Best VPN for Windows – May 2022

Windows 10 has been 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.

Therefore, it is essential to use the best VPN for Windows 10 or any OS to better control your internet privacy. A VPN will also enable you to unblock streaming websites like Netflix, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and anonymity while downloading torrents.

VPNs offer several important benefits for Windows users who want to improve their online privacy and attain better online freedom with the ability to bypass geo-restrictions.

Wondering what a reliable VPN software for Windows is? Just check out our recommended VPNs. If you don’t wish to read the detailed provider descriptions, you can simply go through our quick overview.

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 device. 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 consider 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 PC VPN for all Windows users out there.

Best VPN for Windows Compared Side-by-Side

The 10 Best VPNs for Windows – Detailed and Extensive Guide for 2022

Not all VPNs are the same in their relative strengths and weaknesses. So, we decided to create a list of recommended VPNs for Windows and, for that, ran a series of evaluations for all Windows versions, including 10, 8, and 7, to determine which VPN is fit for your privacy and internet accessibility needs:

1. ExpressVPN – Overall Best VPN for Windows

ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs for Windows PC. It is based in the British Virgin Islands and consists 3000+ servers in 94 countries of the world. What’s best is that it also offers unlimited server switches, so you can choose any server you want.

Elite Security Features

In terms of security features, ExpressVPN offers a whole lot of innovative mechanisms. It uses a run-of-the-mill kill switch and IP leak protection, which are super-reliable for Windows. ExpressVPN supports OpenVPN tunneling protocol and offers a proprietary LightWay protocol that offers the best security with no speed throttling.

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. It is also based in the safe jurisdiction of the British Virgin Island – a place with no mandatory data retention laws.

A feature that sets ExpressVPN apart from other VPNs is its TrustedServer Technology. Thanks to this technology, ExpressVPN servers run on RAM mode only, and all data is wiped with every reboot. It means servers cannot store your data.

ExpressVPN Speed Results

The provider consistently delivers fast server speeds with superior unblocking strength. This VPN is easy to use for accessing Netflix content from anywhere in the world and offers fast speeds for streaming in Ultra HD quality.

Let’s check out its speed tests on some servers:

Torrenting with anonymity can also be achieved with ExpressVPN because all its servers allow P2P filesharing and the built-in protections of the VPN to take care of your IP address from leaking. There is a split tunneling feature and port forwarding as well to boost P2P performance.

The VPN offers apps compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems other than Windows, including Mac, Android, iOS, and more. You can also use ExpressVPN on Linux systems. There is unlimited bandwidth, so you don’t have to worry about the data consumed.

ExpressVPN is priced at $6.67/mo (Save 49% and get 3 extra months FREE with 12-month plan). It allows 5 simultaneous device connections and a 30-day free trial. There’s a free download for best VPN for Windows available as well. Moreover, it supports multiple payment methods, including Bitcoin.

Check out this detailed guide on ExpressVPN to know more.

Pros

• Compatible with Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, and more
• 3000+ servers in 94 countries
• Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, etc.
• Offers unlimited data
• Offers 24/7 live chat support

Cons

• Offers only 5 multi-logins

2. Surfshark – Budget-friendly VPN for Windows

Surfsark is quite an affordable VPN service with a great set of privacy-related features. It has 3200+ servers in 65 countries and offers a 7-day free trial making it a top Windows VPN.

Other than Windows, Surfshark offers dedicated apps for Firestick, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and more. You can also get extensions for Firefox and Chrome. Its ability to support complex operating systems makes it a popular VPN for Linux as well.

Unlimited simultaneous connections and fast speed

Surfshark not only offers speed and excellent unblocking ability, but it also supports unlimited simultaneous connections per account. Thus making it a great option for a family or friends.

The performance of Surfshark is highly impressive and streamlined with an appealing Windows app that offers fast server speeds across the network. It works well with various Netflix regions, including the US, CA, and AU.

Surfshark Security

You get a wide range of features, including AES-256 encryption, kill switch, Multi-hop (Double VPN), and WhiteLister (split-tunneling) with Surfshark. This VPN creates a rich environment for maintaining your online privacy. There is a NoBorders feature as well for extra privacy and security.

