How to Obtain a U.K. IP Address in 2024

Why would you need an IP address based in the United Kingdom? There are a number of reasons.

• If you’re a U.K. citizen living abroad, you may be missing some of your favorite British television series, or you may simply want to stay in touch with news and sports from back home.
• You may be a football fan who wants to view all of the matches you possibly can.
• You may do business with U.K.-based banks that may require a British IP address for security reasons.

Can a VPN Help Me Obtain a U.K. IP Address?

Luckily, there is a way to obtain a U.K. IP address, which opens up access to numerous online resources based in the U.K.: a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

A Virtual Private Network can assign your connected device a new, temporary IP address located in the United Kingdom. An IP address identifies a device on a network (in this case, the internet) and can also identify a device’s geographical location.

When you connect to a VPN server based in the U.K., your device receives an IP address there. That means that while you may actually be sitting in a Starbucks in Chicago, the rest of the internet thinks you’re sitting in a Coffee Republic somewhere in the U.K.

In this article, I’ll take a look at the 7 best VPNs to use to obtain an IP address inside the United Kingdom.

How to Get an IP Address in the U.K.

Follow the steps below to obtain a U.K. IP address:

1. Buy a subscription to a VPN service (I recommend NordVPN).
2. Install the provider’s app(s) on your device(s).
3. Open the app and select a VPN server inside the U.K.
4. Visit a U.K.-based site or service that is normally unavailable due to geo-blocking.
5. Enjoy your favorite content from the British Isles.

GET A U.K. IP ADDRESS FOR FREE: If you plan to travel outside the United Kingdom and wish to test a VPN for its IP-grabbing prowess, take advantage of NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee. You can give their comprehensive VPN service a try and then get a no-questions-asked refund if you find that it isn’t right for you.

Best VPNs for Obtaining a U.K. IP Address

Following extensive testing, I have determined that the following 7 VPNs are the best way to obtain an IP address inside the United Kingdom:

1. 1. NordVPN: Top VPN for U.K. IP addresses.This provider is my #1 choice for providing the most reliable access to U.K. IP addresses. The provider offers fast connections, excellent security and privacy protections, and top-notch multi-platform support. Also offers a no-risk, 30-day money-back guarantee.
   2. Surfshark: Best budget access to U.K. IPs. Brits on a budget will want to take a close look at this VPN service. The provider’s multi-year subscription plans are available for a monthly price of a good cup of tea. The provider also offers an unlimited simultaneous connections allowance.
   3. ExpressVPN: Premium VPN protection. This provider offers fast connection speeds, many servers in the U.K., and a top-notch content-unblocking ability, making it especially good for streaming.
   4. CyberGhost: Recommended for VPN first-timers. Online users who have little experience with VPNs will want to give this provider careful consideration. The provider’s apps are easy-to-use and offer protection with just a few clicks or taps. Fast connection speeds come in handy for gamers and streamers.
   5. Private Internet Access (PIA): Comprehensive VPN services. PIA has been around for a while, and provides fast and well-protected access to U.K. IP addresses for many popular connected devices.
   6. PrivateVPN: Reliable VPN protection. This provider is still experiencing some growing pains, but it’s showing some definite promise. Fast connection speeds and top-notch security and privacy protections help compensate for its somewhat limited global server network.
   7. Atlas VPN: Protected U.K. IP addresses. This provider’s somewhat limited server network provides reliable and protected access to content in the U.K. by reliably obtaining a U.K. IP address.

How to Choose the Right VPN to Obtain an IP Address in the United Kingdom

When considering which VPN provides the best access to U.K. IP addresses, the following features were considered:

• Has servers located in the United Kingdom
• Provides fast download speeds
• Offers strong encryption and privacy protections
• Offers easy-to-use apps for multiple device platforms
• Provides top-notch customer support

For more information about the criteria I used, please take a look at the methodology testing section later in this article.

Here are my mini-reviews of the top 7 VPNs for obtaining an IP address inside the U.K:

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

NordVPN sits at the top of this list thanks to its reliable access to U.K. IP addresses, fast download speeds, and excellent privacy and security protections, all for a surprisingly low price.

