How to get a UK IP address from anywhere in 2024

When you’re abroad and want to access British sites and streaming services from elsewhere, a VPN is the easiest, safest, and fastest method to do so. 

VPNs encrypt the data sent to and from your device, routing it through an entirely different server. If you use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) with server locations in the UK, you’ll be given a corresponding IP address that can be used to access services within the region.

Obtaining a UK IP can be particularly helpful if you have traveled abroad and want to access British streaming services on vacation. It's also great for other geo-restricted services such as online banking and for keeping your connection private while using a public network. This guide will explain how to get a UK IP address, and highlight the best VPN providers for doing so. 

We’ve looked at each provider in-depth below, but if you don’t have time to read through the entire report, here’s a summary.

Best VPNs for getting a UK IP address:

1. NordVPN: Our top pick for getting a UK IP address. A super-fast provider with lots of servers in the UK. Can access almost any restricted British site or service, alongside international content. Strong security, custom protocol, and comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Great value VPN that can provide a UK IP. Unlimited simultaneous connections, good streaming capabilities, and offers WireGuard.
3. ExpressVPN: A close third for getting a UK IP, comes with a custom protocol, has lots of security features, and is ideal for accessing streaming services.
4. CyberGhost: User-friendly VPN with a large number of UK servers to choose from. Impressive speeds that are great for streaming.
5. Proton VPN: UK streaming servers work with UK-based content via iPlayer and Netflix. Enjoy fast speeds and extra features like Double VPN and Tor over VPN. Secure connections and strong digital security.
6. Mullvad: Privacy-focused, with strong speeds for HD content and excellent security features. However, it lacks the streaming support seen with other services.
7. Atlas VPN: Reliable provider for getting a British IP address and is great for UK streaming services. Unlimited bandwidth. 

How to get a UK IP address with a VPN

It’s not difficult to get a UK IP address with a VPN. We’ve put together a quick step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Here’s how to get a UK IP address using a VPN:

1. Select a VPN service to begin. We’ve listed several great options below, with NordVPN being our top recommendation overall.
2. Sign up, make a note of your login credentials, and download the relevant app to your device.
3. Sign in to the VPN.
4. Select a server located within the UK.
5. You’ll now be connected with a UK IP address. You may have to clear all cookies if you want to access services like BBC iPlayer.
6. We’d also recommend that the kill switch is active at all times.

As you can see, it doesn’t take much effort to connect to a UK VPN server. Best of all, this method can be used from anywhere in the world, whether it’s the United States, Thailand, or Germany.

The best VPNs for getting a UK IP address

We used the following criteria to determine which VPNs are best for getting a UK IP address:

• Servers found in England and Scotland for accessing UK sites and services
• Native apps for all popular platforms (Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS)
• The ability to access multiple blocked UK streaming services
• Strong security and protocols
• Emphasis on privacy, and the VPN must store no traffic logs
• Does the provider offer value for money?
• Helpful customer support

To make the top three we only accept VPNs that tick all of the following boxes:

• Diskless servers (wiped daily making it near impossible for the VPN to retain any user data)
• The VPN must not log identifying data on customers and must have had its logging policy audited by a reputable third party (such as PWC). This ensures that VPNs which claim to adhere to certain practices actually do so
• The VPN must have been through a technical security audit by a third party. As opposed to a logging policy audit, this tests the security of the VPN product itself

You will find more information about how we assess providers further in this article, but you can also check out our VPN testing methodology page for a more in-depth look at our criteria.

Here’s a rundown of several of the best VPNs for getting a UK IP address, starting with our number one pick overall.

NordVPN is our top recommendation for getting a UK IP address from anywhere in the world. It has 550+ servers split across four regions in the UK. Servers in Edinburgh and Glasgow ensure that there’s coverage in Scotland, while there are also locations found in London and Manchester.

Based in Panama, it gives access to over 150 streaming services worldwide, including UK options such as BBC iPlayer. NordVPN’s network is fast enough to stream 4K content, and it offers a proprietary VPN protocol called NordLynx for improved performance. Knowledgeable staff are also on hand to help out 24/7, via live chat and email.

Apps for ​​Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, and macOS come with a range of additional features, such as Threat Protection, which blocks ads, malware, and phishing attempts. NordVPN collects some limited information about the user such as device identifiers, although it has been audited twice by PWC Switzerland.

