Best VPN for UK – Tried and Tested in 2023

In our comprehensive guide on the Best VPN for UK in 2023, you will learn about today’s digital age, where online privacy and unrestricted access to content are paramount. Finding the best VPN for UK service is more important than ever for UK users.

Whether you’re looking to secure your online transactions, bypass geo-restrictions, or simply enhance your internet privacy, our expertly curated list of VPN services is here to guide you. Our selection process is rigorous and thorough, ensuring that each VPN service we recommend meets the highest standards of security, speed, and user experience and provides you with a reliable UK IP address.

We understand the unique challenges faced by internet users in the UK, from navigating the complexities of digital surveillance laws to accessing a global range of content. That’s why our guide is tailored to provide you with the best VPN options that cater specifically to the needs and concerns of those in the UK.

In this guide, you’ll find detailed reviews, insightful comparisons, and all the essential information you need to make an informed decision about which VPN service is right for you. We highly recommend ExpressVPN, as it has the tools to enhance your online experience, ensuring that you can browse, stream, and explore the internet with confidence and security.

Disclaimer: We do not encourage nor condone the use of VPNs for illegal activities, including copyright infringement.

Quick Comparison Table: Best VPN for UK 2023

Here’s a quick comparison table of the best UK VPN in 2023:

VPNs
Ranking for UK	1	2	3	4	5
No. of servers	3000+ servers in 105 countries	3200+ servers in 100 countries	5500+ servers in 60 countries	9700+ servers in 91 countries	35000+ servers in 84 countries
UK servers	5 server locations	4 server locations	4 server locations	781 servers	3 server locations
Security	Passed	Passed	Passed	Passed	Passed
Average Speeds for UK	89 Mbps	85 Mbps	83 Mbps	75 Mbps	65 Mbps
Multi-Logins	5	Unlimited	6	7	Unlimited
Streaming	Netflix UK, BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, ITV and More	Netflix UK, BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, ITV and More	Netflix UK, BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, ITV and More	Netflix UK, BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, ITV and More	Netflix UK, BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, ITV and More
Compatibility	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers
Price	GB£5.28/mo (US$ 6.67/mo)	GB£1.57/mo (US$ 1.99/mo)	GB£3.16/mo (US$ 3.99/mo)	GB£1.67/mo (US$ 2.11/mo)	GB£1.67/mo (US$ 2.11/mo)

Best VPN for UK in 2023 [In-Depth Analysis]

Dive deep into our comprehensive analysis of the best VPNs for UK users in 2023. We examine each VPN’s server network, encryption standards, privacy policies, and ability to access popular streaming services. Our in-depth reviews also include user experience, customer support quality, and pricing, ensuring you make an informed choice tailored to your needs.

1. ExpressVPN — The Best VPN for UK

ExpressVPN stands out as the best VPN for UK users, offering an unparalleled blend of speed, security, and reliability. Renowned for its robust server network, ExpressVPN boasts a vast array of servers across the globe, ensuring that UK users can effortlessly connect to a multitude of locations. This extensive network provides consistent and high-speed connections, essential for streaming.

ExpressVPN boasts a network of 3000+ a number of servers in 105 countries. Among them, various servers are spread across 5 UK locations in Docklands, Midlands, East London, Wembley, and London, making it the best VPN for UK.

ExpressVPN offers fast servers in the UK.

One of the key strengths of ExpressVPN is its exceptional streaming speed, making it an ideal choice for accessing geo-restricted content. Whether it’s TVPlayer, ITV UK, Sky Go, BBC iPlayer UK, BT Sport, or other streaming platforms, ExpressVPN offers seamless access, ensuring that you can enjoy your favorite shows and movies on UKTV Play outside UK by using the best UK TV VPN. Furthermore, you can enjoy flawless streaming of Netflix in UK using ExpressVPN’s speedy servers.

And it’s not just the UK. ExpressVPN also offers a speedy VPN server globally. You can use any of its servers worldwide and enjoy any streaming service you like, including Netflix US, Disney Plus, Amazon, etc, in HD from the UK, making it the best VPN for UK streaming.

We connected ExpressVPN to its UK- Docklands server to check its unblocking skills. We could easily unblock Sky Sports and enjoy live streams of various matches without any buffering:

Unblocking Sky Sports outside the UK was a piece of cake using ExpressVPN servers.

We conducted ExpressVPN speed test in UK for all its servers to check out its speeds. It offers some great speeds on its United Kingdom servers. We recorded an exceptional downloading speed of 89.42 Mbps and an upload speed of 84.64 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

ExpressVPN London server offers the fastest speeds for streaming UK services.

