UC browser is one of the most popular web browsers in Asia and is used en masse in China, Indonesia, and until recently India, which combined are home to almost 40% of the world's population.
However, UC Browser has a history of failing security tests and using easily broken encryption protocols – so if you're not ready to switch to a more secure browser, a VPN is vital.
What are the Best UC Browser VPNs
Although a more in-depth analysis can be found just below, here's a brief summary of the best VPNs for UC Browser:
- ExpressVPN - The best VPN for UC Browser. It offers sleek apps for all popular platforms that can be installed in a blink and a full toolkit of features.
- NordVPN - An inexpensive VPN for UC Browser. It comes packed with all the privacy tools you'll need to ensure that your browsing sessions stay secure.
- Surfshark - A UC Browser VPN that offers real value-for-money. Servers in key locations, impressive speeds, and apps compatible with most devices.
- Private Internet Access - The most secure VPN for UC Browser. It boasts well-implemented encryption and a court-proven zero-logs policy.
- CyberGhost VPN - An easy-to-use UC Browser VPN. Users will have no trouble navigating around the streamlined VPN client to enjoy HD streams.
In light of UC Browsers data breaches and bans, a good VPN for UC Browser will have:
- A global network of servers
- Plenty of useful security features
- The latest and most secure encryption protocols
- A kill-switch
- Fast connection speeds
The Best VPNs for UC browser: an in-depth analysis
Here's a closer look at the recommend UC Browser VPNs. For more information, check out our detailed VPN reviews.
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for UC Browser. It's lightning-fast and reliable, with speedy servers dotted across the globe. ExpressVPN Demo ExpressVPN is an ultra-reliable provider that is constantly raising the bar by providing the best privacy features in the business. ExpressVPN has a number of servers in countries near to India, which is ideal if you're looking to access UC browser whilst it's banned in the region – simply connect to one of the servers in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, or Sri Lanka. It also has servers in countries with sought-after geo-restricted content like Netflix US, so accessing the globe's most-watched shows won't be a problem. ExpressVPN has even been shown to both work and unblock content in China this year. Security-wise, ExpressVPN can guarantee their no logs policy with their TrustedServer network, the entirety of which runs on RAM, meaning all data is wiped every time the servers power down. Their Lightway encryption protocol only has around 1,000 lines of code, which makes it much easier to audit and vulnerabilities less common. They also have private DNS servers that handle all DNS requests internally, a kill-switch and split tunneling, which gives users much more power about which aspects of their web traffic they'd like encrypted. Even though ExpressVPN is guaranteed to make you safer when you use UC Browser, they still offer a 30-day free trial so you can claim your money back if you aren't satisfied. NordVPN is an excellent choice for UC Browser, and has undergone a public third-party audit of its zero-logging policy. Nord Demo NordVPN has the speediest connection speeds when compared to the rest of the providers on this list, which will be useful if you're looking to access UC Browser within India and need to connect to a server outside of the country's territory. The pace it operates at means that watching videos or playing games won't be a problem, and NordVPN has a proven track record of bypassing geo-restrictions so you won't be restricted on what you can view either. Government attitudes to VPNs in countries where UC Browser is popular like Indonesia and China, as well as the browser's approach to user privacy, means you need a VPN that assuages all your security fears and can be relied upon to keep your data safe. NordVPN's obfuscation technology means your ISP won't even know you're using a VPN, whilst the Double VPN function lets you reroute your traffic through two private servers instead of one. It also has malware protection, which is essential when using a browser known for containing computer viruses, and a kill-switch that blocks you from accessing the internet without your VPN turned on in case you disconnect without realizing. Sound like the VPN for you? Try NordVPN's 30-day money-back guarantee and test the service without risking your cash. Surfshark is the best low-cost UC Browser VPN, with far more features than you might expect given its budget price – and fantastic, accessible apps. Surfshark Demo Surfshark is a VPN provider based in the British Virgin Islands, which means it has no obligation to hand over data, nor is it beholden to a