How to Get a UK IP Address in 2024 | Gizmodo (original) (raw)
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If you’re a Brit traveling abroad or just a fan of British content, chances are you’ve run into roadblocks while trying to access certain websites and online services based in the United Kingdom. Frustrating, right? The good news: you can bypass those restrictions by obtaining a UK IP address.
Doing so makes it appear you’re browsing from within the United Kingdom. That way, you can hop back on your favorite streaming platforms, banking services, and local news sites without hassle.
While there are a few available options to get there, a virtual private network (VPN) is easily the most reliable way to go. This article will guide you through the steps of acquiring a British IP address so you can stay connected to home on your trips. On top of that, we’ll discuss the best VPN providers to consider before making a choice.
Let’s get down to it.
- Get a UK IP Address With a VPN — 5 Simple Steps
- The 5 Best VPNs for Obtaining a British IP Address
- Why You Need a UK IP Address
- How a VPN Comes In
- Can You Get a British IP Address With a Free VPN Instead?
- What About a Proxy Server?
- Bottom Line
Get a UK IP Address With a VPN — 5 Simple Steps
Obtaining a British IP address is a straightforward process if you’re taking the VPN route, even if you are thousands of miles away. Here’s a breakdown of the simple steps to get you started:
- Choose a Reputable VPN Service: Select a reliable VPN provider known for its strong security features, fast connection speeds, and extensive server network. That network must include servers located in the United Kingdom. We recommend NordVPN.
- Sign Up: Visit the VPN provider’s website and sign up for a subscription plan that suits your needs. Most providers have various tiers to choose from. Complete the registration by purchasing the plan using one of the available payment methods.
- Download the VPN App: Once subscribed, locate the download section on the provider’s website or app store (depending on your device). Download and install the appropriate VPN app on your device by following the on-screen instructions.
- Connect to a UK Server: Fire up the VPN and log in using your newly created account credentials. Navigate to the server list on the app’s interface and select a UK server location. Wait a few moments while the VPN establishes a secure connection and gives you an IP address located in the United Kingdom.
- Access UK-Based Content: You can now enjoy unrestricted access to websites and online services in the United Kingdom as if you were physically present.
The 5 Best VPNs for Obtaining a British IP Address
Choosing the right VPN for the UK involves several factors. You want a provider with [ideally several] servers in that location, but it must also be speedy and have excellent unblocking capabilities. Most of all, your preferred VPN service should keep your online presence private and safeguard your data.
Following our extensive tests, here are the top five VPNs you should be considering in order to obtain a British IP address.
1. NordVPN
Widely regarded as the best provider on the market, it’s no surprise NordVPN tops this list. Its remarkable network has over 6,300 servers in 111 countries, including more than 440 across four UK locations.
You’ll never run out of connection options, but that extensive spread also promises speedy connections. In fact, NordVPN is the fastest VPN we’ve ever tested — and we’ve assessed dozens of them. You’ll rarely experience buffering and lags, even while streaming, gaming, or downloading from far away.
It’s also widely compatible and allows up to ten devices at the same time on one subscription. Moreover, it lets you access UK-specific websites and banking services from abroad. That includes TV platforms and streaming services like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and Netflix UK.
The most stacked feature kit in the industry keeps your data protected. NordVPN employs AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and other advanced features like Onion over VPN. Plus, the VPN stores no logs that could link back to you on its servers.
You can give NordVPN a go risk-free, as it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is another excellent option for acquiring a UK IP address from elsewhere. The provider has an impressive network comprising next-gen servers distributed across 105 countries, including five UK locations.
Our tests show that NordVPN is the only VPN consistently beating ExpressVPN in terms of performance. That means you can be sure of stable connections for various online activities. Especially when you use its custom Lightway protocol.
We can tune in to enjoy live football games, highlights, the news, TV shows, and other programs on various UK streaming services. All our attempts succeeded on the first try, pointing to the provider’s excellent unblocking abilities. Plus, it supports the major operating systems and permits up to eight simultaneous device connections.
ExpressVPN may be based in the British Virgin Islands, but doesn’t fall under the UK’s 5 Eyes jurisdiction. In fact, it has a strict no-logs policy and uses RAM-only servers that wipe clean after each reboot.
On top of that, the VPN is stacked with security features, including military-grade encryption and an automatic kill switch. Perfect Forward Secrecy regularly changes the encryption keys to prevent future attacks.
It’s not the cheapest VPN around, but a 30-day money-back guarantee allows you to confirm whether it’s worth the pricing.
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3. Private Internet Access
PIA stands out with the ability to get a UK IP address on every device you want with one subscription. That and its attractive pricing aside, there’s much more we like about this VPN.
For instance, it has the most extensive network, offering more than 30,000 servers globally. That includes locations in London, Manchester, and Southampton to connect to while you’re abroad. You’re not stuck with slow connections because there are so many of these 10 Gbps servers to choose from — plus a handy ping indicator on its apps.
Private Internet Access wasn’t the best at unblocking streaming services in our tests. Still, it’s a good VPN for streaming UK TV channels from outside the country. We could unblock ITV, Channel 4, and BBC hassle-free.
PIA is a great option for securing your online traffic from external scrutiny. It uses bank-level AES 256-bit encryption to scramble your data and has DNS leak protection and a pretty advanced kill switch.
In addition, while its headquarters are in the United States, Private Internet Access has proven it doesn’t store personally identifiable logs. And, in keeping with its privacy-focused commitment, all PIA apps are open-source.
