As a Brit living abroad, you know how difficult life can be. You may have noticed that when you go overseas, you lose access to your regular services like the BBC iPlayer.
It might be challenging to contact loved ones in other countries because of the widespread use of Skype. With a virtual private network (VPN), you may avoid restrictions based on your location and maintain privacy.
VPNs protect your data as it travels over the internet. This makes it unreadable to anybody snooping on your network, including your ISP, hackers, and anyone else.
In addition, geo-restricted websites will not know that you are an expat if you use a VPN that routes your traffic via a server in the UK.
If you want to get right down to business, here are the top VPNs for usage by expats or for accessing British media and television from outside the United Kingdom.
TAKE NOTE: Each can be used to access popular services like Netflix.
Securing your Expat Assets by Boosting the Value of your Tech SaaS Website 💻 – Are you running a SaaS company from abroad?
Everyone at Hosting Data appreciates the significance of modern websites.
We believe that online businesses of the future will find even more value in web domain assets. Rather than ambiguous NFTs, we’re talking about software products already in demand.
In fact, if you are currently driving traffic to a steady flow of customers, growing that stream more for your domain might be a fantastic method to increase your passive online revenue against inflation.
Even well-established SaaS organisations like eToro are finding ways to get more traffic online by using trusted SaaS growth services 📈, which protect and grow digital assets.
Table of Contents:
Best VPNs for UK Expats
Looking to access Netflix abroad?
Even if competitors like Amazon Prime are coming up, Netflix still has the most material accessible for digital streaming, with more than 100 million hours of television and film.
Sometimes, access to this material is limited in certain regions because of copyright regulations. Because of this, you can only view certain programmes depending on your location. Nevertheless, a Virtual Private Network might be used as a solution.
If you're in a need and need an instant response to the question “Which VPN still works with Netflix from the UK?” (spoiler alert: not all of them do), choose one of the services shown below for expats. The HostingData crew compiled our results, comparing dependability, transfer rates, and more.
To determine which VPNs are the best for UK expats, our experts looked at the following features:
- Reliability of blocking removal at rates suitable for high-definition and 4K video streaming.
- Compatible on common devices and OSs
- Experienced customer service and customer chat.
- Securing applications at the application layer (as well as network encryptions).
- Complete protection of private information.
- Initial-use money-back guarantees are available.
- Choice of servers that you can trust.
When it comes to all-around popularity, NordVPN is the most recommended for UK expats.
1. NordVPN – Most-Loved VPN for UK Expats 💗
Features & Fees:
- ⭐ Watch Netflix Movies and Shows
- ⭐ As much as 6 Devices Connected at Once
- ⭐ Very Fast Speeds: Excellent Option for 4K!
- ⭐ Avoiding Storing Individually Identifiable Information
- ⭐ Compatible with both Macintosh, iOS and Windows.
- ⭐ Get Support Right Away
Best Expat Tool for All-Around Use 📺
When it comes to Netflix, our crew unanimously agrees that NordVPN is the best VPN service available. It seems that no library is safe from this all-encompassing service…
It's the farthest thing from ideal when it comes to Netflix VPNs. Other geoblocked services will also become accessible to you:
- ✅ Hulu
- ✅ Amazon Prime
- ✅ BBC's Online Video Player, iPlayer
- ✅ Top Podcast Hosts
The Quickest Expat Experience Period 🎿
In testing with aggregate speeds of 155 MB/s, NordVPN was able to demonstrate connection speed drops as tiny as 5 MB/s.
This test was done on the UK mainland, using the maximum degree of AES encryption, using the OpenVPN security protocol… Such a tiny loss makes this an ideal client for Netflix HD streaming – even 4K.
That’s not to mention a variety of additional capabilities such as getting around firewalls (ex. China’s): really, Nord tops our ‘All-Star List’ of all-around best VPNs ever.)
PROS
CONS
2. Surfshark VPN – Top Budget VPN for UK Expats 💷
Features & Fees:
- ⭐ Any Server Can Geo-Unblock
- ⭐ Reliably Fast Speeds: Excellent Option for No Buffers
- ⭐ No Identifiable Information
- ⭐ Compatible with Macintosh, iOS and Windows
- ⭐ No Limit on Users or Devices
- ⭐ Unbelievably Low Cost!
