In light of new age verification laws in the UK, going online without compromising your privacy has become more important than ever. A VPN can help you bypass censorship, access regional content, and obfuscate your identity online. For this list, we've picked VPNs with strong network presences in and around the UK. That way, you can stay protected while maintaining your UK connection or connect to a nearby region to skirt oppressive restrictions. Our top pick overall, ProtonVPN, offers generous server coverage in the country and plentiful offerings in nearby regions like Ireland, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. But it isn't the only VPN worth using in the UK, so read on for more good options.
Overview
-
Jump To Details
![Proton VPN]()
Best OverallProton VPN
-
Jump To Details
![NordVPN]()
Best for Premium FeaturesNordVPN
-
Jump To Details
![TunnelBear VPN]()
Best for First-Time VPN UsersTunnelBear VPN
-
Jump To Details
![ExpressVPN]()
Best for Avoiding CensorshipExpressVPN
-
Jump To Details
![HMA VPN]()
Best Domestic OptionHMA VPN
-
Jump To Details
![Surfshark VPN]()
Best for Protecting Many DevicesSurfshark VPN
-
Jump To Details
![Mullvad VPN]()
Best for Cheap Privacy ProtectionMullvad VPN
-
Jump To Details
![Windscribe VPN]()
Best Server SelectionWindscribe VPN
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
-
Credit: Proton
![Proton VPN]()
Best OverallProton VPN
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Proton provides over 60 servers in the UK and offers multi-hop connections to the UK via Switzerland and Iceland. Although it has fewer servers overall and in the UK than competitors, Proton deftly balances advanced features, approachable design, and cost. It's our highest-rated VPN and our top choice for free VPNs. Note, however, that Proton does not offer free servers in the UK.
Who It's For
Proton earned our highest score because we believe it works well for most people. It's one of only two VPNs to offer split tunneling, multi-hop, and access to Tor via VPN. It has a growing worldwide server presence that isn't the largest but is flexible enough to meet most people's needs. A new redesign has made this app more approachable than ever, and it's nearly dead-on for the industry average monthly subscription price.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Blocks Ads Can Manually Select Server In Free Version Free Connection Speeds Limited No Free Version Free Version Server Limit US, Netherlands, Japan Free Version Data Limit Unlimited Free Version Simultaneous Connection Limit 1 Geographically Diverse Servers No Ads In Free Version? Yes Public Third-Party Audit Server Locations 129 countries Simultaneous VPN Connections 10 Supported Protocols on Android WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 Supported Protocols on iOS WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 Supported Protocols on macOS WireGuard, IKEv2 Learn More Proton VPN Review -
-
Credit: NordVPN
![NordVPN]()
Best for Premium FeaturesNordVPN
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Nord is one of only two VPNs to offer split tunneling, multi-hop connections, and access to Tor by VPN. It also boasts more than 400 servers in the UK, giving you a lot of options to find a server that works for whatever you need.
Who It's For
Nord is for users who like to take a kitchen-sink approach to security, as it offers a little bit of everything. It has a strong suite of privacy tools and has started to expand with antivirus, separate encrypted file storage, and password management services.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Blocks Ads Free Version Data Limit No Free Version Geographically Diverse Servers Server Locations 118 countries Simultaneous VPN Connections 6 Supported Protocols on Android NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN Supported Protocols on iOS NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec Supported Protocols on macOS NordLynx (based on WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2 Learn More NordVPN Review -
-
![TunnelBear VPN]()
Best for First-Time VPN UsersTunnelBear VPN
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
TunnelBear provides servers in the UK but does not publish their numbers or locations. That's disappointing, but TunnelBear is still an overall great choice. Its monthly subscription fee is almost precisely average, and its friendly, whimsical approach to design is a breath of fresh air. Don't assume that it's a privacy pushover just because this service goes all-in on its bear mascots. TunnelBear has one of the industry's longest-running annual audit programs and offers its customers strong privacy protections. It also offers its UK servers to free subscribers.
