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6 Best VPN for London in 2024

London VPN

It’s no secret that the UK government actively spies on its citizens. And while the Snoopers’ Charter was ruled partially unlawful in June 2022, that doesn’t mean the data logging will stop. As such, you still need a VPN in London and elsewhere to keep your online activity hidden.

Privacy aside, VPNs also prevent a good chunk of cyber attacks, especially on public Wi-Fi. With a VPN, you can also stream content you normally can’t get in London. Alternatively, you can obtain a London IP address if you’re an expat or traveling abroad. Access your online banking account and stream content from back home no matter where you are.

Speaking of which, VPNs allow you to bypass firewalls at school or at work and unblock the fun parts of the Internet. Even better, VPNs can mask your London IP while torrenting. Stay private in the swarm and avoid threatening letters from so-called ‘copyright trolls’.

Not every VPN is fit for use in London, though. Which is why we’ve done the research for you

Here’s a quick rundown of the best London VPNs:

  1. NordVPN – all-round best VPN for London 
  2. Surfshark – affordable VPN with no device limits
  3. Atlas VPN – best London VPN with a free option
  4. PrivateVPN – cheapest way to get a London IP
  5. ExpressVPN – best country coverage for streaming
  6. CyberGhost VPN – capable London VPN with huge network

The Best London VPNs – Overview

It can be time-consuming to settle on just one VPN for London, especially if you’re just starting out. Here’s a nice overview of the 6 best London VPNs to speed things up.

VPN ServiceLondon VPN ServersUK StreamingDevice limitSupported DevicesHQ
NordVPN400+UK Netflix,
Disney+,
BBC iPlayer,
Amazon Prime Video,
Sky Go,
ITV
6Windows,
macOS,
Linux,
iOS,
Android,
smart TVs,
routers
Panama
SurfsharkUndisclosedUK Netflix,
Disney+,
BBC iPlayer,
Amazon Prime Video,
ITVX,
Channel 4
UnlimitedWindows,
macOS,
Linux,
iOS,
Android,
smart TVs,
routers
The Netherlands
Atlas VPN10+UK Netflix,
Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer
UnlimitedWindows, macOS,
Linux Ubuntu,
iOS,
Android,
Fire OS
New York, United States
Private VPN2UK Netflix,
Disney+,
BBC iPlayer,
Amazon Prime Video,
All 4,
My5,
STV Player
10Windows, macOS,
Linux,
iOS,
Android,
routers
Sweden
ExpressVPNUndisclosedUK Netflix,
Disney+,
BBC iPlayer,
Sky Go,
ITV,
Channel 4
5Windows,
macOS,
Linux,
iOS,
Android,
smart TVs,
routers
British Virgin Islands
CyberGhost VPN450+UK Netflix,
BBC iPlayer,
Channel 4,
Sky Go,
BBC One,
BBC Two,
Amazon Prime Video
7Windows,
macOS,
Linux,
iOS,
Android (+TV),
Amazon Fire TV 
Romania

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6 Best VPNs for London – our detailed list:

And now for a more detailed look at the best six VPNs for use in London.

1. NordVPN

🌐 Website:nordvpn.com
🏢 Headquarters:Panama
📍Servers/Countries:5800+ servers in 60 countries
₿ Accepts CryptocurrencyYes
💸 Deals & CouponsGet 68% off + 3 months extra

NordVPN comes with an amazingly fast network, with a fleet of 5,500+ servers in around 60 countries. They also have 400+ VPN servers in London, as well as a good chunk of them in Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

We were able to unblock BBC iPlayer and the UK version of Netflix without a hitch. As one of the best UK VPNs for streaming, you can use NordVPN to access most (if not all) content platforms around the world. This includes Hulu, plus the international libraries for Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more.

NordVPN comes with the WireGuard-based NordLynx protocol for faster speeds without sacrificing security. Their no-logs policy has recently passed another successful audit, and the provider uses RAM-disk servers as well. Any data-in-transit is wiped when the servers are reset. Rest assured that none of your sensitive data is stored on their network (even if encrypted).

Naturally, this makes NordVPN an excellent VPN for private torrenting in London. Here are some other features that will help out:

  • Obfuscation – VPNs blocked on your network? Connect to one of NordVPN’s stealth servers to bypass VPN blocks. Also useful when traveling to countries like China.
  • Double VPN – for privacy conscious London VPN users. Get double the encryption, and route your data through a second server for extra anonymity.
  • Enhanced security – use NordVPN’s Threat Protection to block ads, malicious domains, and scan for malware on Windows and Mac.

