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.
| Best VPN for Windows | Windows OS compatibility |
|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | 7 and above |
| Surfshark | 7 and above |
| NordVPN | 7 and above |
| CyberGhost | 7 and above |
| VyprVPN | 7 and above |
| PIA | 8.1 and 10 |
| IPVanish | 8.1 and 10 |
| PrivateVPN | 7 and above |
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. Among the VPNs mentioned above, ExpressVPN is our top recommendation because of its compatibility and fast servers.
- 3,000+ Servers in 94 Countries
- Hard disk free infrastructure (RAM only)
- 256-bit Military-Grade Encryption
- Excellent unblocking capability for Netflix, Hulu & more
- 5 Multi Logins
- Zero-knowledge DNS
8 Best VPNs for Windows in 2021
Wondering what is the best VPN software for Windows, check out our recommended VPNs. If you don’t wish to read the detailed provider descriptions, you can simply jump to our overview of the best VPNs for Windows.
1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for Windows
2. Surfshark – Best budget VPN for Windows
3. NordVPN – Fastest VPN for Windows
4. CyberGhost – User-friendly VPN for Windows
5. VyprVPN – All-rounder Windows VPN
6. PIA – Large server network for Windows
7. IPVanish – Excellent features for Windows
8. PrivateVPN – Reliable VPN for Windows
Online privacy is a significant concern for us. Therefore, we tend to take it very seriously. While you’re never completely secure even with a VPN, it still works wonders and goes all the way to secure you on your Windows. However, speed is also an issue. If a VPN isn’t fast, then why even use it on your device?
A VPN is not the only thing you need to take into account while getting one. It’s also which company provides this VPN and is it from a country that is actually concerned about your online privacy or not. With all this information into account, it’s safe to say that ExpressVPN is the best VPN for all Windows users out there.
The best VPNs for Windows – Detailed Guide
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
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.
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 and offers fast speeds on its servers. Let’s check out its speed tests on some servers:
| Servers | Speed Results on Windows |
|---|---|
| United States – Chicago | 82.2 Mbps |
| Canada – Toronto | 84.3 Mbps |
| Italy – Milan | 81.8 Mbps |
| Peru | 79.6 Mbps |
| Spain – Barcelona | 80.9 Mbps |
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. You can also use ExpressVPN on Linux systems.
The provider is slightly more expensive than its counterparts, priced at $6.67/mo. It allows 5 simultaneous devices and a 30-day free trial with ExpressVPN. It supports multiple payment methods including bitcoin.
Check out this detailed guide on ExpressVPN to know more.
- 3000+ servers
- Fast speeds
- Unblocks geo-restricted content
- Uses OpenVPN protocols
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- A little expensive
- 5 simultaneous connections only
2. Surfshark – Unlimited Device Connections
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.
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.
| Servers | Speed Results on Windows |
|---|---|
| United States – Atlanta | 77.6 Mbps |
| Canada – Toronto | 80.9 Mbps |
| The UK – London | 83.7 Mbps |
| Germany – Munich | 77.4 Mbps |
| France – Paris | 82.1 Mbps |
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. It is a great budget VPN for Linux.
At the price of $2.49/mo, you’ll get unlimited simultaneous connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- 3200+ servers in 65+ countries
- User-friendly app
- Unlimited connections
- 7-day free trial
- Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, and more.
- Speeds might differ from server to server
Surfshark – Windows setup guide
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.
Here are some speed test results of NordVPN’s servers:
| Servers | Speed Results on Windows |
|---|---|
| The UK – London | 79.6 Mbps |
| Canada – Toronto | 81.2 Mbps |
| UAE – Dubai | 79.8 Mbps |
| Japan – Tokyo | 80.6 Mbps |
| The US – Chicago | 81.9 Mbps |
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 $3.30/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.
- Super-fast speeds
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- No-logging policy
- AES 256-bit encryption
- Unblocks all geo-restricted services
- Few apps may need updates
NordVPN – Windows setup guide
4. CyberGhost – User-Friendly Windows Client
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.
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. This is why CyberGhost is considered a top-rated VPN for Windows.
Let’s look at some speed results of CyberGhost’s servers on Windows:
| Servers | Speed Results on Windows |
|---|---|
| UK – Manchester | 66.7 Mbps |
| Singapore | 64.3 Mbps |
| Norway – Oslo | 58.2 Mbps |
| USA – New York | 56.3 Mbps |
| Australia – Sydney | 60.2 Mbps |
The VPN has apps for various devices and platforms, including Windows, iOS, Android, and Mac. CyberGhost is also one of the recommended VPNs for Android due to its simple, efficient and easy-to-use design. There are also browser add-ons for Firefox and Chrome.
