The best UK VPN in 2025

UK VPNs working on laptop, mobile, and tablet over a Union Flag background
(Image credit: Future)

Whether you live in Britain or are just traveling there, the best UK VPN is an essential app to protect your devices and stream your favorite British shows.

After 3,000 hours of device testing, 28,000 speed tests, and over 2,200 streaming tests on over 100 reviews of the best VPN services, I've brought the best VPNs for the UK together. With plenty of servers to pick from around the country, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark lead the pack with easy-to-use apps and super-fast servers in the UK.

Keep reading to see how their features, speeds, stream unblocking, and prices compare—so you can get the VPN that suits you best.

Top three best UK VPNs at glance

1. NordVPNThe best UK VPN30-day money-back guarantee

1. NordVPN
The best UK VPN
NordVPN is simply perfect whether you want to unblock British shows, or just want to protect yourself online. With an unbeaten track record for streaming content and some of the fastest speeds around, it tops all of that off with a budget-friendly price that's half that of ExpressVPN. See for yourself why it's the best VPN for the UK with a 30-day money-back guarantee to fall back on.

2. ExpressVPNThe best for beginners30-day money-back guarantee

2. ExpressVPN
The best for beginners
ExpressVPN is nearly double the cost of NordVPN and Surfshark, but if you just want an app that will do all of the work for you, there's nothing better. With just a single click, it automatically configures your connection for the fastest and safest settings. Plus, with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can put it to the test without risking a penny.

3. SurfsharkThe best cheap VPN 30-day money-back guarantee

3. Surfshark
The best cheap VPN
Surfshark is a great budget option for anyone looking to get a premium VPN without a premium price. With simple apps, tons of features, and even a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can put it to the test and see why it's my go-to cheap VPN in 2025.

The best UK VPNs in 2025

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Let's take a deeper look at the best VPN apps in the UK.

The best overall UK VPN

NordVPN on a range of devices

(Image credit: Future)

1. NordVPN

A worldwide powerhouse is great for UK travellers

Works with: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Number of servers: 7,000+ | Server locations: 140+ | UK server cities: London, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Isle of Man | Maximum devices supported: 10

Unblocks key streaming services (including BBC iPlayer)
Diverse device compatibility 
Fantastic security features
Useful tutorials and great customer support
Expensive single-month plans
Manual configurations are a bit of a pain

NordVPN is hands-down the best VPN for the UK, thanks to its wealth of British servers, amazing apps, and unbeatable track record for performance. Plus, with tailored pricing plans, you don't pay extra for features you don't need.

It's also one of the fastest VPN services around, with a peak speed of over 950 Mbps in my latest round of tests. Because of this, it's ideal for both gaming online and streaming in 4k, unblocking every streaming service I tried in the UK. You can watch BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, Channel 4, and ITVX when traveling, or even access geo-restricted content.

Try NordVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

The best UK VPN for beginners

ExpressVPN working on several devices including Apple TV

(Image credit: ExpressVPN)

2. ExpressVPN

Simple apps make using a VPN seamless

Works with: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Number of servers: 3,000+ | Server locations: 160 | UK server cities: London, East London, Docklands, Midlands | Maximum devices supported: 8

Some of the very best security features
Vast compatibility for a ton of devices
Transparent no logging policy
24/7 agents on hand to help
Expensive
Not as fast as NordVPN or Surfshark
Not unlimited device connections

ExpressVPN may not hold the top spot anymore, but it's a more-than-capable VPN service that makes streaming British shows a breeze. With its one-click connection, it automates all the configurations most other services would have you do manually—giving you a reliable connection you can stake your life on.

In terms of security features, Express boasts industry-standard 256-bit encryption, along with its very own Lightway protocol (which comes with post-quantum protection), and a ton of strong options like its ultra-reliable kill switch and Threat Manager DNS blocker. You also get split tunneling, which allows you to choose which programs utilize the VPN and which don't at any one time. I usually use split tunneling to prevent Android Auto from running through the VPN and make sure my maps and music still work as needed.

Try ExpressVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

The best cheap UK VPN service

Surfshark on a range of devices

(Image credit: Future)

3. Surfshark

Bucketloads of features for a budget price

Works with: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Number of servers: 3,200+ | Server locations: 100+ | UK server cities: London, Manchester, Glasgow | Maximum devices supported: Unlimited

Great pricing
Connect unlimited amount of devices
Unblocks Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video and more
Top WireGuard speeds
Kill switch issues in extreme situations
Below average OpenVPN speeds 

Unlike most cheap services, Surfshark is a feature-packed VPN for the UK that offers outstanding value for money. With built-in ad blocking and antivirus, you can cut the cost of other services by getting everything in a single cost-effective bundle.

With unlimited simultaneous connections and excellent dedicated IPs, you can avoid household detection on streaming services by connecting any device through the same address. That makes it perfect for password-sharing families that don't want to pay more than they have to.

Try Surfshark with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Other UK VPNs I've tested and recommend

Proton VPN interface for various platforms

(Image credit: Proton VPN)

4. Proton VPN

Feature-filled VPN with a great free version you can try

Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, Amazon, Disney, BBC iPlayer | 24/7 support: No | Refund period: 30 days - free version available | Number of servers: 9,000+ | Server locations: 100+ | UK Server Cities: London, Manchester | Simultaneous connections: 10

Open-source apps
Free plan with unlimited bandwidth
100+ servers on free plan
Secure Core servers technology
Premium plans lack value for money
Customer support needs improvement
WireGuard Windows connection time is slower than most

Proton VPN continues to move forward in terms of performance, apps, and streaming, truly earning itself a spot as one of the best UK VPNs. Not only are its apps open-source, but it offers a great free VPN plan for those looking to dip their toes—you'll still need to upgrade to a paid plan to enjoy streaming service unblocking and P2P customized servers, though.

With a ten-device limit across Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Chrome, and even Android TV, you'll surely have a place for each one of your gadgets to stay protected. Plus, if staying private is key for you, Proton lets you pay anonymously via Bitcoin or cash, so your identity can stay hidden.

Try Proton VPN's unlimited free plan.


CyberGhost VPN app running on multiple devices and operating systems

5. CyberGhost VPN

Feature-packed VPN with decent configurability

Streaming sites unblocked: US Netflix, Amazon, Disney, BBC iPlayer | 24/7 support: Yes | Refund period: 45 days | Number of servers: 9,200+ | Server locations: 125 | UK Server Cities: Berkshire, London, Manchester | Simultaneous connections: 7

Above-average WireGuard speeds
Can be used on almost anything
Great for streamers
45-day money-back guarantee
Audits aren't readily available
Potentially annoying device limit scheme
The support site isn't great

Rounding out our list, CyberGhost rises above its competitors when it comes to server choice. The provider boasts, in fact, more than 9,200 dotted 125 locations around the globe. It has 814 servers in the UK alone, spread across three cities (Berkshire, London, and Manchester). This means you can keep your browsing local without the fear of experiencing any network congestion.

CyberGhost isn't big just on servers, though. Among its many features and functionalities, we especially love its Smart Rules panel which allows users to automatically connect to their preferred server every time they launch its apps. You can even take advantage of one of its Romanian-based NoSpy servers and boost your security even further. You will have to pay a tiny additional charge for this, though.

Try CyberGhost VPN with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

How to choose the best UK VPN

Well, despite this very much depending on your own needs, there are a few key characteristics and features you should look out for in your UK VPN in any case.

Security should certainly be the main priority of any VPN. In terms of encryption protocol look for software including WireGuard as it's the most secure and fastest right now, but bear in mind that OpenVPN is still a good option. A reliable kill switch is another security feature you should look out for as it helps to prevent any leaks when the connection drops.

Choosing a service with a strict no-logging privacy policy is also very important—even better if that's independently audited regularly. This means that the provider never retains any identifying information about you, so even if governments request your data, it won't have any sensitive details about your sessions to share.

Connection speed is important, especially if you want to use a VPN for streaming, online gaming, or torrenting. The fastest VPNs in our list reached staggering peaks of over 950 Mbps during our last round of testing. Though services with a top speed of only 410 Mbps like ExpressVPN are still good enough to support TV streaming.

The number of servers and server locations is another relevant factor to consider. More options mean a better chance of getting a fast and reliable connection. VPN apps should be straightforward and user-friendly, too, and the number of simultaneous connections supported might be another crucial factor for users looking to secure all family devices.

Best UK VPN FAQs

What is the best VPN to use in the UK?

Currently, NordVPN is the best UK VPN. As well as offering watertight security and online anonymity, really fast connections to thousands of global servers, and 24/7 live chat support, ExpressVPN also unblocks a throng of geo-restricted streaming services—including BBC iPlayer at the time of writing.

What should I look for when choosing the best UK VPN?

Depending on what you plan to use your VPN for, the device you wish to install it on, and of course your budget, there are plenty of elements to consider when choosing a VPN for the UK. For streamers, you'll want a VPN that has fast, smooth performance and allows access to the content you want to watch, including the likes of BBC iPlayer abroad or different Netflix libraries.

Check that the VPN you choose supports the hardware you use the most—the best services out there cover your PC or Mac, smartphone, TV, and even your game consoles. Of course, you should also be considering the level of security the VPN offers, and whether its provider has a good reputation for customer support in case you face any hurdles while installing or making the most of your VPN.

Is using a VPN in the UK illegal?

It's not exactly surprising that the usage of a VPN can be a bit of a gray area. Allowing you to evade data logging and unblock content that might otherwise be off limits to you, it certainly can come off a bit on the dodgy side. Of course, though, VPNs are a vital tool, offering that extra layer of security for businesses and individuals alike.

Whilst there are countries out there with heavy restrictions and outright bans on the use of VPNs, including Russia and North Korea - and why do you think VPNs in China are so popular—the UK is not one of them.

That said, any VPNs within the UK are obliged to provide information under the Investigatory Powers Act to the police and intelligence when prompted. To avoid any information being handed over, you'll need to pick a VPN that doesn't work out of the UK. Both NordVPN and Surfshark are great shouts and outside the jurisdiction of the UK or US.

Is it illegal to watch Netflix with a UK VPN?

When it comes to using a UK VPN to unblock geo-restricted libraries for streaming services, while not illegal, this does go against many streaming services' terms of use—including Netflix.

Use of a Netflix VPN must then be done at a user's discretion. That said, there have been no reports of Netflix shutting down someone's account for trying to unblock content with a VPN, so...

Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Rob Dunne
VPN Editor

Rob is TechRadar's VPN Editor. Coming from a background in phones and technology, he's no stranger to the risks that come with putting yourself online. Over years of engaging with different platforms, testing the limits of his online persona, and feeling the brunt of several data breaches, Rob has come to gain a keen understanding of cybersecurity and the benefits of services such as VPNs in providing a secure online experience. He uses this to not only advise on the best ways to stay secure online but also share his own experiences and especially how to avoid trouble. Outside of work, you'll find Rob on the tennis courts, in the gym, or diving into the biggest and best games of the year.