With over 1.5 billion users, Windows is the most widely used operating system in the world. Of course, the fact that 20% of the planet uses this OS does not keep it safe from cybercriminals.
And It gets worse.
Comprising user data on Windows is as easy as it gets. All you need is a Laptop and a decent Wi-Fi connection. This is true for all version for the OS, which makes having the best Windows 10 VPN that much more crucial.
A VPN encrypts your web traffic and makes you anonymous, not allowing cyber-goons to tamper your privacy. In this article, I have highlighted the most suitable VPN services.
Let’s dig in!
This exclusive post allows you to secure your Windows 10 operating systems from cybercriminals to another level. To know about protecting your other operating systems and devices, read our detailed best VPNs guide.
Contents
7 Best VPNs for PC or Windows 10
1- PureVPN
2- NordVPN
3- SurfShark
4- CyberGhost
5- ExpressVPN
6- Ivacy VPN
– What Makes a VPN Good for Windows?
7 Best VPNs for Window 10
After testing out more than 50 providers, I was able to shortlist these 7 VPNs that are the most efficient on Windows.
| VPN Providers | Price ($) | Special Deals | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Affordable VPN  | $10.95 $2.95 Per Month | 73% Off Exclusive Discount 1 year Plan | |
Best Budget Service  | $11.95 $1.99 Per Month | 83% Off 2 Years Deal | |
Best for Geo-Unblocking  | $11.95 $2.99 Per Month | 75% Off 3 Years Plan | |
Best for Streaming  | $12.95 $8.32 Per Month | 49% OFF No Exclusive Offer | |
Best for Private Browsing  | $12.99 $2.75 Per Month | 79% Off 3 Years Deal |
1. PureVPN
Based in Hong Kong, PureVPN is far away from the clutches of vigilant agencies looking to steal your data. It packs more than 2000+ servers, providing you with ample choices to mask your IP.
The provider has a dedicated client for Windows 10, which is both user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing. With that, features such as split-tunneling and multihop make PureVPN a perfect VPN for Windows 10.
- 2000+ servers
- Split-tunneling
- Fast servers
- No free trial
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is a Panama-based VPN that entices netizens with 5000+ servers and military-grade encryption. It boasts top-notch features such as Cybersec that protects you from phishing, malware, and multitudes of other cyber threats.
For Windows, NordVPN has designed a sophisticated client that empowers users to employ Obfsproxy and Custom DNS. For all this, the VPN offers reasonable pricing.
- 5000+ servers
- Obfsproxy
- Cybersec
- Refund process takes long
3. SurfShark
SurfShark is to VPN industry what Kylian Mbappe is to Football. It is young, fast and has everyone talking.
With 500+ servers in around 50 countries, SurfShark presents plenty of IP masking options. It also works with Netflix and lets you connect simultaneously with unlimited devices. The Windows 10 client of this VPN is currently categorized as a beta version but it still works seamlessly.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Fast servers
- Military-Grade encryption
- Relatively expensive
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a Romanian VPN service that offers sophisticated security features for budget-friendly prices. A feature-rich VPN allows users to pick different combinations of protocols and encryption.
The Windows software of CyberGhost can be customized according to user preferences. However, the VPN’s speed remains a troubling issue.
- 45 days money back guarantee
- 7 simultaneous connections
- Based in Romania
- Average speed
5. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, which keeps it far away from global cyber surveillance agencies. It comes with blazing fast servers and service-wide encryption. It further boasts an automatic kill switch with a zero-knowledge DNS.
The Windows VPN client of Express connects with a single click. It lets you pick out your favorite server and browse with your IP masked and information encrypted.
- Fast servers
- Kill switch
- Works with Netflix
- Expensive
6. Ivacy
Ivacy is an impressive VPN service on several counts. It unblocks Netflix with little effort, has split tunneling feature and torrent-friendly servers.
It gets better.
You can get this VPN for $2.25 a month by signing up for the 2-year package. This makes it one of the cheapest VPN services available. Lastly, its Windows VPN client is laced with nifty features, all of whom can be toggled from the side bar menu.
- Unblocks Netflix, Kodi, and Hulu
- Cheap price
- 450+ servers in 100+ locations
- 7 GB limit on refund
7. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access was a VPN before many were familiar with the concept itself. However, this OG VPN has evolved a great deal since it was first launched in 2011.
It currently sports more than 3000 sever from 33 countries, covering countries like the US, UK, and Canada. PIA is a log-free VPN with budget-friendly pricing plans. And most importantly, it is compatible with all popular platforms including Windows 10.
- Zero logs VPN
- Bitcoin payment option
- Cross-platform compatibility
- No free trial
- Located in the USA
What Makes a VPN Good for Windows?
The Internet is flooded with hundreds of VPN providers right now. Separating the good ones from the rests is a tough ask.