The provider’s apps are easy to use and available on all platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. Subscribing to NordVPN is also risk-free with their robust 30-day money-back policy. You also get 24/7 live chat support (even as a non-subscriber).

Pros

  • Thousands of lightning-fast and well-optimized servers
  • Unblocks all the major streaming sites
  • Fully supports Torrenting and P2P
  • Strict no-logs policy and RAM-disk servers
  • Ad blocker and malware protection features
  • Robust security features and military-grade encryption to protect you from DDoS attacks and other online threats
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • Only 6 simultaneous connections
  • No free trial

2. Surfshark

🌐 Website:surfshark.com
🏢 Headquarters:The British Virgin Islands
📍Servers/Countries:3,200+ servers in 100 countries
₿ Accepts CryptocurrencyYes
💸 Deals & CouponsSave 84% Now!

Surfshark is an amazing VPN for London users on a tight budget. Not only are their plans affordable, but there are no device limits. Chip in with family or a few mates and you can all enjoy the benefits of a premium VPN. From strong security to unlimited streaming.

You get high-performance VPN servers in London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. We successfully unblocked UK Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and similar sites. Speeds are decent all-around, and we saw no buffering even with HD or 4K video.

Surfshark performed well in our torrenting tests too. Great download and seeding speeds, although the lack of port forwarding may deter some users. In any case, Surfshark maintains a strict no-logs policy and provides RAM-based servers for frequent data resets.

Like NordVPN, Surfshark comes with a double VPN option if you prefer the extra anonymity. Plus you get Camouflage Mode to mask your VPN activity. Use it to bypass VPN blocks on London networks or while visiting more restrictive regions.

One feature unique to Surfshark is their GPS spoofing on Android. Hide your true location from the various smartphone apps sharing your data without your knowledge. You also get CleanWeb to block ads, malware and phishing sites, and other online threats.

Optionally, you can add Surfshark Antivirus and Alert to your subscription plan. The former is self-explanatory – you get anti-malware protection on Windows, Mac, and Android. Surfshark Alert acts as your first line of defense against data breaches. If your email, payment details, or other sensitive info ends up in a data dump on the web, Surfshark will let you know.

Surfshark’s apps are intuitive and available for all popular operating systems. Moreover, all subscriptions are backed by a hassle-free 30-day money-back guarantee. Finally, their support reps are ready to help with any issues 24/7. 

Pros

  • A very affordable VPN provider
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Ad-blocking feature
  • Unblocks streaming platforms
  • Ad blocker and malware protection features
  • A fast and light WireGuard protocol
  • Allows split-tunneling and has a multi-hop VPN feature
  • No-log policy and robust security features
  • GPS spoofing on Android devices
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • No free version
  • Does not allow P2P seeding

3. Atlas VPN

🌐 Website:atlasvpn.com
🏢 Headquarters:United States
📍Servers/Countries:1000 servers in 49 locations
₿ Accepts CryptocurrencyYes
💸 Deals & Coupons85% OFF + 3 Months FREE!

Atlas VPN should be your first choice if you want to try using a VPN in London for free. Why? Well, unlike other free VPNs, Atlas VPN keeps no identifying user logs. They prefer to fund their operations with affordable premium plans instead.

While their free plan is useful for light browsing and bypassing firewalls, we recommend upgrading for these reasons:

  • No data caps – free users are limited to 5 GB per month, unfortunately.
  • Unlimited devices support – connect as many gadgets as you want.
  • 750 VPN servers in 40+ locations, including some in London
  • Full streaming support with minimal buffering even on high-quality video
  • Unlimited P2P downloads – mask your torrenting activity and prevent throttling.

Regardless of which plan you’re on, Atlas VPN comes with the fast and secure WireGuard protocol. Its code is more efficient than OpenVPN, thus allowing for better speeds and less data usage. And, of course, it provides equivalent security levels. You can also use IKEv2/IPSec, which is great for switching between networks (e.g. Wi-Fi to mobile data) without dropping the connection.

