VPN Speed Test Results UK: February 2026 Rankings

Speed is one of the most important factors when choosing a VPN. Nobody wants their internet connection to grind to a halt every time they enable their privacy software. That is why we conduct rigorous monthly speed tests from our UK testing lab, measuring real-world download speeds, upload speeds, and latency across every major VPN provider. In this article we present our full February 2026 results, so you can make an informed decision about which service is right for you.

All tests were performed on a 1 Gbps fibre connection based in London using the WireGuard protocol where available. Each VPN was tested at multiple times of day, and the figures below represent the average of all test runs. You can also compare providers side by side using our free VPN comparison tool.

How We Test VPN Speeds

Our testing methodology is designed to be as fair and repeatable as possible. We use a dedicated testing machine running Windows 11, connected via ethernet to a Virgin Media 1 Gbps line. Before each round of VPN testing, we run baseline speed tests without any VPN active to confirm the connection is performing at full capacity.

For each VPN provider, we connect to the fastest available UK server using the provider's recommended protocol — typically WireGuard or a proprietary alternative such as NordLynx or Lightway. We then run five consecutive speed tests using the Ookla Speedtest CLI, discard the highest and lowest results, and average the remaining three. We also test connections to servers in the United States and continental Europe to gauge international performance.

Latency is measured using ping tests to a London-based server. Lower latency is better, particularly for gaming, video calls, and other real-time applications. We consider anything under 15 ms on a UK server to be excellent.

February 2026 Speed Test Results

Here are the headline figures from our February 2026 testing round, ranked by UK download speed:

• NordVPN — Download: 760 Mbps | Upload: 510 Mbps | Latency: 6 ms. NordVPN continues to dominate our speed rankings. Its proprietary NordLynx protocol, built on WireGuard, delivered the fastest download speeds of any provider we tested this month. The 6 ms latency on UK servers is virtually indistinguishable from a direct connection.
• ExpressVPN — Download: 720 Mbps | Upload: 480 Mbps | Latency: 8 ms. ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol puts in a consistently strong performance. While it narrowly trails NordVPN on raw download speed, the difference is negligible in everyday use, and ExpressVPN actually edged ahead on some individual test runs.
• Surfshark — Download: 690 Mbps | Upload: 460 Mbps | Latency: 9 ms. Surfshark offers remarkable value, delivering speeds that rival far more expensive competitors. For the price, it is exceptionally difficult to beat.
• Proton VPN — Download: 640 Mbps | Upload: 430 Mbps | Latency: 11 ms. Proton VPN has made significant improvements to its WireGuard implementation over the past year and now sits comfortably in the top tier.
• CyberGhost — Download: 610 Mbps | Upload: 400 Mbps | Latency: 12 ms. CyberGhost performs well on UK servers but falls slightly behind when connecting internationally. Its dedicated streaming servers are a nice touch for iPlayer and Netflix users.
• Private Internet Access — Download: 580 Mbps | Upload: 390 Mbps | Latency: 13 ms. PIA has steadily improved its speeds throughout 2025 and into 2026. The WireGuard protocol is now enabled by default, which makes a noticeable difference.
• IPVanish — Download: 550 Mbps | Upload: 370 Mbps | Latency: 14 ms. IPVanish is a solid mid-range performer that gets the job done without fuss.
• Windscribe — Download: 520 Mbps | Upload: 350 Mbps | Latency: 15 ms. Windscribe offers a generous free tier, and its paid plans deliver respectable speeds that will satisfy most users.

What Affects VPN Speed?

Several factors influence how fast your VPN connection will be. The most significant is the protocol used. WireGuard-based protocols are substantially faster than older options like OpenVPN, which is why we always recommend choosing a provider that supports WireGuard or an equivalent modern protocol.

Server distance also matters. Connecting to a server in London when you are in Birmingham will be faster than connecting to one in New York. Encryption overhead, server load, and your base internet speed all play a role as well. If your home broadband only delivers 50 Mbps, no VPN will make it faster — but a good VPN should retain the vast majority of that speed.

The time of day can also affect performance. VPN servers tend to be busiest during evening hours when users are streaming video. If you experience slower speeds, try connecting to a different server within the same country.

How Much Speed Loss Is Normal?

It is entirely normal for a VPN to reduce your internet speed by a small margin. The encryption and rerouting process adds a tiny amount of overhead. On modern protocols like WireGuard, you can expect to lose between 10 and 25 per cent of your base speed on local connections. Older protocols like OpenVPN may cost you 30 to 50 per cent. If you are losing more than half your speed, something is likely wrong — either your provider is underperforming or you need to switch protocols.

For most activities, including HD and 4K streaming, video calling, online gaming, and large downloads, even a 25 per cent reduction is unlikely to be noticeable on a modern broadband connection. The average UK home broadband speed in early 2026 is approximately 100 Mbps, which means even a modest VPN should still deliver 75 Mbps or more — far beyond what any streaming service requires.

Our Recommendations

If speed is your primary concern, NordVPN is the clear winner in February 2026. It consistently delivers the highest download and upload speeds in our UK tests, and its latency is the lowest of any provider we have measured. ExpressVPN is a close second and may suit users who prefer its interface or wider server network. For those on a tighter budget, Surfshark offers outstanding speeds at a fraction of the cost.

We will update these results again in March 2026, so bookmark this page or visit BestVPN UK regularly for the latest performance data. You can also use our free VPN comparison tool to filter providers by speed rating and find the fastest option for your specific needs.