We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: Holiday.com, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: Holiday.com, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

5 Best UC Browser VPNs for Secure & Fast Browsing in 2025

Kelvin Kiogora Updated on May 24, 2025 Fact-checked by Matthew Amos Former Cybersecurity Researcher

UC Browser's data compression helps you save mobile data but comes with serious security risks. The browser's encryption is weak and has a history of tracking and leaking user data to third parties. This leaves you vulnerable to surveillance and data theft.

My team and I tested 47 VPNs to find the best ones to keep your data secure while using UC Browser. Most VPNs either slowed down the browser's data compression or failed to encrypt traffic properly. However, we found several VPNs that maintained speed and security while fixing UC Browser's privacy flaws.

ExpressVPN is my top recommendation for UC Browser because its Lightway protocol works perfectly with UC Browser's data compression. It protected our data without affecting UC Browser's performance and consumed minimal battery on mobile devices. You can even try ExpressVPN risk-free since it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee*.

Best VPNs for UC Browser — Full Analysis (Updated 2025)

1. ExpressVPN — Lightway Protocol for the Fastest Speeds on Mobile Without Compromising Security

Best Feature Proprietary security protocol that’s often faster than WireGuard and OpenVPN
Security & Privacy TrustedServer technology (RAM-only servers) erases your data on every reboot
Speed The fastest VPN we tested for smooth online browsing
Also Works With UC Mini, UC Turbo, Opera, Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Brave, and more
Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol is perfect for UC Browser users who want security without sacrificing speed. Its efficient design complemented UC Browser's data compression technology while using less battery power on mobile devices. ExpressVPN showed only a 16% speed reduction testing nearby servers, so I didn’t even notice it was connected.

Screenshot of the ExpressVPN Android app showing how to use VPN connection for selected appsSplit tunneling can improve speeds by sending only selected apps via the VPN tunnel

Security testing revealed robust protection against common UC Browser vulnerabilities. ExpressVPN's military-grade encryption secured my connection while its leak protection kept my IP address private. I monitored my traffic using Wireshark and found no DNS or IP leaks, even when switching between mobile data and WiFi.

The VPN's Threat Manager provides an additional layer of security by blocking communications between UC Browser and known trackers or malicious servers. This helps prevent data collection and tracking attempts that could compromise your privacy while browsing.

Useful Features

  • Network Lock. This is ExpressVPN’s kill switch, and it stops all internet traffic if your VPN connection drops, preventing any data leaks through UC Browser.
  • Smart Location. Automatically connects you to the fastest available server for optimal UC Browser performance.
  • Private DNS servers. ExpressVPN runs its own encrypted DNS on every server, preventing ISPs from seeing your UC Browser activity, and improving its robust leak protection.
  • Browser extensions. The VPN’s lightweight add-ons for major browsers complement UC Browser's built-in features without conflicting.
Price
$4.99/month (2 Years Incl. 4 Months Free)
Money-back guarantee
30 days for first-time customers
Customer Support
24/7 Live Chat Support
ExpressVPN Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements
  • One of the fastest VPNs
  • Works with top streaming sites
  • A proven no-logs policy
  • Limited customization
  • Smart Location isn't always the fastest

2. CyberGhost — Easy-To-Use Apps To Protect Any Device Using UC Browser

Best Feature One-tap connect on any device for instant protection on UC Browser
Security & Privacy Kills switch and IP/DNS leak protection prevents accidental data exposure
Speed We recorded 153.23Mbps on nearby servers, so you won't notice delays while browsing
Also Works With UC Mini, UC Turbo, Opera, Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Brave, and more
Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

CyberGhost makes it simple to secure UC Browser data with intuitive apps, especially if you’re new to VPNs. The streamlined interface helped me quickly find and connect to the fastest available server. We tested CyberGhost apps on both Android and iOS, and we never spent more than a few seconds getting connected and protected.

Screenshot of a YouTube video playing on UC Browser with the CyberGhost Android app connected to a UK serverAfter opening YouTube in UC Browser, my video started right away

You can quickly find a stable and fast connection for UC Browser by picking a server closest to you from the 11,690 servers available across 100 countries. Just type a country into the search bar and click to connect. During our tests, Cyberghost servers in the UK, US, and Australia worked reliably and always connected in 5 seconds or less.