government interested in obtaining it. Even if it was, Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy and a number of other privacy features. Camouflage Mode obfuscates your device and fools your ISP into thinking your traffic is normal, non-VPN traffic, which is useful if you're residing in Indonesia, Pakistan, or another country with a VPN-averse government and a large base of UC Browser users. On top of this, Surfshark offers the latest encryption protocols, a kill-switch, and a Cleanweb anti-malware tool to ensure your data isn't compromised. These are precisely the kind of features you need when running UC Browser with its shambolic track record of leaking sensitive information. Surfshark is not only the cheapest VPN on this list, but also the only one that allows you to use one account to connect an unlimited amount of devices to its VPN network. Realistically, you could split the cost between friends and family, which is only a couple of dollars a month anyway, and you'd be getting a premium VPN service for practically nothing. A small price to pay for privacy, particularly if you're set on using a site like UC browser. Remember, if you'd like to take it out for a spin, you've got a whole month to decide whether you want your money back. Private Internet Access is a trustworthy UC Browser VPN that can even block ads and trackers (and remove malware) to provide a risk-free browsing experience. PIA Demo Private Internet Access (PIA) is a shrewd choice for anyone trying to access UC Browser considering how unsafe it is. Their claim to keep no logs has been proven in court, and they're considered as one of the most secure VPNs on the market by Reddit users. PIA has spent the last couple of years developing their NextGen Network with WireGuard encryption, which only has 4,000 lines of code compared to OpenVPN's 40,000 - making it easier to audit, quicker, and less vulnerable. In terms of unblocking content, Private Internet Access has tens of thousands of servers worldwide and can provide speedy connections in regions with geo-restricted content that the whole world wants to stream. If you'd like to access the UC browser from India, Private Internet Access has you covered with servers in neighboring countries like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. What's more, you can install the same VPN account on up to 10 devices, meaning none of your family need to expose themselves just to use their favorite search engine. CyberGhost is the best beginner-friendly VPN for UC Browser. It gives users 45-days to trial the service and play with a variety of privacy-enhancing features, including an auto kill-switch. CyberGhost Demo CyberGhost is a great VPN for UC Browser, as it does away with all the complicated setup procedures and sticks to the simple stuff. The last thing you want when accessing a browser you know has a poor record with security is to have to configure a collection of complex VPN settings – so CyberGhost's highly intuitive app interfaces are great for both beginners and experienced VPN users. CyberGhost has NoSpy Servers based in Romania run by a team of security experts, which you can connect to for an ultra-secure browsing experience. It also provides a kill-switch, industry-standard encryption protocols, and now state-of-the-art WireGuard encryption for Linux users, an OS that is very popular in India where UC Browser is currently banned. CyberGhost has performed well on our recent speed tests and can unblock content from around the world with servers in over 100 countries
countries worldwide. If you'd like to take it out for a spin, you've got 45 days to do so, which is more than enough time to make up your mind. 1. ExpressVPN
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Why do I need a VPN for UC browser?
Restrictions and bans
If you're a resident of India, you'll probably be aware that UC Browser was banned in the region last year after escalating tensions on the China-India border. Accessing it from inside India requires a VPN to connect you to a nearby region where it is accessible.
UC Browser is also very popular in China, a country that has zero respect for its citizens' online privacy and operates the largest internet censorship system in the world, commonly known as the Great Firewall of China. And although Google Chrome is widely used despite restrictions, hundreds of millions still use the Chinese search engine in question.
Unfortunately, the Great Firewall means a blanket ban on (non-government approved) VPNs. To use one in China, you will have to download a VPN before you enter the country because they are blocked by the government. But if you are indeed visiting and want to bypass censorship restrictions or access China's national network without being spied on, a VPN is essential due to the UC Browser's poor security record.
