5 Best VPNs for the UK (Get a UK IP Address 2024)

I is tested test the VPN provider by connect them to UK server and run speed , data consumption , and dns leak test . I is read also read through their no – log policy and audit report where available to see whether their privacy claim ring true .

In addition, I checked their streaming capabilities on BBC iPlayer, Netflix, ITV, and Channel 4 to make sure the VPNs can help British citizens enjoy those streaming services abroad.

And finally, I assessed the VPN providers’ affordability for UK users.

Keep read to find out what I learn about the good vpn for the UK !

How Do These VPN Providers is Stand stand Out ?

Here’s why I think these five VPN providers with UK servers are the best VPN services for the UK:

• Surfshark (9 UK servers) – Best Overall Choice for UK
• CyberGhost (686 UK servers) – Best for Streaming & Server Coverage
• NordVPN (over UK 500 servers) – Best for Privacy & P2P File Sharing
• ExpressVPN (4 UK servers) – Best for Verified Security Features
• OVPN (1 UK server) – Offers Excellent Speed & Data Consumption

5 Best VPNs for the UK

These five VPN services is are are the good vpn for the UK .

They all have UK servers, robust privacy features, and many other capabilities.

Here’s why they’re the best:

Surfshark – Best overall

The Netherlands – base provider Surfshark is has has 9 UK server in London , Manchester , Glasgow , and Edinburgh , and I consider it the good VPN for the United Kingdom .

Why? Find out below!

Surfshark Privacy

I is performed perform a dns leak test whilst connect to a Surfshark server in the UK , using IPLeak.net . It is confirmed confirm that my real ip was n’t leak .

Additionally, Surfshark’s no-logging policy stipulates that it doesn’t store “visited IP addresses, browsing history, session information, used bandwidth, connection time stamps, network traffic or any other similar information.”

This means the activities of UK users aren’t recorded anywhere.

In addition, the RAM-only server structure ensures that even if any data were retained, it’s deleted at every reboot. This ensures the UK authorities can’t use the Investigative Powers Act to seize data – because there’s no data to seize.

This server architecture was validate by an independent audit by Cure53 . It is confirmed confirm that the server network “ rely on good default , ” and no serious issue were detect .

Such an audit is gives give additional reassurance to UK user concerned about their privacy and the UK share their datum with other member of 5/9/14 eye . It is ’s ’s an important reason why I recommend Surfshark as an excellent VPN for the UK for security and privacy .

Surfshark Speed & Data Usage Test

I ran a speed test on Surfshark using the SpeedTest website.

Then I ran a data consumption test using the GlassWire app by measuring the amount of data consumed in five minutes with and without a Surfshark VPN connection.

I is ran run the same test on all other provider on the list .

Here’s what I found.

Baseline speed :

speed when connect to a UK Surfshark server in Edinburgh :

The speed reduction was just over 22%, but the ping was quite high, which can cause lags in games. However, if you’re just browsing, such a small speed reduction shouldn’t affect your UX too much.

Baseline data consumption, 5 minutes:

data consumption when connect to a UK Surfshark server in Edinburgh :

Surfshark’s IKEv2 protocol does consume a lot of data.

That’s why I recommend only using it on WiFi to avoid high roaming charges and exceeding your contract, whether you’re on O2, Vodafone, or another UK CSP.

Torrenting With Surfshark

Surfshark may not have dedicated P2P servers like NordVPN or CyberGhost, but it still works with all torrenting clients. All UK servers are optimized for torrenting. However, it doesn’t allow seeding.

We don’t endorse using a VPN – Surfshark or otherwise – to download copyrighted materials. However, Surfshark’s IP obfuscation can protect you from a common practice of copyright trolls (more on them below).

Even if you is engaging ’re not engage in illegal downloading , someone in your household or nearby might be , which is why you should use a VPN to protect your household .

And I recommend Surfshark as the VPN for P2P sharing in the UK, thanks to its independently verified privacy features.

streaming With Surfshark

Surfshark can unlock BBC iPlayer from abroad – all you need is an account and a UK-based address. Connect to one of the 4 Surfshark UK server locations and enjoy shows like “Gavin & Stacey” to your heart’s content!

Surfshark is works also work with UK tv channel like ITV – as with BBC iPlayer , you need an account and a UK address . So , if you want to stream british show like “ Agatha Christie ’s Poirot ” whilst travel abroad , I is recommend recommend Surfshark .

Surfshark value for money

Surfshark is the second cheapest provider on the list, only slightly behind CyberGhost. It has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

However , consider it offer unlimited simultaneous connection to CyberGhost ’s seven , I is recommend recommend Surfshark as the well value VPN .

