3 Best VPNs for London 2025: Safety, Speed & Streaming

While the internet in London is free from censorship, privacy remains a concern since the UK is a member of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance. The Alliance consists of a group of countries that monitor and share citizens’ online activities to enhance collective security. This means that your private information is still vulnerable to breach and monitoring.

Since internet providers in London are required to adhere to the UK’s laws regarding data collection, there are no direct ways to avoid surveillance. However, you can use a VPN to keep your information private. VPNs utilize advanced security features to ensure that no one can monitor your online activity. That said, not all VPNs are ideal for users in London. Some significantly reduce browsing speeds, while others may not offer the level of protection you need.

My team and I tested dozens of VPNs for London to determine which ones performed the best in terms of security, speed, and streaming capabilities. We sought services with robust data protection features, including military-grade encryption and IP/DNS leak protection. We also paid attention to which VPNs have servers in or close to the city, since those are most likely to offer the fastest speeds for streaming, gaming, and P2P file sharing.

Best VPNs for London — Full Analysis (Updated in 2025)

1. ExpressVPN — Strong Security Features to Avoid Privacy Breaches

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Tested July 2025

Available on:

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www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN’s state-of-the-art security features protect your online privacy in London. The VPN utilizes strong encryption protocols that conceal your identity and safeguard your online browsing from unauthorized third parties. We tested ExpressVPN’s leak protection, and I didn’t detect any IP or DNS leaks.

ExpressVPN’s built-in content filters help protect your browsing in London by blocking all harmful content

The strict no-logs policy means your data and online activity aren’t stored or passed on either. ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands (outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance), so it’s not required to hand over your data to any third parties. This VPN also uses RAM-only servers that wipe your data on every reboot. I particularly liked the feature that allowed me to change the app settings so my personally identifiable data wasn’t shared with the service.

ExpressVPN offers the best speeds for London. We connected to servers in London and other locations in Europe and North America, and our connection stayed fast for file sharing and gaming without lag. We watched live football matches on BBC iPlayer without interruption. You can turn on the SmartLocation feature to find the fastest server near you.

I particularly liked the MediaStreamer feature, which enables the use of ExpressVPN on devices that typically don’t support VPNs. We used it to stream Netflix UK content on PlayStation, older smart TVs, and Roku. The app design is very beginner-friendly. Downloading and setting up took only a few minutes, and connecting to the VPN just required pressing the large power button on the home screen.

On the downside, the VPN is more expensive than some competitors. However, one purchase allows up to 8 simultaneous connections. I was also able to try it out with its 30-day money-back guarantee* — I canceled via 24/7 live chat, and my refund request was processed almost immediately.

2. IPVanish — Supports Unlimited Device Connections Under One Account

Available on:

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Try IPVanish VPN >

www.ipvanish.com

IPVanish offers unlimited connections on all its purchase options, so it can protect multiple devices simultaneously. This works well if you have a multi-device household or want VPN protection for the office. I tested IPVanish by having my whole family connect to the VPN on their devices, and it ran without any issues on all of them.

Speeds remained stable for browsing, gaming, and streaming without issues

The app is easy to use and compatible with most major operating systems and devices. There are also detailed tutorials on their website, so I was able to set up the VPN on my router with no issue (I didn’t see the need to contact customer support, but I noted that it’s available via live chat, email, and phone). I also appreciate that the website provides server maintenance and downtime updates, so you’re always aware of how well its network is performing.

In terms of security features, IPVanish has a kill switch and DNS/IPv6 leak protection. It’s based in the US (part of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance), but it has a strict no-logs policy, so I feel confident that my activity log wasn’t retained. IPVanish also operates its own server network, so there is a very low risk of anyone gaining access to your data.

We tested IPVanish’s speeds by connecting to a few local London servers, and speeds were fast enough for streaming in UHD with no buffering. We watched ITVX without long loading times. The VPN’s servers all over the UK (London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Maidenhead) meant we were able to bypass UK ISP speed throttling.