Surfshark has a clear and unambiguous logging policy that refrains the provider 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.

At the price of $2.49/mo (83% Off on 2 Years + 2 Months Free Plan), you get unlimited simultaneous connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Hotstar, BBC iPlayer, and more
• Compatible with Windows and other popular devices
• 24/7 live chat support
• 3200+ servers in 65 countries

Cons

• No free version

3. NordVPN – Best VPN with Robust Security

NordVPN is hugely popular for its best privacy-focused features. It is a Panama-based VPN that consists of a huge network of 5200+ servers in 60 countries, making it one of the best software for Windows 10 with a great focus on security and data protection.

Unblocks Netflix with fast speed

Its Windows client is compatible with streaming and can unblock geo-restricted channels and websites. For example, you can use NordVPN to unblock Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and others without any hurdles. It works with various Netflix libraries such as the US, Japan, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Users have thousands of servers that they can connect to, meaning you will get fast speeds on all its servers. Here are some speed test results of NordVPN’s servers:

Robust Encryption and Strict Logging Policy

There is a wide range of privacy features under NordVPN’s belt. This VPN connection offers CyberSec, Onion over VPN, Double VPN, and kill switch. These features can boost your online privacy and keep you protected. Its CyberSec feature acts as an ad and malware blocker. We have tested it for browsing, and it blocks banner ads, pop-ups, and side ads on a page, making it one of the best ad-blocker VPNs.

The privacy-focused logging policy is another element in NordVPN’s favor. It keeps no record of your IP address or traffic, making it safe to use for any privacy-seeking users. As for its headquarters, NordVPN is a Panama-based provider which is a secure place with no mandatory data retention laws.

NordVPN is also optimized for torrenting, meaning with its P2P servers, you can conduct secure and anonymous torrenting from anywhere. 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 $3.49/mo (Save 70% on 2 Years Plan + Extra Subscription) and supports 6 simultaneous connections. You also get a 30-day NordVPN money-back guarantee with a NordVPN subscription.

Pros

• Offers top-notch security features, including a kill switch, split tunneling, etc.
• Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu
• Built-in adblocker
• 6 multi-logins
• Independently audited logging policy
• 30-day refund guarantee

Cons

• The Map in its desktop app consumes a lot of screen space

4. IPVanish – Excellent Security and Reliability for Windows

IPVanish is famous for its top-notch security protocols and reliable service. This VPN service provider has around 2000+ servers across 75+ locations and is compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10. It offers fast download speeds for streaming without a problem.

Great for Streaming

IPVanish can unblock popular streaming platforms, including Netflix, HBO Go, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more. It can unblock major Netflix libraries, including the US, Japan, India, and the UK. In terms of speed, IPVanish offers a reliable connection, more than enough for streaming in HD quality without any issues or buffering.

Let’s look at IPVanish’s speed test results on Windows:

Fantastic Security

IPVanish’s Windows app comes packed 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 also offers a Scramble feature for obfuscating traffic and disguising OpenVPN traffic as normal HTTPS traffic. This feature is great for bypassing geo-restrictions and censorship.

This VPN is a USA-based service that is a major part of the 5 Eyes alliance, but it has a strict no-logs policy. Its privacy policy is transparent, and IPVanish has clearly outlined the type of data that is logged.

It is also great for torrenting, as it supports P2P connections with a built-in SOCKS5 for safety. These features are available at a $3.75/mo and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our IPVanish VPN review for more details.

Pros

• Super-fast speeds on all servers
• Unlimited multi-logins
• Compatible with Windows, iOS, Android, Roku, and more
• 24/7 live chat support
• No-logs policy

Cons

• Doesn’t work in China

5. CyberGhost – User-Friendly VPN Client for Windows

CyberGhost offers user-friendly apps for Windows. It is a Romania-based VPN service that boasts a powerful network of 7700+ servers in 90 countries. Offers reliable speeds and unlimited bandwidth with a feature-rich app.

