Compare VPN Chrome Extensions

Choosing the right VPN for your needs requires comparing multiple factors beyond headline ratings. Our comparison table below puts every major VPN provider side by side, allowing you to evaluate speed, privacy, streaming capability, Chrome extension quality, pricing, and server infrastructure at a glance. Whether you are a privacy-conscious professional, a streaming enthusiast trying to access BBC iPlayer from abroad, or a family looking for the best value across multiple devices, this comparison will help you make an informed decision.

All data is based on our independent testing from UK-based connections, updated for February 2026. Click on any VPN name to read our full in-depth review.

🛡️NordVPN9.6£2.75/mo8,900+1291030 days
ExpressVPN9.4£1.74/mo3,000+1058-1430 days
🦈Surfshark9.3£1.49/mo4,500+100Unlimited30 days
🔒Proton VPN9.1£2.39/mo15,000+120+1030 days
👻CyberGhost9.0£1.63/mo11,690+100745 days
🔐Private Internet Access8.8£1.63/mo35,000+911030 days
🕵️Mullvad8.7£4.25/mo700+49530 days
🌬️Windscribe8.5£4.70/mo480+69Unlimited3 days
🌐IPVanish8.2£1.75/mo3,100+110Unlimited30 days
🔮Hide.me8.0£3.23/mo2,600+75+1030 days

Click column headers to sort. Prices shown are for the longest available plan. All data verified as of February 2026.

How to Use This Comparison

Our comparison table displays the key metrics that matter most when selecting a VPN for UK use. Here is how to interpret each column and make the most of the data presented.

Rating: The overall score out of 10, calculated from a weighted average of all category ratings. This provides a quick summary of each VPN's overall quality, but we recommend looking at individual category scores for a more nuanced picture.

Speed, Privacy, Streaming: These category-specific ratings highlight each VPN's strengths. If streaming is your priority, sort by the Streaming column. If privacy matters most, focus on the Privacy scores. Speed ratings are based on real-world download tests from UK connections.

Chrome Extension: This rating specifically evaluates the quality of each provider's Chrome browser extension, considering features, ease of use, stability, and whether it operates standalone or requires the desktop client. A score below 5.0 typically means the provider either lacks a Chrome extension or offers very limited functionality.

Best Price: The lowest available price, usually on the longest-term plan. Remember that introductory pricing often differs from renewal rates. We display prices in British pounds where available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which VPN should I choose if I primarily want to stream UK content from abroad?

For streaming, we recommend focusing on the Streaming column in our comparison table. ExpressVPN and CyberGhost lead with scores of 9.6 and 9.4 respectively, both reliably unblocking BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Channel 4, Netflix, and Disney+. CyberGhost offers dedicated streaming-optimised servers specifically configured for each platform, while ExpressVPN provides the most consistent overall unblocking experience. NordVPN at 9.5 is also an excellent choice with its large UK server network.

Are there any free VPNs worth considering for UK users?

Proton VPN and Windscribe both offer genuinely useful free tiers. Proton VPN's free plan provides unlimited data with no ads or logging, connecting to servers in five countries including the UK. It is the best free option for privacy-focused users. Windscribe's free plan gives you 10 GB per month across approximately 10 countries, with a feature-rich Chrome extension. Hide.me also offers a free tier with unlimited data, though speeds are throttled to around 1 Mbps and you are limited to one device. We advise against using unknown free VPNs, as many harvest and sell user data to fund their operations.

How often do you update this comparison data?

We update our comparison data quarterly, with major reviews conducted in January, April, July, and October. Speed tests are run from UK-based connections using standardised methodology. Pricing is verified monthly as VPN providers frequently adjust their promotional offers. If a significant change occurs between scheduled reviews, such as a major security incident, new audit result, or substantial feature update, we update the affected provider's data immediately. Our latest comprehensive update was completed in February 2026.