Is it illegal to use a VPN in the UK?

No. No law in the UK prohibits VPN usage. You should always use the VPN for legal purposes like browsing, streaming, gaming, or torrenting. However, you can easily get into trouble for engaging in illegal activities with a VPN, like sharing copyrighted content. This is bound to happen, especially if the VPN is not doing its part to safeguard your online privacy. That is why using a genuinely secure VPN is imperative to protect your connection. The VPN services above will do the job, and you will rest assured that your data won't leak.

Why do I need a VPN in the UK?

There are several reasons why using VPN in the UK is essential. Firstly, it will safeguard your privacy if you are concerned with government surveillance. Secondly, a VPN will enable you to access overseas content if you are in the UK. Moreover, a VPN will prevent your ISP from monitoring your activities and won’t block your connections or throttle your speeds.

Do ISPs block VPN connections?

Theoretically, your ISP can block your VPN usage. Most ISPs use various techniques, such as blocking known IP addresses, blocking known VPN IP addresses, and deep packet impaction (DPI). However, a quality VPN with features such as obfuscation, frequently recycled IP addresses, and switching ports will help you evade your ISP's blocking attempts.

Can I watch BBC iPlayer from abroad?

BBC iPlayer is exclusively available in the UK. So, if you are a British ex-pat living abroad, you can only access the service with a VPN. Connecting to a UK server will enable you to bypass the geo-restrictions and access your favorite content from anywhere.

Are there VPNs I should avoid in the UK?

While we recommend you use a VPN, not all services are worth using. Some have inadequate security and privacy features, and you will risk exposing your activities to all sundry. Others like Hola VPN monitor and gather your activities and data to sell to third parties. So, be on the lookout when choosing a VPN.

How do I start using a VPN?

Getting started with a VPN is very quick and easy. All you have to do is to download and install the VPN app on your device. Thankfully, the VPNs listed above provide desktop and mobile apps. Typically, you will have to pay the full amount upfront, even if the prices are quoted in their monthly cost. You can get started once you create an account and pay the subscription.

Will Netflix block my VPN connection?

Netflix is perhaps the biggest streaming service in the world. Due to licensing and copyright issues, it offers various libraries in different countries. The company uses robust anti-VPN technology and has a database of known VPN IP addresses to block VPN connections. However, premium services such as NordVPN recycle IP addresses frequently and use the latest technology to evade the restrictions.

Can I use a VPN based in the UK?

The UK is not privacy-friendly and is a member of the infamous 5-Eye Alliance. So, you should avoid VPN services based in the UK if you are concerned with your privacy. However, some UK-based providers like HideMyAss (HMA)observe a strict zero-logs policy. This means you will always remain anonymous even if the UK government forces the company to submit information.

What does a VPN hide?

A VPN serves as a secure tunnel between your device and the internet, encrypting all your internet traffic and concealing your online activities from prying eyes. Using a VPN, you can mask your real IP address, making it appear like you're accessing the internet from a different location. This can help you stay anonymous and protect your online privacy.

Is it difficult to set up a VPN client?

For most PC or smartphone users, using a VPN is a straightforward process involving downloading the client, logging in, selecting an endpoint country, and connecting. Even for less common scenarios, minimal technical knowledge is required. However, certain VPN providers may only support Linux through OpenVPN profiles, though they usually provide easy-to-follow instructions. The configuration of supported routers is also well-documented. It is essential to verify that the VPN service you are considering supports all the systems you intend to use it on before making a purchase.

While it's impossible to ensure complete security on the internet, we expect the VPNs we endorse to be responsive to any security incidents they experience. Some free VPNs for mobile devices have been discovered to have significant security issues, such as monitoring their users. It's crucial to remember that even with a trustworthy VPN provider, having an encrypted connection doesn't guarantee complete privacy. For instance, if you're logged into your Facebook or Google account, they'll still have records of your online activity, even if your internet service provider can't see it. Therefore, a VPN is a helpful service for online privacy, but there are more complete solutions.

What can a VPN service do?

VPN usage is primarily driven by the need for enhanced privacy and security by encrypting data traffic to and from a device or network. VPNs can also enable region-shifting to access geo-blocked websites or evade network or country-level blocking of certain domains or IP addresses. Moreover, various organizations operate their VPNs, allowing employees to connect securely to the company network from any location. It's even possible to set up personal OpenVPN or WireGuard servers to establish VPN endpoints.

By creating an encrypted tunnel between the endpoint server and your device, a VPN provides you with a new IP address, which can even be from a different country if desired. This ensures your internet traffic is inaccessible to your ISP or local network administrator, safeguarding your online privacy.

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

Ruheni Mathenge - Streaming Expert

Last updated: January 8, 2024

Read time: 44 minutes

This is an estimated reading time to let you know how long it will take you to read all the content on this particular PrivacySavvy.com page. However, it has a sneak peek, easy guide steps, and/or a quick list providing quick in-page navigations and easily-found answers if desired.

Not every service can protect you from government, ISPs, and corporate snooping—also, only a few help stream BBC iPlayer and the likes abroad. Here is a list of the best UK VPNs that actually work.

THE TAKEAWAYS

We all know the UK is a part of the 14-Eyes alliance; therefore, it employs rigid surveillance policies for the citizens. Also, they implement strict copyright policies and restrict content availability outside the country for licensing issues. Despite the region having friendly user-privacy laws, these measures conflict with users’ true internet freedom. Therefore, using a robust UK VPN is essential to protect your online privacy in and outside the UK. Also, the best UK VPNs let you enjoy local TV shows and movies abroad without hassle. That’s all we’ll talk about in this guide.

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

NordVPN – Our number one recommended VPN for the UK. Fastest VPN servers, advanced security and privacy features, and impressive unblocking capability.
ExpressVPN – Offers good speeds, robust security, and privacy, unblocking geo-blocked content and services.
Private Internet Access (PIA) – Multiple servers in the UK, allows up to ten connections simultaneously, effective ad-blocker.
Surfshark – Budget-friendly, emphasis on privacy, fast speed servers, 30-day money-back guarantee.

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