Best VPN for travel to the UK: Complete Guide

If you’re looking for a VPN for the UK, stay right where you are. Get comfortable, adjust your glasses, and take note of everything we have to tell you. Today, we’re reviewing five top VPN providers and telling you which is the best option for the UK and why. We’ve analysed and compared their strengths, areas for improvement, security features, and, of course, their server network.

Having a VPN for the UK opens the door to a world of possibilities. Not only will you be able to access streaming content, but more importantly, you’ll become invisible to hackers, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and even the UK government itself. If you didn’t know, the UK is a member of the Five Eyes surveillance alliance (along with the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand). We’ll tell you more about this later, but suffice it to say that it actively participates in data surveillance, which is reason enough to start looking for a VPN for the UK.

Which VPN providers are we reviewing in this article? The selected ones are ProtonVPN, IPVanish, VyprVPN, Mullvad VPN, and TunnelBear. Of course, there are more options; the VPN market is extremely vast and competitive, with choices for all tastes and budgets. As you read on, you’ll understand why we’ve chosen these VPNs. With that said, let’s begin.

Before Getting a VPN in the UK

As a digital nomad, the UK may be your next destination. After all, who wouldn’t dream of working from a café in London with views of the River Thames, exploring the medieval streets of Edinburgh during free time, or visiting the famous Cliffs of Moher. Yes, living and working in the UK for a while (or permanently) could be the adventure of a lifetime.

To ensure your experience is not marred by unexpected setbacks, there are a few things you’ll need to arrange before you travel, besides signing up for a good VPN service. For that, don’t miss our digital nomad guide for the UK, where we tell you everything you need to know about living and working there.

Also, we suggest you read our guide on how to get an unlimited global Internet plan. There, we explain the innovative service we offer at Holafly. With Holafly’s monthly plans, you’ll have connection in over 170 countries worldwide (including the UK, of course). This way, you can work, make video calls without interruptions, stay in touch with your family, and enjoy streaming or online gaming. We offer three types of plans: 25GB and unlimited data, so you can choose the one that fits your needs and budget. What’s the best part? Once you leave the UK, you won’t need to change your data plan for the new country you visit.

Why Get a VPN in the UK?

There are several reasons why you should have a VPN in the UK. The most important one is probably that it’s a member of the Five Eyes. This surveillance network is one of the largest in history, originating during World War II when the US and the UK established mutual collaboration agreements. The Five Eyes countries work together to collect mass surveillance data and share it among themselves. This means they can monitor your browsing history, text messages, location, and much more. Fortunately, with a VPN, you can encrypt your connection and make it completely anonymous.

However, this also means that VPN companies based in these countries may be required to hand over data to authorities. Therefore, it’s essential that the provider you choose has a no-logs policy, meaning they don’t store any online activity data of their users. At the same time, it will give you peace of mind knowing that this policy has been reviewed and confirmed by independent audits, something many VPNs undergo to strengthen users’ trust.

So, the first reason to get a VPN in the UK is to protect your online privacy. The other reason why you’ll definitely want this service is to access exclusive region-specific content, such as Netflix catalogues, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, or Channel 4. If you’re outside the UK, with a VPN, you can connect to a server in London (for example) and enjoy British services and online shows without restrictions. The same goes if you’re in the UK and want to access content from other countries. In that case, the larger the server network of the VPN you choose, the more likely you’ll be able to access global content.

Additionally, with a VPN, you’ll have security on public networks. As a digital nomad or remote worker, it’s common that you sometimes have to use public Wi-Fi networks in cafés, airports, or even public transport. Doing so exposes you to the risk of hacking or data theft. A VPN protects your connection, making it much harder for attackers to access your information.

Finally, a VPN helps you avoid ISPs in the UK from applying what is known as throttling. What’s this? It’s a practice where they slow down your connection if they detect you’re doing activities that consume a lot of bandwidth, like streaming or gaming.

In short, a VPN is an essential tool to improve your Internet experience.

Comparison of the best VPNs for the UK

Now it’s time to compare 5 VPNs for the UK. Each of them has its strengths and differences compared to the others. For example, ProtonVPN is a guarantee of security and privacy, while IPVanish lets you protect all your devices, with no limits.

To make this clearer, here’s a comparison table between ProtonVPN, IPVanish, VyprVPN, Mullvad VPN, and TunnelBear.

Comparison of the best VPNs for the UK

Now, let’s tell you a bit more in detail about what each of these VPNs offers and why they’re great options for the UK.

