Scotland is part of the UK. If you’re a privacy-focused person, you probably know that means it falls under the jurisdiction of the 5 Eyes Alliance. That’s a group of Western countries infamous for the intelligence collection and sharing agreement. In other words, online surveillance. If online privacy is a concern, you need a virtual private network. The best VPN for Scotland masks your Internet traffic, keeping it from prying eyes.
It also protects sensitive information from interception by hackers and other cybercriminals. And whether you’re in the country or traveling abroad, you get access to unlimited content on websites and streaming platforms.
This article will highlight and discuss the best VPN providers you should consider in Scotland. Afterward, we’ll discuss why you need one in the first place.
Top 5 best VPNs for Scotland:
- ExpressVPN – best VPN for Scotland in 2024 overall
- NordVPN – VPN with numerous servers in Scotland
- Surfshark – VPN Scotland for unlimited connections
- CyberGhost – reliable all-around Scotland VPN
- Private Internet Access – feature-loaded VPN
The best VPNs for Scotland — Our Detailed List
There are tons of VPNs out there, whether you’re in Scotland or elsewhere. Each one promises high-quality service, with strong security, performance, and unblocking prowess. The thing is, in reality, they are often a far cry from the levels claimed.
We’ll focus on premium providers for this ranking. While there are some great free VPNs out there, most lack quality and transparency and are not worth the trouble.
Let’s get down to business.
1. ExpressVPN
The British Virgin Island-based ExpressVPN is not just the best VPN for Scotland, it’s arguably the finest overall.
The provider offers 3,000+ servers in 94 countries around the world. While there are no servers in Scotland, you get hundreds of connection options in nearby locations in the United Kingdom. This also makes it the best VPN in the UK.
And those servers are pretty fast, especially when you use ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol. The proprietary protocol is secure and you can expect smooth and stable connections — even when you’re on a distant server.
If streaming is your thing, you can’t do better than this Scotland VPN. ExpressVPN effortlessly forces its way past the defenses of all the major platforms. You can watch exclusive videos on foreign libraries on Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, and many more.
If you’re anxious about missing episodes on your favorite BBC iPlayer shows while you’re out of the country, don’t be. Connecting to any of ExpressVPN’s UK servers will have you following along.
Security-wise, it’s loaded. AES 256-bit encryption protects your data, drastically reducing any chances of unauthorized access. The VPN uses RAM-based servers, which are wiped clean after each reboot. Combine that with its audited no-logs policy, and you’re not leaving behind any traceable data while online.
ExpressVPN offers several other features to keep surveillance or hacking efforts at bay.
You can install the provider’s apps on any major platform. It also supports streaming boxes (it’s an excellent VPN for Apple TV), consoles, routers, and other devices. One subscription covers five devices, which is about the industry average.
If you’re considering checking out ExpressVPN, its 49% discount on the annual plan may be the push you need. You’ll get three extra months for free. On top of that, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try the best VPN in Scotland risk-free.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is probably the most popular VPN in Scotland and worldwide. Considering what it brings along, its reputation is certainly well-earned.
For one, it has a collection of more than 5,700 servers in 60 countries. Hundreds of those servers are in the United Kingdom, including the Scottish cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. That means you’ll always have nearby VPN servers for stable connections in Scotland.
NordVPN rivals ExpressVPN in terms of performance. It consistently ranks near the top of our list of VPNs with the best speeds, providing lightning-fast speeds for browsing, streaming, and other activities. NordLynx, its exclusive protocol, easily outstrips OpenVPN, even going neck and neck with WireGuard.
You’ll have no issues viewing restricted content on websites and online services, considering NordVPN’s impeccable unblocking abilities. From Netflix US to Hulu, Netflix UK, and BBC iPlayer, the VPN will have unlimited online entertainment at your fingertips in seconds.
It goes without saying that NordVPN excels at keeping your data safe and private. The provider implements military-grade encryption to scramble your traffic. A strict no-logs policy means that your online activities start and end with you. And there’s little chance of exposure to prying eyes, with its airtight leak protection and kill switch.
