6 Best VPNs for BT Broadband in 2024: Unlock the internet

In today’s digital age, unrestricted and private internet access is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. The lurking menace of bandwidth throttling by BT Broadband and other ISPs and unwarranted surveillance of your online activities is not just a breach of trust but an infringement on your digital rights. Enter VPNs for BT Broadband.

VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, shield you from the prying eyes of ISPs and empower you to explore the vast expanse of the internet without boundaries. Having meticulously researched and rigorously tested the leading VPN solutions in the industry, we’ve distilled our findings to present you with the best VPNs optimized for BT Broadband. With expansive global servers, these VPNs act as your passport to a world of region-locked content.

For the busy digital nomads among us, here’s a distilled snapshot of the best VPNs for BT Broadband:

Best VPNs for BT Broadband – Our hands-on review

We’ve tested and compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for BT Broadband.

Criteria for the best BT VPNs

Most VPNs should work with BT Broadband. However, not all offer the speed and security that make for a positive browsing experience. We’ve found the best VPNs for BT Broadband by ensuring they meet the following criteria:

• Fast speeds for browsing, streaming, and torrenting.
• A network of servers in dozens of countries worldwide.
• Uses encryption to keep your data secure.
• Operates a no-logs policy to protect your privacy.
• Customer support via live chat as well as email.
• Features user-friendly apps for desktop and mobile.

The best VPNs for BT Broadband

From our real-world experience, here’s our list of the top VPNs for BT Broadband users:

1. NordVPN

Dec 2024 Works With BT BroadbandTested Dec 2024

NordVPN is our first choice for a BT Broadband VPN. It outperforms every other VPN in our speed tests and has one of the largest server networks with over 5,500 servers in 60 countries. This includes servers in the UK, US, Australia, and Japan. NordVPN is an excellent choice for securely accessing services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video abroad. It’s worth knowing that there are servers optimized for P2P sharing as well as those which offer even greater online privacy via Onion Over VPN or multi-hop connections.

You can connect up to 6 devices simultaneously. There are a variety of beginner-friendly apps as well as browser extensions which make it even easier to stay safe online. 24/7 support is available over live chat, and we’ve found the staff to be very quick to reply. NordVPN’s security is as good, if not one of the most secure VPNs on the market. It includes 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. There’s also a strict no-logs policy to protect your privacy.

NordVPN offers apps for desktop (Windows, Mac and Linux), mobile (Android and iOS), and Android TV. There’s also Chrome and Firefox browser extensions. Manual setup is required for routers.

BEST VPN FOR BT BROADBAND:NordVPN is our #1 choice. NordVPN has an impressive 5,000 servers. Offers servers optimized for security as well as P2P sharing. Great for Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. No-logs VPN with 24/7 live chat support. Use on up to 6 devices. 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

Works With BT BroadbandTested Dec 2024

Surfshark is a great low-cost alternative. It’s one of the best VPNs for BT Broadband for several reasons. First, you can use it to connect an unlimited number of devices, which makes it a great option for families. Additionally, this VPN has a network of over 3,200 servers in 65 countries and allows you to securely access all sorts of services including Netflix and Hulu. Server speeds are fast and connections reliable, which means streaming and torrenting are stress-free.

If it’s your first time using a VPN, you’ll appreciate the simplicity of Surfshark’s apps and browser extensions. The apps include a number of useful features such as an ad-blocker and whitelister. This VPN includes 24/7 support via live chat and email. Your personal information is protected with 256-bit AES encryption and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. Last but not least, Surfshark is a no-logs VPN and features a kill switch, ensuring your data is never exposed.

Surfshark provides apps for Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV/Fire Stick. Manual setup is required for routers.