Otherwise, Atlas VPN features the useful Tracker Blocker option. As the name implies, this puts a stop to intrusive trackers online. No more detailed ad profiles getting shipped off to shady third parties. Speaking of which, they have a Data Breach Monitor add-on you can use too. Keep track of whether your info has been detected in a Dark Web data dump after a breach.

Other useful privacy features include MultiHop+ (double VPN) and SafeSwap. The latter lets you rotate your IP address with every web request to throw snoopers off your tracks. The feature is currently available for three locations: the US, Netherlands, and Singapore.

Sadly, free users can only contact support through email, although they respond pretty quickly. Upgrading gives you access to their 24/7 live chat service, and their premium plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

  • Very affordable plans and it has a free version
  • Fast Speeds
  • Helpful against an ISP throttling your connection
  • Unlimited device support
  • WireGuard protocol, DNS leak protection, and strong security features
  • Torrenting-friendly
  • Unblocks streaming services
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • Limited Linux app
  • Based in the US
  • Not so many servers

4. PrivateVPN

🌐 Website:privatevpn.com
🏢 Headquarters:Sweden
📍Servers/Countries:200 servers in 60 countries
₿ Accepts CryptocurrencyYes
💸 Deals & CouponsSave 85% Now!

PrivateVPN is a reliable way to obtain a London IP address without putting a dent in your wallet. The provider has 2 UK locations, one in London and one in Manchester. Outside these two, PrivateVPN has 200+ fast servers in 63 countries. It’s also one of the few VPNs that still work in China, albeit only on the L2TP/IPSec protocol.

In spite of their low server count, PrivateVPN actually works surprisingly well for streaming. Not only does it unblock top streaming sites, but we could also access content on All 4, My5, STV Player and similar services.

What we like about PrivateVPN is that their whole network is torrent-friendly. Speeds were excellent for both downloads and uploads. The provider also has static and dynamic port forwarding. They’re supported on all open ports so you don’t have to go through the hassle of re-configuring your torrent client each time.

PrivateVPN supports popular encryption protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec. Unfortunately, the provider does not support WireGuard just yet, which is a shame. If you need a slight speed boost, you can try L2TP/IPSec instead. That said, we don’t recommend it for any sensitive transactions.

Naturally, the VPN keeps no user logs. It also comes with a specialized kill switch called Application Guard. You can set it up to close specific apps in case the VPN disconnects. Prevent data leaks while torrenting, online banking, and other moments where privacy is crucial.

Support reps are available 24/7 and frequently answer our questions in a timely manner. And as always, you get 30 days to test out the VPN risk-free.

Pros

  • Supports P2P traffic and allows port forwarding
  • Unlimited bandwidth and great speeds
  • Unblocks most streaming platforms
  • Zero-logging policy
  • Free Static IP servers
  • A fast and light WireGuard protocol
  • 10 simultaneous connections
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • Not as many servers as other VPN providers
  • No split-tunneling

5. ExpressVPN

🌐 Website:expressvpn.com
🏢 Headquarters:The British Virgin Islands
📍Servers/Countries:3000+ servers in 94 countries
₿ Accepts CryptocurrencyYes
💸 Deals & Coupons+3 months FREE!

ExpressVPN features a highly extensive server network. You get over 3,000+ VPN servers in 94 countries, plus a few clusters in the UK. These are separated into London, East London, Docklands, Midlands, and Wembley.

Don’t want to limit yourself to VPN servers in London? Then try out the provider’s built-in speed test, which lists the best locations for your connection according to speed and latency. The VPN performed well in our separate tests either way.

We saw no lag while streaming Sky Go, ITV, and Channel 4 and other UK content on a London server. Performance was excellent when trying out international Netflix and Disney+ libraries as well. If you’re looking for a VPN with excellent unblocking capabilities for London, ExpressVPN is a top-notch choice.

Furthermore, all ExpressVPN servers come with built-in obfuscation. Not only is this useful for bypassing VPN blocks anywhere in the world, but also to mask the fact you’re using a VPN for privacy reasons. The provider has a strict no-logs policy that’s been recently audited.

Meanwhile, their TrustedServer technology resets data periodically and reinstalls all server software at startup. ExpressVPN even includes perfect forward secrecy (PFS) for good measure. PFS uses different encryption keys every time you reconnect. Moreover, it changes encryption keys regularly (15 minutes) to secure longer sessions.

