Tech

5 Best VPNs for Windows PCs, Laptops & Desktops in 2024

By Novak Bozovic / March 24, 2023

When it comes to VPN services, Windows users are in the best possible position. Pretty much any VPN out there offers a native Windows app, which means that there are plenty of options in front of you. Almost every VPN is compatible with all Windows versions in active use, including both Windows 10 and Windows 11. Furthermore, most Windows VPNs are compatible with many different types of devices, including PCs, laptops, desktops, computers, phones, tablets, and more. 

So, which VPN service should you pick based on your needs and priorities? How can you choose from hundreds of different options? Well, we're here to answer those questions and help you find the best VPN for Windows.

There are indeed plenty of Windows VPN services, many of which are not shy to brag about their features. The best VPN services include features like wide server networks, no-logs policies, military-grade encryption, and more. Still, keep in mind that your chosen VPN should offer native Windows software - as this is the best way to take advantage of multiple VPN protocols. If you already have some experience using VPNs, you can try to take a more advanced route by configuring your VPN on Windows manually.

In this article, you'll find options suitable for both complete beginners and highly advanced users. Also, our guide to the best Windows VPNs contains options ideal for different needs, priorities, and budgets. And let's not forget our readers who love to stream online media or download P2P files - we've made sure to provide some specialized options as well.

So, without further ado, let’s jump in!

How to Get a Windows VPN

To get a Windows VPN, you must subscribe to a suitable VPN that is compatible with Windows PCs, laptops, and desktops. Next, set up the VPN on your Windows computer. Here’s everything you’ll need to do:

  1. Subscribe to a suitable Windows VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN).
  2. Download and install the VPN app on your Windows PC, laptop, or desktop.
  3. Open the VPN and sign in to your VPN account.
  4. Connect to a VPN server that suits your needs best.
  5. Now, enjoy the Internet completely protected by your Windows VPN.

Getting a VPN on your Windows device is simple, but if you want more detailed instructions, you can read our guide on how to set up a VPN on Windows.

Best VPN for Windows

The best VPN for Windows must be compatible with as many Windows OS versions as possible so that most users can download and install the VPN on their different devices. Your Windows VPN should boast a wide network of servers, so you can switch whenever your server becomes overcrowded and slow. It must also offer strong security and privacy features like a kill switch, split tunneling, military-grade encryption, and a strict no-logs policy. Lastly, the best VPN for Windows should provide 24/7 customer support so you can contact them whenever you have an issue or a question. 

Based on the criteria mentioned above, the 5 best VPNs for Windows are:

  1. ExpressVPN – Our #1-Rated Windows VPN
  2. NordVPN – Best VPN for Windows with High-End Privacy Features
  3. CyberGhost VPN – Best VPN for PC Users Who Torrent
  4. Surfshark – Best Windows PC VPN with Unlimited Connections
  5. Private Internet Access – Desktop VPN with the Largest Server Network

1. ExpressVPN – Our #1-Rated Windows VPN

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Kindle
Nook
Chrome
Firefox
PlayStation
Apple TV
Xbox
Amazon Fire TV
Nintendo Switch
All game consoles
All smart TVs
Chromecast
Roku
Parallel Connections
Live Chat

ExpressVPN is the best Windows VPN on the market thanks to the wide array of features it offers and how well its app works with the Windows OS. It is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11, making it suitable for many different Windows computers.

With a server network covering 94 countries and containing more than 3,000 servers all around the world, ExpressVPN allows you to unblock geo-restricted content in many different countries. 

This premium VPN also offers excellent security and privacy features. Most importantly, ExpressVPN has a strict no-logs policy, which ensures that none of your data is tracked or stored. It also offers military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, RAM-only servers, split tunneling, leak protection, and a kill switch.

ExpressVPN is compatible with a wide range of VPN protocols and devices. The provider allows its users to connect up to 5 devices simultaneously, including PCs, laptops, desktops, mobile phones, tablets, routers, and more. Lastly, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can request a refund from ExpressVPN’s 24/7 live chat if you don’t like their services.

PROS

  • Lightning-fast Internet connection speeds
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Covers 94 countries
  • Offers a native Windows app
  • Excellent security and privacy

CONS

  • Only 5 simultaneous connections

2. NordVPN – Best VPN for Windows with High-End Privacy Features

Editor's Pick
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Windows
Android
Mac
iOS
Linux
Router
Chromebook
Kindle
Chrome
Firefox
PlayStation
Apple TV
Xbox
Amazon Fire TV
Nintendo Switch
All game consoles
Chromecast
Parallel Connections
Live Chat

NordVPN is among the best Windows VPN providers on the market. It is compatible with multiple Windows OS versions, including Windows 7 Service Pack 1, 8.1, 10 (version 1607 or later), and 11. NordVPN has 5,400+ servers in 60 countries, which is a wider server network than ExpressVPN but covers fewer countries.