RELIABLE AND VERSATILE VPN: NordVPN is another provider which will be able to handle almost any task that needs a UK IP address. Strong security, capable unblocking, and multiple British servers. Industry-standard 30-day money-back guarantee is also included.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark is a great option if value for money is an important factor. It has 350+ UK servers found in London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, and speeds are nippy thanks to the implementation of WireGuard. You’ll be able to use a single account with unlimited simultaneous devices, further lowering the cost if you share with somebody else.

It keeps no traffic logs, although it does collect some diagnostic information which is deleted 15 minutes after the VPN session is terminated. As we’ve noted, the company merged with Nord Security in 2022, although they promise that each service will operate independently.

You’ll find apps for every popular operating system, and it can even be installed on a router. Once again, it will work to access multiple UK streaming platforms, including Netflix, Sky, iPlayer, ITV Hub, and All 4.

Notable features include split tunneling, the ability to use a VPN in restricted territories with NoBorders, and MultiHop (Double VPN.)

VALUE FOR MONEY: Surfshark is an affordable VPN that is perfect for secure streaming and accessing a UK IP address. Comes with a watertight 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN is one of the more popular providers on the market thanks to a robust network of 3,000+ speedy servers, it comes with a range of capable apps for all popular devices (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS).

The custom Lightway protocol ensures high speeds from any UK location, and it’s based in the British Virgin Islands, which is especially privacy-friendly. The service was bought out by Kape Technologies in 2021 for $936 million, which is the highest sum ever paid for a business in the VPN industry. 

ExpressVPN keeps no identifying logs, while the provider has been audited by PwC. TrustedServer technology ensures that the server gets wiped upon every reboot.

A host of UK streaming platforms works with ExpressVPN, including the likes of Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, BT Sports, Now TV, and more. One slight drawback is that the service is slightly more expensive than much of the competition, but it still offers good value for money overall.

ExpressVPN comes with 24-hour customer support, and it’s one of the few providers to access UK sports streaming apps consistently.

BEST VPN FOR A UK IP ADDRESS: ExpressVPN is a great choice for getting a UK IP address. Speedy servers, consistent connections, and the ability to access almost any service make ExpressVPN a standout choice for anyone who needs a UK IP. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

CyberGhost benefits from a massive global network spread across 90+ countries worldwide, along with a large number (700+) of UK-based servers in Berkshire, London, and Manchester.

CyberGhost has apps for Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and macOS. Each is especially intuitive, with desktop versions that allow the user to specify which streaming service they would like to connect to, offering an optimized server that will work effortlessly. For example, you can select BBC iPlayer, and the best server for the task will be chosen automatically.

It is headquartered in Romania, which is privacy-friendly. CyberGhost also comes with WireGuard and offers secure NoSpy servers, as well as split tunneling, and more.

HUGE SERVER NETWORK: CyberGhost is great for connectingto the UK and beyond for an IP address from 100+ countries. Superb streaming capabilities and comes with an extended 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

Proton VPN is mainly focused on delivering fast speeds and strong security features and is developed by the team behind the secure ProtonMail service. It comes with Secure Core, which routes traffic through two VPN servers. However, this isn’t available while connected to the UK.

The UK-based servers are found in London and Manchester, and they can be used for P2P, as well as offering NetShield, which blocks ads, malware, and trackers. It’s not as consistent as the VPNs above in terms of accessing blocked streaming sites, but BBC iPlayer worked after a sole attempt, and the same is true for ITV Hub and All 4.

If security and privacy are the most important aspects behind your decision to use a VPN, it offers a kill switch with all apps, split tunneling, Double VPN, and Tor over VPN. However, it would be remiss not to mention that it handed over a climate activist's metadata to Swiss authorities in 2021. The service is based in Switzerland, and is subject to numerous legally binding orders.

Customer service is responsive, although it is one of the more expensive providers to make the list.

STRONG SECURITY FEATURES: Proton VPN is a premium pick that comes with the backing of a trusted team. Fast speeds, competent at unblocking, and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

Based in Sweden, Mullvad is primarily focused on improving user privacy. For example, it adheres to a strict no-logs policy and a comprehensive privacy policy, collecting absolutely no user information during sign-up. Instead, it generates a 16-digit account number which is used to sign in.

With a clear emphasis on privacy and security above all else, Mullvad isn’t the best VPN for streaming. It’ll be able to access US Netflix, but you’re out of luck if you’re hoping to access iPlayer, ITV, or any popular UK service from abroad.

Mullvad offers 60+ servers in the UK, including high-speed options that are owned by the provider. These are split between London and Manchester.

The service supports OpenVPN and WireGuard, and offers extras like MultiHop and split tunneling. It also has a sole pricing plan, which is reasonably affordable.