NordVPN provided top 5 connection speeds in my most recent testing. It can handle streaming in 4K and HD, online gaming, file sharing, and anything else you might throw at it.

Bank-grade encryption keeps all of your online activities undercover, and additional protection is available via kill switch protection, malware and ad blocking, and IPv6 and DNS leak protections. Obfuscated servers can make your VPN activity appear to be normal internet traffic.

NordVPN’s global server network is made up of 5,500+ servers stationed in nearly 60 countries, including the United Kingdom (440+ servers).

All NordVPN servers are operated with no logs of any kind, and a Bitcoin payment option protects your payment anonymity.

Additional privacy protection is provided by NordVPN’s owned-and-operated servers, which keep outsiders away from your personal data. Plus, all NordVPN servers are run 100% from RAM, with no data being written to a physical hard drive. This means all data is completely and securely wiped from the servers whenever they are rebooted or shutdown.

NordVPN provides plenty of native app support, including apps for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS (including native Apple Silicon support), Windows, and Linux devices. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available.

NordVPN’s router support offers protection for all of your devices. Up to 6 devices can connect at once using a single set of user credentials.

Around-the-clock support is available thanks to 24/7 live chat, a searchable support knowledge base, and email support.

BEST VPN FOR A U.K. IP ADDRESS:NordVPN is the top choice among the best VPNs to obtain an IP address inside the U.K. Excellent server coverage, fast download speeds, and top-notch security and privacy protections make this provider the #1 choice. A no-risk, 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark will prove to be an attractive option for internet users on a budget who are looking for above-average VPN protection and access to a U.K. IP address, with a price that doesn’t break the bank. The provider also allows you to connect as many devices as you’d like at once.

With 3,200+ servers based in approximately 95 countries around the globe, the U.K. included, Surfshark offers excellent worldwide coverage. There are server farms in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, and London.

If your usual connection speeds are up to handling HD video streaming, sharing large files, and online gaming, then Surfshark is also up to it. The provider’s fast download speeds are never hampered by data caps or bandwidth limitations.

Those fast connections are protected well, as the provider uses banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak prevention to protect your online activities from prying eyes. Also available are tracker and ad blocking, as well as malware and phishing protection.

Plus, a “MultiHop” server option routes your internet connection through two VPN servers, providing double encryption and anonymity. You can also expect a no-server-logs policy and a cryptocurrency subscription payment option to ensure your privacy is well protected.

Native apps are available for the following device platforms: Amazon Fire TV, iOS, Android, Linux, Windows, and macOS (with native M1/M2 Mac support). Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available. The provider works with numerous router makes and models.

Plus, an unlimited concurrent connections policy means you can connect all of your online devices to Surfshark VPN servers at once, wherever you might be.

Surfshark customer support is available 24/7 thanks to around-the-clock live chat, email support, and a searchable knowledge base.

BEST FOR BUDGET:Surfshark is an excellent VPN option for users looking to save a few bucks, but not sacrifice U.K. IP address access or their online security and privacy. Users will appreciate how they can connect as many devices as they want concurrently. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN’s fast download speeds, great server count, and top-notch content-unblocking ability make it a great all-round VPN, but especially good for streaming.

The provider’s global server network includes over 3,000 servers in roughly 94 countries around the globe, including plenty of servers stationed inside the U.K (Docklands, East London, London, and Wembley).

ExpressVPN offers some fast connection speeds, meaning you’ll always have plenty of bandwidth for file sharing, viewing HD and 4K video, and more.

Banking-grade encryption protects your internet connection. In addition, the provider offers kill switch protection, as well as IPv6 and DNS leak prevention.

Privacy is also well protected thanks to a total “no server logs” policy and a Bitcoin subscription payment option.

ExpressVPN also offers optimal native app support, including apps for the Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, Android TV, Linux, Chromebook, and Amazon Kindle device platforms. Browser extensions are available for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.