Security in ExpressVPN employs advanced encryption protocols to safeguard your online activities, ensuring that your data remains secure and private. Its focus on security is especially crucial for UK users, considering the region’s stringent digital surveillance laws. ExpressVPN’s commitment to user privacy is further reinforced by its strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your online footprint remains anonymous.

Apart from accessing some geo-restricted content, ExpressVPN also protects you over the internet by offering best-in-class AES-256-bit encryption, IP address masking, OpenVPN protocols, and Private DNS to browse more anonymously, avoiding government surveillance and ISP throttling.

ExpressVPN’s Threat Manager in UK ensures you are protected from malware attacks and fake app pop-ups. The VPN’s kill switch disconnects you from the internet once your VPN connection drops, and a strict no-logs policy ensures that it won’t collect any user logs.

An added advantage is ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer feature that can unblock almost all streaming sites without encrypting your online internet traffic and without burdening your connection with encryption.

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You can connect 8 devices simultaneously on its single account. In terms of device compatibility, ExpressVPN works on iOS, Android, FireOS, and most operating systems. You can also set up ExpressVPN on Roku in UK, along with Kodi, PS4, and multiple other devices with ease.

In terms of pricing, ExpressVPN offers competitive rates, ensuring that you get premium service without breaking the bank. ExpressVPN costs in UK GB£5.28/mo (US$ 6.67/mo) (Black Friday Deal: Grab 3 Free Months + 49% OFF 12-Month Plan), making it accessible for a wide range of users. By trying the ExpressVPN free trial in UK, which offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, it can definitely be worth the risk.

You can always cancel your ExpressVPN subscription in UK if you believe the service isn’t for you, which won’t be the case, as its ratings on VPN Reviews UK can attest. For more information, check out our ExpressVPN review UK.

2. Surfshark — Best-Budget VPN for UK

Surfshark emerges as the best budget VPN for UK users seeking a high-quality VPN experience in just GB£1.57/mo (US$ 1.99/mo) (Get 86% + 3 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan). Renowned for its affordability, Surfshark does not compromise on performance. Its extensive network ensures that UK users can enjoy a wide range of geo-restricted content with ease,.

Surfshark offers 3200+ servers in 100 countries globally, including servers in 4 cities of the UK. These servers are located in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. Overall, the server network is strong enough to unblock global websites in the US.

Surfshark offers budget-friendly plans for UK servers, making it one of the best VPN for UK.

Surfshark has impressive streaming speed, which is crucial for users who rely on VPNs to access various streaming platforms. Channel 4, BT Sport, Sky Go, etc. Surfshark is one of the best VPN for 4Music UK to enjoy some exclusive music outside UK. This makes it an ideal VPN for entertainment enthusiasts in the UK who want to explore a world of content without facing geo-restrictions. You can also access Netflix in UK with Surfshark at low prices.

We connected to Surfshark’s Edinburgh server, and we enjoyed hours of HD streaming without buffering.

Surfshark’s Glasgow server works amazingly well with STV Players abroad.

While streaming, we took a Surfshark speed test in UK to check how fast its UK servers are. We recorded a download speed of 85.42 Mbps and an upload speed of 48.64 Mbps on 100 Mbps connections.

Surfshark delivered decent speeds to quickly access STV.

In terms of security, Surfshark holds its ground with robust encryption protocols and a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your online activities remain private and secure. These features are particularly important for UK users, given the region’s digital surveillance laws.

Surfshark’s commitment to privacy and security means users can browse, stream, and download with the assurance that their data is protected. While using the Surfshark Bypasser mode, you won’t have to worry about your browsing activity being monitored at all, as this VPN comes with tons of characteristics and secure protocols like MultiHop, AES-256-bit encryption, and CleanWeb.

Not only that, Surfshark is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, and this VPN doesn’t keep any logs. Its Camouflage Mode feature hides your internet traffic and enhances your security.

You can enjoy these services on any device you like, as Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections to users along with compatibility with all major devices, including iOS, Android, Windows, and more. It is, in fact, you can even install Surfshark on firestick in UK. Most of its apps share a similar interface, making it easy to use.

Surfshark cost in UK  is priced competitively in UK dollars; Surfshark offers various plans that cater to different needs and budgets. Its affordability, coupled with its high-quality features, makes it a standout choice for those looking for a budget-friendly VPN without sacrificing performance and security.

You can also try Surfshark free trial in UK on iOS and Android smartphones. The plus point is that it offers the same level of security on the free trial for its Android, iOS, and Mac users on the trial period proving it is worth it as the best free VPN for Mac in UK. If you run into any issues, feel free to contact the VPN’s 24/7 available live chat customer support for help.

