Compare the Top 10 VPN Providers for the UK in 2026
Use our interactive comparison table to sort, filter, and evaluate every major VPN provider side by side. Updated for February 2026.
Why Use Our VPN Comparison Table?
With over 300 VPN services on the market, comparing providers without a structured tool is overwhelming. Our comparison table distils weeks of hands-on testing into a single, easy-to-read view. Every score you see below is drawn from real-world UK speed tests, streaming unblock checks on BBC iPlayer, Netflix UK, and ITVX, and rigorous privacy audits of each provider's logging policy and jurisdiction. You can sort any column to instantly rank providers by the metric that matters most to you, whether that is raw speed, privacy strength, streaming reliability, or overall value for money.
Use the filter pills to narrow the table to specific providers and compare them head to head. If you already know two or three VPNs you are considering, this is the fastest way to see exactly where each one excels and where it falls short. For a more guided experience, try our personalised VPN quiz instead, which recommends a provider based on your individual priorities and budget.
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VPN Comparison Guide & Frequently Asked Questions
How to Read the Comparison Table
Each VPN in the table above is scored across four core dimensions. The Speed Score reflects real-world download and upload performance measured from London and Manchester-based servers during February 2026, with higher numbers indicating less speed loss when the VPN is active. The Privacy Score considers the provider's jurisdiction, logging policy, encryption standards, and whether the apps have been independently audited. The Streaming Score reflects how reliably the VPN unblocks major UK platforms including BBC iPlayer, Netflix UK, ITVX, Channel 4, and Sky Go. Finally, the Value Score weighs the feature set against the two-year subscription price to determine how much you get for your money.
Choosing Between Similar Providers
Many of the providers in our table earn similar headline scores, so the decision often comes down to one or two differentiating factors. If two VPNs both score 9 or above for speed, look at secondary considerations such as server count in the UK, the number of simultaneous connections allowed, and whether the provider offers features like a dedicated IP or an ad blocker. Pay attention to the Key Features column for quick icons showing kill switch, no-logs verification, double VPN, P2P support, and split tunnelling. These details can make a real difference depending on how you intend to use the VPN day to day. For detailed breakdowns, click the “Review” button next to any provider to read our full analysis.
Which VPN has the best overall score for UK users?
In our February 2026 testing, NordVPN achieves the highest overall rating at 4.8 out of 5. It scores 9 or above across speed, privacy, streaming, and value, making it the most well-rounded option for UK users. NordVPN's 440+ UK servers, NordLynx protocol, and consistent BBC iPlayer unblocking set it apart. However, if your budget is limited, Surfshark offers very similar performance with unlimited device connections for just £1.49 per month on the two-year plan. Read our full NordVPN review for a complete breakdown.
How do the speed scores compare between VPN protocols?
Speed scores in our table are measured using each provider's fastest available protocol. In practice, WireGuard-based protocols (including NordVPN's NordLynx and ExpressVPN's Lightway Turbo) consistently deliver the best performance, typically reducing base connection speed by only 5-15%. OpenVPN is slower but more widely supported, while IKEv2 offers a good middle ground on mobile devices. If speed is your top priority, Surfshark and Hotspot Shield both achieved the lowest speed drops in our UK-based tests. See our guide to VPN protocols and speeds for detailed benchmarks.
Should I choose a VPN based on price alone?
Price is an important factor, but it should not be your only consideration. A VPN priced at £1.49 per month is poor value if it cannot unblock the streaming services you need or leaks your DNS requests. We recommend using the Value Score column as your primary financial metric, as it accounts for both price and feature quality. Providers like Surfshark and CyberGhost offer excellent value scores because they pair competitive pricing with strong feature sets. On the other hand, Mullvad charges a flat €5 per month with no long-term discounts, but its unmatched anonymity features justify the cost for privacy-focused users. Learn more about getting the best deal in our guide to free and affordable VPNs.
Not Sure Which VPN Is Right for You?
Our personalised VPN quiz asks five quick questions about your priorities, budget, and devices, then recommends the top three providers that match your needs.
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4 Feb 2026About Our VPN Comparison Tool
The FreeVPNforPC.co.uk comparison table is the most detailed VPN comparison resource built specifically for United Kingdom users. We evaluate the top 10 VPN providers — NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, Proton VPN, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost, IPVanish, Windscribe, Mullvad, and Hotspot Shield — across dozens of criteria including connection speed, privacy jurisdiction, server count, UK server availability, simultaneous device limits, streaming unblock rates, and security features such as kill switches, split tunnelling, and double VPN.
Every data point in the table is derived from hands-on testing conducted from servers based in London and Manchester during February 2026. We re-run our full test suite monthly to capture protocol updates, server network changes, and pricing adjustments. This ensures the information you see is always current and actionable. Our editorial team operates independently and does not accept payment for rankings or favourable reviews.
If you prefer a guided recommendation rather than self-service comparison, take our personalised VPN quiz to receive a tailored top-three shortlist in under sixty seconds. You can also explore individual in-depth VPN reviews for comprehensive analysis of each provider, or browse our blog for the latest VPN news, tutorials, and UK-specific privacy guides.