How to Get a UK IP Address From Anywhere: Easy Guide 2023

If you’ve moved abroad or are on holiday, you don’t have to lose access to your favorite UK sites. You can continue binging your favorite shows on BBC iPlayer, ITV, and Britbox without getting blocked.

A VPN with servers in the UK is the easiest way to get a UK IP address. It sends your traffic through its private server network, giving you an IP address from another country — like the UK. This way, you can access UK sites abroad, including your UK bank account. At the same time, a VPN encrypts your traffic to keep you safe online, a critical feature if you're using public WiFi networks.

My top recommendation is ExpressVPN. It has several UK server locations and impressive speeds to unblock your British accounts from anywhere quickly. You can try ExpressVPN's UK servers risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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Why You Need a VPN to Get a UK IP

Due to licensing regulations, some UK sites are geo-blocked and inaccessible outside the country. This includes local banking apps, shopping sites, and popular streaming services like Sky Go, NOW TV, BT TV, and more.

However, a VPN can help you access these sites if you take a holiday or move abroad. It does this by masking your actual location and giving you an IP address from another area. To the sites you visit, it looks like you're browsing from the UK. So you'll have access to British banking apps, BBC iPlayer, ITV, and more.

A VPN also protects your data with military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy. You can safely access your favorite UK sites without worrying about hackers, trackers, or prying eyes.

Best VPNs to Get a UK IP From Anywhere in 2023

1. ExpressVPN — Global Network With Many UK Servers to Access International and Local Content

With server locations throughout the UK, ExpressVPN enables you to access UK banking and streaming platforms anywhere. Plus, its global network makes unblocking my international accounts (including Hulu and YouTube TV) just as easy. I tested it by connecting to its East London server and accessed every platform I tried, including Sky TV and Eurosport. I also watched two episodes of EastEnders on BBC iPlayer without problems.

I watched MH370 in picture-perfect quality even though I was thousands of kilometers from the UK

It also gives fast speeds for uninterrupted streaming, browsing, and gaming. I tested all its server locations in the U, and got an average download speed of 81.72 Mbps (my base connection was 100.01 Mbps). Since you only need 5 Mbps for HD viewing, you can stream UK content without buffering. Finding the fastest server is straightforward since ExpressVPN automatically connects you to the fastest one when you select the UK as your preferred country.

With its world-class security features, your data is always protected. Its AES 256-bit encryption is the strongest — it would take a supercomputer a hundred years to crack. Additionally, Perfect Forward Secrecy changes your encryption key every 15 minutes. Meaning even if one session got hacked, anything before or after is safe since each session has a unique encryption key.

None of your information (including browsing history) gets stored or shared since the VPN is headquartered in privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands and follows a strict no-logs policy. This is especially beneficial because the UK is part of the 5-Eyes Alliance, a global intelligence-sharing group of countries. ExpressVPN also blocks trackers and malicious sites with its Threat Manager feature.

DNS/IP leak protection disguises your real location, making it easier to visit UK sites anonymously. While its kill switch (Network Lock) cuts your internet connection should the VPN unexpectedly drop. To be sure you can rely on this, I used ipleak.net — it didn’t find any leaks whatsoever. You can access your UK banking and personal accounts safely.

Unfortunately, it's a bit pricey, with monthly plans starting at $6.67/month. But ExpressVPN regularly offers promotions and discounts. I got 49% off my long-term subscription and 3 months of service free.

Additionally, all plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can get a full refund if you're not 100% happy. I got my money returned to my Paypal account 3 days after canceling via 24/7 live chat — the whole process took me less than five minutes.

Useful Features

• MediaStreamer. Easily access UK geo-restricted content on devices that don't usually support VPNs, such as older smart TVs and gaming consoles.
• Unlimited bandwidth. You can browse, stream, and download as much as you want without worrying about hitting a data cap.
• Split tunneling. With this feature, you can choose which apps use the VPN connection and which don't so that you can stream your favorite UK shows using the VPN while getting local search results on Google.
• Simultaneous connections. You can connect up to 8 devices at once and protect all your devices with one subscription.