For more information, check out our Surfshark review UK.

3. NordVPN – Secure UK VPN with a large server network

NordVPN is the most secure UK VPN with a large server network without compromising on network size and streaming capabilities. NordVPN offers a plethora of NordVPN server list worldwide, ensuring 5500+ servers across 60 countries globally, with 440+ in the UK. This enhances the ability to bypass geo-restrictions but also maintains high-speed connectivity.

NordVPN has a huge server network within the UK.

With NordVPN’s servers you can also enjoy Sky Sports, BT Sport, Sky Go, and Channel 4 outside the UK. You can see we had no issues unblocking Quest TV using NordVPN’s Docklands servers:

Among the servers we’ve used, NordVPN offered the widest variety in the number of servers for Quest TV.

A key aspect of NordVPN’s appeal is its impressive streaming speed, which stands out in the VPN market. Users can effortlessly access and enjoy content from platforms like Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Netflix in UK, and more, with minimal buffering and high-quality streaming. This feature is particularly beneficial for UK users who seek to explore a diverse range of global entertainment options.

We connected to NordVPN UK servers, and it delivered an average download speed of 83.82 Mbps and an upload speed of 44.64 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection. NordVPN speed test in UK results may be less than the VPNs above but are still good enough to stream content in HD quality in the UK. However, the Glasgow server speed was not very impressive.

NordVPN UK servers performed incredibly well while unblocking the Netflix UK library.

NordVPN offers six simultaneous connections and some compatible apps for Windows, iOS, Android, Mac, Linux, and more. So you can set up NordVPN on multiple devices without any bandwidth constrictions. We were successful in setting up NordVPN on FireStick in UK, Roku, PS4, and other devices.

Security employs cutting-edge encryption technologies and a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your online activities remain confidential and secure. This robust security framework is especially important in the UK, where internet privacy can be a concern due to stringent surveillance laws. NordVPN provides peace of mind, knowing that your data is protected with state-of-the-art security measures.

It also offers great privacy features like a NordLynx for lightning speed, a Double VPN, and an Onion Over VPN combined with a super easy-to-use interface and an Automatic Kill Switch.

NordVPN also doesn’t log customer data, and since they operate from Panama, they’re free from most data retention laws. Therefore, you can also torrent with NordVPN in UK without worrying about your activities being logged. It has a threat protection feature that can scan files & apps before downloading.

NordVPN offers its services at competitive rates in UK dollars, NordVPN costs in UK are just GB£3.16/mo (US$ 3.99/mo) (Get 57% Off + 3 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan). While it is not the cheapest option available, you can attain its combination of extensive server coverage, high-speed streaming, and top-tier security features with NordVPN free trial in UK or a 30-day money-back guarantee plan.

Refer to our NordVPN review in UK for more information.

4. CyberGhost – Beginner-friendly UK VPN with streaming-optimized servers

CyberGhost is a beginner-friendly UK VPN with streaming-optimized servers. Its large server network, spanning numerous countries, provides UK users with easy access to a wide range of geo-restricted content. This extensive network is not only impressive in its reach but is also optimized for streaming, making CyberGhost a top pick users new to VPNs and looking for an easy way to access global entertainment.

CyberGhost on FireStick in UK

On the whole, CyberGhost has a network of 9700+ server locations in 91 countries, including 781+ servers in Berkshire, London, and Manchester, making it one of the best UK based VPNs. Suffice it to say getting over restrictions in British cyberspace is no problem with this VPN.

CyberGhost offers 781+ UK servers across 3 server locations.

One of the standout features of CyberGhost is its server streaming speed. It’s specifically designed to provide fast and reliable access to popular streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Netflix using CyberGhost in UK in HD quality. With CyberGhost, you can also stream Hulu in UK. This ensures that users can enjoy their favorite shows and movies without the frustration of buffering.

Including Channel 4, BT Sport, Sky Sports, and more. We accessed BBC iPlayer by connecting to its BBC iPlayer server and enjoyed streaming some latest shows and movies. This proved that it is the best BBC iPlayer VPN.

Watching Superman & Lois in Ultra HD was great with the CyberGhost BBC iPlayer server.

If we talk about CyberGhost speed test in UK, it offers a download speed of 75.47 Mbps and an upload speed of 69.34 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection. With such speeds, you’ll be able to watch your favorite UK streaming content in HD quality.

Enjoy decent streaming speed using CyberGhost’s UK servers

In terms of security, CyberGhost offers robust protection with advanced encryption protocols and a strict no-logs policy. Features like OpenVPN, DNS leak protection, location spoofing, and a Kill Switch are essential for maintaining online privacy, especially in the UK where digital surveillance is a concern. CyberGhost ensures that even those new to VPNs can confidently protect their online activities.

