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NordVPN

Best Overall VPN for the UK

9.6

out of 10

Founded: 2012

Jurisdiction: Panama

NordVPN leads the pack with blazing-fast speeds, 8,900+ servers across 129 countries, and an independently audited no-logs policy. Its proprietary NordLynx protocol delivers exceptional performance for UK users.

Best for: Overall protection, speed, and streaming

Detailed Ratings

Speed

9.8

Privacy

9.7

Streaming

9.5

Value for Money

9.2

Ease of Use

9.4

Chrome Extension

8.5

Full Review

NordVPN has established itself as one of the most trusted names in the VPN industry, consistently ranking at the top of independent reviews and speed tests. Based in Panama, outside the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes surveillance alliances, NordVPN offers genuine privacy protection backed by multiple independent audits from PwC and Deloitte.

For UK users, NordVPN delivers an outstanding experience with dedicated servers optimised for streaming BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Channel 4, and international services like Netflix US. The proprietary NordLynx protocol, built on WireGuard technology, achieves speeds averaging 1,256 Mbps in independent tests, making it the fastest VPN available.

The Chrome extension works as a lightweight proxy, offering quick IP changes and encrypted browser traffic without the overhead of a full VPN client. Features like Threat Protection Pro block malware, ads, and trackers at the network level, while Meshnet allows you to create private networks linking up to 60 devices.

NordVPN supports 10 simultaneous connections, uses AES-256 encryption with post-quantum protection, and includes essential features like a kill switch, split tunnelling, and obfuscated servers for bypassing VPN blocks. With plans starting from just £2.75 per month on the two-year deal, it represents excellent value for comprehensive online protection.

Features at a Glance

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Servers

8,900+

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Countries

129

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Simultaneous Connections

🔐

Encryption

AES-256 + Post-Quantum

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Protocols

NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2, NordWhisper

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Money-Back Guarantee

30 days

✅Kill Switch

✅Split Tunnelling

✅No-Logs Policy

✅Ad Blocker

✅Chrome Extension

❌Free Tier

Pros

✅Fastest VPN in 2026 speed tests (1,256 Mbps average)
✅Massive network of 8,900+ servers in 129 countries
✅No-logs policy audited 4 times by PwC and Deloitte
✅Post-quantum encryption for future-proof security
✅Excellent streaming unblocking (Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+)
✅Threat Protection Pro blocks malware, ads, and trackers

Cons

❌Chrome extension is proxy-only, not a full VPN tunnel
❌Monthly plan is more expensive than competitors
❌No free tier available

Special Features

NordLynx ProtocolThreat Protection ProMeshnetDouble VPNOnion Over VPNDedicated IPObfuscated Servers

UK Servers

440+ UK servers in London and Edinburgh

Streaming Support

●Netflix UK & US
●BBC iPlayer
●ITV Hub
●Channel 4
●Disney+
●Amazon Prime Video

How to Set Up NordVPN

Getting started with NordVPN is straightforward and takes only a few minutes. Begin by visiting the official NordVPN website and selecting the plan that suits your needs. The 2-year plan at £2.75/mo (£74.20 total for 27 months) plan offers the best value. Complete the sign-up process with your email address and preferred payment method.

Once your account is created, navigate to the Chrome Web Store and search for the official NordVPN extension. Click "Add to Chrome" to install it. After installation, click the NordVPN icon in your browser toolbar, sign in with your account credentials, and select a UK server or your preferred location. The extension will begin encrypting your browser traffic immediately. For full device protection, you can also download the desktop or mobile application from the NordVPN website.

We recommend enabling the kill switch feature in the settings to prevent data leaks if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. If you experience any issues, NordVPN's support team is available to help, and their 30-day money-back guarantee means you can try the service risk-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NordVPN good for streaming BBC iPlayer from abroad?

Yes, NordVPN is an excellent choice for streaming BBC iPlayer. With a streaming score of 9.5/10, it reliably unblocks UK streaming services including Netflix UK & US, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub. The 440+ uk servers in london and edinburgh ensure fast, buffer-free streaming. Simply connect to a UK server and navigate to iPlayer as normal.

Does NordVPN keep logs of my browsing activity?

No, NordVPN operates a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not record, store, or monitor your browsing activity, connection timestamps, or IP addresses. Based in Panama, NordVPN benefits from favourable privacy laws. This policy has been independently verified, providing genuine assurance that your online activity remains private.

How many devices can I use with NordVPN simultaneously?

NordVPN supports 10 simultaneous device connections on a single subscription. This means you can protect your laptop, phone, tablet, and other devices at the same time without needing to disconnect from one before connecting another. If you need more connections, some providers like Surfshark and IPVanish offer unlimited simultaneous connections.