Optimized servers for streaming, gaming, and torrenting

CyberGhost has dedicated servers for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. You can connect to any server you want according to your needs. In the streaming category, you can find servers dedicated to various platforms such as Netflix US, Netflix UK, HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and many more.

Cyberghost also offers NoSpy servers that are located in Romania, away from 5 Eyes. These servers are operated by the CyberGhost team only without any external interference. So, if you want maximum security, you can connect to these servers.

In terms of speed, CyberGhost isn’t super fast but it is still fast enough for streaming, browsing, and more. Its Netflix unblocking strength is reliable, as we were able to access Netflix with CyberGhost. We could also unblock other popular streaming services that are geo-restricted such as Hulu, HBO, YouTube TV, and more.

Let’s look at some speed results of CyberGhost’s servers on Windows:

Excellent security and safe jurisdiction

There aren’t many security features built within this VPN service for Windows PC, though it does offer good basic protection from IP leaks and a kill switch that is always enabled by default. There is a split tunneling feature as well.

The service has a good logging policy in place, reassuring users of keeping their privacy intact on the web. CyberGhost is based in Romania, which is a safe jurisdiction with no data-retention laws.

You can download torrents through CyberGhost’s P2P-optimized servers, and 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. 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 $2.29/mo , which is quite affordable. It offers a 45-day money-back guarantee and 7 simultaneous connections.

Pros

• User-friendly app for Windows
• Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and more
• Robust security features
• Efficient speeds
• 45-day refund policy

Cons

• Some of its servers offer slow speeds

6. VyprVPN – Popular Windows VPN for Streaming

VyprVPN has a great reputation for streaming. It is a Switzerland-based VPN service with 700+ servers located in 70+ countries, a rather modest network of servers. This VPN offers excellent security features with a proprietary Chameleon protocol.

Fast connection speeds

Despite operating a small network of servers, VyprVPN lives up to its name with rapid-fire speeds on its servers. Moreover, it is reliable for Netflix as many users share their positive reviews about the unblocking of streaming channels using this VPN.

It offers fast download speeds on its servers, so you can expect uninterrupted browsing and streaming. Speaking of streaming, you can use VyprVPN to access geo-blocked streaming platforms such as Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more.

Let’s look at VyprVPN’s speed test results on Windows:

Chameleon Technology

This encrypted VPN service for Windows also offers some standard protective tools like a kill switch and IP leak protection in terms of features. Moreover, it has Chameleon technology for obfuscating VPN traffic to bypass censorship effectively. It also supports the WireGuard protocol and offers public Wi-Fi protection.

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 is located in the US, but its parent company Golden Frog is headquartered in Switzerland. VyprVPN does own all of its servers and has its own DNS, without interference from third parties, so it is a trustworthy provider.

VyprVPN has dedicated apps for all popular operating systems, including Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS. It also has a Chrome extension.

You can purchase VyprVPN for $8.33/mo, which is pretty cheap. Nonetheless, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and supports up to 5 simultaneous connections.

Pros

• Offers Chameleon technology
• Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hotstar, and more
• 24/7 live chat support
• 30-day refund guarantee

Cons

• Small server network

7. PIA – Efficient Windows VPN with Massive Server Network

Private Internet Access offers a vast server network and excellent security features. It is a powerful VPN for PC and boasts around 35000+ servers across 80 countries. Although PIA hails from Colorado, US, you can trust PIA with your data as it has a trustworthy logging policy.

Dynamic IP addresses available

What we love about Private Internet Access is its dynamic IP addresses. Every time we connected to PIA, it assigned us a new IP address, which is great because dynamic IP addresses are harder to track as compared to static IP addresses.

Private Internet Access also offers reliable connection speeds on its servers. Also, there are thousands of servers you can try and connect to the one that offers fast download speeds. Here are the speed results of PIA’s best servers.

Port forwarding and SOCKS5 proxy

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.

It also works with Android, macOS, iOS, Linux, and browsers. Some of its advanced features include malware, ad, and tracker blocker (MACE) 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 $2.03/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 to continue.