It offers 7 simultaneous connections. Moreover, you can protect any device by installing CyberGhost on your router. The VPN provider also doesn’t log data as they operate from the data retention-free jurisdiction of Romania. This makes it beneficial for British users who want to evade the spying antics of their government.

Pricing is another area where CyberGhost shines. In  GB£1.67/mo (US$ 2.11/mo) , users get a 45-day money-back guarantee with this plan. The pricing structure is straightforward, making it easy for beginners to choose a plan that fits their needs and budget or try CyberGhost’s free trial in UK.

Learn more about this VPN in our CyberGhost review in UK.

5. Private Internet Access — Fastest UK VPN for Torrenting

Private Internet Access is recognized as the fastest UK VPN for torrenting, thanks to its expansive server network and optimized performance. With servers strategically located across 84 countries, PIA provides UK users with high-speed connectivity in 3 server locations essential for efficient streaming across UK in London, Manchester, and Southampton.

Private Internet Access offers 3 server locations in the UK.

A key advantage of PIA is its impressive streaming speed, which is crucial for those who use VPNs not just for torrenting but also for accessing geo-restricted streaming platforms. Whether it’s Netflix in UK, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer, PIA offers smooth streaming experiences, allowing users to enjoy their favorite content without interruptions or buffering issues.

BT Sport, Channel 4, BBC iPlayer, and Sky Sports are also included. If you want to watch classic British TV shows and enjoy streaming comfortably. We were able to unblock Netflix UK using PIA’s UK London servers:

We were able to unblock Netflix UK using PIA’s UK servers.

Private internet access is known to offer reasonable speeds on its servers. We took a PIA speed test in UK during streaming; it delivered a download speed of 65.47 Mbps and an upload speed of 67.25 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

PIA offers decent speed, suitable for browsing the internet.

PIA stands out with its robust encryption protocols and strict no-logs policy. These features are particularly important for UK users who value their online privacy and security, especially when engaging in torrenting activities. PIA ensures that your online activities are shielded from prying eyes, providing peace of mind and enhanced security.

Not only that, PIA comes packed with unlimited bandwidth, advanced encryption settings, Ad & malware blocking, and strong AES-256-bit encryption to help you stay under the radar. Not to mention other features like Advanced split tunneling, WireGuard protocol, kill switch, no-logs, and many more. Also, IPv6 and WebRTC leak protection keep your identity hidden from UK government agencies.

In terms of device compatibility, PIA works on major operating systems like iOS, Android, macOS, and others. We were able to set up PIA on routers in UK, Kodi, FireStick, and other devices without running into any errors.

PIA offers its services at competitive rates in GB£1.67/mo (US$ 2.11/mo) . The various plans are designed to cater to different user needs and budgets, making it an accessible option for those looking for a high-quality VPN experience without a significant financial commitment. While focusing on affordability, PIA does not compromise on the quality and efficiency of its services.

With a 30-day money-back guarantee and unlimited simultaneous connections, you can get PIA free trial in UK to check its services before investing your money.

There are a few VPNs as valuable as Private internet access. This is one of the reasons that makes PIA highly rated among reviewers. So, instead of opting for the best free VPN UK for torrenting, you should go for PIA.

Learn more about this VPN in our PIA review in UK.

How to Choose the Best UK VPN

There are thousands of VPNs available in the industry trying to gain your attention, more so being introduced every other day. However, keep in mind not all of them are suitable as a UK VPN service. We’ve taken multiple factors into consideration to determine after going through the best VPN UK for Reddit.

So here are a few must-have features of a good VPN service in the UK:

