Windows is mired in a lot of privacy issues since its release in 2015. For instance, even with Cortana disabled, Windows 10 still spies on you and sends your information to Microsoft’s servers.
VPNs offer several important benefits for Windows users that want to improve their online privacy and attain better online freedom with the ability to bypass geo-restrictions.
10 Best VPNs for Windows in 2021 | Tested on PC
Not all VPN services are the same in their relative strengths and weaknesses. So, we decided to create a list of recommended VPNs for windows and, for that, run a series of evaluation for all Windows versions, including 10, 8, and 7, to determine which VPN is fit your privacy and internet accessibility needs:
1. ExpressVPN – The Fastest Windows VPN
The provider consistently delivers fast server speeds with superior unblocking strength. This fast VPN for PC is easy to use for accessing geo-restricted Netflix content from anywhere in the world.
In terms of security features, ExpressVPN doesn’t offer a whole lot of innovative mechanisms. It uses a run-of-the-mill Kill Switch and IP leak protection, but these are super-reliable for Windows.
The logging policy is one of the best aspects of this VPN, as the provider keeps no personally identifiable information that could be tied to you on the web.
Torrenting with Anonymity is also the achievement of ExpressVPN because all its servers allow P2P filesharing and the built-in protections of the VPN to take care of your IP address and online identity from leaking.
The VPN offers apps compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and more.
The provider is slightly more expensive than its counterparts, priced at $6.67/mo. All ExpressVPN plans allow 5 simultaneous devices and a 30-day free trial. It supports multiple payment methods including bitcoin.
Check out this detailed guide on ExpressVPN to know more.
2. Surfshark – Unlimited Device Connections
The performance of Surfshark is a highly impressive, boating, streamlined and appealing Windows client that offers fast server speeds across the network. It works well with various Netflix regions, including the US, CA, and AU.
You get a wide range of features, including AES-256 encryption, kill switch, Multi-hop, and WhiteLister (split-tunneling). It creates a rich environment for maintaining your online privacy. Check out our encrypted VPNs guide to see more secure VPNs.
Surfshark has a clear and unambiguous logging policy that refrains from keeping any identifiable information of the user. If you download torrents, you can count on Surfshark to get P2P files anonymously since the provider has strong security and is free of any IP leaks.
Surfshark apps are available for Firestick, Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and more. You can also get extensions for Firefox and Chrome.
At the price of $2.49/mo, you’ll get unlimited simultaneous connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. NordVPN – The Best Client for Windows
Its Windows client is compatible with unblocking restricted libraries of channels, including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and others, without creating any hurdles.
There is a wide range of privacy features under NordVPN’s belt. It offers CyberSec, Onion over VPN, DoubleVPN, and Kill Switch. These features can elevate your online privacy and keeps you protected.
The privacy-focused logging policy is another element in NordVPN’s favor. It keeps no records of your IP address or traffic, making it safe to use for any privacy-seeking users.
NordVPN is also optimized for P2P, with many servers compatible with torrenting. The fact that it doesn’t leak your IP address renders it an excellent choice for anonymous torrenting.
You can get NordVPN for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and several other platforms. Moreover, there are also Firefox and Chrome extensions available.
The VPN is available for $3.71/mo and supports 6 simultaneous connections. You also get a 30-day NordVPN money-back guarantee with a NordVPN subscription. Even you can get NordVPN for free for the complete month. You can also check out our comparison between NordVPN and Surfshark to see which one is the best option for Windows devices.
4. PureVPN – Affordable & Secure for Windows
The Windows client of PureVPN gives reasonable fast speeds, which makes it good for streaming purposes. In fact, it gives access to restricted libraries to streaming channels like Netflix, HBO, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer all over the world.
The provider applies AES-256 encryption and has no problem with IP leaks. It uses a kill switch to protect users from accidental exposure on the web and is also equipped with extra features such as split-tunneling.
The provider’s logging policy is among the best in the industry as it keeps no records of your personally identifiable information.
PureVPN is a good service to have for torrenting purposes since it has many P2P-compatible servers (labeled with a p2p sign next to them) and protection from IP leaks allows anonymous torrenting.