Who It's For
With its funny, friendly design, we recommend TunnelBear to first-time buyers or anyone unfamiliar with VPNs. It lacks some of the features and controls found among competitors, but comes close to being a set-and-forget product. It also offers a limited free subscription, so you can try out TunnelBear to see if it works for you.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Are All Features Available In Free Version? Blocks Ads Can Manually Select Server In Free Version Free Connection Speeds Limited No Free Version Free Version Server Limit All Servers Free Version Data Limit 2GB per month Free Version Simultaneous Connection Limit Unlimited Geographically Diverse Servers No Ads In Free Version? Yes Public Third-Party Audit Server Locations 45 Countries Simultaneous VPN Connections Unlimited Supported Protocols on Android OpenVPN Supported Protocols on iOS WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 Supported Protocols on macOS WireGuard, OpenVPN Learn More TunnelBear VPN Review -
-
Credit: ExpressVPN
![ExpressVPN]()
Best for Avoiding CensorshipExpressVPN
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
ExpressVPN hosts servers in London, the Docklands, East London, the Midlands, and Wembley. Unfortunately, the company does not list the number of servers it provides in the UK, only its locations. However, it makes our list of the best VPNs for the UK because it offers many server locations and doesn't use virtual locations for most of its fleet. It also boasts a snazzy design and uses tamper-resistant RAM-only servers.
Who It's For
With servers in 105 countries, Express VPN is our go-to recommendation for world travelers. When you're gallivanting across the globe, you want a VPN server that's physically near you for the best performance. ExpressVPN does use some virtual locations, but its fleet is primarily located where you'd expect it to be.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Blocks Ads Free Version Data Limit No Free Version Geographically Diverse Servers Server Locations 105 Countries Simultaneous VPN Connections 10-14 Supported Protocols on Android Lightway Supported Protocols on iOS OpenVPN, IKEv2 Supported Protocols on macOS Lightway, OpenVPN, L2TP Learn More ExpressVPN Review -
-
Credit: HMA
![HMA VPN]()
Best Domestic OptionHMA VPN
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
We put HMA on our list because it's based in the UK. Beyond its hometown status, HMA VPN has a lot to offer. Its cheeky donkey-centric style is all its own, and it has one of the most approachable app designs in the industry. Most impressively, it has more global server locations than any other VPN we've reviewed, covering 190 countries. There's a catch, however: A startlingly high number of HMA's location options are virtual locations, which means that the servers are physically located somewhere other than the IP address they provide. The site does a pretty good job of identifying them, which is helpful for users, but the app could use some clarity.
Who It's For
This venerable VPN is a good choice for anyone who wants a UK-based service, or a service with enormous flexibility about server locations (with the caveat mentioned above). It's also very easy to use, making it a good choice for those unfamiliar with VPNs. A
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Free Version Data Limit No Free Version Geographically Diverse Servers Server Locations 190 Countries Simultaneous VPN Connections 5 Learn More HMA VPN Review -
-
Credit: Surfshark
![Surfshark VPN]()
Best for Protecting Many DevicesSurfshark VPN
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Surfshark comes in just behind Nord with 212 total servers in the UK, spread out across Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, and Manchester. That gives you a lot of chances to find a server that will work for whatever you need. Surfshark also boasts split tunneling and multi-hop connections. Where it really stands out, however, is in placing no limits on simultaneous connections.
Who It's For
Although it has a pretty good selection of features, Surfshark's real attraction is its lack of limit on simultaneous connections. If you have a large family where everyone has their own tablets, computers, and smartphones, Surfshark is a strong choice because one subscription will cover all those devices.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Blocks Ads Free Version Data Limit No Free Version Geographically Diverse Servers Server Locations 100 Countries Simultaneous VPN Connections Unlimited Supported Protocols on Android WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 Supported Protocols on iOS WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 Supported Protocols on macOS WireGuard, IKEv2 Learn More Surfshark VPN Review -
-
![Mullvad VPN]()
Best for Cheap Privacy ProtectionMullvad VPN
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Mullvad has 37 servers in the UK, with most in Manchester and London. Thanks to the company's radical stance on transparency, we know that Mullvad owns 12 of its London servers outright. Mullvad also provides welcome features like split tunneling and multi-hop connections, and uses a unique passwordless account number system that helps anonymize its customers. Best of all, it costs only 5 euros per month, and you can pay that in cash if you wish to keep your transaction completely private.
