The 7 Best Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for U.K. Expats in 2024 (2024)

If you’re a British expat, you may be missing a taste of home. When living or traveling internationally, you likely don’t have access to all of the websites and services that you had when you lived in the United Kingdom. It’s certain that most streaming services (such as BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, and others) won’t be available. However, depending on where you live, other online content may also be unavailable.

For example, if you’re residing in China, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, and other countries run by overly restrictive regimes, you may be unable to access other popular sites, such as Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, and more.

Can a VPN Help Me Inside and Outside of the U.K.?

Luckily, there is a tool you can use to restore your access to blocked U.K.-based content. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can temporarily assign your connected device a new IP address located inside the United Kingdom.

IP addresses are used to identify connected devices on the internet. In addition to identifying a device, an IP address can also identify the device’s geographic location. This is how content providers determine whether or not a device should have access to its content.

Once a VPN has assigned you an IP address that shows you as located inside U.K. borders, geographically-restricted services will once again open their doors to you.

As for living in countries where governments restrict access to certain sites, a VPN’s encrypted connections prevent the government from monitoring and controlling your access to outside websites by hiding your online activity inside a tunnel of encryption.

In this article, I’ll provide information about the seven best VPNs for accessing content back home for United Kingdom expatriates, and for those U.K. residents who may be traveling internationally.

How to Access U.K. Content by Using a VPN

It’s easy to use a VPN to access content back in your home country. Just follow a few easy steps:

1. Subscribe to a reliable VPN provider. (NordVPN is my recommendation.)
2. Install the VPN provider’s app(s) on your favorite device(s).
3. Log into the VPN service.
4. Select a VPN server located in the United Kingdom.
5. Connect to your favorite British sites and services for a taste of home!

PRO TIP: If you’re going to be using a VPN in an especially restrictive country, if possible, subscribe to and install the VPN on your devices before entering the new country.

Although VPNs will work in most countries around the world, some governments block access to VPN websites in an effort to prevent their citizens from using a VPN to access the outside world.

Best UK VPNs for Expats – summary table

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs in this summary table. If you prefer to read the in-depth reviews, start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for UK Expats.

Best VPNs for U.K. Expats

Following rounds of rigorous testing, I’ve ranked the top seven VPN providers that offer the most reliable access to internet content and services in the United Kingdom when you’re away from home. The Reader’s Digest Condensed Version is as follows.

My best VPNs for U.K. Expats:

1. NordVPN: #1 VPN choice. The most reliable VPN provider for opening up access to U.K.-based content, NordVPN will offer U.K. expats the fastest connections, as well as optimal security and privacy protections. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Great budget VPN option. This budget-priced provider is an excellent option for British expats looking for a way to access content in their home country without spending a lot of money. The service offers reliable access and protection without breaking the bank.
3. ExpressVPN: Premium VPN option. ExpressVPN’s speedy connections and formidable ability to unblock content make it a great option for fans of U.K. streaming content. The provider’s app support is also impressive.
4. CyberGhost: Great VPN option for first-timers. An excellent option for first-time VPN users, CyberGhost offers excellent online access and protection via a selection of easy-to-use apps. The provider offers one-click access to nearly anywhere around the globe.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable VPN connections. PIA’s good-sized server network delivers comprehensive online protection, while also providing reliable access to geo-controlled content in the U.K. and around most of the globe.
6. PrivateVPN: Small but mighty server network. While this provider isn’t as well established as some of its competitors, it’s quickly gaining a favorable reputation thanks to its fast connection speeds, easy-to-use apps, and proprietary “Stealth VPN” feature.
7. Atlas VPN: Unlimited protected connections. This VPN provides unlimited protected connections, making it a good VPN option for small businesses and large families. Provides fast, well-protected connections to spots around the globe.

When ranking the top seven VPNs for U.K. expats, I considered the following factors:

• Global server network includes servers located in the United Kingdom
• Works to unblock U.K. content from other countries
• Provides fast, reliable connections
• Offers top-notch security and privacy protections
• Comes with comprehensive multi-platform support
• Provides excellent customer support

Would you like to learn more about the criteria I used? If so, then check out the testing methodology section found later in this article.

Here is my list of the seven best VPNs for U.K. expats.

1. NordVPN

Feb 2024

NordVPN offers U.K. expats the best VPN option for accessing content located in their home country. The provider delivers reliable, fast connections along with top-notch security and privacy protections.

At the time of writing, the provider has nearly 5,600 servers located in 59+ countries around the globe. A large number of those servers are located inside British borders and are adept at unblocking access to content in the U.K.

Thanks to the fact that NordVPN boasts the fastest connection speeds in the VPN industry, the provider’s download speeds are definitely up to the task of streaming HD and 4K video, online gaming, and sharing large files.

