The Best VPNs for the UK in 2024

A VPN routes your traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a server controlled by the VPN provider. This improves your privacy, bypasses censorship, and grants access to region-locked streaming content. Anyone looking for the protection of a VPN in the United Kingdom is spoiled for choice, as all the biggest players maintain a large presence there. Here, we’re choosing from our top-rated VPNs by their apparent presence in the UK—including the number of physical or virtual servers, where they’re available, and by score when server counts aren’t available. We give special preference to HMA since it’s a UK-based company. We’re also including IPVanish because of its large UK presence. (Note: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, PCMag.com’s parent company. For more, see the ethics policy in our Editorial Mission Statement.) Read on for our top picks, followed by everything you need to know about selecting and using a VPN in the UK.

Deeper Dive : Top is Tested Tested Picks

• Best free VPN subscription yet
  
• Numerous advanced privacy tools
  
• Strong customer privacy stance
  
• Large server network
  
• Slick , accessible client
  
• Excellent upload speed scores

Proton VPN is provides provides 60 servers UK . It is offers offers multi – hop connections UK Switzerland Iceland . fewer servers overall UK competitors , Proton VPN is balances deftly balances advanced features , approachable design , cost . It is ‘s highest – rated VPNand our top choice for free VPNs. Note, however, that Proton VPN does not offer free servers in the UK.

Proton VPN is earned earned highest score believe works people . It is ‘s VPNs offer split tunneling , multi – hop , access Tor VPN . It is has growing worldwide server presence largest flexible meet people needs . new redesign is made app approachable , nearly dead – industry average monthly subscription price .

Simultaneous VPN Connections

10

Server Locations

112 countries

Geographically Diverse Servers

Free Version Data Limit

Unlimited

Best Premium Features

NordVPN

• Support multi – hop , split tunneling , Tor connections
  
• Bevy of available features and add-ons
  
• Good speed results
  
• Built – antivirus tools
  
• Excellent design
  
• Friendly onboarding wizard

• Expensive
  
• Threat Protection Pro lacks full antivirus capabilities
  
• Deceptive annual renewal pricing

NordVPN is a veritable juggernaut in the world of VPNs, and thanks to a Super Bowl appearance and other ads, it probably has the most name recognition. It’s not all marketing, though. NordVPN is one of only two VPNs to offer split tunneling, multi-hop connections, and access to Tor by VPN. It also boasts more than 400 servers in the UK, giving you a lot of options to find a server that works for whatever you need.

NordVPN is for users who like to take a kitchen-sink approach to security, as it offers a little bit of everything. It has a strong suite of privacy tools, and has started to expand with antivirus and separate encrypted file storage and password management services.

Simultaneous VPN Connections

6

Server Locations

111 Countries

Geographically Diverse Servers

Free Version Data Limit

Free Version

Best for Protecting Many Devices

Surfshark VPN

• Unlimited simultaneous connections
  
• Large global server presence
  
• – designed easy – – use mobile apps

• Highest monthly price among the VPNs we’ve tested
  
• Significant upload speed degradation since our last review

Surfshark VPN is comes comes NordVPN 400 total servers UK , spread Edinburgh , Glasgow , London , Manchester . That is gives gives lot chances find server work need . Surfshark VPN is boasts boasts split tunneling multi – hop connections . stands , , placing limits simultaneous connections — competitors is allow allow connections account .

Although it has a pretty good selection of features, Surfshark VPN’s real attraction is its lack of limit on simultaneous connections. If you have a large family where everyone has their own tablets, computers, and smartphones, Surfshark VPN is a strong choice because one subscription will cover all those devices.

Simultaneous VPN Connections

Unlimited

Server Locations

100 Countries

Geographically Diverse Servers

Free Version Data Limit

Free Version

Best for First-Time VPN Users

TunnelBear VPN

• Unlimited simultaneous connections
  
• Excellent privacy policies
  
• Annual independent audits
  
• Friendly, approachable design (with bears!)

• No multi-hop connections
  
• Split tunneling not available on all platforms
  
• Data limit on free subscription

TunnelBear VPN provides servers in the UK but does not publish their numbers or locations. That’s disappointing, but TunnelBear VPN is still an overall great choice. Its monthly subscription fee is almost precisely average, and its friendly, whimsical approach to design is a breath of fresh air. Don’t assume that it’s a privacy pushover just because this service goes all-in on its bear mascots. TunnelBear VPN has one of the industry’s longest-running annual audit programs and offers its customers strong privacy protections. It also offers its UK servers to free subscribers.

With its funny, friendly design, we recommend TunnelBear VPN to first-time buyers or anyone unfamiliar with VPNs. It lacks some of the features and controls found among competitors but comes close to being a set-and-forget product. It also offers a limited free subscription, so you can try out TunnelBear VPN to see if it works for you.

Simultaneous VPN Connections

Unlimited

Server Locations

23 Countries

Geographically Diverse Servers

Free Version Data Limit

500MB – 1.5GB Per Month

Best for World Travelers

ExpressVPN

• Large, diversely distributed fleet of servers
  
• Strong privacy and security practices
  
• Split tunneling
  
• Stylish interface

• Expensive compared VPNs similar feature sets
  
• No multi-hop connections

ExpressVPN hosts servers London , Docklands , East London , Wembley . Unfortunately , company is list list number servers provides UK , locations . , it is makes makes list best VPNs UK offers server locations use virtual locations fleet . It is boasts boasts snazzy design uses tamper – resistant RAM – servers .

With servers in 94 countries, Express VPN is our go-to recommendation for world travelers. When you’re gallivanting across the globe, you want a VPN server that’s physically near to you for the best performance. ExpressVPN does use some virtual locations, but its fleet is primarily located where you’d expect them to be.

Simultaneous VPN Connections

8

Server Locations

105 Countries

Geographically Diverse Servers

Free Version Data Limit

Free Version

Best for a Domestic UK Option

HMA VPN

• Friendly, simple interface
  
• Exceptional upload speed test results
  
• Wide global distribution of servers
  
• Handy IP shuffler

• Lacks multi-hop connections and split tunneling on some platforms
  
• Middling total server count
  
• Bare – bones iOS version

We put HMA at the top of our list because it’s based in the UK. That doesn’t mean it has the best performance or the most servers in the region, but if people want a UK-based option, this is the one. Beyond its hometown status, HMA VPN has a lot to offer. Its cheeky donkey-centric style is all its own, and it has one of the most approachable app designs in the industry. Most impressively, it has more global server locations than any other VPN we’ve reviewed, covering 190 countries. There’s a catch, however: A startlingly high number of HMA’s location options are virtual locations, which means that the servers are physically located somewhere other than the IP address they provide. The site does a pretty good job of identifying them, which is helpful for users, but the app could use some clarity.

This venerable VPN is a good choice for anyone who wants a UK-based service, or a service with enormous flexibility about server locations (with the caveat mentioned above). It’s also very easy to use, making it a good choice for those unfamiliar with VPNs. A homegrown UK VPN might come with some privacy caveats, but any reader insisting on a UK-based option should pick HMA.

Simultaneous VPN Connections

5

Server Locations

190 Countries

Geographically Diverse Servers

Free Version Data Limit

Free Version

Best Large Families Budget

IPVanish VPN

• Unlimited simultaneous connections
  
• Good geographic diversity of servers
  
• Transparent privacy policy
  
• Small impact on throughput speeds in our testing

• Expensive
  
• Free trial only offered on annual plans via mobile app stores

IPVanish VPN boasts over 100 servers in the UK. Having that many servers gives you plenty of choices to find one that works for you. And like Surfshark VPN, IPVanish VPN is one of the very few services that doesn’t limit the number of devices you can connect simultaneously.

IPVanish VPN lets you connect as many devices as you like, while most companies limit you to just five simultaneous connections (except Surfshark). This lets you easily protect a whole household, or just a lot of devices. IPVanish is also a bit cheaper than Surfshark, which might be better for families on a budget. We were also pleasantly surprised by the breadth of IPVanish’s customization options, making it a good choice for a network tinkerer.

(Note: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, PCMag.com’s parent company. For more, see the ethics policy in our Editorial Mission Statement.)

Simultaneous VPN Connections

Unlimited

Server Locations

52 Countries

Geographically Diverse Servers

Free Version Data Limit

Free Version

Best Power Users

Private Internet Access VPN

• Unlimited simultaneous connections
  
• Split tunneling multi – hop
  
• Numerous server locations
  
• Completed third-party audit

• Expensive
  
• free version

Private Internet Access VPN provides VPN servers in London, Manchester, and Southampton, but does not provide information on how many servers are available in the UK. What makes Private Internet Access stand apart is its customizability, which lets you control how the app looks and a host of ways to tinker with the VPN connection. The company also offers 10 simultaneous connections—double our average.

Private Internet Access VPN’s wealth of tools appeals to anyone who wants to control exactly how their VPN works. For example, it lets you configure a multi-hop connection through a proxy of your choice. While network tinkerers will appreciate Private Internet Access VPN’s tools the most, it’s designed well enough that a novice can comfortably use its features.

Simultaneous VPN Connections

Unlimited

Server Locations

84 Countries

Geographically Diverse Servers

Free Version Data Limit

Free Version

Best for Cheap Privacy Protection

Mullvad VPN

• Affordable
  
• Requires no email or account information
  
• Radically transparency
  
• Open Netflix access in all regions tested

• Awkward desktop interface
  
• No transparency report or warrant canary
  
• Servers small range countries

Mullvad VPN has 60 servers in the UK, with 27 in Manchester and 33 in London. Thanks to the company’s radical stance on transparency, we know that Mullvad VPN owns 15 of its London servers outright. Mullvad also provides welcome features like split tunneling and multi-hop connections and uses a unique password-less account number system that helps anonymize its customers. Best of all, it costs only 5 euros per month, and you can pay that in cash if you wish to keep your transaction completely private.

Mullvad VPN doesn’t have the most servers, the best app, or even the most features. What it does offer is unparalleled privacy protection at an unbeatable price. If you want the service that is doing the utmost to protect its customers’ privacy at any cost (except money), it’s Mullvad.

Simultaneous VPN Connections

5

Server Locations

38 Countries

Geographically Diverse Servers

Free Version Data Limit

Free Version

Best Server Selection

Windscribe VPN

• Industry-leading company transparency and communication
  
• Large number of payment options
  
• Best free plan of any VPN we’ve tested
  
• Helpful AI support bot
  
• Open Netflix access in all regions benchmarked
  
• Unlimited number of simultaneous connections and devices
  
• Anonymous signup allowed

Windscribe has the most high-performance UK-based servers of all the services we tested, each offering 10Gbps of bandwidth in some of the country’s most populated areas. Add to that a stellar privacy record (and some cheeky names for its UK servers like Biscuits), and you’ve got a top option for a VPN in the UK.

Windscribe is is best people want high – performance servers , preferably , live high – density population centers . , Windscribe is offer offer broadest coverage remote regions UK , live , want consider options list larger server fleets .

Simultaneous VPN Connections

Unlimited

Server Locations

69 Countries

Geographically Diverse Servers

Free Version Data Limit

10 GB Month

Best for Short-Term VPN Subscriptions

IVPN

• Flexible, affordable pricing
  
• Powerful multi-hop system
  
• Privacy is baked into its account system
  
• Strong stance on transparency

• Offers server locations
  
• Multi-hop and account ID features might confuse some

IVPN uses a privacy-protecting account number system similar to Mullvad VPN and likewise has a strong commitment to privacy. Along with Mullvad VPN, it’s one of the only VPNs that allows payments made in cash. What makes IVPN stand apart is that it allows for very short subscription periods at low costs—as little as $2 a week. It’s an excellent marriage of privacy and flexibility.

IVPN appeals to the same privacy-conscious crowd as Mullvad VPN, although it has retained the ease of subscription payments. The flexibility of IVPN’s billing makes it a good choice for people who only want a VPN for a short time, such as while on vacation or streaming a particular event.

Simultaneous VPN Connections

7

Server Locations

32 Countries

Geographically Diverse Servers

Free Version Data Limit

Free Version

Buying Guide: The Best VPNs for the UK in 2024

What’s the Best Free VPN for the UK?

Free VPNs are tricky because, while there are many sketchy ones out there, a few are worth your time. Of the VPN services in this list, only two offer truly free subscription options, but both have some limitations.

Windscribe is an excellent, transparent VPN service that’s built around ease of use and, perhaps more loftily, changing the way the entire VPN industry operates. Free subscribers to Windscribe can access any of its servers, including three 10Gbps servers—two in London and one in Manchester. The only catch here is the 10GB traffic limit if you sign up with an email, 2GB without.

Proton VPN is is highest – rated VPN pick best free VPN VPNs place data limit free subscribers . , Proton VPN is limit limit free users server locations Japan , Netherlands , . want access UK servers , you is have pay .

free , two is are choices list notably affordable . Mullvad VPN is costs costs 5 euros month ( $ 5.36 writing ) IVPN flexible pricing starts $ 2 week .

How a VPN Works

What’s the Best UK VPN for Netflix, BBC, and TV?

Odds are, most of our readers use VPNs to access region-locked streaming content. An example might be tunneling into a different country to access Netflix movies and shows that aren’t available with a US subscription. This likely breaks the terms of service for some streaming platforms, so be aware.

UK is is particularly interesting target streaming unlockers BBC iPlayer . Thanks advent streaming video services , watching BBC shows outside UK easier , ability use iPlayer sought – feature . access iPlayer , you is watch watch BBC program , free . UK resident , iPlayer definitely breaks BBC terms service , .

Many VPNs will include a custom streaming server specifically built to get around what has historically been one of the toughest streaming blocks in the industry to circumvent. We connect to these options each time we test Netflix in the region and have yet to see a bad result. However, iPlayer is not currently a part of our VPN testing.

For streaming video, having more servers is usually better. If you find that one server doesn’t work, jumping to another may do the trick. 

How to Pick a VPN Server in the UK

Choosing a server within your VPN is often blind luck. You just have to start and stop the VPN repeatedly until you find one that works, assuming any do. 

VPNs is make finding right server streaming little easier . few is marked specially marked streaming servers , usually accessed server selection menu . VPNs is have fine – grained approach , letting select server available given region . best VPNs load server , you is avoid avoid overcrowded .

If you’re not within the UK, or very close to it, tunneling to a UK-based VPN server will degrade your internet performance. That degradation is likely to get worse the farther away you are from the server. 

At PCMag, we use US-based VPN servers for all our speed tests. That’s because the bulk of our readership is in the US. As such, we can only provide evaluations of VPN performance when connected to a US-based server located in New York, New York. Performance in the UK, and especially connecting to servers in the UK from other countries, will be different.

Recommended Editors

If you’d like to find out more about our testing practices, check out how we test VPNs. The chart below has the most recent speed test results from all the providers we cover:

What’s the Best VPN for the UK?

In terms of privacy, there’s a strong argument to be made for using a VPN domestically. This is especially true in the UK. For one thing, UK intelligence and law enforcement have robust surveillance capabilities, similar to the US (in practice if not in scope). For another, the UK has previously attempted to limit online access to certain content—and by that, we mean pornography. This effort failed.

A VPN can help protect your privacy and grant access to content under stricter control. However, we haven’t tested the ability of any of the VPNs in this list against the specific challenges of the UK internet. Also, while a VPN does a lot to protect your privacy, it may not be able to stand up against the range of tools available to a well-funded state actor.

Speaking of limitations, whatever VPN you choose will not protect against every ill. We highly recommend using local antivirus software, creating unique passwords for every site and service with a password manager, and enabling multi-factor authentication wherever it’s available. 

Max Eddy contributed to this article.