Advanced features include Onion over VPN functionality, Threat Protection for ads and malware (making it one of the best VPNs with ad blockers), and obfuscation.
NordVPN’s compatibility covers a wide range of platforms and devices, stretching to include Chromebooks, Raspberry Pi, and more. It allows you to use one VPN account on six devices at the same time.
A 30-day money-back guarantee backs all its plans. That way, you can always request a refund if you’re unsatisfied with this Scottish VPN.
3. Surfshark
If price is an important factor, you should definitely consider Surfshark as your VPN for Scotland. With what it packs, you’ll be getting great value for your money.
Surfshark offers 3,200+ servers spanning 100 countries. Apart from the impressive server count for a relatively young VPN, we’re fans of that expansive location spread. Like NordVPN, Surfshark has servers in Edinburgh and Glasgow, so you can get a Scottish IP address.
The VPN promises fast speeds. While most of its servers run in 1 Gbps, it’s migrating to 10 Gbps, an upgrade that promises even more reliable connections. As it is, you can download and stream buffer-free, especially on nearby servers.
During testing, we tried to bypass geo-restrictions on several platforms to watch online videos. They all worked flawlessly. We were able to stream several Netflix libraries, as well as BBC iPlayer, and more.
Forget being great for its price point; Surfshark ranks among the best VPNs for streaming overall.
It carries that excellence on to where it matters most — your online privacy and data security. Surfshark is loaded with features like an ironclad no-logs policy, a kill switch, IP/DNS leak protection, and bank-level encryption. There are also advanced features and extras, like obfuscation and Double VPN.
Surfshark works with a wide range of platforms and devices, so none of your gadgets are left out. On top of that, there’s no need for multiple subscriptions, as a single Surfshark subscription works on all your devices simultaneously.
A 30-day money-back guarantee will let you confirm how great this VPN is before committing to it long-term.
4. CyberGhost
Perhaps the best VPN for beginners in Scotland, CyberGhost offers easy-to-use apps and a low learning curve. But there’s a whole lot more under the hood, especially considering the pocket-friendly pricing.
The Romania-based VPN offers a massive network of 9,400+ servers in 91 countries. It’s no surprise that it has 700+ servers in the UK. Some of those are dedicated streaming, gaming, and torrenting servers, providing optimized performances for those activities. We should mention, however, that this VPN does not offer servers located in Scotland.
The VPN’s infrastructure runs on 10 Gbps with no bandwidth limits. You won’t consistently experience ExpressVPN-levels of speed, but it’s pretty fast, nonetheless.
CyberGhost claims its optimized servers unblock exclusive content on Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Hulu, and other platforms. We tested that boast and found it wasn’t empty. Plus, the provider regularly updates them to ensure you get buffer-free streaming, even on 4K video quality.
As for privacy and security, CyberGhost sticks to what works without reinventing the wheel. Industry-standard features come along, including AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. In addition, it’s a logless VPN that has undergone third-party scrutiny and has been declared airtight.
Connecting to public Wi-Fi at a pub, cafe, or hotel in Scotland need not come with the jitters. CyberGhost’s Wi-Fi protection automatically detects a new public network and protects your data, keeping hackers at bay.
CyberGhost supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, game consoles, Fire TV, and more. One VPN subscription covers seven of your devices simultaneously.
CyberGhost is pretty confident in the quality of its service. A 45-day refund policy illustrates that, giving you more than enough time to make up your mind.
5. Private Internet Access
PIA rounds up our list of the best VPN services for Scotland in 2024. It offers a wealth of servers, with around 30,000 across 84 countries. UK cities Manchester and London host their fair share of servers, providing nearby options.
They’re not always fast, even though Private Internet Access infrastructure runs on 10 Gbps. But that’s where such a huge network comes in handy. With tons of alternatives to switch to, you can avoid network congestion and latency.