Several makes and models of routers are compatible with the ExpressVPN service, providing protection for all of your connected devices. Up to 5 devices can connect simultaneously to the service on the same set of user credentials.

Customer support is available 24/7 thanks to always-available live chat, email support, a searchable support knowledge base, and a support ticket system.

GREAT FOR STREAMING:ExpressVPN offers fast connection speeds, provides plenty of servers in the U.K., and sports an impressive content-unblocking ability, making it a more than respectable choice for grabbing an IP address in the U.K. and streaming U.K. content. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is the best bet for inexperienced VPN users who are looking for optimal VPN protection and access to the U.K. without a bunch of complicated bells and whistles.

The provider’s server network is made up of over 8,900 servers stationed in 90+ countries. Many of those servers are stationed in the U.K.

CyberGhost doesn’t put a heavy toll on your usual connection speeds, providing plenty of bandwidth for streaming, gaming, and file sharing.

Those speedy connections are also well protected thanks to government-grade encryption, a kill switch feature, and IPv6 and DNS leak prevention. The provider also offers the option to block ads, malicious websites, and online tracking. An option to force websites to serve up HTTPS versions of their webpages is also available.

A no-server-logs policy and a Bitcoin payment option keeps your privacy well protected.

App support is another strong point for this VPN, with apps available for Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, Android TV, Linux, and Amazon Fire devices. Chrome and Firefox extensions are also available. The provider’s router-friendly features protect any other connected devices. Up to 7 devices can be connected at once.

In addition to quality VPN services, CyberGhost also offers a password manager, alerts when your email address is exposed in a data breach, and more. Windows users will have access to antivirus and anti-malware protection, a privacy guard to control how much access Microsoft has to your data and a security updater that scans for apps that need to be updated.

Customer support includes live chat, a searchable support library, and a support ticket tracking system.

BEST FOR FIRST-TIME VPN USERS:I advise newbie VPN users to take a closer look at CyberGhost due to their easy-to-use apps. While the provider’s apps offer excellent online protection, users aren’t forced to deal with a load of complicated settings. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

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5. Private Internet Access

The Private Internet Access (PIA) network provides reliable access to IP addresses from inside of the U.K.

The provider has 3,300+ servers spread among nearly 85 countries, including the United Kingdom (in Manchester, London, and Southampton). PIA delivers reliable access to geo-fenced content from inside U.K. borders, as well as to most of the rest of the world.

The provider protects its customers’ connections with government-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak, and kill switch protection. Blocking of ads, trackers, malware, and malicious websites is also available.

PIA doesn’t save any user logs on their servers, so there are never any records of your online antics. A cryptocurrency payment option is available to keep your payment information uber-private when you use a throwaway email address.

PIA’s connection speeds are the slowest on this list. That said, PIA connections provide more than enough bandwidth for your favorite online activities. No data cap or connection throttling to worry about with this provider.

The provider offers app support for the Android, Android TV, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are available, as is router support.

Users can simultaneously connect up to 10 devices to PIA’s servers.

The provider’s support offerings include live chat, a trouble ticket form, and a searchable support library.

RELIABLE ACCESS TO U.K. IP ADDRESSES:Private Internet Access offers reliable access to U.K. IP addresses, alongside comprehensive online security and privacy. Fast connections provide reliable access to U.K. content. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN hasn’t been in the VPN business as long as others on this list, but is quickly gaining a reputation for reliable VPN protection.

The provider’s global server network could use some definite expansion, as it only has 200+ servers scattered thinly around 60+ countries. A good number of those servers are located in the United Kingdom.

PrivateVPN’s connection speeds are fast enough to handle streaming high-definition video, sharing large files, and all types of online games.

Fast connections aren’t much use if they aren’t well protected, and PrivateVPN has that department covered thanks to military-level encryption, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, and a “Stealth VPN” feature that makes your VPN usage appear to be normal internet traffic.

Privacy protection is also optimal, as the provider follows a strict no-logs policy and accepts Bitcoin.

App support is also less than comprehensive, as it is limited to the Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android device platforms. No browser extensions are available, either.