Who It's For
Mullvad doesn't have the most servers, the best app, or even the most features. What it does offer is unparalleled privacy protection at an unbeatable price. If you want a service that does the utmost to protect its customers' privacy at any cost (except money), it's Mullvad.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Free Version Data Limit No Free Version Geographically Diverse Servers Server Locations 50 Countries Simultaneous VPN Connections 5 Supported Protocols on Android WireGuard, OpenVPN Supported Protocols on iOS OpenVPN, WireGuard Supported Protocols on macOS WireGuard, OpenVPN Learn More Mullvad VPN Review -
-
Credit: Windscribe
![Windscribe VPN]()
Best Server SelectionWindscribe VPN
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Windscribe has the most high-performance UK-based servers of all the services we tested, each offering 10Gbps of bandwidth in some of the country's most populated areas. Add to that a stellar privacy record (and some cheeky names for its UK servers like Biscuits), and you've got a top option for a VPN in the UK.
Who It's For
Windscribe is best for people who want high-performance servers, and more preferably, those who live in high-density population centers. However, Windscribe doesn't offer the broadest coverage to some of the more remote regions of the UK, so if that's where you live, you might want to consider other options on this list with larger server fleets.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Blocks Ads Free Version Free Version Data Limit 10GB Per Month Geographically Diverse Servers Server Locations 69 Countries Simultaneous VPN Connections Unlimited Learn More Windscribe VPN Review -
Compare Specs
Our Pick | |||||||||||
Rating |
5.0 Exemplary |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.5 Outstanding |
5.0 Exemplary |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
Best For | Best Overall | Best for Premium Features | Best for First-Time VPN Users | Best for Avoiding Censorship | Best Domestic Option | Best for Protecting Many Devices | Best for Cheap Privacy Protection | Best Server Selection | Best Overall | Best for Premium Features | Best for First-Time VPN Users |
Blocks Ads | |||||||||||
Simultaneous VPN Connections | 10 | 6 | Unlimited | 10-14 | 5 | Unlimited | 5 | Unlimited | 10 | 6 | Unlimited |
500+ Servers | |||||||||||
Server Locations | 129 countries | 118 countries | 45 Countries | 105 Countries | 190 Countries | 100 Countries | 50 Countries | 69 Countries | 129 countries | 118 countries | 45 Countries |
Geographically Diverse Servers | |||||||||||
Free Version | |||||||||||
Free Version Data Limit | Unlimited | No Free Version | 2GB per month | No Free Version | No Free Version | No Free Version | No Free Version | 10GB Per Month | Unlimited | No Free Version | 2GB per month |
Buying Guide: The Best VPNs for the UK in 2026
Can a UK VPN Bypass Age Verification Laws?
It can. Much like the Pornhub restrictions in the United States, a VPN can allow you to access adult content without compromising your privacy. These censorship laws are supposedly aimed at protecting children. While admirable in an ideal world, in practice, those same laws put your identity at risk. Sites suffer data breaches frequently, and the resulting leaks can ruin lives. Just recently, a women-only safety app called Tea was hit by a major hack that resulted in over 10,000 photo IDs being leaked to the public.
We trust very few VPNs with our data because a good VPN should be built around privacy. In general, we do not trust sites that are forced to hold personal data to do so securely. The fastest way to ensure that a site treats your data with as little concern or security as possible is to mandate that the site collect that data without also mandating that data be secured, regularly deleted, or protected. As such, we highly recommend that you do not provide personal information such as your government ID when a site asks for it. A VPN is a great way to retain access to the content you want without risking your privacy.
What's the Best Free VPN for the UK?
Free VPNs come with some caveats. You’ll often be restricted to a handful of servers and have limited data. That makes it hard to recommend a fully free VPN for the UK, as many no-cost options don’t let you select server regions. Proton VPN’s free plan is a solid choice for residents of the Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland, and the US. However, you won’t get access to the UK servers unless you pay for a premium plan. If you're in the UK and trying to access sites as though you were outside of the country, Proton is a good choice, and in fact has seen a huge influx of signups for that reason.
