The Best VPNs for the UK 2024

With a virtual private network (VPN), you can shield your internet activities, access geo-restricted content from the U.K., and secure your device from hackers. We found NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark to be the best VPNs for the U.K. NordVPN stood out for its number of U.K. servers, ExpressVPN maintains fast internet connections, and Surfshark is best for streaming BBC iPlayer and Netflix U.K.

Whether you're traveling in the U.K. and want to stay secure or outside the country and want a U.K. IP address, a VPN will cover your needs. 

The best VPNs for the UK

People choose to connect to U.K. servers for various reasons. One motivation for using a VPN is to access geo-restricted content that is only available to viewers within the country. By connecting to a U.K. server, you can bypass these restrictions and enjoy your favorite British TV shows and movies.

In addition, U.K. servers can help maintain privacy online and provide security against hackers, internet service providers (ISPs), or other third parties by encrypting data and masking your real IP address. For those living in a country with strict internet censorship, a U.K. VPN server can bypass restrictions, granting free-flowing internet access from wherever you are.

We narrowed down the top three VPNs based on U.K. servers, streaming capabilities, and other features:  

• NordVPN: Best for countless U.K. servers
• ExpressVPN: Best for speed
• Surfshark: Best for streaming U.K. content

Top 3 VPN services for the UK compared

VPN
Starting price	Starts at $3.59/mo (billed every two years)	Starts at $12.95/mo	Starts at $1.99/mo (billed every two years)
Free version
Number of UK servers	440+ servers	5 server locations	200+ servers
Streaming support	Yes — BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more	Yes — Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, and more	Yes — Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, and more
Learn more	Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review	Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review	Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review

NordVPN: Best for countless UK servers

Who it’s best for

NordVPN is an ideal choice if your priority is a vast selection of U.K. servers, which can ensure better connectivity and optimized performance. This VPN is perfect for individuals who frequently access geo-restricted content, such as streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer or Netflix U.K., as it provides a higher chance of finding a server that meets your speed and reliability requirements.

Additionally, NordVPN's extensive server network can benefit those concerned about their online privacy and security, allowing for more options to establish a secure and encrypted connection. While the price might be slightly higher than other options, NordVPN's advanced features and reliable service make it a worthwhile investment for those who value a versatile VPN experience.

What we liked

NordVPN's impressive number of U.K. servers not only provides excellent connectivity and server choices but also ensures faster connection speeds and reduced network congestion. With over 440 U.K. servers, you can easily find a server that offers optimal performance for your specific needs, such as securing online browsing or streaming high-quality content.

NordVPN sets itself apart with advanced security features. Its double VPN servers route your internet traffic through two VPN servers for maximum protection. Other specialty servers designed for privacy include obfuscated servers, Onion over VPN servers, and dedicated IPs. It also offers Threat Protection, which provides an additional layer of security and protection by blocking ads, trackers, and malware.

What we didn’t like

A drawback of NordVPN is the pricing structure. If you opt for the long-term plan, it’s a competitive price at just under $4 a month. However, if you do not want to commit to a lengthy subscription, the month-by-month plans start at $12.99/mo, a significant jump. This is discouraging for those new to VPN services or who only need one for a short time.

Another issue is the lack of a free version or trial for those looking to try the service without financial commitment. Although they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, you must pay upfront. Google Play offers a seven-day trial period for Android mobile subscribers, but NordVPN does not offer any limited free version to test their services.

NordVPN specs

Price range	$2.99–$17.99/mo
Free version	No, but it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
Number of U.K. servers	440+ servers
Number of connected devices	10
VPN protocol	OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, NordLynx (WireGuard)
No-logs policy	No logs
Unblocks Netflix U.K.?	Yes
Unblocks BBC iPlayer?	Yes
Torrenting support	Yes
Learn more	Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review

ExpressVPN: Best for speed

Who it’s best for

ExpressVPN is ideal for users who prioritize fast connection speeds, especially for streaming and gaming. This VPN is perfect for individuals who frequently stream high-quality content or engage in online gaming without lag or buffering issues.

ExpressVPN's superior speeds and reliable connections make it an excellent choice for those who value a seamless internet experience. While the price might be higher than some competitors, ExpressVPN’s performance and extensive features justify the investment for users who demand top-notch speed and stability.

What we liked

ExpressVPN stands out because of its impressive speeds, which are crucial for bandwidth-heavy activities like online gaming and streaming. Its custom VPN protocol, Lightway, was created to make your VPN connections faster, more secure, and more reliable. According to ExpressVPN, you can expect fewer connection drops with this protocol. 

ExpressVPN is also great for accessing geo-restricted gaming or streaming services, considering it has servers in 105 countries. And because of its powerful AES-256 encryption, you can be safeguarded against any demonstrated denial of service (DDoS) attacks while protecting online gaming privacy.

To top it all off, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing consumers to test the service risk-free. ExpressVPN is a dependable U.K. VPN because of its speed, security, and streaming capabilities.

What we didn’t like

A significant drawback of ExpressVPN is its starting price compared to competitors. Its starting price can range anywhere from $6.00-$8.00/mo for a 12-month subscription, so it isn’t the most budget-friendly option. It may be hard to overlook for some users compared to VPNs offering similar features at lower prices, but others may be able to justify it for the performance and speed.

One potential drawback of ExpressVPN is its limited number of U.K. servers. ExpressVPN does not publish its server count, so with only five U.K. server locations, users may have concerns about server availability and accessibility, especially during peak times.

While ExpressVPN is known for its impressive connection speeds, having a limited number of U.K. servers might still be a concern for some, particularly if you require a VPN primarily for accessing U.K. content.

ExpressVPN specs

Price range	$4.99–$12.95/mo
Free version	No, but it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
Number of U.K. servers	5 server locations
Number of connected devices	8
VPN protocol	Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec
No-logs policy	No logs
Unblocks Netflix U.K.?	Yes
Unblocks BBC iPlayer?	Yes
Torrenting support	Yes
Learn more	Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review

Surfshark: Best for streaming UK content

Who it’s best for

Surfshark is the ideal VPN for an affordable yet effective solution to access geo-restricted U.K. content. It caters to individuals who prioritize streaming capabilities without compromising on security and privacy features.

This VPN is perfect for budget-conscious users who want reliable service without breaking the bank and those who require unlimited simultaneous connections on multiple devices. Its user-friendly interface and robust customer support make it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced VPN users.

What we liked

Surfshark is a good alternative for individuals seeking a low-cost VPN solution that doesn't sacrifice performance or security. Thanks to its fast and dependable U.K. servers, users can enjoy flawless streaming experiences.

An important feature distinguishing Surfshark is its support for unlimited connections, which allows you to secure all the devices you want in a single subscription. It also offers unlimited bandwidth, which is perfect for binge-watching.

Surfshark also has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your online activities remain private and secure. To protect your data, the service employs AES 256-GCM encryption. 

This VPN has improved its streaming servers, allowing clients to watch high-quality video content without buffering or delays while keeping the same security standards. This is especially vital when accessing geo-restricted content from streaming sites such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer, where consistent security, speed, and steady connections are critical for a pleasant watching experience.

What we didn’t like

While Surfshark is an excellent choice for streaming, it falls short in a few areas compared to its competitors. One of the main drawbacks is the smaller number of servers in the U.K. compared to NordVPN. Although the connections are reliable, having fewer servers to choose from can lead to server congestion during peak hours, which may result in reduced performance and slower connection speeds.

Surfshark specs

Price range	$1.99–$17.95/mo
Free version	No, but they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee
Number of U.K. servers	212 servers in 4 server locations
Number of connected devices	Unlimited
VPN protocol	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
No-logs policy	No logs
Unblocks Netflix UK?	Yes
Unblocks BBC iPlayer?	Yes
Torrenting support	Yes
Learn more	Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review

Honorable mentions

If none of our choices fit your needs or you want to explore more low-cost VPNs, you can take a look at some of our other favorites below. Each works inside and outside the U.K. and brings you secure encryption, access to streaming services, and even protection from your internet service provider (ISP) if it's throttling your connection.

• CyberGhost: CyberGhost is a popular VPN service known for its user-friendly interface and competitive pricing. It boasts a large server network, dedicated streaming profiles, and strong security features, making it an attractive choice for many users. 

  Get CyberGhost | Read Our CyberGhost Review

• Private Internet Access: PIA is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market, yet it offers quality. It offers fast speeds, high levels of privacy and security, and the ability to unblock geo-restricted content. You can even add antivirus to your VPN for increased protection.

  Get Private Internet Access | Read Our Private Internet Access Review

• IPVanish: IPVanish is another well-known VPN company that provides various features, such as a no-logs policy, powerful encryption, and an unlimited number of device connections.
  Read Our IPVanish Review

Best VPNs for the UK FAQs

Bottom line: The best VPNs for the UK

NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark are the top VPNs for the U.K. NordVPN offers countless U.K. servers, ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN, and Surfshark is the best choice for streaming BBC iPlayer and Netflix U.K. No matter what your reason for wanting a VPN is, you can use any of our suggestions confidently.