Introduction
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the best UK VPN services. In this article, we will discuss the different features that you should look for in a VPN service, the benefits of using a VPN, and the most popular VPN providers in the UK. Whether you are looking to protect your online privacy, bypass geo-restrictions, or access content that is not available in your region, a VPN is an excellent tool to achieve these goals.
Before we dive into the specifics of UK VPNs, let’s take a moment to define what a VPN is and how it works. VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, which is a service that encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server located in a different country. This way, you can browse the internet anonymously, bypass regional restrictions, and access content that would otherwise be unavailable to you.
The UK has strict privacy laws that limit the types of information that ISPs (Internet Service Providers) can collect about their subscribers. However, using a VPN can further enhance your online privacy and protect you from hackers, trackers, and other malicious entities.
In the following sections, we will describe in detail the best UK VPN services available on the market, their features, pricing, and performance. By the end of this guide, you will have a clear understanding of which VPN is right for you and how to set it up on your device.
Best UK VPN Providers
Choosing the best VPN provider can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t know what to look for. In this section, we will review the top VPN services available in the UK and compare them based on their performance, features, and pricing. Here are seven VPN providers that we recommend:
Name |
Price |
Number of Servers |
Features |
|---|---|---|---|
ExpressVPN |
$6.67/month |
3000+ |
Ultra-fast servers, 24/7 customer support, 30-day money-back guarantee |
NordVPN |
$3.71/month |
5000+ |
Double VPN, CyberSec, 24/7 support, 30-day money-back guarantee |
Surfshark |
$2.49/month |
3200+ |
Unlimited simultaneous connections, Camouflage Mode, 30-day money-back guarantee |
CyberGhost |
$2.25/month |
6800+ |
No-logs policy, 24/7 support, 45-day money-back guarantee |
Private Internet Access |
$2.08/month |
3300+ |
Ad and malware blocker, Multiple VPN gateways, 30-day money-back guarantee |
IPVanish |
$3.49/month |
1600+ |
SugarSync cloud storage, 24/7 support, 30-day money-back guarantee |
VyprVPN |
$1.66/month |
700+ |
Chameleon protocol, No-logs policy, 30-day money-back guarantee |
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the most popular VPN services in the world, and for a good reason. With over 3000 servers in 94 countries, ExpressVPN offers ultra-fast and reliable connections that are perfect for streaming, browsing, and downloading. ExpressVPN also has a strict no-logs policy, 24/7 customer support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
One of the standout features of ExpressVPN is its ability to bypass geo-restrictions and access content from any location. Whether you want to watch Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, or Hulu, ExpressVPN has got you covered. ExpressVPN also supports all major platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and routers.
ExpressVPN’s pricing starts at $6.67/month if you sign up for a 12-month plan. There is also a 6-month plan for $9.99/month and a monthly plan for $12.95/month. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN
NordVPN is another top-rated VPN service that offers a wide range of features and benefits. With over 5000 servers in 59 countries, NordVPN provides fast and secure connections that are perfect for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. NordVPN also has a strict no-logs policy, 24/7 customer support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
One of the unique features of NordVPN is its Double VPN technology, which encrypts your internet traffic twice for maximum security. NordVPN also offers CyberSec, an ad and malware blocker that protects you from online threats. NordVPN supports all major platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and routers.
NordVPN’s pricing starts at $3.71/month if you sign up for a 2-year plan. There is also a 1-year plan for $4.92/month and a monthly plan for $11.95/month. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark
Surfshark is a relatively new VPN service that has quickly gained popularity thanks to its excellent features and affordable pricing. With over 3200 servers in 65 countries, Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, which means that you can use one account for all your devices. Surfshark also has a strict no-logs policy, 24/7 customer support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
One of the unique features of Surfshark is its Camouflage Mode, which makes your internet traffic look like regular traffic, making it difficult for ISPs to detect that you are using a VPN. Surfshark also supports all major platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and routers.
Surfshark’s pricing starts at $2.49/month if you sign up for a 2-year plan. There is also a 1-year plan for $4.98/month and a monthly plan for $12.95/month. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a popular VPN service that offers a wide range of features and benefits. With over 6800 servers in 90 countries, CyberGhost provides fast and secure connections that are perfect for streaming, browsing, and downloading. CyberGhost also has a strict no-logs policy, 24/7 customer support, and a 45-day money-back guarantee.
One of the unique features of CyberGhost is its ability to unblock streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. CyberGhost also offers an ad and malware blocker, which protects you from online threats. CyberGhost supports all major platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and routers.
CyberGhost’s pricing starts at $2.25/month if you sign up for a 3-year plan. There is also a 1-year plan for $3.99/month and a monthly plan for $12.99/month. All plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a budget-friendly VPN service that offers excellent features and performance. With over 3300 servers in 45 countries, PIA provides fast and secure connections that are perfect for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. PIA also has a strict no-logs policy, 24/7 customer support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
One of the unique features of PIA is its ad and malware blocker, which protects you from online threats. PIA also supports all major platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and routers.