GOOD SECURITY AND PRIVACY FEATURES: Mullvad is another optimal choice for accessing a UK IP securely, and it is designed to improve online privacy. Offers the industry standard 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Mullvad.

Atlas VPN rounds out the list. Arguably best known for a decent freemium tier, you won’t be able to get a UK IP address without shelling out for the paid version of the software. It works out to be one of the more affordable providers overall, and it’s superb if you’re aiming to access UK streaming services, including the likes of Netflix UK, BBC iPlayer, Sky TV, and many more.

It offers unlimited connections, and a strong level of security. Additional premium features include SafeBrowse, Data Breach Monitor, and SafeSwap. The latter is an IP rotator, which will change your IP address periodically for improved anonymity.

It uses the WireGuard protocol, and a sole account works with unlimited simultaneous devices. However, it has a smaller network than most, and it doesn’t offer router support. It was acquired by Nord Security in October 2021.

RELIABLE ACCESS TO UK STREAMING SERVICES: AtlasVPN rounds out the list with capable streaming, UK servers, and unlimited device connections. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Atlas VPN.

VPN for UK IP address – Testing methodology

Most premium VPNs will have a few UK servers on offer, but that’s not enough to make the list. For example, many providers struggle to access British services, especially if they predominantly focus on the larger US market. We’ve listed some of the key criteria we used to make our recommendations below.

• UK servers: Ideally, the providers will have servers found in England and Scotland for unblocking a range of UK sites and services. We also look at the strength of its network on the whole, in terms of accessing online content. 
• App support: The VPN needs native apps for all popular platforms (Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS). Ideally, the VPNs will also have browser extensions, and router support. A native Linux app would also be a bonus.
• Streaming and performance: Does the VPN have the ability to access multiple UK streaming services (Netflix, Sky Go, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, BT Sports), as well as speeds that are fast enough to ensure no lag or buffering? The VPN should work with popular streaming platforms worldwide. 
• Strong security: Strong security and up-to-date protocols are a must. We’ll check to ensure there are no IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks, as well as look out for key features such as an internet kill switch and split tunneling.
• Privacy and logging: The provider should improve your privacy and must store no traffic logs of user data. Preferably, it will have been audited by a trustworthy third party.
• Value for money: Does the service offer good value for money, all things considered? Are there any deals that help to bring the monthly price down? It must also offer a hassle-free money-back guarantee, just in case.
• Customer service: We selected services that offer email support, as well as 24/7 live chat. This way, you won’t have to wait for too long if you have a query. Many will also have detailed guides and FAQs available online.

Bonus points

Each of the VPNs listed above will meet the necessary criteria, offering industry-standard encryption and prioritizing privacy by logging as little data as possible. However, there are a few key reasons that we consistently place NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark in the top three positions frequently.

• Diskless servers: The use of RAM-only servers increases online privacy substantially. Our top providers (as well as CyberGhost) run their servers on RAM instead of traditional storage. This means that all data on the disk is lost the moment it’s turned off or rebooted. Additionally, a VPN’s data-clearing processes won’t be interrupted by external factors such as power cuts or theft since the moment they shut down, they’re wiped clean. Servers are run 100% from volatile RAM, writing no data to a physical hard drive or SSD. This ensures that all data on a server is completely wiped whenever it is shut down or rebooted.
• Based in countries not part of any known intelligence alliance: A huge number of countries share intelligence. A prime example is the 14 Eyes alliance (officially called SIGINT Seniors Europe, or SSEUR) which includes the UK, USA, Germany, France, Spain, and nine others, though other alliances (such as Maximator and the Afghanistan SiGINT Coalition) also exist, and it’s likely there are more partnerships that we are not aware of. Bonus points are awarded for steering clear of these locations. For example, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark are all based in Panama or the British Virgin Islands (which, crucially, is a distinct territory separate from Great Britain).
• Regular application and server audits from a respected third party: There are key differences between a server audit and an application audit. The former examines things like whether the VPN’s infrastructure inadvertently collects data that would disprove no-logging claims, and whether security best practices are being followed. Meanwhile, an application audit looks at the apps that a user runs on their device and checks for exploits that can be used to unmask your activity or otherwise compromise your hardware. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark have had both types of audit performed (though Surfshark’s app audit only examined the browser extensions rather than the desktop or mobile apps).

Get a UK IP address: FAQs

Can I use a free VPN for a UK IP address?

Possibly, but it’ll be tough to find a free provider with servers in the UK. Most ‘free’ VPNs tend to concentrate on servers in the United States and only have a handful of servers on offer in the first place. If you do find a free service with UK servers, you probably won’t be able to select a specific city or location.

