There are no restrictions with the 5 best VPNs in Edinburgh
Travel is my passion, but the long hours of waiting at airports? Not so much. Add jet lag and the endless stretch of boredom, and those layovers can feel like a real drag.
Thankfully, my devices and a reliable VPN come to the rescue. With a quick connection, I can access my favourite streaming platforms and enjoy uninterrupted entertainment while I wait, no matter where I am.
If staying connected and unlocking the sites you love sounds like a game-changer, I’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best VPN providers in Edinburgh to help you travel smarter and stream happier!
How much do VPNs cost in Edinburgh?
In Edinburgh, VPNs cost between £6 and £12 a month, while some offer yearly subscriptions for just £2 to £4 a month.
Rates will fluctuate depending on the features of the VPN, the package duration, and additional security measures and bandwidth it offers.
1. Nord VPN
Available at: Ebuyer, Amazon UK
NordVPN is known as one of the fastest VPNs globally, with over 6,000 servers across 110+ countries. It offers features like Threat Protection Pro and a Dark Web Monitor, safeguarding users from malicious sites and intrusive trackers.
One of its standout benefits is the 30-day money-back guarantee, which provides peace of mind not often found with other VPNs.
My personal experience has been positive, with only minor issues. Occasionally, when my laptop is idle, the connection drops, and I need to reconnect manually. While this is a slight annoyance given the promised auto-connect feature, it’s not a deal-breaker.
The unlimited bandwidth is a real highlight, making the £4 monthly price for solo users a fantastic bargain.
For businesses or families, the group pricing is equally reasonable. NordVPN delivers a balance of affordability, reliability, and robust security features, making it a top choice for secure online browsing and streaming.
Great protection
“I have been using NORD VPN for about a year now – the price is absolutely wonderful for a three year sub, with 5 devices that can be used at the same time. You can even use this on your WW-DRT router and protect everything to which it connects! Servers all around the world – and they are FAST! I barely see ANY lag when using the VPN. Some sites will not allow me to use it and still log in (T-Mobile, My Bank, etc.)”
– Rob Daddy Sr, Apple Store Review
100% worth it
“ I know we like to be skeptical, but I honestly feel like NordVPN does care. I also have had zero issues with data connection other than me needing to manually go into the application, and refresh my IP connection to a different server and it just works! It’s not just about being a customer, it’s about giving the people what they want when it comes to giving access in hopes of “is my data actually safe?” running in the back of my head. Who truly knows?…But if it’s genuinely protecting my data from lunatics on the dark web who want nothing more than to take away your personal information, then I say it’s 110% worth it.”
– hillclimber1000, Apple Store Review
2. Surfshark
If you’re after a VPN that’s all the rage in Edinburgh, Surfshark might be right up your alley. This VPN shields your internet traffic and masks your location, keeping prying eyes at bay. With 4 server locations in the UK and 40 servers across the country, it’s no wonder it’s so popular.
One standout feature? You can connect multiple devices, from Windows to macOS, Android to iOS—even your TV—without hitting any device limits.
The CleanWeb feature is a gem, blocking annoying ads and malware-riddled sites, making for a smoother experience. Plus, you can access your favourite content while travelling, thanks to Surfshark’s 100% RAM-only servers that span over 100 countries.
The only downside? It’s a bit slower in response time compared to other top VPNs. While I can still connect just fine, it doesn’t have the lightning speed of some others. But for the price and features, it’s still a solid choice!
The best overall
“All the VPNs you mentioned are good. But Surfshark is the one I recommend in person for the best overall.”
– Aikojenny, X Reviews
Seamless in the background
“Trialling out @surfshark’s IP rotation. It is doing it pretty well. Seamless in the background.”
– eakangk, X Reviews
3. ExpressVPN
One of the best features of ExpressVPN is the free trial, which offers great peace of mind. I’m usually reluctant to pay upfront for software, but with the 7-day trial, I know I can cancel at any time without being charged if I’m not satisfied.