3. CyberGhost — Automatically Launches When Detecting Public WiFi

Available on:

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Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost is excellent for public WiFi users in London. Public hotspots are usually unsecured, leaving you vulnerable to cyberattacks when you connect. CyberGhost can start a VPN connection whenever your device detects a new public network, which automatically protects you from hackers.

It worked seamlessly when we tested it with public WiFi at local Cafes

I tested CyberGhost by connecting to a few public networks, and the VPN launched each time. It also comes with an ad blocker, so I felt protected from malicious software that often spreads through ads on public WiFi. You can even pay with Bitcoin for another layer of anonymity. I was able to purchase CyberGhost without having to share any credit card information with the VPN.

Although some long-distance servers caused performance issues, speeds on optimized servers are still great for streaming, albeit slightly slower than those of ExpressVPN. This enables access to Netflix UK and BBC iPlayer in HD from anywhere. These optimized servers for are all labeled with the platform they support, making it easy to find the right one.

Speaking of the app, I found that CyberGhost is designed to be beginner-friendly. Establishing a VPN connection is as simple as one click, and customization features are easily accessible in the app’s settings. You can try out CyberGhost with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

What to Look for When Choosing a VPN for London

To select a VPN that meets all your needs, you can use the following criteria that I used to find the best VPNs for London:

• Strong security. If you’re concerned about surveillance, cybercrime, or data theft, opt for a VPN that provides robust security features. Look for military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. These features prevent accidental data leaks and keep your identity, location, and online activity from being monitored by anyone.
• No-logs policy. Keep your browsing data private by ensuring that your VPN commits to a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn't collect or store data that could identify you. This helps you stay anonymous online.
• Fast speeds. VPNs can reduce your internet speed, but the drop isn’t as noticeable with certain services. For users in London, your VPN should ideally have servers in or near the city, which can help maintain faster speeds due to proximity.
• Global server network. VPNs with widespread networks make it possible to stream, browse, or work with services outside the UK.
• Multiple device connections. If you use multiple devices, look for a VPN that supports multiple connections and works across various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
• Customer support. Responsive support can be invaluable if you encounter technical issues. Some VPNs offer 24/7 live chat support, email support, and provide multiple resources, including tutorials and guides, for troubleshooting.
• Ease of use: A user-friendly interface and a quick setup process are particularly helpful, especially if you’re new to using a VPN. Ideally, the VPN you choose should be easy to use and ready to use within minutes.
• Money-back guarantee. A refund policy allows you to test the VPN and see if it meets your needs. Many of them offer a 30-day money-back guarantee or similar trial period, so you can try them for yourself without committing upfront.

FAQs on Using a VPN in London

Is the use of VPNs legal in the UK?

Yes, you can use a VPN in the UK — as long as it’s for legal activity. A VPN can help keep you safe from trackers and cybercrime while allowing you to use international sites.

Why do I need a VPN for London?

The UK is part of the 5 Eyes Alliance. So, while Internet use in the UK is not restricted, concerns about data privacy and monitoring of online activity do exist. If you want to protect your private data from surveillance, consider checking out the VPNs we’ve tested for London.

Can I use a free VPN in London?

Yes, but I don't recommend using free VPNs. Free services often come with speed and bandwidth limitations and may not provide strong security. Usually, you’ll be asked to upgrade to a paid purchase to get full access, so even these free VPNs aren’t truly free. At worst, some free VPNs can log and sell your data and browsing activity. Instead, consider trying a VPN that comes with a money-back guarantee.

Get the Best VPN for London

Internet use in the UK, particularly in major cities like London, is subject to various forms of surveillance and tracking, including government surveillance, targeted advertising, and social media platforms collecting user data. Public WiFi hotspots — which you’ll find in cafés, stations, and airports — also come with the risks of unencrypted networks and potential man-in-the-middle attacks. A reliable VPN can help you stay private and protected while accessing region-locked content or working remotely.

ExpressVPN is our top recommendation for London because of its speed and advanced security features. But the right VPN may depend on how many devices you use, your streaming habits, or whether you travel a lot.