In certain instances, we may earn revenue when a reader makes a purchase or completes a form through our pages or on a partner’s website. We adhere to a strict Windows 10 is currently a dominant desktop OS, powering over 77% of PCs globally! However, such popularity comes with its own challenges, especially regarding online security. As cyber threats like data spying and identity theft continue to evolve, online safety has never been more crucial. That’s why finding the right Windows VPN is so important!
Using a VPN on Windows offers enhanced protection against potential online threats while also improving your overall web experience. By masking your IP address, a VPN helps keep your true location private, allowing you to browse the internet freely and access global content without restrictions.
Due to a large demand for secure online connections, nearly all VPN providers are compatible with Windows OS. However, not all deliver the same security or value for money. Therefore, I’ve meticulously tested and reviewed the top contenders to help you find the best VPN for Windows.
- Show Full Guide
IvacyVPN - Very Affordable Long-Term VPN
Best Paid and Free VPN for Windows Tested by Our Experts
- NordVPN – Best Windows VPN overall
- Surfshark – Fast streaming VPN for Windows
- ExpressVPN – Top fast and secure Windows PC VPN
- Proton VPN – Best free VPN for streaming on Windows 10 PC
- PrivadoVPN – Free VPN for Windows with P2P servers
Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best Windows VPN
With so many providers on the market, picking the best Windows VPN isn’t easy. To help you pick the best option for your needs, here’s a short list of the main features to look for:
- Secure Encryption – A secure VPN for Windows should use the market-standard AES-256 encryption. It’s virtually uncrackable since there are 2 ^ 256 possible combinations – which would take a supercomputer billions of years to crack.
- Secure VPN Protocols – Opt for a Windows VPN app with multiple tunneling protocols, such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, and PPTP. Different protocols offer different speeds and levels of security, so it’s ideal to be able to freely switch between them depending on your needs.
- Server Fleet and Geo-Restriction Bypassing – Not every VPN is equally good at unblocking geo-restricted content. Streaming platforms and online services are fighting VPNs to block unapproved users from accessing their content. That’s why you want a VPN with lots of server locations and a lower chance of blacklisting.
- Zero-Logs Policy – Windows VPNs should provide complete online privacy and unrestricted access to the Internet. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a provider that adheres to a zero-logs policy. It’s even better if the claim has been independently audited.
- Additional Security Features – If you’re going to pay for a premium VPN, you want to ensure it provides maximum security. Additional security features include firewalls, real-time malware protection, password managers, webcam shields, and proactive dark web monitoring.
Best VPN for Windows 10 and 11 Reviewed
When comparing the best Windows VPNs, I prioritized the level of security and privacy, server network and connection speed, price, and any additional benefits.
After extensive testing and thorough analysis, following our comprehensive assessment methodology, I’ve shortlisted the top 3 Windows VPN services:
1. NordVPN – Best Windows VPN Overall
| Starting Price | $2.99/month |
|---|---|
| Windows App | ✅ |
| Jurisdiction | Panama |
| Max Devices and Compatibility | 10 – Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Routers |
Why We Picked It
NordVPN is the best VPN for Windows, thanks to its impressive security features and user-friendly design. With a vast server network, it delivers reliable performance regardless of your activities. Plus, it includes useful tools like a built-in password manager, anti-malware software, and a data breach scanner, all designed to enhance your browsing experience and ensure robust protection on your Windows PC.
Privacy and Security
Headquartered in Panama, outside the 14-eyes alliance and lacking data retention laws, NordVPN ensures greater privacy than many competitors. The provider has a strict no-logs policy that has passed numerous independent audits, confirming that no user data is stored.
The service employs top-level AES 256 encryption and its proprietary NordLynx protocol for enhanced security. Key features include DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and split tunneling. Additionally, NordVPN enhances account security with multi-factor authentication.
Features
- Dark Web Monitoring – NordVPN constantly monitors the dark web to ensure your email or credentials are not being traded on the market. If the system detects a credential leak, you’ll be notified about the leaked information and the service involved.
- Threat Protection – This feature serves as a built-in antivirus software, providing additional protection against malware, malicious ads, and trackers.
- Kill Switch – The provider’s Windows VPN app offers a reliable kill switch feature that you can customize to cut off internet access when a VPN connection drops unexpectedly or when you manually turn your VPN off. I particularly enjoyed manually selecting apps to which I wish to apply a kill switch functionality.