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2. CyberGhost — Streaming-Optimized Servers for Popular UK Platforms

With CyberGhost, you'll never waste time looking for the best server to enjoy UK content. It has specialty servers for the most popular streaming platforms, such as Netflix UK, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. These servers are regularly tested and updated by the VPN team to ensure they work. Expand the app, click "For streaming" on the left-side menu, and type "UK" into the search bar to see the British streaming services list.

Speeds were also consistently fast on all the servers I tested (Berkshire, London, and Manchester), even those not optimized for streaming. The VPN reduced my average download speed by only 14.82% — I didn't even notice the difference. I tested its Netflix UK server and watched three episodes of Red Rose without buffering.

You can also favorite your most used servers by clicking on the star icon

CyberGhost is serious about your privacy with an independently audited and verified no-logs policy, proving it won't collect your data. Plus, it’s located in Romania, outside the 5/914 Eyes jurisdiction, so you can be assured that your personal information won't get shared with anyone, not even the government.

You can also get a dedicated UK IP address for a small extra fee. Dedicated IP addresses reduce the chances of being blocked by UK services since you'll be the only one using it.

The only downside of this VPN is that the monthly subscription is expensive and has a short money-back guarantee. However, long-term plans cost only $2.19/month and have an extended money-back guarantee.

With CyberGhost, you can access UK content free for 45 days and get a full refund if you change your mind. I tested it for a few weeks before asking for my refund. The 24/7 live chat representative asked about my experience with the app and my reason for canceling before processing my request. After 4 days, the money back was reflected in my bank account.

Useful Features

• Unlimited bandwidth. You don't have to worry about how many British movies and shows you watch or how much data you download — there are no restrictions.
• Double VPN. Your traffic gets routed through two VPN servers, adding an extra layer of encryption so that no one can see what you're doing online.
• Ad blocker. Extends your internet security by filtering annoying ads (which could contain malware) and blocking trackers.
• Kill switch. Prevents accidental data exposure by automatically blocking all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, for example, when switching between servers.

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3. Private Internet Access — Top-Tier Security Features to Keep Your Data Safe in the UK

Private Internet Access (PIA) is an excellent way to secure your data when using a UK IP address. It offers multiple encryption and protocol options for maximum protection while browsing British websites. Plus, its ad-and malware blocker (Mace) makes it impossible for anyone to spy on your online activities. When I activated the Mace feature, the ads initially displayed on the BBC.com website disappeared.

PIA’s Mace also alerts you if you try accessing suspicious sites

Like CyberGhost, it also offers a dedicated UK IP address at an extra cost. This allows you to use an IP address exclusively, making it harder for services to flag it as a VPN IP. With its extensive server network in over 84 countries, you can access your favorite UK and international content wherever you are.

PIA has slower speeds than other VPNs on this list, with an average speed drop of about 28.57%. However, speeds are fast enough for streaming in HD. I accessed ITV and watched several episodes of Vera uninterrupted while visiting friends in California.

You can try PIA risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee to see if it’s right for you. I tested this by canceling via email. I got a response within 6 hours, and my money was refunded after 5 days.

Useful Features

• No-logs policy. PIA doesn’t record your private data, including your internet downloads and search engine entries.
• IP/DNS leak protection. Your true IP address and DNS information won't get revealed. I tested PIA for leaks, and my real location remained private.
• 24/7 live chat. 24/7 live chat support can help you with any issues or questions. You'll be connected with a real person.

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4. NordVPN — User-Friendly Apps to Easily Access UK Sites

You can connect to one of NordVPN's UK servers with one click and get a UK IP address. Once installed and logged in, scroll down the server list to find the United Kingdom (servers are alphabetized according to country), and the app will choose the best server for you — Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, or Manchester. It only took 6 seconds before I was connected to NordVPN's fastest UK server on my Mac.

