Best VPNs for Virgin Media that still work in 2024

Many websites and services, including the Virgin Media streaming service, have geo-restrictions due to licensing issues. However, there’s a convenient workaround. While in the UK, you can download TV shows and movies on Virgin Media, allowing you to watch them offline. This could be a great option if you plan to travel abroad soon. Alternatively, you can explore the option of using a VPN for Virgin Media.

In order to watch Virgin Media anywhere, you’ll need a UK IP address. You can get this by connecting to a UK server with a VPN. A VPN, or “virtual private network,” not only provides you with a UK IP address but also enhances your online privacy by routing your internet traffic to another server (in this case, one in the UK). This effectively hides your IP address and, combined with additional security features such as encryption, ensures your online activities remain private and secure.

While it’s true that Virgin Media blocks many VPNs, we’ve done the research and found the ones that still work. In this article, we’ll provide a detailed list of these VPNs. But for now, here’s a quick preview of our top picks for accessing Virgin Media content from abroad.

The best VPN services for Virgin Media:

1. NordVPN: Our #1 choice Virgin Media VPN. A huge network of servers in the UK and worldwide. Fast servers for streaming including Virgin TV GO and Netflix. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Virgin Media.
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for Virgin Media. Fast enough for HD streaming, and you can access content worldwide. Strong on security, including AES 256-bit encryption. Allows unlimited connections.
3. IPVanish: Offers fast and reliable UK servers and excellent privacy features to keep you safe. Access Virgin Media and other geo-restricted services from anywhere in the world.
4. ExpressVPN: Fast UK servers for Virgin Media streaming. Works with most popular streaming sites including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. No bandwidth throttling and high levels of security.
5. Private Internet Access: A solid choice for users in the UK. Works with most British streaming platforms, takes your security seriously, and offers very competitive performance.
6. CyberGhost: Great for beginners. High-speed VPN for streaming in high definition. An extensive network of servers and advanced security features like strong encryption and a no-logs policy.
7. PrivateVPN: Very fast and excellent at unblocking streaming services, including Virgin Media, Amazon Prime Video, and others.
8. PureVPN: Speedy provider with a large network of secure servers. One of the best for streaming, with built-in obfuscation to protect you from snoopers like your ISP or employer.
9. ProtonVPN: A fantastic option for Virgin Media customers. Boasts top-tier performance, an expansive security toolkit, and impressive streaming ability. 24/7 customer support.

Note that to watch Virgin Media, you’ll need to be a Virgin customer. If you haven’t already, this means signing up for Virgin TV, Virgin Broadband, or both.

Best VPNs for Virgin Media – Our hands-on review

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

Many streaming sites have implemented anti-VPN measures, which means only the best-paid VPNs can bypass geo-restrictions. We’ve tested a lot of VPNs to determine the best VPN for Virgin Media so you can watch it online, outside the UK. Our ranking methodology of the best VPNs for Virgin Media is based on many factors, which we have discussed in the following reviews.

Best VPNs for Virgin Media

From real-world testing, here is our list of the best Virgin Media VPNs:

1. NordVPN

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NordVPN leads the way when it comes to the sheer quantity of servers on offer. If you’re looking for a VPN with plenty of UK servers, NordVPN certainly ticks that box with well over 400. Overall, NordVPN has more than 6,200 servers across 111 countries. In our experience, NordVPN works well with streaming services such as Virgin Media, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video. What’s more, NordVPN is fast. Featuring unlimited bandwidth, streaming is smooth and uninterrupted.

NordVPN actually had the fastest UK servers of any provider we tested, delivering average speeds of over 400 Mbps. What’s more, there was very little difference in performance at different times of day, which is saying a lot about its reliability. With a solid set of British locations to choose from, this service is a strong choice for anyone looking to watch UK TV abroad, torrent, or just browse the web anonymously. Let’s take a look at the full speed test results:

You can use NordVPN on up to ten devices simultaneously, securing everything from your computer and smartphone to your router. NordVPN is one of the few VPNs that offer browser extensions, which makes using the VPN quicker and easier. The apps are also very easy to navigate. NordVPN offers excellent security features, including 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. If you’re seeking even greater security, you can choose double VPN and onion over VPN servers. Last but not least, NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy, protecting your private data.