This provider is especially great for those looking for high-end privacy for their data. Sure, they’ve had issues with data leaks in the past, but they have since improved their service drastically. Their no-logs policy has been audited, so you can be sure your data is safe.

NordVPN has a unique feature called Double VPN, which increases your level of encryption by routing your Internet traffic through two VPN servers instead of one. The provider offers other excellent security features, including military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, leak protection, split tunneling (on Windows and Android), a tracker- and ad-blocker, dedicated IPs, a kill switch, (available for an additional cost), and more. 

With NordVPN, you can connect up to 6 devices simultaneously, and they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee that you can use to test out the provider. Finally, NordVPN has 24/7 customer support, which you can contact via the live chat feature on their website. 

PROS

  • 24/7 customer support
  • High-end privacy
  • Wide server network
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

CONS

  • Slower than other VPNs

3. CyberGhost – Best VPN for PC Users Who Torrent

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Windows
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Chrome
Firefox
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Xbox
Amazon Fire TV
Nintendo Switch
Samsung Smart TV
All game consoles
All smart TVs
Roku
Parallel Connections
Live Chat

CyberGhost is another excellent Windows VPN you can use. It’s compatible with Windows 7 (Service Pack 2) and all the other later versions. It has a Windows app that is easy to install and use.

This provider has one of the largest server networks on the market, offering 9,400+ servers in 91 different countries. Almost all of its servers are suitable for P2P sharing, which is why CyberGhost is an excellent choice for Windows users who like to torrent. It also offers optimized servers for streaming and gaming.

CyberGhost also offers great security and privacy features. Namely, it has a no-logs policy which ensures that none of your data is logged or stored, including your real IP address, Internet history, bandwidth usage, and VPN server connections. The provider also offers military-grade encryption, multiple tunneling protocols, and a kill switch, which will keep you safe online.

With CyberGhost, you can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously, including your Windows PC, laptop, tablet, phone, router, gaming console, and more. If you don’t like its services, you can request a refund via its 24/7 live chat feature. You can get a full refund within 45 days of your subscription if you get one of CyberGhost’s longer-term plans and within 14 days if you’re on the monthly plan.

PROS

  • Massive server network
  • Covers 91 countries
  • Compatible with multiple Windows versions
  • 45-day money-back guarantee

CONS

  • Higher-end features cost extra

4. Surfshark – Best Windows PC VPN with Unlimited Connections

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Countries
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Windows
Android
Mac
iOS
Linux
Router
Chrome
Firefox
Amazon Fire TV
All game consoles
All smart TVs
Parallel Connections
Live Chat

Surfshark is an excellent Windows VPN option for those who have multiple devices and want to use a VPN on all of them at the same time. That’s because the provider allows its users to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. You can use Surfshark on multiple Windows OS versions, including Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11.

This provider is an excellent choice for first-time Windows VPN users, as it has a native Windows app with a straightforward interface that is very beginner-friendly. Surfshark is also compatible with a wide range of other platforms and devices, including phones, tablets, laptops, PCs, routers, gaming consoles, and more. 

Surfshark is among the fastest VPNs on the market. It’s not as fast as ExpressVPN, but it’s faster than most other providers available today. The provider’s server network covers a whopping 100+ countries, and you can choose from 3,200+ servers to protect your devices. 

Speaking of protection, Surfshark excels in that area as well. It offers a no-logs policy, military-grade encryption, leak protection, two-factor authentication, and more. One unique security feature they offer is their proprietary Nexus Technology, which periodically rotates your IP address.

Surfshark has a 30-day money-back guarantee, which ensures that you get a full refund within 30 days of your subscription if you don’t like their services. Lastly, they also offer reliable 24/7 customer support.

PROS

  • Unlimited connections
  • Fast Internet connection speeds
  • Covers 100+ countries
  • Compatible with multiple Windows versions

CONS

  • Doesn’t offer truly dedicated IPs

5. PIA – Desktop VPN with the Largest Server Network

Servers
Countries
Apps
Windows
Android
Mac
iOS
Linux
Router
Chrome
Firefox
PlayStation
Xbox
Amazon Fire TV
Nintendo Switch
Parallel Connections
Live Chat

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a Windows VPN that has the largest server network on the market with more than 35,000 servers spread across 83 countries worldwide. The provider also has servers in all 50 US states, so if you want to unblock US-based content with your Windows VPN, PIA is an excellent option. 

PIA is compatible with multiple Windows versions, including Windows 8.1, 10, and 11. You can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously with this provider, including your phone, computer, tablet, and other devices. 

All the devices you connect to PIA will be protected by its robust security and privacy features, which include leak protection, a no-logs policy, AES 256-bit encryption, a built-in malware and ad blocker, and a kill switch.  

This provider is more suitable for experienced VPN users who know their way around VPN settings and protocols. It allows them to tweak their settings to adjust their level of encryption, fine-tune protocols, and more. However, keep in mind that the more you increase your level of encryption and security settings, the more your VPN will slow your connection down.

