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Updated December 2025

The Best VPNs for the UK

We tested the top providers for speed, privacy, and unlocking capability. Here are the winners that actually work.

Independently Tested
Verified Security
Speed Checks
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Quick Summary

Rank Provider Action
1
NordVPN Logo NordVPN
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2
Surfshark Logo Surfshark
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3
CyberGhost Logo CyberGhost
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4
Proton VPN Logo Proton VPN
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5
ExpressVPN Logo ExpressVPN
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Fast Track Reviews

#1 Editor's Choice
NordVPN Logo
9.8/10
Servers 6,000+
Netflix Unlocks
Price £2.99/mo
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30 Day Money Back Guarantee

Fastest for UK Streaming

NordVPN Review

NordVPN is currently the market leader for a reason. During our tests in London, it retained 92% of our original internet speed, which is incredibly rare. It reliably unlocks BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, and foreign streaming catalogs without buffering.

For privacy, it is based in Panama (outside the 14 Eyes intelligence alliance) and has had its "No Logs" policy audited by independent firms multiple times.

The Pros
  • Fastest "NordLynx" protocol.
  • Dedicated Fire Stick app.
  • Massive server network.
The Cons
  • Map interface can be cluttered.
  • Renewal price is higher.
Verdict

If you want a VPN that "just works" for everything from Netflix to banking, this is the one to buy. It offers the best balance of speed, security, and price.

Best Value
Surfshark Logo
9.6/10
Devices Unlimited
Ads Blocked
Price £1.99/mo
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30 Day Money Back Guarantee

Best for Families

Surfshark Review

If you have a lot of gadgets, Surfshark is the only choice. Unlike other providers that limit you to 5 or 6 devices, Surfshark allows you to protect every phone, laptop, and tablet in your house for one low price.

Despite the low cost, it doesn't skimp on features. It includes a "CleanWeb" ad blocker and MultiHop capabilities.

The Pros
  • Connect unlimited devices.
  • Very cheap long-term plans.
  • Modern, clean app design.
The Cons
  • Support can be slower than Nord.
  • Static IP options limited.
Verdict

The best budget option. Perfect for families or students who want to share a subscription across multiple devices without hitting a limit.

Best for TV
CyberGhost Logo
9.1/10
Servers 9,000+
Streaming Dedicated
Price £1.92/mo
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45 Day Money Back Guarantee

Best for Streaming

CyberGhost Review

CyberGhost takes the guesswork out of streaming. Instead of guessing which server works for BBC iPlayer, you simply click the "For Streaming" tab and select "BBC iPlayer". It connects you to a server optimized specifically for that platform.

They also have one of the largest server networks in the world, with over 9,000 servers in 90+ countries, meaning you'll almost always find a fast connection nearby.

The Pros
  • Dedicated streaming servers.
  • Long 45-day money back guarantee.
  • Very cheap long-term plan.
The Cons
  • Windows app can feel clunky.
  • Monthly plans are expensive.
Verdict

For users who only care about unblocking TV shows and movies, CyberGhost makes the process easier than any other provider thanks to its labeled servers.

Top Privacy
Proton VPN Logo
9.0/10
HQ Switzerland
Logs Zero
Price £3.99/mo
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30 Day Money Back Guarantee

Best for Privacy

Proton VPN Review

If you care about privacy above everything else, Proton is the answer. Based in Switzerland, it benefits from some of the world's strongest data protection laws. Their apps are open source and have been independently audited.

They also offer "Secure Core" servers, which route your traffic through an underground bunker in the Swiss Alps before sending it to the internet.

The Pros
  • Based in Switzerland (safe jurisdiction).
  • Open source apps for transparency.
  • Includes a decent free tier.
The Cons
  • More expensive than rivals.
  • Live chat is not always instant.
Verdict

The choice for privacy purists, activists, and journalists. If you want maximum security and don't mind paying a little extra, this is it.

Premium Pick
ExpressVPN Logo
8.9/10
Speed Lightway
Ease Best in Class
Price £5.50/mo
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30 Day Money Back Guarantee

Best for Ease of Use

ExpressVPN Review

ExpressVPN is famous for its "one click" design. It is incredibly simple to install and use, making it the perfect choice for beginners or those who are not tech-savvy. Behind the simple button, it runs the custom "Lightway" protocol which is very fast and stable.

While it is more expensive than the others on this list, you are paying for reliability. It rarely disconnects and works on almost every device imaginable.

The Pros
  • Incredibly simple interface.
  • Very consistent speeds.
  • Best router app on the market.
The Cons
  • Significantly more expensive.
  • Only 8 simultaneous connections.
Verdict

The premium "Apple-like" experience of the VPN world. It costs more, but it is polished, reliable, and incredibly easy to use.

Adam Brooks Editor

Adam Brooks

Lead Editor & Researcher

Adam leads the research team at TopListedVPNs. Our mission is to simplify digital privacy for UK users. We refuse to use technical jargon or recommend software we have not tested ourselves. When he is not running speed tests on servers in London and New York, Adam is researching the latest developments in UK online safety laws.