NordVPN apps can be downloaded for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS and Linux. There’s also an app for Android TV as well as browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

BEST VPN FOR VIRGIN MEDIA:NordVPN is our #1 choice. It has a huge network of servers, offers fast connection speeds and even includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

unblocks virgin MediaTested Nov 2024

Surfshark is ideal for streaming live TV, and not only because it works with popular platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. This service offers access to more than 3,000 servers in 60+ countries, and its connections are fast enough to watch live HD video without any noticeable lag. Best of all, there’s no connection limit, which means you can watch whatever you like, whenever you like, wherever you are.

A common issue users face is finding out too late that their VPN makes day-to-day browsing painfully slow. Luckily, that won’t be a problem with Surfshark. When we tested its British servers, it delivered an average speed of 406 Mbps. Further, there was less than 10 Mbps of variance between its highest and lowest results. Considering most providers can’t reach these heights in the first place, that’s particularly impressive. Below, you’ll find a chart showing Surfshark’s speeds at three times of day:

This service has several powerful security features, including a kill switch (in all versions), protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks, and 256-bit AES encryption. A NoBorders feature lets you access the internet freely from countries with strict online censorship. Surfshark follows a strict no-logs policy, so your activities cannot be traced back to you. There is the option to pay in cryptocurrency for another layer of protection, though. Live chat-based support is available 24/7 in case of any issues.

Surfshark has apps for Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and MacOS devices. It can be manually installed on supported internet routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark has exceptional unblocking ability and allows as many connections as you need, but it remains affordable and even offer powerful security and privacy features. As if that wasn’t enough, this service includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

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3. IPVanish

unblocks virgin MediaTested Nov 2024

IPVanish is one of the best-value VPNs on the market. What we really like about this VPN is that you can have any number of connections at once. Aside from this, IPVanish has a good network of servers with 1,300 worldwide in 60+ countries. With around 100 servers in the UK (London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Nottingham), you won’t be short of options when it comes to unblocking Virgin Media. This is a fast and stable VPN, so you’re unlikely to have any performance problems.

IPVanish has spent lots of time optimizing its network for speed, which became extremely clear when our team tried out its British servers. In all three tests, it broke the 200 Mbps barrier, leading to an average speed of 219.67 Mbps. For context, that’s fast enough to queue up dozens of live streams simultaneously or download a 1GB file in around 4.5 seconds. Here’s a closer look at the data from our testing:

When it comes to the IPVanish apps, they’re all very easy to follow. You’re presented with a choice of servers by country and city and the option of ‘Best Available Server’. IPVanish is one of the few VPNs with an app for Amazon Fire TV. You can enjoy peace of mind with the high level of security of IPVanish. It uses 256-bit AES encryption and has DNS leak protection built-in while a kill switch ensures that traffic is cut should your VPN connection drop. It’s also worth knowing that IPVanish states that it keeps no traffic logs.

IPVanish offers apps for the following operating systems: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. Linux requires manual setup.

SECURE ALL DEVICES:Use a single IPVanish account to secure as many devices as you like. Offers user-friendly apps, high speeds, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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4. ExpressVPN

unblocks virgin MediaTested Nov 2024

ExpressVPN can securely access Virgin Media online and many other popular streaming sites, including Netflix. Aside from offering very fast connection speeds, this is a reliable VPN, promising 99.9% uptime. ExpressVPN has more servers than most VPNs, with 3,000 servers in 94 countries, so it is an ideal VPN for travel.

Unlike most of its rivals, ExpressVPN has prioritized expanding its network across England, with half a dozen locations to choose from. It’s a little slower than some of the other VPNs we’ve covered so far, but with an average speed of 126.33 Mbps, it’s still more than enough for whatever you have in mind. Our experts could stream 4K video, play online games, and torrent safely without any noticeable issues. Below, you’ll find our full test results:

Your VPN should unblock Virgin Media outside the UK and keep you safe. ExpressVPN keeps no traffic logs. When you combine this with 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, split tunneling, and a kill switch feature, ExpressVPN is undoubtedly one of the most secure VPNs on the market. We tested the 24/7 live chat support offered by ExpressVPN and received a reply within seconds, which was impressive.

ExpressVPN apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux and routers. Games consoles, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV can be configured with ExpressVPN MediaStreamer. Browser extensions are available for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.

PRIVACY-FIRST SERVICE:ExpressVPN is security-conscious and offers access to many high-speed servers, 24/7 live chat support, and a high level of security. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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5. Private Internet Access

unblocks Virgin MediaTested Nov 2024

Private Internet Access might not be as well known as some other providers in this list but it’s still well worth your consideration. It boasts servers in 90+ countries, including England (but no other countries in the UK, unfortunately). Our experts were able to access geo-blocked platforms like ITVX and Channel 4 without any issues, but if you’re struggling, support is available 24 hours per day over live chat. Best of all, this VPN recently scrapped its connection limit, which means you can protect as many devices as you like simultaneously.