Take a look at our VPN for China page for more information about using a VPN In the country.
Security concerns
Perhaps more worryingly, UC Browser has a history of data leaks, which have been hitting the press since 2015. There were also complaints in 2017 that the site was sending mobile data of Indian users to servers in China, and that the site was retaining that data even after users cleared their browsing data and uninstalled the app.
UC Browser has easily decrypted encryption protocols and in 2019 it was revealed its Android updates are completed over an unsecured HTTP connection, meaning hackers can replace the commands with addresses and trick users into downloading software from dodgy servers.
On top of this, a VPN will also allow you to unblock websites and services that are not available in your region by providing you with servers all around the world to connect to.
How to set up a VPN for UC Browser
Here's a step-by-step guide to setting up a VPN for UC Browser:
- Choose a provider from our list and sign up for their service.
- Install the VPN software or app on your chosen device.
- Log in to the account you made with the provider when signing up.
- Select a location from their server network.
- Navigate to the UC Browser homepage and enjoy your secure browsing experience!
Can I use a free VPN with UC browser?
Considering UC Browser's recent history of data leaks, placing your trust in a free VPN is a risky business. There are some secure and widely-used free VPNs out there, but there are some brute facts about free providers that users should be aware of.
Free VPNs that have no premium service to upgrade to will likely not have the cash flow to keep up with the security features and speeds offered by paid services. It is extremely unlikely the most secure VPN at any given time will ever be marketed as free.
These providers also have much less of an incentive to keep their users safe and secure – if a customer deletes their account, the company isn't losing any money, and they will soon be replaced by another digital window shopper enticed by the prospect of a free service.
Unfortunately, several of the most widely marketed free VPNs have confirmed this suspicion about their incentives by selling data to third parties, providing inadequate malware protection, and keeping logs of user activity.
A note on free VPNs with paid upgrade options:
Free VPNs that have a premium service to upgrade to may afford their non-paying users access to the same servers, but there will always be some security features that are deliberately omitted from the free version – otherwise, no one would pay for the upgrade.
Conclusion
Regardless of where you're accessing UC Browser, Google, or Safari, it's essential you use a VPN whilst browsing if you do not want your data to be compromised.
However, when an organization that deals with large quantities of user data and has a track record as poor as UC Browser, protecting yourself is even more paramount.
If you've still not made up your mind, here's a reminder of the VPNs we recommend using with UC browser:
From $6.67/month
The best VPN for UC Browser. It offers sleek apps for all popular platforms that can be installed in a blink and a full toolkit of features.
- ProPrivacy TrustScore:
- 10 out of 10
- Simultaneous connections
- 8
- Server locations
- 160
- Free trial
- No
From $3.69/month
An inexpensive VPN for UC Browser. It comes packed with all the privacy tools you'll need to ensure that your browsing sessions stay secure.
- ProPrivacy TrustScore:
- 9.9 out of 10
- Simultaneous connections
- 10
- Free trial
- No
- Server locations
- 135
From $2.30/month
A UC Browser VPN that offers real value-for-money. Servers in key locations, impressive speeds, and apps compatible with most devices.
- ProPrivacy TrustScore:
- 9.8 out of 10
- Simultaneous connections
- Unlimited
- Server locations
- 140
- Free trial
- Yes
From $2.19/month
The most secure VPN for UC Browser. It boasts well-implemented encryption and a court-proven zero-logs policy.
- ProPrivacy TrustScore:
- 9.7 out of 10
- Simultaneous connections
- Unlimited
- Server locations
- 84
- Free trial
- No
From $2.11/month
An easy-to-use UC Browser VPN. Users will have no trouble navigating around the streamlined VPN client to enjoy HD streams.
- ProPrivacy TrustScore:
- 9.6 out of 10
- Simultaneous connections
- 7
- Free trial
- Yes
- Server locations
- 126
Best VPNs for UC Browser in 2024 – FAQs