I really liked the Smart Rules feature, which lets you automate your VPN connection for UC Browser. I set CyberGhost to automatically connect whenever I launched UC Browser, providing instant protection against the browser's security vulnerabilities.

While the monthly option is costly and has a shorter refund window, you can get significant savings with long-term offers. These offers also include a generous 45-day money-back guarantee to test CyberGhost with UC Browser for free.

Useful Features

  • Specialty servers. CyberGhost offers specialized streaming, torrenting, and gaming servers that are regularly tested and can enhance these activities on UC Browser.
  • Automatic WiFi protection. This feature immediately activates when connecting to unfamiliar networks, safeguarding your UC Browser sessions against public WiFi risks.
  • Data compression. CyberGhost complements UC Browser's compression to further reduce data usage, making it perfect for when you have limited mobile data plans.
Price
$2.19/month (2 Years Incl. 2 Months Free)
Money-back guarantee
45 Days
Customer Support
24/7 Live Chat Support
CyberGhost VPN Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements
  • Secure access to streaming
  • Military-level security
  • Designed for ease of use
  • Slower long-distance servers
  • Doesn't work in China

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Customizable Settings for Optimal Performance on UC Browser

Best Feature Tweak settings to prioritize speed or security on UC Browser
Security & Privacy Keeps your real location private with IP and DNS leak protection
Speed Just a 18% average speed loss on nearby servers
Also Works With UC Mini, UC Turbo, Opera, Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Brave, and more
Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process.

PIA offers granular control over various settings to maximize UC Browser's performance. For example, when selecting the OpenVPN protocol, you can choose between 128-bit or 256-bit encryption. During our tests, the 128-bit encryption option proved helpful in maintaining UC Browser's fast page loading while protecting our data.

Screenshot of the PIA Android app showing the available connection customization optionsSelect UDP when streaming on an unstable mobile network

Its extensive network of 29,650 servers in 91 countries is conveniently sorted by latency, making it easy to find the most responsive connection (although I wish it displayed distance like CyberGhost). I appreciated this feature when switching between mobile data and WiFi, as I could instantly identify and connect to the fastest available server.

The extensive customization options might look complicated if it’s your first time using a VPN. Still, PIA's default configuration works well with UC Browser without adjusting settings. This means you don’t need any technical know-how to use it. Just connect to a server to use the web securely.

All options come with unlimited simultaneous connections for even better value. You can also test PIA features with UC Browser risk-free for up to 30 days with its trustworthy money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

  • Connection automation. PIA automatically detects and secures new network connections, protecting your UC Browser sessions on public WiFi.
  • MACE ad blocker. Turning this on blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level, complementing UC Browser's built-in protections.
  • Small packets feature. This feature optimizes data transmission for better performance on slower mobile networks.
Price
$2.19/month (2 Years Incl. 2 Months Free)
Money-back guarantee
30 Days
Customer Support
24/7 Live Chat Support
Private Internet Access Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements
  • Many servers to choose from
  • Customizable security settings
  • Solid choice for torrenting
  • Hit-or-miss customer support
  • Tricky to navigate

4. NordVPN — Advanced Security Features Keeps Your Online Activities Private on UC Browser

Best Feature Proven no-logs policy and AES 256-bit encryption, so no one can view your activities on UC browser
Security & Privacy Threat Protection keeps your device clean from malware, ads, and trackers
Speed NordLynx protocol minimizes speed loss to just 23% servers farther away
Also Works With UC Mini, UC Turbo, Opera, Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Brave, and more

NordVPN’s strict privacy protections make it a trustworthy VPN to use with UC Browser. It’s based in Panama, which has no data retention laws. Plus, if you’re worried about your privacy, use the Double VPN feature — it routes your data through two servers, encrypting it twice. We had no issue connecting to the Switzerland-Sweden Double VPN option during our tests.

Screenshot of the NordVPN Android app showing the available specialty serversUse obfuscated servers when browsing on restricted networks

The tap-jacking protection feature proved invaluable during mobile browsing tests. When visiting shopping sites through UC Browser, this feature prevented overlay attacks that could potentially steal payment information. And while PIA’s ad blocker is slightly better, NordVPN’s Threat Protection removed the majority of pop-ups on UC Browser.

