Best for Countless UK Servers

4.9

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On NordVPN's website

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NordVPN

• High-quality VPN offering safety and speed
• Loads of servers for multiple connection options
• Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
• Too many confusing plans

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Best for Fast UK Servers

4.6

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On ExpressVPN's website

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ExpressVPN

• Premium VPN offering strong security and ultra-fast speeds
• Strict no-logs policy with independent audit
• In-house Lightway protocol for more speed and security
• More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost

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Best for Streaming BBC iPlayer and Netflix U.K.

4.9

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On Surfshark's website

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Surfshark

• VPN technology offering stability and speed
• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Works with Netflix and other streaming services
• Headquarters in Nine Eyes Alliance

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There is an abundance of virtual private networks (VPNs) available, making it difficult to select the best VPN for the United Kingdom. We’ve narrowed down the top three VPNs based on performance, pricing, and features. Our top three U.K. VPNs are NordVPN for its countless U.K. servers, ExpressVPN for fast VPN connections, and Surfshark for streaming.

People choose to connect to U.K. servers for various reasons. One motivation for using a VPN is to access geo-restricted content that is only available to viewers within the country. By connecting to a U.K. server, you can bypass these restrictions and enjoy your favorite British TV shows and movies.

In addition, U.K. servers can help maintain privacy online and provide security against hackers, internet service providers (ISPs), or other third parties by encrypting data and masking your real IP address. For those living in a country with strict internet censorship, a U.K. VPN server can bypass restrictions, granting free-flowing internet access from wherever you are.

The best VPNs for the UK:

• NordVPN: Best for countless U.K. servers
• ExpressVPN: Best for fast U.K. servers
• Surfshark: Best for streaming BBC iPlayer and Netflix U.K.

Top 3 VPN services for the UK compared

VPN	NordVPN	ExpressVPN	Surfshark
Starting price	$2.99/mo	Starts at $12.95/mo	Starts at $1.99/mo
Free version
Streaming support	Yes — Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more	Yes — Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, and more	Yes — Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, and more
Learn more	Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review	Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review	Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review

NordVPN: Best for countless UK servers

Who it’s best for

NordVPN is an ideal choice if your priority is a vast selection of U.K. servers, which can ensure better connectivity and optimized performance. This VPN is perfect for individuals who frequently access geo-restricted content, such as streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer or Netflix U.K., as it provides a higher chance of finding a server that meets your speed and reliability requirements.

Additionally, NordVPN's extensive server network can benefit those concerned about their online privacy and security, allowing for more options to establish a secure and encrypted connection. While the price might be slightly higher than other options, NordVPN's advanced features and reliable service make it a worthwhile investment for those who value a versatile VPN experience.

What we liked

NordVPN's impressive number of U.K. servers not only provides excellent connectivity and server choices but also ensures faster connection speeds and reduced network congestion. NordVPN has over 440 U.K. servers, so you can easily find a server that offers optimal performance for your specific needs, such as securing online browsing or streaming high-quality content.

NordVPN sets itself apart with advanced security features. Data is kept safe, secure, and private by employing the use of AES 256-bit encryption (considered the gold standard of encryption). Its double VPN routes your internet traffic through two VPN servers for maximum protection. It also offers Threat Protection, which provides an additional layer of security and protection by acting as a blocker against ads, trackers, and malware.

What we didn’t like

A drawback of NordVPN is the pricing structure. If you opt for the long-term plan, it’s a competitive price at just under $4 a month. However, if you do not want to commit to a lengthy subscription, the month-by-month plan starts at $12.99, a significant jump. This is discouraging for those new to VPN services or who only need one for a short time.

Another issue is the lack of a free version or trial for those looking to try the service without financial commitment. Although they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, you still need to pay upfront. Google Play offers a seven-day trial period for Android mobile subscribers, but NordVPN does not offer any limited free version to test their services.

NordVPN specs

ExpressVPN: Best for fast UK servers

Who it’s best for

ExpressVPN is ideal for users who prioritize fast connection speeds, especially for streaming and gaming. This VPN is perfect for individuals who frequently stream high-quality content or engage in online gaming without lag or buffering issues.

