get uk ip address

There are a variety of reasons why you might want a public IP address from the UK. British holidaymakers or expats living abroad might want to access UK-based content like British sites, news, TV shows, and movies on UK Netflix, ITV Hub, BBC iPlayer, and All 4. Or perhaps you may want to unblock British sporting coverage on Sky Sports or BT Sport. Those with UK bank accounts with Barclays, Natwest, Lloyds, and HSBC might also need a British IP address to access banking sites and avoid being flagged by security regulators.

In this guide, and after countless hours of research and testing, we’ll teach you how to acquire a real IP address from the UK safely and securely. The easiest and quickest way to do that is by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN is software that encrypts all the traffic flowing to and from your device and routes it via an intermediary server. By choosing a VPN service that offers servers in the UK, it’s possible to make it appear that you’re located back home in the UK.

We’ll get into plenty of details about each provider further down, but if you only have time for a brief summary, here’s a list of the best VPNs for getting a UK IP address:

  1. NordVPN: The best VPN for getting a UK IP address. Plenty of British servers, best-in-class security features, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
    TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for a UK IP.
  2. Surfshark: An affordable option and the best value VPN. Connect as many devices as you like. Great unblocking ability and a strong security offering with MultiHop servers.
  3. ExpressVPN: Lots of UK servers. Tuned for fast and secure performance. Top-notch online privacy features and apps are easy to use.
  4. CyberGhost: Beginner-friendly and offers solid security features and the fastest speeds we’ve tested.
  5. IPVanish: Ideal for privacy and torrenting. WireGuard protocol for fast speeds. Allows any number of simultaneous secure connections.
  6. PrivateVPN: Servers in 60+ countries. Achieved fast connection speeds in our testing. Ample privacy and security.
  7. AtlasVPN: A reliable and fast VPN with servers in dozens of countries. Apps for all platforms. Good malware protection and ad blocking.

How to get a UK IP address with a VPN

It’s very simple to get a UK IP address and access your favorite British content from anywhere.

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

  1. Register for a VPN service and download the app that is relevant to your device. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
  2. Clear all cookies and restart your device.
  3. Launch and log into the VPN mobile app or desktop client.
  4. Connect to a UK server and wait for the connection to be made
  5. Now you have a UK IP address and can browse the web at your leisure.

It doesn’t matter where you’re located in the world – it could be the US, France, Germany, Canada, Australia, India, Singapore, Thailand, or elsewhere – the process to obtain a UK IP address is the same.

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Our list of the most efficient services that provide UK IP addresses has been curated based on the following factors (more on these later):

  • Maintains multiple VPN servers located in the UK
  • Speedy servers are a great option for streaming
  • Unblocks geographical restrictions on streaming content with ease
  • Incorporates rigid encryption protocols so your data is protected
  • Provides apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS
  • A strict no-logs policy
  • Offers value for money

Video: How to get a British IP address with a VPN

Best VPNs for a UK IP – Our hands-on review

We’ve tested and compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for getting a UK IP address.

No valueNordVPNSurfsharkExpressVPNCyberGhostIPVanishPrivateVPNAtlasVPN
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comExpressVPN.comCyberghost.comIPVanish.comPrivateVPN.comAtlasVPN.com
Ranking for UK1234567
UK Servers400+ servers3 cities4 locations3 cities / 585 servers5 cities / 111 servers2 cities2 cities
Streaming servicesNetflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Sky Go
ITV Hub
Netflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Sky Go
ITV Hub
Netflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Sky Go
ITV Hub
Netflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Sky Go
ITV Hub
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Disney+
YouTube
Netflix
BBC iPlayer
ITV Hub
Netflix
BBC iPlayer
ITV Hub
Server countries8310010063536344
Devices SupportedWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, LinuxWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TVWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TVWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV
Best deal (per month)$3.39
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$2.29
Save 82% + Get 2 Months FREE
$6.67
SAVE: 49% + 3 months free
$2.19
SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan
$2.75
SAVE 78% on the 2 yr plan
$2.00
Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free
$1.64
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Best VPNs for getting a UK IP address

From real-world experience, here’s our list of the best VPNs for obtaining an IP address in the UK:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background FireTV

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN operates approximately 400 servers in the UK within a huge server network of more than 5,000 across 60 countries. It’s a highly secure service offering VPN solutions for over a decade. Best of all, it currently has some of the fastest servers of any major provider.