We really enjoy the simplicity of ExpressVPN’s apps (available for most platforms). Just one click and your connection is secure. You can even add all your favorite apps and websites as shortcuts within the VPN client.

One unfortunate downside is that you’re limited to 5 devices per account. Alternatively, you can install their router app to secure all your household gadgets. Finally, ExpressVPN comes with the usual 30-day money-back policy and expert 24/7 live chat.

Pros

  • Works with streaming
  • Supports torrenting
  • No-logs policy
  • TrustedServer technology with RAM-only servers
  • Premium security features
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • Expensive subscription plans
  • Only 5 simultaneous connections

6. CyberGhost VPN

🌐 Website:cyberghostvpn.com
🏢 Headquarters:Romania
📍Servers/Countries:9600+ servers in 91 countries
₿ Accepts CryptocurrencyYes
💸 Deals & Coupons82% OFF +2 months FREE!

CyberGhost VPN boasts one of the largest networks out of any VPN – a whopping 9,000+ RAM-based servers in 90+ countries. And yes, the provider has a sizable presence in the UK as well. You get 450+ VPN servers in London, 180+ in Manchester, and 80+ in Berkshire.

They’re primarily focused on delivering buffer-free streaming content. CyberGhost VPN unblocks a grand total of 40 different streaming services around the world. This includes British Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, Sky Go, BBC One and BBC Two among its UK offering. As expected, we’ve had no trouble streaming HD content on any of these platforms.

CyberGhost VPN also offers P2P-optimized servers for fast and reliable torrenting. These servers are located in regions with lax torrenting legislation, such as Spain, Switzerland, and Poland. Feel free to contact them through 24/7 live chat to discover more locations.

As with any top VPN, the provider maintains a strict no-logs policy. They’ve recently passed an independent security audit by Deloitte as well. Their apps offer full protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks, Other than that, the provider includes an always-on kill switch so your data never leaks even during disconnects.

All of these serve to show their dedication towards protecting your privacy. For a small extra fee, privacy buffs can gain access to self-operated NoSpy servers. These units are located at the CyberGhost VPN HQ in Romania. Not only are they faster, but you also don’t have to worry about third-party data centers handling your encrypted data.

Of course, CyberGhost VPN goes beyond the usual functions of a VPN with a powerful ad-blocker. Clean up your browsing experience, evade tracking, and even block malicious sites from opening.

Their apps work on all popular operating systems, including smart TVs, Amazon Fire Stick and more. The provider has the most generous money-back plan as well – 45 days for subscriptions longer than 6 months.

Pros

  • Good for streaming and torrenting
  • WireGuard protocol available
  • No Logs
  • Offers Dedicated IP option
  • Free browser extension
  • Torrenting-friendly
  • 45-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • No third-party audits
  • Messy app’s interface

Why Use a VPN in London?

VPNs are highly flexible apps, and the most reliable way to obtain a London IP address. Here’s how to get the most out of your VPN in London:

  • Maintain your privacy and security – hackers lurk at every Wi-Fi hotspot without a password. Encrypt your traffic to prevent them from harvesting your sensitive data.
  • Use your online bank from anywhere – certain banks block foreign IP addresses for security purposes. Getting a London IP lets you use your bank apps as usual, even while traveling.
  • Unblock a whole new world of content – change your IP address and stream shows from outside the UK. Or, switch to a London VPN server to catch shows from back home while abroad.
  • Secure your torrenting activity – hide your IP in the swarm and protect yourself against copyright trolls.
  • Access your favorite sites on any network – bypass the firewall at work or school to browse social media, watch videos, play games, and more.
  • Boost your online gaming experience – it’s possible to fix NAT-type issues and lower ping with a VPN.

How to Choose a VPN for London

Choosing the right VPN for use in London can be a daunting task. With so many providers to pick from, here’s how we determined the best London VPNs:

  • Strong security – military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, kill switch, leak protection, you name it.
  • Unblocking capability – let’s be honest here, most people use a VPN to unblock shows from abroad. We looked at providers that work with the most popular services out there. 
  • Server network coverage – the more countries, the better your content selection. Plus you won’t have to look far for a fast server near your location while traveling.
  • Fast and secure London VPN servers – get a London IP address to access your online bank account. Or, use it to watch UK-exclusive content as an expat or on the road.
  • Support for torrenting – VPNs are crucial to mask torrent downloads and seeding. Bonus points if the provider comes with P2P-optimized servers.
  • User-friendly interface – pretty self-explanatory. Nobody wants to mess around in menus before they go online.
  • Additional features – ad-blockers, phishing filters, anti-malware, split tunneling, and more. Anything that improves your online experience in some way.

