5 Best VPNs for the UK in 2025

Online privacy in the UK just got a lot more complicated. With the new Age Verification Law under the Online Safety Act now live, websites are collecting more data than ever, and users are understandably concerned about who can see their activity. It’s no wonder VPN searches in the UK have skyrocketed, as people look for an easy way to stay private and access the internet freely.

A good UK VPN lets you protect your data, browse safely on public Wi-Fi, and even access your favorite UK sites, like BBC iPlayer or Channel 4, while you’re abroad. And even if you're not from the UK, by using the best VPN with most countries and servers, anyone worldwide can also get a UK IP address to watch geo-restricted UK streaming services like BBC iPlayer. 

In this guide, we’ll break down the top 5 VPNs for the UK, show you how to set one up, and help you pick the right service to stay safe and connected online.

So, without further ado, let’s begin!

Are VPNs Legal in the UK?

VPNs are completely legal for personal and business use in the UK and are not banned under current UK law. The UK government explicitly recognizes that VPNs are legitimate tools for privacy, secure remote work, and accessing online services. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a government agency, offers guidance for safe and lawful use of VPNs.​

However, it’s essential to note that any illegal activities conducted while using a VPN, such as cybercrime or copyright violations, remain prosecutable under UK law. VPNs do not exempt users from legal responsibility, and law enforcement may request user information related to criminal investigations.

Action	Details
✅ What you can do	Use a VPN to encrypt your internet connection, protect your privacy, or access services abroad (e.g., viewing UK content while overseas).
❌ What you cannot do	Using a VPN does not make illegal activities legal. Hacking, fraud, illegal downloads, and distributing unlawful material remain crimes.
	VPNs do not exempt you from UK laws such as the Online Safety Act 2023 or Investigatory Powers Act 2016, which regulate harmful content, data retention, and surveillance.

Best VPN for the UK

Looking for a VPN that keeps you safe, private, and unrestricted in the UK? With the Online Safety Act in full effect and new age-verification rules for adult sites, protecting your online privacy has never been more important. A top UK VPN should not only secure your connection but also help you access geo-restricted UK content, browse freely, and stay safe on public Wi-Fi.

Here’s what to look for in a UK VPN:

✅ UK-based and global servers for maximum access
✅ Fast, reliable speeds for streaming, gaming, and browsing without interruptions
✅ Obfuscation and a kill switch to keep your VPN use hidden and secure
✅ Strong encryption (AES-256/ChaCha20) and modern protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN
✅ Strict no-logs policy to protect your privacy
✅ Support for multiple devices and simultaneous connections
✅ Fair pricing, money-back guarantees, and responsive 24/7 customer support

With these criteria, VPNs that combine robust privacy, fast speeds, and access to UK streaming services stand out. Based on these standards, here are the 5 best VPNs for the UK in 2025:

1. NordVPN – Best UK VPN for Enhanced Privacy • 7,400+ servers worldwide including multiple servers across the UK • Specialty servers (Double VPN, Onion over VPN, obfuscated) for extra privacy • NordLynx protocol for fast and secure UK connections
2. Proton VPN – Privacy-Focused VPN with UK Servers • Secure Core servers for advanced protection against surveillance • Free plan with UK server access • Open-source apps with AES-256 and WireGuard encryption for strong privacy
3. Surfshark – Best VPN in the UK for First-Time Users • 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries including all major UK hubs • Unlimited device connections with one plan • NoBorders mode & CleanWeb ad blocker for smooth streaming and browsing in the UK
4. ExpressVPN – Servers in 105+ countries including multiple cities across the UK • Proprietary Lightway protocol for ultra-fast connections • TrustedServer tech & Smart DNS for secure, flexible streaming of UK and international content
5. Private Internet Access – British VPN with the Largest Server Network • Extensive UK coverage plus servers in 90+ countries • Fully customizable with split tunneling & port forwarding • Unlimited connections & independently audited no-logs policy

	NordVPN	Proton VPN	Surfshark	ExpressVPN	PIA
Servers in the UK	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Speeds (Local & Global)	✅	✅	✅	✅	❌
Streaming Access	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Router Support (overall protection)	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Strong Encyption and Protocols	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Audited No-Logs policy	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Obfuscation	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Simultaneous Connections	10 simultaneous connections	10 simultaneous connections	unlimited simultaneous connections	8 simultaneous connections	unlimited simultaneous connections
Device Compatibility	✅All Major Devices	✅All Major Devices	✅All Major Devices	✅All Major Devices	✅All Major Devices
Money-Back Guarantee	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Price	$3.09 per month (for a 24 months plan)	$2.49 per month (for a 24 months plan)	$1.99 per month (for a 24 months plan)	$4.99 per month (for a 24 months plan)	$2.03 per month (for a 24 months plan)

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is one of the best VPNs for the UK, offering blazing-fast performance and a robust feature set. It currently has 7,400+ servers in 118 countries.

