The United Kingdom has built a name in recent times for its extensive government surveillance on communications. Complaints have been piling up, yet little action seems to be taken regarding this issue.
It’s no surprise that virtual private networks have gained significant popularity in the UK. They provide users with a means to largely evade becoming targets of state-sanctioned monitoring. Being part of the Five Eyes alliance—an association focused on exchanging surveillance and intelligence among five English-speaking countries—UK users find VPNs not only offer some degree of privacy but also a way to bypass any constraints when accessing foreign streaming services.
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Given the prevailing circumstances, VPN usage in the UK stands relatively high. According to Forbes, 42% of internet users in the UK utilize VPN services. While most VPN installations are on laptops, their usage on smartphones remains substantial. UK users have turned to VPN solutions to bolster their online privacy, fortify their security levels when utilizing public Wi-Fi services, safeguard their personal data, encrypt their incoming and outgoing data, access content from other nations, and circumvent censorship or similar restrictions.
However, not all VPN services offer the same features, and the spectrum of their offerings as well as the guarantee of anonymity can differ based on the selected service. Below are some of the finest VPN providers for users in the UK.
| Product | Simultaneous Connections | # of U.K. and Worldwide (WW) Servers | # of Countries | Headquarters Location | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 6 | 440 U.K. and 6,300 WW | 111 | Panama | Starting from £3.25 per month |
| Surfshark | Unlimited | 200 U.K. and 3,200 WW | 94 | Netherlands | Starting from £1.70 per month |
| Private Internet Access | Infinite | 1,200 U.K. and 35,000 global servers | 91 | United States | Starting from £2.03 monthly |
| ExpressVPN | 8 | 150 U.K. and 3000 servers worldwide | 105 | British Virgin Islands | Starting from £5.61 monthly |
| CyberGhost | 7 | 500 U.K. and 9,600 global | 91 | Romania | Starting from £1.85 monthly |
| ProtonVPN | 10 | 36 U.K. and 3,000 global | 69 countries | Switzerland | Starting from £4.28 monthly |
NordVPN: Top VPN Choice for the U.K.
NordVPN proves to be an excellent option for users in the U.K., providing high-speed performance and enabling access to international content by concealing a U.K. IP address. It excels in granting British travelers the ability to enjoy U.K. content while abroad, whether it’s BBC iPlayer or live British sports events. With numerous VPN servers located throughout the U.K. and globally, users are always close to a NordVPN connection point. Moreover, beyond its solid performance in the U.K., NordVPN stands out for its streaming capabilities and robust security features, all at an affordable pricing.
Pricing
The Standard plan is priced at £10.89 monthly or £56.83 annually. The two-year Standard plan costs £78.33, equaling £3.25 per month. Alternatively, the complete plan is available at £13.09 per month or £89.85 annually, with the two-year plan at £132.03. Basic users receive a secure and high-speed VPN but miss out on features like malware protection, ad blocking, password management, data breach scanning, and 1TB of encrypted cloud storage.
Highlighted Features
NordVPN offers a diverse range of security features, including antivirus software, malware detection, data breach scanning, password management, 256-bit encryption, cloud storage, cyber insurance, a tool to validate malicious links, and privacy protection. The company’s commitment to no-logs policy is supported by regular independent audits ensuring no potentially sensitive information is retained or shared without authorization.
With over 6,300 NordVPN servers globally and the flexibility to choose preferred city connections, NordVPN excels in delivering high-performance streaming for platforms like Netflix. Users from the U.K. can also leverage it to access American content typically restricted due to their U.K. IP address.
The NordVPN service allows simultaneous connections on six devices with protection for up to 10 devices. Being based in Panama, NordVPN operates beyond the regulations of information-sharing agreements, resulting in enhanced privacy. Its compatibility across various operating systems like Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and Linux ensures a smooth user experience for all.
Pros
- Exceptional for streaming on Netflix, Hulu, Prime, etc.
- Fast speeds for U.K. connections.
- Diverse security features.
- No user logs stored.
- Operates independently from surveillance alliances.
Cons
- Relatively higher pricing compared to alternatives.
- Limited to six concurrent connections.
- Some users find mobile
apps usability challenging.
Why NordVPN?
Though not the most budget-friendly option in the U.K. VPN market, NordVPN excels in most aspects, offers ample U.K. servers, and boasts extensive global coverage.
Surfshark: Ideal for Numerous Connections
Surfshark offers a comparable feature set to NordVPN at a more competitive price point. While hosting fewer servers than its rival, it still maintains a network of over 200 U.K. servers and 3,000+ worldwide. Its strengths lie in unblocking international movies, TV shows, and streaming platforms. The service allows for unlimited simultaneous connections, backed by reliable security measures and privacy protocols. However, being headquartered in the Netherlands, Surfshark may be susceptible to surveillance by certain nations with stringent online monitoring practices.
traffic.
