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To find the best VPN for Windows, we considered dozens of the leading providers in the space and narrowed it down to seven, which we then evaluated across five key categories and 33 different metrics. Our ratings consider factors such as transparent pricing, server locations, compatibility with third-party integrations, access to customer support and ratings. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
The Best Windows VPNs
Forbes Advisor Ratings
How To Choose the Best Windows VPN for PC
Selecting the ideal Windows VPN for your PC involves evaluating various factors to find the perfect balance between privacy, performance and ease of use. As you explore your options, keep in mind your unique needs and goals, as well as the essential VPN features, device compatibility, versatility, cost and customer service.
Assess Your Needs and Goals
When picking out the best Windows VPN for your PC, ask these questions to figure out your individual needs and goals:
- What are my main security and privacy concerns? Consider VPNs with military-grade encryption, a kill switch and a no-logs policy to ensure your online activities remain secure and private. You should also consider using a VPN located in a country not required to divulge your private information, such as the Netherlands or Switzerland.
- Do I need to unblock content and bypass censorship? Look for VPNs that offer a wide range of server locations and are known for bypassing geo-restrictions to access content from various regions.
- Are fast connection speeds for streaming and gaming a priority? Focus on VPNs that emphasize high-speed connections and have dedicated streaming or gaming servers for an optimal experience.
- How important is ease of setup and use for me? Choose VPNs with user-friendly interfaces, simple installation processes and comprehensive support options if you prefer a hassle-free experience.
Essential VPN Features
Youโll pay a little more for advanced features, though most basic features come standard no matter which VPN provider you choose.
Basic Features:
- Encryption: The foundation of any VPN, encryption ensures that your data is secure and unreadable by third parties. Search for VPNs that have powerful encryption protocols, such as AES-256.
- No logs: A no-logs policy means your VPN provider wonโt track the sites you visit.
- Server selection: To get around geo-limits and access content from different countries, you need a good VPN with lots of server choices.
- Device compatibility: The VPN should support multiple devices and operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.
- Ease of use: A user-friendly interface and easy setup process are essential for a seamless VPN experience.
Premium Features
- Kill switch: This feature will automatically unplug your internet connection if the VPN connection drops, preventing any accidental exposure of your real IP address.
- Split tunneling: This allows you to route specific applications or websites through the VPN connection while leaving others on your regular network, providing flexibility and control over your internet usage.
- DNS leak protection: By routing DNS queries through the VPN, not the ISPโs DNS servers, this protection stops potential leaks of your privacy.
- IPv6 support: IPv6 is the latest version of the Internet Protocol and full support ensures that your IPv6 traffic is also protected.
- Dedicated streaming and gaming servers: Some VPNs offer servers specifically optimized for streaming and gaming, providing faster speeds and better performance.
- Ad and malware blockers: Additional security features block ads, trackers and malicious websites, enhancing your online privacy and browsing experience.
- Multi-hop (double VPN) connections: This feature routes your traffic through two VPN servers instead of one, adding an extra layer of security and privacy.
Device Compatibility and Versatility
If you need a VPN that can be used on multiple devices, make sure the VPN you choose can be installed on Windows, macOS, iOS and Android. Some even offer router installation. Youโll also want to make sure the VPN has a wide range of servers so you can unblock content from all over the world.
Cost
Typically, VPNs offer subscription-based plans, which can be billed monthly, annually or sometimes even biennially. The longer the subscription plan, the lower the monthly cost. Itโs not unusual to see prices ranging from $5 to $12 per month, depending on the plan, your commitment and the VPN provider.
Getting a VPN for your Windows computer wonโt set you back too much compared to other platforms, such as Android or Mac, since many providers offer support for multiple devices with a single subscription. Some providers may offer one-time lifetime subscriptions, but these are less common and may come with certain limitations or restrictions.
To reduce your VPN costs, consider the following:
- Longer subscription plans: Opting for a longer subscription plan often results in a lower monthly cost. However, make sure to choose a reputable VPN provider, as youโll be committing to their service for an extended period.
- Discounts and promotions: VPN providers frequently run discounts and promotions, especially during holidays or special events. Keep an eye out for these deals to save on your VPN subscription.
- Free trials and money-back guarantees: Some VPN providers offer free trials or money-back guarantees, so you can see how the VPN works for the sites you use before locking into a multi-year plan. Most offer 30-day money-back guarantees, although this isnโt always the case, so check to be sure.
- Referral programs and loyalty rewards: Some VPNs offer referral programs or loyalty rewards, providing discounts or free subscription time for referring new customers or maintaining an active subscription.
Remember that the cheapest option may not always be the best, as it could lack essential features, performance or security. Itโs important to balance cost with the quality and functionality of the VPN service.
Customer Service
If you run into any trouble with your VPN, youโll want to be able to contact customer service. Make sure the VPN you choose has 24/7 customer support via live chat or email (most donโt offer phone support). You should also be able to find helpful guides and FAQs on the VPNโs website.
Featured Partners
1
NordVPN
76% Off on NordVPN Premium
10
Yes (add-on)
2
Surfshark
$2.19 / month
Unlimited
Yes
3
Proton VPN
$9.99 / month
Unlimited
Yes
4
TotalVPN
$1.59 / month
Unlimited
Yes
What Can I Do With a Windows VPN on a PC?
A Windows VPN can do a lot for your PC. It can protect your data and activities from prying eyes, encrypt your traffic so that your ISP canโt see what youโre doing and even improve your speeds. Plus, a Windows VPN can unblock censored and geo-restricted content, letting you watch your favorite shows and movies from anywhere in the world.