ExpressVPN's superior speeds and reliable connections make it an excellent choice for those who value a seamless internet experience. While the price might be higher compared to some competitors, ExpressVPN’s performance and extensive features justify the investment for users who demand top-notch speed and stability.

What we liked

ExpressVPN stands out because of its impressive high-speed servers, especially when it comes to online gaming. Its rigorous no-logs policy and 256-bit encryption ensure that all of the user's online activities are secret and safe.

ExpressVPN provides ideal gaming experiences thanks to its fast connection speeds and dependable performance, which is a crucial advantage. With ExpressVPN, gameplay is smooth and without lag or latency difficulties. ExpressVPN is ideal for those searching for a flawless cloud gaming experience or access to geo-restricted gaming or streaming services. Because of its powerful security measures, users are safeguarded against any demonstrated denial of service (DDoS) attacks while protecting online gaming privacy.

To top it all off, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing consumers to test the service risk-free. ExpressVPN is a dependable U.K. VPN because of its speed, security, and streaming capabilities.

What we didn’t like

A significant drawback of ExpressVPN is its starting price compared to competitors. Its starting price can range anywhere from $6-$8 per month for a 12-month subscription, so it isn’t the most budget-friendly option. It may be hard to overlook for some users compared to VPNs offering similar features at lower prices, but others may be able to justify it for the performance and speed.

One potential drawback of ExpressVPN is its limited number of U.K. servers. ExpressVPN does not publish its server count, so with only five U.K. server locations, users may have concerns about server availability and accessibility, especially during peak times.

While ExpressVPN is known for its impressive connection speeds, making it the fastest U.K. VPN on our list, having a limited number of U.K. servers might still be a concern for some, particularly if you require a VPN primarily for accessing U.K. content.

ExpressVPN specs

Surfshark: Best for streaming BBC iPlayer and Netflix UK

Who it’s best for

Surfshark is the ideal VPN for an affordable yet effective solution to access geo-restricted U.K. content. It caters to individuals who prioritize streaming capabilities without compromising on security and privacy features.

This VPN is perfect for budget-conscious users who want a reliable service without breaking the bank, and those who require simultaneous connections on multiple devices. Its user-friendly interface and robust customer support make it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced VPN users.

What we liked

Surfshark is a good alternative for individuals looking for a low-cost VPN solution that does not sacrifice performance or security. You can enjoy flawless streaming experiences thanks to its fast and dependable U.K. servers.

An important feature distinguishing Surfshark is its support for unlimited connections, which allows you to secure all the devices you want in a single subscription. It also offers unlimited bandwidth, which is perfect for binge-watching.

Surfshark also has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your online activities remain private and secure. To protect your data, the service employs AES 256-bit encryption. Surfshark's excellent performance with streaming platforms may be attributed to its speedy and trustworthy U.K. servers.

The VPN service provider has improved its streaming servers, allowing clients to watch high-quality video content without buffering or delays while keeping the same security standards. This is especially vital when accessing geo-restricted content from streaming sites such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer, where consistent security, speed, and steady connections are critical for a pleasant watching experience.

What we didn’t like

While Surfshark is an excellent choice for streaming, there are a few areas where it falls short compared to its competitors. One of the main drawbacks is the smaller number of servers in the U.K. compared to NordVPN. Although the connections are reliable, having fewer servers to choose from can lead to server congestion during peak hours, which may result in reduced performance and slower connection speeds.

In addition, Surfshark's connection speeds are generally slightly slower than ExpressVPN. This difference might not be a dealbreaker for most users, but for those who prioritize speed — especially for activities like online gaming or large file downloads — it could be a factor worth considering. It's also worth noting that while Surfshark offers a competitive pricing structure, it lacks some advanced features provided by other VPN providers, like port forwarding. However, if streaming geo-restricted content and maintaining privacy are your main concerns, Surfshark remains a solid option.