Unlimited Connections (w Great Geoblocking Tools) 🖱️
This shock has one distinct advantage in that any server can unblock Netflix, so you don't have to waste time searching for the best one.
While you'll most likely end up on the American Netflix site, there are a few international mirrors that serve countries like France, Canada, Japan, and others.
You won't have to choose between watching a show in high definition without any interruptions and keeping your data secure. And there are no limits on the number of devices or operating systems that may connect.
Lowest Possible Monthly Cost (by a Country Mile) 🏆
There is simply no time in which a virtual private network (VPN) is not required… and pricing structures that take the long view.
That seems like a price trick at first, but if you do the arithmetic, you'll realise how much money you'll be saving. For example, at the time of writing, Surfshark's one-month fee is £9.20 while their 24-month price is just £1.76 (with a discount coupon).
More than five times as much, yet you'll still only spend the equivalent of five one-month plans even if you're paying for a whole year. If our calculations are correct, you'll be saving us a lot more money than it seems like at first.
PROS
CONS
3. ExpressVPN – Hollywood Hall-of-Fame Expat VPN 🗿
Features & Fees:
- ⭐ Over 160 Distinct Servers
- ⭐ Up to 5 Devices Connected at Once!
- ⭐ Servers that are Very Fast in 94 Different Countries
- ⭐ Availability of Real-Time Chat Help at All Hours
- ⭐ Compatible with both Macintosh and iOS and Windows
- ⭐ Useful for Unblocking Netflix on Non-VPN Capable Devices
Superstar at Unblocking Censorship ⭐
As we could only include three winners, it may seem that the HostingData staff does not think highly of ExpressVPN as a Netflix VPN service provider.
Of course not!
ExpressVPN, first of all, can unblock Netflix not just on all the major consumer platforms (Android/Windows, iOS/macOS, Amazon Fire TV, Linux, and even certain Wi-Fi routers), but also on devices it shouldn't be able to (devices like the Apple TV, Xbox One, and PS4 were designed to enable VPNs).
They're quick too, with just slightly greater ping dips than NordVPN (11-16%), which is still excellent. Nevertheless, for really distant servers, the lag may go as high as 35%.
Netflix Enjoys Stronger Than Average Adoption 📞
ExpressVPN unblocks almost all other video streaming sites, including Hulu and BBC iPlayer, so you can watch in HD without interruption.
They have a whole website devoted to Netflix, detailing which VPN servers may be used to access the service outside of its region of distribution. Please let us know through live chat if this information changes.
Whether you want to watch Netflix in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, France, Canada, Italy, Japan, or Germany, this is the way to go (it also comes with a one-month money-back guarantee).
PROS
CONS
4. VyprVPN – Assassin-Level UK Expat VPN
Features & Fees:
- ⭐ Built-in NAT Firewall
- ⭐ Protocol Chameleon, a Trade Secret
- ⭐ Main Protocols, such as L2TP
- ⭐ Exchange Keys Using a 2048-Bit Diffie-Hellman and RSA Cryptosystem
- ⭐ High-Security 256-Bit AES Encryption
- ⭐ Divvying
VyprVPN is the virtual private network (VPN) equivalent of signing up for a dedicated server, complete with its own encryption software and a wide range of other security features. Put these procedures to use:
- ☑️ L2TP
- ☑️ IPsec
- ☑️ OpenVPN
- ☑️ PPTP
- ☑️ and Vypr's secret Chameleon protocol, which looks great on paper
There are many more.
When connected to a Virtual Private Network (VPN), you are safeguarded by an in-built firewall that blocks any unwanted traffic.
Where Can I Get Discounts (Free Trial)?
You'll find a wealth of discounts, and a wide variety of payment options (but not cryptocurrency). There is a 30-day refund policy at your disposal. Features like the NAT Firewall and others are available for free for the first three days.
Who Should Use VyprVPN and Why? 🏝️
Even if there have been prior troubles with Netflix, this VPN remains a popular option for expats needing advanced security features.
PROS
CONS
5. Windscribe – Reliable UK VPN Ad-Blocking for Expats
Features & Fees:
- ⭐ Secure 256-Bit AES Encryption
- ⭐ Generic Forms of Monetary Exchange
- ⭐ Available for Free Usage in Eleven Countries
- ⭐ Guaranteed Refund Within 3 Days
- ⭐ Capabilities for Peer-to-Peer Interactions
- ⭐ Built-in Firewall & Ad-Blocker
Large Following 🎐
Due to its merits, this VPN has a large following on Reddit. They provide plenty of bandwidth, and if you tweet to them at @WindScribe, you can get an extra 5GB.