Windscribe is an excellent choice since it offers local UK connections with its free plan—two in London and one in Manchester. Keep in mind that you can’t select which city server you connect to, and you will be limited to just 10GB of data per month if you sign up with a confirmed email. So, it may not be ideal if you’re looking to stream video content or play video games while connected to a VPN. It’s a better choice for light web browsing.
Although they're not free, two of the choices on this list are notably affordable. Mullvad VPN costs just 5 euros per month ($5.36 as of this writing), and IVPN's flexible pricing starts at $2 per week. You can also use Windscribe’s build-a-plan option for as low as three dollars per month, which lets you configure a setup with only the servers you need.
We also evaluate every VPN’s price. You can see our full cost breakdown in the chart below.
What's the Best UK VPN for Netflix, BBC, and TV?
Regional streaming access can vary as services like Netflix build better VPN detection algorithms and VPNs develop better ways to get past them. This cat-and-mouse game can often leave users in the lurch, which is one of the reasons why we don’t tend to recommend long-term subscriptions. The best VPN for UK Netflix, BBC, and local TV is bound to change frequently. That said, we do test every VPN to see how reliable it is at accessing regional Netflix catalogs, including the UK. However, iPlayer is not currently a part of our testing. The chart below details the full results.
We recommend signing up for a monthly subscription to one of the top UK VPNs listed in this piece before you commit to a long-term plan. That way, you can see if the service meets your needs and can reliably access the content you want to watch. However, using a VPN in this way often breaks the terms of service for platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer. It is best to familiarise yourself with all of the ins and outs of those policies before connecting with a VPN.
If you run into a block, then it's best to try again on a different server or at a different time of day. Sometimes, individual servers get blocklisted by a streaming service. For streaming video, having more servers is usually better. If you find that one server doesn't work, jumping to another may do the trick.
Recommended by Our Editors
How to Pick a VPN Server in the UK
Picking the right server will depend on what you’re trying to do. For general access to UK websites, you can just connect to any nearby server located in the country. As mentioned above, streaming access can be a bit trickier. It’s best to try a handful of servers and to refresh your connection a few times if you’re running into blocks.
It is best to choose servers close to you geographically. The closer a server is, the better your performance and overall connection stability are going to be. If you're not within the UK or very close to it, tunneling to a UK-based VPN server will degrade your internet performance. That degradation is likely to get worse the farther away you are from the server. You should also check any details the app gives you for server load. Avoid locations that are jam-packed full of users since that will impact your experience as well.
At PCMag, we use US-based VPN servers for all our speed tests. As such, we can only provide evaluations of VPN performance when connected to a US-based server located in Portland, Oregon. Performance in the UK, and especially connecting to servers in the UK from other countries, will be different.
If you'd like to find out more about our testing practices, check out how we test VPNs. The chart below has the most recent speed test results from all the providers we cover:
What's the Best VPN for the UK?
In terms of privacy, there's a strong argument to be made for using a VPN domestically. This is especially true in the UK. UK intelligence and law enforcement have robust surveillance capabilities, similar to the US (in practice if not in scope). Recently, the UK has put age verification steps in place on any site hosting adult content. The scope of what exactly constitutes "adult content" is yet to be seen, and critics are concerned that it will also apply to topics like reproductive health and LGBTQ+ rights. Even so, it looks like other governments are following suit. We’re likely to see more censorship, not less, if this trend continues.
A VPN can help protect your privacy and grant access to content under stricter control. However, we haven't tested the ability of any of the VPNs in this list against the specific challenges of the UK internet. Also, while a VPN does a lot to protect your privacy, it may not be able to stand up against the range of tools available to a well-funded state actor, so tread carefully.
Speaking of limitations, whatever VPN you choose will not protect against every threat. We highly recommend using local antivirus software, creating unique passwords for every site and service with a password manager, and enabling multi-factor authentication wherever it's available.
Chris Stobing contributed to this article.