Your questions on VPNs answered
What are the best VPNs in 2026?
After years of testing and comparing results on a range of devices, NordVPN comes out on top. It’s the most complete VPN I’ve used in 2026, combining consistently fast speeds, strong security and easy-to-use apps. It also beats its rivals thanks to a unique feature set, such as Threat Protection and Double VPN, and it’s one of the most reliable options for accessing UK streaming services when you’re abroad.
Surfshark is the VPN I’d recommend if you just want something cheap and cheerful. It delivers a very similar core experience for less, with excellent results in my 2026 testing and the added bonus of unlimited device connections. Proton VPN is still one of the best for the privacy-conscious, and if you’re new to VPNs, ExpressVPN is still the easiest place to start, with a simple interface and dependable performance that make it a safe, caring pair of hands.
Best of the rest
I’m constantly reviewing VPNs, but not all of them make the cut; CyberGhost VPN is one such case. This service starts from £1.78 per month, making it one of the most affordable VPNs I’ve tested. I loved CyberGhost’s user-friendly interface. It’s a great VPN if you’re looking for something streaming-focused, with servers specifically labelled for different streaming services, so you know which one works best, but it’s not the fastest VPN I’ve tried. It’s also quite barebones in terms of features – P2P servers and gaming servers are locked to Windows users, and it recently got rid of its password manager. Others offer more for less.
What should you look for when choosing a VPN?
Not all VPNs are created equal, so it’s worth paying attention to a few key areas before signing up. Based on my 2026 testing and comparisons, these are the things that matter most:
- Speed: A good VPN really shouldn’t slow your connection to a crawl. Look for services that use modern protocols such as WireGuard and deliver consistent speeds in the UK and international servers, especially if you plan to use it while travelling.
- Security: At a minimum, you want AES-256 encryption, a reliable kill switch and a clear no-logs policy that’s been independently audited. Extra features such as multihop, threat protection and post-quantum encryption are a bonus.
- Server network: The more servers and locations a VPN has, the easier it is to find a fast, reliable connection. A speedy UK server network is particularly handy if you want stable performance at home or when accessing UK content abroad.
- Support: Things do go wrong occasionally, so good customer support matters. Look for VPNs with a 24/7 live chat system (brownie points if it’s in the app too) and well-produced help guides, especially if you’re new to using a VPN.
Why use a VPN?
When you connect to the internet, your internet service provider (ISP) can see everything you do through your IP address. While it might not seem likely, your ISP could sell your browsing data to advertisers or share it with authorities. A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your data, keeping your online activity private and secure. If you’re abroad and want to catch up on your favourite shows or watch the Premier League action on Sky, you’ll need a VPN to access services like BBC iPlayer and Sky Go, which are usually restricted to UK viewers. A VPN lets you connect to a UK server, making it look like you’re browsing from home – so you won’t miss a match or the latest episode.
Read more: I’ve found the best VPNs for iPhone
How to use a VPN when abroad
A VPN lets you access blocked websites. For example, you can use a VPN to access restricted sites. Just make sure to download and set up the VPN before you travel, as some countries block VPN websites, making it harder to install one once you’re there.
What are the benefits of a paid VPN vs a free VPN?
Free VPNs often come with heavy restrictions. They typically cap your data usage, limit the number of servers you can access, and throttle your speeds to push you toward upgrading to a paid plan. Worse still, many free providers make money by tracking and selling your browsing data to advertisers. You’re also unlikely to unblock streaming services like Netflix or BBC iPlayer with a free VPN. Paid VPNs, on the other hand, offer full access to thousands of servers, faster speeds and stronger privacy protections, including strict no-logs policies. Many also come with advanced security features like malware protection and ad-blocking. If you’re curious, it’s worth trying a paid VPN that offers a free trial – you’ll get a much better experience and avoid the risks that come with trusting a free provider.
Read more: We’ve tested the best VPNs for Android
Are VPNs legal in the UK?
Yes, using a VPN is completely legal in the UK. And while it’s also legal to access geo-restricted streaming services, like Netflix or BBC iPlayer, through a VPN, it can breach the streaming service’s terms of use, meaning they could restrict or block your access if they catch you. Some people use VPNs to hide their identity when torrenting or engaging in illegal activities online, including accessing the dark web. While using a VPN itself isn’t illegal, using it to break the law is – and VPN providers won’t protect you if you’re caught doing something illegal.
Read more: Best VPNs for laptops
What VPNs should you avoid?
While I recommend all of the VPNs above, there are some I’d steer well clear of. Hola is the most obvious example. Unlike a traditional VPN, Hola runs like a peer-to-peer network, which means your connection can be used as someone else’s exit node. In 2015, bandwidth from Hola’s free users was sold via its sister company Bright Data and ended up being used in a malicious DDoS attack. It doesn’t support WireGuard or OpenVPN and there are no third-party audits.
SuperVPN has also been involved in multiple data breaches. In 2021 and 2023, logs and user records for hundreds of millions of users were leaked, including email addresses, IPs and browsing data. The VPN also has a no-logs policy, but leaks show that the company does indeed store logs and user data.
Betternet is also one I’d avoid: past research found tracking libraries embedded in its apps, raising concerns about how much user data was being collected for analytics and advertising purposes.
Hotspot Shield is more complicated. While still popular, a 2017 complaint to the US Federal Trade Commission accused it of making misleading privacy claims and highlighted ad injection and traffic redirection. If a service has been caught doing something dodgy once, the trust has already been damaged. In general, if a VPN is free, doesn’t explain how it handles your data and hasn’t been independently audited, it’s one to avoid.
How I test VPNs
I’ve been using VPNs for nearly 10 years, and writing about them for six of those. During my time as senior tech critic, I’ve analysed just about every feature there is. When testing, I consider the following:
- Speed and stability: I compare download and upload speeds across the UK, US and long-distance servers using WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, testing how each VPN handles streaming, downloads and general browsing.
- Security and privacy tools: I examine features like the kill switch, split tunnelling, ad-blockers and tracker protection. I also note which providers pass recent no-logs audits or open-source their apps.
- User experience: I assess how easy the apps are to use, how simple it is to connect to specific servers or use certain features, and whether the connection process is reliable.
- Streaming support: I test whether each VPN can access services like BBC iPlayer, Channel 4 and Netflix, so I can access UK content while travelling abroad.
- Pricing and renewal: I look at how clearly each provider communicated their pricing tiers, how steep the renewal hikes are, and how each VPN honours its money-back guarantee.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
With more than eight years of experience testing and writing about tech and cybersecurity – including VPNs – Alex Lee knows what makes a service worth your time and money. He’s personally used VPNs for everything from streaming UK shows while travelling abroad to keeping his online activity private, so he understands which features actually matter. His recommendations are based on hands-on testing, detailed research and comparisons of key essentials such as speed, security and pricing. Having also written extensively about cybersecurity, he knows all the complicated tech to look out for beyond superficial user interfaces.