The friendly language and general tone hint that this is a Canadian business. Excellent precautions have been taken to ensure safety. If you want complete anonymity with your membership, they allow a broad variety of payment methods, including PayPal, in-app mobile transactions, and cryptocurrency.
Create a website while maintaining complete anonymity.
Money-Saving Tips (and is There a Free Trial Offer) 😀
This is the closest thing to a free, high-performance VPN that UK residents can get. Then, in the end, you may decide whether you want to switch to a paid subscription.
Remember that you can only get this for free if you live in one of the following countries: Canada, the United States, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, or Romania.
The free version of the programme is packed with useful features that will give you a good idea of what the paid versions have to offer:
- ☑️ Automatic security measures
- ☑️ The ad-blocking feature is fantastic
- ☑️ “Peer-to-Peer” Capabilities
The VPN may be tested for free for three days, up to a maximum of 10GB of data transfer, if you are not located in one of the 11 supported countries. It should provide a rough estimate of the speeds and performance.
Is Windscribe a Good Fit? 🚤
This is a fantastic option, with some conditions, if you want to test the waters with a really free VPN, without having to shell out any money right away...
Remember: It's important to keep in mind that the Canadian government may legally compel Windscribe to provide user data if they request it.
PROS
CONS
6. TunnelBear – Powerful VPN for Streaming and Working 💻
Features & Fees:
- ⭐ Exchange Keys Using a 2048-Bit Diffie-Hellman and RSA Cryptosystem
- ⭐ Excellent for Streaming on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, etc
- ⭐ Free Monthly Data Transfer of 500 MB
- ⭐ More than 900 Servers
- ⭐ Takes Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Other Cryptocurrencies
- ⭐ Bypass Geographical Blocks
When it comes to using VPNs, this one is the most social media aware. Their marketing is fantastic, and they give a tonne of deals and discounts, all centred on a cute but ferocious brown bear.
Tweet to TunnelBear to receive a free 1 GB of data. The logo alone is a good enough incentive to check them out since it uses a clever design idea.
You may choose from more than 900 different servers. If you choose one in close proximity, the speeds will be high, and the connections will be stable. Once again… picking the right server is crucial.
It's crucial to note that TunnelBear is well-known for its ability to circumvent geo-blocking restrictions. Enjoy your favourite shows on Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Netflix without worrying about getting blocked.
They do not keep any kind of logs or trace your activity, just like any other top VPN service. This is a solid choice if you want to create a competitive Wordpress-hosted website without leaving any identifying information behind.
How Can I Cut Costs (Free Trial)? 🕶️
This VPN service, like Windscribe, offers a risk-free, no-cost first period of use. You receive 500MB of data every month — not a lot, but enough to see whether the service is right for you.
Discover how it works with no initial investment. Furthermore, be sure to follow TB on social media to see all the newest ads.
Ideal User 🛩️
Which users are the best fits for TunnelBear? If you need to swiftly get over geo-blocking limitations, this is the solution for you. You may do this at no cost and, provided you choose the correct server, while feeling safe in the knowledge that your data is secure.
PROS
CONS
7. ProtonVPN – Underrated VPN Expat Connection Service 🔌
Features & Fees:
- ⭐ Use Netflix Abroad
- ⭐ High-Security 256-Bit AES Encryption
- ⭐ Subterranean Divvying
- ⭐ You Can Get it for All The Major Platforms, Including iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac
- ⭐ Bitcoins Accepted
The creators of ProtonMAIL are this group. ProtonVPN, developed by a team of Harvard researchers and privacy zealots, is a reliable tool for protecting one's online anonymity.
This VPN client was created by some of the brightest brains in the industry. Their interoperability with several OSes (Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android) is excellent.
This Linux-based VPN has its origins on the command line and supports both Linux and routers. Unfortunately, you won't be able to use Torrent due to restrictions. These include a lack of geo-blocking P2P capabilities.
📺 – Streaming services like Netflix should work for you.
Where Can I Get Deals? 🤓
Proton welcomes payments made with Bitcoin, PayPal, Visa, and Mastercard. Promotional codes are widely available on the web. You may try it risk-free for 30 days, and if you don't like it, you can get your money back, even if the free edition's speeds are much slower than those of the commercial version in certain regions.