Above all, CyberGhost is priced at $1.99/mo, which is quite affordable. It offers a 45-day money-back guarantee and 7 simultaneous connections.
- Extensive server network
- Advanced security features
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- 7 multi-logins
- Works well with torrenting
- Speeds may differ on servers
CyberGhost – Windows setup guide
5. 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.
Let’s look at VyprVPN’s speed test results on Windows:
| Servers | Speed Results on Windows |
|---|---|
| United States – Miami | 72.8 Mbps |
| Canada – Toronto | 74.2 Mbps |
| The UK – London | 70.1 Mbps |
| Australia – Perth | 79.3 Mbps |
| Austria – Vienna | 75.7 Mbps |
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 $1.67/mo, which is pretty cheap. Nonetheless, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and supports up to 5 simultaneous connections.
- Reliable to unblock streaming services
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Offers a kill switch and leak protection
- Dedicated app for Windows
- Limited servers than competitors
VyprVPN – Windows setup guide
6. Private Internet Access – Thousands of Servers for Windows
Private Internet Access is a powerful VPN for PC 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 a 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.
| Servers | Speed Results on Windows |
|---|---|
| Japan – Tokyo | 70.8 Mbps |
| United Kingdom- Southampton | 73.2 Mbps |
| United States – Texas | 71.6 Mbps |
| Australia – Perth | 76.1 Mbps |
| Germany – Berlin | 75.3 Mbps |
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 $2.08/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.
- 23000+ servers
- Offers no logs
- Unblocks Netflix of various regions
- Kill switch, OpenVPN protocols available
- Risk-free money-back guarantee
- Part of 5 eyes alliance
PIA – Windows setup guide
7. 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.
Let’s look at IPVanish’s speed test results on Windows:
| Servers | Speed Results on Windows |
|---|---|
| Italy – Milan | 70.6 Mbps |
| The US – Chicago | 76.4 Mbps |
| The UK – London | 69.8 Mbps |
| India – Mumbai | 72.9 Mbps |
| Canada – Toronto | 71.2 Mbps |
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 ExpressVPN.
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 $2.67/mo and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Check out our IPVanish VPN review for more details.
- Dedicated app for Windows
- Offers a no-logging policy
- Great for torrenting
- Good speeds on all servers
- Fewer servers than all other VPNs listed
IPVanish – Windows setup guide
8. PrivateVPN – Budget-Friendly VPN for Windows
PrivateVPN is a great low-cost best VPN for Windows 10. 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 app for PC is a great choice 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).
Let’s look at some speed test results of PrivateVPN on Windows:
| Servers | Speed Results on Windows |
|---|---|
| Australia – Melbourne | 69.8 Mbps |
| Canada – Vancouver | 62.3 Mbps |
| Ireland – Dublin | 56.1 Mbps |
| Germany – Frankfurt | 67.6Mbps |
| The Philippines – Manila | 52.3 Mbps |
This VPN is available at a low cost of $2.55/mo only. PrivateVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so users can try it risk-free. With all these amazing features, PrivateVPN is undoubtedly one of the best VPNs for PC.