You can get its dedicated VPN for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, FireTV, and more. It also offers browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
It is fairly affordable with the price tag of $3.33/mo. Also, a single subscription will you get 10 simultaneous connections and a 31-day money-back guarantee.
5. CyberGhost – User-Friendly Windows Client
In terms of speed, CyberGhost isn’t very fast but still fast enough for streaming activities. Its Netflix unblocking strength is reliable, as I was able to get access to Netflix with CyberGhost.
There aren’t many security features built within this VPN for Windows PC, though it does offer good basic protections from IP leaks and a kill switch that is always enabled by default.
The service has a good logging policy in place, reassuring users of keeping their privacy intact on the web.
You can download torrents through CyberGhost’s P2P-optimized servers. You can expect sufficient anonymity with this VPN as it has no problem with IP leaks.
The VPN has apps for various devices and platforms, including Windows, iOS, Android, and Mac. There are also browser add-ons for Firefox and Chrome.
Above all, CyberGhost is priced at $2.25/mo, which is quite affordable. It offers a 45-day money-back guarantee and 7 simultaneous connections.
6 VyprVPN – Popular Choice for Windows
Nonetheless, VyprVPN lives up to its name with rapid-fire speeds on its servers. Moreover, it is reliable for Netflix as many users sharing their positive options about the unblocking of streaming channels.
This super VPN for Windows also offers some standard protective tools like a kill switch and IP leak protection in terms of features. Moreover, it has Chamaleon technology for obfuscating VPN traffic to bypass censorship effectively.
It is one of the few VPNs with an independently audited logging policy, which certainly adds points in VyprVPN’s favor.
The provider allows p2p traffic and has no IP leaking problem of any sort. This makes it a good option for users that want to download torrents in a safe environment.
VyprVPN has dedicated apps for all common operating systems, including Windows, Android, iOS, and MacOS. It also has a Chrome extension.
You can purchase VyprVPN for $2.50/mo, which is relatively expensive. Nonetheless, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and supports up to 5 simultaneous connections.
7. Private Internet Access – Thousands of Servers for Windows
Private Internet Access is a great choice for Windows due to its vast server network and excellent security features. It boasts around 23,000+ servers across 77+ countries.
Although this VPN service is based in the US, that is part of the 5 eyes alliance. However, PIA follows a no-logging policy, meaning your personal data and information is secure with this VPN service. Some of its premium security features include an automatic kill switch, DNS leak protection, port forwarding, and zero-log policy.
An amazing feature of PIA that makes it a great choice for Windows is split tunneling. Split tunneling allows you to specify which apps can use or bypass the VPN. This VPN for Windows is compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10.
It also works with Android, MacOS, iOS, Linux, and browsers. Some of its advanced features include malware, ad, and tracker blocker for maximum security and privacy. With one PIA subscription, you can connect up to 10 devices at the same time.
This VPN is also very affordable, starting at a price of just $2.69/mo. It also features a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test this VPN risk-free and get a refund in case you don’t want the service.
8. IPVanish – Excellent Security Features for Windows
IPVanish is famous for its top-notch security protocols, including military-grade 256-bit encryption. This VPN has around 1,600 servers across 75+ countries and is compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10.
IPVanish’s Windows app comes packing with additional security features like DNS leak protection, OpenVPN protocol, and a built-in kill switch. All these security features come with a user-friendly app that is easy to use for beginners. IPVanish can unblock popular streaming platforms, including Netflix, HBO Go, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more.
IPVanish is a USA-based VPN provider, but it has a strict no-logs policy. However, if you want to play it safe, choose a different VPN, such as PureVPN, based in Hong Kong.
It is also great for torrenting, as it supports P2P connections with a built-in SOCKS5 for safety. All these features are available at a $9.99/mo price and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Check out our IPVanish VPN review for more details.
9. PrivateVPN – Budget-Friendly VPN for Windows
PrivateVPN is a great low-cost VPN for Windows users. It has a modest server size of around 150 servers across 60 countries and is compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10. Although PrivateVPN is a Swedish VPN service, it follows a zero-log policy which means that it does not log any user information, making it a good VPN for PC.
