With reports that its used in around 1.6 billion devices worldwide, Microsoft Windows is one of the most popular operating systems. But, if you want to enhance its performance further, you should look into using one of the best Windows VPNs.
The best VPNs for Windows have user-friendly apps tailored for the Windows environment, making it easy for you to protect your online privacy on your PC. They will keep you secure whether you're browsing on home or public Wi-Fi, while allowing you to access geo-restricted content.
However, not all of the best VPNs offer slick and powerful apps for Windows. So, in order to discover which ones are actually worth using, we've gotten hands-on with dozens of providers to select and rank the top 5 VPNs for Windows.
In this guide, we'll go in-depth into the top 5 Windows VPNs. However, if you're looking for a quick answer, check out our top 3 below – NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Surfshark.
The 3 best Windows VPNs at a glance
How we chose the best Windows VPNs
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We've leveraged our years of experience with VPNs to prepare this guide of the best Windows VPNs. Our selected providers will protect your data and keep your online activities under wraps, no matter where and what you're doing on your PC – whether browsing, streaming, or gaming.
In addition to compatibility with all relevant Windows versions, we've also considered the ease of use of the VPN apps, their unblocking abilities, customer support, and affordability.
Every single decision we took with regard to the rankings on this page was research-backed and objective. We follow a meticulous testing approach, which you can find out more in our guide to how we test VPNs.
Recent updates
In our latest round of updates, we've adopted a new format for our reviews, which include dedicated sections that are most relevant to the guide's topic – the VPN's Windows performance, in this case. We've also updated all facts and figures, including the server count of all the providers, to make sure the info given is as up-to-date as possible.
The 5 best Windows VPNs overall
What we like:
NordVPN is the biggest name among VPNs, and it lives up to the hype by being the most compatible Windows VPN we've tested. From Windows 10 and 11 to older Windows 7 and 8 (though these only get security updates), and even the x86 version, there's support for just about every Windows device in circulation. It also has a dedicated Windows ARM version, which makes it ideal for use on Copilot+ PCs, too.
Both setup and day-to-day use are simple experiences. You can "quick connect" to a recommended server, and all the advanced features are neatly laid out in the left-hand sidebar. You'll also have access to 7,400 servers across 154 locations in 118 countries, meaning there's plenty of coverage wherever you live.
Under the hood, NordVPN is laced with privacy and security features that'll safeguard your PC's data from falling into the wrong hands. For example, the Double VPN feature will encrypt your connection twice by routing your traffic through two servers instead of one, further obscuring it and making it less likely that your VPN use will be discovered. This is overkill for most people, but it's great to have the option.
Thanks to NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro, you won't have to worry about phishing or malware attacks when browsing the internet on your Windows device thanks to its ad, tracker, phishing and malware-blocking software. In fact, AV-Test ranked it the best VPN malware protection available.
With speeds of upwards of 950 Mbps, NordVPN is one of the fastest VPNs we've tested. It's also one of the best Netflix VPNs, unblocking content from the US, the UK, Australia, Canada and Japan with ease.
So, if you want to sit back and stream HD or 4K content on your large Windows display, you can be sure NordVPN won't slow you down.
What could improve:
NordVPN's interactive map-like interface is certainly impressive, but if your Windows device has a smaller screen, you could find selecting locations on the map overwhelming – there's a plain server list in that case. For the simplest Windows VPN experience, though, choose ExpressVPN.
Although NordVPN starts at a around $3 per month plus tax for a two-year plan if you're a new subscriber, you'll have to deal with a hefty price hike if your plan auto-renews. So, if you want to stick with NordVPN but avoid the sharp increase in price, you'll have to cancel your subscription before the end of this term, then re-subscribe.
It's also worth noting that NordVPN is not the cheapest VPN on the market, or even on this list – if you want a less expensive option, then take a look at Surfshark or PIA.
🔒 Read our in-depth NordVPN review for all the details.
Buy NordVPN if:
✅ You want comprehensive Windows compatibility. NordVPN works with every Windows OS, including the older Windows 7, 8, and x86 versions.
✅ You want a VPN for streaming. Thanks to servers everywhere and class-leading speeds, NordVPN unblocked every streaming service we tested it with.
✅ You're looking for extra security. Nord's all-around security suite includes built-in phishing, malware, and ad blockers.
Don't buy NordVPN if:
❌ Your Windows device has a smaller screen. NordVPN's map-style interface feels a bit complex to use if the screen real estate is less.
❌ You want consistent prices. NordVPN is easy on the pocket for new subscribers, but that's no longer the case once the renewal hike sets in.