Your internet connection is protected by NordVPN’s banking-grade encryption. Add a kill switch option, the ability to block malware and ads, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and it all adds up to optimal online protection.

Meanwhile, your privacy is also well-protected thanks to the provider’s no-logs policy on all of its servers and its cryptocurrency payment option.

NordVPN’s owned-and-operated servers add an extra layer of privacy, as they keep outside contractors away from your personal data. The provider also runs all of its servers 100% from RAM, writing no data of any kind to a hard drive, meaning all data is erased when a server is rebooted or shut down.

NordVPN’s native app support has all of the major device platforms covered, with apps for Android, iOS, macOS (including native Apple Silicon support), Windows, Android TV, Amazon Fire, and Linux platforms. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available.

To protect other devices, or if you need more than six concurrent connections, take advantage of NordVPN’s comprehensive router support.

Customer support is well covered here thanks to live chat, email support, and a searchable knowledge base.

BEST VPN FOR U.K. EXPATS:NordVPN is the top option for U.K. expatriates looking for the best way to access blocked content when they’re outside of their home country. In addition to providing high-speed connections, the provider also offers top-notch privacy and security protection. A 30-day money-back guarantee makes it a risk-free proposition.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark snagged 2nd place this time around thanks to its attractive pricing, its large number of servers located in the United Kingdom, and its unlimited simultaneous connections allowance.

The provider’s global server network, which includes 3,200+ servers in 99+ countries, is double what it was last year. You’ll find plenty of servers in the U.K., unblocking BBC iPlayer and more.

Surfshark’s speeds are more than up to handling any online activity you may engage in, keeping you reliably connected while streaming, gaming, or file sharing.

Its security protections are above-average, including banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak and IPv6 leak protections, as well as ad and cookie blocking.

Privacy-wise, the provider also excels, keeping your online activities undercover by never saving any usage logs, and keeping your financial information private by accepting Bitcoin as a payment option.

Native app support comprises macOS (M1/M2 native Mac compatibility), Windows, iOS, Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire, and Linux apps. There are Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions available, as well as support for numerous makes and models of routers.

The provider also offers antivirus protection, truly private search, and alerts when your information is exposed in a data breach.

Surfshark especially stands out due to the fact that the provider offers an unlimited simultaneous connections allowance, enabling you to connect all of your devices at once to the provider’s server network.

It performs well in the customer support category, offering 24/7 live chat, a contact form, and a searchable support library.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Reliable access to U.K.-based content, an unlimited simultaneous connections allowance, and excellent security and privacy protections all come at a low cost with Surfshark. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a great provider for unblocking streaming content in the U.K. thanks to its powerful content-unblocking ability and speedy connections.

The VPN’s global server network includes 3,000+ servers located in 94+ countries around the globe. That server network includes seven server farms stationed inside the borders of the United Kingdom.

ExpressVPN’s connection speeds can handle any of your favorite internet-related activities, be it streaming video, gaming in online arenas, or sharing large files.

Military-grade encryption protects those fast connections. In addition, the provider offers a kill switch option, as well as IPv6 and DNS leak protection.

Privacy is also well-served thanks to ExpressVPN’s strict no-logs policy. Combine a disposable email address with the provider’s Bitcoin payment option, and you’ll keep your payment information completely incognito.

ExpressVPN provides app support for Android, Android TV, iOS, Windows, macOS (with native Apple Silicon support), Linux, Amazon Fire, and Chromebook device platforms. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are available.

The provider’s excellent router compatibility offers protection for all of your devices. Up to five concurrent connections are allowed on a single set of login credentials.

Around-the-clock support is the rule here, with 24/7 live chat, email support, a trouble ticket system, and an easy-to-search troubleshooting and support knowledge base.

GREAT FOR U.K. STREAMING:ExpressVPN performs particularly well when it comes to connection speeds and unblocking international content, making it a top option if you want to stream your favorite U.K. TV shows and movies. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is the best option for British expats who are raw beginners when it comes to using a VPN. The provider offers excellent online protection via easy-to-use apps for most popular devices.

The provider’s network of 8,900+ servers scattered among 90+ countries has the globe well covered. 750+ of those servers are located in three U.K. cities, and many of those servers are optimized for streaming as well as downloading files.

Speaking of streaming and downloading files, this provider’s download speeds can easily handle downloads of large files, as well as streaming HD and 4K video content from providers such as BBC iPlayer.

Your online activities are kept undercover thanks to the provider’s government-level encryption, kill switch protection, and DNS leak and IPv6 leak prevention. No server logs and a Bitcoin payment option keep both your online travels and your subscription payment info well undercover.