You can check out what Private Internet Access has to offer risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don’t like what you see, you can request a full refund.
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4. Surfshark
Surfshark hasn’t been around for too long compared to the other providers on this list. Still, it’s comfortably one of the best VPNs around.
Connect to any of the VPN’s 200+ servers across four United Kingdom cities, and you’ll instantly get your UK IP address. Overall, it comes with 3,200+ servers in 100 countries worldwide.
We’ve never considered Surfshark a slow VPN. These days, however, it has upped its performance, regularly providing blazing-fast connections. Streaming, online gaming, and other activities run smoothly, especially when you use WireGuard.
We guarantee you’ll enjoy using this service if you like British content. Surfshark unblocks virtually everything from Netflix UK to BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more. Like PIA, there’s no limit on the number of devices you can connect to one account.
It’s also one of the most secure VPN services. Surfshark implements AES 256-bit encryption to keep hackers and snoops guessing. Its feature-rich offering also includes tools like an automatic kill switch, protection from DNS leaks, obfuscation, and Double VPN. Plus, independent audits have proven its strict no-logs policy claim is no gimmick.
You can try the VPN out risk-free. If you’re not satisfied, you reserve the right to claim a refund within 30 days of your purchase.
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5. CyberGhost
User-friendly CyberGhost allows you to get an IP address in the UK without any hassle, regardless of your current location.
The service only comes second to Private Internet Access in terms of network size, with upwards of 12,000 servers in its collection. More than a thousand of those are spread across London, Manchester, and Berkshire. You can even get a dedicated IP address in the UK if you want one for a small extra fee.
Connected to a UK server from halfway across the world, we could still browse and stream buffer-free. The provider’s optimized servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming provide even better performance for those activities.
And not just speed-wise. For instance, you could easily unblock several British channels and streaming services while connected to their dedicated streaming servers. That includes BBC iPlayer, ITV, Channel 4, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix UK. Coupled with its support for a wide range of devices, CyberGhost lets you connect up to seven devices simultaneously.
What’s more, the provider is serious about keeping you private, offering industry-standard encryption and a slew of advanced features. It’s no-logs policy has undergone third-party audits that verify its authenticity.
Choose a six-month or longer plan, and CyberGhost allows you up to 45 days to make up your mind.
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Why You Need a UK IP Address
In the United Kingdom, you can enjoy popular platforms like BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, and Channel 4, as well as exclusive shows and movies on services like Netflix UK. You’d only need a TV license and a subscription to the platform — sometimes, not even the latter.
It’s a different story when you’re abroad. If you’re a Brit on a trip overseas or a massive fan of British media, you’ll quickly find access to these platforms blocked.
Why?
They use geo-blocking technology to restrict access based on your location so only users within the UK can view their content.
© BBC iPlayer
It can be incredibly frustrating when you’re eager to catch up on your favorite shows or use important services.
Plus, when you try accessing your UK bank account from a foreign IP address, you may trigger security protocols, leading to potential account lockouts.
How a VPN Comes In
A VPN can solve these issues by providing you with a UK IP address. Connect to a United Kingdom server, and the technology reroutes your online traffic through a secure tunnel to that server.
In the process, it temporarily masks and changes your IP address to a UK one, making it appear like you’re browsing from within the country. As a result, the online services you use are tricked into allowing you access.
On top of that, using a VPN enhances your online privacy and security.
Scrambling your data and spoofing your location safeguards your personal information from cybercriminals and restrictive governments. That’s especially important when using public Wi-Fi networks because they’re vulnerable to security threats. What’s more, it prevents your internet service provider (ISP) from tracking your online activities.
Can You Get a British IP Address With a Free VPN Instead?
Many free VPNs have United Kingdom-based servers, so you can get an IP address in the UK without paying a fee. However, we generally don’t recommend doing so. Here’s why.
Firstly, free VPNs typically offer a limited network, which means you can expect congestion and slow connection speeds, especially during peak times. This can make streaming, browsing, and other online activities frustratingly sluggish. In addition, many of them impose data caps and bandwidth limits that further restrict your internet use.
Even more critically, security and privacy are major concerns. Many free providers use weaker encryption standards, which leaves your data vulnerable to cyberattacks. They may also lack the advanced features taken for granted on premium VPNs, like a kill switch and DNS leak protection.
Worse still, some may log your data and sell it to third parties, defeating the purpose of using a VPN to protect your privacy in the first place.
The best free UK VPNs may come through when you’re hard-pressed, but even those are limited. All things considered, you’re better off using a quality, affordable premium VPN instead, like NordVPN or Private Internet Access.
What About a Proxy Server?
Another option for obtaining a UK IP address is using a proxy server. Like VPNs, they act as intermediaries between your device and the internet, routing your traffic through a server located in the UK. That will help you bypass some geo-restrictions to access UK-based content.
But they’re also limited compared to the premium VPNs we listed above. For one, they offer minimal to no encryption, which potentially exposes your data to prying eyes. While they can be slightly faster, they also lack the advanced features of a VPN service and cannot overcome tough geo-blocks. Proxy servers are also typically harder to set up.
Bottom Line
Whatever your reasons for getting a UK IP address, we’ve found that a quality premium VPN provider is the best way to go.
When you connect to a server in that country, you can access exclusive content and use region-locked online services. On top of that, the technology protects your sensitive information from malicious internet entities.
This article outlines the steps for using a VPN to get an IP address in the UK. We also discuss the best providers to choose from. Our favorite option is NordVPN because it ticks all the essential boxes.