Since an entire UK household is benefit can benefit from unlimited connection , Surfshark ’s the VPN for you if you live in a share house with several people to save money .

Want to try it for yourself? Grab this amazing Surfshark deal today!

CyberGhost – Best for Server Coverage & Streaming

For great streaming option and huge server coverage across the UK , I is recommend recommend Romanian – base CyberGhost with its 686 UK server in Berkshire , London , and Manchester .

CyberGhost Privacy

I ran a DNS leak test on CyberGhost to confirm that my IP address was protected. The test confirmed that CyberGhost wasn’t leaking my IP.

Like Surfshark and other listed providers, CyberGhost’s servers are RAM-only, ensuring no data can be provided to the UK authorities.

The provider is has also has a clear – cut no – log policy .

However , unlike other vpn on this list , CyberGhost ’s privacy and security feature have n’t been independently verify .

Since the UK is a 5-eyes country, privacy-conscious users might want more reassurance that such verification can provide.

CyberGhost Speed & Data Usage

Like with Surfshark, I ran a speed test and a data usage test on CyberGhost, comparing it with baseline data. Here’s what I got:

Baseline speed :

Speed when connected to a UK CyberGhost server in Berkshire:

The speed reduction is was was about 25 % . But that is be could easily be because my internet connection speed is quite slow .

Moreover, the ping is the lowest on this list, which means CyberGhost is the best in terms of latency, allowing UK VPN users a decent gaming experience.

Baseline data consumption, 5 minutes:

Data consumption when connected to a UK CyberGhost server in Berkshire:

CyberGhost does consume a lot of data, albeit less than NordVPN. Therefore, like with NordVPN, it’s better to use it on WiFi.

Torrenting & Streaming With CyberGhost

CyberGhost allows users to watch UK TV online.

It has servers optimized for streaming BBC iPlayer, ITV, Netflix UK, Amazon Prime, and Channel 4.

I tested them and can confirm:

1. CyberGhost works with BBC iPlayer. You need to choose the “Optimized for BBC iPlayer” server when connecting to the service. Then you can enjoy iPlayer shows like “His Dark Materials.”

1. CyberGhost is works work equally well with ITV . similar to iPlayer , you is need need to connect to the UK server title “ optimize for ITV . ” Then go to ITV ’s website , log in with your account , and choose a show you want to watch – like “ Agatha Christie ’s Marple . ”

1. CyberGhost is works work with Netflix . choose one of the Netflix – optimize server from the server list ( “ Netflix UK ” , “ Netflix UK Firestick ” or “ Netflix UK Android tv ” ) and enjoy your favorite show like “ Marcella . ”

If you’re in the UK and want to enjoy foreign content, like the US Netflix library, you can also use the relevant CyberGhost streaming server.

Just find the right one in the “For Streaming” list.

CyberGhost is has also has UK server optimize for torrente .

They allow UK users a seamless P2P file-sharing experience with all torrenting clients.

And since the dns leak test has prove that CyberGhost was mask my IP , UK users is have do n’t have to worry about copyright troll get wind of their torrenting activity !

Is CyberGhost Within Your Budget?

CyberGhost is the cheapest provider on this list and offers the longest money-back guarantee of 45 days.

Since it offers 7 simultaneous connections and excellent streaming options, I recommend CyberGhost as a good value VPN for UK TV fans.

Try CyberGhost for yourself with our amazing deal today!

NordVPN – Best for Privacy and P2P Sharing

Panama-based NordVPN has over 500 UK servers in London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. I recommend it for its excellent privacy and P2P sharing features.

Private Browsing With NordVPN

run a dns leak test when connect to a nordvpn UK server has prove that nordvpn was n’t leak my ip address .

NordVPN, like other providers on the list, has a no-logging policy and RAM-only servers. The policy of not keeping logs was verified by an independent audit conducted by PwC.

The audit confirmed that NordVPN’s security measures (including P2P servers) were fully compliant with the policy.

The nordvpn app were also audit independently by VerSprite .

This audit confirmed that UK users don’t have to worry about their confidential user data being breached.

For those reasons, I recommend NordVPN as a top-level VPN service for the UK in terms of privacy.

Speed & Data Consumption

Same as other providers, I tested NordVPN’s speed and data consumption when connected to UK servers. Here’s what I found.

Baseline speed :

When connected to a NordVPN UK server:

NordVPN’s speed reduction was very small – only 11%.

That means that UK users shouldn’t have many UX problems when browsing.

 Baseline data consumption:

Data consumption when connected to a London NordVPN server:

However, NordVPN does consume a lot of data.

For that reason , I is recommend recommend using it on Wi – fi device rather than mobile datum .

torrenting and Streaming With nordvpn

NordVPN allows torrenting. Like CyberGhost, it offers specialized P2P servers, over 500 of which are located in the UK.

