When it comes to securing your online privacy and safety, using a VPN is a smart move. With the right VPN software for Windows, you can encrypt your online activities and hide your IP address to protect yourself from online threats. However, not all VPN software for Windows is created equal, and some may not offer the reliability or features you need.
Thankfully, there are trustworthy VPN providers available, such as NordVPN and Surfshark VPN. After testing the Windows VPN software of around 42 services, we’ve found the best VPNs for Windows and the essential features they offer. In the following sections, we’ll explore these top VPN providers and what they can do for you.
The Top Windows VPNs in 2024
When it comes to protecting your privacy and security online, using a VPN is essential. Here are the top VPNs for Windows PC in 2024:
- NordVPN – the best VPN for Windows PC overall, offering top-notch security and advanced features.
- Surfshark – the top Windows VPN software for unlimited devices, allowing you to protect all your devices with one subscription.
- IPVanish – a user-friendly and secure Windows PC VPN with fast speeds and a no-logs policy.
- ExpressVPN – an excellent Windows VPN for speed and online privacy, with servers in over 90 countries.
- CyberGhost – an affordable VPN for Windows with a wide server selection and strong encryption.
No matter which VPN you choose, make sure to do your own research and choose a reputable provider to ensure your online privacy and security.
How to Choose a VPN for Windows PC
When selecting a VPN for your Windows PC, there are a few key factors to consider. It’s important to keep in mind that the best overall VPN services may not be the most suitable for Windows, so it’s crucial to focus on the features that are specifically included in a provider’s Windows VPN application.
Compatibility
The first thing to consider is compatibility. The VPN you choose should be compatible with your preferred Windows version, whether it’s Windows 10 or 11. Additionally, the VPN service should have a user-friendly app and support a substantial number of simultaneous connections.
Features
When it comes to features, look for a VPN that provides powerful features exclusively suited for Windows devices. This includes strong encryption (AES-256), a functional kill switch, DNS leak protection, ad blocking features, malware protection, obfuscated servers, powerful unblocking and streaming capabilities, and beyond.
Speed and Performance
Speed is another crucial factor to consider when choosing a VPN for your Windows PC. Look for VPNs with the most reliable WireGuard (or other modern variations) tunneling protocol and a wide server fleet. All the services that made our list are some of the fastest VPNs currently available.
Privacy
Privacy is also important when choosing a VPN for your Windows PC. Look for a VPN with a no-logs policy and RAM-only servers to ensure that your online activity remains private.
Pricing
Compare the pricing plans of different VPN providers and choose one that offers a good balance between features and cost. Windows VPNs can get expensive, so pick one that has the features you need.
24/7 Customer Support
Finally, look for VPNs that provide excellent customer service, especially 24/7 email, chat, phone line, or other options. This ensures that you can get help whenever you need it.
Overall, by considering these factors, you can choose the best VPN for your Windows PC that provides the features you need, while also ensuring your online privacy and security.
The Best VPNs for Windows – Detailed List
If you are looking for the best VPN for your Windows laptop or PC, you have come to the right place. We have tested over 42 VPNs to bring you the most notable providers that offer top results to any Windows user. Here are the five best VPNs for Windows:
1. NordVPN – The Best VPN for Windows
NordVPN is the best VPN for Windows in 2024, providing an impressive feature set for the popular operating system and robust security and privacy assurances. It includes all the essentials needed for carefree online browsing, such as two kill switches, various server types (P2P, obfuscated, double, Onion over VPN), and dark web monitoring. Moreover, unique features like Threat Protection and Meshnet enable secure connections between other devices with NordVPN installed for file sharing, IP changing, and creating LANs. With its in-house NordLynx tunneling protocol, NordVPN claims the title of the fastest Windows VPN and guarantees 90% speed retention rates. You can purchase this top-quality Windows VPN for as little as $3.39/month, and each subscription includes a 30-day money-back guarantee for risk-free testing.
