Best VPN UK 2026: Every Major VPN Compared on Price
For most UK users the best-value VPN in 2026 is Surfshark, from about £2.15 a month on a two-year plan with unlimited devices. NordVPN is the stronger all-rounder from around £3.11 a month, Proton VPN is the only one with a genuinely usable free tier, and ExpressVPN is the one to buy carefully because its renewal price jumps.
Here is every major VPN on one table in pounds, and which one fits which kind of UK buyer.
UK VPN prices compared
| VPN | Best long-term rate | What you pay up front | Stand-out feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surfshark Starter | ~£2.15 / month | £58.00 for 27 months | Unlimited devices |
| Proton VPN Plus | ~£2.39 / month | 2-year plan | Genuine free tier |
| NordVPN Basic | ~£3.11 / month | £83.92 for 27 months | Largest server network |
| ExpressVPN | from ~£1.99 / month | 2-year promo | Speed; renews much higher |
All four headline rates are introductory two-year prices, which is how VPNs are sold. Monthly billing costs several times more — ExpressVPN, for example, is £9.99 on a rolling month.
UK pricing in GBP as published in mid-2026. Promotional rates change often and renewal prices are higher, so check the renewal figure before committing.
Which VPN suits which UK buyer
A household
Surfshark. Unlimited simultaneous devices on every plan means phones, laptops and the TV all run on one subscription, which no other major provider matches.
Privacy first, try before paying
Proton VPN. Its free tier is a real product from a privacy company, and Plus is only around £2.39 a month on two years if you outgrow it.
The strongest all-rounder
NordVPN. Largest network and consistent speeds, from about £3.11 a month on Basic. Complete adds a password manager for around £4.07.
Streaming is the most common reason UK buyers look for a VPN, and it is also the least reliable use — services block VPN servers continuously. Our guide on whether you need a VPN for streaming covers what does and does not work.
Watch the renewal price
Every rate on this page is introductory. When the first term ends, the plan renews at the standard price, which can be double or more. ExpressVPN is the clearest example: the cheapest promotional rate is among the lowest here, but its renewal is among the highest.
The practical approach is simple: take the long term for the introductory saving, set a reminder a few weeks before it ends, and decide then whether to renew, switch or cancel — rather than letting it roll automatically.
Full guides for each VPN
Surfshark price guide — Starter, One and One+ across every term.
NordVPN price guide — Basic, Complete and Prime compared.
ExpressVPN price guide — including the renewal trap.
Proton VPN price guide — the free tier and paid plans.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best VPN in the UK?
For value, Surfshark — from about £2.15 a month on a two-year plan with unlimited devices. For an all-rounder, NordVPN from around £3.11 a month. For a free option, Proton VPN.
What is the cheapest VPN in the UK?
Proton VPN has a free tier. Among paid plans, Surfshark Starter at around £2.15 a month on two years is the cheapest long-term rate, with ExpressVPN promotions occasionally lower.
How much is NordVPN in the UK?
NordVPN Basic is around £3.11 a month on a two-year plan, billed £83.92 for the first 27 months. Complete is about £4.07 a month.
Is a VPN legal in the UK?
Yes. Using a VPN is legal in the UK. What remains illegal is using any service, VPN or not, to commit an offence.
Do VPNs work with UK streaming services?
Sometimes. Streaming services actively block VPN servers, so reliability varies week to week. Use the 30-day money-back guarantee to test the service you care about.
Do VPN prices go up at renewal?
Yes. Every headline rate is introductory, and plans renew at a higher standard price once the first term ends.