CyberGhost’s app list is robust thanks to easy-to-use apps for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Android TV, and Amazon Fire device platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available to protect your browser sessions.

If you have connected devices not listed above, or if you ever need more than seven simultaneous connections, you can use the service with multiple makes and models of routers.

While CyberGhost is best-known for its VPN protection, it also offers antivirus and malware protection, a password manager, and alerts if/when your information is exposed in a data breach.

Customer support is an around-the-clock offering, with always-available live chat, email support, a support request system, and a searchable support library.

BEST FOR FIRST-TIME VPN USERS:CyberGhost is the best option for expats who are new to the VPN scene. The provider’s apps offer optimal online protection, while skipping complicated configuration options. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) provides reliable, well-protected access to geo-protected content in the U.K.

The PIA global server network boasts over 3,300 servers stationed in more than 80 countries (with servers in three U.K. cities).

PIA provides native app support to protect Android, Android TV, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux devices. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are also available. The provider’s comprehensive router compatibility protects all of your connected devices through a single point of access.

Up to 10 devices can be simultaneously connected to PIA servers on a single set of user credentials.

While PIA’s download speeds are far from the fastest on this list, they can easily handle HD and 4K streaming content, online gaming, and much more. Never a data cap or bandwidth throttling to worry about here.

The provider’s comprehensive online protection includes banking-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Blocking of ads, trackers, malware, and dangerous websites are also available.

No user logs recording your online travels are ever saved on PIA servers and the provider also accepts Bitcoin as payment. This provides additional privacy protection for both your usage and payment privacy. Using a disposable email address to gain an additional bit of privacy.

PIA’s customer support offerings include a live chat option, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support library.

RELIABLE PROTECTED ACCESS TO U.K. CONTENT:Private Internet Accessprovides well-protected, reliable access to geo-limited content inside U.K. borders, while protecting all of your online activities. Fast connections make the VPN a great choice for your favorite online activities. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN has only been around for a short time, and while its global server network needs to grow, the provider’s fast download speeds and optimal security protection will likely be attractive to many expats.

Let’s be honest: 200+ servers spread out thinly among 60+ countries isn’t all that impressive when compared to the server counts of the other providers on this list. However, the provider has done a good job of positioning their servers and they do provide reliable access to content in the United Kingdom.

This provider excels in the connection speed department, with 4K-capable download speeds. It’s an excellent option for video lovers, gamers, and file-sharing fans.

Banking-grade encryption protects all of PrivateVPN’s fast connections. IPv6 and DNS leak prevention add to the protection, as does the provider’s proprietary “Stealth VPN” feature, which keeps your VPN usage hidden.

A strict no-logs policy protects your usage privacy, while a Bitcoin payment option keeps your subscription info incognito.

Native software support is limited, but the provider does have the big four platforms (iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows) covered.

PrivateVPN can be set up on a large number of routers, so it can protect other devices or additional devices if you need more than 10 simultaneous connections.

While the provider claims 24/7 live chat, I have found it unavailable on numerous visits to the website. A support request form is available when live support chat isn’t, and an FAQ section is available all of the time.

IMPRESSIVE ONLINE SECURITY:PrivateVPN reliably unblocks U.K. content, despite its limited server coverage. The provider’s connection speeds can handle any of your favorite online activities. The Stealth VPN feature hides your VPN activity. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

7. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN provides reliable access to content intended for the United Kingdom, as well as the rest of the world.

With 750+ servers in 42+ countries (including the U.K.), the Atlas global server network could stand to be larger. That said, the server network delivers reliable access to streaming services and other content in the U.K. and around the globe.

Atlas VPN connection speeds are fast, easily providing enough bandwidth for your favorite online activities, with no data caps or bandwidth limitations on its users’ usage.

All of the provider’s connections are protected with banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, IP/DNS leak protection, and other protections. The provider’s Safebrowse and Safebrowse Plus features provide additional protection against online perils.

Atlas VPN servers save no user tracking logs at all. However, if you prefer to pay for your VPN with cryptocurrency you’ll have to go to another provider.

Native app support is available for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV devices. Unfortunately, no support is yet available for browser extensions or routers. However, Atlas says that both features are in development.

The provider puts no limit on the number of devices that a user can be concurrently connected to its servers.

Live agent chat is reserved for paying customers. Email, a contact form, and a support library are available to all.

UNLIMITED ONLINE CONNECTION PROTECTION:Atlas VPN provides fast,reliable access to geo-controlled content in the United Kingdom, as well as numerous other countries around the globe. Customers are allowed to simultaneously connect an unlimited number of devices to the provider’s servers. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Atlas VPN.