A minor issue was that Threat Protection sometimes caused errors when accessing specific sites, like YouTube. However, switching to Threat Protection Lite resolved this. We had no problems downloading copyright-free games on our mobile phones in UC Browser. Plus, sites loaded quickly.

You can also use NordVPN's 30-day money-back guarantee to try it yourself.

Useful Features

  • Meshnet. Enable this feature to create a secure, private network between your devices, which you can use to share files between your mobile devices and laptops.
  • Dark Web Monitor. This feature alerts you if your UC Browser login credentials appear in data breaches.
Price
$3.39/month (2-years Basic Plan)
Money-back guarantee
30 Days
Customer Support
24/7 live chat
NordVPN Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements
  • Strong security and privacy
  • Fast local and faraway servers
  • Great for streaming
  • Some long connection times
  • High renewal prices

5. Surfshark — Unlimited Connections To Safely Use UC Browser on All Your Devices

Best Feature Protect all your devices under one account without having to log out
Security & Privacy Keeps you safe online with AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection
Speed WireGuard delivers fast browsing speeds, recording 116.68Mbps on nearby servers
Also Works With UC Mini, UC Turbo, Opera, Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Brave, and more

Surfshark's unlimited device connections make it an excellent choice for protecting multiple devices simultaneously. This makes it ideal for households where everyone uses UC Browser. Our tests with 12 connections at once showed consistent performance without any server disconnects (although its best protocol isn’t quite as fast as ExpressVPN’s Lightway).

On Android devices, Surfshark's GPS spoofing feature adds location privacy that UC Browser doesn't provide. This prevented websites from detecting my actual location through GPS while still maintaining UC Browser's fast performance through its data compression.

Screenshot of the Surfshark Android app showing how to enable GPS spoofingEnable Discover on LAN to access other devices within your network

The only issue is that SurfShark is located in the Netherlands, which is a part of the data-sharing pact of the 9-Eyes alliance. This seems worrisome, but the VPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy, so none of your data gets collected or shared.

Useful Features

  • IP Rotator. Turning this on adds an extra layer of privacy to your UC Browser sessions by periodically changing your IP address without disconnecting from the VPN.
  • Camouflage mode. This feature masks your VPN traffic as regular browsing data, which is useful when using UC Browser on networks that block VPNs.
Price
$1.99/month (Surfshark Starter 24 Months + 3 Extra Months)
Money-back guarantee
30 Days
Customer Support
24/7 Live Chat Support
Surfshark Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements
  • Easy to use
  • Military-grade security
  • Fast speeds
  • Clunky torrenting support
  • Based in a 9-Eyes country
  • Might not work in China

Quick Comparison Table: UC Browser VPN Features

When choosing a VPN for UC Browser, it's important to compare key features that impact both security and performance. Here is a table highlighting the most relevant aspects of our recommended VPNs, with a focus on the fastest VPNs, security features, and mobile optimization capabilities.

Server network Average Speed Device Connections Mobile Battery Impact Money-back Guarantee
🥇ExpressVPN 3,000 servers in 105 countries Fastest VPN 8 Very Low 30 days
🥈CyberGhost 11,690 servers in 100 countries Very fast 7 Low 45 days
🥉 Private Internet Access 29,650 servers in 91 countries Excellent speed Unlimited Moderate 30 days
NordVPN 7,800 servers in 118 countries Second fastest VPN 10 Low 30 days
Surfshark 3,200 servers in 100 countries Very fast Unlimited Moderate 30 days

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs For UC Browser

Our main criteria for selecting VPNs for UC Browser centered on mobile performance. We tested each VPN's impact on UC Browser's data compression by measuring load times and data usage across multiple websites. It was also important to analyze the battery impact of each VPN on mobile devices, along with tests of all their security features due to UC’s vulnerabilities.

Our team continuously updates these reviews based on ongoing tests and real-world performance. I encourage you to check our methodology page to learn more about how we evaluate VPNs for different use cases. We also recommend analyzing similar criteria when you conduct your own tests.