ProtonVPN

In terms of privacy and security, we can say that ProtonVPN is one of the most trusted brands in the market. Developed by the team behind ProtonMail, this VPN is based in Switzerland, a country known for its strict data protection and privacy laws. This location is ideal for a VPN, as Switzerland is not part of any Five Eyes surveillance alliances, ensuring your data is more protected.

For users in the UK, ProtonVPN offers optimised servers that allow access to local content like BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, and other streaming services. Additionally, its Secure Core technology routes traffic through multiple servers in countries with strong privacy laws, adding an extra layer of security. ProtonVPN also has a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited.

One of the standout features of ProtonVPN is that it offers a free version with unlimited data (though some security features are locked). It has servers in 10 countries (including the Netherlands, which is the closest to the UK), allowing users to test the service before committing to a premium plan. In a market where free VPNs are not always trustworthy, with ProtonVPN, you can rest assured that your data is not shared with third parties, even on the free version.

Advantages and disadvantages of ProtonVPN for the UK

IPVanish

IPVanish is a VPN based in the United States, which might be a concern for some users due to the surveillance laws in that country. However, IPVanish has demonstrated a strong commitment to privacy by adopting a no-logs policy.

For users in the UK, IPVanish offers a large network of servers, including several in London, ensuring a fast and stable connection. It’s an excellent choice for activities like streaming, gaming, and downloads, as its speeds are consistent and reliable. Additionally, IPVanish allows unlimited simultaneous connections, making it perfect for homes with multiple devices.

Although its interface may be a bit technical for less experienced users, IPVanish is a solid option for those looking for a fast and reliable VPN.

Advantages and disadvantages of IPVanish for the UK

VyprVPN

VyprVPN is a VPN developed by Golden Frog, a company based in Switzerland, which places it in a jurisdiction with strong privacy protections. One of VyprVPN’s standout features is its Chameleon technology, a protocol developed by the company itself that helps bypass VPN blocks and censorship. This makes it ideal for users in the UK who want to access restricted content.

VyprVPN has servers in London and offers fast speeds, making it perfect for streaming and downloads. Additionally, its no-logs policy and strong encryption guarantee a secure connection. However, its price is slightly higher than that of other VPNs, which could be a factor to consider.

Advantages and disadvantages of VyprVPN for the UK

MullVad VPN

Mullvad VPN is an excellent option for those who prioritise privacy and anonymity. It is based in Sweden, a country with strong privacy laws, but it is part of the Fourteen Eyes alliance. However, it compensates for this with a very transparent privacy policy. The highlight is that it doesn’t require any personal information to create an account, making it unique in the market. It even allows payments via cash or cryptocurrencies for added anonymity.

For users in the UK, Mullvad offers fast servers and a stable connection, ideal for activities like streaming or secure browsing. However, its interface is very basic and may not be the best option for users seeking advanced features.

Mullvad is compatible with all major operating systems, offers good speeds, and has strong security features (like Kill Switch and Multi-Hop), with AES-256 encryption, WireGuard, and OpenVPN protocols. Therefore, it’s ideal for those who want to protect their data on public networks or keep their online activity completely private.

Pros and cons of VPN MullVad

TunnelBear

TunnelBear is a user-friendly VPN, perfect for beginners or users who don’t need advanced features. It is based in Canada, a country that is part of the Five Eyes alliance, which could be a concern for some users. However, TunnelBear has shown its commitment to privacy by undergoing independent audits and adopting a no-logs policy.

For users in the UK, TunnelBear offers fast servers and a secure connection, making it ideal for accessing streaming content like BBC iPlayer. Its interface is fun and simple, perfect for beginners, and it offers a free version with limitations, allowing you to try the service before committing to a premium plan. It is also compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and browser extensions like Chrome and Firefox.

Advantages and disadvantages of TunnelBear for the UK

Which is the Best VPN for the UK?

Now that you have a much clearer picture of what each of these VPNs offers, you can choose the one you believe best suits your needs. After all, determining which one is the best is quite subjective, as it depends on what each individual expects from such a service. From our perspective, ProtonVPN is an excellent alternative. With this VPN, you can protect all your devices (although ProtonVPN offers up to 10 connections per subscription, this number is usually enough for most people). Plus, it offers a free version that, while it has limitations, is perfect for testing the service before committing to a paid plan.

On the other hand, if one of your priorities is maximum privacy, then you should go for MullvadVPN, as you can create an account without providing any personal data and make anonymous payments with cash or cryptocurrencies. It also offers fast servers in the UK.

VPN for the UK: Frequently Asked Questions

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