What we like:
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for beginners thanks to simple and intuitive app interfaces – and this streamlined simple design is present on its Windows apps, too. The VPN is compatible with Windows 10 and 11, as well as Copilot+ PCs.
Once you've launched ExpressVPN on your device, you can simply tap on the big on/off button to automatically connect to the fastest server nearby.
Although ExpressVPN's server fleet is less than half the size of NordVPN's, every one of its 3,000 servers are RAM-only. This means they don't store any data, ensuring airtight privacy against anyone who might try to snoop on your data. Plus, with servers in 160 locations across 105 countries, ExpressVPN's server spread ensures you'll never be hunting for the right server to connect to.
ExpressVPN isn't just dedicated to security on the server side, either. As one of the most secure VPNs, it's had its no-logs policy audited on 18 separate occasions. Plus, on top of using incredibly secure AES-256 encryption as standard, ExpressVPN also offers nifty extras like a tracker and ad blocker to all of its subscription levels to keep you even safer online.
Though it's not quite as fast as Surfshark or NordVPN, ExpressVPN's top speeds of 898 Mbps in our testing are more than enough to get you through high-bandwidth streaming, gaming, or torrenting, no matter where you are.
It also effortlessly unblocked the likes of Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and BBC iPlayer in our last testing round, so you can stream to your heart's content no matter which streaming platform you select.
What could improve:
ExpressVPN is undeniably expensive, and is the most expensive VPN provider on this list at $4.99 per month for a two year subscription. With this being said, if you actually look at what ExpressVPN offers to all subscribers as compared to what other VPN providers offer as add-ons (e.g. a password manager, ad and malware blocking, it works out as better value than NordVPN overall. Still, for bargain hunters that are looking for just a straightforward VPN with no additional bells and whistles, Surfshark and PIA's regular subscriptions are undoubtedly better options.
Another thing to consider is that in its quest to prioritize simplicity, ExpressVPN has decided to stay away from tech-savvy features such as port forwarding and has a reduced level of configuration compared to other VPN services. If you're after a VPN which offers more customization or more advanced security features, Proton VPN or PIA are probably better options.
Finally, ExpressVPN only offers eight simultaneous connections. While this may be enough if you have a small family, it is a bit stingy when compared to Proton VPN or NordVPN's 10 connections, and downright minuscule when compared to Surfshark or PIA's unlimited connections. So, if you're in a large household or simply want to connect without worrying you're going to hit your limit, consider a different option.
🔒 Read our in-depth ExpressVPN review for all the details.
Buy ExpressVPN if:
✅ You love simplicity. With intuitive apps for Windows and class-leading customer support, ExpressVPN makes online protection a breeze.
✅ You don't want to compromise on security. ExpressVPN is often one of the first VPNs to introduce cutting-edge privacy tech, like quantum-resistant encryption.
✅ You'd like comprehensive protection. In addition to privacy essentials, ExpressVPN also comes with a password manager, an ad, tracker, and malware blocker, personal data leak monitoring, and even cyber insurance.
Don't buy ExpressVPN if:
❌ You're on a budget. ExpressVPN justifies its high price, but those on a tight budget will be better off with Surfshark or PIA.
❌ You need customizability. Like Surfshark, ExpressVPN focuses on simplicity and doesn't offer a wealth of customization options.
What we like:
Surfshark is proof that premium VPN services don't have to cost a fortune. At just $1.99 per month plus tax for a two-year commitment, it's the best cheap VPN for Windows. It supports Windows 10 and 11, and like NordVPN, there's also a Windows ARM app for the latest Copilot+ devices.
It also comes with unlimited simultaneous connections, which further improves its value for money by allowing you to have it on as many devices as you want – a feature you won't find with fellow big hitters NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
When we tested Surfshark on our 1 Gbps connection with the WireGuard protocol, it topped out at over 950 Mbps – almost 40 times the bandwidth necessary to stream 4K video with. Combined with some of the fastest OpenVPN speeds too, we rate Surfshark as the fastest VPN. This means that you won't be slowed down when using Surfshark to keep yourself and your Windows device safe.
Although it's easy to think that Surfshark's low prices must be a result of smart cost-cutting, that's really not the case. With over 3,000 servers in 141 locations around the world, Surfshark is just as adept as NordVPN or Proton VPN as far as global access is concerned.
Additionally, it offers the same level of privacy as any other top VPN and also throws in a few extras you won't find elsewhere. These include Surfshark's antivirus, MultiHop, Camouflage Mode, and a personal data removal tool with Incogni. These tools will help obscure not only your identity but your VPN use itself, keeping you extra private and secure.