Router support is available, so you can also protect all of your other devices when you’re at home or in the office. Up to 10 simultaneous connections are available on a single username.

While the provider claims 24/7 live support chat, I’ve visited the site plenty of times when it hasn’t been available. A “Contact Us” form is also available, as is a non-searchable FAQ section.

ADVANCED OPTIONS FOR EXPERIENCED USERS:PrivateVPN makes an excellent VPN option for experienced users who feel comfortable playing with advanced settings and who don’t need much hand-holding. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

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7. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN provides reliable access to IP addresses that are usually assigned to users only in the United Kingdom.

The Atlas VPN’s global server network (750+ servers in nearly 43 countries, including London and Manchester in the U.K.) provides fast, reliable, and well-protected connections.

The provider uses government-grade encryption, a kill switch, and other protective measures to keep your online activities undercover. The provider’s Safebrowse and Safebrowse Plus protection keeps you protected from various online perils and ads.

Usage logs are nowhere to be found on an Atlas VPN server, keeping your online travels undercover. Unfortunately, cryptocurrency users will need to look elsewhere.

Atlas VPN’s fast connection can easily handle popular online activities, with no data caps and no bandwidth limitations to worry about when using this provider.

Native app support from the provider includes options for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV devices. Linux support, browser extensions, and router support is not yet available. However, Atlas VPN says that all three features are under development.

An unlimited number of devices can be connected to Atlas VPN’s servers on a single account.

Although live support chat is limited to paying customers, email, a contact form, and a support library are available to everyone.

UNLIMITED U.K. IP ADDRESSES:Atlas VPN provides reliable access to IP addresses located in the United Kingdom. It also offers comprehensive protection for an unlimited number of devices. A 30-day money-back guarantee available.

Read my full review of Atlas VPN.

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Methodology for Assessing VPNs for a U.K. IP Address

If you’re looking for an IP address based in the United Kingdom, you’ll need to find a VPN that has servers in the U.K. There are also other important factors to consider as well.

These are the most critical features of VPNs to consider:

• Connection speeds: Never settle for slow connections. Otherwise, you may be stuck waiting an extended period of time for sites to load, or streaming video to buffer. The VPNs on my list scored well during my most recent connection speed tests.
• Global server network: The larger the server network, the more access you’ll have to geo-fenced content around the globe. Plus, if a VPN has a high server count in a country, you’ll likely enjoy better VPN performance when connecting to that country, as no individual server will be overloaded with users.
• Value: A VPN should offer a sufficient number of features and functionality to justify its asking price. Each VPN on my list offers its services for a reasonable price, given what they offer.
• Ease of use: All of the VPNs on my list offer logical, easy-to-use apps. In addition, the apps are usually available for a wide array of platforms, allowing you to connect on your favorite devices.
• Security and privacy: If you’re using the internet you are in danger from hackers. That makes security and privacy an important consideration. A VPN should at least provide banking-level encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection. A strict no-logs policy is also a must, as it keeps anyone from looking into your online activities.
• Streaming: I would venture to say that many VPN users are fans of streaming their favorite shows and movies. This makes it important that any VPN you consider offers access to your favorite video streamers. Each VPN on my list offers reliable access to streaming services such as Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more.

My VPN research doesn’t end here. My data-driven VPN testing methodology provides a better understanding of the VPNs and their services, allowing me to recommend only those VPNs that are a good fit for my reader’s needs.

Why Are International Users Banned From Some U.K. Websites and Services?

Subjects of the crown, U.K. expats, and other individuals traveling or located abroad may wonder why they can’t access certain websites and services that are based inside the United Kingdom.

Streaming providers in any part of the world make agreements with television and movie producers for the content they provide to viewers. The agreements usually include a clause that states that all viewing of the content will be limited to a specified region of the world.

Such agreements are the reason that while streaming services like Netflix offer their content around the globe, the available content in the U.K. will be different from that available in the U.S. or other countries.