This provider should have no problems with unblocking geo-restricted content platforms. It’s also one of the rare services that allow internet users to select a server based on how they’d like to access the web; this includes streaming-optimized servers designed for streaming TV, ultra-secure online privacy, anti-DDoS, and more.

Encryption standards are robust. The service uses the AES-256-bit encryption protocol by default coupled with 2,048-bit SSL keys. DNS leak protection is enabled. NordVPN doesn’t log user data or any personally identifiable information so your digital footprint will remain hidden.

There is a NordVPN application for Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, and MacOS.

Pros:

  • Operates more than 400 servers in the UK
  • Can unblock most popular UK streaming services
  • Some of the fastest speeds we’ve seen
  • This provider doesn’t compromise on user security and privacy
  • Extensive support documentation and a helpful live customer service team

Cons:

  • Desktop app can take some getting used to

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

BEST VPN FOR A UK IP ADDRESS:NordVPN is our first choice. A speedy, secure option that unblocks most UK sports and streaming services. Comes with a strict no-logging policy and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark is one of the cheapest VPN providers, particularly on a long-term subscription plan. currently has around 3,000 servers spread across 95 countries, the UK included. This service’s download speeds are fast enough for streaming live HD video without any noticeable lag or buffering, and it can even unblock notoriously stubborn media streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer. Unlike most other VPNs, Surfshark VPN allows unlimited simultaneous devices, so you can safely browse and stream on whichever devices you prefer.

This service uses effectively uncrackable 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and threat protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks to ensure your internet traffic cannot be read by snoopers. This makes it a great option not only for the UK but for anywhere in the world with stringent internet restrictions. What’s more, it doesn’t log any personally identifiable information, and you can sign up anonymously by using cryptocurrency and a disposable email address.

Surfshark offers Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, and Linux apps. It also works with supported internet routers although manual installation is required.

Pros:

  • Strong unblocking capabilities
  • Fast enough connection speeds for most purposes
  • No logs kept
  • Very low price
  • Allows you to protect all of your devices

Cons:

  • Occasionally slow to connect

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

Read our full Surfshark review.

BEST VALUE VPN:Surfshark is nice and affordable, but doesn’t skimp on security features or unblocking ability. What’s more, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN is a solid all-rounder. It offers reliable service, fast connection speeds, and top-notch customer support. At the moment, the company offers more than 3,000 high-speed servers in 94 countries around the globe. There’s a sizeable list of options in the UK and more in North America and parts of Europe.

One of the providers’ distinguishing features is its ability to securely access geo-restricted streaming content platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. It’s also great for British TV services like BritBox, BBC iPlayer, and Sky.

ExpressVPN uses military-grade encryption protocols, which help firm up your internet connection and quell any attempts to pilfer your data. It leverages 256-bit AES-CBC as the default encryption standard, as well as HMAC authentication and perfect forward secrecy. An internet kill switch, which it refers to as a ‘network lock,’ is included. The best part is that these rugged protocols don’t deteriorate speed parameters.

The company doesn’t store any detailed internet traffic logs on its servers, keeping your activity private. It does retain a sliver of metadata, but that’s to improve the quality of the service, and real user IP addresses are never recorded. ExpressVPN is incorporated in the British Virgin Islands which means it’s out of the jurisdiction of government authorities in both the US and the UK.

ExpressVPN offers apps for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

Pros:

  • Fast and reliable servers in the UK are fit for most purposes
  • No issues accessing UK streaming content while abroad like Netflix, Amazon Prime and more
  • High-end security features with good privacy protection
  • 24-hour live chat support, 7 days a week

Cons:

  • Limited advanced options for power-users
  • Not the cheapest option available

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

GREAT FOR STREAMING:ExpressVPN unblocks plenty of services both from the UK and elsewhere. It’s secure, too, with speedy secure connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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4. CyberGhost

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost offers a choice of nearly 700 servers in the United Kingdom, part of a global network that numbers over 8,000 servers across 90+ countries. This massive network of servers can provide a foreign IP address from almost anywhere in the world. We recommend the VPN solution for its fast service and impeccable encryption standards. Other nifty features available at no extra cost include an ad blocker, anti-malware defense, and anti-tracking.