- Meshnet – This NordVPN-exclusive feature enables secure file sharing between devices connected to NordVPN. I particularly enjoy using this feature to help me bypass the Netflix password-sharing ban.
Ease of Use
NordVPN’s Windows VPN app interface is sleek and modern, with different screens for VPN server selection, Threat Protection settings, Meshnet functionality, and an overall overview. While the app is very simple to use, some users may find NordVPN’s map-based server selection unexpected. Regardless, you can use a search bar to find your desired location, too.
Performance and Streaming
NordVPN offers exceptional speed thanks to its NordLynx protocol, which is based on WireGuard and works flawlessly on Windows. Additionally, you can choose from over 6,800 servers across 111 countries, so you’ll definitely find the fastest option for you.
NordVPN also shines as a great streaming VPN. During my testing, it seamlessly unblocked Netflix libraries for the UK, Japan, Australia, and other services, including Hulu and HBO Max. Best of all, when I’m streaming the latest Yellowstone season, the provider retained as much as 930Mbps (on a baseline of 1GB) internet speed.
Pricing
NordVPN has four pricing plans, with the cheapest entry-level plan starting at just $2.99/month. However, the basic plan offers VPN functionality and threat protection.
While that may be enough for most users, its Plus plan, priced at $3.89/month, offers the best value for money with its great password manager, ad blocker, anti-malware, and data breach scanner.
Each of its plans comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try NordVPN risk-free today.
Who It’s Best For
With its global coverage and numerous features designed to bolster your privacy and security, NordVPN is an ideal Windows VPN for privacy-conscious users.
For more information, read our NordVPN review.
Pros
- Unblocks all popular streaming services
- Stable and fast NordLynx protocol
- Reliable kill switch
- Over 6,800 servers in 111 countries
Cons
- No free trial for Windows users
2. Surfshark – Fast Streaming VPN for Windows
| Starting Price | $1.99/month |
|---|---|
| Windows App | ✅ |
| Jurisdiction | The Netherlands |
| Max Devices and Compatibility | Unlimited – Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Routers |
Why We Picked It
Surfshark is a cheap Windows VPN provider that safeguards unlimited devices while delivering impressive speeds. It also unblocks all popular streaming services and offers an easy-to-use Windows app.
Privacy and Security
Surfshark headquarters is in the Netherlands, which has no obligatory data retention laws, meaning the VPN won’t store any logs of your activities. Security-wise, Surfshark offers strong AES-256 encryption, WireGuard protocol, MultiHop to bolster security online, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection.
Features
- Ad Blocker – Surfshark VPN includes a highly effective ad blocker that blocks pop-up ads, banners, and video ads – essentially ensuring a smooth browsing experience. I liked that the feature is enabled by default, so there’s no need for a manual setup.
- Alternative ID – Surfshark offers an alternative ID feature, which lets you create an alternate email address, name, and even phone number to lower the risk of identity theft, spam, phishing, or scam emails. I found the tool easy to use and switching between IDs was smooth.
- Antivirus – Surfshark Antivirus is an excellent addition to its Windows security suite, available with the One+ plan. It excels at real-time protection, and it was able to neutralize 100% of the 2,000+ malware samples I tested it against.
Ease of Use
Surfshark’s VPN app for Windows is modern and intuitive. You can set it up to automatically connect you to a VPN server when you launch your PC or manually connect to the fastest server with a single click.
Performance and Streaming
Surfshark has 3,200 servers in 100+ countries, enabling you to access global content no matter where you are. Plus, it also offers some of the fastest connections on the market.
During my testing, I successfully unblocked numerous streaming platforms, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Even when streaming high-resolution videos on multiple devices simultaneously, I recorded a stable 950Mbps internet speed on a baseline of 1GB.
Pricing
Like NordVPN, Surfshark offers generic VPN features with its entry-level plan, which costs $1.99/month.
For $2.49/month, its Surfshark One plan offers much more, including real-time antivirus protection, a private search tool, and quarterly or yearly security reports, making it the best choice for Windows users.
Surfshark lacks a free trial for Windows, but there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee with all plans.
Who It’s Best For
As one of the few providers that offer VPN for Windows for unlimited devices, Surfshark is the best choice for families, and its blazing-fast connection speed makes it a top choice for streaming.