Who is it Best for? ⛄
Which users are best served by ProtonVPN? As a stopgap measure, we strongly suggest trying this. Not only that, but if you want to test out a VPN service before shelling out any cash, you can do so without any risk to your expat savings.
PROS
CONS
8. Trust.Zone – Decent Overall VPN for Expats Seeking Security
Features & Fees:
- ⭐ Strict No-Logging Policy
- ⭐ Safeguards Against DNS Leaks
- ⭐ Killswitch
- ⭐ Maximum of 200 IP Addresses
- ⭐ Antivirus Protection Constructed In
- ⭐ Important Protocols, Including L2TP, are Supported
- ⭐ Component-Level Hardware Isolation
This VPN service is trustworthy because of its zero-logging policy. If you care about your personal data being private, these are the people to contact. Investigate the topic of VPN logs in greater depth.
With completely free VPNs, you should also use the finest malware scanner because of their reputation for selling your data and posing security threats like embedded malware. When you use Trust.Zone, you know you're protected by robust encryption and safeguarded by confidential, impenetrable protocols.
They offer hardware-based isolations throughout the whole system, which gives them a leg up on the typical premium VPN.
There are 200 available static IPs. Use a kill switch to prevent unwanted “reconnection leaks”, and be a leading VPN service for torrenting using P2P technology that circumvents geographical restrictions.
Where Can I Get Deals? 🆓
If there is a free trial, how do I get started, and how can I save money?
In this case, Bitcoin is accepted. You may try it for free for 3 days. Despite the short length and lack of a refund policy, this is still a good deal.
The three most popular forms of cryptocurrencies are among the many accepted payment methods. There is absolutely no need for you to divulge your identify at any stage.
Who is it Best for? 🛡️
Security is top-notch, and there is no risk of a DNS leak, making this a highly secure choice. An excellent method for evaluating free VPN services.
PROS
CONS
Best Expat VPNs (UK) Buying Guide ⭐
Honor-Worthy Mentions
More VPNs That Get Around Expat Blocks
The following VPNs are able to unblock Netflix but did not reach the top three lists for various reasons. This may be due to slow connections, security issues, or the inability to unblock Netflix on mobile devices.
We recommend CyberGhost, PrivateVPN, Hotspot Shield, and IPVanish as the best four choices to unblock Netflix.
VPNs that perform mostly as expected with Netflix:
- AirVPN
- Astrill
- BulletVPN
- BlackVPN
- It's CyberGhost
- CactusVPN
- FrootVPN
- Shhh! VPN
- Hide.me
- Hotspot Shield
- VPN IPVanish
- LiquidVPN
- Secure Connection by McAfee
- The Norton Wifi Privacy
- Exclusive Online Privacy
- Confidential Passageway
- PrivateVPN
- ProXPN
- PureVPN
- ProtonVPN
- SaferVPN
- Speedify
- StrongVPN
- Torguard
- Digital Private Network Tunnel
- VPNArea
- VyprVPN
- Zenmate
- Windscribe
Conclusion 🏁
No matter what you want to do with your VPN, protecting your data should be a top priority. Hackers love to find unprotected devices and use them to steal private information.
An estimated half of all modern apps contain a security flaw that might compromise sensitive information 🐱👤 like your name, address, and credit card number (source: CISOMag).
But, although this is a necessary step (and what most VPNs do), it is not enough; the top providers, like NordVPN, also protect you at the “application layer”, which is where the vast majority of security flaws reside. When it comes to virtual private networks, NordVPN is the clear favourite for expats.
Brief Summary ⭐:
- NordVPN is the best overall for expats.
- In the long run, Surfshark offers the lowest cost.
- ExpressVPN may also be used to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming services, game consoles, and more.
To that end, we provide this information. Don't forget that a virtual private network (VPN) is important for more than just protecting your privacy and security while shopping or banking online.
FAQs
Why Use VPNs as an Expat? 📢
Virtual private networks have quickly become the standard for protecting internet privacy.
Limits are placed on the ability of governments and other large data collectors to monitor every bit of data that moves through the Internet.
Countries like China, which consistently ranks high in global internet restriction rankings, actively impose their own forms of censorship on its citizens.
Everyone, Netflix subscriber or not, should seriously consider using a virtual private network (VPN), according to the data hosting company.