The Best Free VPNs to Use in London

Getting a free VPN in London may seem like a good way to save your budget for the city’s ridiculous cost of living. Still, there are hidden costs to “free” VPNs that you should know about.

First off, there aren’t many providers that offer London VPN servers on their free plan. They also impose data caps and offer slower speeds (unless you subscribe to their premium plans). But at that point they stop being free, right? The worst part is when free providers log your browsing and location data to sell to ad networks for a profit.

If you don’t mind some limitations, then these free London VPNs should do the trick.

1. Atlas VPN

You don’t have to look far, as Atlas VPN comes with a solid free plan. It doesn’t limit your speeds and offers excellent security. More importantly, the provider doesn’t log any of your data. Unfortunately, there are no VPN servers in London on the free plan (only in the Netherlands and the US). Non-subscribers don’t get torrenting and streaming support, either.

Still, it’s a decent option for light browsing and bypassing some blocks. Not to mention encrypting your sensitive transactions on free London Wi-Fi. Please refer to our detailed review above to see what you can unlock on their premium plan.

2. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is one of the few free VPNs that don’t impose data caps or throttle your bandwidth. You get decent overall speeds and three different locations: the US, Japan, and the Netherlands. Once again, no London VPN servers unless you decide on their premium plan. This also nets you better speeds, as well as full P2P support and streaming capabilities.

The VPN is surprisingly good for streaming purposes. You can unblock Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, and UK Netflix. Although if you’re going for a premium plan anyway, you might as well try one of our top 6 London VPNs instead.

3. ZenMate

ZenMate is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a more temporary solution. You get the provider’s full premium experience for 7 whole days by verifying your email. This includes 130+ VPN servers in London, fast speeds, complete with streaming and torrenting support. To top it all off, there are no data or device limits.

While the VPN works well for streaming on BBC iPlayer and ITV, it failed to unblock UK Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu. We recommend one of our other options if you plan on buying a subscription for streaming.

Don’t want to deal with the short time limit? Try out one of NordVPN’s affordable plans instead.

London VPN FAQs

Got questions about using a VPN in London? Check out some quick answers below, or let us know what’s on your mind in the comments.

Is a VPN Legal in London?

Yes, VPNs are fully legal in London and the rest of the UK. As long as you stick to legal activities, that is.

How to Get a London IP Address?

The process to get a London IP address shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Sign up with one of the best VPNs for London listed above – we prefer NordVPN.
  2. Download and install the VPN app on your computer and mobile devices.
  3. Launch the VPN client, log in, and connect to a London VPN server.
  4. Browse and stream without restrictions from your new London IP!

Is a VPN Needed in London?

Here are some key reasons why you need a VPN in London:

  • Stay safe against hackers on unsecured public Wi-Fi hotspots.
  • Hide your online activity from your ISP and other types of surveillance.
  • Torrent safely while keeping your IP hidden in the swarm
  • Get around firewalls at work, school, hotels, airports, and so on.
  • Solve NAT-related issues and lower ping in online games.

How Do I Get a London VPN?

All you have to do is sign up for an account with a reliable London VPN (such as NordVPN), then download their app. After that, just open the VPN app and input your login details. You’ll be able to choose a London VPN server, or one of the many locations your provider offers.

Feel free to test out any of our VPN recommendations for London, as they each have 30-day money-back policies in place. That’s more than enough time to test out their features.

Should I Use a Free London VPN?

We don’t recommend using a free VPN in London. Most of them log and sell your data, have data caps and slow speeds overall. Plus they generally have poor streaming capabilities.

If a VPN subscription isn’t in the budget, then you can try Atlas VPN, ProtonVPN, or ZenMate. They’re all safe options with either a free plan or free trial available.

Which London VPN Has a Browser Extension?

NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN have browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. CyberGhost VPN’s extension is only available for Chrome and Firefox.

A VPN extension is more lightweight than a full-on app, but focuses solely on your browser traffic. Useful for in-browser streaming, or encrypting social media, DMs, and online payments. Also great if you have a slower connection.

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