Table of Content
- How many VPN providers are in the UK?
- Which VPN is best in the UK?
- NordVPN – the best VPN in the UK for professionals
- SurfShark – the provider with the best VPN price in the UK
- ExpressVPN – the safest choice
- Is using a VPN legal in the UK?
- Final thoughts – who offers the best paid VPN in the UK?
- UK VPN FAQ
How many VPN providers are in the UK?
In total, a lot. But of course, there is massive variation between different VPN services in the UK in terms of speeds, security protocols and value for money. For this reason, it’s important to know exactly what to look out for if you want to compare the market most effectively.
We’d suggest keeping your eyes peeled for:
High-end security
Let’s start with the obvious one – a good UK VPN should be safe. Super-safe, in fact. Look out for providers offering WireGuard, OpenVPN and other well-respected encryption protocols.
A “no-logs” policy
For obvious reasons, VPN providers in the UK shouldn’t keep activity logs of your browsing history, downloads or used services.
Multiple device support
The best VPN for the UK should have dedicated apps for different devices – and don’t forget things like Smart TVs and Amazon Fire Sticks here.
Capable Speeds
Now you don’t have to pick the fastest VPN in the UK to get the best service, but you will need sufficient speeds for streaming, browsing and whatever other VPN-related activities you intend to pursue.
Diverse range of servers
To get the most out of a VPN, you’ll want more than just one or two UK VPN servers. The best providers offer thousands of servers in tens of different countries, enabling you to connect to almost anywhere in the world with just a couple of clicks.
Award
ExpressVPN Review
from $8,32 / Month
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Most Locations
Surfshark Review
from $2,49 / Month
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Best Price
NordVPN Review
from $3,59 / Month
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Which VPN is best in the UK?
VPNs come in several different shapes and sizes – and the best VPN provider for you will of course depend on your unique needs.
Nevertheless, there are a handful out there that we believe are a cut above the rest from an average UK user standpoint. Let’s compare the key features of these VPNs in a quick-glance table before we more carefully review each one.
NordVPN | SurfShark | ExpressVPN | |
---|---|---|---|
Security and encryption tech | IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN, NordLynx | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | AES-256, Lightway, OpenVPN |
Independent speed test average | Approx. 310Mbps | Approx. 290 Mbps | Approx. 300Mbps |
Cheapest price plan / deal | From $3.49 monthly | From just $2.39 with an up to 82% saving | From $6.67 with three months free |
Number of servers | 5,600 across 60 different countries | 3,200 across 100 different countries | 3,000 across 91 different countries |
Customer support | 24/7 live chat | 24/7 live chat | 24/7 live chat |
Streaming compatibility | Compatible with Netflix, Disney Plus, NOW TV, Amazon, BBC iPlayer, and others | Compatible with Netflix, Disney Plus, NOW TV, Amazon, BBC iPlayer, and others | Compatible with Netflix, Disney Plus, HBO Max, NOW TV, BBC iPlayer, and others |
Max. simultaneous connections permitted | 6 | Unlimited | 5 |
1. NordVPN – the best VPN in the UK for professionals
NordVPN isn’t the cheapest VPN around and they don’t offer a free UK VPN option either, but their brand name is internationally renowned, and their state-of-the-art security protocols are equally widely respected.
This provider also offers some of the fastest servers around, and there are more than 5,000 different individual server locations for you to choose from in total. Remote workers can enjoy fast, secure connections to 60 different countries.
Pro and Con
- Excellent security protocols
- Connect up to 6 devices
- Easy-to-navigate apps
- 600 different UK server
- Other VPNs offer more countries
4.5/5
from $3,59 / Month
T&Cs apply, 18+
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NordVPN Highlights
- Lightning-fast server speeds
- Wide server coverage globally
- Advanced security features
2. SurfShark – the provider with the best VPN price in the UK
With fast connections to 100 different countries available and no caps on the number of devices you can hook up to your VPN at once, SurfShark is a superb choice for Brits who enjoy streaming.
