NordVPN

NordVPN is widely regarded as the best VPN service for UK users in 2026. It offers a comprehensive package of speed, security, and reliability that few competitors can match. With its proprietary NordLynx protocol built on WireGuard, it delivers peak speeds of over 1,256 Mbps, making it suitable for bandwidth-intensive activities like 4K streaming and large file downloads.

The service operates over 7,200 servers across 118 countries, including 440+ servers in four UK locations. This extensive UK presence ensures that users can always find a fast, nearby server for optimal performance. NordVPN is particularly strong at unblocking UK streaming services, including BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and UK Netflix, making it an excellent choice for expats or travellers wanting to access British content abroad.

Security is where NordVPN truly shines. Based in Panama, it operates outside the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes intelligence-sharing alliances. Its no-logs policy has been independently audited five times by PwC and Deloitte, giving users genuine confidence in their privacy. In 2025, NordVPN rolled out post-quantum encryption across all its apps, future-proofing user data against quantum computing threats.

Additional features include Threat Protection for blocking ads, trackers, and malware, Double VPN for routing traffic through two servers, Onion over VPN for Tor compatibility, and Meshnet for creating secure private networks between devices. The service supports up to 10 simultaneous connections and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.