1. Server Locations: More servers mean better access to global content. All of these VPNs offer more than 2 or 3 server locations in the UK. So if you’re traveling abroad, you can always catch up on any of your local shows on Netflix UK, BBC iPlayer, or ITV, regardless of where you are.
2. Speed and Reliability: Essential for uninterrupted streaming and browsing. A VPN needs to offer fast speeds so that you don’t run into any buffering or lagging issues, which can be quite a hassle while streaming and a huge buzzkill. Our recommended VPNs are capable of providing the fastest speeds and, thus, a smooth streaming experience.
3. Streaming: We tested the VPNs on various UK streaming services like Channel 4, Sky Sports, and BBC iPlayer. Not just that, we also tried accessing other popular streaming services like other Netflix libraries, Hulu, HBO Max, and more to check if you can access them from the UK and abroad.
4. Torrenting: Most of the VPNs on our list offer P2P-optimized servers to ensure the smooth torrenting of files. Otherwise, many ISP’s throttle bandwidth once they figure out you’re downloading huge files.
5. Privacy and Security: Look for strong encryption and a no-logs policy.The VPNs we’ve tested all provide trustworthy security features like kill switch, Threat Manager, DNS/IP leak protection, Double VPN, obfuscation technology, ad-blocker, and many more. Thus keeping you secure from cyberattacks or so.
6. Privacy: VPN protocols and encryption are the most important aspects of any VPN service. Along with the advanced protocols, we recommend VPNs offering AES 256-bit encryption. This is the same level used by government and military agencies to secure classified data.
7. Third-party audits: All premium VPNs offer a strict no-logs policy that ensures that the VPN service does not store any user data or activities of users. All of these VPNs are independently audited by third parties, so you know they’re safe to use.
8. User-Friendliness: Easy-to-use interfaces save time and hassle. All the services we have recommended, as the best VPN UK, offer user-friendly apps. They offer live chat-based customer service, apps for all popular operating systems, and responsive design to make navigation easier for novice users.
9. Customer Support: Responsive support is crucial for troubleshooting. No matter where you are stuck, with reliable customer support at your service, you will be free of tension.
10. Money-back guarantee: For your ease, we’ve only listed VPNs that give you the right to opt out of their services and get your money back within a given time period if you don’t like their services. Not many VPNs offer such a unique feature. ExpressVPN is the best value VPN UK.
11. Price and Value: Balance cost with the features offered. A premium VPN will be worth its cost, with unlimited features ready to be explored and unblock your favorite streaming platforms.

Why do you need a VPN in the UK?

In the UK, VPNs are not just about accessing global content; they’re a critical tool for maintaining online privacy and security. With the UK’s extensive digital surveillance, a VPN encrypts your data, keeping your online activities private. It’s also essential for securely accessing public Wi-Fi and bypassing ISP throttling, ensuring a free and open internet experience.

A VPN protects your genuine identity by routing your internet traffic via a private server. It also prevents attempts to track your online presence. This is especially important in a nation with tight surveillance rules, such as the Investigatory Powers Act, since it allows you to avoid government monitoring and browse the internet with more safety and anonymity.

You need to buy a VPN UK for the following reasons:

1. Safeguarding your identity: VPNs use encryption to protect your online activity from ISPs and third parties. They also reroute your connection, preventing websites from tracking your location via your IP address. Many VPNs have a strict no-logs policy to ensure your activities remain private.
2. Streaming geo-blocked content: VPNs allow you to access streaming services’ restricted content by faking your location on the internet. This means you can watch shows from other regions, like accessing US Netflix from the UK.
3. Bypassing internet throttling: A VPN can prevent your ISP from deliberately slowing down certain online activities, like torrenting or streaming, ensuring you get the speeds you pay for.
4. Preventing online tracking: A reliable VPN like ExpressVPN will protect you from ISPs and websites that actively track your online activity for advertising purposes, preserving your online privacy and data security.

How do I get a British VPN?

Can I use a free VPN for the UK?

Yes, you can use a free VPN for UK. It’s handy for accessing UK-specific content and enhancing online privacy through encryption, especially on public Wi-Fi. Free VPNs offer an economical way to secure your online activities and access region-blocked content without spending money.

However, free VPNs often have limitations on data usage or bandwidth, potentially hindering seamless browsing or streaming. Some providers compromise user privacy by logging data or displaying intrusive ads, and their smaller server networks can result in slower speeds or difficulty accessing specific UK or international content due to limited server locations.

Geo-Restricted Platforms to Unblock with the Best VPN for UK

Here are some of the geo-restricted platforms you can unblock with the best VPN for UK:

Exciting Shows, Awards, and Movies to Watch with the Best VPN for UK

You can watch the following exciting movies and shows with the best VPN for UK:

Live Sports Events to Stream with the Best VPN for UK

Catch some of the most exciting sporting events with the best VPN for UK:

FAQs: Best VPN for UK

Wrapping Up!

Using a UK VPN is essential for accessing British TV shows and safeguarding your online privacy. It allows you to access blocked content, avoid the UK’s rather authoritarian and intrusive online policies, and protect your data from surveillance.

Among the VPNs, ExpressVPN stands out as the best VPN for UK with its exceptional unblocking capabilities and secure jurisdiction, making it a top choice for UK users. It protects users from spying agencies with its no-logging policy and strong encryption protocols.

The best VPN for UK service is also great for bypassing geo-restrictions without being monitored over the internet. In short, it is well-equipped to deal with increasing surveillance in the UK.