Surfshark specs

VPNs that didn’t make the cut

While evaluating the best VPNs for the U.K., several other options were considered, but they fell short of the top three. CyberGhost and IPVanish offer decent VPN services but failed to outperform NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark due to fewer U.K. servers, occasional connectivity issues, or slower speeds.

CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a popular VPN service known for its user-friendly interface and competitive pricing. It boasts a large server network, dedicated streaming profiles, and strong security features, making it an attractive choice for many users. However, CyberGhost’s server performance is lacking compared to our top picks.

During testing for our CyberGhost review, our U.K. server connection made our internet speed about as fast as dial-up internet. And when determining the best VPNs for Netflix, CyberGhost either struggled to switch server locations or could not connect internationally. CyberGhost is still a trustworthy option for general VPN use, but it falls short of the performance and dependability of our top picks for U.K.-specific reasons.

IPVanish

IPVanish is another well-known VPN company that provides various features, such as a no-logs policy, powerful encryption, and an unlimited number of device connections. Despite these benefits, IPVanish did not make our top three list of the best VPNs for the UK.

The main issue is that it offers more than half the number of U.K. servers compared to our top three picks, which impacts connection speeds and overall performance when accessing local material. IPVanish only has 100-plus U.K. servers, which is limited compared to NordVPN’s 440-plus U.K. servers and Surfshark’s 212 U.K. servers.

During our testing, we also noticed that IPVanish can struggle to reliably unblock major streaming sites, such as Disney+, making it less ideal for consumers prioritizing access to geo-restricted material. Although IPVanish continues to provide a strong VPN experience, it falls short of giving the best U.K. server experience compared to our top selections.

Best VPNs for the UK FAQs

Bottom line: The best VPNs for the UK

In conclusion, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark are the top VPNs to connect to U.K. servers. NordVPN offers countless U.K. servers, ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN for U.K. servers, and Surfshark is the best choice for streaming BBC iPlayer and Netflix U.K.

3 best VPNs for the U.K.

	Starting price	Best for	Learn more
NordVPN	$2.99/mo	Best for countless U.K. servers	Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review
ExpressVPN	Starts at $12.95/mo	Best for fast U.K. servers	Get ExpressVPN  Read ExpressVPN Review
Surfshark	Starts $1.99/mo	Best for streaming BBC iPlayer and Netflix U.K.	Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review

How we tested the best VPN services for the UK

To determine the top three VPNs for the U.K., we rigorously tested various VPN services by focusing on crucial features. We evaluated each VPN provider based on a set of essential criteria to ensure they deliver a reliable, fast, and secure connection, as well as the ability to access geo-restricted content. The following features were considered in our testing process:

• Number of U.K. servers: A higher number of U.K. servers ensures that users have more options to choose from, translating to better connection speeds and reduced server congestion.
• Connection speeds: Fast connection speeds are vital for activities like streaming, gaming, and downloading, so we prioritized VPNs with consistently high speeds in our tests.
• Encryption and security protocols: A good VPN app should offer robust encryption and a variety of security protocols to protect user data and maintain privacy. We looked for VPNs that use industry-standard encryption methods and support multiple protocols.
• Logging policies: A strict no-logs policy is essential for ensuring user privacy, so we focused on VPNs that do not store user activity data.
• Ability to unblock streaming platforms: For users who want to access geo-restricted content like other countries’ Netflix libraries, we prioritized VPNs that can consistently unblock popular streaming platforms, such as Netflix U.K. and BBC iPlayer.
• Pricing and affordability: We considered the overall value provided by each VPN service, considering their features, performance, and pricing plans to ensure that users get the best bang for their buck.

4.9

Limited-time offer: 69% off + 3 extra months

Learn More

On NordVPN's website

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NordVPN

• High-quality VPN offering safety and speed
• Loads of servers for multiple connection options
• Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
• Too many confusing plans

Author Details

Ryan L. Clancy

About the Author

Ryan Clancy is a freelance writer and blogger. With 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience, he's passionate about all things engineering and tech. He loves bringing engineering (especially mechanical) down to a level that everyone can understand.