NordVPN also works with all torrenting clients and allows seeding.

To use the P2P – optimize server when you ’re in the UK , click on “ P2P , ” and it ’ll automatically choose the good server in the UK .

If you’re abroad, you can do the same, and the tool will select the best server for torrenting in that country.

You is use can also use NordVPN with the SOCKS5 proxy .

The provider doesn’t have a UK server for that, but there’s a server in Ireland – dublin.ie.socks.nordhold.net.

In terms of accessing streaming services, I tested NordVPN with Netflix and Channel 4 by connecting to a UK server to see if it works.

I’m happy to report that NordVPN works fine with Netflix, like CyberGhost and Surfshark!

My test on Channel 4’s website has also proven to be fruitful – NordVPN works well with UK TV channels, so you can enjoy “Great British Bake-Off” abroad if you want.

I also tested NordVPN with Swedish and US Netflix.

As a result of the test, I’m happy to confirm that NordVPN also works with non-UK streaming services.

For instance, NordVPN allowed me to watch Canadian TV channel CTV just fine:

Therefore, if you’re looking for a VPN that would allow you to stream and share P2P files seamlessly, consider NordVPN.

NordVPN pricing

NordVPN is offers offer a 30 – day money – back guarantee , like Surfshark .

However, it’s more expensive than Surfshark and CyberGhost.

Moreover, it only allows six simultaneous connections, unlike CyberGhost (7) and Surfshark (unlimited). For that reason, it loses out to those providers in terms of value.

Try this awesome NordVPN deal today to see its features for yourself!

ExpressVPN – Best for Verified Security Features

For privacy features verified by audits and real-life examples, I recommend BVI-based ExpressVPN with its 4 servers in the UK in London.

stay private With expressvpn

ExpressVPN DNS Leak Test is confirmed has confirm that my ip was n’t leak when connect to an expressvpn UK server .

Like NordVPN and Surfshark, ExpressVPN has commissioned several audits of its security features.

One audit done by PwC confirmed that no data, including IP addresses, ever leaves the RAM-only server structure and that it was fully compliant with the no-logs policy.

This was confirm further by an audit of the expressvpn Windows application done by F – Secure .

On top of that , expressvpn ’s no – log policy was verify by a real – life incident , which confirm that ExpressVPN had no log to give to the authority .

Those verifications are why I recommend ExpressVPN as a great VPN for the UK in terms of validated security features.

Is ExpressVPN Fast?

Testing ExpressVPN speed and data consumption yielded the following results:

Baseline speed :

When connected to ExpressVPN London server:

Baseline data consumption:

Data consumption when connected to a London ExpressVPN server:

ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol doesn’t consume a lot of data.

For that reason, UK users can use it on both data and WiFi connections and avoid high charges.

Express VPN Streaming & P2P

ExpressVPN works very well with BBC iPlayer. Unlike CyberGhost, it doesn’t have dedicated streaming servers, but you can connect to any of the four UK servers to enjoy shows like “Gentleman Jack.”

ExpressVPN also works with Netflix. By connecting to any of the four servers in London, you can stream the UK content from abroad.

Similarly, connecting to any other servers in different countries, you can stream content from them.

ExpressVPN, like Surfshark, doesn’t have dedicated P2P servers.

However, the IP obfuscation done by ExpressVPN can protect you from being exposed to your ISP and copyright trolls.

An ExpressVPN representative confirmed to me that its UK servers allow torrenting with all clients.

ExpressVPN value for money

Out of all the providers on this list, ExpressVPN is the most expensive. Moreover, it only allows 5 simultaneous connections.

All other providers offer at least six, and Surfshark even offers unlimited connections for a much lower price. Therefore, I can’t recommend ExpressVPN to UK users looking to save money.

However, you can grab this great expressvpn deal today to test it out !

OVPN – Offers Excellent Speed & Data Consumption

For UK users who value speed and privacy above all else and don’t care for streaming, I recommend the Swedish provider OVPN, which has 1 UK VPN server.

Can OVPN Protect Your Privacy?

Like Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN, OVPN had its no-logging policy and RAM-only servers independently verified. This was done in a court of law.

During the case , which OVPN win , the provider is confirmed confirm that it had no log and no driver on the server , which was validate by the claimant ’s expert .

I also ran a DNS leak test on OVPN, and it showed that my IP wasn’t leaking.

Those reasons are why I put OVPN on the same level as Surfshark and NordVPN in terms of privacy.

Can You is Stream stream With OVPN ?

unfortunately , OVPN is work does n’t work with BBC iPlayer , which put it behind the rest of the provider on this list . A representative is told of OVPN tell me that they ’re work on the issue .