It’s no slouch, either. Across three tests, this service boasted an average speed of 215.67 Mbps – that’s no small feat, especially considering how inexpensive it is. Additionally, there was minimal variance; just 8 Mbps separate its highest and lowest results, making it the most consistent VPN we tested. Regardless of whether you want to game, stream, or video call, you’re unlikely to experience any performance issues with this service (provided your base connection is fast enough, of course). You’ll find the full test results below:

Let’s talk about security for a moment. This provider uses uncrackable encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. It also follows a no-logs policy, and we know this for sure as it’s been independently audited. Users can activate the MACE feature to block ads and trackers, set up custom rules for automating when the VPN connects, or allow certain apps to pass through unencrypted. It’s even possible to obfuscate your traffic, which will help you browse freely in countries with extreme online censorship.

Private Internet Access has apps for iOS, MacOS, Windows, Android, and Linux. To install it on your router, follow the website’s manual setup instructions.

SPEEDY AND SECURE:Private Internet Access is a great all-rounder. Boasts a strong presence in the UK, powerful security features, and a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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6. CyberGhost

unblocks virgin MediaTested Nov 2024

CyberGhost has over 700 servers in the UK, most of which are located in London and Manchester. CyberGhost’s network consists of more than 6,800 servers in 89 countries, making this VPN ideal for unblocking content worldwide. This is a VPN that offers unlimited bandwidth and traffic and is known to offer particularly fast speeds. This makes it ideal for streaming Virgin Media and other platforms popular with British expats and travelers, like BBC iPlayer and Sky Go. Our testing of CyberGhost was very positive with no annoying buffering or lag to speak of.

CyberGhost is another excellent VPN where performance is concerned. Using one of its three UK server locations, we recorded average speeds of 212 Mbps, with a little over 11 Mbps of difference across the three tests. The NoSpy servers are slightly slower but that’s to be expected given they’re further away and have a higher level of privacy. Let’s take a closer look at CyberGhost’s speed at different times of day:

We like the CyberGhost apps, which are easy to use and very responsive, making them suitable if you’re new to using a VPN. CyberGhost offers particularly good value since it allows simultaneous connections on up to 7 devices, which is great for families. This is one of the safer VPNs you can use since it has a wide range of security features. These include DNS and IP leak protection, a kill switch, a no-logs policy, and, of course, 256-bit AES encryption.

CyberGhost offers apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire Stick. Routers can be configured manually.

Easy to use:CyberGhost has over 700 servers in the UK, offers fast streaming speeds and a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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7. ProtonVPN

unblocks virgin mediaTested Nov 2024

ProtonVPN is a freemium service but if you plan on using it regularly, we’d strongly suggest upgrading to a paid plan. This will allow you to access a huge range of region-locked streaming sites, provide access to 24/7 customer support (via live chat), and increase the connection limit to 10. You’ll also gain access to the full network of 3,800 servers in 85 countries and will no longer have your speeds limited. That’s a big deal, considering ProtonVPN delivers average speeds of around 330 Mbps.

When you upgrade to this provider’s paid plan, the speed limiter is removed. We wanted to see what ProtonVPN could do, so we ran three tests using its British servers throughout the day. Straight off the bat, it was clear that they were capable of handling anything we threw at them. In fact, with an average speed of 223.67 Mbps, you’ll only notice slowdown if you’re already used to ultra-high speeds. Let’s see how well ProtonVPN performed:

There’s no need to worry about Virgin Media monitoring your activities, either. That’s because ProtonVPN uses uncrackable encryption, prevents DNS and IPv6 leaks, and has been independently audited to prove that it doesn’t keep logs. This service even blocks ads and trackers automatically! If you’d like, you can configure the split tunneling and port forwarding features for even more control over your connection. Looking to sign up anonymously? Just pay in cash or Bitcoin.

ProtonVPN has apps for iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, and Linux. It also supports a wide range of router firmware, meaning you can install it on a Virgin Super Hub with just a few hours of work.

ADVANCED SECURITY:ProtonVPN gives you plenty of ways to tailor your security setup to your needs. What’s more, it’s one of the fastest VPNs on the market and won’t be stopped by most online restrictions. Paid plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Take a look at our in-depth ProtonVPN review.