No one has the time or the resources to evaluate hundreds of VPNs one after another.
But to determine an appropriate VPN for a Windows-based device, there are a few things you can look out for:
Logging Policy
VPN providers have different practices regarding customer data. Some VPNs store customer information to monitor potential criminal activities. Others simply keep connection logs to improve their service.
In any case, a VPN’s logging policy lets you know how they will handle your data. Look for VPNs that keep zero activity logs to stay on the safe side.
Provider’s Jurisdiction
The cyber laws of the provider’s country are crucial for your online privacy. In many countries, VPNs are mandated to give away customer information.
China and Russia, for instance, heavily regulate VPNs while five eye countries also keep a close eye on VPNs within their grasp. Hence, you will be better off avoiding VPNs in these troubled regions.
Pricing Plans
Nobody likes being scammed. Especially in the current economic climate where money is hard to come by. This is why you should take a serious look at the pricing policy of a VPN. Is it worth your money? Are there any better options available?
Keep all this into consideration including the refund policy of the provider. The industry standard for a money-back guarantee is 30 days. Do not settle for anything less.
Protocol and Encryption
Tunneling protocols provide a safe route to your data traffic. Encryption keeps your information locked away from cyber snooper.
Currently, the OpenVPN protocol with 256-bit encryption is the most widely used combination for data security. It is popular among individual privacy seekers as well as a massive corporation. Any Windows 10 VPN worth its salt comes with this combination.
P2P and Streaming Support
Due to copyright issues, VPNs take different approaches to P2P. Some outright ban this practice while others have dedicated servers for torrents.
Many VPNs also come with dedicated servers for streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu.
Server Lists
If you need a VPN for geo-dodging, choose one with a wide range of servers. Also, the diversity of these servers comes into play when you want to unblock the specific website. For instance, you need a UK server to unblock BBC iPlayer.
VPNs that have these basics covered are best suited for Windows users.
Free VPNs: Are they Viable?
Some free VPNs are trustworthy and reliable for lightweight geo-dodging.
- TunnelBear: 500MB a month
- Windscribe VPN: 10GB a month
- ProtonVPN: No bandwidth limit
You may also like: Best Overall Free VPNs | Windows Phone VPN Apps
Setting up a VPN Manually on Windows 10 PC/Laptop
All the providers that I have mentioned have a dedicated VPN client. Downloading their apps and installing them on your device is child’s play.
But if you come across a service with no application for Windows, you can still use it. Windows 10 allows users to manually configure VPNs through L2TP/IPSec, IKEv2, SSTP and PPTP (which is obsolete and is not recommended even by its creators).
Before you start the process, you will need the following information from the VPN provider:
- Username
- Password
- Certificate or Pre-shared secret
- VPN server address
Anyways, let’s begin.
- Head to the search bar on your toolbar and look up “VPN”. The option will show up beneath the setting sections.
- Click the “Add a VPN connection” option on menu.
- Choose the Windows option in the VPN provider and then fill in the relevant information.
- Click on the Save button and your VPN connection is now established.
- It will take seconds for your VPN to become full-fledge operational. After that, you can access this connection anytime by clicking on your Wi-Fi option.
- There you have it. With the Windows 10 VPN connection established, you are safe from malicious entities. But why should you go through all this hassle or even use VPN in the first place?
I answer this below.
Why Do You Need a VPN on Windows?
When Microsoft released Windows 10 back in 2015, it garnered immediate praise due to its user-centric approach. The OS did a lot to improve user experience but failed to address one key issue: Privacy.
Yes. The Windows 10 assigned advertisement IDs to users based on their respective emails. Microsoft then used these IDs to customize ads on web-browsers and some other information.
Seriously, it got to the point where France officially asked Microsoft to stop infringing on user privacy.
Another concern was related to Cortana, Microsoft’s personal assistant that collects data to optimize the OS for users.
And if all of this wasn’t enough. Microsoft made matter worse through its problematic privacy policy.
Though Microsoft has brought several reforms to address these concerns, Windows 10 remains exposed to a barrage of threats. Windows 10 users are exposed to malware, adware, and trackers.
This is why you need a VPN in your Windows device. It masks your IP, encrypts your data to protect you from all the inherent threats in Windows 10.
Think of VPNs as the safety locks on your back and front door. You need them to stop thugs from breaking in and stealing your valuables.
Final Words
Windows 10 is an improvement over its previous versions. Still, it is exposed to cyber thieves trying to get to your information and using it for vile purposes.
For this reason, you need to pick the best Windows 10 VPN and so obtain maximum security. Any of the VPNs in the above list will do the job.
Just make sure to check the pricing to see if it fits your budget. And don’t ignore other factors like P2P support and Netflix compatibility.
No matter which VPN you pick, your privacy is guaranteed with these seven VPNs.