It’s also worth considering the various privacy risks associated with free VPN services, who may have no qualms about selling your personal data to advertisers or spamming the user with ads and trackers.

How can I check if I have a UK IP address?

One of the easiest ways to check your IP address is to use an online tool. For example, NordVPN has a simple IP checker that will show your location and the ISP.

Will a UK IP address slow down my connection speeds?

A VPN can slow down connection speeds to an extent, depending on the provider you’ve selected, as well as your physical distance from the server. Other factors may also come into play, such as the device you’re using, the protocol, and the time of day. The premium providers listed above can be used to stream, game, and torrent with no chance of lag or buffering.

Can I choose which UK city or country my IP address is from?

Yes, depending on the provider. For example, NordVPN will allow the user to choose from servers found in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, and London. CyberGhost has UK servers in Berkshire, London, and Manchester. If you’re not given the option to choose, it’s likely that the servers will be found in London.

Can I access blocked UK services with a VPN?

Yes, a VPN will spoof your location and allow you to access otherwise blocked services. We’ve noted the streaming capabilities of the providers listed above in terms of UK content, but the best VPNs will also be able to access banking apps (Barclays, Natwest, Lloyds, and HSBC) and any other British services that happen to be geo-restricted while abroad.

Is it legal to use a UK IP address while abroad?

Yes, it’s legal to use a UK IP address while you’re abroad. After all, many businesses ask remote workers to use a VPN to access data safely.

For BBC iPlayer, you should only access this service if you pay for a UK TV license. Always check the terms of service before streaming foreign content.

Why would I want a UK IP address?

A UK IP address will give you access to UK sites and services, and it will give the appearance that you’re located in the region. There are many reasons why this might be necessary. This includes anything from work to bypassing ISP throttling.

Can I get a UK IP address without a VPN?

It is possible to get a UK IP address without the use of a VPN.

For example, the Tor browser is primarily used to combat censorship, offering the ability to get around government firewalls in order for its users to access the open or dark web. Tor will send your data through a P2P network of relays, which is a safe, if slow, solution.

Alternatively, a free proxy server should be able to get the job done. However, many cap speeds or data, with questionable attitudes to your personal information. Proxies aren’t the best option for streaming either, as many servers have already been blocked by services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer.

Can I watch British TV services with a UK IP VPN?

Yes. When you connect to a VPN server in the UK, you appear to be back home. The VPN encrypts your internet connection and routes it to the server in Britain, which hides your real location from the websites and services you visit. This means that you can access streaming services that are usually blocked outside of the UK, which is perfect if you are on vacation but want to catch up on a bit of telly.

Not all VPNs work to access British TV services abroad. This means that you must pick a VPN provider carefully. Most VPNs have already been blocked, and it is getting harder and harder to find a reliable VPN that will let you watch your usual British streams while traveling overseas.

The VPNs we have recommended in this guide all make it part of their core mission to provide streaming-optimized servers in the UK. However, even the services we have recommended may work with differing British services. For this reason, it is worth checking each provider's individual review to see which services it works with. Alternatively, you could contact the VPN's customer support to ask.

The good news is that every VPN we have recommended with a UK IP also has a money-back guarantee. That means you can try the VPN to watch TV on your own devices to see whether it works with your favorite streaming services. If you have any problems, you can always get a refund.

Below, we have included a list of British streaming platforms that you can watch abroad with a VPN:

• BBC iPlayer
• ITV Hub
• All 4
• My5
• BritBox
• Sky Go
• NOW
• UKTV Play
• Hayu
• Disney+
• Netflix
• Amazon Prime Video
• Apple TV+
• Acorn TV
• BFI Player
• Shudder
• Mubi
• CuriosityStream
• Haystack TV
• Hopster
• Walter Presents
• BT Sport
• Discovery+
• Eurosport Player
• Rakuten TV
• Starzplay

Should I use a VPN to get a UK IP in Britain?

In the UK, the Investigatory Powers Bill grants government authorities the right to access citizens' private browsing data and communications metadata. To allow this to happen, ISPs in the UK are forced to engage in mandatory data retention for a period of 12 months. This means that ISPs are keeping tabs on every single website you visit.

Connecting to a VPN is the only way to prevent ISPs and local network administrators from being able to monitor what you do online. Unfortunately, if you connect to a VPN server outside of the UK, you may struggle to use local services.

This is why it is a good idea to connect to an IP address inside of Britain: it will encrypt your connection and prevent ISP data collection, but also allow you to continue using the internet as a normal British resident.