This VPN is a great choice for Windows because of its tough security features, including 256-bit encryption, DNS, and IPv6 leak protection. The Windows app of PrivateVPN also features an automatic kill switch for maximum security.
This VPN is a great option for streaming lovers. It works on various streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, the BBC iPlayer, and more due to its streaming-optimized servers. It also features Stealth Mode that can bypass strict VPN blocks and Deep Packet Inspection (DPI).
This VPN is available at a low cost of $1.98/ mo only. PrivateVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so users can try it risk-free.
10. Ivacy – Useful VPN Option for Windows
With’s Ivacy, you get decent speeds that will serve the purpose of streaming. The Windows app of Ivacy is quite efficient in unblocking Netflix as I found it working with the popular streaming service.
Ivacy doesn’t have many extra features, but it does take care of your IP address, preventing it from leaking. It also offers a kill switch that works as an insurance policy in case your VPN connection drops.
The provider follows a zero-logging policy and keeps no sensitive information that could be used to identify your activities online.
Users who download torrents regularly can use Ivacy’s p2p-optimized servers for this purpose as these are fast and offer strong security from IP leaks and other vulnerabilities.
Ivacy is compatible with Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. It also offers browser add-ons for Chrome and Firefox.
You can acquire Ivacy for $1/mo. With every subscription plan, you get 5 simultaneous connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
How does a Windows 10 VPN Work?
A good VPN for Windows 10 encrypts your online traffic and reroutes it away from your Internet Service Provider (ISP). This encrypted traffic passes through one of the servers of the VPN. These VPN servers are impenetrable, meaning your online activity is totally private and untraceable even for your ISP.
Therefore, if you want to enjoy total online privacy and data security, then a VPN for Windows 10 is essential. That’s not all VPNs for Windows 10 can do. VPNs are great for streaming and torrenting.
Best VPNs for Windows 10, as mentioned above, have multiple servers all around the world. It allows its users to virtually connect to a server in any country and access regional streaming platforms geo-restricted. For example, with a VPN for Windows 10, you can access US Netflix outside USA or even watch BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world, outside the UK.
Which is the fastest VPN for Windows?
With a fast VPN for Windows, you can enjoy great internet speed and better performance. VPNs with fast-speed servers are also amazing for streaming as you don’t have to experience buffering or lags. Therefore, when choosing a VPN for Windows, make sure to pick a VPN that offers high connection speed.
Here is a list of VPN speeds measured for different providers:
Note: All VPN testing was performed on a base Internet speed of 30 Mbps.
| Provider | VPN Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Surfshark | 27.91 Mbps | $2.49/mo |
| ExpressVPN | 27.17 Mbps | $6.67/mo |
| PureVPN | 26.01 Mbps | $3.33/mo |
| NordVPN | 24.91 Mbps | $3.71/mo |
| VyprVPN | 23.40 Mbps | $2.50/mo |
| PIA VPN | 21.39 Mbps | $2.69/mo |
| Ivacy VPN | 18.71 Mbps | $1/mo |
| CyberGhost VPN | 17.10 Mbps | $2.25/mo |
| IPVanish | 16.39 Mbps | $9.99/ mo |
| PrivateVPN | 15.09 Mbps | $1.98/mo |
How to Install and Set Up a VPN for Windows?
Follow the steps below to install and set up a VPN on your Windows PC:
Step 1: Choose the best Windows VPN (I recommend PureVPN) and subscribe.
Step2: Download and install the VPN from its official site.
Step 3: Open the VPN app, and Log in using your credentials.
Step4: Choose a server location of your choice and connect to it.
That’s it! You have successfully set up a VPN for your Windows PC.
Why do you need a VPN for Windows?
When Windows 10 was launched, some privacy policy statements caused quite a stir because they openly stated Microsoft’s intention to store the personal information of users. Some privacy tweaks in Windows itself and the use of a VPN can cloak your online activities to a greater extent than the default configuration allows in Windows.
Unlocking channels/sites: Many streaming channels are available in certain regions only despite having fans worldwide. Netflix content, for instance, varies from country to country. To access the geo-restricted content of Netflix, you will need a capable VPN for Windows to bypass these limitations and changes your virtual location on Windows.