I prefer using the search bar to find a specific country server quickly

Its servers are also fast and reliable. My speed dropped by only 13.23% while connected to a server in Manchester. It has many British servers, which reduces server overcrowding, thus optimizing connection speeds.

One minor con is that NordVPN agrees to share data with governments to comply with international laws. However, it’s impossible to identify users from the limited information they provide since it doesn't log the websites you access, browsing data, or your real IP address.

Subscriptions start at $3.49/month. All plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test NordVPN risk-free. I contacted 24/7 customer support to cancel my subscription when I finished testing. The money was in my bank account by the end of that week.

Useful Features

• Device connections. You can simultaneously use NordVPN on up to 6 devices, and it works on all major operating systems.
• NordLynx protocol. This protocol uses WireGuard technology to provide even faster speeds while maintaining top-level security for your UK IP address.
• Threat protection. This feature automatically blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites, for an improved browsing experience.

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5. Surfshark — Excellent Speeds for Streaming UK Content Uninterrupted

Surfshark’s speeds are great for streaming British content in picture-perfect quality. I tested all its UK servers and watched Secrets of Great British Castles on Netflix UK with zero buffering. Using its WireGuard protocol, I recorded an average speed of 84.63 Mbps, only 12.46% slower than my base connection of 96.68 Mbps. With such speeds, videos load instantly and are crystal clear.

My average download speed was reduced by only 12% when connected to the UK

It uses top-notch security features and follows a no-logs policy to protect your privacy using a UK IP address. This includes WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leak protection and a kill switch. I attempted to open ITV while switching servers from Manchester to London, but the app notified me that the kill switch blocked my traffic until I established a secure connection, showing that Surfshark won't expose your data.

A monthly subscription is too expensive for my liking. But long-term plans cost only $2.30/month. You can try Surfshark before committing since it’s backed with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

• Unlimited connections. You can use Surfshark on as many devices as you want, and it won't affect your performance.
• Static IP addresses. This gives you the same UK IP address every time you connect to the internet, which is ideal for secure remote access to your UK online services.
• CleanWeb. It blocks all ads, trackers, and malware so that you can browse UK and international sites with peace of mind.

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Quick Comparison Table: UK IP Address VPN Features

The following table provides a swift comparative overview of the VPNs in this list. If you're uncertain about which VPN to choose for your UK IP address, this comparison will help you make an educated choice swiftly.

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Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for a UK IP Address

When considering a VPN, it is important to prioritize solid security, fast speeds, and reliability. The VPNs listed below have been selected based on these criteria. The following breakdown will help you identify key aspects to consider, enabling you to make an informed decision:

• Several servers in the UK. Choose a VPN with multiple servers in the UK to give you alternative options in case of overcrowding or a poor connection. Many UK servers also ensure you can access your favorite UK streaming platforms and apps.
• Strong security and privacy features. A good VPN should offer AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, DNS/IP leak protection, and a no-logs policy. These features are necessary to keep your data safe while browsing.
• Fast speeds. Fast servers and unlimited bandwidth help you avoid long loading times and throttling while you stream, game, browse, or torrent.
• Device compatibility. It should work on all major operating systems (offering apps for easy download and use) and can be used on multiple devices simultaneously.
• Excellent customer support. Whether it’s by email, live chat, or phone, there should be dependable support you can contact 24/7 to help you.
• Trustworthy money-back guarantee. It should offer a money-back guarantee period for sufficient time to test the VPN’s features.

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FAQs on Getting a UK IP Address With a VPN

Is it legal to use a VPN to get a UK IP address?

Yes, using a VPN to get a UK IP address is legal in most countries. Simply launch your VPN and connect to a UK server to get a UK IP address. However, using a VPN to engage in illegal activities, such as downloading copyrighted material, is illegal regardless of the location of the VPN server. Make sure to review the rules and regulations regarding VPN use in the country you're in so you don't accidentally break any laws.

