Best VPN deals: Unlock 4 months of FREE access and 86% off subscriptions in latest VPN sales in the UK

What is a VPN?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network.

Essentially, it's an application that encrypts and anonymises everything you do online — bolstering your privacy, hiding your location, and stopping advertisers, trackers, and even governments keeping tabs on you.

VPNs are widely used by businesses to keep proprietary data safe from prying eyes. Whistle-blowers and journalists also rely on these apps to shield sensitive information. And now, VPNs are fast becoming an essential tool for everyone with a smartphone, laptop, desktop PC, streaming set-top box, or tablet.

What can a VPN do?

Using a VPN isn't just about boosting your privacy online. These versatile apps have a slew of different features. We've put together a list of some of the most useful VPN features below:

• Protects your data online
• Keeps you safe on public Wi-Fi networks
• Unlock access to blocked sites in your country
• Block trackers from advertisers
• Block trackers from governments
• Check prices of flights, hotels in other countries

• Access apps that are blocked in your country
• Avoid censorship in your current location
• Stream sports from anywhere in the world
• Bypass speed blocks from your broadband
• Optimise online multiplayer games

How does a VPN work?

When you enable a VPN, it routes all of your online traffic via an encrypted tunnel, connecting to a network of secure servers across the globe. These VPN servers are managed by the brand, so the total number available will vary based on the provider you're picked.

The best VPNs rely on the same military-grade encryption as governments in Britain and the United States. The encryption scrambles your data into an unreadable format, preventing third parties from monitoring your activity.

This is so effective that it'll even stop the Internet Service Provider (ISP) that connects you to the internet from keeping a record of the websites you've visited, how long you've spent on each site, and your current location.

Advertisers, trackers, and hackers are also blind when it comes to tracking your web history.

Heading online without a VPN enbaled is a little like sending a postcard, with your personal message easily visible on the back as it makes its way to the intended recipient through the Royal Mail system.

However, when running a VPN on your device, that same postcard is placed inside multiple envelopes and packages, so the message on the back is hidden from everyone as it makes its way to its final destination.

Companies like Microsoft, Apple, and Google have previously offered a VPN that offered this level of encryption when heading online. However, the best providers let you choose the VPN server location that your internet traffic is rerouted through, making it appear as if you've connected to the internet from that location instead of the UK.

It's this level of control over the location data encoded into your IP address that unlocks the best VPN features listed above — bypassing the age verification checks to access Discord, Reddit, and adult websites in the UK, check cheaper flight and hotel prices reserved for other countries, unlock geo-blocked sport streaming while travelling abroad, unblocking banned apps in your country.

What about a free VPN?

Logically, paying £0 should be the best VPN deal there is. However, we wouldn't recommend a free VPN service.

While some reputable VPNs offer a free plan — like Proton VPN, for example — these include a raft of restrictions to incentivise you to upgrade. This usually includes slower transfer speeds, a limited number of server locations, or a single app login. That can be useful in a pinch, but there are too many compromises to make this a viable long-term solution for most.

It can also make video calls, gaming, or streaming on Netflix arduous at best — and outright impossible at worst.

With a 30-day money-back guarantee, it's possible to use the best and most reputable VPN services for a whole month without any of these restrictions. If you're unhappy and decide to walk away, you'll pay nothing.

There are also free VPNs that offer unlimited access for £0, but you should be wary of these brands.

Discussing the risks of these sounds-too-good-to-be-true subscriptions, CyberSmart co-founder Jamie Akhtar told Yahoo News: "Unfortunately, free VPNs can come with risks. Although it must be said, not always; if you’re using a free trial version of a reputable product, you’re likely fine. However, totally free VPNs do raise concerns,"

That's because "free" could mean you're paying a price in some other way.

"Most free products still need some way to monetise their service, so if you aren’t paying in cash, you’re probably paying with your data," Mr. Akhtar added.

Most free VPN providers will place restrictions on your account to incentivise you to upgrade to a paid subscription plan, including limiting the amount of data or slower transfer speeds.

How to find the best VPN deal in the UK

With so many VPN brands out there and so many deals, it's easy to get lost.

First, it's helpful to figure out what you're planning to do with your VPN.

Want to stream shows only available on Netflix US? You should look for a VPN with a small impact on download speeds so you don't see a load of buffering when streaming your favourite geo-blocked shows and movies. We'd recommend ExpressVPN.

Want to encrypt your internet traffic for better security? You won't need a VPN with server locations across hundreds of countries, since you'll probably only use the one closest to home. We'd recommend ProtonVPN.

