We tested each VPN against Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and 8 other services. These are the ones that actually work.
The biggest frustration with VPNs for streaming: most of them don't actually work. Streaming platforms employ sophisticated VPN detection systems, and many VPNs are permanently blocked.
We tested all 9 VPNs against 11 streaming services over 30 days, checking reliability (not just a single success), speed stability, and 4K streaming capability. The results were stark — only three VPNs consistently unblocked all major streaming services.
ExpressVPN delivers the best speeds and most reliable streaming performance of any VPN — with beginner-friendly apps across every platform.
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The gold standard in VPN security. NordVPN combines military-grade encryption, blazing speeds, and a strict no-logs policy, making it the top choice for UK users.
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Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections at a fraction of the price of competitors. Perfect for families and value-focused users.
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CyberGhost is the most user-friendly VPN with dedicated streaming and torrenting servers. Great for beginners who want a simple, guided experience.
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PIA is the most customisable VPN with the largest server network. Fully open-source, court-proven no-logs policy, and extremely affordable.
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VPN | Score | Speed | Security | Streaming | Torrenting | Devices | Best Price | Get Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ExpressVPN ExpressVPN Review → | 9.3/10 | 10 | 9.5 | 10 | 9 | 8 | £6.67/mo 49% off | Get Deal |
NordVPN NordVPN Review → | 9.5/10 | 9.5 | 10 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 10 | £3.99/mo 72% off | Get Deal |
Surfshark Surfshark Review → | 9.1/10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.5 | ∞ | £2.49/mo 86% off | Get Deal |
CyberGhost CyberGhost Review → | 8.7/10 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 9 | 7 | £2.19/mo 83% off | Get Deal |
Private Internet Access Private Internet Access Review → | 8.5/10 | 8.5 | 9.5 | 7.5 | 9.5 | 10 | £2.03/mo 82% off | Get Deal |
Click column headers to sort. Prices shown are best available per-month rates. Affiliate disclosure
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Netflix in the UK. It unblocks 17 regional Netflix libraries — the most of any VPN we tested — with consistently fast speeds for 4K HDR streaming. NordVPN is a close second, reliably unblocking 15 regions including Netflix US and UK.
Windscribe's free tier is the best free VPN for occasional streaming, but it has a 10GB monthly data cap. For regular streaming, you'll need a paid VPN. We recommend Surfshark — at under £2/month on a 2-year deal, it's the cheapest premium option that reliably works for streaming.
Yes, but only if you use a VPN that actively maintains its UK IP addresses against BBC iPlayer's blocking. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark all reliably work with BBC iPlayer in our testing. Cheaper VPNs are often blocked.