If you want a UK IP address, youâll need a safe VPN that lets you stream British streaming services such as Netflix UK, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and All 4.
To find the best UK VPN, we test for:
- VPN servers located in the UK.
- Fast long-distance connection speeds connecting into the UK.
- Works with UK Netflix, BBC iPlayer, All 4, ITVX and more.
- A 100% free VPN service with a generous or unlimited data allowance.
- AES-256 cipher, OpenVPN encryption, and no data leaks.
Weâve tested 150 VPNs by connecting into the UK and analyzing them in four different categories, rating each out of 10. We then combine these category ratings to calculate an overall âVPN for UKâ rating.
In the table below, we summarize how our recommended VPNs are rated in each category, as well as their overall rating for the UK:
VPNs with a data cap receive a reduction to their overall rating.
Below, we explain the science behind our rating system in more detail, and how each testing category contributes to our UK-specific VPN ratings.
1. UK Server Locations: 30%
Minimum Requirement: Some servers in the UK.
We Recommend: An expansive and diverse server list within the UK.
In order to unblock UK streaming services and deliver the fastest UK speeds, a VPN needs to offer servers that are based in the UK.
We analyze each VPNs server network and count how many UK-based servers they offer to free and paid subscribers. The best VPNs for the UK will offer a choice of British server locations.
2. UK Streaming: 30%
Minimum Requirement: Unblocks BBC iPlayer.
We Recommend: Works with BBC iPlayer, UK Netflix, ITVX, and All 4.
Many VPN users want to unblock streaming content that is restricted in their location.
For UK VPNs, we regularly test each VPNâs ability to watch British streaming libraries from overseas. The platforms we test are:
- All 4
- BBC iPlayer
- ITVX
- UK Disney+ (Star)
- UK Netflix
The more UK streaming services a VPN unblocks from outside the UK, and the more reliable streaming access is, the higher we score the VPN.
3. Speed: 20%
Minimum Requirement: Long-distance download speeds no less than 40Mbps.
We Recommend: International speeds of 60Mbps or higher.
We test every VPNâs speeds in the UK by connecting to a UK VPN server from New York.
We then calculate the average speed loss when compared to our internet connection without a VPN. The smaller the speed loss, the higher we rate the VPNâs international speeds.
The absolute best VPNs deliver speeds of over 90Mbps (on a 100Mbps test connection), which is faster than most VPN services on the market.
4. Privacy & Logging Policy: 20%
Minimum Requirement: Anonymized connection logs, no activity logs.
We Recommend: A strict, zero-logging policy and no data leaks.
Many VPNs fail to meet the basic standard for online privacy, either leaking data, logging your activity, or selling your information to advertisers.
We only recommend VPNs that are safe and private. We examine every VPN providerâs privacy policy in detail. Weâre looking for policies that are as close to zero-logs as possible. That means no recording of activity logs..
We also investigate the company behind each free VPN. They should be transparent and trustworthy.
Data Cap Penalty: Up to 50% Reduction
Although every shortlisted free VPN performed well in our tests, data caps can limit their functionality.
If you use up your data cap, you wonât be able to connect to the UK VPN server anymore. Consequently, you will no longer be able to obtain a UK IP address or watch geo-restricted UK streaming services.
We apply a penalty to the VPNâs overall UK rating based on its data cap:
- Unlimited bandwidth: No deduction to the overall rating
- 10GB per month: -20% to the overall rating
- 500MB per day: -25% to the overall rating
- 5GB per month: -30% to the overall rating
- 1GB per month: -35% to the overall rating
- 200MB per day: -40% to the overall rating
- 500MB per month: -50% to the overall rating