Netflix has put in place the VPN block to protect itself from legal action from copyright holders. Yet, it does not take VPN users' physical locations into account. If Netflix determines that a user is accessing their account using a proxy, the user will be permanently banned. This practice is not in line with its fair-use policy, since many users of the service use proxies to watch episodes anonymously.
This is particularly true for people who are connected to public Wi-Fi networks or who are visiting countries with extensive surveillance. Even though Netflix wants customers to choose between watching shows and protecting their privacy, they still have the freedom to use a VPN and do so.
How Can I Connect My VPN to Netflix? 😎
The first thing you should do is sign up for a VPN service from the options we've provided above.
Here's what you need to do to use a VPN with Netflix:
- Via the provider's official website or mobile app, download and install your VPN of choice. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that Netflix supports.
- Choose a Virtual Private Network server before accessing library collections. For U.S. video ollections, for instance, a server based in the U.S.
- Switch on your virtual private network. Launch Netflix in your preferred app or web browser after your connection is established.
- If you're still having trouble, contact your VPN's live chat support; they may suggest changing your DNS or IPv6 settings.
If Netflix is so Popular, Why Do Countries Get Different Shows? 🏈
Netflix's licence arrangements are region-specific. The owners of the content's copyrights consented to these licence terms. This is why there are so many more titles accessible on Netflix US compared to Netflix UK, Australia, or Canada; although Netflix may have rights agreements to broadcast the programme in one region, they may not exist in another.
Netflix wants to stay out of trouble for streaming movies and TV shows that are limited by geography.
The company would be breaking its licence agreements and other responsibilities if it allowed access to anybody in the world.
Netflix, however, does not distinguish between customers who are temporarily in another country, permanently in another country, or who are using a virtual private network (VPN) for the sole purpose of being anonymous while watching 🚧.
Where Can I Use These VPNs to Stream Abroad? 🌞
If you're travelling abroad and want to watch American Netflix while there, you should be able to do so with any of the recommended VPN services, with the exception of highly censored countries like China (ExpressVPN is our top recommendation because it bypasses China's firewall and unblocks Netflix).
Besides those countries, the top three VPNs should work perfectly. Users in a wide variety of countries (including Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Ireland, Norway, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, South Africa, and others) have reported success using them to access US Netflix.
Can I Use a VPN to Access US Netflix from Abroad? 🇧🇷
Yep. While the Netflix service in the United States is by far the most popular, there may be some differences for other popular nations such as the United Kingdom (if you chance to be travelling there), Brazil, France, Italy, Spain, and Japan.
To see whether one of the ones we recommended is right for you, sign up for a free trial now.
Can I Use a Smart DNS Proxy to Unblock Websites? 🛰️
Clever DNS proxies were like bolts of lightning, with Hola, Overplay, Unlocator, and Unblock-US being the most prominent. Yet, in the end, Netflix triumphed in its battle against these services.
After Netflix's effective blocking of connections to most VPN servers a few years ago, these proxies began to appear. (forcing customers to find other providers).
The DNS queries made by a device (used to access server-based domain names like “netflix.com”) may be tracked by a smart DNS proxy. When you set up Netflix DNS, the smart DNS will alter your public IP address and DNS server.
However, this only works temporarily, since Netflix has now tightened down on most such services. Few of them still work to bypass Netflix's geo-restrictions, but ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer smart proxy is the best of the bunch.
Using a VPN to Access Stream: Legal or Illegal? 🚓
Indeed, legally speaking, using a VPN to access Netflix is perfectly acceptable. Nevertheless, Netflix blocks access to libraries in countries other than the one in which you are physically located if you are using a virtual private network (VPN).
The hosting data team thinks this wall is too abrupt. Although Netflix does take measures to prevent access through VPNs, doing so has no negative effects on the user. There have been no reports of users being restricted in any way (banned, suspended, unsubscribed, or sued).
Not that it couldn't happen in the future, but it hasn't so far.
Do “Hidden Codes” Exist for Netflix? 🔟
In fact, it does; Netflix users may access more than 70,000 “hidden” codes for use in doing in-depth title searches.
Such options allow you to narrow your search to very specific musical categories.
The category 77232, for instance, denotes Asian Action Films. They help you avoid spending a tonne of effort in the research phase to find out what services exist in a certain area.
Here is a collection of Netflix access codes for NordVPN.
You Might Also Like:
