Best VPN for Windows 10 and Windows 11 for your devices
Windows remains the most preferred operating system for computer users today, but it is also a big target for cybercriminals. Afterall, the more accepted the operating system, the more attention it attracts. This is especially true when these nefarious activities promise high returns.
Thankfully, it’s easy to gain the needed protection – especially when surfing the internet – using a VPN. Just about every VPN service you may imagine has a native Windows app, meaning you’ve got your pick of features and options. But this also means choosing the best VPN for Windows is a daunting task.
This is why we’ve taken the time to put together this list of the best VPNs for Windows. Tested for privacy, security and speed, these VPNs assure your security while surfing the internet, keeping out crafty cybercriminals from your system.
How to Select the Best VPN for Windows
Your PC tends to serve as an all-in-one multi-purpose device. Except you’re okay with getting multiple VPNs to serve multiple roles, you’d be best served by selecting a VPN that gives you a bit of everything. This is what we’ve considered when selecting our best VPNs for Windows PC.
The factors include:
Privacy and Security
A solid encryption, no potential DNS leak points, and a clear – and strictly enforced – no-logs privacy policy are all non-negotiable in any VPN.
Ease of Use
How easy is it to navigate the Windows client of the service? We’ve selected the VPNs with the most-friendly of user interface.
Performance and Speed
Speed is a critical factor for VPN use. You don’t need to trade the peace of mind of a fast connection for improved security. You can have both.
Location of servers
Does the VPN have servers in all of your most preferred locations? This wouldn’t matter if you’re simply protecting your privacy, but it will be a critical factor should you wish to bypass a geo-block using your VPN.
Multi-login Support
The more logins you’re allowed on a single account, the more versatile your select VPN will be.
Best VPN for Windows 10 and Windows 11 for your devices
1. CyberGhost
- Fast average VPN speeds
- Great VPN server network covering 90 countries
- Dedicated servers for torrenting and P2P traffic
- Strict no logging policy
- User-friendly apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV & Firestick, Xbox, PlayStation, and even for routers
- Does not allow torrenting in the US and Australia
- Does not work in countries with high censorship
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Top Speed
54Mbps
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Servers
90 Countries
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Available on
The Bottom Line
CyberGhost has a large global network coverage consisting of over 6500 servers in more than 90 countries. This literally means top VPN speeds for your Windows device, and another big plus is that it allows you to connect up to seven devices simultaneously. The VPN does not store any personally identifying logs, and employs the 256-bit AES military-grade encryption via the OpenVPN protocol to protect your online activity.
CyberGhost also has a decent customer support system, with a live chat support readily available to answer your queries.
2. NordVPN
- Stable and fast VPN speeds
- Allows torrenting on many servers
- Works great with Netflix, BBC iPlayer and other streaming services
- User-friendly apps for IOS, Mac, Android and PC
- Strong logging policy and no IP, WebRTC, and DNS leaks
- Massive server networks: over 5,700 servers running in 60 countries
- Alternative VPN protocols require manual configuration
- Obfuscated servers (designed for countries with restricted access) do not always work in China
- There are no obfuscated servers for IOS
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Top Speed
90.51Mbps
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Servers
60 Countries
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Available on
The Bottom Line
NordVPN is a regular feature in many ‘best VPN for’ lists for good reason. Beyond the strong security it guarantees, NordVPN comes with a number of Double VPN servers which run your data through two separate VPN servers, ensuring tight security. The VPN is also packed with features like zero-logs policy, kill switch, and self-owned DNS servers. NordVPN allows up to 6 simultaneous connections per user, so you should be able to cater all your VPN needs with a single account and subscription.
Though NordVPN is not the cheapest service in the market, it guarantees your safety and privacy. The monthly plan will set you back £9.22, but this drops down to £4.44 if you subscribe to the 12-month plan. There’s also a significant discount if you subscribe to NordVPN’s 2-year plan.
3. ExpressVPN
- One of the fastest VPNs with same-country speeds
- Strict logging policy and no IP, WebRTC, DNS leaks
- A vast network of servers across 160 cities in 94 countries as well as great privacy features
- User-friendly apps compatible with IOS, Mac, Android, and PC
- Allows file sharing and unrestricted torrenting
- More expensive than other VPN services
- Fires Stick TV can be improved
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Top Speed
85Mbps
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Servers
94 Countries
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Available on
The Bottom Line
ExpressVPN is our top pick for Windows devices, especially for its outstanding app. Based outside the “14 Eye’s jurisdiction in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN boasts a strong privacy policy that protects you against snooping eyes and prevents your ISP from throttling your traffic. The VPN has a wide server coverage with 3,000 servers spread across 94 countries, making it one of the fastest VPNs in the market.
