Find the Best VPN for the UK in 2026

Yes, using a VPN is completely legal in the United Kingdom. There is no law that prohibits the use of VPN services for personal or business purposes. The Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (often called the Snooper's Charter) grants authorities the power to collect internet connection records, but it does not make VPNs illegal. However, it is important to note that using a VPN to carry out illegal activities — such as accessing illegal content, committing fraud, or infringing copyright — remains illegal regardless of whether a VPN is involved. The VPN itself is simply a tool for encrypting your internet connection and protecting your privacy, and the UK government has no restrictions on its use. Many businesses in the UK actively require employees to use VPNs for secure remote access to corporate networks.

For streaming BBC iPlayer from abroad, NordVPN and ExpressVPN are consistently the most reliable choices in 2026. NordVPN offers over 440 UK servers across London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, providing fast and stable connections that easily bypass the iPlayer geo-restriction checks. ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer feature allows you to stream iPlayer on devices that do not natively support VPN apps, such as smart TVs and gaming consoles. Surfshark and Proton VPN also perform well with iPlayer, though occasional server switching may be needed. The key factor is that BBC iPlayer actively detects and blocks VPN IP addresses, so you need a provider that regularly refreshes its UK server IPs. All four of the VPNs mentioned above invest heavily in maintaining access to iPlayer. We recommend connecting to a London server for the best speeds and most consistent access.

Most free VPNs are not safe and should be avoided by UK users. Many free VPN providers monetise their services by logging and selling your browsing data to third-party advertisers — the very opposite of what a VPN should do. Some free VPNs have been found to contain malware, inject advertising into web pages, or even sell your bandwidth to other users. There are a few trustworthy exceptions: Proton VPN offers a genuinely secure free tier with no data limits, no-logs policy, and no advertising, though it is limited to servers in five countries. Hotspot Shield also offers a limited free plan. If you are serious about your privacy and security, a paid VPN is the recommended option. Premium VPNs like NordVPN, Surfshark, and Private Internet Access cost as little as £1.59 to £2.59 per month on long-term plans and provide full protection without compromising your data. Given the risks, the small monthly cost of a reputable paid VPN is well worth the investment for UK users.