For more information, read our Surfshark review.
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Perfect for multiple 4K streams
- User-friendly, modern interface
- DNS and IPv6 leak protection
Cons
- Minor kill switch issues
- No free trial for Windows
3. ExpressVPN – Top Fast and Secure Windows PC VPN
| Starting Price | $4.99/month |
|---|---|
| Windows App | ✅ |
| Jurisdiction | British Virgin Islands |
| Max Devices and Compatibility | 8 – Windows, macOS Linux, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Routers |
Why We Picked It
ExpressVPN is a VPN for Windows that focuses on keeping your data and devices safe whenever you connect to a home network or an unsecured public Wi-Fi hotspot. It is also easy to set up and use, making it a solid pick for first-time VPN users.
Privacy and Security
ExpressVPN is headquartered in a privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands and has a strict, verified no-logs policy. Furthermore, ExpressVPN’s strict no-logs policy ensures the provider doesn’t collect or store user activity logs, which minimizes the risk of a data breach.
Features
- Network Lock Kill Switch – ExpressVPN’s kill switch goes beyond the feature’s traditional functionalities. It blocks all traffic with a “block everything” firewall rule on Windows computers. Then, it allows only traffic encrypted by its VPN servers to pass. That way, your real IP address and other information will not leak.
- Private DNS – With a private DNS, ExpressVPN ensures that nobody can track your online activities. Plus, I enjoyed the improved response times during browsing.
- TrustedServer Technology – All of ExpressVPN’s servers run exclusively on RAM. This means that all user data is wiped from the provider’s hardware after each system reboot, eliminating any privacy concerns.
Ease of Use
ExpressVPN has a minimalistic yet user-friendly interface dominated by a large “Quick Connect” button. Selecting a server and activating its features, such as the kill switch, is also very easy, making it ideal for beginners.
Performance and Streaming
With 3,000 servers across 105 countries, ExpressVPN doesn’t have the largest server network. However, it unblocked popular streaming platforms like Disney+ and Netflix in my tests.
ExpressVPN offers some of the best VPN protocols, including its propriety Lightway protocol, which promises security and fast speeds. However, when connected to faraway servers, I noted a significant drop in baseline connection, leaving 750Mbps out of 1GB.
Pricing
ExpressVPN offers a single plan with different subscription terms. The cheapest two-year term costs $4.99/month and includes everything from an ad blocker to a free password manager. It also protects up to eight devices simultaneously.
While there is no free trial for Windows devices, a 30-day money-back guarantee allows you to try it risk-free today.
Who It’s Best For
ExpressVPN is ideal for users seeking top-notch security, especially travelers connecting to unsafe public networks on Windows devices. Additionally, its Windows 11 VPN app receives frequent updates to help you stay ahead of the latest online threats.
For more information, read our ExpressVPN review.
Pros
- Fast Lightway protocol
- Servers in over 105 countries
- Unblocks all popular streaming platforms
- Free password manager
Cons
- Premium pricing
- No free plan or trial
The Best Free VPN for Windows Reviewed
Searching for a reliable VPN for Windows 10 and 11 devices doesn’t have to end with premium solutions. Several providers offer a free VPN for Windows, and here are the ones I found to be the best:
4. Proton VPN – Best Free VPN for Streaming on Windows 10 PC
| Starting Price | Free |
|---|---|
| Windows App | ✅ |
| Jurisdiction | Switzerland |
| Max Devices and Compatibility | 1 – Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browsers, Routers |
| Server Network | 130+ servers in 5 countries |
Why We Picked It
Proton VPN offers open-source apps and imposes no data limits on its users, making it one of the leading free VPNs for Windows.
Privacy and Security
Based in Switzerland, a highly privacy-oriented country, Proton VPN is under no obligation to store or share your data. It has a strict no-logs policy and encrypts your internet traffic with AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption algorithms, meaning hackers, snoopers, and even your ISP won’t have access to your browsing history.
Features
- Kill Switch – Unlike most free Windows VPN solutions, Proton VPN offers a kill switch to all its users. Enabling the kill switch will immediately halt your internet connection if the VPN protection suddenly drops, preventing data leaks.
- Stealth Protocol – Proton VPN’s proprietary protocol, Stealth, is available to its free users. Stealth replaces obfuscated servers, hiding your VPN usage from your ISP to prevent network throttling.
