What Is the Best VPN Provider for London in 2024?

At a Glance

London-based internet users enjoy a relatively free internet experience, although since the United Kingdom is a member of the Five Eyes alliance, online users are subject to possibly being monitored by their own government and have that information shared with other countries.

Plus, like users anywhere, they’re subject to being tracked and monitored by hackers and other bad actors.

London residents are also faced with the inability to access geo-blocked content located in other countries around the globe.

In addition, if you’re a Londoner who is traveling or living abroad, you’ll find that you don’t have access to your favorite shows and movies on U.K.-based streaming services, like BBC iPlayer, because you don’t have a U.K. IP address.

Luckily, there is a tool available that can be used to both protect and enhance your online activities.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encases your internet connection in a tunnel of encryption to keep your online activities undercover. Plus, a VPN can assign a fresh IP address to your connected device, making it appear as if you’re in another region of the world, opening up access to geo-blocked content located in that area of the world.

In this article, I’ll be telling you all about the top seven best VPNs for London.

Best VPNs for London

I put VPN service providers through multiple rounds of strenuous testing before I ever recommend them to my readers. (More about that later.)

The results of my tests showed that the seven VPN providers listed below provide the best VPN services for internet users in London:

1. NordVPN: Top London VPN. NordVPN is the #1 pick for VPN protection in London due to its large global server network, reliable access to geo-blocked content around the globe, fast download speeds, and excellent app support. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best budget-priced VPN option. This budget-priced provider is an excellent VPN option for internet users on a tight budget. An impressive global server network, fast and well-protected connections, and top-notch app and customer support, along with an unlimited simultaneous connections allowance, add up to an excellent value provider.
3. ExpressVPN: Premium VPN protection. While this provider charges an admittedly high fee, its premium services cannot be ignored by those willing to pay a few extra bucks. ExpressVPN offers some of the most reliable access to geo-blocked content of any provider in the industry. Its blazingly-fast, well-protected connections are perfect for streaming, gaming, and more.
4. CyberGhost: Excellent VPN for first-time users. If you’re new to VPN usage, or just prefer an easy-to-use yet powerful VPN, this VPN could be for you. A massive global server network provides fast and reliable access to geo-blocked content.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable VPN provider for London. PIA provides comprehensive online security and privacy protection that keeps your online travels totally incognito. The provider delivers reliable access to content around much of the globe.
6. PrivateVPN: “David among Goliaths” VPN network. This provider’s global server network is tiny when compared to the others on this list. That said, PrivateVPN provides well-protected connections to content in the countries where it has servers.
7. Atlas VPN: Unlimited online protection. This provider allows users to connect an unlimited number of devices to its servers. This makes Atlas VPN an attractive provider for users seeking protection for their many devices.

The top seven VPN providers for London were ranked according to the following features:

• Global server network (with servers in the U.K.)
• Online security and privacy protections
• Connection speeds
• App support
• Customer support

For more information about the criteria I considered, check out the testing methodology section found later in this article.

The seven best VPN services for London are:

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

Londoners and visitors to the capital city of the U.K. will benefit greatly from the full-featured VPN services available from this provider.

The provider’s global server network includes 5,600+ servers located in the U.S. and 60+ other countries (with 440+ servers located in London and other cities in the U.K.).

All NordVPN-provided connections are protected by government-grade 256-bit AES encryption, automatic kill switch protection, and IP/DNS leak prevention. Additional ad and malware-blocking options are also available.

The provider’s privacy protections include a recently independently audited no-server-logs-ever policy and an acceptance of cryptocurrency as a subscription payment.

The provider is now running all server operations solely from RAM, never writing data of any kind to a physical hard drive. This ensures that all data is totally erased from the servers each time they are rebooted.

The VPN is also moving its servers from a leased-from-third-parties model to a completely self-owned and self-operated model. This prevents third parties from having access to personal customer information.

NordVPN connections are some of the fastest around, easily handling video streaming, online gaming, and file sharing. No bandwidth limitations or data caps are a part of the deal.

Popular device platforms enjoying app support from the provider include Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS (with native M1/M2 Mac support), and Windows platforms. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are available, as is top-notch support for many routers.

Up to six devices can simultaneously connect on a single set of login credentials.

Around-the-clock customer support includes live support chat, email support, and a searchable support library.