CyberGhost is able to reliably access a bunch of geo-restricted content including Netflix. That puts it in an elite category of VPNs.

All internet traffic is secured by 256-bit AES encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default along with perfect forward secrecy. An internet kill switch is included. The company is headquartered and registered in Romania. As such, it isn’t subjected to any mandatory data retention laws. It firms up the privacy angle with an internal policy of not storing any user data.

Apps are available for Android, iOS, Windows, Linux and MacOS.

Pros:

  • Largest server selection in the UK on this list
  • Top-notch speeds that are great for streaming and downloading
  • Apps are easy to use and great for new users
  • Privacy and online security are solid

Cons:

  • Blocked in China and UAE
  • Lack of control over advanced features

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

Easy-to-use apps:CyberGhost is great for beginners. Hundreds of servers to choose from in the UK. Works well with most popular UK sports and streaming sites. Stores no logs and streams HD video reliably. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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5. IPVanish

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.IPVanish.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

IPVanish operates 100+ servers in the UK. Its total global server network comprises over 2,000 servers spread across more than 75 locations worldwide. The service is fast, private, and has minimal downtime. IPVanish is an ideal choice as it works seamlessly with BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and Sling TV.

Encryption standards are in the top tier. IPVanish uses 256-bit strong encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default, SHA512 authentication, and a DHE-RSA 2,048-bit key exchange with perfect forward secrecy. It stores no data other than when an account is registered for the first time, which puts it in a similar vein to NordVPN.

This service is popular with Kodi users because it lets them download the Android APK directly to their device. The interface is also remote control-friendly for Kodi devices without a keyboard and mouse.

Apps are available for Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS.

Pros:

  • Over 100 servers in the UK
  • Unblocks a growing list of streaming services
  • Preferred by Kodi and users for remote-friendly apps

Cons:

  • Doesn’t work with some Netflix libraries
  • No option to pay in Bitcoin

Our score:

4 out of 5

UNLIMITED DEVICES:IPVanish works with any number of connected devices which makes it great for families. Very good speeds thanks to WireGuard protocol. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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6. PrivateVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.PrivateVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

PrivateVPN has a relatively small choice of servers compared to the other recommended services on our list. But that doesn’t mean the service is sub-par. In fact, PrivateVPN is so confident about its product that it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee to all users. The company offers servers in London and Manchester. Globally, there are just over 200 in 60+ countries.

PrivateVPN has an impressive ability to work with popular streaming services including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and ITV Hub. PrivateVPN uses the industry-leading 256-bit AES encryption along with perfect forward secrecy on the OpenVPN protocol. An internet kill switch is offered too. The service doesn’t store any user logs or engage in data mining of any nature.

Apps are available for Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS.

Pros:

  • Unblocks most popular UK streaming content from almost anywhere
  • Servers are fast, and connections are reliable
  • Strong on privacy and security features

Cons:

  • Smaller network of servers
  • No browser extensions

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

GREAT SPEED:PrivateVPN is a good family choice. Unblocks many popular UK shows and allows up to 6 devices on the same account. A small network of servers but fast connections. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Here’s our full PrivateVPN review.

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7. AtlasVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background FireTV

Website:  www.AtlasVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

AtlasVPN is a provider that has only been around since 2019, however, it has quickly proven to be superb if you want to stream from abroad. It has servers in 30+ countries, which, admittedly, is fewer than any of our other recommendations. However, it has a choice of servers in the UK that will get you a useful British IP address.  What’s more, those IPs work to watch Netflix UK, BBC iPlayer, Sky TV, Now TV, BT Sport, and All4.

Apps are available for all platforms, and while the VPN doesn’t have as many advanced features as our #1 option, it still has a pretty impressive feature set. You will find a kill switch, DNS leak protection, AES encryption (IKEv2 protocol), and malware protection. It also has a split tunneling feature.

The VPN is very fast thanks to its implementation of the WireGuard protocol. This makes it good for gaming, torrenting, and HD streaming. It also has excellent support that is available 24/7 via email. You can install and use the VPN on an unlimited number of devices.

Pros:

  • Fast WireGuard protocol
  • Works with iPlayer, All 4, and ITV Hub
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections

Cons:

  • Servers in fewer countries
  • Privacy policy could be clearer

Our score:

4 out of 5

PERFECT FOR STREAMING:Atlas VPN has servers in the UK that work with most major streaming platforms. Great speeds. No logs policy.  Allows unlimited connections. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Atlas VPN review.

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United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland IP Address Facts

As of January 1, 2023, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has 124,785,408 assigned IP addresses. The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority is like the organizer of IP addresses, ensuring each has its unique place on the web. If you’re in the UK, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) – BT, Virgin Media, or Sky, gives you or your business a unique IP address.

There are more than 3,300 Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs). These are like big highway systems for internet traffic, managed by various companies. Big players in the UK include British Telecommunications, Virgin Media, Sky, and EE. Even the BBC has its own little slice of the internet, with IP addresses that start at 212.58.246.0 and go up to 212.58.246.255.

All this info is current as of today, September 6, 2023.

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

One of the basic reasons for opting to use a VPN is the reassurance that your digital footprint will remain secure as long as you stay connected to a VPN server. After all, that’s why the software was developed in the first place: to keep yourself hidden on the internet. We’re aware that free VPN services are heavily advertised on app stores and elsewhere across the internet, but the experience they offer is shoddy, unreliable, and not worth your time.

Free VPN services ship with a ridiculously small choice of servers, deploy feeble encryption standards, regularly indulge in bandwidth throttling, and, in some cases, mine your data to sell for a profit. We’re not saying it’s impossible to get a UK IP address with a free VPN but it’ll be very cumbersome and may require a fair bit of trial and error. Plus it’s unlikely you’ll be able to get an IP address for a specific city like London.

Having said that, you should know such services are registered businesses. They must make money to pay for staff salaries, the cost of maintaining servers, and other business overheads. A free product should raise eyebrows because there’s a catch involved. Some will bombard you with migraine-inducing popup advertisements or insert tracking cookies and sell your personal data to advertisers. Others might interrupt the service frequently to pester you into upgrading to a premium plan.

Even if you could find a VPN that provided a UK IP, the average speeds would likely be too slow to stream, game, or do anything that requires a reliable connection. Overall, we recommend investing a few dollars and obtaining a paid VPN service. Free ones don’t cut it.

I’ve decided on a VPN. What do I do next?

After you’ve settled on a VPN service that works for you (an easy way is to click on the links beneath each mini-review) and sign up with your credit card information, all you need to do is download the client software for your device. You can download the VPN on many devices, and most of our recommendations support 5 or more simultaneous connections.

Log into your account after the installation is complete. Browse through the list of available server locations until you find those that are located in the UK. Some providers let you select a server based on country alone, while others let you select by city.

A successful connection will normally be indicated by a green icon on your taskbar or a VPN symbol at the top of your smartphone screen. Now your connection will be anonymous and secure, and you’ll have a UK IP address that will give you access to all the British content you want.

Why do I need an IP address from the UK?

Advocacy body Freedom House says the internet landscape in the United Kingdom is “free”, noting that it “is considered to be a key element determining societal and democratic participation”.

Access to broadband internet is a fundamental human right in the UK. This is backed by a commitment to allow access to the free and unfettered internet, bereft of content censoring or other abhorrent practices.

However, torrenting copyrighted material is considered illegal in the country. There have been instances of copyright trolls flexing the law to gain settlements. Try to stay out of harm’s way.

An IP address from the UK can help if you’d like to access the free and open web. Normally, that’s not available to citizens of countries like Iran, China, Russia, and the UAE where state-appointed engineers impose all sorts of blockades to throttle access to sites.

UK residents who are traveling abroad will find it useful to obtain an IP address from back home. This helps to access content like BBC iPlayerSky GoUK Netflix, and ITV Hub. If you’re looking for a more detailed guide on how to stream UK shows while abroad, then our primer on the topic should help.

Other use cases for a UK IP address are accessing online banking services and watching premier league football.

DISCLAIMER: Comparitech does not encourage using a VPN to stream content illegally. Please consult local laws thoroughly before deciding to embark on this route. If you have any questions, then it’s best to talk to a lawyer in your country of residence.