OUTSTANDING VALUE:Surfshark works with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more. You can use it to connect an unlimited number of devices. 24/7 live chat support and beginner-friendly apps. No-logs policy and ad-blocker feature for your security. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. IPVanish

Works With BT BroadbandTested Dec 2024

IPVanish lets you connect any number of devices simultaneously. It has a network of around 1,900 servers throughout dozens of countries around the world. The speeds offered by this US-based VPN are fast enough for browsing and streaming live HD content. IPVanish states that it offers unlimited bandwidth as well as unlimited P2P traffic. This makes it an option worth considering if you suspect BT Broadband is throttling your connection.

Should you have any issues with IPVanish, you’ll be able to contact their 24/7 support service via live chat or email. However, this VPN service is easy enough to use with user-friendly apps for desktop and mobile. When it comes to security, IPVanish protects your privacy with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. It also includes a strict policy against the collection of connection and activity logs, so your activities can’t be traced back to you.

IPVanish offers apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Fire TV/Fire Stick. Manual installation is required for both Linux and routers.

PROTECT EVERY DEVICE:IPVanish can be used on all of your devices simultaneously. A network of 1,900 servers with unlimited bandwidth. Includes 24/7 support and protects your privacy with encryption and no-logs policy.30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

4. ExpressVPN

Works With BT BroadbandTested Dec 2024

ExpressVPN has solid speeds and excellent overall security. This is another solid choice if you want to unblock region-locked content as it has over 3,000 servers in an impressive 94 countries. As such, you can use it to unblock most geo-restricted services including ESPN, and HBO Max, and Hulu. Better still, ExpressVPN’s high speeds mean you shouldn’t experience any lag whatsoever.

There are several features in place designed to secure your data and protect your privacy. To begin with, ExpressVPN doesn’t keep any identifying logs of its users so you’ll be able to browse the web anonymously. There’s also 256-bit AES encryption, DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. This VPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, far from the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.

With ExpressVPN, you have the choice of using apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and routers. Browser extensions are available for Chrome and Firefox.

GREAT AT UNBLOCKING:ExpressVPN is a fast and reliable VPN with 3,000 servers in 90 countries. Works with most region-locked platforms including Disney+ and ESPN. User-friendly apps and browser extensions, 24/7 live chat support, and excellent overall security with encryption. A 30-day money-back guarantee is included.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

5. CyberGhost

Works With BT BroadbandTested Dec 2024

CyberGhost has a rapidly growing network of over 7,000 servers which are spread across 59 countries and is well suited to streaming HD video. Indeed, you’ll be able to securely access Netflix US, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer from anywhere, without being interrupted by lag or buffering. Better still, CyberGhost allows up to 7 simultaneous connections per account, perfect for any family with BT Broadband.

This is an easy VPN to use as there are beginner-friendly CyberGhost apps for all major operating systems, making finding the right server quick and easy. There’s also plenty of servers dedicated to torrenting with no bandwidth limit. CyberGhost is a no-logs VPN that uses 256-bit AES encryption as well as DNS and IPv6 leak protection. You’ll also find an automatic kill switch that prevents your data from being leaked in the event of the VPN connection dropping.

You can download CyberGhost apps for Linux, Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Android TV, and Amazon FireStick/Fire TV. Browser extensions are available for Chrome and Firefox. Supported routers require manual installation.

FAST SPEEDS:CyberGhost offers unlimited bandwidth and high speed servers for streaming and torrenting. Unblock Netflix US and Hulu. Allows up to 7 simultaneous connections. Highly secure with encryption and no-logs policy. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

6. PrivateVPN

Works With BT BroadbandTested Dec 2024

PrivateVPN has fast servers for browsing, streaming, and torrenting. While its network is small with around 200 servers, these are located across 63 countries. This means you’ll be able to securely access services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu abroad. PrivateVPN states that it’s a P2P-friendly service and supports unlimited P2P file-sharing. You can also use this VPN to secure up to 10 devices simultaneously.

What’s particularly noticeable about PrivateVPN is its ease of use. Its desktop and mobile apps allow you to connect to a server in a single click. If you have any difficulties setting up, this easy VPN even offers remote installation. PrivateVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy to safeguard your privacy. So, you can keep your information secure while you’re using BT internet.