While these restrictions may be common, it doesn’t make them any less frustrating for U.K. expats or travelers who are outside the United Kingdom and can’t gain access to the latest episode of their favorite British shows.

Other services on the web are also geo-restricted. This includes gaming servers, other types of streaming content, like music, and even websites.

In addition, some banks require a user to be located inside the borders of their home country before they are allowed access to their account. While this is an accepted security-related practice, it can be aggravating if you can’t access your accounts while traveling internationally.

How is Content Geographically Controlled?

When you connect your computer or other internet-capable device to the internet, it’s assigned an IP address.

An IP address acts as an identifier, allowing other devices on the internet to know who is requesting the content and where that content should be sent. (Think of how snail mail works in the “real world” and you’ll have a good idea of how it all works, only MUCH faster.)

As well as identifying your device on the internet, an IP address also identifies your geographical location. (Again, much like a snail mail address.) You can see your location by visiting this website.

This allows U.K. sites and services to identify your location and decide whether to allow or block access to their content.

How Can I Access Geo-Fenced United Kingdom Content From Overseas?

The easiest way to gain access to United Kingdom-only content is to somehow gain access to an IP address located inside the U.K.

The easiest way to do that (which is also cheaper than a flight back home) is to use a Virtual Private Network that has servers stationed inside the U.K.

As I mentioned previously, an IP address can be used to detect your physical location, but there is a way to beat that.

When your device connects to a VPN service’s server network, it is assigned a new, temporary IP address, making it appear that your device is connecting from the VPN server’s location.

So, if you connect to a VPN server in Los Angeles, it appears as if you’re in LA. If you connect to a server in London, it appears you are connecting to the internet from a location somewhere in London. Get the drift?

By “spoofing” your IP address, a VPN can make it appear as if you’re located in the United Kingdom, opening access to U.K.-only content.

What Else Can a VPN Do?

In addition to providing access to geo-controlled content, a VPN also offers numerous other features designed to enhance and protect your online activities.

A VPN automatically protects your internet connection by encasing it in a tunnel of military-grade encryption. By doing this, it protects your online activities from prying eyes.

Many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) will monitor your online activities, saving the information and selling it to advertisers or other interested parties. A VPN’s encrypted tunnel prevents your ISP from monitoring your online travels.

Plus, some ISPs have been caught throttling users’ connection speeds if they find they’re engaging in “unapproved” activities, such as streaming content from certain services or participating in P2P file sharing. Since a VPN prevents your ISP from monitoring your online activities, your ISP can’t throttle your connection, because it won’t know what you’re doing.

Can I Use a Free VPN Provider to Gain Access to U.K. Content?

While the siren song of “free” always sounds alluring, if you allow yourself to be enticed, you may find your security and convenience dashed on the rocky shores of the internet. (Was that too dramatic? It sounded a little too dramatic to me).

“Free” VPNs have to keep the lights on somehow, and many of them pay the bills by tracking your every move online, saving the info in an easy-to-read file and then selling that file to the highest bidder.

Some freebie VPN services have been found to be inserting unwanted ads and tracking cookies into their customers’ browsing sessions.

As for convenience, many free VPNs will force you to sit in a queue, waiting for one of the limited connections they make available. Once you’re finally allowed to connect, you’ll likely find a limited number of servers are available, and that’s if you’re allowed to select your own server at all.

Once connected, your connection could be heavily throttled, and you’ll likely have to deal with daily or monthly data usage caps.

Pay a few bucks for a VPN provider – you’ll find out that it’s worth it in the long run.

U.K. IP Address VPN FAQs

Conclusion

International travelers, British expats, or folks that just want a taste of the excellent television programming the Brits enjoy, will appreciate NordVPN’s reliable access to sites and services based inside the United Kingdom.

NordVPN offers reliable access to geo-controlled content, both in the U.K. and around the world. The provider supplies optimal online protections without unnecessarily slowing your connection speeds, and provides both top-notch customer support and app support.

For more information or to subscribe to NordVPN, visit their website.

“Houses of Parliament” by Eric Hossinger licensed under CC BY 2.0