I first heard about ExpressVPN from my sister, who praised how easy it is to use and how smoothly it connects to UK servers—ideal for frequent travellers.
Though it’s one of the more expensive VPNs, with the single-user plan starting at £12.95 per month, the service is excellent. You can get a better deal with their annual plan, which works out to about £6.67 per month and includes three months free.
For the price, you get access to servers in 105 countries, fast speeds thanks to their Lightway protocol, ad blockers, password managers, and the ability to connect up to eight devices at once—definitely a worthwhile investment!
Stable connection and reasonable speed
“I’m really happy and never regretted installing this App. Stable connection and reasonable speed. I know the encryption kinda slows down the speed but safe browsing covers for it so I guess it’s fair. Support is fast and will do all they can to help. One support rep stayed with me for more than 2 hours just to get the issue resolved. Recommended this to my friends.”
– Anonymous, Google Play Review
Top of the line VPN
“An extremely fast VPN that won’t lag your connection. As a con, some sites might start throwing image captchas each time you visit them through the VPN. Putting that aside, along with the coverage for all your devices in various platforms (Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, etc.) under the same subscription, security features and a password manager bundled in, this really is the top of the line VPN service. Highly recommended.”
– Dasun Nirmitha, Google Play Review
4. Private Internet Access VPN
Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN is a gem for anyone fed up with those infuriating pop-up ads interrupting their streaming or browsing.
Thanks to its built-in ad blocker, MACE, you can enjoy your online adventures in peace. With a whopping 35,000 servers spread across 91 countries, you’ll hardly ever feel out of reach.
Now, here’s a wee heads-up: PIA is based in the US, part of the 5 Eyes Alliance—a bit of a sticky wicket for privacy purists. But they do offer a strict no-logs policy, so your data stays as private as a Highland glen.
It’s also one of the most affordable VPNs on the market, though you’ll need to lock in for a two-year plan to get the best deal.
If you’re happy to commit, it’s a steal. If you’re a tad hesitant, you might want to explore other options. A solid choice for the budget-conscious!
Cutting-edge application
“I’ve been a loyal customer since 2016 and have never looked back.
A+++ from these guys.
Hands down. Always been my go-to.
Features galore from their cutting edge apps which allow you to customize every aspect of your connection security. Always updating and innovating. Excellent endpoint availability and performance. Seldom have I seen any issues making the necessary connections across various OS’s and its usually my own fault. Without question – Go with PIA!”
– CeeDO, TrustPilot
Excellent service
“Not one problem with PIA. From installing to everyday usage. Fantastic, also will be using again when me subscription expires. I cant give it less than 5 stars in any category.”
– oo0Acedude0oo, TrustPilot
5. PrivateVPN
Using PrivateVPN is as simple as a walk in Holyrood Park. It’s designed to keep things straightforward. The clean, minimalist interface is ideal for those who don’t fancy fiddling with settings.
Its Simple Mode lays out the essentials clearly, so even the least tech-savvy among us can feel right at home. For the more adventurous, advanced features like split tunnelling and encryption tweaks are just a click away.
PrivateVPN offers six UK servers, but speed can vary like the Scottish weather. Some were lightning-fast, with only a wee 10% slowdown, while others slowed things down by 30%.
Still, its unblocking abilities are robust. I managed to stream my favourite UK shows from abroad without a hitch (well, apart from one server taking its sweet time).
I gave it a go while binge-watching Outlander on holiday, and it kept up well. It’s a cracking choice for simple, reliable streaming and browsing!
Fast solutions
“Jim was wonderful customer support, and he immediately solve my problem. However, what I found was your app set-up is complex and not easy-to-start. You should improve your app instead of customer contacting with your customer support to go through additional process.”
– Yaz, TrustPilot
Helpful staff
“Great service! Had trouble connecting from certain location. Support specialist JC suggested a rather clever workaround and guided through the process till everything was set and running. Very pleasant customer experience. Many thanks!”
– Lordbingo, TrustPilot