Pros
- User-friendly Windows app
- Impeccable speed results
- SOCKS5 proxy
- Supports torrenting
- Audited no-logs policy
- 24/7 live chat support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Free trial only for Android devices
- No router application
2. Surfshark VPN – Secure VPN for PC with Unlimited Connections
Surfshark is a considerable opponent to NordVPN as the overall best VPN for Windows. It includes a kill switch and 100% DNS leak protection to protect your Windows laptop or PC adequately. Moreover, the unique CleanWeb tool prevents ads, trackers, and malware from disturbing your work. Other notable perks include NoBorders mode for bypassing online censorship and Rotating IP for intermittently changing your IP address for total online anonymity. Our Surfshark tests uncovered that the service is behind NordVPN regarding speed, as it relies on WireGuard rather than a proprietary protocol. Still, the VPN delivers excellent connectivity, retaining around 86% of your initial speed on average. Surfshark is more affordable than NordVPN and starts at $1.99/month. You can test it using the 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Easy-to-use Windows app
- Cheap long-term subscription
- Powerful unblocking capabilities
- Strict no-logs policy
- 24/7 live chat support
- Unlimited devices
Cons
- No free version
- No SOCKS5 proxy
3. IPVanish – A Comprehensive Windows VPN Application
IPVanish is a worthwhile working VPN for PC with a solid feature package and reasonable prices. It supports unlimited simultaneous connections with one account, making it ideal for sharing and total household protection. Additionally, its no-logs policy is audited to confirm that the service doesn’t log customer traffic. You can also bypass various online roadblocks by enabling the scramble OpenVPN traffic feature. The service showed excellent speed results on our IPVanish tests, effortlessly retaining around 80% of our base connection speed in most server locations. Currently, IPVanish costs the same as NordVPN with a $2.99/month starting price tag. There’s only one subscription tier with varying durations and a 30-day money-back guarantee for testing.
Pros
- Highly-functional Windows app
- Customizable kill switch
- Unlimited connections
- DNS leak protection
- Obfuscated server toggle
Cons
- Price increases after a year
- Based in a country that’s not privacy-focused
4. ExpressVPN – Versatile Windows PC VPN with Fast Connections
ExpressVPN is among the best VPNs for Windows 10 and above due to its powerful benefits package. Besides the essentials, ExpressVPN includes a fair number of one-of-a-kind security features. For example, Threat Manager ensures apps and websites can’t track your various data for sharing with third parties. Moreover, it includes the Keys password manager at no extra cost. Just like NordVPN, ExpressVPN achieves breakneck speeds using a proprietary protocol. However, this Windows VPN uses Lightway, which was built from the ground up and isn’t based on WireGuard. With it, the service yielded around 77% speed retention rates in our ExpressVPN tests. We ranked ExpressVPN lower than NordVPN among the most affordable VPNs for Windows, and it starts at $6.67/month with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- User-friendly Windows app
- Fast connection speeds
- 24/7 live chat support
- Supports torrenting
- Verified no-logs policy
Cons
- Expensive compared to other VPNs
Comparison of the Best Windows VPNs for PC
When it comes to choosing a VPN for your Windows PC, there are several factors to consider. In this comparison, we have analyzed the top Windows VPNs based on their features, pricing, and performance to help you make an informed decision.
Features
All of the VPNs in this comparison offer a free trial period ranging from 1 to 7 days. NordVPN, Surfshark VPN, and CyberGhost VPN offer a 7-day free trial, while IPVanish VPN offers a 1-day free trial on desktop and 3-day free trial on Android, and 7-day free trial on iOS. NordVPN, Surfshark VPN, and IPVanish VPN offer a simultaneous connection of up to 6, unlimited, and 8 devices respectively, while CyberGhost VPN and ExpressVPN offer up to 7 and 5 simultaneous connections respectively.
In terms of servers, NordVPN has the largest network with over 6000 servers in 61 countries, followed by IPVanish VPN with 3200+ servers in 100 countries, and CyberGhost VPN with 10200+ servers in 100 countries. Surfshark VPN and ExpressVPN have 2200+ and 3000+ servers in 52 and 105 countries respectively.
All of the VPNs in this comparison support popular streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+.
Pricing
When it comes to pricing, IPVanish VPN is the most affordable option starting at $2.03/month, followed by Surfshark VPN at $1.99/month. NordVPN and CyberGhost VPN are priced at $3.39/month and $2.99/month respectively. ExpressVPN is the most expensive option at $8.32/month.
Performance
All of the VPNs in this comparison claim to have a no-logging policy and have been independently audited by reputable firms. NordVPN has been audited twice by PwC, while Surfshark VPN, IPVanish VPN, and CyberGhost VPN have been audited by Deloitte, Leviathan, and Cure53 respectively.
Based on our analysis, NordVPN is the best VPN for Windows PC due to its extensive server network, simultaneous connections, and independent audits. However, if you are on a budget, IPVanish VPN and Surfshark VPN are great options to consider.
How We Tested the Best VPN for Windows
To find the top VPN options for Windows, we conducted extensive testing of around 42 service providers. Our evaluation process involved a thorough review of various criteria, including logging policies, compatibility, performance, value for money, and customer support.