Using a DNS server in the UK

Your IP address operates as a physical identifier of sorts, helping websites determine where you’re accessing the web from. But that’s just one (albeit popular) method. Another common mechanism is via Domain Name Systems (DNS) which act as a hybrid registry of sorts. DNS addresses are used to verify domain names using their IP address. When trying to access geo-restricted content, most websites will check where the DNS request is originating from. If both your IP address and DNS server don’t originate from a country that allows access (such as the UK for BBC iPlayer), the host website or app will block you.

For all the recommended VPNs in this list, make sure that DNS requests are handled accordingly. After a successful connection to a VPN server, your DNS requests will also be routed through the same encrypted tunnel. Many of them offer DNS leak protection to boot. Therefore, it’s not possible for snoopers to monitor your web activity simply by examining DNS requests.

Free VPN services ordinarily route your DNS requests through the encrypted tunnel but then use a public DNS service on the other side. This means search engines can track which websites you visit, thereby compromising online privacy.

It’s possible to manually configure DNS servers on most device platforms. OpenNIC can do the trick for you; it offers free DNS servers in specific countries.

Can I obtain a UK IP address without signing up for a VPN?

There is an alternative option for getting an IP address from the UK. This is obtained via the Tor browser; a product conceptualized by the Tor project which aims to help people escape network surveillance and violation of confidential business relationships and privacy.

The Tor browser is free and incorporates sophisticated encryption and anonymity standards. It’s popular with journalists, human rights activists, and whistleblowers as it allows them to hide their identity without a monthly charge.

However, the Tor browser is only viable for limited use. If you’re a blogger or whistleblower, then Tor can help. It’s a terrible option if you want to engage in online banking services or stream British content. That’s because all the sophisticated encryption makes it insufferably slow. However, if you’d still like to get a UK IP address with Tor, then this guide will break it down in more detail.

Another option is to deploy a free proxy server. However, this is similar to the free VPN services we warned you about earlier in the article). Proxy services also operate with download caps and shady privacy policies. Most streaming providers, like Netflix, have started to block proxies as well, and others are quickly catching on.

An additional problem is those proxy servers won’t encrypt your traffic the way a VPN does, so you’re leaving yourself susceptible to online monitoring by an ISP or other intrusive entities. The proxy service provider itself could also monitor your online behavior.

VPN for UK IP – Our Testing methodology

Finding a VPN that provides high levels of online privacy, reliable apps, watertight security, and servers in the UK that work with popular British services like iPlayer, All 4, and ITV Hub can be hard. Not all VPNs work to access British content, and many VPNs fail to provide important security features.

At Comparitech, we use a carefully devised VPN testing methodology to review and compare market-leading VPNs. This allows us to recommend services for a particular use case. Below, we have included some of the important features we searched for when recommending VPNs with a UK IP.

  • Servers worldwide. A VPN is only as useful as the servers it provides. We search for VPNs with large global networks of Tier 1 servers, including servers in the UK. We test those servers to ensure they provide fast enough speeds for streaming, torrenting, gaming, and other data-intensive tasks.
  • Superb accessibility. We also test the VPN’s servers to see whether they successfully bypass geo-restrictions. To this end, we use VPNs to access Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, UK TV services, HBO Max, Disney+ and many more. We also ensure that the VPN can bypass censorship in places like China.
  • Apps for all popular platforms. Nowadays, consumers need to protect their privacy on an array of devices. To make sure you can cover all your devices, we recommend VPNs with apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. Some also have apps for Firestick, Smart TVs, and routers. As well as easy-to-use browser extensions.
  • Watertight security. We test the VPN for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks that would betray your privacy. We also check the encryption implementation and look for reliable VPN protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. Finally, we check for a kill switch to ensure you never leak data outside of the VPN tunnel.
  • Fully featured apps. Many VPNs provide just the basic features needed to connect to a VPN server and encrypt your data. We look for versatile VPNs that also provide things like obfuscation, split tunneling, Smart DNS, port forwarding, malware protection, ad blocking, and a SOCKS5 proxy.
  • Outstanding customer care. We recommend VPN providers that have live chat customer service and email support that are available around the clock. This allows you to ask questions and means that you can always get help at any time of day. Plus, our recommendations have superb web resources such as guides and FAQs.
  • No-log policy. A trustworthy VPN has a policy that promises never to keep any details about what its users do while connected to the VPN.
  • Value for money: It’s not all about which VPN is the cheapest, but which VPN is providing the most value for the cost. We look at how much a service costs and whether there are any discounts for long-term subscriptions. We also look at the refund policy and usually only recommend providers with a generous money-back guarantee.

