Updated February 2026
Find the Best VPN for the UK 🇬🇧
Compare the top 10 VPN providers tested and reviewed by our expert team. Protect your privacy, stream BBC iPlayer abroad, and browse securely on any device.
Why You Need a VPN in the UK in 2026
In an era of increasing online surveillance, data breaches, and geo-restrictions, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) has become an essential tool for UK internet users. Whether you want to protect your personal data on public Wi-Fi at your local coffee shop, access BBC iPlayer and other UK streaming services whilst travelling abroad, or simply prevent your Internet Service Provider from tracking your browsing habits, a reliable VPN is the solution.
The UK's Investigatory Powers Act gives authorities broad powers to monitor internet activity, making a no-logs VPN particularly valuable for privacy-conscious Britons. Our team has rigorously tested and compared the top 10 VPN providers available in February 2026, evaluating them on speed, security, streaming capability, value for money, and ease of use to help you make an informed decision.
Top 10 VPN Providers for the UK
Search, filter, and compare the best VPN services available to UK users in February 2026.
NordVPN
Best Overall VPN for the UK
NordVPN is the top-rated VPN for UK users in 2026, offering blazing-fast speeds, rock-solid security with an audited no-logs policy, and reliable access to all major UK streaming platforms including BBC iPlayer and ITVX.
Surfshark
Best Budget VPN with Unlimited Devices
Surfshark offers the best value in the VPN market with unlimited device connections and the fastest raw speeds (1,615 Mbps) at just £1.99/mo. Ideal for large households in the UK who want every device protected without breaking the bank.
ExpressVPN
Fastest VPN with Premium Experience
ExpressVPN leads the pack in raw speed with its Lightway Turbo protocol reaching 1,479 Mbps. Its beautifully designed apps make it the most user-friendly VPN, perfect for those who want premium protection without complexity.
Proton VPN
Best VPN for Privacy Enthusiasts
Proton VPN is built from the ground up for privacy, based in Switzerland with the most UK servers (553) of any provider. Open-source, independently audited, and bundled with the Proton privacy ecosystem including encrypted email and storage.
Private Internet Access
Best VPN for Torrenting & Transparency
PIA offers unmatched transparency with 100% open-source apps and a no-logs policy proven in court. With 35,000+ servers, unlimited connections, and the lowest price at £1.69/mo, it is the go-to VPN for torrenting in the UK.
CyberGhost
Best Cheap VPN with Dedicated Servers
CyberGhost offers the largest server network (11,500+) and the longest money-back guarantee (45 days) in the industry. With dedicated streaming and torrenting servers, it is a reliable, affordable choice for UK users.
Mullvad VPN
Most Anonymous VPN Service
Mullvad VPN requires zero personal information to sign up — no email, no name, just a randomly generated account number. It accepts cash payments and helped develop the WireGuard protocol. The ultimate choice for UK users who prioritise anonymity above all else.
IPVanish
Best VPN for Streaming on Multiple Devices
IPVanish owns and operates its entire server infrastructure, offering full control over your data. With unlimited connections, excellent Kodi support, and bundled antivirus, it is a solid choice for UK streaming households.
Windscribe
Best Free VPN Plan Available
Windscribe offers the most generous free VPN plan with 10GB monthly data and UK server access. Its unique build-a-plan pricing and powerful ROBERT blocking feature make it a flexible, privacy-focused choice.
PureVPN
Best VPN for Global Server Coverage
PureVPN is one of the longest-running VPN providers, offering a massive network of 6,500+ servers across 78 countries. With dedicated IP addresses, port forwarding, and an audited no-logs policy, it is an affordable and versatile option for UK users.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Click column headers to sort. Compare ratings, prices, speeds, and features at a glance.