Want to secure dozens of different devices with the same VPN? You need to find a VPN that offers the highest number of simultaneous connections, so you only need to pay for a single monthly subscription. We'd recommend Surfshark.

Want the most affordable VPN? You're looking for the VPN deal with the most generous discount, or failing that, a reputable VPN that offers a free trial. We'd recommend NordVPN.

Second, no matter which VPN supplier you settle on, the biggest discounts are always reserved for those who commit to a one- to two-year subscription. In some instances, the cancel-anytime rolling one-month plans can cost as much as a one-year subscription — so you really want to avoid those whereever possible.

Committing to a subscription does not mean you'll need to pay a hefty sum upfront, with some providers letting you spread the cost over several months.

That means you'll benefit from the biggest savings and an affordable monthly repayment.

While a one- to two-year subscription might seem daunting, especially for VPN newcomers, most reputable VPN providers offer a money-back guarantee. At any moment during the first 30 days, you can leave with a full refund.

We recommend treating the first month of your subscription like a VPN free trial to put the service through its paces to establish whether it fits your needs. If not, cancel your subscription with a full refund and try another.

One of the cheapest VPN deals on the market came courtesy of Google, which bundled a VPN service with its Google One subscription for additional cloud storage. Starting from £1.59, Google VPN was a complete bargain...but the Californian company discontinued its VPN in April 2024.

Likewise, one of the best cheap VPN deals came courtesy of Atlas VPN, which has a generous free subscription. However, the company folded due to 'insurmountable challenges' in April 2024.

Best Surfshark VPN deal

If you're looking for the best cheap VPN deal available today, look no further than Surfshark. It has slashed subscription prices by a whopping 86% and will bundle an extra 3 months for free with any two-year plan. Combined, these incredible offers mean you'll pay just £1.89 each month — that's a steal.

If you're unsure about committing to a multi-year deal with Surfshark, you'll be pleased to know that it has earned multiple awards from national newspapers and specialist publications. There's also a 30-day money-back guarantee, with the 24/7 customer service team on hand to issue a full refund if you're unhappy.

You can sign-up today to unlock the best discount and then use the 30-day period as a free trial.

Surfshark, established in 2018 and headquartered in the Netherlands, has rapidly emerged as a noteworthy VPN provider. It boasts over 3,200 servers in more than 100 countries, ensuring extensive global coverage.

The service includes advanced features such as a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and MultiHop for enhanced security. Surfshark has garnered several accolades, including the Best VPN award from Trusted Reviews in 2021 and recognition from CNET as the Best Value VPN in 2022.

While some users have reported variable speeds, its strong privacy policies and commitment to security make it a reliable choice for those seeking online anonymity at a cheap price.

Surfshark isn't just a VPN, either. At checkout, you can bundle 24/7 data breach alerts that flag when a site you use has been successfully attacked by hackers, antivirus software, and an adblocker.

These services are combined in an Amazon Prime-like membership, known as Surfshark One. For a limited time, Surfshark will bundle three months of free access when you sign up to its subscription, including additional features like Alternative ID data protection, antivirus, and data breach alerts.

Best NordVPN deal

Powerhouse provider NordVPN regularly holds sales on its one- and two-year plans. For a limited time, Nord will gift an extra 3 months onto your subscription. The remaining months in your plan will enjoy a 73% discount.

It's a blockbuster deal that slashes the monthly cost to just £2.39.

If you're familiar with Nord, this well-loved brand has a shelf bulging with awards and recently expanded its VPN server locations to cover more than half of all countries worldwide.

NordVPN recently upped the number of devices that can be signed into the same account to a maximum of 10, so you'll be able to protect every gadget you own. Headquartered in Panama, this brand is known for its extensive server network with over 5,000 server locations spread across 60 countries.

Notable features include double VPN encryption, Threat Protection, and Onion Over VPN, which enhance user security and anonymity. In 2022, NordVPN was recognised as one of TIME's Best Inventions, underscoring its innovative approach to cybersecurity.

While some users report occasional speed fluctuations, its strong reputation and comprehensive feature set make NordVPN a commendable choice for those seeking reliable online protection and privacy.

Like Surfshark, NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can treat this no-quibbles cooling-off period like a one-month free trial — giving you enough time to carefully consider whether the VPN subscription you've chosen is right for you. Customer support is available 24/7 so you'll be able to flag any issues, ask any questions, or cancel any time — no matter what timezone you're in.

Best ExpressVPN deals

ExpressVPN is one of the best-known VPN brands on the planet, so it deserves a place on any list about the best VPNs. Unfortunately, what ExpressVPN has in name recognition, it lacks in affordability.