Methodology for Assessing VPNs for UK

There are several factors to carefully consider when researching VPN protection for use, both inside and outside of UK borders.

This is a list of the most important things to consider when making a decision about which VPNs to recommend for use while visiting or residing in the United Kingdom, or accessing content limited to the U.K.:

• Connection speeds: Fast internet speeds are an important factor when engaging in popular online activities, including browsing the web, online gaming, streaming videos, and other popular pastimes. All of them are more enjoyable with a faster connection. All of the VPNs I include in my articles provide fast connections.
• Global server network: The larger a global server network, the easier it is to access geo-controlled content in multiple locations around the globe. Also, look for multiple servers in each country, as they offer improved performance.
• Value: Weighing a VPN service provider’s asking price against the features and performance provides a VPN’s true value. Every VPN I include in my articles offer an excellent return on investment.
• Ease of use: VPNs should offer easy-to-use native app support for most popular device platforms. Each VPN on this list offers well-designed, intuitive apps.
• Security and privacy: Any VPN worth considering should at least offer 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection. A no-logs policy should also be followed by the provider.
• Streaming: VPNs included in my articles all offer reliable access to streaming sites, including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and numerous other popular services.

My research doesn’t end here. In fact, evaluating the factors above are just a small part of my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. My data-driven approach helps me to better understand the VPNs and their services, so I can recommend only those that are a good fit for my readers’ needs.

Which U.K. Services Can I Unblock?

Some VPNs are better at unblocking certain content than others. If there’s a specific service you want to make sure you can unblock, check out some of my related articles.

• All 4
• Sky Go
• ITV Hub
• BBC iPlayer
• Now TV
• How to Watch U.K. TV From Abroad
• How to Watch Blue Planet 2 Abroad
• bet365

Can I Use a Free VPN to Access U.K. Content?

While you may find a free VPN provider that allows you to access content housed in the United Kingdom, I would almost guarantee you won’t be pleased with the service’s performance or the protection that it offers.

First off, you’re going to find that using a free VPN can be inconvenient. Many free VPN providers will force their users to sit in a queue, waiting until the provider’s limited number of connections provides a free line.

Once you are allowed to connect, you’ll likely find that the selection of servers is limited. That is, if you get to select a server. Many free VPNs will automatically assign a user to a server, and that server might not be located in the U.K.

Sadly, once you are connected, even if you’re lucky enough to connect to a U.K. server, the disappointments aren’t at an end.

Some free VPN providers have a tendency to throttle your connection speeds. Plus, you may find that your online activities are also restricted by a daily or monthly data cap. (None of the paid providers on this list impose data caps or throttle their customers’ connections.)

Privacy is a disappointment too. “Free” VPN providers often have a hidden cost – that of your privacy. Many freebie providers will keep the lights on by tracking their users’ online travels and selling that information to advertisers and other interested parties.

Other sans-fees VPN providers will inject unwanted ads and tracking cookies into their users’ browsing sessions. Those tracking cookies continue to track you, even when your device isn’t connected to the provider’s VPN network.

If, after reading this section, you’re still thinking about trying a free VPN, more power to you. I myself would rather spend a few bucks a month and ensure that I’m receiving reliable VPN protection.

What Else Can I Do With A VPN?

In addition to providing access to content from the United Kingdom, expats will find a VPN offers numerous other protections and enhancements for their online activities.

• A VPN opens access to streaming services around the world. This can include Netflix in the United States and other countries, Hulu in the U.S., Amazon Prime in numerous countries, and other geo-restricted streaming services. It also opens access to other blocked websites and services.
• A VPN can also prevent your ISP from throttling your connection or even blocking some of your online activities, just because they aren’t on the ISP’s “approved” list. Activities that ISPs routinely block or throttle include peer-to-peer file sharing and streaming from certain video services.
• A VPN is also an excellent tool for protecting your online activities while you’re using an unprotected public WiFi hotspot, such as those found in coffee shops, stores, and hotels. Most hotspots are not encrypted, opening the door for hackers to monitor users’ activities and steal their important information.

A VPN encrypts a user’s internet connection, blocking hacker attempts to monitor and steal your data.

Conclusion

Expats from the United Kingdom now living in another part of the world will almost certainly miss their homeland and long for a taste of home from time to time. That’s when a Virtual Private Network, like NordVPN, comes in handy.

NordVPN provides reliable access to content located inside the United Kingdom. British expats will gain access to their favorite TV shows, movies, music, games, and other content in the U.K.

In addition, the provider offers top-notch online security and does an excellent job of protecting your privacy, both online and off. The provider’s speedy connections will never let you down.

For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.

U.K. Expats VPN FAQs