5 Best VPNs for London in 2023 for Safety, Speed & Streaming

While the internet in London is free from censorship, your private information might be vulnerable. The UK is a founding member of the 5 Eyes Alliance — a group of countries that monitor and share citizens' online activities.

A VPN can keep your private information private. VPNs use advanced security features to make sure no one can monitor you online. Plus, if you choose a service with a global server network, your VPN can also give you access to international content that otherwise wouldn’t be available in London.

My team and I tested 61 VPNs for London and found the best ones for security and streaming. All of them protect your data with features like military-grade encryption and IP/DNS leak protection. The best VPNs for London also have servers in or close to the city, so you’ll get the fastest speeds for streaming, gaming, and P2P file sharing.

Of all the services I tried, ExpressVPN was the best VPN for London. It was fast, secure, and helped me access both the UK and international streaming sites and services. Plus, I was able to try ExpressVPN with no risks since it offers a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee.

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Best VPNs for London — Full Analysis (Updated in 2023)

Online privacy is a concern for users in London as the UK participates in the intelligence-sharing agreement of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance. Your internet activity is at risk unless protected by a VPN.

I tested dozens of services to find the best ones to prevent third parties from gaining access to your data without your connection being slowed down.

VPNs ensure your online privacy with top-notch privacy and security features. Plus, the VPNs on my list have servers in London for the fastest speeds, and their global networks help you access the content you need.

Not only that, these VPNs all come with a money-back guarantee (which I tested), so you can try them out with confidence.

1. ExpressVPN — High-End Security to Avoid Privacy Breaches

ExpressVPN’s state-of-the-art security features protect your online privacy in London. The VPN hides your identity from prying eyes with its military-grade 256-bit encryption and private DNS that keeps your online browsing hidden from third parties. I tested ExpressVPN’s leak protection, and I didn’t detect any IP or DNS leaks.

The strict no-logs policy means your data and online activity isn’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.

That’s not all — the VPN uses RAM-only servers that wipe your data on every reboot. I was even able to change my app settings so that my personally identifiable data wasn’t shared with the VPN.

Along with online protection, ExpressVPN offers blazing fast speeds for London. I connected to servers in London and other locations in Europe and North America. My connection stayed fast and reliable for file sharing and lag-free gaming. You can also turn on ExpressVPN’s SmartLocation feature to find the fastest server near you.

The VPN has a global network of 3,000 servers in 94 countries so that you can access international content freely. I particularly liked the MediaStreamer feature. It lets you use ExpressVPN on devices that don’t usually support VPNs (I used it to stream shows from my Netflix US account on my PlayStation).

I found the app design 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. If you get stuck at any point, you can check out ExpressVPN’s device-specific tutorials on its website or reach out to its 24/7 customer support.

You get 5 simultaneous connections with one subscription, and you can try ExpressVPN risk-free as it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. I used my subscription for 3 weeks before canceling and my refund request was processed almost immediately.

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2. IPVanish — Unlimited Simultaneous Connections to Protect All Your Devices

You can protect all your devices simultaneously with IPVanish as you get Unlimited connections with each subscription. 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 the VPN on their devices, and it ran without any issues on all of them.

The apps are easy to use too and compatible with most major operating systems and devices. I used one of the website’s detailed tutorials to set up the VPN on my router (there’s additional customer support via live chat, email, and phone). I also appreciate that the website gives server maintenance and downtime updates, so you’re always aware of how well its network is performing.

You can secure your online activity with IPVanish’s advanced features, including a kill switch and DNS/IPv6 leak protection. There’s a strict no-logs policy and, even though it is based in the US (part of the 5/9/14 Eyes alliance), the VPN has proved that it doesn’t retain logs on user activity. I really appreciate that IPVanish operates its own server network, reducing the risk of anyone getting their hands on your data.

2,000 servers in 75 countries mean you can access your international streaming accounts from London. With servers all over the UK (London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Maidenhead), you can use your UK accounts abroad too. I had no problem accessing BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub while traveling overseas.

I tested IPVanish’s speeds by connecting to a few local London servers, and my speeds were fast enough for streaming in UHD with no buffering. File sharing was super-fast too. The VPN gives you unlimited bandwidth, so I was able to torrent without restriction.

You can give IPVanish a risk-free try as it comes with a 30-days money-back guarantee. I canceled my subscription through the VPN’s website, and my refund was issued after 3 days.

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3. CyberGhost — Automatically Launches When Detecting Public WiFi for Added Protection

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

I tested CyberGhost by connecting to a few public networks, and the VPN launched each time. Its ad blocker also protected me from malicious software, which often spreads ads on public WiFi. AES 256-bit encryption, multiple security protocols, and a strict no-logs policy provided additional security and privacy.

You can even pay with Bitcoin for another layer of anonymity. I was able to subscribe to CyberGhost without having to share any credit card information with the VPN.

There are hundreds of servers in London, so you get the best speeds, and you can access UK services if you’re traveling outside the capital. The VPN even has optimized servers for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

I tested CyberGhost’s speeds on its streaming servers — I watched Netflix UK and BBC iPlayer with no issues. The optimized servers on my app were all labeled with the platform and country they could unblock, so it’s easy to find the right one.

Speaking of the app, I found that CyberGhost is designed to be beginner-friendly. Establishing a VPN connection just takes one click, and customization features are not hard to find in the app’s settings.

The monthly plans for CyberGhost are a bit expensive, but its annual subscription is much more affordable. Each subscription also comes with 7 simultaneous connections.

The VPN offers a generous 45 day money-back guarantee for you to try CyberGhost without risk. The refund process via the 24/7 live chat was simple, and my money was refunded within just a few days.

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4. Private Internet Access — Customizable Settings to Fit Your VPN Needs

Private Internet Access protects your identity and location with customizable privacy features. I was able to choose between AES 256-bit/128-bit encryption and multiple security protocols like PPTP, OpenVPN, WireGuard, and L2TP.

I tested PIA’s built-in ad and malware blocker (MACE) and can confirm that it works well. It successfully blocked ads on multiple websites for me. This feature is really useful if you use mobile data since none of your data will be wasted loading ads.

While you’ll appreciate the customization settings if you’re an advanced VPN user, don’t worry if you’re a beginner. PIA’s apps are intuitive and straightforward. I downloaded, installed, and started using the app with its custom settings in minutes. When you log on, you’re automatically connected to the fastest server in your area.

However, you can manually choose from a list that ranks the servers by speed if you want to. When I tested PIA’s speeds for London, not all servers performed equally well, but there were so many to choose from that it didn’t take long to find one that worked.

PIA has a vast network of 29,650 servers in 84 countries, including the UK. I was able to stream from both my Netflix US and UK accounts and safely access my US bank account from London.

All the VPN’s servers support P2P traffic, there are no bandwidth caps, and PIA allows port forwarding — so it’s also a good choice if you regularly torrent.

There are apps for most operating systems and devices, and you can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. I used the 24/7 live chat support and online tutorials and found them equally helpful when getting started.

You can try PIA free for 30 days when using its money-back guarantee. I tested the refund process myself and got my money back within 5 working days.

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5. PrivateVPN — Easy to Use VPN That’s Excellent for Beginners

If you’re new to VPNs, PrivateVPN is a great option. Its apps are lightweight, so they work well even on older devices and have a simple installation and configuration process. While testing PrivateVPN, I found it gives you a choice to use “simple mode” for beginners (settings are pre-configured) and “advanced mode” (customize settings to suit your needs).

There’s even remote help for installation, configuration, and basic troubleshooting. While the VPN’s chat support is only available 22 hours a day, I was able to get answers directly from their developers. I reached out to get more information about setting up the VPN on my router and got detailed, helpful responses.

Private VPN has 200 servers in 63 countries, including London and other cities in the UK. Though the number of servers is relatively small, the network is spread worldwide and works well for unblocking content.

Unlimited bandwidth, full P2P support, and port forwarding make PrivateVPN great for torrenting as well. Plus, the VPN has high speeds. I connected to a London server to stream movies while also playing online games. I didn’t experience any buffering or lagging, and my connection stayed steady the whole time.

Robust security features protect your privacy. Military-grade encryption and a kill switch were automatically enabled in my apps. I also didn't experience any DNS or IP leaks. A deep dive into the privacy policy satisfied me that PrivateVPN doesn’t log any of your information.

I found apps for all the major operating systems and simultaneously connected 10 devices with one subscription — making the VPN good value for money.

If you’d rather try PrivateVPN for free for a short time, you can with its 30-day money-back guarantee. I had to tell the VPN representative why I wanted to cancel, but then I got my money back within 7 days.

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Tips on How to Choose the Best VPN for London

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

• Strong security. If you’re worried about surveillance, cybercrime, or data theft, pick a VPN that comes with a full range of security features. These include military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IPv6/DNS leak protection. 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 i.e., it doesn’t collect or retain your personally identifiable information.
• Fast speeds. Connecting to any VPN can reduce your internet speed, but the drop is negligible when using the best services. For London, your VPN should ideally have servers in or close to the city as you’ll get the fastest speed due to geo-proximity.
• Global server network. VPNs with widespread networks can bypass geo-restrictions more easily, like the ones I’ve picked. If you want to access international websites and content, go for a VPN with servers in or close to that country.
• Multiple device connections. We all use multiple devices these days, so your VPN should secure all of them with one subscription. The VPNs I’ve selected for London offer multiple simultaneous connections and apps compatible with most operating systems.
• Customer support. A good VPN service should be able to answer your questions and resolve issues whenever you need help. The VPNs on my list provide multiple resources like tutorials, guides, and the option to get one-on-one support via live chat and email.
• Ease of use. A well-designed VPN app that’s easy to install and configure is a must. My recommended VPNs for London do just that and are ready to go within minutes.
• Money-back guarantee. A tried and tested refund policy gives you the freedom to determine if a VPN is the right fit before you commit. The VPNs on my list come with a money-back guarantee, so you can try them with confidence.

Try ExpressVPN Today!

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 keep you safe from trackers and cybercrime while allowing you to access your services and streaming accounts in different countries.

ExpressVPN is the best for London as it provides high-speed connections and robust security features. Plus, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Why do I need a VPN for London?

The UK is part of the 5 Eyes Alliance. That means that, while Internet use in the UK is not restricted, concerns about data privacy and monitoring of online activity do exist.

You can resolve these concerns with one of the VPNs on this list. Your communication will be encrypted, and your location will be hidden so you can browse freely.

Can I use a free VPN in London?

Yes, but I don't recommend using free VPNs. Free services come with limitations on speed, bandwidth, and sometimes even security features. Usually, you’re asked to upgrade to a paid subscription 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 and restriction-free access to their full range of features.

The Bottom Line

Internet use in the UK is subject to all sorts of surveillance and tracking, whether it’s from the government, advertisers, or social networks. If you use public WiFi frequently in London, you’re also at risk from hackers and cyberattacks.

Using a VPN can free you from worrying about monitoring and data theft, so you can use the internet securely and access content without limitations.

I recommend ExpressVPN for London because it is the fastest for streaming and browsing and has advanced security features. Best of all, you can try ExpressVPN out for 30 days and get your money back if you’re not 100% satisfied.

To summarize, here are the best VPNs for London