Yes, this is far from the cheapest VPN subscription around, but it's still a good deal as it offers some of the fastest connection speeds and unlimited bandwidth. However, for a limited time, you'll get an extra 4 months of ExpressVPN for free with a two-year subscription and save 41% on the remaining months in your contract.

ExpressVPN offers several 0% APR repayment plans on its multi-year subscriptions, so you can still pay an affordable monthly fee and benefit from the offers that are reserved for the longest contracts. It's win-win.

Established in 2009 and based in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN boasts over 3,000 servers across 105 countries for extensive global coverage. It also has a dedicated team that ensures these server locations aren't blocked by prominent streamers, like Netflix. As such, it has a reputation as one of the most reliable VPN services when it comes to streaming video with a spoofed IP address.

Other premium features include a kill switch, split tunnelling, and a proprietary Lightway protocol for enhanced speed and reliability. Recognized by CNET as an Editors' Choice award winner, ExpressVPN is praised for its user-friendly interface and robust performance in unblocking streaming services.

Despite some concerns regarding ownership by Kape Technologies, it maintains a strong reputation for security and privacy in the VPN landscape.

Like Surfshark and NordVPN, ExpressVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can treat this no-quibbles cooling-off period like a one-month free trial — giving you enough time to carefully consider whether the VPN subscription you've chosen is right for you. Customer support is available 24/7 so you'll be able to flag any issues, ask any questions, or cancel any time — no matter what timezone you're in.

VPN providers often reserve their best deals for new customers, so it's a good idea to switch on a regular basis to ensure you're always getting the best offer. Signing-up for a longer subscription plan, either 12- or 24-months for most VPN firms, typically unlocks the biggest discount — just be sure to keep an eye on the calendar and initiate a switch as soon as your contract ends.

Best CyberGhost VPN deal

CyberGhost is another household name in the VPN market. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Romania, this European VPN has cemented its position as one of the most trusted names in the VPN.

It boasts a vast network of over 11,000 servers in 100+ countries — including hundreds in the UK — it offers excellent global coverage and location-specific performance.

It also has the longest money-back guarantee period of any of the VPN providers in this list at 45-days. That means you can thoroughly test CyberGhost on all of your devices and with all of your streaming services and mobile apps over a six-week period before deciding whether to stick with its latest VPN deal.

At the moment, CyberGhost is offering 2 months of VPN access for free when you subscribe to its two-year plan. The remaining months of your plan will enjoy a 82% discount, dropping the monthly fee to £1.92.

The service is packed with advanced security features such as an automatic kill switch, DNS and IP leak protection, and dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting.

CyberGhost has earned praise from tech reviewers and privacy advocates alike, with accolades from the likes of TechRadar and ProPrivacy, highlighting its user-friendly interface and robust security credentials.

While some UK users have noted that its desktop app can feel slightly dated, the provider's clear no-logs policy and independently audited infrastructure make it a solid pick for anyone seeking privacy, streaming access, and affordability. CyberGhost also goes beyond standard VPN protection.

It offers extras like a built-in ad blocker, malware protection, and access to NoSpy servers — ultra-secure servers operated independently by the company to minimise third-party risks.

Best ProtonVPN deal

Swiss firm Proton is probably best-known for its secure email service, Proton Mail. But the trustworthy brand also has its own VPN service. It's also one of the few robust and secure VPNs that offers a free subscription.

Yes, the £0 plan from Proton arrives with no data or time limits, funded by its paid community. Your data is secure and not sold to cover the costs of your VPN usage with this free plan.

However, the free tier comes with important limitations — it’s restricted to a single, medium-speed connection and only covers a handful of countries. Not only that, the VPN server location is auto-assigned, so you won't be able to pick a particular country to unlock a specific region's content, for example.

That means it's not particularly well suited to streaming, torrenting, or multi-device households.

The good news? Proton is offering 56% off its upgraded paid plans, which have none of these restrictions. That generous discount cuts the price of this Swiss-based subscription to just £3.59.

For paying customers, Proton leans heavily on Swiss privacy law and advanced features rather than marketing razzmatazz: Secure Core (its multi-hop architecture), VPN-over-Tor, support for modern protocols such as WireGuard and OpenVPN, plus the usual essentials like a kill switch and DNS leak protection. Those choices make it a strong pick if you put privacy above all else.

Pricing starts at the standard premium levels (Proton lists monthly and discounted longer plans — for example €9.99/month, with cheaper per-month rates if you pay annually or for two years) and all paid plans are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try the Plus tier risk-free.

Tech publications praise Proton for that privacy pedigree and for offering a genuinely useful free option.