Pros

• Extensive server network
• Great for torrenting on Windows
• Offers 10 multi-logins
• Unblocks a variety of geo-restricted content

Cons

• Inconsistent live chat support

8. PrivateVPN – Smooth Windows App With Fast Speeds

PrivateVPN offers a combination of fast speeds and an easy-to-use Windows app. It is a great low-cost VPN service for Windows 10. It has a modest server size of around 200+ servers across 60+ countries and is compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Great unblocking ability

PrivateVPN is a great VPN for streaming geo-restricted platforms such as Netflix. You can access multiple Netflix libraries like the US, UK, Japan, and the Netherlands. It also offers good download speeds for streaming.

Fast speed with unlimited bandwidth is a perfect combination for streaming Netflix and other geo-blocked VOD streaming services. Let’s look at some speed test results of PrivateVPN on Windows:

Stealth Mode and zero-logging policy

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 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, 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) undetected.

This VPN is available at a low cost of $2.55/mo only. PrivateVPN also offers a 30-day refund policy, so users can try it risk-free. With all these amazing features, PrivateVPN is undoubtedly one of the best VPNs for Windows.

Pros

• Offers customizable apps
• Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, etc.
• 7-day free trial
• 30-day refund guarantee

Cons

• Small server network

9. Windscribe VPN – Best Free VPN for Windows 10

Windscribe is the best free VPN service for Windows. It offers free servers in the UK, US, Hong Kong, and other countries. It is also one of the few VPNs offering a MultiHop feature for complete encryption.

Free Options

Windscribe offers a fantastic free plan for users that works quite well, even though it comes with less amount of servers. Without paying a single penny, we could connect to all popular countries, including the United States, Romania, France, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and more.

What’s better than getting the best VPN for Windows free?

Double-Hop Encryption

If you’re tight on budget, but want one of the safest options across the globe, then Windscribe is the one. Amongst various security features, it also comes with Double-Hop – a feature that encrypts your actual IP address at least twice to avoid all kinds of cyber breaches.

Let’s keep in mind that paid versions of VPNs always offer better features than free ones. If you want to subscribe to this VPN, then you can do it at a cost of $4.08/mo. You can test the VPN and refund the amount within 3 days if you’re not interested.

Pros

• Offers a free version
• AES 256-bit encryption
• Zero-logging policy
• Double-Hop feature
• Strict no-logs policy

Cons

• Based in Canada
• Poor speeds from time to time

10. Hotspot Shield – Effortless VPN with Speed Servers

Hotspot Shield works effortlessly on Windows and offers speedy servers on the network. Just like Windscribe, this VPN also comes with a free version and offers Catapult Hydra – one of the most prominent protocols that offer impressive speeds on the network.

However, as per our latest testing, the WireGuard protocol really overshadowed Catapult Hydra through its speeds.

Kill Switch

Hotspot Shield comes with a fully-functional kill switch that protects you by preventing your activities from leaking. It does that by disconnecting you from your internet in case there’s a sudden drop in your VPN connection.

Along with that, there are also other bonus features that come with this VPN. The Smart VPN feature allows you to choose the best server according to your location. In addition to that, another feature auto-connects Hotspot Shield as soon as you access any unsafe Wi-Fi network.

Easy to use

Hotspot Shield is a great option for Windows 10 and the previous versions. It’s quite easy to set up on your device and is a great choice for beginner VPN users. Just click on the big On and Off button, and you’ll be connected to your desired server within a few seconds.

As mentioned above, a paid subscription is always better than a free one. This VPN costs only $2.99/mo and offers a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

• Catapult Hydra
• AES 256-bit encryption
• Effective kill switch
• User-friendly Windows app
• Fast speeds

Cons

• 500 Mb/month data limit

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Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for Windows 10

We tested the VPNs according to set criteria. If you’re confused about which virtual private network you should go for when selecting the best Windows VPN, then you can consider the following factors while getting it:

1. Speed:

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 VPNs above. Choose a VPN that offers some fantastic server speeds so you can enjoy streaming.

2. 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, multiple VPN protocols are some of the most significant ones out there. Select a VPN that offers all these security features and more, like ExpressVPN.

3. Torrenting and Netflix:

Unblocking geo-restricted services is one of the primary reasons to get a VPN. Therefore, you need a VPN that can easily unblock all streaming services, including Netflix.

The VPN you select for Windows should also be great in torrenting. A VPN compatible with P2P filesharing would keep you completely anonymous and allow you to download torrents without any monitoring by your internet service provider.

4. Customer support:

All the VPNs we listed offer a 24/7 live chat for customers in case they have any queries. Customers can also email the customer service team and ask anything they want.

5. Dedicated app:

Since we’re focusing on Windows, we ensured that the VPNs we list offer dedicated and efficient applications for Windows 10, 8, 7, and older versions.

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Quick Guide to Set up a VPN in Windows in 3 Easy Steps

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⚠ VPNs to avoid for Windows

While free VPNs are known to offer unreliable VPN services overall, a few VPNs are not safe to use at all. These include the following:

1. HolaVPN:

This Israel VPN lets users connect and use each other’s bandwidth connection as a part of a large P2P network. In other words, Hola is not a complete VPN, instead, it’s just a P2P network. Unfortunately, this enables unethical activities to take place using each other’s bandwidth.

HolaVPN is also known to collect all data and internet traffic and sell it to third parties, which is scary to think about. Hola was also caught selling idle bandwidth of its users to launch DDoS attacks.

2. Betternet:

Yet another VPN known for collecting users’ data, cookies and selling all of it to third parties is Betternet. It also targets you with personalized advertisements after collecting your data while using its VPN service.

3. Hide.me

Hide.me is another provider offering a free version for Windows that you should avoid using. This VPN’s free version offers limited speeds and data of just 2 GB. This is to lure users into subscribing to its premium versions instead. Moreover, Hide.me does not support OpenVPN, which is recommended for security. Free users also get access to 3 server locations only.

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Best VPN for Windows 10 PC – FAQs

Is Windows built-in VPN any good?

Windows offers a completely free built-in capability to work as a VPN server. While it offers this capability by using the PPTP tunneling protocol, it can be quite confusing to set up. This is why it’s recommended to opt for a VPN service offering a dedicated Windows app instead of using the built-in one.

Why do I need a VPN for Windows?

A Virtual Private Network can encrypt your entire network and secure your connection while you try to access the internet for personal or office use. It’s also great for protecting your device when connected to public Wi-Fi at a cafe or mall.

A VPN can unblock streaming services and websites easily on a PC. For example, if you live somewhere outside the US and want to access American Netflix, then you just need to connect to a US server of a VPN and enjoy US Netflix from anywhere in the world.

Similarly, VPNs create an encrypted tunnel between your device and the website you visit, keeping all the activities on your Windows PC completely secure. Since you become completely anonymous on the internet using a VPN, torrenting also becomes quite safe and easy.

Which is the best free VPN for Windows? 

ProtonVPN is the best free VPN for Windows as it’s compatible with Windows, 7 8, and 10 and offers unlimited bandwidth for browsing, streaming, and torrenting. However, it comes with three server locations only. This is why we highly recommend using a premium option like ExpressVPN for Windows.

Does Windows have a free VPN?

Yes, the Windows 10 VPN is absolutely free to use. However, since the built-in provider acts only as a client, you need to get the connections details of a VPN from somewhere else.

How good is Windows 10 VPN?

Overall, ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Windows 10 in the industry. It’s a great option for being anonymous, streaming, delivering fantastic connection speeds, and offering thousands of servers across the globe.

Does Windows 10 need a VPN?

Yes, Windows 10 needs a VPN, like all the previous OS versions, to bypass censorship and keep devices secure from snooping. A VPN would let you avoid privacy glitches in Windows 10 by having an encrypted connection at all times.

What VPN is good for PC?

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for PC, offering robust security and top-notch privacy features to keep users safe on their computers at all times. It also offers commendable unblocking capabilities to access geo-restricted streaming services, like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and more easily.

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.