Logging Policy
Our recommended VPN services guarantee confidentiality, and we only picked providers with zero-log policies audited by trustworthy third parties. We thoroughly reviewed each service’s logging policies to ensure that they meet our standards.
Compatibility
We tested and selected only the PC VPNs that are compatible with Windows. Additionally, the service must provide a state-of-the-art Windows application that is not only easy to use but also fully functional.
Performance
We also conducted connection speed and overall performance testing. While using a VPN usually results in a slower connection, suitable tunneling protocols like NordLynx or WireGuard can significantly improve your browsing or streaming experience.
Value for Money
Most of the Windows VPNs we selected have an excellent quality-money ratio, meaning you can get a secure VPN for PC without breaking the bank.
Customer Support
We looked through and tested each option of the customer support provided by the VPNs. All reputable Windows VPNs have dedicated technical teams to deal with various issues.
By subscribing to NordVPN, the best VPN for Windows PC, you can unlock an impressive feature arsenal on your computer. Your online activities will be completely private and secured against countless cyber threats without any connection speed impediments.
Why Use a VPN for Windows?
If you use public Wi-Fi often, you’re at risk of having your network traffic intercepted by anyone nearby. A VPN for Windows can protect you by encrypting your traffic and making it unreadable to anyone trying to snoop on you.
Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can also see everything you do online. By using a VPN, you can keep your online activities private and prevent your ISP from monitoring your internet usage.
Some websites may be blocked in your country or workplace, but a VPN can help you get around these restrictions by providing you with a new IP address and hiding your real one. Additionally, some VPNs can unblock foreign libraries of streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Max, allowing you to watch movies and shows that would otherwise be unavailable.
Windows is the most targeted operating system by cybercriminals, but using a VPN with ad-blocking capabilities can help you stay safe by eliminating malicious ads, websites, and malware.
In summary, a VPN for Windows is essential for protecting your online privacy and security, accessing blocked websites, and enjoying unrestricted access to streaming content.
VPN not working on Windows: how to fix it
If you’re experiencing connectivity issues with your VPN on Windows 10 or 11, there could be several reasons behind it. The following troubleshooting methods can help you fix the issue:
- Check your internet connection: Ensure that you have a stable internet connection before connecting to a VPN. A weak or unstable connection may cause the VPN to malfunction.
- Restart your PC: Restarting your PC can help resolve minor connectivity issues.
- Try different VPN servers: If the VPN server you’re connecting to is experiencing problems, try connecting to a different server.
- Disable firewall or antivirus: Firewall or antivirus software may interfere with the VPN connection. Temporarily disabling them or adjusting their settings could resolve the issue.
- Update VPN client software: Ensure that you have the latest updates installed for your operating system and VPN client software. Compatibility issues between the VPN software and the operating system can cause connectivity problems.
- Use a different VPN protocol: If the VPN protocol you’re using is not working, try switching to a different protocol.
- Clear DNS cache: Clearing the DNS cache can help resolve DNS-related issues that may be causing connectivity problems.
- Contact VPN support: If none of the above methods work, contact your VPN provider’s support team for further assistance.
If you’re constantly encountering software issues, it might be time to consider switching to another VPN service. NordVPN is a reliable VPN provider that offers excellent performance and security features. We recommend trying NordVPN for Windows to ensure a seamless VPN experience.
Do we recommend a free VPN for Windows PC?
No, we do not recommend using a free VPN on your Windows PC. These services often come with suboptimal performance, leaving you with poor overall security, slow speed, and limited geo-block removal capabilities. Additionally, some free VPNs may disguise themselves as adware, which can bombard your computer with malicious ads and viruses.
Alternatively, freemium VPNs offer a free limited version as a sample of their paid product. If you’re looking for a premium VPN for your Windows device, we recommend trying NordVPN or Surfshark. NordVPN offers an extensive security suite and a 7-day free trial or a 30-day money-back guarantee. Surfshark is a budget-friendly option that excels in speed, security, and other VPN perks and offers a 7-day free trial or a 30-day refund.
In summary, while free VPNs may seem like a tempting option, their limitations and potential risks make them an ill-advised choice for Windows PC users. Instead, consider trying a freemium or premium VPN service that offers a free trial or a refund policy to ensure that you find the best VPN for your needs.
Video Review: Top VPNs for Windows
If you’re looking for the best VPN for your Windows PC, check out our video review. We’ve tested and ranked the top picks for 2023 to help you make an informed decision. Watch the review to see the software in action and find the right VPN for you.
