Software
Best VPNs for the UK in 2026: NordVPN vs Surfshark vs Proton vs Mullvad
Most people use VPNs for three things: privacy, accessing content abroad, and using public Wi-Fi without handing their data to whoever runs the coffee shop router. Here’s which services actually deliver on each.
TL;DR
- NordVPN — best overall for most UK users (fast, reliable, good for streaming)
- Mullvad — best for privacy (no accounts, anonymous payment, no logs, audited)
- ExpressVPN — best for consistent performance across many countries
- Proton VPN — best free option (genuinely free, no data cap, open-source)
- Free VPNs from unknown providers should be avoided — they often sell your data to pay their bills.
What a VPN Actually Does (and Doesn’t Do)
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server in another location. Your ISP sees encrypted data going to the VPN server. Websites see the VPN server’s IP address, not yours.
VPNs do
- ✓ Hide your traffic from your ISP
- ✓ Protect you on public Wi-Fi
- ✓ Let you appear to be in another country
- ✓ Bypass some geo-restrictions on streaming
VPNs don’t
- ✗ Make you anonymous online
- ✗ Protect you from malware or phishing
- ✗ Stop Google/Facebook tracking you if you’re logged in
- ✗ Guarantee no data is logged (depends on provider)
The Best VPNs for UK Users
NordVPN
Price: ~£3/month (2-year plan)
Servers: 6,400+ in 111 countries, good UK coverage
Speed: Consistently fast, minimal speed loss on UK servers
Streaming: Works reliably with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+
Privacy: No-logs policy, independently audited, Panama-based (outside 14 Eyes)
Limitation: Price increases significantly after initial plan period
Mullvad
Price: €5/month flat (no discounts, no email required to sign up)
Servers: 700+ in 46 countries
Speed: Fast, uses WireGuard protocol
Streaming: Works but less reliable than NordVPN for this purpose
Privacy: No account name, no email, accepts cash. Account number only. Multiple independent audits. Open-source apps.
Limitation: No long-term discount. Interface is simple but less polished.
ExpressVPN
Price: ~£6/month (annual plan)
Servers: 3,000+ in 105 countries
Speed: Excellent globally, proprietary Lightway protocol
Streaming: Strong, particularly for international content
Privacy: No-logs policy, audited, British Virgin Islands-based
Limitation: More expensive than NordVPN for similar features
Proton VPN
Price: Free (limited servers) / £5.99/month (full)
Servers: Free tier: 3 countries only. Paid: 7,300+ in 112 countries
Speed: Good on paid, slower on free (shared with many users)
Streaming: Works on paid plan; limited on free
Privacy: Swiss-based, open-source, independently audited. Proton is the company behind ProtonMail.
Limitation: Free tier limited to one device, slower speeds, no streaming
Speed Comparison
| VPN | UK server speed | International speed | Protocol |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Excellent | Very good | NordLynx (WireGuard-based) |
| Mullvad | Excellent | Good | WireGuard |
| ExpressVPN | Very good | Excellent | Lightway |
| Proton VPN (paid) | Good | Good | WireGuard |
| Proton VPN (free) | Acceptable | Slow | WireGuard |
Which One Is Right for You?
| Use case | Best pick |
|---|---|
| General use, streaming, travel | NordVPN |
| Maximum privacy, distrust of big providers | Mullvad |
| Frequent international travel | ExpressVPN |
| Just want something free and trustworthy | Proton VPN (free) |
| Full-featured + privacy ethos + willing to pay | Proton VPN (paid) |
Is using a VPN legal in the UK?
Yes, completely legal. VPNs are widely used by businesses for secure remote working. Using a VPN to access content from another country may breach a streaming service’s terms of service, but it’s not illegal.
Will a VPN slow my internet down?
A small amount, yes — encryption adds processing overhead. On a fast UK connection (100Mbps+) you’ll rarely notice. On a slower connection, pick a VPN with WireGuard protocol and a server geographically close to you.
Do I need a VPN on my phone?
Mostly relevant on public Wi-Fi. On 4G/5G, your data is already encrypted by the mobile network. A VPN on mobile mainly adds privacy from your mobile carrier and security on public Wi-Fi hotspots.