CompareFairlyBest VPN Services in the UK 2026
Our pick : NordVPN (73/100) · Cheapest : PrivadoVPN · Best value : Surfshark
In short
This comparison evaluates 8 VPNs in the UK based on 13 criteria, including download speed, monthly price, money-back guarantee, no-logs policy, encryption, and supported protocols. NordVPN ranks highest with a score of 73/100, largely due to its perfect scores in simultaneous devices and ease of use. Private Internet Access (PIA) is second with 65/100, excelling in the number of total servers. PrivadoVPN is identified as the most affordable option. The data for this comparison is sourced from 7 out of the 8 options, with the remaining values being estimates that are clearly marked. The facts in this summary are computed from the table below; only the wording is generated.
Comparison table
| Criterion | NordVPN | Private Internet Access (PIA) | CyberGhost | Proton VPN | Surfshark | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Download Speed (Mbps) | 85 | 70 | 75 | 60 | 80 | 90 |
| Price / month (GBP) | 2.29 | 11.95 | 12.99 | 2.39 | 1.49 | 3.99 |
| Money-Back Guarantee (jours) | 30 | 30 | 45 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| No-Logs Policy | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| Supported Protocols | NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | Lightway VPN Protocol |
| Streaming Unblocking | BBC iPlayer, Netflix UK, ITVX, Channel 4 | Good | Excellent (dedicated streaming servers) | Netflix (some servers) | BBC iPlayer, Netflix UK, Channel 4 | Excellent (Netflix, BBC iPlayer, etc.) |
| Additional Features | RAM-only servers, Double VPN, NordPass, Next-Generation Antivirus, dark web monitoring, identity theft protection | MACE (ad blocker), Split Tunneling, Port Forwarding | NoSpy servers, Automatic Kill Switch | Ad blocker, kill switch, malware blocker, port forwarding, split tunneling, multi-hop connections, Tor network access, Stealth feature, full-disk encryption, NetShield, dark web monitoring | CleanWeb ad blocking, antivirus software, data removal, identity theft insurance, split-tunneling, VPN Accelerator | Internet Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, Private Encrypted DNS, Threat Manager, Ad Blocker, Parental Controls, Dedicated IP |
| Ease of Use | Easy | Moderate | Easy | Easy | Easy | Easy |
| Customer Support | Excellent | Standard | Excellent | Standard | Excellent | Excellent |
| Simultaneous Devices (count) | 10 | 10 | 7 | 10 | — | 5 |
| Total Servers (count) | 9000 | 35000 | 9000 | 20500 | 4500 | 3000 |
| UK Servers (count) | 400 | 1000 | 500 | 50 | 50 | 4 |
Frequently asked questions
What are the best VPN services available in the UK right now?
Based on our latest review in 2026, NordVPN leads with a score of 73/100, followed closely by Private Internet Access (PIA), offering strong performance across download speed, security, and value.
How do you rank VPNs for UK users?
Our rankings are determined by a comprehensive analysis of key criteria including download speed, monthly price, money-back guarantee, no-logs policy, encryption strength, and supported protocols. We maintain strict neutrality, with no paid placements influencing our results.
Is NordVPN a good choice for UK users in 2026?
Yes, NordVPN is currently the top-rated VPN service for UK users, excelling in speed, security features, and overall user experience according to our 2026 comparison.
What factors should I consider when choosing a VPN in the UK?
Key factors include download speed for smooth browsing, the monthly price, the availability of a money-back guarantee, a strict no-logs policy for privacy, robust encryption, and the range of supported protocols.
Methodology and transparency
Ranking: options are sorted on measured, sourced criteria. No position is ever sold, and no advertiser pays to appear here.
Scope: this comparison is not exhaustive. It presents the options our sources document, not every offer on the market.
Earnings: some outbound links may be affiliate links that earn us a commission. This never affects the ranking, the scores or the data.
Data: every value is linked to its source and refreshed automatically; the collection date is shown.