- No Ads – I really appreciate that, unlike many free VPNs that litter their interfaces with ads, Proton VPN’s free version is completely ad-free. This has improved my user experience significantly, as I didn’t have to worry about accidentally clicking on things and getting redirected to random pages.
Ease of Use
Proton VPN’s Windows app is intuitive and modern. It allows users to easily connect to one of its free VPN servers. The app also has a map-based view of its servers, which I found easier to use than NordVPN’s.
Performance and Streaming
This free VPN for Windows offers more than 130 servers in five countries, including the Netherlands, Japan, Poland, Romania, and the United States.
Although it can’t match the unblocking capabilities of premium services, providers’ Stealth protocol allows you to access foreign streaming platforms undetected. However, you are limited to five locations.
While Proton VPN doesn’t impose any data or speed limits for its free users, be aware that you might experience slowdowns during peak hours when its small server network gets overcrowded.
Who It’s Best For
Proton VPN is one of the few providers to offer a fully functional free VPN for Windows 10 and older OS versions, including 8.1 and 7. Its frequent updates, no data limits, and numerous free servers make it the best free Windows 10 VPN.
For more information, read our Proton VPN review.
Pros
- No data and speed limits
- 130+ free servers in five countries
- Proprietary protocol
- No in-app ads
Cons
- Slow speed during peak hours
- Inconsistent unblocking performance
5. PrivadoVPN – Free VPN for Windows With P2P Servers
| Starting Price | Free |
|---|---|
| Windows App | ✅ |
| Jurisdiction | Switzerland |
| Max Devices and Compatibility | 1 – Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Smart TVs |
| Server Network | 13 servers in 10 countries |
Why We Picked It
PrivadoVPN offers free VPN for Windows with servers in 10 countries worldwide. Its servers are peer-to-peer-friendly, making it one of the few viable free Windows VPN options for torrenting.
Privacy and Security
Like Proton VPN, PrivadoVPN operates under Swiss laws, meaning it won’t store or share any user data. Its Windows VPN app lets you choose between the IKEv2, WireGuard, and OpenVPN protocols, and there’s a kill switch available for free users.
Features
- SmartRoute – PrivadoVPN is the best free VPN for Windows 11 or older versions if you value split tunneling above other features. With SmartRoute, you can choose which apps, IPs, and websites use the VPN, leaving the rest unencrypted and running at full speed.
- Application Kill Switch – In addition to its standard kill switch, which blocks all internet traffic if your VPN connection drops, PrivadoVPN has an app-specific variant of the feature. Adding one or more apps to the list will block only their activities when VPN protection is lost.
- Auto-Connect – This lets you choose a server to automatically connect to every time you launch the Windows app. I appreciated that I could pick between the fastest server available or a previously saved one.
Ease of Use
PrivadoVPN is easy to use, as its Windows app offers a minimalistic yet intuitive experience. There’s no quick connect button to help you with server selection, but you can sort its free server list to show the lowest latency options first.
Performance and Streaming
PrivadoVPN offers servers in 10 countries, including the US, Germany, India, and Argentina. However, unlike Proton VPN, the provider has a 10GB high-speed monthly data cap on its free plan.
This resulted in a very stable and buffer-free Netflix US streaming. However, once my monthly data ran out, I experienced a significant speed loss, making streaming very choppy.
Who It’s Best For
PrivadoVPN’s free VPN for Windows is perfect for users looking to stream US Netflix at no cost. It’s also one of the few free VPNs to include a split tunneling feature, allowing you to manage how much data you spend.
For more information, read our PrivadoVPN review.
Pros
- Unblocks popular streaming services
- Intuitive Windows VPN app
- Split tunneling available
- Servers in 10 countries
Cons
- Limited monthly data
- Fluctuating speeds
- No-log policy hasn’t been audited
What is a VPN for Windows?
A VPN for Windows is simply a VPN product that’s compatible with the Microsoft Windows operating system. Most major VPN providers support Windows.
Some providers, such as Surfshark and NordVPN, offer additional security features, including obfuscated and double VPN servers. These allow you to remain secure even when connecting to unsafe public Wi-Fi or traveling to other countries with heavy internet censorship.
How Do VPNs for Windows Work?
