Best VPN for the UK
Looking for the best VPN UK? Want to unblock US Netflix or watch BBC iPlayer abroad? Are you concerned by strict UK online surveillance? Then you need the best UK VPN.
UK VPNs explained
A VPN is essential for residents and tourists visiting the UK if you are concerned about your online privacy. VPNs are popular for both UK residents and tourists although perhaps not as well understood when compared to the USA and other markets. The UK has very strong surveillance and online activity is logged by ISPs following the introduction of a new law passed in 2016 know as the ‘Snoopers Charter’ … the clue is in the title. A UK VPN will guard you from such invasive monitoring of all your online activity and electronic communications. UK residents can also access geo-restricted content with a UK VPN such as the US Netflix library, Hulu, HBO and sports streams. If you are a UK resident going abroad and still want to watch geo-restricted content such as BBC iPlayer, ITV Player and All 4, a best UK VPN is essential.
What do you need from a VPN in the UK?
A recommended UK VPN needs to be fast, secure and very privacy focussed. Our best UK VPN review covers:
- Great UK and international server availability
- Unblocks US Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer etc
- Privacy focussed features and strict log policies
- Well designed VPN applications and easy to use
- Ultimate security to keep you safe online
Melvyn's top 5 VPNs for the UK
NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the best and most popular VPN providers out there. It strikes the perfect balance for privacy concerned users and those looking for lightning fast speeds. It’s great for unblocking content such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer and also supports P2P and torrenting. Add to this its no logs policy and impeccable security, Nord sure does tick all the boxes!
Compatible with
Summary
Outstanding speeds, zero logs, and award winning 24/7 customer support… NordVPN is up there with the very best in the VPN market!
Our score:
4.9
★★★★★ 4.9/5
Price from:
$3.71
per month
CyberGhost
CyberGhost are an exceptional VPN provider with industry leading levels of privacy, worldwide server locations ideal for torrenting with user friendly applications that flawlessly unblock US Netflix, BBC iPlayer and other popular streaming services. If you want a super-fast, zero logs, easy to use VPN… then look no further!
Compatible with
Summary
Super-fast, zero logs, easy to use apps and friendly 24/7 customer support… you can see why it’s our number one recommended provider!
Our score:
5.0
★★★★★ 5/5
Price from:
$2.75
per month
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN are one of the most recognisable names on the market, offering best-in-class zero logs privacy, fantastic speeds, awesome features and easy to use applications. ExpressVPN is a true market leader, and whilst it comes with a premium price tag (compared to others), users are rewarded with an outstanding product!
Compatible with
Summary
Blazing-fast speeds, exceptional app usability and 24/7 customer support… ExpressVPN is a real force to be reckoned with!
Our score:
4.8
★★★★★ 4.8/5
Price from:
$8.32
per month
PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN are a first class, zero logs VPN provider and are one of our top picks if you’re concerned about online privacy. Combining market leading security with excellent speeds produced from its global network of servers, you can safely enjoy torrenting or stream HD content from all the popular providers such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer with ease. Private by name and private by nature… this VPN is hard to beat!
Compatible with
Summary
Exceptionally privacy focused, ultra-quick download speeds and ridiculously competitively priced… you don’t want to overlook PrivateVPN!
Our score:
4.7
★★★★★ 4.6/5
Price from:
$1.89
per month
Surfshark
Surfshark’s rise from zero to hero has been nothing short of outstanding and has quickly become a favourite amongst VPN users worldwide since joining the market in 2018. A secure, no logs VPN with great speeds, it’s ideal for streaming & torrenting. It’s extremely competitively priced, simple to use and allows users to protect an unlimited number of devices.
Compatible with
Summary
Super user-friendly apps (ideal for beginners), great speeds and unlimited device allowance… Surfshark is making some serious waves!
Our score:
4.8
★★★★★ 4.8/5
Price from:
$2.49
per month
UK VPN related news
UK VPN FAQs...
Do I need a VPN in the UK?
Yes. A UK VPN will allow you individuals and businesses to securely encrypt their online activity preventing ISPs from storing all their electronic communications and browsing history. In the UK surveillance is high meaning all texts, calls, online browsing can be accessed by the authorities. A UK VPN is a useful tool if you use unsecure public Wi-Fi as they are an easy target for hackers particularly for online banking. A UK VPN will also enable you to locate your encrypted IP address overseas unblocking any geo-restricted content you may wish to view.
Can I unblock US Netflix with a VPN in the UK?
Yes. A top 5 UK VPN will unlock the US Netflix library so you aren’t restricted to UK only content. Simply turn on your VPN and select a US server, sign in to Netflix and enjoy full freedom.
Is it safe and legal to use a VPN in the UK?
Yes. It’s perfectly legal to have a VPN on any device to hide your true IP address and protect your online privacy. We of course don’t recommend doing anything that doesn’t comply with the law when using a VPN. UK VPN usage is widely adopted for personal and business use. We use and test our providers VPNs daily in the UK and they are great!
What are the threats to my privacy in the UK without a VPN?
By not using a VPN in the UK it’s often not realised by users that every online communication, be it a text message, an email, a phone call, your browser history… all your personal data is stored by ISP’s for 6 months. This data can be accessed without your knowledge by a range of international government agencies. As a Five Eyes member, UK authorities could share your online activity with other countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. A UK VPN encrypts your data so you are fully protected from such monitoring.
Do I need a VPN with UK and International servers?
In our opinion yes. Most VPNs will have worldwide server choice anyway. The main benefit of having a UK VPN with lots of servers is it reduces any congestion and allows you much more online freedom.
Are UK VPN servers fast?
Yes. We have tried and tested many UK VPNs and have experienced some incredible speed results. Using a VPN can slow your connection down slightly. However, the quality of servers on offer from our top 5 UK VPN providers deliver uncompromising speeds allowing you to stream and torrent files smoothly. The more servers located closer to your physical location the better and this is a key feature we look for.
What are the best UK VPN features?
Our top 5 UK VPNs are packed with great features. Our main focus is strict privacy for users, fast server speeds and the ability to unblock popular streaming services such as US Netflix and BBC iPlayer. Advanced security features such as DNS leak protection and a VPN kill switch mean if your UK VPN connection drops for any reason, your unencrypted activity can’t then be leaked to your ISP giving you full protection.
Should I use a free VPN in the UK?
Yes there are free VPNs available in the UK which may be suitable for your needs so we recommend that you visit out Best Free VPN guide here. In our experience, paying for a premium VPN does gives you far superior protection, enhanced privacy features and much more freedom if you want to stream content or download large files.