What Are the Limitations of VPNs?
VPNs, while offering many advantages, do come with certain limitations. Itโs important to understand these constraints to manage your expectations and make informed decisions when using a VPN. Some common limitations include:
- Slower internet speeds: VPNs can slow down your internet connection due to the additional encryption and routing of your data through a remote server. This slowdown can be more noticeable with lower-quality VPN providers or during peak usage times.
- Blocked by some websites and networks: Some websites, streaming services or networks may block VPN traffic to prevent users from bypassing geolocation restrictions or to enforce their terms of service. If thatโs the situation, a VPN may not bypass the content or connect to the network anyway.
- Not a fix-all: VPNs can provide some data and privacy security, but not against all cyberthreats. For example, they wonโt prevent phishing attacks, malware infections or insecure websites. Itโs essential to use additional security measures such as antivirus software, firewalls and safe browsing practices alongside a VPN.
- Ineffective for illegal activities: VPNs are not a license to engage in illegal activities. While they can help protect your privacy, they wonโt shield you from law enforcement or legal consequences if youโre caught doing something illegal. Reputable VPN providers may also terminate your service if they detect unlawful activities.
- Cost considerations: Quality VPN services often come at a cost, with subscription fees varying between providers. While free VPNs exist, they might lack essential features, performance or security. Itโs crucial to strike a balance between cost and the value offered by the VPN service.
Methodology
To create our list of the best VPNs for Windows, Forbes Advisor analyzed various factors to identify the top choices for small businesses. Our evaluation process involved considering 33 criteria and weighting them according to importance, with the most emphasis placed on security features and speed.
Pricing
We looked at the displayed prices for each VPN, comparing their starting and highest prices to assess affordability and value for money. Platforms with money-back guarantees or free trials received bonus points for providing additional value to users. This makes up 15% of a platformโs score.
General and Additional Features
We examined each VPNโs general features, such as anonymous browsing, DNS protection measures, dedicated IP, kill switch, split tunneling and multifactor authentication, as well as additional features including the number of continents with servers, no-logs policy, browser extensions and simultaneous connections. Features contribute 35% of the final score.
Speeds
We considered the average download and upload speeds offered by each VPN to ensure they provided an optimal browsing experience. These speeds are tested by the Forbes Advisor team on a weekly basis and make up 20% of the total score.
App Ratings and Customer Reviews
We assessed the App Store and Play Store ratings for each VPNโs mobile app, along with customer reviews on Trustpilot, Capterra and G2. This helped us determine the overall customer experience and satisfaction levels for each VPN. These reviews make up 13% of each providerโs score.
Service and Support
We evaluated each VPN based on their customer service and support offerings, including live chat, a knowledge base and phone support. We assigned top marks to companies that offered 24/7 customer support across multiple channels, recognizing that users may encounter issues with their VPN connection at any time and require prompt assistance. Access to support accounts for 7% of the score.
Forbes Advisor Expert Score
Lastly, we analyzed the Forbes Advisor Expert Score for each VPN, including details and standout features, value for money, popularity and ease of use. We also considered scores from other experts to compare and validate our rankings. These insights tally up the final 10% of our scoring.
Learn more about how we test, rate and review VPNs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best VPN for Windows?
The best VPN for Windows depends on your specific needs, budget and desired features. Some popular and highly rated options include NordVPN, TunnelBear and TorGuard as they offer robust security, fast speeds and excellent compatibility with Windows devices.
What is the best free VPN for Windows?
The best free VPN for Windows is TunnelBear as it offers a reliable and reasonably fast service without sacrificing user privacy. Keep in mind, however, that free VPNs often come with limitations in features, speed and data usage compared to their paid counterparts.
Does Windows 10 have a built-in VPN?
Windows 10 does have a built-in VPN, but it requires manual configuration and only supports specific VPN protocols, such as L2TP, PPTP and SSTP. The built-in VPN client is not as user-friendly, feature-rich or versatile as third-party VPN solutions, which are generally recommended for enhanced security and functionality.
How do I set up a Windows VPN?
To set up a Windows VPN, follow these steps:
- Choose a VPN provider and sign up for their service.
- Download and install the VPN providerโs Windows application.
- Launch the VPN application and sign in with your account credentials.
- Select a VPN server location and connect.
- Once connected, your internet traffic will be encrypted and your online activities will be anonymized.
How do I check VPN connection status on Windows 10?
Itโs easy to see if youโre connected to a VPN on Windows 10. Click on your network icon in the taskbar (right side) and it should say โConnectedโ under VPN.
Can a VPN work on my other devices as well?
Most VPNs can be installed on multiple devices. This includes Windows and macOS computers, iOS and Android smartphones and tablets and even routers. Some VPNs can also be used with gaming consoles, such as the PlayStation and Xbox. Check the VPNโs website to see if itโs compatible with your devices.
Is a VPN really secure?
VPNs are relatively secure since they scramble your internet traffic and disguise your IP address, making it almost impossible for anybody else to intercept or monitor your online activities. How secure your VPN gets is all down to the provider, encryption type and privacy policies of the country itโs headquartered in. Choose a reputable VPN with strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy and additional security features, such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection.
Can I be tracked while using a VPN?
While a VPN significantly improves your online privacy and security, itโs not a guarantee against all forms of tracking. Some sophisticated adversaries, such as government agencies, might still be able to track users through advanced techniques. Additionally, using a VPN doesnโt protect you from other forms of tracking, including browser fingerprinting or cookies. Itโs essential to use a combination of privacy tools, including VPNs, ad-blockers and anti-tracking browser extensions, to enhance your online anonymity.