BEST VPN FOR LONDON:NordVPN is the best VPN for London-based internet users. The provider’s impressive global server network provides reliable access to geo-blocked content in most areas of the globe. Fast, well-protected connections protect and enhance all of your online activities. A risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

This low-cost provider offers excellent VPN services, without breaking the bank for budget-minded users.

The provider’s global server network is quite impressive, especially considering that just a few years ago, the server network was one of its drawbacks. However, the Surfshark network now measures in at 3,200+ servers in the U.K. and 99+ other countries around the globe. (With several servers in London.)

The provider claims it offers access to 30+ Netflix libraries around the globe.

Those servers provide well-encrypted connections, as the provider uses military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and IPv6/DNS leak protection to keep its users’ online activities undercover. A “MultiHop” server option allows users to route their connection through a pair of VPN servers for increased anonymity.

Surfshark’s “no server connection logs ever” policy keeps your online activities private, while a Bitcoin payment option helps protect your payment privacy.

Those well-protected connections provide more than enough download speed for your favorite internet activities. No bandwidth throttling or data caps to worry about here.

Native app support from the provider includes options for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, and Amazon Fire device platforms. (A native app for Apple’s M1- and M2-powered Macs is available.) Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are available, as is comprehensive router support.

Users with numerous connected devices will appreciate the provider’s unlimited concurrent connections policy.

Customer support is handled nicely by the provider thanks to its 24/7 support chat, a contact form, and searchable support library.

VPN FOR BUDGET-MINDED INTERNET USERS:Surfshark’s low-priced VPN service compares well to its more expensive competitors. Unlimited simultaneous connections to a large global server network, fast connections, and top-notch app support all add up to an excellent value provider. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

There is no getting around the fact that ExpressVPN is the most expensive VPN on this list. That said, it is also true that it offers some of the most comprehensive VPN services of any provider.

The provider’s global server network covers most of the globe, with more than 3,000 servers located in the U.K. and more than 90 other countries. (London-based servers are included.) The provider’s server network provides reliable access to geo-blocked content around the globe.

ExpressVPN customers’ connections are well-protected thanks to its use of government-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch option, and IP/DNS leak prevention. The provider offers a new, proprietary Lightway protocol, which is optimized for improved speed, security and reliability.

A strict no-server-logs policy is followed on all ExpressVPN servers, and the company’s TrustedServer technology runs all server operations directly from RAM, ensuring that no data is ever written to a physical hard drive. This ensures that all data is completely wiped from the server each time it is rebooted.

ExpressVPN’s connection speeds are some of the fastest I saw in my most recent testing, easily providing enough bandwidth for popular online activities like streaming video, downloading files, and gaming online. Unlimited bandwidth and data are included in each subscription.

App support for Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS (with native Apple Silicon support), Chromebook, Linux, and Windows device platforms is available. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are available, as is its excellent router firmware, which was recently updated and offers an improved user interface.

Up to five devices can connect on a single username.

24/7 customer support includes around-the-clock live support chat, a trouble ticket system, email support, and an easy-to-use knowledge base.

RELIABLE VPN FOR LONDONERS:U.K. internet users who are willing to pay a bit extra for a premium VPN service will appreciate ExpressVPN, as it is a total package. It provides comprehensive digital security and privacy protections, fast connections, and reliable access to geo-blocked content. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

Beginner VPN users, as well as users who prefer simple-to-use VPN protection, will appreciate CyberGhost’s service offerings.

The provider’s raw server numbers are the best on this list of seven, comprising 9,000+ servers in more than 90 countries, with over 440 servers located in London. Streaming- and downloading-optimized servers are available in many areas of the globe.

CyberGhost keeps outsiders away from your online activities thanks to its use of government-grade 256-bit AES encryption, IPv6/DNS leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. Ad and tracker blocking are also available.

The provider has added new features recently, with antivirus protection, a password manager, and an app that scans for outdated and vulnerable apps now available to users. CyberGhost’s “ID Guard” feature alerts you if your email address was included in a data breach.

A strict no-server-connection-logs policy and a private cryptocurrency subscription payment option combine to protect your privacy.

CyberGhost’s connections deliver plenty of bandwidth for gaming, streaming, and file sharing. No bandwidth throttling or data caps to worry about here.

The provider’s easy-to-use app lineup includes options for Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows devices. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available, while router features protect all of your connected devices.

Up to seven devices can be concurrently connected on a single account.