Can a free VPN give me a British IP address?

Maybe, but they don’t offer much security or privacy. Some even collect and sell user data, inject ads, or use weak encryption protocols, leaving you vulnerable to hacking, surveillance, or data leaks. A premium VPN with a money-back guarantee is a more reliable way to get a British IP address. Paid-for VPNs protect your online privacy with military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and a no logs-policy.

Many free VPNs also have limited server locations, which means they may not have servers in the UK, or their servers may be overloaded and slow, leading to poor connection quality.

Are there other ways to get a UK IP Address (aside from a VPN)?

Yes, you can use a proxy server, Tor browser, or Smart DNS, but they don't offer the same level of security and flexibility as a VPN. If you need a UK IP address for streaming or accessing your accounts abroad, a VPN won't disappoint you.

Using a UK-based proxy server, you can route your traffic through the UK and appear to be accessing the internet from a UK IP address. On the other hand, a Smart DNS allows you to access UK geo-restricted content by changing your DNS settings. However, neither proxy servers nor Smart DNS encrypt your traffic, so your data may be at risk.

The Tor network is a decentralized server network allowing users to browse the internet anonymously. Using Tor, you can route your traffic through multiple servers, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activity. However, Tor may not be the best option for streaming or downloading large files, as it can be slow.

How can I check if my IP address has changed to the UK?

It’s quick and easy — there are online tools that check your IP address. First, connect your VPN to a UK server. Then, visit a site offering a free IP address reading tool, like vpnMentor's IP checker, and allow it to scan your location. You've connected successfully if it shows an IP address in the UK.

Is it safe to use a VPN to get a UK IP address?

Using a VPN to get a UK IP address is generally safe. However, you must use a reliable VPN and follow best practices for online security. A VPN provides encryption and other security features (like a kill switch and no-logs policy) to keep you safe from cyber attacks and spies. Make sure to switch on your VPN before using the internet, especially unsecured WiFi networks.

How can I get a dedicated UK IP address?

Certain premium VPN's offer dedicated IPs for a small extra fee. For example, CyberGhost offers dedicated UK IP addresses. Simply sign up for a premium subscription, choose the UK as your dedicated IP location, and connect to the server from the app. Dedicated IP addresses provide a more stable connection by reducing the chance of online services blocking your access due to a shared IP address.

What can I do with a UK IP address?

A UK IP address allows you to access online content only available in the UK. This includes your UK streaming services and online bank account, which is ideal for traveling abroad. A VPN with servers in the UK can give you a British IP address.

Here are a few benefits of a UK IP address:

• Access UK-only content. You can continue enjoying your favorite UK streaming services abroad. Like, BBC iPlayer, Netflix UK, Eurosport, ITV Hub, Sky Go, Eleven Sports, BT Sports, All4, Now TV, and more.
• UK banking. You won’t get flagged when managing your UK bank accounts abroad. You’ll have no problem accessing HSBC Holdings, Lloyds Banking Group, Royal Bank of Scotland Group, Barclays, Natwest, Standard Chartered, and more.
• P2P file-sharing. If you're downloading or sharing copyright-free files in the UK, a VPN with a UK IP address can keep your online activity private from snoops and hackers.
• Protect your online identity and location. Using a VPN with a UK IP address can mask your true location and identity, making it harder for anyone to track or monitor your online activity.

Get a UK IP Address in Minutes

To stay up-to-date on everything happening in the UK, I recommend downloading a VPN. By encrypting your traffic, you can visit UK sites for news, banking, streaming, and more without risking your online safety. This is especially important when using public WiFi or accessing personal accounts.

My top recommendation is ExpressVPN for its fast speeds, strong security, and large network of UK servers. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test all ExpressVPN features risk-free.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs to get a UK IP address…