UK IP Address FAQ

How can I select an IP address from London via a VPN?

Some VPN providers actually let you choose the city and country your server is in. They might, for instance, let you choose between servers in London, Manchester, or Glasgow. Generally, though, even if you’re not given the option to select a city, servers are usually in the capital or another nearby location. This means that servers simply labeled “United Kingdom” will most likely be in London and will, as such, give you an IP address from London. 

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

No law says you can’t change your IP address and hide your real location. In fact, if there were, many prominent businesses would be in trouble since remote workers frequently use VPNs to access company networks safely. Unless you plan on committing crimes while connected to a VPN, there’s no reason you should encounter any problems. After all, it’s not a crime to be privacy-conscious.

How can I hide my IP address while in the UK?

Generally, there are two ways to hide your IP address: proxy servers and VPNs. Proxies work by routing your traffic through servers worldwide, but these usually only protect your browser traffic. It can also be difficult to find out who operates publicly-available proxy servers and what they do with your information. 

Ultimately, VPNs are the better choice. They do everything a proxy does but encrypt your traffic as well. This means that even if someone is monitoring the network, they won’t be able to see which sites you visit or what you do on them. 

Do any VPN providers offer a dedicated IP address from the UK?

Yes, some VPNs provide dedicated IP addresses from the UK. This includes NordVPN and CyberGhost. Note that to get a dedicated IP address from these VPNs, you’ll need to pay an additional fee on top of your regular VPN subscription. Dedicated IP addresses offer many benefits, such as being able to skip blacklists and avoid repetitive identity verification.

Where can I find the NordVPN server list for the UK?

It’s easy enough to find the NordVPN server list for the UK. You can choose to look at it on NordVPN’s website or, if you’re already a subscriber, via the NordVPN app. With the apps, simply scroll down to the United Kingdom and click on the three dots. You’ll see the full list of servers sorted by server number. It’s also possible to see the server load, while you can even favorite specific servers for faster future access.

Will a UK IP address from a VPN provider stop my ISP throttling BBC iPlayer?

It depends on the VPN provider! Like some ISPs, some VPNs throttle your bandwidth, resulting in lag and buffering while streaming BBC iPlayer. The good news is that there are several high-quality, reputable VPN providers that offer unlimited bandwidth. This includes NordVPN. By using these VPNs to connect to a server in the UK for a UK IP address, you can bypass ISP throttling and watch BBC iPlayer without interruption.

Which is the fastest VPN for the UK?

All of the VPNs listed in this post offer fast UK servers as well as unlimited bandwidth. This makes them ideal not only for browsing but for streaming and torrenting. The fastest VPNs we’ve tested are generally NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN. However, there are various factors that influence the speed, meaning that a particular server may be very fast one day and slower the next. Regardless, you shouldn’t have any issues with any of the above VPNs when it comes to speed.

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

When you connect to a VPN server in the UK, you will automatically receive an IP address in Britain. However, there may be times when you want to verify that the VPN is working and is actually providing you with a UK IP.

The good news is that we provide an IP-checking tool that you can use for free whenever you want to. You can use this tool to double-check your outwardly visible IP address and verify that the VPN makes you appear in the UK.

Is using a VPN to get a UK IP safe?

Yes, using a VPN to get a UK IP address is perfectly safe. In fact, you’re far safer online when you use a VPN. That’s because connecting to a server (regardless of your location) ensures your data is encrypted. By connecting to a server in the UK to get a UK IP address, you’ll be able to browse anonymously. That’s because your identity and physical location aren’t tied to the IP address of the VPN.

Which TV shows will I be able to watch with a UK IP address?

If you use a VPN to get a UK IP address, you’ll be able to access content from the likes of BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, and Netflix UK. Here’s a list of some of the most popular shows you’ll be able to stream as a result:

Can I choose which UK city my IP address comes from?

This really depends on which VPN you’re using; some only let you select a country, while others give you the option of choosing a city (or even a specific server cluster in that city).