Cost
Surfshark has recently reduced the price of its biennial subscription to £44.32 for 26 months or £1.70 per month. Comparatively, the annual plan costs £39.82. This pertains to the Starter package, inclusive of a VPN, an ad blocker, a pop-up blocker, and limitless simultaneous connections. Other packages are slightly pricier, featuring enhanced functionalities, yet they remain competitively priced.
Key Features
While Surfshark may not offer as many security features as NordVPN, it still provides a considerable array: AES-256 encryption, split-tunneling, leak protection, a whitelister, kill switches for dropped connections, and malware and ad protection. It even offers a method to disguise VPN traffic as standard internet traffic to circumvent VPN blocks by certain governments.
The performance is commendable, suitable for most users’ needs. It efficiently unblocks services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime. In terms of user-friendliness, Surfshark is described as easy to navigate and simple to operate by users. Numerous apps are available for sharing across multiple devices.
Advantages
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- Affordable pricing.
- Strong performance.
- Diverse security and privacy features.
Disadvantages
- Does not offer static IP addresses.
- No complimentary version available.
- Headquarters are placed within jurisdictions of surveillance alliances.
Reasons for Choosing Surfshark
Both Surfshark and Private Internet Access allow unlimited simultaneous connections, but Surfshark stands out due to its slightly lower cost and broader coverage of countries served.
Private Internet Access: Top Choice for VPN Server Quantity
This U.S.-based provider adopts a no-logs policy audited by third-party entities. It has a history of standing firm against governmental attempts to extract user data. In certain instances, it has opted to shut down VPN servers rather than comply. Nonetheless, it operates within the Five Eyes jurisdiction.
Private Internet Access excels in terms of server volume, boasting 35,000 servers, surpassing its competitors. Its extensive customization options might appeal to specific users willing to pay more for unique features.
Pricing
Pricing starts at £2.71 per month with a yearly subscription.
Key Features
PIA places a strong emphasis on privacy and is one of the select few VPNs built on open-source principles. It features AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, obfuscation to mask VPN usage, multi-hop for enhanced encryption, and split tunneling for users who want selective application of VPN protection. This VPN is recognized for its capability to stream content and bypass geographical restrictions.
The performance is satisfactory, albeit not top-tier compared to some competitors. Nevertheless, it offers unrestricted simultaneous connections and excellent compatibility across various platforms. Linux users find it simple to navigate due to its familiar interface, whereas non-Linux users might encounter challenges.
Advantages
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- Largest server network among all VPN providers.
- Extensive customization options.
Disadvantages
- Complex user interface.
- No free version.
- Operates under a surveillance alliance jurisdiction.
- Performance falls short compared to some rival VPNs.
Reasons for Choosing Private Internet Access
In terms of sheer server quantity worldwide, PIA outshines its competitors. Its cost-effectiveness and unlimited simultaneous connections make it a robust VPN choice.
ExpressVPN: Ideal for Torrenting
ExpressVPN commands a higher price than its competitors but compensates with an extensive array of advanced security features. It excels in assisting British frequent travelers and expatriates in accessing local streaming content and sports channels. The provider offers a wide selection of apps compatible across almost all platforms and devices. Users can manually connect to multiple U.K. locations if desired.
Pricing
ExpressVPN provides monthly, six-month, and 12-month plans. The monthly plan starts at $6.60 for a 12-month subscription and goes up to a maximum.to £10.76 per month when paid on a monthly basis. Prices may fluctuate depending on temporary discounts. The most competitive rate identified so far for extended contracts, considering discounts, is £5.61.
Outstanding features
ExpressVPN offers users the flexibility to prioritize either speed or security according to their online and privacy requirements. Its performance is particularly suitable for torrenting, making it a popular choice among many users. With its high speed, it is well-suited for advanced users, online gamers, and those who extensively use streaming services.
Despite being based in the British Virgin Islands, the company takes extensive measures to safeguard user privacy. ExpressVPN boasts a verified no-logs policy and the largest number of servers compared to any other VPN provider. The user-friendly interface is another notable advantage of ExpressVPN. Security features include 256-bit encryption, a password manager, and a kill switch.
Advantages
- Comprehensive VPN server network.
- Not subject to any surveillance alliance jurisdiction.
- No-logs policy in place.
Disadvantages
- Limit of only eight simultaneous connections.
- Lacks static IP addresses.
- Considered one of the more expensive VPN providers.
Reasons for selecting ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN stands out as the priciest VPN on our list. Nonetheless, there are other alternatives that are equally or even more expensive when paid on a monthly basis. ExpressVPN is a highly effective VPN with broad coverage, with many users particularly impressed by its torrenting capabilities.
CyberGhost: Ideal for European travel
CyberGhost presents a solid VPN solution with a network exceeding 9,000 servers globally. Being headquartered in Romania, it ensures top-notch privacy protection and concentrates most of its servers in Europe, making it an excellent choice for British individuals who frequently travel to or reside in Europe.
This VPN service also includes specialized servers optimized for gaming, streaming, or with added security features. Certain servers are specifically dedicated to activities like accessing Netflix. Moreover, it offers content-blocking capabilities; however, it may face challenges in unblocking specific services, especially outside Europe.
Pricing
For a 24-month subscription, the monthly price is calculated at £1.85 (inclusive of three additional months free). Opting for a monthly payment plan increases the rate significantly beyond £10.
Outstanding features
The provider maintains over 500 servers in three United Kingdom cities. European-based Brits have the option to select server types, such as those optimized for Netflix, or opt for the NoSpy server. Being located in Romania rather than in a colocation provider, it remains largely beyond governmental reach.
It upholds a robust privacy policy with no-logs commitments; however, these are not subjected to independent audits. Its security features and performance are adequate but fall short of what some of its competitors offer.
Advantages
- Dedicated servers catering to streaming, gaming, torrenting, and privacy needs.
- User-friendly interface and learning curve.
- Affordable pricing.
- Possibility of dedicated IP addresses.
Disadvantages
- Customer support may not be as comprehensive as other VPN providers.
- Allowance for up to seven simultaneous connections.
Reasons for choosing CyberGhost
With its base in Romania and a predominant server network in Europe, CyberGhost emerges as the preferred choice for Brits embarking on European travel or residency.
Proton VPN: Leading open-source VPN
Proton VPN is renowned for its Proton Mail service, which offers high levels of privacy and encryption for email communications. It provides a secure platform for those sending sensitive emails, allowing content masking to prevent interception and unauthorized access. Expanding its services, Proton now offers a VPN service; although proficient, it may not be the best available option. Its primary audience is likely existing Proton Mail users or individuals preferring open-source tools.
With approximately 3,000 servers in its network, Proton VPN offers enhanced security measures for highly sensitive data by routing traffic through countries like Switzerland and Iceland, beyond surveillance areas. The company emphasizes anonymity and operates from Switzerland. However, its server presence in the United Kingdom is not particularly strong.
Pricing
Initial pricing starts at £4.28 monthly for a two-year subscription and increases for shorter duration plans, with additional costs for the professional version.
Outstanding features
Proton VPN integrates AES 256-bit encryption, a malware blocking feature, efficient customer support, unlimited data usage, and an ad-free experience. The service supports simultaneous connections for up to 10 devices and is compatible with various platforms, including Windows, MacOS, ChromeOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Being an open-source tool, Proton VPN’s code is open for inspection. Users can also install Proton VPN on their routers to secure all devices connected to the Wi-Fi network. Notably, its free plan surpasses many others, making it an attractive option for some users.
Complete a subscription.
Advantages
- Safeguarded Core servers situated in countries that are not part of surveillance alliances.
- Excellent complimentary version with limitless data.
- Publicly available.
Disadvantages
- Lack of fixed IP addresses.
- Restriction of 10 devices.
- Complex user interface.
Reasons for Selecting Proton VPN
Between the two publicly available VPNs listed, Proton VPN emerges as the top choice due to its reputation in the publicly available sector. Its Proton Mail service is esteemed globally for its privacy features, and its newer VPN service upholds that legacy.
Selecting a VPN
When deciding on a VPN, various aspects should be taken into account. The primary consideration is the price. For individuals who infrequently use a VPN, a complimentary version like Proton VPN may suffice. As more functionalities and enhanced levels of security, privacy, and performance are introduced, the cost typically increases. Enterprise VPNs are more expensive than consumer-grade solutions, but certain users may require that level of complexity. Users should carefully assess their requirements to ensure that a) they do not overpay for features they do not need, and b) they do not underpay and miss out on essential capabilities.
Expatriates who frequently utilize a VPN or individuals who travel regularly may be willing to pay a higher price for superior coverage and service. Each service discussed here has its strengths and weaknesses. Some are more effective than others in particular regions. Evaluate the options to determine how well they cater to the regions you frequent.
Security and privacy are additional factors to consider. Is it worth paying extra for top-tier security if your data traffic is not highly sensitive? On the contrary, if absolute privacy and immunity from any form of surveillance are imperative to you, opt for a service with the most reliable independently verified, no-logs regulations and a multitude of servers in locations that will safeguard your data.
The choice between open-source and proprietary software may also be a decisive factor. There are several open-source solutions available. Users familiar and comfortable with open-source should evaluate these tools to ascertain if they align with their requirements. Conversely, those less familiar with open-source software should likely try a free version first to assess its user-friendliness.
Users who predominantly use a smartphone should also evaluate how well the proposed VPN functions on an Android or iPhone. While most of these tools perform well on both platforms, there are some nuances to consider.
Approach
Our purchasing guides and suggestions are the result of extensive exploration, field testing, and expert evaluations. Each VPN mentioned in this list was meticulously assessed by our team with respect to essential factors such as pricing, features, assistance, coverage, server count, security, and more. Moreover, user feedback and analyst evaluations were also factored in while selecting our top U.K. VPN recommendations.
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