Quick Guide: How To Use UC Browser With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps

  1. Download a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN because its Lightway protocol works perfectly with UC Browser's data compression while keeping your connection secure. Plus, you can test it without risk since it has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. Connect to a server. Pick a nearby server location for the fastest speeds with UC Browser's data-saving features.
  3. Start browsing. Launch UC Browser and enjoy private, secure browsing without compromising its data compression benefits.

FAQs on Using UC Browser With a VPN

Can I use a free VPN with UC Browser?

While it’s technically possible, it’s not recommended. The best way to protect your data while using UC Browser is to use premium VPNs, which provide a high level of protection without compromising performance. Additionally, premium VPNs work reliably with mobile data, which is often not the case with free VPNs.

Some free VPNs interfere with UC Browser's data compression, negating its main benefit. Additionally, most have severe speed restrictions and data caps that make browsing frustrating. Even worse, many free VPNs have been caught selling user data to advertisers — precisely what you're trying to prevent.

Is it safe to use UC Browser without a VPN?

No. UC Browser has several documented security vulnerabilities that put your data at risk. Its weak encryption and data collection practices expose your personal information to potential hackers and third parties. Using a reliable VPN patches these security holes while maintaining the browser's speed advantages.

Will a VPN slow down UC Browser's data compression?

A quality VPN has minimal impact on UC Browser's compression technology. During our tests with ExpressVPN, the speed reduction was not noticeable, while UC Browser's data savings remained nearly identical.

The key is choosing a VPN with protocols optimized for mobile devices. Some VPNs even offer their own compression features that work alongside UC Browser's to further reduce data usage.

Is it legal to use a VPN with UC Browser?

Using a VPN with UC Browser is legal in most countries. A VPN itself doesn't make your browsing activities illegal. When you download a VPN and connect to a server, it simply adds privacy and security to your existing UC Browser usage. All the VPNs recommended here operate legally and transparently in permitted jurisdictions.

However, keep in mind that some nations like China, Russia, and Iran restrict or ban VPN usage. When traveling to these countries, check local regulations regarding VPN use. The vpnMentor team does not condone any illegal activities.

Will a VPN with UC Browser drain my phone battery faster?

The battery impact depends on which VPN protocol you choose. Traditional protocols like OpenVPN can increase battery drain by 10-15%, but modern alternatives like ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol use far less power. During tests on an older Android device, using ExpressVPN with UC Browser only reduced battery life by about 30 minutes over a full day of browsing.

Which VPN offers a UC Browser extension?

Currently, no major VPNs offer dedicated extensions for UC Browser. However, this isn't a problem since premium VPNs protect all your device traffic, including UC Browser activity. Standalone VPN applications actually provide better security than browser extensions since they encrypt all internet traffic, not just browser data.

Get the Best VPN for UC Browser

UC Browser’s excellent data compression makes it a great way to browse the web on mobile. But if you use it without a VPN, the browser can put your privacy and security at risk with potential data leaks, trackers, and even malware. Unfortunately, most VPNs either slow down UC Browser's performance or don't provide adequate protection against its vulnerabilities.

ExpressVPN provides the best balance of security and performance for UC Browser. Its Lightway protocol maintains fast speeds and efficient battery use while adding military-grade encryption to protect your data. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

[*] Please note that ExpressVPN's generous money-back guarantee applies to first-time customers only.
Privacy Tip

Your online activity may be visible to the sites you visit

Your IP Address:

216.73.216.61

Your Location:

US, Ohio, Columbus

Your Internet Provider:

Some sites might use these details for advertising, analytics, or tracking your online preferences.

To protect your data from the websites you visit, one of the most effective steps is to hide your IP address, which can reveal your location, identity, and browsing habits. Using a virtual private network (VPN) masks your real IP by routing your internet traffic through a secure server, making it appear as though you're browsing from a different location. A VPN also encrypts your connection, keeping your data safe from surveillance and unauthorized access.

We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: Holiday.com, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

About the Author

Kelvin was a writer and cyber-safety researcher at vpnMentor, whose expertise in the latest online security tools helped readers in keeping them safe from hackers and online snoops.

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