Torrenting and P2P is allowed on ExpressVPN, so even if you have data-intensive needs, you wouldn’t run into trouble with streaming. To top this off, the client is incredibly sleek and easy to use. You can also make subscription payments with Bitcoin, which means your payment information is very safe too.
ExpressVPN has three subscription options: the one-month plan costs & £10.18/month, the six-month plan costs & £7.86/month, and the 12-month plan costs & £6.54/month. Though this may be a bit pricey when compared to other VPNs, it is well worth it.
Conclusion
Why Use a VPN for Windows?
You can never be too safe when surfing the internet. That said, with the improved security features on Windows 10, it’s no surprise that many have been lulled into believing there’s really no need for added security.
Why does Netflix have Regional Restrictions?
Each iteration of Windows has progressively improved on its security features. Each update also looks to patch possible security leaks in the original version. Indeed, when it comes to protection and security, the Windows 10 is unrivalled by any prior Windows version.
However, despite being packed with lots of customizable features, Windows 10 still packs a ton of security issues, including extensive data collection settings and DNS leakage.
In their bid for even more personalization than ever before, Microsoft’s servers tend to collect much more personal data than you thought possible. Yes, you can turn off some of these trackers to protect your privacy, but they will be switched back on your next update. And some of these telemetry services can’t be turned off at all.
So, how can you protect your privacy while using your Windows device?
You need a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs add a solid layer of protection to your online activity by encrypting your traffic. It also protects your device if it is connected to an unprotected public wi-fi network.
Windows VPN FAQs
Having identified the top VPNs for Windows, you may still have other questions surrounding the selection and use of a VPN on your PC. Consider our answers to a few of these:
Does it Matter if I Use a Laptop or Desktop?
The short answer: No.
What matters at the end of the day is your operating system. Whether you run your Windows OS on a laptop or desktop computer, doesn’t matter. Our recommended VPNs will work seamlessly on either device.
Will a VPN Boost My Internet Speed?
The short answer: No.
While this reasoning may be a tad common, it’s simply misleading. Your internet speed is mostly determined by your Internet Service Provider. If the network strength in your area is poor, or your ISP throttles your connections, there’s little a VPN can do.
Indeed, the typical VPN slightly lowers your speed as it routes your connection – first – through its servers. A good VPN ensures this impact is negligible, but it can only ever go as fast as your existing connection.
How do I Install and Set up a VPN on my Windows PC?
The short answer: Follow the steps below.
Our top selected VPNs for Windows all have a clear installation guide. They’re also quite easy to install, and generally follow a process that look like this:
- Step 1: Select your desired VPN from the above list
- Step 2: Visit the VPN website, register, and purchase/subscribe to their service
- Step 3: Download the VPN and follow the installation wizard prompt to install
- Step 4: Open the VPN app/client, pick a server in your desired location and connect
- Step 5: Enjoy a secure, private browsing session
Are VPNs Illegal?
The short answer: No. Well, except you live in a country where it is.
Confused? Don’t be! VPNs are mostly legal as most countries recognize every citizen’s right to privacy. Using a VPN for legal activities, then, brooks no problems. However, using a VPN for illegal activity is still illegal.
You should also note that certain countries have outlawed the use of VPNs within them. So, be sure to check with your local laws to confirm its legality.
Is there a Free VPN for PC?
The short answer: Yes.
A little search will provide you with a good number of free VPNs for Windows PC. When selecting our best free VPNs for Windows PC, we made sure to check for security, privacy, speed, and ease of use. We like that while most of the VPNs on that list are freemium versions of premium VPNs, they offer a great deal of top-level packages.
Are Free VPNs for Windows Safe?
There are a good number of free VPNs out there in the market. But you must keep in mind that most completely free VPNs are dodgy, and most non-dodgy VPNs carry performance limitations – versus the premium options.
As a rule of thumb, VPNs with premium and free versions are usually safer than completely free VPNs. They’re also a great way to start your foray into VPN usage before dipping into your pockets. If you’d love to get a taste of what a VPN gives you before buying one, check out our select list of the best free VPNs of 2022.