PIA’s pricing starts at $2.08/month if you sign up for a 2-year plan. There is also a 1-year plan for $3.33/month and a monthly plan for $9.95/month. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
IPVanish
IPVanish is a US-based VPN service that offers a wide range of features and benefits. With over 1600 servers in 75+ locations, IPVanish provides fast and secure connections that are perfect for streaming, browsing, and downloading. IPVanish also has a strict no-logs policy, 24/7 customer support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
One of the unique features of IPVanish is its SugarSync cloud storage, which allows you to backup and sync your files securely. IPVanish also supports all major platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and routers.
IPVanish’s pricing starts at $3.49/month if you sign up for a 1-year plan. There is also a monthly plan for $9.99/month. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
VyprVPN
VyprVPN is a Swiss-based VPN service that offers a wide range of features and benefits. With over 700 servers in 70+ locations, VyprVPN provides fast and secure connections that are perfect for streaming, browsing, and downloading. VyprVPN also has a strict no-logs policy, 24/7 customer support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
One of the unique features of VyprVPN is its Chameleon protocol, which scrambles your internet traffic to make it difficult for ISPs to detect that you are using a VPN. VyprVPN also supports all major platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and routers.
VyprVPN’s pricing starts at $1.66/month if you sign up for a 3-year plan. There is also a 1-year plan for $3.75/month and a monthly plan for $12.95/month. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a VPN
Advantages
Using a VPN has several advantages, including:
1. Privacy and Security
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, which makes it virtually impossible for anyone to intercept your online communications. This means that your online activities are private, and your personal information is secure from hackers, spies, and other malicious entities.
2. Bypass Geo-restrictions
A VPN can help you bypass geo-restrictions and access content that would otherwise be unavailable in your region. For example, if you are traveling to a country where Netflix is not available, you can use a VPN to connect to a server in a country where Netflix is available, and access the content you want to watch.
3. Anonymity
A VPN hides your IP address and location, which makes it difficult for websites, advertisers, and other entities to track your online activities. This can help protect your online privacy and reduce the amount of targeted ads you see online.
4. Improved Performance
A VPN can improve your internet performance by reducing latency and increasing download speeds. This is especially useful if you are using public Wi-Fi networks, which are often crowded and slow.
Disadvantages
Using a VPN also has some disadvantages, including:
1. Slower Internet Speeds
Encrypting your internet traffic can slow down your internet speeds, especially if you are using a VPN server located in a different country. This can affect your browsing, streaming, and gaming experience.
2. Cost
Most VPN services require a monthly or yearly subscription fee, which can add up over time. While some VPN services offer free plans, these are often limited in terms of features and performance.
3. Legality
While using a VPN is legal in most countries, there are some countries where VPNs are banned or restricted. Before you start using a VPN, make sure to check the laws and regulations in your country.
FAQs
1. What is a VPN?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a service that encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server located in a different country. This way, you can browse the internet anonymously, bypass regional restrictions, and access content that would otherwise be unavailable to you.
2. Is using a VPN illegal?
Using a VPN is legal in most countries, but there are some countries where VPNs are banned or restricted. Before you start using a VPN, make sure to check the laws and regulations in your country.
3. How does a VPN work?
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server located in a different country. This way, you can browse the internet anonymously and bypass regional restrictions.
4. How do I choose the best VPN?
When choosing a VPN, you should look for the following features: fast speeds, a strict no-logs policy, a large server network, 24/7 customer support, and affordable pricing. You should also consider the VPN’s compatibility with your device and operating system.
5. Can I use a VPN for streaming?
Yes, you can use a VPN to access streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Make sure to choose a VPN with fast speeds and a large server network.
6. How do I set up a VPN?
Each VPN service has its setup instructions, but in general, you need to download and install the VPN software on your device, enter your login credentials, and choose a server location. Most VPN services have step-by-step instructions on their website.
7. How secure is a VPN?
A VPN is a secure way to browse the internet, but it’s important to choose a VPN with a strict no-logs policy and strong encryption. Always make sure to use a reputable VPN provider to ensure maximum security.
8. Can I use a VPN on my mobile device?
Yes, you can use a VPN on your mobile device by downloading and installing the VPN app from the app store. Most VPN services have apps for both iOS and Android.
9. Can I use a VPN for torrenting?
Yes, you can use a VPN for torrenting to protect your online privacy and bypass regional restrictions. However, make sure to choose a VPN with fast speeds and a strict no-logs policy.
10. Is a VPN the same as a proxy?
No, a VPN is not the same as a proxy. While both services can hide your IP address and location, a VPN encrypts your internet traffic, while a proxy does not.
11. Can a VPN be hacked?
A VPN can be hacked, but it’s unlikely if you choose a reputable VPN provider that uses strong encryption and has a strict no-logs policy.
12. How much does a VPN cost?
The cost of a VPN varies depending on the provider and the length of the subscription. Most VPN services offer monthly, yearly, and bi-yearly plans, with discounts for longer subscriptions.
13. Can I use a free VPN?
While there are some free VPN services available, these are often limited in terms of performance and features. Free VPNs also have a higher risk of selling your data to third-party advertisers, which can compromise your online privacy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using a VPN is an excellent way to protect your online privacy, bypass regional restrictions, and access content that would otherwise be unavailable to you. With so many VPN services available on the market, it’s important to choose a VPN that offers fast speeds, a strict no