Surfshark also offers something no other VPN provider on this list does in the form of Alternative ID. This tool gives you an entirely new online identity to keep your original details under wraps when inputting them online. This means that even if your fake data is exposed in a data leak, your real information is kept safe.
What could improve:
The biggest gripe I have with Surfshark as a Windows VPN is that it has stopped providing support for versions older than Windows 10. This means you must have Windows 10 or 11 to be able to benefit from Surfshark's latest updates. If you use an older version, go for NordVPN or Proton VPN.
While it may be initially great value for money, Surfshark is guilty of steep renewal hikes – from $1.99 per month to about $6.60 per month plus tax for its two-year subscription. We recommend cancelling and resubscribing to avoid paying extra.
Lastly, like ExpressVPN, Surfshark's Windows offerings are tailor-made for beginners. While this is great for those looking for a simple, easy to use VPN, those more technically-minded who want more customization options should consider PIA or Proton VPN instead.
🔒 Read our in-depth Surfshark review for all the details.
Buy Surfshark if:
✅ You're on a budget. Surfshark offers excellent value – high-end features at bargain rates.
✅ You have a need for speed. According to our latest speed testing, Surfshark is the fastest provider.
✅ You're a big streamer. Surfshark matches the likes of NordVPN and ExpressVPN when it comes to unblocking geo-restricted content.
Don't buy Surfshark if:
❌ You need many customization options. Surfshark is geared towards VPN newbies, so it's not really ideal for experts looking for huge customizability.
❌ You're using an older version of Windows. Surfshark doesn't provide any support for versions older than Windows 10. If you have an older machine, consider NordVPN instead.
What we like:
While it may previously have lagged behind the competition, thanks to upgrades and updates in recent years, Proton VPN is a seriously improved service that now competes with other big name VPN providers on almost every single parameter. As a Windows VPN, it offers excellent compatibility – you can install it on devices running Windows 7 and above.
Just like the three providers above, Proton VPN also offers an ARM app, and thanks to some very useful additional features like Secure Core, it's one of the most secure VPN services.
These Secure Core servers route your traffic through a super-secure server in either Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden before finally connecting you to your location of choice. As for the final destination, you'll have an option to choose between 117 countries. This is only bettered by NordVPN – and even then, NordVPN only covers one more country at 118 – so there's a wealth of options available to you.
When using WireGuard, Proton VPN is also as speedy as Surfshark and NordVPN, with peak speeds of over 950 Mbps in our last round of tests. It also achieved a perfect score in our latest streaming evaluation, sidestepping the geo-restrictions of every single platform we threw at it, landing it solidly on our list of the best streaming VPNs.
Proton VPN's Windows app, besides being completely open-source for total transparency and reliability, is now also streamlined and easy to use. This is thanks to Proton VPN's recent update to its Windows, iOS and Android apps, giving them a new look and a sleeker user experience.
Finally, Proton VPN also offers one of the best free VPN for Windows. Its free version has unlimited bandwidth and is every bit as secure as its paid counterpart – exactly what we like to see from a free service.
What could improve:
While it has a lot to offer, at $3.59 per month for a two-year subscription, Proton VPN is more expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark and PIA. If the unique features like Secure Core will be useful to you, this is a worthwhile expense. If not, consider another provider.
Another noteworthy downside is its lack of 24/7 live chat. While Proton VPN is easy enough to get the hang of and offers comprehensive support articles on its website, issues may still arise. If you run into an problem outside of its operating hours that can't be solved via its support articles, you'll have to wait to get your query answered by a live human agent.
Another thing to consider is that while Proton VPN's free plan is one of the best free VPNs, it is significantly paired back. For example, it doesn't offer any streaming support and only has 5 server locations. Moreover, you don't even get the liberty to choose your server, so if you don't like the one you get connected to you'll just have to reconnect until you get one you like.
So, while it is still a great free service, it is seriously restricted when compared to its premium option. If you want a premium VPN service that's less expensive, go for Surfshark or PIA.
🔒 Read our in-depth Proton VPN review for all the details.
Buy Proton VPN if:
✅ You value privacy over everything. Proton VPN's Secure Core and anti-censorship features make it our top recommendation for privacy purists.
✅ You like fast speeds. According to our recent tests, Proton VPN is now as quick as NordVPN and Surfshark.
✅ You want a free Windows VPN. Proton VPN's free version offers unlimited bandwidth and class-leading privacy, addressing two of the biggest concerns with free VPNs.
Don't buy Proton VPN if:
❌ You're looking for a cheap Windows VPN. Proton VPN is only behind ExpressVPN in terms of price, so bargain hunters will like Surfshark or PIA better.
❌ You want round-the-clock support. If you're new to the world of VPNs, we'd straight up recommend ExpressVPN.
What we like:
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a well-established name, well-known for providing expert-level VPN features at a very affordable price. While it's too complex for those just getting into VPNs, it offers a level of customization unmatched by any of the other VPNs on this page.
It's compatible with Windows 10 and 11, and there's also a beta version for Windows ARM devices, so proud owners of the latest Copilot+ PCs can reap PIA's benefits, too.
Under the hood is where it get interesting – and Windows is PIA's best-featured platform. There's port forwarding, custom DNS, connection automation, adjustable encryption, and so much more, making it ideal for VPN experts. Combined with a massive network of at least 10,000 servers, all of which are P2P-friendly, PIA is also one of the best torrenting VPN for Windows.
Its security and privacy is top-notch, too. As one of the most private VPNs, PIA is one of the few VPNs to have proven its no-logs policy in court twice. Additionally, it comes with a highly reliable kill switch and encrypted DNS servers, so you can rest assured your online activities will remain private.
While it might not have a long list of added extras like NordVPN or Surfshark, it does have a handy MACE feature that blocks suspicious URLs.
What could improve:
While it's not the only VPN service on this list that lacks support for Windows 7 and 8, the fact remains that if you have an older Windows machine, you'll need to go for NordVPN or Proton VPN over PIA.
PIA isn't the most complex software in the world, but it is important to note that its interface is more complex that that of ExpressVPN or Surfshark. While it does have a quick-connect button, overall I found its app layout just a little harder to navigate than other providers on this list.
Another thing to mention is the fact its default settings on Windows means that it auto-hides when you launch it for the first time. This led to me having to manually search for it in order to change these settings, which was frustrating.
A much more noticeable downside is PIA's below-average connection speeds. It maxed out at 436 Mbps in our latest tests, and although that's nothing to sniff at, it doesn't compare to the results of 950 Mbps other providers achieved in the same tests. If you pay for ultra-fast internet, go for Surfshark or NordVPN.
Plus, if you were looking to use PIA for streaming, I've noticed a couple of discrepancies. When doing independent streaming testing, PIA was frequently recognised by multiple different streaming platforms. While this issue is generally solved by switching to a different server, last time I tested it with UK-based streaming service All4 I couldn't get connected at all. So, if you're a Brit or just like Channel 4's content, it's definitely something to consider.
🔒 Read our in-depth Private Internet Access review for the details.
Buy Private Internet Access if:
✅ You like to be in control. PIA has tons of customization features, making it a delight for VPN experts.
✅ You're looking for value for money. With proven privacy, unlimited connections, and a price tag of just over $2 per month, PIA offers excellent value.
✅ You want to protect a lot of devices. PIA is the only VPN other than Surfshark on this list to offer unlimited connections on a single plan.
Don't buy Private Internet Access if:
❌ You want a straightforward VPN. A huge amount of customization means PIA is not ideal for beginners.
❌ You have superfast internet. If you have gigabit Wi-Fi, you'll be better off with Surfshark or NordVPN because they're much quicker.
Why do I need a VPN for Windows?
The biggest reason you should consider having a PC VPN in your online toolkit is because it'll boost your online privacy. By cloaking your IP address and encrypting your data, a VPN will make sure that bad actors can't track your online activities or steal your data. This won't just protect you from hackers but also from the prying eyes of ISPs and government agencies.
It's not all work and no play, however, as you can also use the top VPNs to unblock geo-restricted content from around the world. Streaming platforms like Netflix offer different libraries to users in different countries because of copyright and licensing complexities. With the on of the best Netflix VPN services installed on your Windows, though, you can bank on its large network of servers and powerful unblocking capabilities to reliably unblock your favorite foreign content.
For gamers, using one of the best gaming VPNs on your PC will help them stay protected from DDoS attacks and ISP throttling. It will also help you tap into easy bot lobbies of online multiplayer games like Call of Duty: Warzone.
Last but not least, you can also use a VPN to avoid location-based price targeting and help yourself save a bit of cash when online shopping.
Can I get a free Windows 11 VPN?
Although there are quite a few free Windows VPNs available on the market, every single one of them comes with some kind of restriction – and an awful lot of them are outright dangerous because they don't invest in proper security architectures. The best-case scenario with a free VPN is when it's a stripped-down version of a paid product by a reputable provider.
Proton VPN Free is a good example. Unlike other free options, it comes with unlimited data and excellent privacy. But again, you only get five server locations and no option to switch between them, and there's no support for streaming. If you'd like more server options, or to stream content, you can consider PrivadoVPN Free, but then it caps your monthly data.
If you're on a tight budget but would like a fully featured VPN, check out our list of the cheapest VPN services. Providers like Surfshark and Private Internet Access go for as little as $2 a month but offer top-notch privacy, streaming options, and a slew of extra features on top of that.
Does Windows have a built-in VPN?
Yes, Windows has a built-in VPN, but it's nowhere close to being as useful as any of the providers mentioned in this guide. It doesn't come with the ability to hide your IP address, unblock overseas content, or even essential security features like a kill switch.
It's worth noting that the built-in Windows VPN is more geared towards supporting a business VPN rather than being a fully featured VPN by itself. In that case, it's ideal for educational institutions and businesses that want to set up their own VPN and grant remote access to different Windows devices.
What is the fastest VPN for PC?
Surfshark is easily our top pick for the fastest VPN spot thanks to class-leading WireGuard and OpenVPN speeds. Other providers might come close on WireGuard but are quite far behind on OpenVPN.
Proton VPN is second on our list, only marginally ahead of NordVPN at third due to its slightly better OpenVPN speeds. NordVPN, by the way, is our #1 VPN choice overall thanks to its all-around package. It's also cheaper than both Proton VPN and ExpressVPN.
ExpressVPN is not far behind, either, with similar top speeds on WireGuard as the top three providers. However, it's a bit more expensive, especially if you're not going to use all of the extra features it offers.
All in all, if you have superfast internet, meaning you can really benefit from these VPNs' top speeds, any of those four options should be good to go. If you're on a home connection, though, which would usually be the case, then a cost-effective and fairly quick provider like PIA is also worth considering.
| Header Cell - Column 0 | WireGuard or proprietary | OpenVPN |
|---|---|---|
1. Surfshark | over 950 Mbps (maxed out our line) | 460 Mbps |
2. Proton VPN | over 950 Mbps (maxed out our line) | 220 Mbps |
3. NordVPN | over 950 Mbps (maxed out our line) | 173 Mbps |
4. ExpressVPN | 898 Mbps | 176 Mbps |
5. Private Internet Access | 436 Mbps | 257 Mbps |
How do Windows VPNs work?
A Windows VPN works by routing your internet traffic through one of its own servers – and not your ISP's. This replaces your real IP address with one of the VPN server's, which ultimately helps you spoof your location and hide your online activities from snooping third parties.
It's this exact mechanism Windows VPNs use to help you access geo-restricted content. For example, if you're in the US and want to access a UK-specific Netflix movie, simply connecting to a UK VPN server will "fool" Netflix into believing that the incoming request is from a device in the UK.
In addition to masking your IP, a VPN also sends your data through a secure end-to-end encrypted tunnel, which makes it unintelligible. This means that even if bad actors were to get hold of your online traffic while it's in transit, they won't be able to make any sense of it.
Back to the best Windows VPNs ^
How we test the best Windows VPN services
Our in-house team of experts puts dozens of VPNs to the test every few months to ensure our guides always contain the top recommendations. We begin our testing at the VPN provider's website, where we read through its privacy policies and audit results to evaluate its transparency and reliability.
Next, we install the VPN's apps on various devices, including Windows, and run a series of tests to check if everything works as it should. Then comes our streaming tests, where we see if the provider can unblock the likes of Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and BBC iPlayer.
For more information on our procedures, check out our full guide to how we test VPNs.
Back to the best Windows VPNs ^
The experts that test VPNs at Tom's Guide
Olivia joined Tom's Guide in October 2023 as part of the core Tech Software team, and is currently VPN Commissioning Editor. She regularly uses VPNs to make sure they deliver what they promise, and specializes in testing VPNs with streaming sites.
Mo has written about VPNs for Tom's Guide, day-in, day-out, for five years. He's an expert when it comes to what makes a VPN truly usable, and loves it when a VPN makes staying safe online as easy as possible. He is also a contributor to TechRadar, T3, and What Hi-Fi?.
Anthony Spadafora is the Senior Security and Networking Editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and malware to password managers. He also undertakes VPN testing for Tom's Guide and TechRadar, which includes running all of our US-based speed tests.
Disclaimer
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