A final practical tip for UK buyers: VPN firms typically hide their deepest discounts behind long subscriptions, and renewal pricing can jump — so treat Proton’s 30-day guarantee like a safety net, keep an eye on renewal rates, and sign up to the deal that matches how long you actually want to commit.

How to always get the best VPN deal

1. Choose the right time to buy

The best time to buy a VPN is during seasonal sales like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or New Year. Many VPN providers offer discounts of up to 80% during these times. Timing your purchase for these events can help you secure a significant deal.

2. Compare subscription plans and features

Before committing to a VPN, compare the pricing plans and features of multiple providers. Check for discounts on multi-year plans, which often come at a much lower monthly rate. Look for additional benefits such as ad blockers or malware protection included in premium packages.

3. Use discount codes and cashback and offers

Many websites offer exclusive VPN coupon codes. Search for these before making a purchase. Also, look for cash-back offers that give you a percentage of your purchase back, reducing the overall cost.

4. Opt for services with money-back guarantees

Take advantage of free trials to test the VPN’s performance before committing. Many VPNs also offer 30-day money-back guarantees, allowing you to try their service risk-free.

What is a VPN for?

VPNs offer enterprise-grade security when visiting websites, filling out forms, and sending messages. But the best VPN services aren't only used to boost privacy online as the encryption can unlock extra perks too.

It can restrict the ability of your ISP to restrict broadband speed for certain types of traffic, a common practice known as bandwidth-throttling that usually applies to playing online multiplayer games and watching streaming services at peak times.

VPNs can be used to manually spoof your IP address. This unique label, usually in the form 192.0.2.1, is assigned to every device when it connects to the internet and includes information like the name of your broadband supplier and a rough approximation of your current location.

It's the IP address that enables websites to offer turn-by-turn directions from your location, or find your nearest branch of a popular shop or restaurant.

Several streaming services use this location data to adjust the library of titles available to you (usually based on the licencing deals struck in each country) or block its service entirely.

With a VPN, you can change your IP address by routing your internet traffic via one of the thousands of servers located around the globe. This can make it appear as if you're in another country, letting you stream from services that can't be used outside of the UK (Sky Go, BBC iPlayer, Channel 4) or altering the catalogue of films, documentaries, and shows available to watch in Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video.

It's this capability that allows VPNs users to watch Wimbledon live from anywhere on the planet.

Always check the small print of the streaming service to ensure you’re not breaking the rules by spoofing your location to unlock more shows to watch.

Is it legal to use a VPN?

Let's set the record straight — using a VPN to safeguard your data online is not a legal offence.

If you've been issued a company laptop to work remotely, the IT department will likely require you to use a VPN before you start a shift. Needless to say, this isn't against the law.

But while VPNs were once solely used in enterprise and government spheres, these apps are becoming increasingly popular with people across the world to improve personal online security. As all of us rely on the internet for more and more of our daily lives, VPNs are an essential way to enhance privacy, block advertisers from tracking your movements, unlock streaming TV shows and sports coverage, unlock easy lobbies in Warzone and CoD: MW3, and even find cheaper flights.

VPNs are illegal in 10 countries: China, Russia, Belarus, North Korea, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Iraq, Turkey, UAE, and Oman. If you're currently based in any of these nations or plan on visiting one soon, consider uninstalling any VPN apps from your devices.

Outside of these countries, VPNs are legal and can be used without restrictions.

But while it might be legal, it's worth noting that using a VPN might be against the Terms Of Service of some websites or mobile apps, so it's always worth checking the T&Cs to make sure you're in the clear.

Do VPNs take part in Black Friday deals?

Yes, the biggest VPN brands will frequently participate in the Black Friday sales, offering generous discounts and giveaways to attract new customers and retain existing ones who might be coming to the end of their current subscription.

Once a shopping event reserved for malls across North America, Black Friday is now a pivotal time for businesses worldwide across almost every industry. And VPN providers are no exception.

During Black Friday, VPN companies will often offer some of their best deals of the year. Consumers looking to invest in VPN services can leverage these Black Friday sales to secure premium features at more affordable rates. However, it's essential to exercise due diligence and choose a reputable VPN provider known for prioritising internet privacy, high-security standards, and reliable performance.

If you need a VPN now, it might be worth taking advantage of the latest slew of VPN deals. That way your internet activity is protected long before the Black Friday sale starts on November 29, 2024.

What's the best value VPN?

Unless you're hoping to sign-up for a specific provider, the best value VPN will always be the cheapest deal on offer. In a bid to attract new customers, VPN providers often cut monthly subscription costs and bundle free access or giveaways. These perks will remain for the duration of the initial contract period.