A Virtual Private Network masks your internet traffic by routing it through a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the VPN servers. Encrypting your online data improves your online privacy and makes your internet activity and browsing history unreadable to unauthorized parties.
A Windows VPN also makes it difficult for cybercriminals, advertisers, data brokers, and your ISP to track your activities. Changing your IP to a different location also allows you to access geo-restricted content, such as foreign news portals or streaming services.
However, VPNs don’t come without their limitations. Encrypting every bit of your data will reduce your overall connection speed, which can be tedious while you’re playing video games or downloading large files.
Does Windows 10 Have a Built-in VPN?
Windows 10 and Windows 11 do offer a built-in VPN app, but its features are severely limited. The built-in client is a convenient platform to set up a VPN connection, but it lacks its own Windows VPN server, requiring you to subscribe to a third-party service.
However, I found its lack of advanced features and slightly complicated interface to be a poor replacement for the dedicated apps Windows VPN providers offer. First-time users may find it challenging to establish a VPN connection this way, as connecting to a server takes several steps. A dedicated VPN like Surfshark can encrypt your connection with a single click.
Overall, if you plan to subscribe to a third-party VPN service, you’ll find it easier to use its dedicated client than the built-in Windows solution.
Best VPNs for Different Windows Versions
Most major VPNs support several versions of the Windows operating system. Here’s what you’ll find depending on your version of Windows:
- VPN for Windows 11 – Windows 11 is currently the latest version. All good VPNs will support it, so you can opt for any provider from my list.
- VPN for Windows 10 – Though this Windows OS has been replaced, it’s significantly more widely used than Windows 11 – and all VPNs on my list support it.
- VPN for Windows 8 – The Windows 8 core product has been unsupported by Microsoft since 2016, but NordVPN still supports the OS, and Surfshark maintains critical security updates for older software versions for Windows 8 users.
- VPN for Windows 7 – Mainstream support for Windows 7 ended in 2015 – but, as with Windows 8, leading providers like NordVPN and Surfshark still support it.
- VPN for Windows Vista and Windows XP – Mainstream VPN providers do not support these versions of Windows today.
How To Use a VPN for Windows 11
Setting up a VPN on Windows is generally a relatively simple process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started with NordVPN.
Download NordVPN
Go to NordVPN’s website, set up an account, and download the Windows PC VPN app.
Download and Install the VPN App
Once the software is downloaded on your Windows device, allow the app to make necessary changes to your device and log in to your account.
Connect to a Secure VPN Server
After logging in, connect to the fastest suggested server, and you’ll be good to go. Alternatively, you can pick a specific location you’d like to be connected to.
What Is the Best Free Windows VPN?
While I don’t generally recommend using free VPNs, Proton VPN does offer a good free Windows VPN. Its free plan comes with unlimited data, a strict no-logs policy, and a user-friendly interface.
The kill switch on ProtonVPN’s free plan passed my stress-testing assessments, and I was able to bypass geo-restrictions to access foreign content. However, as with every other free VPN, opting for this solution has certain risks and limitations, like connection speed or gaps in security.
Fortunately, most premium VPN providers, like NordVPN and Surfshark, offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, which allows you to test their advanced features risk-free, at top speeds, and without leaving your other devices unprotected.
Conclusion – What’s the Best VPN for Windows?
With Windows being one of the most widely used operating systems, it’s only natural that the majority of VPNs offer a strong offering for the OS. However, this makes the search for the best VPN for Windows that much more difficult.
After rigorous testing and in-depth comparisons based on our comprehensive assessment methodology, I’m confident in saying that NordVPN delivers the most robust security available for Windows devices. The provider offers great data encryption, a large, global server fleet, and reasonable prices.
In addition, NordVPN proves its security promises with an audited no-logs policy and a network of RAM-only servers, which ensure that no data is ever retained on user activities.
FAQs
What is the best VPN encryption protocol for Windows?
How do you download a VPN for Windows 10?
How much do Windows VPNs cost?
Is the Windows built-in VPN any good?
Do I really need a VPN for Windows?
What is the safest VPN for Windows?
What is the fastest VPN for Windows?
Does Windows VPN slow down the internet?
References
- New research shows that, post net neutrality, internet providers are slowing down your streaming (Northeastern Global News)
- Dedicated IP vs shared IP: which one to use? (NordLayer)
- Desktop Windows Version Market Share Worldwide (StatCounter)