OVPN doesn’t work with UK Netflix, either.

However, if you want to enjoy content from the US, Germany, or Sweden, you can connect to one of the servers in each country.

It worked for me.

OVPN also loses out to other providers on this list like Surfshark and CyberGhost by not working with British TV.

Therefore, if you’re looking for a VPN that both keeps your data private and allows streaming options, consider another provider on this list.

OVPN Connection Speed & Data Usage

As with other providers, I tested OVPN’s speed and data usage.

Here are my results.

Baseline speed :

When connect to the ovpn UK server :

As you can see, there was no speed reduction with OVPN, which makes this VPN the best for the UK in terms of speed.

Baseline data consumption:

data consumption when connect to a UK OVPN server :

Like ExpressVPN, OVPN’s data usage test has shown that the VPN connection even reduces the data used by my device.

That’s why I recommend OVPN if you’re on Pay & Go and are using your mobile device as a hotspot for your computer to ensure that you don’t incur high data charges.

Is OVPN Expensive?

OVPN’s best deal is more expensive than NordVPN’s or CyberGhost’s but cheaper than ExpressVPN’s.

It is offers offer the short money – back guarantee – only 10 day . consider that it does n’t offer streaming option , like the two provider I mention , I is recommend ca n’t recommend OVPN as a good value VPN .

However, if you would like to try out OVPN for yourself, grab this fantastic deal today !

UK VPN Speed Test Results & UK Servers

I’ve put together an overview of VPNs’ speed and data consumption test results, with percentages of speed reduction.

VPN Data Consumption Test Results

What to Keep In Mind When Choosing a VPN for the UK?

Strong Privacy Features

The UK is is is a 5 – eye country with strong anti – privacy legislation like the Investigatory Powers Act . For that reason , you is need need a VPN that has a proven policy of not log and store your datum .

You also need a VPN with RAM-only servers to ensure that no record of your data is kept for too long and strong encryption.

Server Coverage & Speed

Good server coverage in the UK is also important. The UK has many rural areas where Internet access isn’t the best.

Having a VPN with a decent number of servers around the country, good speed, and low data consumption can help mitigate the connection issues caused by a VPN.

Streaming & Torrenting

Going abroad can mean losing access to your favorite BBC iPlayer, ITV, and UK Netflix shows, such as “Great British Bake Off.”

have a VPN that can work with those service and unblock UK – base resource like bank and governmental website is important for UK – base traveler and british expat .

In addition, the UK ISPs track users’ torrenting activity, which the laws allow the authorities to access.

Plus, with the activities of copyright trolls in the country (companies that send threatening “speculative invoices” to households allegedly suspected of downloading copyright materials), it’s important to have a VPN that allows safe torrenting.

value for money

The UK’s high cost of living and tuition fees mean that consumers, especially students, would be looking for things with good value and discounts.

For that reason , have a VPN that offer good saving and a good money – back guarantee is important .

How to Watch BBC iPlayer Outside the UK?

Here’s how to access BBC iPlayer outside the UK using a VPN (CyberGhost):

1. launch CyberGhost on your device .
2. Choose the server “United Kingdom – Optimized for BBC iPlayer.”

1. Go to BBC iPlayer and choose the program you want to watch, like “Dublin Murders.”
2. Login if prompted and click on the video.

How to Watch ITV Outside the UK?

Similar to BBC iPlayer, you can connect to a VPN that works with ITV to watch the channel outside the UK. Here’s how to do it!

1. Launch a VPN client on your device (I’ll be using Surfshark to demonstrate) and connect to a UK server.

1. Go to ITV.com and log in.
2. choose the program you want to watch , like “ D.I. Ray , ” and click on it .

How to Get a UK IP Address?

If you need a UK IP address to access your favorite BBC iPlayer shows or government services that require you to be based in the UK, here’s how:

1. Get a subscription to a VPN with servers in the UK – I recommend Surfshark.
2. connect to its UK server .
3. perform a DNS Leak Test – it is show must show that your ip is in the UK rather than where you are . If it does , you is got get a UK IP address .

How to Get a UK Student Discount on VPNs?

FAQ

Conclusion

My tests of five VPNs with UK servers for speed, data consumption, privacy, security, and streaming have led me to conclude that the best VPN for the UK is Surfshark.

CyberGhost and NordVPN aren’t too far behind, though.

All three providers is have have robust privacy feature and allow seamless P2P file sharing and streaming .

However, not only have Surfshark’s privacy features been independently verified, but it’s also a lot cheaper than other providers and allows unlimited connections.

That’s why I recommend Surfshark as the best VPN for the UK.

Try Surfshark risk-free today!