This VPN doesn’t log any internet activity and is headquartered in Panama, a privacy-friendly country with no data retention laws. We particularly like the advanced features NordVPN offers, including protocols like NordLynx, NordWhisper, IKEv2/IPsec, and OpenVPN and its double VPN functionality.

NordVPN lets you route traffic through two servers for double encryption. The first server masks your IP before passing it to a second server, further enhancing your online privacy with AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 encryption.

Most of NordVPN’s servers are obfuscated, adding an extra layer of protection. This means others cannot detect that you’re using a VPN. There’s also a kill switch to prevent accidental data leaks.

On top of that, NordVPN is one of the fastest VPN providers available. It supports up to 10 simultaneous connections, and the apps are easy to install and use across all platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more.

You can sign up for its 24 months plan for $3.09 per month. NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so there’s no risk in trying it. Their responsive support team is available 24/7 via live chat or email.

2. Proton VPN

Proton VPN is a security-first VPN service with a strong UK presence. It operates 9,600+ servers in 117 countries, including hundreds across major UK cities. With this coverage, it reliably unblocks streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Netflix UK, Disney+, and Prime Video while keeping your privacy intact.

One of Proton VPN’s standout features is its Secure Core servers, which route your traffic through hardened data centers in privacy-friendly countries before exiting onto the internet. This makes it much harder for surveillance agencies or attackers to trace your activity. In terms of speed, Proton VPN isn’t the fastest overall, but with WireGuard support it delivers smooth HD streaming on a solid internet connection.

For privacy and security, Proton VPN offers AES-256 and ChaCha20, modern WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Stealth, an automatic kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited. Its apps are also open-source, giving you transparency and confidence in its security.

You can connect up to 10 simultaneous connections, and the VPN works seamlessly across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Extra features like NetShield (ad, malware, and tracker blocking) add even more value. Proton VPN also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee and a competitive $2.49 per month at a subscription length of 24 months.

3. Surfshark

Surfshark is an excellent UK VPN choice for anyone looking for reliable protection on a budget. This VPN has 4,500+ servers in 100 countries globally and offers 120+ UK servers across key locations: London, Manchester, and Glasgow.

It’s also a strict no-logs VPN, with multiple audits confirming its privacy claims. Surfshark ranks among the most private VPNs available, using RAM-based servers to ensure your data is never stored. Additionally, you’ll benefit from protocols like WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN, creating extra-secure data tunnels for your UK browsing.

Surfshark’s robust protocols are paired with AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 encryption ciphers. It also includes some unique features, such as a cookie pop-up blocker that automatically handles cookie consent notices—a handy tool for UK websites that frequently display them.

For obfuscation, you can enable Surfshark’s 'Camouflage' mode manually. Naturally, a kill switch is included, ensuring your data remains secure even if the connection drops.

You’ll also enjoy Surfshark’s fast connections to both UK and international servers. Another great feature is that Surfshark supports unlimited simultaneous connections and is compatible with nearly any device through well-designed apps.

A 24 months subscription costs $1.99 per month, and you can take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee. On top of that, 24/7 live chat support is available whenever you need assistance.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a top VPN for the UK if online privacy is your primary concern. More importantly, this VPN provider has an undisclosed number of servers in 105 countries. It offers servers across the UK, including in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh.

We’ll also highlight that ExpressVPN is a verified no-logs VPN service. Its servers are RAM-based, meaning your data is never stored on disk. Multiple independent audits have confirmed its strict no-logs policy, ensuring your personally identifiable information remains private.

For privacy, ExpressVPN features OpenVPN, Lightway, and IKEv2, its proprietary protocol, paired with high-grade encryption like AES-256 and ChaCha20/Poly1305. It can also block trackers and ads and includes a premium password manager for extra security.

The entire server network is obfuscated, working silently in the background to give you the highest level of digital protection from the start. Additionally, there’s a kill switch you can activate on-demand to prevent any accidental data leaks.

In terms of speed, ExpressVPN ranks among the fastest VPNs available. It offers intuitive apps for phones, tablets, computers, routers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles, along with 8 simultaneous connections.

ExpressVPN’s lowest price is $4.99 per month (24 months plan). It also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test its features risk-free. And if you ever need help, 24/7 live chat support is available to assist you.