You can download PrivateVPN apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS though Linux and routers require manual configuration.

HIGH SPEED SERVERS:PrivateVPN has fast and consistent servers in 63 countries. Excellent at unblocking streaming services. Connect up to 10 devices. Easy-to-use apps for desktop and mobile. Uses encryption. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

How to use a VPN with BT Broadband

The process for setting up a VPN to work with BT Broadband is the same as with any other ISP. Indeed, all you need is an internet-connected device that is compatible with the VPN in question. All of the best VPNs for BT Broadband offer apps for desktop and mobile at the very minimum. Some even offer browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

Here’s what you need to do to use a VPN with BT Broadband:

Using a VPN with BT Broadband

1. Sign up with one of the best VPNs for BT Broadband – we particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Download and install the appropriate VPN app or browser extension for your device.
3. Open the VPN app or browser extension and connect to a server.
4. You’re now connected to the VPN and can browse unrestricted and with improved online privacy.

Our Methodology: Finding the best VPNs for BT broadband

There are plenty of things to consider when choosing a VPN, especially if you’re looking to beat ISP throttling or access geo-blocked services abroad. To filter out unsuitable providers and ensure only the top VPNs for BT broadband were left, we created a strict list of requirements. You’ll find these below:

• Performance: Naturally, we only considered VPNs that were fast enough for day-to-day tasks like streaming, torrenting, and general browsing. Better still, thanks to our regular VPN speed tests, we have substantial amounts of data to base our decisions on.
• Network scale: Generally speaking, the more servers your VPN has, the more reliable your connection will be (since on average, there’ll be fewer users per server). We also look at the number of different server locations, with a wider network strongly preferred.
• Security and privacy: We look for 256-bit encryption, a no-logs policy, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch at a minimum. These features help prevent snoopers (including BT itself) from seeing what you get up to online.
• Streaming potential: Plenty of VPNs can access one or two geo-restricted services. However, we’re after the best of the best. To find out which are the best-suited for streaming, we test candidates with platforms like Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, and Sling TV.
• Usability: All of the VPNs above come with user-friendly apps for a variety of devices. What’s more, they all make it easy to get help over live chat in case you run into trouble. Some even allow an unlimited number of connections while others let you pay anonymously.
• Value for money: We look for VPNs that strike a good balance of pricing and features. This includes looking at the cost of a subscription, long-term discounts, money-back guarantees, simultaneous device limits, and more.

These are far from the only tests we run on potential recommendations. We have a post that explains our full testing method in case you’d like to learn more.

Can I use a free VPN with BT Broadband?

Yes, free VPNs will work with BT Broadband and most ISPs you’re likely to come across. However, most free VPNs are so slow that they’re just not worth your time. This is because they tend to have a very small network of servers and far too many users to meet demand. In fact, some free VPNs even engage in bandwidth throttling in order to get a handle on this. This makes browsing slow and streaming frustrating with a lot of buffering and lag.

We’ve also found that free VPNs are simply not very good at unlocking region locked content such as popular streaming services. Most free VPNs won’t work with the likes of Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or Amazon Prime Video. Also, free VPNs often lack important security features such as encryption and a kill switch.

Many people in the UK choose to use VPNs to avoid the logging carried by ISPs on behalf of the UK government. Unfortunately, many free VPNs choose to log your information anyway, selling it to third parties. All in all, free VPNs are slow, poor at unblocking content, and not at all secure. That’s why we only recommend the best-paid VPNs for BT Broadband.

Is it legal to use a VPN with BT Broadband?

VPNs are legal in the UK and it’s also legal to use a VPN with BT Broadband. There are many thousands of users who use a VPN with BT Broadband because it’s a valid way to browse with greater online security and privacy protection. As long as what you’re doing online while using a VPN remains within the confines of the law (no torrenting copyrighted material, for example), you shouldn’t have any legal issues as a result of using a VPN with BT Broadband.

Using a VPN with BT internet: FAQs