Home › Guides · Updated 20 October 2026
Choosing a VPN: a practical checklist
A practical checklist for choosing a VPN in the UK: what you need it for, logging policies and audits, protocols and security features, apps and devices, speed, price and refunds, and red flags to avoid.
VPN marketing is full of big claims. The right choice depends on what you need it for. Work through this checklist to compare providers on what actually matters, and avoid paying for features you won't use.
1. Be clear what you want it for
- Public Wi-Fi: encrypting traffic on hotel, café and airport networks.
- Privacy from your ISP: hiding which sites you visit from your broadband or mobile provider.
- Travel: accessing UK services while abroad, within those services' terms.
- Work: if your employer requires a VPN, use theirs. A consumer VPN isn't a substitute.
A VPN doesn't make you anonymous, protect you from phishing, or stop websites tracking you when you're logged in.
2. Logging policy and independent audits
- Look for a clear no-logs policy that explains what is and isn't recorded, such as connection times or IP addresses.
- Check whether that claim has been independently audited, when, and by whom. Recent audits carry more weight.
- Read the privacy policy, not just the homepage.
3. Ownership and jurisdiction
Find out who owns the provider and where it's based. Some VPN brands belong to larger groups that own several brands. Jurisdiction affects which laws apply to data requests.
4. Security features
- Modern protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2 are widely used. Avoid providers still relying on PPTP, which is considered insecure.
- Kill switch: blocks internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, so your real IP address isn't exposed.
- DNS leak protection: makes sure your DNS requests go through the VPN.
- Two-factor authentication on your VPN account.
- Regular app updates and a way to report security issues.
5. Apps and devices
- Native apps for the devices you use: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, smart TVs.
- Number of simultaneous connections, or an unlimited allowance.
- Router support, if you want to cover consoles and smart TVs.
- Split tunnelling, so banking or local apps can bypass the VPN.
6. Speed and servers
Look for servers near you and in the countries you'll use. Test speed yourself during a refund period, using the same server and protocol each time.
7. Price and refund terms
- Compare the renewal price, not just the introductory discount. Long plans often renew at a higher rate.
- Check the refund or money-back period and its conditions.
- Turn off auto-renew if you're unsure, and set a reminder.
- Be wary of "lifetime" deals from unknown providers, which may not survive.
8. Red flags
- Free VPNs with no clear business model: some have been found to collect and sell data or show intrusive ads. Reputable free tiers exist but usually limit data or servers.
- Vague privacy policies and no audits.
- Claims of "total anonymity" or "military-grade" protection without detail.
- Apps requesting unnecessary permissions.
- No company address or ownership information.
9. Support
Check whether help is available by live chat or email, and whether setup guides cover your devices.
Shortlisting
Pick two or three providers that meet your needs, try one during its refund period, and test speed, apps and support before committing to a long plan.
If you want a starting point, NordVPN is one widely used provider that offers WireGuard-based connections, a kill switch and independently audited no-logs claims (see NordVPN's current plans). This is an affiliate link: we may earn a commission if you buy through it, at no extra cost to you. Compare it against the checklist above and any alternatives before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Are VPNs legal in the UK?
Yes. Using a VPN is legal, but illegal activity remains illegal.
Do I need a VPN at home?
Not necessarily. HTTPS already encrypts most web traffic. It's most useful for privacy from your ISP and on public Wi-Fi.
Sources and further reading
Facts checked on 20 October 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.