Providers like NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN all offer multiple British locations, though the exact cities vary. You’ll almost always see a cluster in London or Manchester, for instance, but very few providers have servers in Glasgow or Edinburgh.

Will changing my IP make my connection slow?

Changing your IP address can make your connection slower, particularly if you’re connected to a server that’s far from your physical location. The best VPNs are still able to provide very fast speeds that can allow you to stream, torrent, and game without issue (even with the added security benefits such as encryption). That’s because, unlike most free VPNs (and even some ISPs), they don’t throttle your bandwidth. Just be sure to connect to a server in or near your current country for the best possible performance.

Can I access my UK online banking with these VPNs?

A VPN allows you to access a wide range of region-locked websites and services. This includes streaming services, news sites, social media platforms, and even online banking accounts, which all look at your IP address to determine your location. However, you can use the VPNs listed in this post to change your IP address and access their content as normal.

Can I get a UK IP address with a Proxy?

You can get a UK IP address (or an IP address from almost any other country) with a proxy server. As with a VPN, this hides your IP address, offering you a more private browsing experience. 

However, it’s important to know that, unlike a VPN, a proxy doesn’t encrypt all of your device’s internet traffic. Some proxies do use encryption, but this protection will be limited to your browser and not your device’s apps. As such, you may prefer to use a VPN to get a UK IP address, depending on the level of security you require.

Does every VPN offer a British IP?

The vast majority of premium VPN services have servers in the UK that will allow you to get a British IP address. This is because the UK is a popular country, and many users want to use their VPN to access British services from abroad.

In addition, many British users want to be able to connect to a local British IP address to use the internet as if they were still at home, but with the added privacy of encryption to stop their ISP (and the British government) from tracking them.

Unfortunately, however, most VPNs have been blocked by popular British TV platforms and streaming services. This means that when you connect to an IP address in Britain, you still may not be able to watch BBC iPlayer, ITV X, Channel 4, Sky Go, BT Sport, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and other popular streaming platforms.

This means that you must pick your VPN provider carefully if you don’t want to end up disappointed. The good news is that most VPNs have a money-back guarantee, which means you can test their British IP yourself to see whether it works to access the services that interest you.

Alternatively, you can check out our individual lists of the best VPN services. We have carefully curated lists for each UK streaming service that might interest you – so that you can be sure before taking out a subscription that the VPN will work.

Can I watch ITVX outside the UK with a VPN?

Yes, you can watch ITVX outside the UK with a VPN. Although ITVX has geo-restricted access to its content, it is still possible to access the channel’s offerings using a VPN. A VPN will allow you to securely and anonymously connect to a server located in the UK, thus making it appear as if you are located in the region.

To watch ITVX outside of the United Kingdom, we recommend using one of our selected VPN services above.

Is IP tracking illegal in UK?

IP tracking, or IP logging, is legal in the UK for businesses, especially B2B marketing agencies. They use it to understand their website visitors’ location, enhancing web analytics and campaign tailoring. However, when individuals do it, it’s seen as a privacy invasion and is illegal. This is because an IP address can sometimes be linked to a specific location or person. This is considered personal data. So, if you collect and use them, you must follow the legal requirements for personal data processing, like those in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

The Data Protection Act also regulates the use of personal data. An IP address alone isn’t personal data under this Act, but it can often be linked to other personal data that identifies a person.

The UK government can ask Communications Service Providers (CSPs) to collect and keep data, letting law enforcement link an IP address to a real person. Surveillance law in the UK can also require web and phone companies to store browsing histories for 12 months for a maximum of 12 months.

In short, IP tracking is legal for businesses and government agencies under certain conditions but illegal when done by individuals due to privacy concerns. Always respect privacy laws when dealing with IP addresses and other identifiable information.

What is the best way to get multiple UK IP addresses?

The best way to get multiple UK IP addresses is by using a VPN service. VPNs offer multiple server locations within the UK, providing you with a variety of IP addresses to choose from.

While you can also buy private proxies to get UK IP addresses, they can be unreliable and pose security risks. Private proxies can have issues with unreliable connections, bandwidth limitations, and potential exposure to hackers or other malicious actors.

On the other hand, VPNs are generally more reliable and secure, offering encryption and additional security features to protect your data and privacy.