Customer support is a 24/7 proposition thanks to always-available live chat, email support, a trouble ticket tracking system, and a searchable support library.

GREAT FIRST-TIME-USER VPN OPTION:If you’re new to VPNs, or are simply looking for easy-to-use VPN protection, CyberGhost’s offerings will likely prove to be attractive. An impressive global server network provides fast, well-protected connections. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

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5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) provides comprehensive online protection, while delivering access to geo-protected content around most of the globe.

The PIA global server network includes 3,300+ servers located in nearly 85 countries.

PIA keeps customers’ online travel undercover, with military-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and kill switch protection. PIA also offers blocking of ads, trackers, malware, and dangerous websites.

There are no records saved of your online antics while you’re connected to PIA’s servers, meaning your online travels are kept private. Meanwhile, the provider accepts Bitcoin as a subscription payment, which protects the privacy of your payment information. (Using a disposable email address to subscribe provides additional payment privacy.)

PIA native app support is available for most popular devices, including Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser protection are also available. Extensive compatibility with multiple router makes and models allow you to protect all of your devices through a single access point. The provider has a 10 concurrent device connection limit.

This provider’s connection speeds are the second-slowest on this list. However, the provider’s connections can still easily handle your favorite online activities, including streaming, gaming, and sharing files. No daily or monthly data caps or throttling of your bandwidth to worry about here.

Customer support options from the provider include live chat, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support library.

COMPREHENSIVE VPN PROTECTION:Fast, reliable connections to geo-controlled content is the name of the game with Private Internet Access. PIA’s online protection also prevents your online travels from being monitored or recorded. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN admittedly has a rather small global server network. That said, its 200+ servers spread thinly among 60+ countries provide reliable access to content in the countries where its servers are located.

While this provider’s connection speeds are the slowest on this list, its connection speeds should be able to handle high-definition video streaming, file sharing, and other popular online pastimes.

PrivateVPN protects its customers’ connections with banking-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and other protective features. The provider’s “Stealth VPN” feature hides your VPN use by making it appear to be normal browser traffic.

A strict no-server logs policy ensures that no records of your online travels are ever saved while connected to PrivateVPN servers. The provider’s Bitcoin payment option keeps your subscription information undercover.

App support is a bit limited (Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows) and no browser extensions are available. Linux devices and select routers can be manually set up to work with the provider.

Up to 10 simultaneous connections can be made to PrivateVPN servers.

PrivateVPN’s customer support offerings include a live chat option, a support request form, and an FAQ support section.

SMALL BUT MIGHTY:PrivateVPN’s global server network is quite small when compared to competitors’ networks. That said, this provider delivers reliable access to content in the areas where it has servers. A “Stealth VPN” protective feature hides your VPN usage. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

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7. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN has 750+ servers stationed in close to 50 countries around the globe, providing reliable, well-protected access to content in other countries.

Atlas VPN delivers blazingly-fast connection speeds delivering more than enough bandwidth for gaming, streaming, or other popular online activities. No data caps or bandwidth limitations to deal with here.

No online security and privacy worries, thanks to the provider’s use of banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, IP/DNS leak protection, and more. Atlas VPN’s “Safebrowse” feature blocks both online danger and irritating ads.

Atlas VPN servers are run 100% free of user logs and it also accepts cryptocurrency as a subscription payment.

Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV apps make up the provider’s app offerings. Browser extensions and router support are not yet available. However, both features are in development.

Atlas VPN puts no limits on the number of simultaneous devices you can connect to its servers.

Live agent chat is for paying customers only. All users have access to email support, a contact form, and a support library.

NO LIMIT ON PROTECTED CONNECTIONS:Atlas VPN’s fast connections are protected by comprehensive online security and privacy protections. The provider’s “Safebrowse” feature blocks online dangers and ads. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Atlas VPN.

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Methodology for Assessing VPNs for London

While U.K. citizens don’t have to deal with much filtering or blocking of online content, that doesn’t mean that a VPN isn’t needed. There are several factors that need to be carefully considered before opting for a VPN service provider.