But when that deal comes to an end, your monthly subscription price will returns to its full RRP. If you managed to secure a discount of over 80% — something that's regularly available with some of the best VPN deals — this change represents a monumental price rise.

At this moment, it's best to switch to a new VPN service, where you'll be treated as a new customer again, or renegotiate with your current provider to secure a better deal. Either way, you must not simply let the Direct Debit continue to come out of your account without making any changes.

That's the only guaranteed way to ensure you're not getting the best value VPN offer.

Will a free VPN work for me?

A free VPN can be useful in a pinch, but there are too many compromises to make this a viable long-term solution for most. Most free VPN providers will place restrictions on your account to incentivise you to upgrade to a paid subscription plan, including limiting the amount of data or slower transfer speeds.

This can make browsing the internet, video calls, and streaming on Netflix and others arduous at best — and impossible at worst. With a 30-day money-back guarantee, it's possible to use the best VPN services for one month without restrictions. If you're unhappy, you'll pay no cost for VPN access.

Should I trust VPNs?

Using a reliable VPN can be a safe and secure way to browse the internet. But it's best not to unreservedly place your trust in every VPN provider on the market. You should be looking for AES-256 encryption — this is the standard used by most VPN protocols. If the VPN provider says that it uses PPTP, it's best to avoid this option as it only relies on 128-bit encryption.

Should you leave a VPN on or off?

VPNs are designed to shield everything you do online against prying eyes. As such, it makes sense to leave these important privacy and security tools running in the background at all times.

Most VPNs offer the ability to automatically switch on every time your device connects to the internet, so you don't need to remember to enable the service each time. As long as there are no compatibility problems with your favourite applications, it's worth keeping the VPN running at all times.

Is it worth having a VPN at home?

It's true VPNs were once the domain of enterprise users, but in recent years, they've become mainstream. With the exponential rise in online scams, more people want to shield themselves by hiding their IP addresses and encrypting their online traffic to keep it safe from prying eyes.

Research from BDO, the fifth-largest accounting network on the planet, shows that online fraud has cost the UK an eye-watering £2.3 billion last year — more than double the figure from 2022 and the second-highest annual total recorded by BDO in two decades.

Not only that, but the shift to online streaming with services like Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video makes geolocation more important than ever before. Since the streamers have to cut licensing deals for each territory, the catalogue of TV shows and films can be very different between countries.

By manually changing your IP address and spoofing your location with a VPN, you can access a library of TV shows, films, and documentaries unavailable in your country.

With people looking to get the most from their monthly streaming subscriptions and wary of the increased risk of scams, identity fraud, and other hacks online — VPNs have become an essential tool to use at home. In fact, Apple offers some limited VPN functionality, known as iCloud Private Relay, to its iCloud+ subscribers to help safeguard their personal data when browsing the web.

Are cheap VPNs worth it?

It depends on what you plan to do with your VPN. There are several completely free VPNs available to download, but these all impose restrictions on users to incentivise upgrading to a paid plan.

Some will restrict the bandwidth available, slowing internet speeds when connected to a VPN server, which makes them almost impossible to use for tasks like streaming on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Sky Go, or playing online video games, especially those with a multiplayer component.

Others will place a ceiling on the amount of data that can be used when connected to a VPN. While that's unlikely to be an issue for basic tasks, like sending and receiving emails, or browsing some lightweight websites, it rules out anything too intensive — like browsing photos on Facebook, watching YouTube videos, or backing up photos and other data to the cloud.

Free VPNs can be helpful to test out these services for the first time and experience the benefits first-hand. However, it's also worth noting that many of the best VPN services offer a 30-day no-questions-asked refund period, which serves as a month-long free trial.

With customer service representatives available 24/7, you'll be able to raise any concerns or walk away from your subscription no matter what timezone you're in.

Is a VPN safe for banking?

Most experts agree that using a VPN for online banking is generally safe and will enhance your security. This is because VPNs will encrypt your internet connection, making it tough for hackers to intercept sensitive information — such as login credentials or banking details — as it's beamed from your device to the bank. This added layer of protection is especially beneficial when using public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks, which are more vulnerable to cyberattacks.

However, it's important to choose a reputable VPN provider.

Some free or disreputable VPNs have been known to log data, sell information on your browsing habits, or expose you to malware. Paid services from well-known providers are usually more secure, offering stronger encryption protocols and privacy policies that prioritize user security.

That said, a VPN is not a foolproof solution. Always ensure that you access your bank's website through its official domain and use two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible to further safeguard your accounts.