- Low-cost option
- Works well with Windows
- Unblocks Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more
- Offers zero-logs
- Speeds may not be too great
PrivateVPN – Windows setup guide
Comparison – Best VPN for Windows
| VPNs |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | The British Virgin Islands | The British Virgin Islands | Panama | Romania | Switzerland | USA | USA | Sweden |
| Security | AES 256 Bit | AES 256 Bit | AES 256 Bit | AES 256-bit | AES 256-bit | AES 256-bit | AES 256-bit | AES 256-bit |
| Leaks | No IP, DNS & WebRTC | No IP, DNS & WebRTC | No IP, DNS & WebRTC | No IP, DNS & WebRTC | No IP, DNS & WebRTC | No IP, DNS & WebRTC | No IP, DNS & WebRTC | No IP, DNS & WebRTC |
| Servers | 3,000+ in 94 Countries | 3,200+ in 63+ Countries | 5,500+ in 59 Countries | 6,600+ in 90 Countries | 700+ in 70+ Locations | 35,000+ in 77+ Locations | 1600+ in 75+ Locations | 150+ in 62+ Locations |
| Speed | 27.17 Mbps average | 27.91 Mbps average | 20.15 Mbps average | 17.10 Mbps average | 17.62 Mbps average | 18.71 Mbps average | 16.93 Mbps average | 25.81 Mbps average |
| Streaming | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and More | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and More | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and More | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and More | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and More | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and More | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and More | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and More |
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, routers | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, routers | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, routers | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, routers | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, routers | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, routers | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, routers | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, routers |
| Pricing | $6.67/month | $2.49/month | $4.13/month | $2.25/month | $1.67/month | $2.69/month | $2.62/month | $2.55/month |
| Trustpilot | 4.8/5 – Reviews 9,986 | 4.3/5 – Reviews 4,712 | 4.4/5 – Reviews 4,029 | 4.8/5 – Reviews 10,134 | 2.3/5 – Reviews 167 | 4.7/5 – Reviews 819 | 4.7/5 – Reviews 7,009 | 4.8/5 – Reviews 813 |
| Best For | Overall Best VPN | Fastest VPN Service | Best for Geo-Unblocking | Best for Private Browsing | Best Encrypted VPN | Best for Torrenting | Best for Kodi | Best for Gaming |
| More Info | ExpressVPN Review | Surfshark Review | NordVPN Review | CyberGhost Review | VyprVPN Review | PIA Review | IPVanish Review | PrivateVPN Review |
| Visit Site | Visit Site | Visit Site | Visit Site | Visit Site | Visit Site | Visit Site | Visit Site |
Factors that you should look in a best Windows VPN
We tested the VPNs according to set criteria. If you’re confused about which VPN you should go for when selecting the best VPN for Windows, then you can consider the following factors while getting it:
1. Security:
The VPN app for the PC you select should have the best security protocols. AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, no-logging policies, OpenVPN protocols are some of the most significant ones out there. Select a VPN that offers all these security features and more, like ExpressVPN.
2. Speeds:
The VPNs should be speedy on Windows instead of actually slowing down your device and the internet connection. We have conducted some speed tests of the most recommended servers of the 5 countries above. Choose a VPN that offers some fantastic server speeds so you can enjoy streaming.
3. Unblocking ability:
Unblocking geo-restricted services is one of the primary reasons to get a VPN for Windows. Therefore, you need a VPN that can easily unblock all streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and more.
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 in Australia or can even watch BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world, outside the UK.
Which is the fastest VPN for Windows?
With the fastest VPN for PC, 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 |
| NordVPN | 24.91 Mbps | $3.30/mo |
| VyprVPN | 23.40 Mbps | $1.67/mo |
| PIA VPN | 21.39 Mbps | $2.08/mo |
| CyberGhost VPN | 17.10 Mbps | $1.99/mo |
| IPVanish | 16.39 Mbps | $2.67/mo |
| PrivateVPN | 15.09 Mbps | $2.55/mo |
How to Install and Set Up a VPN for Windows?
Follow the steps below to download the best VPN for PC:
Step 1: Choose the best Windows VPN (I recommend ExpressVPN) 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 top VPN for Windows 10 and other OS.
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, a top VPN for Windows 10 enhances your anonymity so you can download files safely.
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 ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN is one powerful VPN for PC. 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 great with Windows PC. Some of our top choices are 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.
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 ExpressVPN) to encrypt your online traffic and prevent hackers, government agencies, and your ISP from keeping a watch on your online activity.
Which VPN is the best free VPN for Windows?
Windscribe is the best free VPN for Windows. This VPN offers comparatively better services than all other free VPNs for Windows. It is also one of the few free VPNs that work with Netflix. However, we do not recommend free VPNs for Windows or any other device at all. A paid VPN offers multiple security features along with thousands of servers so users can enjoy its services easily.
Should you consider using a VPN on your Windows PC for torrenting?
Of course! While torrenting activities are legal in most countries, they’re not completely safe. Therefore, a VPN is the only way to keep your torrenting activity encrypted. VPNs also offer P2P optimized servers that make it easier for users to torrent.
Are VPNs Legal?
VPNs are legal in the majority of the countries worldwide. However, some countries like China, Russia, Oman, Turkey, etc. restrict the use of a VPN. It’s actually illegal to use a VPN in these countries as the government is unable to monitor your online activities.
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, which covers all the bases to enable online freedom and superior digital privacy in an age where staying safe online is becoming increasingly difficult. Use our best free VPN for PC guide to get some free VPNs for your computer.
