VPN Setup Guides & Tutorials

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and a VPN server. This masks your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic, protecting your privacy and allowing you to access geo-blocked content. When you connect to a VPN, your data travels through an encrypted tunnel to the VPN server, which then forwards your requests to websites on your behalf.

Yes, VPNs are completely legal to use in the United Kingdom. The UK government recognizes VPNs as legitimate privacy tools. However, using a VPN to access illegal content or engage in illegal activities is still against the law. VPNs are commonly used by businesses, journalists, and privacy-conscious individuals for legitimate purposes.

VPNs typically add a small amount of latency due to encryption overhead and the extra server hop. However, in some cases, a VPN can actually improve speeds if your ISP is throttling certain types of traffic or if the VPN provides a more direct route to your destination. Premium VPN services with optimized servers often have minimal impact on speed.

Many premium VPN services work with UK streaming platforms, but success varies by provider. BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Channel 4, and other UK services actively try to block VPN traffic. We test VPNs regularly with UK streaming services to provide up-to-date compatibility information in our reviews.

Quality VPN services typically cost between £2-12 per month, depending on the subscription length and features. Annual subscriptions offer better value than monthly plans. While free VPNs exist, they often have limitations like data caps, slower speeds, and fewer security features. For comprehensive protection, we recommend investing in a paid service.

Most VPN providers allow you to use their service on multiple devices simultaneously. The number of concurrent connections varies by provider, typically ranging from 5-10 devices, with some offering unlimited connections. This usually covers your phone, laptop, tablet, and other devices under a single subscription.

This depends on the VPN provider's privacy policy. Reputable VPN services operate under a 'no-logs' policy, meaning they don't store records of your browsing activity, connection times, or IP addresses. Always check a provider's privacy policy and look for independent audits that verify their no-logs claims.

Paid VPNs typically offer better security, faster speeds, more server locations, and stronger privacy protections. Free VPNs often have data limits, slower connections, fewer servers, and may collect user data to fund their operations. For serious privacy protection and streaming access, paid VPNs are generally more reliable and secure.

OpenVPN and WireGuard are currently the most recommended protocols. WireGuard offers excellent speed and security with modern cryptography, while OpenVPN is well-established and widely supported. Avoid older protocols like PPTP and L2TP/IPSec as they have known security vulnerabilities.

A kill switch automatically disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing your real IP address from being exposed. This is crucial for maintaining privacy and is especially important if you're using a VPN for sensitive activities or in countries with internet restrictions.