5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) has an undisclosed number of servers in 91 countries, so you can always connect to a server anywhere in the world to access geo-restricted sites in the UK. What makes PIA particularly strong is that it has many VPN servers across the UK, covering London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow. And if you often access content from the US, PIA also offers servers in all 50 US states.

Next, it comes with a robust no-logs policy that has been verified in court multiple times. Most of WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPsec (IKEv2) are available across all PIA's UK servers. Using these, you can secure your traffic, browse the web freely, stream UK and international media, and even download torrents safely.

For encryption, you get AES-128-GCM, AES-256-GCM, AES-128-CBC, AES-256-CBC, and ChaCha20, allowing you to adjust your level of encryption—a feature rarely offered by other providers. PIA also helps block ads and trackers, thanks to its own DNS system.

PIA also includes obfuscation that can be turned on whenever needed. Several types of kill switches let you control exactly what happens if your VPN connection drops, giving you plenty of fine-tuning options.

Out of the box, PIA delivers medium-fast speeds, though some customization may be needed to reach maximum performance. You also get unlimited simultaneous connections, along with apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile devices, streaming devices, and routers.

A subscription to PIA costs $2.03 per month, and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Plus, 24/7 live chat support is available for any questions or issues.

How to Get a UK VPN

To get a UK VPN, you’ll need to find a reputable British VPN provider and subscribe to it. Then, connect to a VPN server that suits your needs best. Here’s everything you’ll need to do:

1. Pick a reliable VPN for the UK. Choose one with servers across the UK, strong privacy features, obfuscation, and a risk-free money-back guarantee (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Install the VPN on your devices. Apps are available for computers, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, routers, and browser extensions. Configure split tunneling if you want only specific apps to run through the VPN.
3. Activate security essentials. Turn on the Kill Switch, DNS/IP leak protection, and ad/tracker blocking. These features keep your activity private and prevent unwanted interruptions.
4. Connect to a server. Pick a UK server to access local websites and streaming services like BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, or Channel 4, or switch to an overseas server to unblock geo-restricted platforms.
5. Browse, stream, and torrent securely. With your VPN active, you’ll stay private, avoid ISP throttling, and enjoy unrestricted access to content in the UK and abroad.

If you want to use your UK VPN to stream content or access websites only available in the UK, you’ll need a UK IP address. To get one, make sure to connect to a UK-based VPN server.

Why Do You Need a UK VPN?

You need a UK VPN to access content that is only available in the UK, like BBC iPlayer, Absolute Radio, STV Player, BBC Sports, Sky Sports, and many more. This requires connecting to a UK-based server and getting a UK IP address. Other reasons why you need a UK VPN are the following:

• Accessing Content Unavailable in the UK – With the best VPN in the UK, you can access both UK-exclusive content and content unavailable in the UK. For example, you can access content only available in the US by connecting to a US-based server. The same goes for every other country that offers geo-restricted content.
• Protecting Yourself Online – A reliable UK VPN encrypts your internet connection, preventing third parties, hackers, or even your ISP from monitoring what you do online. This is especially important given new UK laws such as the Online Safety Act and age-verification rules, which have raised concerns about online tracking and data collection.
• Avoiding ISP Throttling – Many ISPs in the UK may slow your connection when they detect high-bandwidth activities like streaming or torrenting. A VPN hides your activity, keeping your speeds consistent and smooth.
• Maintaining Privacy Under New UK Regulations – The Online Safety Act gives the government more oversight of digital platforms, and some sites may log more user data to stay compliant. A VPN helps you maintain your online anonymity by masking your IP address and encrypting all traffic.
• Using Public Wi-Fi Safely – Public Wi-Fi networks in cafes, airports, and hotels are prime targets for hackers. A VPN creates a secure tunnel for your data, protecting your passwords, banking details, and other sensitive information from interception.
• Securing Remote Work and Online Banking – Many UK professionals work remotely or access online banking regularly. A VPN ensures secure logins and encrypted data transfers, reducing the risk of phishing or identity theft.
• Avoiding Online Censorship and Tracking – Some workplaces, schools, or public networks restrict websites or monitor activity. A VPN lets you bypass these filters safely and maintain your digital privacy.

Which Websites Are Blocked in the UK and Why?

The UK is widely known for overblocking of online content, and we're not just referring to pirate sites (which were an obvious target).

In an attempt to filter content not suitable for children, UK ISPs have imposed filters that sometimes affected completely safe and unrelated websites. Why? Well, certain keywords on these websites (related to drugs, alcohol, sex, etc.) triggered the automatic filtering system.