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8. PureVPN

Unblocks Virgin MediaTested Nov 2024

PureVPN might not be the best-known service, but it certainly has a lot to offer. For instance, it operates more than 6,000 servers in 60 countries and provides some of the highest speeds we’ve seen (399 Mbps as of our latest tests). It’s capable of flying under the radar of most ISPs and region-locked platforms, which means you’ll be able to access your favorite streaming sites without worrying about throttling or regional restrictions. This VPN has a 10-connection limit and allows you to talk directly to staff using the 24/7 live chat feature.

Historically, PureVPN has performed extremely well, even taking second place in our comprehensive speed tests. However, when we tested its UK servers, we recorded noticeably lower speeds than before and an average of just 45.33 Mbps. That’s still more than enough for 4K streaming and gaming, though you may notice some slowdown when multiple people in your home are using the internet simultaneously. You’ll find a breakdown of our testing below:

We are big fans of services that make it as easy as possible to stay safe online. Thanks to its unbeatable encryption, kill switch, leak protection, and verified no-logs policy, PureVPN definitely fits the bill. This is one of the few providers that still works reliably in China, so you shouldn’t have any issues keeping your activities hidden from Virgin Media (or, really, any ISP from a country with less severe censorship). It is worth noting, however, that the tracker-blocking feature only works if you choose the Plus or Max subscription. That’s a little disappointing, considering many competing VPNs include this as standard.

PureVPN has its own apps for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Further, it provides detailed configuration instructions in case you’d like to install it on your home router.

GREAT EVERYDAY VPN:PureVPN can handle whatever you throw at it and is relatively easy to install on a Virgin Media Superhub. It’s fast, privacy-conscious, and great for streaming. Not only that but all plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Still have questions? Find answers in our full PureVPN review.

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9. PrivateVPN

unblocks virgin MediaTested Nov 2024

PrivateVPN has several servers in the UK (London and Manchester) and approximately 200 worldwide in 60+ countries. While it’s not a particularly big server network, it’s the quality of servers that counts with PrivateVPN. This is one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tried thanks to the unlimited bandwidth and speed on offer. You’ll be able to stream Virgin Media anywhere, in high definition, with no problem. What’s more, you can use one PrivateVPN account to secure up to 6 devices simultaneously.

This VPN has never been the fastest service around but it does still deliver steady, reliable performance. For example, after our team ran multiple tests, we recorded an average speed of 115.33 Mbps. You’ll find this more than enough for any task, so there’s no need to worry if your family all like to use the internet at the same time. If your connection is extremely slow, we’d suggest trying a different server or contacting support – they’re available almost 24 hours per day over live chat.

This is an easy VPN that is particularly user-friendly. The apps are simple to use and responsive which makes connecting to a server very quick. A stealth VPN option disguises your VPN’s traffic as regular web traffic, allowing you to bypass deep packet inspection and unblock even more content. 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch are some of the security features. PrivateVPN states that it has a zero data logging policy and doesn’t even know what its users are doing online.

PrivateVPN apps can be downloaded for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, while Linux can be set up manually.

GREAT FOR STREAMING:PrivateVPN offers very fast speeds and can be used on up to 6 devices simultaneously. Has a zero data logging policy and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

Methodology: Finding the best VPNs for Virgin Media customers

Most consumers don’t have the time or desire to sit down and compare multiple VPNs. This means that they’ll often end up with a service that doesn’t fit their requirements (and possibly doesn’t even keep them safe). Good news: we’ve done the hard work for you. Our experts have created a comprehensive testing strategy that breaks down everything competing providers have to offer in a way that’s easy to understand. Below, we’ll discuss this in more detail and explain exactly why each key area is so important to consider.

Performance

Experts agree that you’ll usually get the best performance using a VPN server that’s nearby your actual location. Virgin Media only operates in the UK, which is why we decided to test the speeds of each provider’s British servers. Now, doing this is trickier than you might expect given the inherent randomness of the internet. For this reason, our team ran multiple speed tests at different times of day and averaged the results.

From here, we assigned each provider a score, with the fastest VPN automatically earning a perfect 10 out of 10. Note that services are ranked relative to each other. The reason behind this is that it ensures any differences are easy to see, as there’s a meaningful performance gap between a VPN which scores five points and one that scores six, for instance.

NordVPN was the fastest service we saw, though not by much. Surfshark, our second choice, was just 10 Mbps slower on average and arguably had a tighter spread of results, which is why it scored so highly. On the other hand, PureVPN had the lowest score. It’s pretty clear why: this service’s average was just 10 percent of NordVPN’s, and half that of the provider in second-last place. PureVPN usually performs quite well though, so it’s possible it was just having a bad day.

Streaming ability

Connecting to a VPN lets you keep your online activities private but they’re frequently also used to spoof your location. That’s why streaming services like Netflix try so hard to stop VPN users from accessing their content. However, we don’t believe you should have to give up on security just to continue using a platform you pay for. That’s why we personally tested each VPN in our list to see how many streaming apps it could access and how reliably they worked.

That’s only the beginning, though. Our experts looked out for other features that make watching your favorite shows easier. After all, some VPNs offer automatic ad-blocking or Smart DNS services that can access geo-blocked content on devices without full VPN support. You’ll find a list of everything we considered (and what each of our top picks offers) below:

ExpressVPN was actually the top contender in this category. It worked with virtually every streaming service we tested and we rarely had to try more than one server to gain access. Further, it blocks ads, includes a Smart DNS feature, and obfuscates your traffic automatically. PrivateVPN, meanwhile, was in last place – it’s still a good choice overall but occasionally struggled to access popular platforms and lacked some of the more advanced tools of its rivals.

Security and privacy

The main purpose of a VPN is to protect your activities from prying eyes. No matter how good it is for streaming, no matter how fast it is, a service just isn’t worth using if it can’t keep you safe. Here at Comparitech, we evaluate what VPNs have to offer in 15 distinct security-related areas to find out which are actually the most privacy-conscious. You’ll find these (and our findings) in the table below:

Just as before, we assigned scores to each provider based on how well-equipped it is for privacy. Again, these were weighted and normalized, ensuring each VPN was given a score out of 10. Here are the results:

We have a two-way tie for first place between NordVPN and Surfshark, which each scored 9.5 points. Our only complaints were that NordVPN could do with bringing its authentication up to SHA-512 instead of the (still secure) SHA-381, and that Surfshark’s base of operations being in a 14 Eyes country might make some users uncomfortable. PrivateVPN, meanwhile, delivered an overall score of 8.6 – that’s impressive but could be pushed even higher if a few additional features (tracker-blocking or tapjacking-protection, for instance) were added.

Ease of use

If you buy a VPN, only to realize that it’s difficult to use, you’re unlikely to rely on it very often. Our main concern is ensuring that our readers know how to protect themselves online, so naturally, we take user-friendliness very seriously. Some of the things we look out for are simple, streamlined apps that look similar across multiple platforms, automatic wifi protection, and a high connection limit. Check out the table below for a full list of our highest-priority areas:

Once again, we have a tie. Private Internet Access and NordVPN each scored an impressive 9.6 points. While these providers both have plenty of advanced features, they’ve gone to great lengths to keep things are welcoming as possible for new users. Even PrivateVPN, which delivered the lowest score, remains easy to use, going as far as to offer a two-design interface (one for experts, one for beginners). There’s genuinely not a bad option here.

Value for money

If you’re looking at popular providers and the monthly price is putting you off, that’s entirely understandable. On the plus side, there are lots of ways to cut the cost. Our team examines many factors including how frequently each VPN goes on sale, whether it offers discounts for emergency workers or students, and how much you can save with a long-term plan. Additionally, we require providers to offer a 30-day money-back guarantee as this gives you the chance to try it and claim a full refund if you’re unsatisfied.

This time, Surfshark took first place. It scored 9.7 points, narrowly beating IPVanish thanks to its slightly lower monthly price. Of course, the fact that it allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices certainly helped elevate it above the competition. ProtonVPN, on the other hand, scored only 7.4 points. It does cost a little more per month, even when you’re on a multi-year plan, though this is offset slightly by the fact that it offers a free tier with no time limits or bandwidth caps.

How to watch Virgin Media online abroad with a VPN

Here’s how to watch Virgin Media online abroad using a VPN:

1. Sign up for one of the suggested VPNs – we particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Download and install the appropriate VPN software for your operating system.
3. Select one of the VPN’s UK servers (this is the only country in which Virgin Media is available) in order to get a UK IP address.
4. Open Virgin Media and watch the content that should now be unblocked. You may need to clear your cookies for changes to take effect. If it doesn’t work, be sure to try another server.
5. Enjoy unrestricted access to Virgin Media’s live and on-demand content!

VPN for Virgin Media FAQs