If you find that PIA is too complicated to use, you can request a refund within 30 days of your subscription via its 24/7 live chat feature. 

PROS

  • 35,000+ servers
  • Multiple customization options
  • 24/7 customer support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

CONS

  • Slower compared to other VPNs
  • Not suitable for beginners

Why Do You Need a VPN for My Windows PC?

You need a VPN for your Windows PC to improve your online privacy and protect your personal information and devices. A VPN will encrypt your Internet connection, ensuring that no one can see what you’re doing online. Other reasons why you need a Windows VPN include the following:

How to Choose the Best VPN for Windows?

The big question is - what makes a good VPN for Windows? VPNs indeed come with sizeable lists of features, so let's focus on what truly matters here. Here's what to look for in a VPN specifically made for Windows.

Can I Use a Free VPN for Windows?

Yes, you can use a free VPN for Windows, but we don’t recommend you do so. Free VPNs aren’t very safe—some even collect and sell their users’ data to compensate for the services they offer for free. 

Free VPNs come with limited features and slow down your Internet significantly. In addition, most free VPNs offer very limited server networks, resulting in overcrowded servers with no alternative options to switch to. Worse yet, most free VPNs also come with super tight data caps that only allow you to visit a few websites before you hit your limit.

Of course, if you really want to, you can use a free VPN for Windows. However, it would be best if you avoid free VPN providers entirely.

Final Thoughts

Using a VPN to protect your Windows PC, laptop, or desktop and hide your identity online will also allow you to access geo-restricted content from around the world. The ideal Windows VPN will be compatible with many versions of the Windows OS to shield your sensitive information on all your devices.

We recommend ExpressVPN as the best VPN for Windows because it provides lightning-fast speeds, a plethora of useful features, and excellent security and privacy that will keep you completely safe online. Best of all, you can try it risk-free for a month thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. If it doesn’t work out, just ask for a refund!

FAQ

Is It Good to Have a VPN on Your PC?

Yes, it’s good to have a VPN on your PC. Actually, having a VPN on all your devices is highly recommended because it will protect any information you have stored on them. It will also allow you to safely access the Internet from them.

Does Windows 10 Have a Built-In VPN?

Yes, Windows 10 has a built-in VPN. It’s free to use but difficult to set up if you’re not already skilled in that area.

Does Windows 11 Come with a VPN?

Yes, Windows 11 comes with a VPN. To set it up, you’ll need to configure it manually in your device’s settings, which can be fairly tricky. 

Does a Windows VPN Slow Down Your Internet?

Yes, a Windows VPN will slow down your Internet. However, if you use the best VPN for Windows, the reduction in speed will be unnoticeable, so make sure to pick your VPN provider wisely. 

Can I Create My Own VPN Server on Windows?

Windows allows you to create your own VPN server. However, we recommend going through this procedure only if you're experienced in handling VPNs. Also, keep in mind that you need a powerful router for this procedure, which is explained in our guide to setting up a VPN server at home.

How to Set up a VPN on Windows 10?

You have several options for installing a VPN on Windows 10. You can install a native app (recommended), use a third-party application such as OpenVPN Connect, or you can configure a VPN manually using Windows' Settings app. For more information, here’s how to set up a VPN on Windows.

What’s the Best VPN for Windows?

The best VPN for Windows is ExpressVPN because it is compatible with multiple Windows OS versions, including Windows 10, Windows 11, and older. It also offers military-grade encryption, a no-logs policy, and lightning-fast Internet connection speeds.

What's the Best VPN Protocol to Use on Windows?

As you know, Windows is one of the most flexible platforms out there. Therefore, it's not surprising to know that every capable VPN brings a selection of VPN protocols to choose from. We're talking about protocols such as PPTP, L2TP, IPSec, IKEv2, and OpenVPN.

To keep things as simple as possible, we'll say that OpenVPN is by far the best option out there. It brings strong security, in addition to fast speeds with minimal throttling. However, plenty more could be said on this topic - so here's our article about VPN protocols.

What's the Best Windows VPN for Torrenting?

ExpressVPN is at the top of the list when you check the best VPNs for torrenting that come with optimized P2P servers.

When torrenting, your true IP address becomes exposed to a large group of P2P users. This way, someone can easily track what you do online, and they can even trace your IP to find your exact locations. This is precisely why you need a VPN made for torrenting.

What's the Best Windows VPN for Gaming?

Online gaming requires you to use a VPN that brings fast performance in addition to offering plenty of servers. Therefore, our strong recommendation would be ExpressVPN, as this is perhaps the only VPN that checks all the right boxes.

In this guide, we have explained to you the most important facets of getting a VPN for Windows. We hope this will give you a clear understanding of choosing a VPN aligned with all your needs. If you have any additional questions for our editorial team, don't hesitate to post a comment below, and we'll respond as soon as possible.



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