If you want to buy a vpn in the UK at a low price point, they’re also one of the most affordable options around, offering some amazing discounts that can potentially save you up to 82%.
Pro and Con
- Amazing server selection
- Unblock geo-blocked streaming content
- Connect hundreds of devices
- Very affordable
- Speeds aren’t so competitive
4.5/5
from $2,49 / Month
T&Cs apply, 18+
Go to Surfshark
Surfshark Highlights
- Wide server network, extensive coverage
- Unlimited device connections
- Excellent streaming capabilities
3. ExpressVPN – the safest choice
First founded back in 2009, ExpressVPN has a lot of industry pedigree. They’re used by 4 million people globally and offer water-tight servers in an impressive 94 different countries.
If you want to buy a VPN in the UK that’s ultra-safe, this might just be the best option for you. This provider utilises 4096-bit, AES-256 encryption, which is widely regarded as industry-leading. Their Lightway and OpenVPN protocols will keep you protected 24/7.
Pro and Con
- Super-safe VPN protocols
- Longstanding reputation
- No-logs policy
- Very fast
- A bit pricey
4.6/5
from $8,32 / Month
T&Cs apply, 18+
Go to ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN Highlights
- Wide server coverage and continuous expansion
- Lightning-fast VPN speeds
- Flexible pricing plans with a money-back guarantee
Is using a VPN legal in the UK?
As far as VPN rules in the UK are concerned, there isn’t really a fat lot for you to worry about here. There are no laws in place banning or restricting VPN use in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, so just follow whatever rules have been set out by your preferred VPN provider and you’re pretty much good to go.
Final thoughts – who offers the best paid VPN in the UK?
Being able to effectively pin down the best VPN in the UK pretty much comes down to identifying what you’re looking to get out of a VPN, then comparing providers to find out who’s offering the most appropriate features at the best price.
If you’re reading this article from outside of blighty, be sure to check out our guides on the best VPN for your country, as the options available in each region can often differ. Ultimately, though, so long as you sign up with a company that has a strong reputation, state-of-the-art security protocols, capable speeds, and the all-important features that you personally are looking for, you can’t really go too far wrong.
Our favourite VPN providers
1.
4.6/5
ExpressVPN Review
from $8,32 / Month
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T&Cs apply, 18+
2.
4.6/5
CyberGhost Review
from $2,37 / Month
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T&Cs apply, 18+
3.
4.5/5
NordVPN Review
from $3,59 / Month
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T&Cs apply, 18+
4.
4.5/5
Atlas VPN Review
from $1,99 / Month
Visit Site
T&Cs apply, 18+
5.
4.5/5
Private Internet Access Review
from $1,98 / Month
Visit Site
T&Cs apply, 18+
UK VPN FAQ
🕴️Which UK VPNs are best for businesses?
Businesses, professionals, and remote workers have different needs VPN-wise to regular consumers. Some VPN providers understand this better than others and therefore offer services packed full of business-friendly features and add-ons. Discover the best VPNs to suit your unique needs today by using Strafe.com to shop around and compare the market.
📺 Which UK VPN is best for using with streaming services?
Most major VPN providers make it super-easy for users to unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ and other popular streaming services, though you’re bound to have more success with some VPNs than others. Compare the best VPN providers for streaming, gaming, remote working, and other purposes today using Strafe.com and discover the best VPN for you in minutes.
🌐 Which VPN has the most servers in the UK?
While some VPNs offer thousands or even tens of thousands of individual server locations, others offer a greater scope of actual countries to choose from when connecting online. Our expert reviews and comparisons explore the server capabilities of different market-leading VPNs in detail, helping you to decide which provider is the best fit for what you need. Discover who has the most servers in the UK, US, and other countries now.
🧐 What are the best benefits of getting a VPN?
VPNs aren’t just aimed at security-conscious remote workers who like to work out of cafes or via potentially dodgy public WiFi. They offer a tonne of amazing benefits in terms of security, online streaming, gaming, and simply browsing. Our VPN guides contain everything you need to know about VPNs and the best features they tend to offer.