PIA unblocks access to several streaming services, but we hit roadblocks from others. Based on its standard as a top VPN in Scotland, we rank it just below average in this area. For best streaming results, always connect to one of the servers optimized for the activity.
You can browse with utmost confidence, knowing that your data stays private. It’s where PIA really impresses, with an arsenal of standard and advanced features.
Its headquarters is in the United States, also a 5 Eyes country. However, the provider has proven (in court) that it’s uninterested in storing information that could trace your online activities back to you. It lets you choose between two secure encryption ciphers and has a pretty advanced kill switch. On top of that, all its apps are open-source, a rarity in the industry.
Along with Surfshark, Private Internet Access is one of only a few top providers with unlimited simultaneous device connections. That means all your computers, mobile devices, routers, game consoles, and streaming devices can stay protected on one subscription.
All PIA plans are covered with its 30-day money-back guarantee. You can get a refund within that period, no questions asked.
For more information, visit our Private Internet Access review.
Why You Need a VPN for Scotland
As part of the UK, Scottish citizens enjoy largely unrestricted access to the Internet. But there are other things to worry about. Here’s why it’s a good idea to install and use a VPN in Scotland.
Protect your privacy
When you’re online in Scotland, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can see everything you do. This includes your browsing history, the websites you visit, and the files you download. A VPN encrypts all of your traffic, blocking the access your ISP (and other prying eyes) have to your online activities.
Prevent Government Surveillance
The UK is a member of the Five Eyes intelligence consortium, which means that it shares data with the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. If it calls for it, that data could include your internet traffic, phone calls, and email. If you’re concerned about surveillance, a VPN renders your traffic undecipherable, even to the government.
Access Geo-Restricted Content
Some websites and streaming services are only available in certain countries. For example, a trip abroad means you’re no longer able to enjoy Netflix UK or BBC iPlayer. And when you’re home, even nearby country libraries are off-access. A good VPN can help you bypass these restrictions by giving you an IP address located in Scotland.
Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, and anyone could monitor your traffic. They are often breeding grounds for hackers, identity thieves, and other cybercriminals. A VPN shields your data when you connect to a public network, keeping it beyond the reach of malicious Internet actors.
How We Ranked the Best VPN for Scotland — Our Methodology
As highlighted earlier, there are loads of VPN providers for Scotland. But if your privacy and reliable connections matter to you, some research is needed to make a decision. To streamline your options, we tested dozens of providers and ranked the top 5 based on their performances against our criteria.
Here are some of the metrics we considered.
- Privacy and security: A Virtual Private Network should use strong encryption protocols to protect your data from being intercepted by hackers. It should also have a strict no-logs policy so that your browsing history and other online activity are never stored. The more relevant features here, the better.
- Extensive server network: A large server network offers you a wide variety of connection options. Ideally, we’d only consider VPNs with servers in Scotland. However, locations in the UK will have to do in this case.
- Speed and performance: VPNs slow down your connection. However, you don’t want that impact to be considerable. You should be able to stream videos, download files, and browse lag-free.
- Bypassing geo-restrictions: A VPN should be able to bypass geo-blocks so that you can access content that is only available in certain countries. This is important for streaming movies, TV shows, or social media platforms blocked in your country.
- Ease of use: You should be able to get started right away without having to study a lot of complicated instructions. Customer support should also be responsive in case you need help.
- Device compatibility: The best providers are compatible with all your devices, including your computer, smartphone, and tablet.
- Money-back guarantee: A money-back guarantee allows you to try a service out risk-free. This is important in case you are not satisfied with the service.
Conclusion
A VPN is a no-brainer if you’re serious about staying private online in Scotland. It will keep you under any surveillance radars and keep your data from grabbing hands. In addition, you’ll get access to restricted content without any hassles.
Our favorite VPN for Scotland is ExpressVPN. It checks all the boxes and offers excellent value for money. That said, you’re free to check out any of the other providers on the list. Whatever your choice, you can be sure that your online safety is covered.
