Best VPN for Streaming in the UK: Netflix, Disney+, and More

The United Kingdom has no shortage of streaming services. Between Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, Now TV, and a host of smaller platforms, British viewers have access to an enormous library of content. But what many people do not realise is that the content available to you varies dramatically depending on your location — and that a VPN can unlock libraries of content from around the world.

In this article, we reveal which VPN providers are best for streaming in the UK in 2026, based on months of hands-on testing. Whether you want to access the American Netflix catalogue, watch BBC iPlayer from abroad, or unblock content on Disney+ that is not yet available in Britain, we have you covered. For a quick comparison, use our free VPN comparison tool.

Why Use a VPN for Streaming?

Streaming services use geo-restrictions to control which content is available in which countries. This is because licensing agreements are negotiated on a territory-by-territory basis. A film might be on Netflix in the United States but on Disney+ in the United Kingdom, or it might not be available on any streaming platform in Britain at all. These restrictions are enforced by checking your IP address when you connect to the service.

A VPN allows you to change your virtual location by connecting to a server in a different country. Connect to a US server and Netflix will show you its American library. Connect to a Japanese server and you can access anime that is not available elsewhere. The practical result is that a single Netflix subscription, combined with a VPN, gives you access to a vastly larger catalogue of content.

UK users travelling abroad also benefit enormously from VPNs. Services like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and Channel 4 are entirely unavailable outside the United Kingdom. A VPN with reliable UK servers lets you continue watching your favourite British programming no matter where you are in the world.

Best VPNs for Streaming: Our 2026 Rankings

1. NordVPN — Best Overall for Streaming

NordVPN is our top pick for streaming in February 2026. It unblocked every major streaming platform we tested, including Netflix (US, UK, Japan, and several other libraries), Disney+, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Amazon Prime Video, Now TV, and HBO Max. Its SmartPlay technology automatically activates when you access a streaming service, routing your traffic through the optimal server without any manual configuration. Download speeds on UK servers averaged 760 Mbps, which is more than sufficient for multiple simultaneous 4K streams. NordVPN also works consistently with less mainstream services like BritBox, Paramount+, and DAZN.

2. ExpressVPN — Most Reliable Streaming Access

ExpressVPN has long been one of the most reliable VPNs for streaming, and 2026 is no exception. In our testing it unblocked Netflix in 18 different countries, as well as Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. Where ExpressVPN excels is consistency — we experienced zero failed connections across two weeks of daily testing. Its MediaStreamer DNS service also works on devices that cannot run VPN apps natively, such as older smart TVs and games consoles. Speeds are excellent, and the Lightway protocol delivers noticeably snappier connections than OpenVPN.

3. Surfshark — Best Value for Streaming

Surfshark offers outstanding streaming performance at a price that undercuts most competitors. It unblocked Netflix (US, UK, and several other regions), Disney+, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max in our tests. The unlimited simultaneous connections policy means every device in your household can stream through the VPN at once, making it an excellent choice for families. Speeds are strong, averaging 690 Mbps on UK servers, and the app is clean and intuitive.

4. CyberGhost — Best Dedicated Streaming Servers

CyberGhost takes a unique approach by offering servers specifically labelled and optimised for individual streaming services. You will find dedicated servers for Netflix US, Netflix UK, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more. This removes the guesswork from choosing a server and ensures you are connected to one that is actively maintained for compatibility with your chosen platform. CyberGhost's speeds were good at 610 Mbps, and its 45-day money-back guarantee gives you plenty of time to test its streaming capabilities.

Which Streaming Services Can You Unblock?

Here is a summary of the platforms we tested and which VPNs successfully unblocked them in February 2026:

• Netflix (US library): NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost
• Netflix (UK library from abroad): All four providers listed above, plus Private Internet Access and IPVanish
• BBC iPlayer: NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost
• Disney+: NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark
• Amazon Prime Video: NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark
• ITVX: NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost
• Channel 4: NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark

Tips for the Best Streaming Experience

To get the smoothest possible streaming experience through a VPN, keep these tips in mind. First, always connect to the closest server in your target country. If you want US Netflix, choose a server in New York rather than Los Angeles if you are in the UK, because the shorter physical distance results in lower latency and faster speeds. Second, use the WireGuard or equivalent modern protocol for the best performance. Third, make sure your base internet speed is adequate — you need at least 25 Mbps for reliable 4K streaming, which most modern broadband connections exceed comfortably.

If a streaming service detects your VPN and shows an error, try disconnecting and reconnecting to a different server in the same country. You can also try clearing your browser cookies, as streaming platforms sometimes use cached location data. Most top-tier VPN providers rotate their IP addresses frequently to stay ahead of detection efforts.

Conclusion

A good VPN transforms your streaming experience by giving you access to content libraries from around the world. NordVPN leads our rankings for streaming in February 2026 thanks to its combination of broad platform compatibility, exceptional speeds, and reliable performance. ExpressVPN is the most consistent option, and Surfshark offers the best value for money.

Head over to BestVPN UK for our full reviews, or use our free VPN comparison tool to find the ideal streaming VPN for your household.