| # | VPN Provider | Rating ▼ | Price ▽ | Speed ▽ | Devices | UK Servers | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🛡️NordVPN | 9.7/10 | £2.59/mo | 1,256 Mbps | 10 | 440+ | Review |
| 2 | ⚡ExpressVPN | 9.5/10 | £2.70/mo | 1,479 Mbps | 8 | 5 locations | Review |
| 3 | 🦈Surfshark | 9.4/10 | £1.99/mo | 1,615 Mbps | Unlimited | 3 locations | Review |
| 4 | 🔒Proton VPN | 9.3/10 | £2.83/mo | 1,521 Mbps | 10 | 553 | Review |
| 5 | 👻CyberGhost | 9/10 | £1.99/mo | 950 Mbps | 7 | 700+ | Review |
| 6 | 👁️Private Internet Access | 8.8/10 | £1.69/mo | 850 Mbps | Unlimited | 3 locations | Review |
| 7 | 🌐IPVanish | 8.6/10 | £2.19/mo | 780 Mbps | Unlimited | 2 locations | Review |
| 8 | 🌬️Windscribe | 8.4/10 | £4.08/mo | 720 Mbps | Unlimited | 3 locations | Review |
| 9 | 🦫Mullvad VPN | 8.3/10 | €5/mo (£4.30) | 880 Mbps | 5 | 4 locations | Review |
| 10 | 💎PureVPN | 8/10 | £2.14/mo | 720 Mbps | 10 | 5 locations | Review |
Which VPN Is Right For You?
Answer 5 quick questions and we will recommend the best VPN for your specific needs.
VPN Guide & Frequently Asked Questions
How to Choose the Right VPN for the UK
Selecting the right VPN depends on your primary use case. If streaming is your priority, look for providers with proven ability to unblock BBC iPlayer, Netflix UK, ITVX, and Channel 4. For privacy, choose a VPN with an independently audited no-logs policy and headquarters outside the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. Budget-conscious users should compare the annual subscription prices, as monthly plans are significantly more expensive.
❓ Are VPNs legal in the UK?
Yes, VPNs are completely legal to use in the United Kingdom. There are no laws prohibiting the use of VPN technology. However, any activities that are illegal without a VPN remain illegal when using one. VPNs are widely used by businesses, remote workers, and privacy-conscious individuals across the UK.
❓ Can I use a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer abroad?
Yes, connecting to a UK VPN server allows you to access BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and other UK streaming services from anywhere in the world. The VPN assigns you a UK IP address, making it appear as though you are browsing from within the United Kingdom. Our top-rated VPNs like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark all reliably unblock UK streaming services.
❓ Will a VPN slow down my internet speed?
Modern VPN protocols like WireGuard and NordLynx have minimised the speed impact dramatically. The top VPNs in our 2026 testing showed speed losses of less than 10% on UK servers, with some providers like Surfshark and Proton VPN exceeding 1,500 Mbps. For the average UK broadband connection, the difference is imperceptible during normal browsing and streaming.
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The UK's Most Comprehensive VPN Comparison Resource
BestVPN UK is the United Kingdom's leading independent resource for VPN comparisons, reviews, and guides. Our mission is to help British internet users make informed decisions about their online privacy and security. Every VPN on our site has been personally tested by our team of cybersecurity experts using UK broadband connections, ensuring our reviews reflect real-world performance for British users.
Our comparison tool allows you to evaluate the top 10 VPN providers side by side, examining critical factors such as connection speed on UK servers, the ability to unblock British streaming services like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and Sky Go, compliance with data protection standards, and overall value for money in pounds sterling. We update our reviews monthly to reflect the latest speed tests, feature updates, and pricing changes.
Whether you are a privacy-conscious professional looking to secure your browsing activity, an expatriate wanting to watch UK television abroad, a student seeking affordable online protection, or a family needing to secure multiple devices, our interactive quiz and detailed reviews will guide you to the ideal VPN. We cover all major providers including NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, IPVanish, Windscribe, Mullvad VPN, and PureVPN, with honest assessments of each service's strengths and weaknesses.
Stay informed with our regularly updated blog, which covers topics ranging from VPN setup guides and streaming tips to the latest developments in UK internet privacy legislation. Our goal is to be the most trusted and comprehensive VPN resource for users in the United Kingdom in 2026 and beyond.