. 
3. Connect to another server. 
4. Install the latest VPN version. 
5. Get in touch with the VPN’s customer support. 
6. Subscribe to a more reliable VPN service, like NordVPN.

What limitations does a VPN have?

While the benefits of VPNs may outweigh the disadvantages, some of the limitations prevent users from having a smooth experience. Only a few VPNs specialize in region-shifting for video streaming, as popular streaming platforms like Hulu and Netflix constantly try to block VPN endpoint addresses. Similarly, VPNs offering SOCKS5 proxy for full torrenting functionality are few and far between.

While using a VPN on a PC is generally hassle-free, you may have to reconnect the VPN if your internet connection drops. However, VPN usage can lead to increased battery consumption on mobile devices.

Not all VPNs are equally effective at preventing data leaks, such as via WebRTC, IPv6, or misconfigured or outdated VPN protocols.

Another VPN limitation is that it might reduce your internet speed, especially if you opt for low-quality services. Nonetheless, some premium VPNs use advanced servers, and internet speed reduction is unnoticeable.

FAQs