Below, I’ve listed the factors that I considered when compiling this list of VPNs for use while living in or visiting London:

• Connection speed: A faster internet connection makes all of your online activities more enjoyable. (Well, not paying bills, but at least maybe it’ll be over faster?) All of the VPNs I include on my “best” list scored highly in my connection speed tests.
• Server network: A large global server network provides better access to geo-blocked content around the globe. Plus, the more servers that are stationed in an individual country, the better the performance you’ll experience when connected to that country.
• Value: To calculate a VPN provider’s value, compare its asking price to the features and functionality it offers. All VPNs that I included on my list offer an excellent return on investment.
• Ease of use: A VPN should offer a variety of easy-to-use apps for popular device platforms. Each VPN service provider that I included on my list offers easy-to-use apps for most popular device platforms.
• Security and privacy: At a minimum, any VPN worth considering should offer banking-level encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection. A strict no-logs policy is also a requirement to ensure that the VPN doesn’t save any logs of your online activities.
• Streaming: Reliable streaming access is an important feature for any VPN. Each VPN I included on my list offers reliable access to streaming sites such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and others.

Check out more information about my VPN testing methodology.

How to Use a VPN To Protect Your Online Activities in London

To use a VPN while visiting or living in London, do the following:

1. Subscribe to a reliable VPN provider (NordVPN is my recommendation).
2. Install the VPN’s app(s) on your favorite device(s), install browser extensions on your computer, and set up your WiFi router to work with the service, if you’re looking for protection for all of your connected devices.
3. Log into the VPN service.
4. Select a VPN server located in the United Kingdom (all providers in this article have servers based in London) to protect your online activities from nosy third parties, or to access U.K.-only content while traveling or living abroad. Connect to a server located outside of the U.K. to open access to geo-blocked content in other countries.
5. Enjoy your newly protected online activities and access to geo-blocked content!

Will a Free VPN Work in London?

Free VPNs will certainly work in London. However, you are not going to be pleased with the experience.

First off, a freebie VPN provider doesn’t protect your privacy. Many freebie VPNs make their income by tracking their users’ online travels, and then selling that valuable information to anyone that can pay for it (or that has a subpoena in hand).

Some free providers have been caught inserting unwanted ads and tracking cookies into their users’ browsing sessions. Those tracking cookies keep right on tracking you, even when you’re no longer connected to the VPN’s servers.

Free VPNs also come up short in the convenience and performance columns.

You may be forced to cool your virtual heels for a while before you’re allowed to connect to a free VPN’s servers. Once you’re given the okay to connect, you’ll find that you’re either automatically connected to a server of the provider’s choosing, or you’re forced to choose from a limited number of servers.

Once connected, you’ll likely see your connection speeds drop precipitously. This is because free VPN providers throttle your connection speeds to preserve bandwidth for their paying customers. Daily or monthly data caps are also a part of the free VPN “experience.”

Doesn’t it sound as if you’ll be happier if you pay a few bucks per month for quality VPN service from a budget-priced provider, like NordVPN or Surfshark?

What Can a VPN Do For Me?

A Virtual Private Network provides the best protection and enhancement for all of your online activities.

It keeps all of your online activities undercover, forming a protective tunnel by encrypting your internet connection.

There are plenty of third parties out there looking to monitor your online travels. Hackers are looking to steal your personal or business information. Your ISP tries to monitor you so it can sell your usage information to advertisers, and the government tries to monitor your online travels because they’re just naturally nosy.

However, a VPN’s tunnel of encryption keeps any person or entity from being able to spy on or steal your personal information.

A VPN is also an excellent way to protect yourself while using a public WiFi hotspot, such as the ones found in coffee shops, airports, and other public places.

Public WiFi hotspots are dangerous because most of them do not encrypt their wireless signal. Sure, this makes it easier to connect, but it also makes it easier for hackers to monitor other hotspot users’ online activities. A VPN encrypts your connection, blocking the bad guys from doing this.

ISPs monitor your online activities so they can block or throttle your connection for engaging in “unapproved” activities. This includes streaming from certain streaming services or sharing files via P2P. A VPN’s encryption hides your online antics from your ISP.

A VPN also unblocks geo-blocked content in other countries thanks to its ability to temporarily assign a new IP address to your device – an IP address that’s located in another country.

London VPN FAQs

Conclusion

London residents and visitors can protect and enhance their online activities by using a Virtual Private Network. NordVPN is my top choice for online protection and enhancement in London (and elsewhere).

NordVPN’s large global server network provides access to geo-blocked content around the globe. The provider’s fast connections are also well-protected from hackers and other nosy types. NordVPN offers excellent support for popular devices, local IP addresses in London, excellent router compatibility, and 24/7 customer support.

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