10 Best VPN Software UK 2022 | SurfShark, NordVPN and More

For those after a quick look, here is our Top 5:

1. Surfshark - VPN Software for £9.63
2. NordVPN - VPN Software for £8.94
   
3. ExpressVPN - VPN Software for £10.33
   
4. ProtonVPN - VPN Software for £8.51
   
5. CyberGhost - VPN Software for £10.21

For a more in-depth look at the comprehensive top 10 selection, make sure to read on to learn more about the different types of VPN software available and understand how our ranking was determined.

This article's chosen EC site price listings are reflective of its publishing date.

To understand how VPN software works, you first need to know how a regular internet connection works. To visit a website, you type in the web address, requesting to load the page. This request is sent from your device via the router to your internet service provider (ISP) and then to the website you're trying to visit. Once approved, the data is sent back to your ISP, through the router, and to your device to load the page. 

When you use VPN software, it encrypts any internet traffic that goes through it. The encrypted request then goes through the same process as above, but the VPN server unscrambles the request on the website you want to visit. Data is sent from the website to the VPN, which scrambles it before going through your ISP, and then the VPN software unscrambles the data again so that the website can be displayed.

In essence, using VPN software while using the internet means that no one except the VPN operator can view your activities. But even so, all VPN firms claim to have protocols in place that make it impossible to trace who is doing what on their networks. A VPN software can also route your requests through any location, allowing you to access content on different networks.

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1. Figure Out Why You Need a VPN Software
2. Check How Many Simultaneous Connections the VPN Allows
3. Search for Security and Privacy Extras to Guarantee Robust Protection
4. Decide on a Subscription Plan That You Can Afford
5. Choose a Provider That Has Trustworthy Customer Service 

As VPN software providers prioritise different features, it's worth considering why you need one in the first place. If maintaining anonymity and security online is your top priority, you will need to look at the software technology. Solid encryption protocols are crucial for a secure VPN. VPN software uses different ways to keep your data hidden, but the WireGuard protocol is currently a gold standard. 

Furthermore, it has some of the fastest connection speeds available. Because of these reasons, certain VPN software providers like NordVPN and ExpressVPN have developed their own protocols based on WireGuard, which aims to provide even more robust protection for its users. Next, check the VPN provider's privacy policies. 

A no-logging policy means that the provider commits to keeping only the most essential details of your surfing without anything that can link back to you. It's also good to know where your service provider is registered to avoid intrusive authorities. The best option is to go for ones registered in a country that doesn't require data logging, such as Panama, the British Virgin Islands, and the Netherlands.

If you often stream online from sites like Netflix, YouTube, Amazon, or Hulu, a reliable, high-speed VPN with unlimited bandwidth and great unblocking can guarantee uninterrupted, seamless viewing. Just make sure the service is compatible with the streaming platforms you regularly visit. 

Using a VPN can even help you to access geographically blocked content. One of the reasons VPNs have grown so popular in recent years is that they can be used to unlock, for example, Netflix shows that are only available in specific locations. In order to have more flexibility in browsing worldwide catalogues, it's also worth choosing a VPN that has at least 2,000 servers across more than 50 countries. 

Keep in mind that although most VPNs support platforms like iOS, Mac, Android, and Windows, not all do. If you're using a Windows computer but have an iPhone or iPad, you'll want to make sure that your VPN is compatible with both. You can protect all of your gadgets at home all at once if you install a VPN on the router, but again, make sure it is compatible with all your devices and platforms. 

On the lookout for a new smartphone? Check out our top 10 Android Smartphones here!

Using any VPN will give you a solid layer of security, but if you’re big on P2P services or other activities where you want to ensure your connection won't be exposed, be on the lookout for a service with a kill switch and DNS leak protection.

A kill switch does exactly what the name suggests. It monitors your VPN connection and - should it ever unexpectedly drop - will cut off your computer from the internet entirely. That way, you can guarantee that your internet connection is always secure and protected, even in cases of technical errors.

A DNS leak is a security flaw that may allow your internet service provider to identify your real IP despite using a VPN. Most VPN services will protect against this, but not all of them are equally effective. Make sure to pick a VPN with a good track history and test your connection regularly using one of the many free testing services available on the internet. 

You can get a VPN software for free if you want to save some pounds, but free versions have limitations on bandwidth, streaming, privacy and security features. If you need a VPN just for an added layer of online privacy, you only have one device, and you don't require streaming or P2P services, a free VPN could be sufficient. 

It's also useful if you're travelling somewhere with heavy internet censorship or you just want to stay safe while being connected to public networks. Because of these reasons, we've included some free options in our ranking too. 

However, if you want your VPN software to have the complete set of features, consider a paid monthly subscription. Typically, the longer you sign up for, the cheaper it gets. For example, Surfshark costs less than £2 per month if you sign up for its two-year plan. So if you know you'll be needing your VPN for a long time, sign up for a longer-term subscription to enjoy more affordable monthly pricing. 

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Even the most cutting-edge software is prone to glitches from time to time. Should anything ever come up, a reliable customer service team that you can contact immediately to look into your issue and get your VPN up and running again is very important to help you stay securely connected. 

We recommend checking the type of customer support the VPN service has in place. It could be anything from email support which can take a little longer to connect you with someone, to a live chat feature that's available 24/7.

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.

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Written and Researched by Audrey Tan