In some cases, the pages affected were aimed at helping young people cope with problems associated with these topics. Charities and businesses alike have had their websites not appear for subscribers of various UK ISPs, like Sky, Virgin Media, and several others. Because yes, these filtering rules aren't even consistent across multiple operators.

More importantly, the UK government has put Ofcom in charge of regulating the Internet. These regulations involve the removal of vaguely defined "abusive, harmful, and illegal content" - especially on social media, which civil rights advocates worry will be used to crack down on freedom of speech online.

Aside from the wide variety of websites censored by these Internet operators, UK users can't use regionally exclusive streaming websites like Hulu, HBO Max, and the like. The websites may not be blocked, but their services are unavailable to people outside the US.

Then there are a host of US news websites blocked in Europe, thanks to the lingering effects of the EU GDPR. Most of these have since been resolved, but a few smaller papers and business websites remain unreachable outside the US. This may affect expats from the US who want to follow local news from back home. Not to mention businesses looking to expand in the area.

Can I Get Around the UK Porn Ban With a VPN?

Under the Online Safety Act 2023, the UK government has introduced “highly effective” age-verification requirements for websites that host pornography and other adult content. Platforms must verify users are over 18, using methods that may include ID or biometric checks. While this is not a full “ban”, it places heavy compliance requirements on these sites, including fines of up to £18 million or 10% of worldwide revenue for non-compliance.

That said, if you are in the UK and you prefer not to submit personal identification or wish to maintain stronger privacy, using a VPN to connect through a server outside the UK may allow you to access sites that operate under fewer or different verification rules. Because your traffic is routed elsewhere, the age-verification mechanism tied to UK IPs may be bypassable.

However, it’s vital to emphasise:

• A VPN does not make any illegal activity legal, copyright infringement, distribution of illicit content, or accessing content prohibited by other laws remain offences.
• The use of a VPN could itself contravene the terms of service of some sites or streaming platforms.
• There may still be other legal/regulatory risks or technical blocks when attempting to circumvent local compliance measures.

Can I Use a Free VPN in the UK?

Yes, you can use a free VPN in the UK. However, doing so might not be the best idea. Why? Let's look at some of the facts:

❌ Limited servers and very slow speeds
❌ Bandwidth limitations that restrict usage
❌ Poor quality infrastructure leading to frequent disconnections
❌ Weak security features and poor encryption
❌ High risk of malware infection
❌ Many are scams disguised as real VPNs
❌ Lack of customer support and updates
❌ Your privacy is more likely to be endangered than protected

Furthermore, most free VPNs collect users’ data and sell it to third parties in order to make some money. So, free VPN providers can’t protect you online, defeating the whole purpose of using a VPN in the first place. 

Final Thoughts

With a UK VPN, you can protect your personal information online and make sure that it doesn’t fall into the hands of any ISPs, governments, or nefarious individuals. In addition, you’ll be able to access UK content that isn’t available elsewhere. A UK VPN can also provide you with a UK IP address, allowing you to access UK-exclusive content from virtually everywhere in the world.

We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for the UK thanks to its strict no-logs policy, lightning-fast servers, and extensive global network. It also includes advanced features such as split tunneling, obfuscated servers, and DNS leak protection, making it ideal for both privacy and performance.

Proton VPN is a great choice for privacy-conscious users, offering open-source apps and strong encryption to keep your data secure. Surfshark is perfect for first-time users, with its simple setup, unlimited device connections, and smooth, ad-free streaming across UK and international platforms. For those seeking top-tier performance, ExpressVPN remains the best all-round option, combining high-speed connections with secure access to UK content like BBC iPlayer and ITVX. Finally, Private Internet Access is ideal for experienced users who want flexibility and control, featuring an extensive UK server network, customizable options, and an independently audited no-logs policy.

Some guides for your reference:

• Fastest VPNs – Optimized servers for speed-intensive activities like gaming and 4K streaming.
• VPNs for Torrenting – Safe and anonymous P2P file sharing options.
• VPN vs Smart DNS: Best Option for US Streaming – Explaining which is better for speed, access, and privacy.
• Best Free VPN Trials – Discover VPNs that let you test premium features risk-free before committing.
• Best VPNs for Streaming – Unblock Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and more with fast, reliable servers.
• VPNs to Bypass Geo-Restrictions for Gaming – Access US servers and reduce lag while gaming abroad.
• Best VPNs for Online Gambling – Access US-friendly betting sites securely from anywhere in the world.
• Best VPNs for Crypto Trading – Protect your transactions and data with high-security VPN options.