Anonymity: Many popular torrent websites are now blocked in quite a lot of regions in the world. Even if you know how to access a torrent website, you still need to be very careful and perform downloads anonymously. In this case, VPNs enhance your anonymity so you can download files safely.
Factors that you should look in a best Windows VPN
We took into the following indicators to determine the best VPN service. Since there are a lot of providers out there, it is essential to be rigorous in our criteria testing before we can label any VPN as the right choice for Windows OS:
- Servers – The number of VPN servers present in a VPN provider’s network to deliver fast speed.
- Unblocking strength – The ability of a VPN to stream channels like Netflix efficiently on Windows.
- Torrenting – Availability of P2P-optimized servers that supports torrenting with IP leak protection.
- Speed – The speed of the VPN as measured on speedtest.net while streaming and Torrenting.
- Logging policy – The data about the user that is being logged by the VPN service.
- Security – The encryption standards and VPN protocols to keep your data secure.
- Value for money – The pricing, length of the money-back guarantee, and overall features of VPN.
A Video Explanation of the Best VPN for Windows
Reddit Opinion about the Best Windows VPN
Reddit threads often discuss VPN services for different operating systems. Concerning Windows, you will find several archived threads discussing free VPN providers for Windows and if they are any good.
I am happy to see that most users discourage using free VPNs because many of these free providers have been involved in logging scandals, violating user privacy when they have sworn to protect it.
Thus, the verdict of Reddit is heavily inclined against free VPN services. Moreover, as a reviewer, I would not suggest free Windows VPNs except for a few legitimate ones.
To read more reddit reviews, check out our best reddit VPN guide.
FAQs
Is Windows 10 VPN any good?
Yes, it is if you use it with a third party VPN provider. For those who haven’t used Windows 10 built-in VPN, you need to know that Windows 10 VPN isn’t really a VPN service like other premium Windows VPNs like PureVPN. To use Windows 10 VPN, you still need to subscribe to a third-party VPN service. After subscribing to a VPN, you need to set up a VPN profile to use it.
This whole task of setting up the VPN is tough for a normal user and is no user-friendly at all. Therefore, I recommend using one of the VPNs listed above for your Windows 10 and saving yourself the trouble.
Does Windows 10 have a built-in VPN?
Which VPN is good for PC?
All VPNs listed above work perfectly with Windows PC. Some of our top choices are PureVPN, Surfshark, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and VyprVPN.
How do I use Microsoft VPN on Windows 10?
To use Microsoft VPN on Windows 10, follow these steps below:
- Select Start (add windows icon), Go to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN > Add a VPN connection.
- In Add a VPN connection > In VPN provider section, choose Windows (built-in) > In the Connection name section, enter your VPN name > In Server name section, enter the VPN server address > In VPN type, choose the type of VPN connection you want to set up > In Type of sign-in info, choose the type of credentials you want to use (e.g., one-time password, username, and password, smart card, etc.)
- Select Save
When you have successfully set up a VPN profile, follow these steps to connect to the VPN:
- In the taskbar, select Network
- Select the VPN you want to connect to> select Connect > to enter username and password.
How do I set up a VPN on my Windows PC?
Setting up a VPN on Windows PC is very easy. All you have to do is subscribe to a VPN of your choice (I recommend PureVPN), download and install its Windows app, Log in using your credentials. And, that’s it! Now, you can connect to a server of your choice and click Connect button to secure your online privacy.
Is Windows 10 safe in 2021?
Windows 10 is definitely safer as compared to its previous versions. It does come with basic anti-malware and security features, but those are not enough to keep your data safe, especially with the rise in cybercrime.
The best way to stay safe when using Windows 10 is to use the best VPN for Windows 10 (my number 1 choice is PureVPN) to encrypt your online traffic and prevent hackers, government agencies, and your ISP from keeping a watch on your online activity.
Conclusion
Despite the resounding success of Windows 10, 8, and 7, these operating systems leave much to be desired when it comes to how user privacy is treated.
What’s more, the problem of censorship and geo-restricted affects all internet users alike, no matter which version of Windows you are using.
The most effective method to deal with these issues is to use the best VPN for Windows, such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark, which covers all the bases to enable online freedom and superior digital privacy an age where staying safe online is becoming increasingly difficult.