Bottom Line
If you want to improve your Windows experience, it’s essential to use reliable and well-performing VPN software. A VPN provides you with absolute privacy by encrypting your traffic and masking your IP address, as well as security through ad and malware blocking. Additionally, a VPN allows you to bypass geographical restrictions by changing your location.
When it comes to the best VPN for Windows, NordVPN is the top choice. Its Windows app runs smoothly and is packed with exceptional features such as Threat Protection and Meshnet. NordVPN is also one of the fastest VPNs available, allowing you to stream, game, or torrent without any buffering issues. You can try the service today with the 7-day trial and 30-day money-back guarantee.
In addition to NordVPN, Cybernews offers more VPN guides to help you choose the best VPN for your specific needs. Check out their guides for the best VPNs for Chromebook, Linux, Mac, and Fire Stick TV. With Cybernews’ expert recommendations, you can ensure that you’re using the best VPN for your device and activities.
FAQ
What’s the Best VPN for Windows?
When it comes to the best VPN for Windows, NordVPN is the top choice. The NordVPN Windows app is user-friendly, and it offers an array of features such as Threat Protection, split tunneling, and two kill switches. With thousands of servers worldwide, NordVPN is also the fastest VPN available. It’s capable of unblocking geo-blocked movies on popular streaming services like Netflix and Max.
What is the Most Reliable VPN for PC?
The most reliable VPN for PC is NordVPN. Based in Panama, NordVPN boasts three independent audits of its no-logs policy. The Windows app also features Threat Protection, which blocks ads and scans downloaded files for malware. This ensures that your computer is not compromised by any malicious software.
Is NordVPN Compatible with Windows 11?
Yes, NordVPN is fully compatible with Windows 11. The provider has already fixed most of the compatibility issues that occurred earlier in 2024, so you shouldn’t have any problems running NordVPN on Windows 11.
Does Windows 10 Have a Built-in VPN?
Yes, Windows 10 does have a built-in VPN option. However, it’s only possible by using the SSTP, L2TP/IPSec, IKEv2/IPSec, or PPTP protocols. Setting up the built-in VPN can be difficult, and it comes with worse connection speed and security compared to a separate VPN service.
In summary, if you’re looking for a VPN for Windows, NordVPN is the clear winner. It offers a user-friendly interface, excellent features, and unmatched speed. Plus, it’s compatible with the latest version of Windows.
What are the top-rated free VPN services for Windows 10?
There are several free VPN services available for Windows 10, but not all of them are reliable. Some of the top-rated free VPN services for Windows 10 include ProtonVPN, Windscribe, TunnelBear, and Hotspot Shield. These VPNs offer a decent level of security and privacy protection, along with a user-friendly interface.
How can I set up a VPN on a Windows PC?
Setting up a VPN on a Windows PC is a straightforward process. You can either use the built-in VPN client in Windows or download a third-party VPN client. To set up a VPN using the built-in client, go to the Settings app, click on Network & Internet, and then select VPN. From there, you can add a new VPN connection and enter the necessary details. If you’re using a third-party VPN client, simply download and install the client, and then follow the instructions to set up the VPN connection.
Are there any reliable free VPN options for Windows 7 users?
While Windows 7 is no longer supported by Microsoft, there are still some reliable free VPN options available for users. Some of the top-rated free VPNs for Windows 7 include ProtonVPN, Windscribe, and TunnelBear. These VPNs offer a decent level of security and privacy protection, along with a user-friendly interface.
Does Windows come with an integrated VPN service?
Yes, Windows comes with an integrated VPN service called Windows VPN. This VPN client allows you to connect to a VPN server and access the internet securely and privately. To set up a VPN using Windows VPN, go to the Settings app, click on Network & Internet, and then select VPN. From there, you can add a new VPN connection and enter the necessary details.
What is the best VPN for enhancing privacy on Windows 11?
When it comes to enhancing privacy on Windows 11, there are several VPNs that offer a high level of security and privacy protection. Some of the best VPNs for enhancing privacy on Windows 11 include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost. These VPNs offer features like no-logs policy, strong encryption, and a kill switch to ensure your online activity is kept private.
How do I choose a secure VPN for my Windows 8 system?
When choosing a secure VPN for your Windows 8 system, there are several factors to consider. Look for a VPN that offers strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch. You should also consider the VPN’s server network, speed, and user-friendliness. Some of the top-rated VPNs for Windows 8 include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost.