The best Windows VPN for PC in 2024

Laptop in home office with stylised letters VPN on the screen

The best Windows VPNs will prevent your ISP from keeping tabs on your browsing sessions – as well as offer extra security while connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. Plus, they'll also help you get the most out of your streaming subscriptions by allowing you access to region-restricted content.

Not all VPNs are made equal, however, and given that Windows is easily the most popular desktop/laptop OS in the world, there are a lot of dubious VPNs out there that are simply not worth your attention, and this may actually make picking the best VPN for Windows an uphill task.

At TechRadar, our team of experts rigorously test VPN services in-house. Our comprehensive evaluations are based on hands-on experience and in-depth analysis. We've compiled a detailed ranking of the top Windows VPNs, complete with side-by-side comparisons, performance results, and expert insights.

5 best Windows VPNs: quick overview

1. NordVPNThe best VPN overall

1. NordVPN – from $2.99 per month
The best VPN overall
NordVPN remains our top pick because it excels in every area. Great speeds? Check. Fantastic unblocking capabilities? Check. Worldwide server locations? Check. It's also great value for money, especially when you consider how many extra security features you're getting. You also won’t find anything like its Meshnet feature from any other provider on our list, making it a great privacy-first choice for building your own VPN for file sharing and gaming on Windows. NordVPN also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee that makes taking it for a test run risk-free.

2. ExpressVPNThe best beginner VPN

2. ExpressVPN – from $5.32 per month
The best beginner VPN
ExpressVPN nails all of the core things you'd expect a VPN to do. It's slightly behind NordVPN when it comes to features and more expensive, but what you're getting in return is a 24/7 support service and a VPN built from the ground up to work anywhere in the world thanks to some advanced obfuscation methods built into Lightway, the in-house VPN protocol. It's also designed to be as user-friendly as possible. ExpressCPN is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee for a stress-free trial.

3. SurfsharkThe best cheap VPN (and also the fastest)

3. Surfshark – from $1.99 per month
The best cheap VPN (and also the fastest)
Want a more budget-friendly VPN that doesn't skimp on security or speed? Our tests show Surfshark is just as fast as the other competitors on our list and allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices with a single subscription – so you can connect a whole household of Windows devices. For just a little extra per month, you'll also get access to a comprehensive security and privacy suite called Surfshark One which includes an integrated anti-virus and private search engine. Give it a shot with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. Proton VPNA great pick for small businesses

4. Proton VPN – from $3.59 per month
A great pick for small businesses
One of the only VPNs out there with a free version I'd actually recommend, Proton VPN is well-known for taking a privacy-first approach to VPN design with features such as built-in Tor support on Windows as well as Secure Core, which lets you route your connection through a security-hardened VPN host before you connect to your final location. Proton VPN offers excellent Windows support with a user-friendly app that you can try risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. PIAThe best budget Fire Stick VPN

5. PIA - from $2.03 per month
The best budget Fire Stick VPN
PIA might not claim the top spot in our rankings, but it's still head and shoulders above the rest of the competition. With server locations in all fifty states, cheap long-term plans, and a highly customizable client app, PIA is a solid option for Windows. PIA is also a great choice if you need a dedicated IP for online hosting, or port forwarding capabilities to get the most out of P2P file sharing. Try it for yourself with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Disclaimer

We recently completed our latest round of VPN tests, and while there aren't any changes in the providers’ rankings here (NordVPN is still the #1), we've updated their in-depth VPN reviews to reflect our latest findings – which we obtained after putting the top Windows VPNs through their paces across criteria like security, performance, unblocking, and pricing. For more information, check out our VPN testing methodology.

The best VPN overall

1. NordVPN

Packed with security features, and great for streaming Netflix

Number of servers: 5,500+ | Server locations: 111 countries | Also available on: Windows, Android, iOS, Linux | Maximum connections: 10 | 24/7 support: Yes | Free trial?: 30-day money back guarantee

Double data encryption
Very good performance
So many servers
Unblocks every streaming service
Not quite as intuitive as Express
Torrent causes some slowdown

NordVPN tops our VPN rankings, and has for a while now, so it should come as no surprise that it's still the king of Windows VPNs too. Not only does NordVPN offer great speeds and a variety of locations to connect to in over 100 countries, but there's also a fantastic range of security features available that make it a great way to keep your Windows device safe from malware.

Once you take into account that NordVPN is also highly compatible with a range of Windows OS versions and devices, it becomes the best possible choice for Windows users.

Features

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

NordVPN's Windows app comes with a bunch of advanced security features. The most impressive of these is Threat Protection Pro, which is an all-in-one malware-detection service that rolls an antivirus, DNS blocklist, and AI-powered phishing site detection into a single product. If you're concerned about connecting to a dubious server location, NordVPN has a Double VPN service which routes traffic through two servers for extra protection. There are also basic security features, too, such as split tunneling, which allows specific apps to bypass the VPN, as well as a fully functional kill switch.

However, the feature that really sets NordVPN apart from the rest of its peers is MeshNet. This is NordVPN's answer to personal VPN tools like Hamachi and Radmin. Basically, when you use MeshNet you're piggybacking off of NordVPN’s secure no-logs server to run your own VPN that connects your devices together. This lets you send files between devices securely and build virtual LANs for gaming over the net without worrying about a third party spying on you, as MeshNet uses the same bullet-proof encryption that the rest of NordVPN employs.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
NordVPN test results
AttributesNotesRating
DesignA little busy and uses a map interface that overwhelms some users⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useThe amount of info on the dashboard makes it harder to navigate⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceOne of the fastest, easily supports streaming⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingThere's nothing this VPN can't unlock, its especially good for Netflix⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyJust as strong as ExpressVPN, plus it has double-encryption⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportVery helpful, and the online articles are easy to understand⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceThough not the cheapest, it's still a great overall value⭐⭐⭐⭐

The best VPN for beginners

Editor's Choice

(Image credit: ExpressVPN)

2. ExpressVPN

Top-notch security and privacy tools with easy-to-use apps

Number of servers: 3,200+ | Server locations: 160 | Also available on: Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Maximum connections: 8 | 24/7 support: Yes | Free trial?: 30-day money back guarantee

Easy-to-use Windows app
Handy dedicated features for Windows
Above average speeds
Servers in 94 countries
Superb 24/7 support
Not as cheap as PIA or Surfshark
Expensive subscriptions

ExpressVPN narrowly misses out on our top spot due to NordVPN's extra security features. NordVPN also works out as a better value VPN for money in the long term, as although ExpressVPN and NordVPN cost roughly the same on a per-month basis, ExpressVPN only drops to $8.32 per month when you buy annually.

What you're getting in return for that price is a VPN with true 24/7 support if you ever run into streaming hiccups and a bulletproof service that works even in the most heavily restricted regions of the globe. Otherwise, it's got absolutely everything you’d need from a VPN for Windows. It's our #1 VPN for beginners, too, thanks to an intuitive, minimalist design.

Features

ExpressVPN's Windows app doesn’t come with the extra features offered by the likes of NordVPN, but it includes all the important ones. There’s a kill switch that keeps your data private even when if your VPN connection goes down, split-tunneling on both an inclusionary and exclusionary basis so you have precise control over which apps use your VPN, and a browser-based password manager called ExpressKeys that allows you to easily generate and transfer passwords between your Windows devices.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
ExpressVPN test results:
AttributesNotesRating
DesignSimple, lots of attention to detail, and a clean interface⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useVery easy and one of the best for beginners⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceAverage but capable speeds, not as fast as NordVPN or Surfshark⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingExcellent unblocking across the board⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyRegular independent testing supports its claims and its clear policy shows a commitment to protecting its customers⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportAlways friendly, always helpful, always available⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceMore expensive than most other VPN services⭐⭐⭐

The best cheap VPN

N/A

(Image credit: N/A)

3. Surfshark

A budget-friendly VPN that offers plenty of features and amazing speeds

Number of servers: 3,200+ | Server locations: 110+ | Also available on: Windows, Android, iOS, Linux | Maximum connections: Unlimited | 24/7 support: Yes | Free trial?: 30-day money back guarantee

Most affordable provider on the list
Covers as many PCs (and more) as you like
So easy to use
Kill switch issues

Surfshark is an absolute bargain – and the best cheap VPN on the market today. However, the service doesn't underperform. You might be looking at the $15.45 per month starter price and scratching your head at that statement but, if you look at the annual prices, you’ll see this drops to a staggering $2.79 a month.

What else sets Surfshark apart? Well, it allows for unlimited device connections and boasts strong Windows compatibility, making it a great budget-friendly option if you’ve got a household full of devices you need to cover.

Features

Surfshark's Windows app offers split tunneling and a kill switch as standard, but there are a few more interesting features in there too. CleanWeb is a DNS-based adblocker that you can augment with a browser-based add-on that scrubs any advertisements that get past the DNS defenses. It also auto-dismisses cookie popups with privacy-first settings, which is a great bonus. Then there’s Camouflage Mode, which masks your VPN usage from your ISP by disguising your VPN use as web browsing traffic.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Surfshark test results:
AttributesNotesRating
DesignBasic and simple without feeling outdates, or that corners were cut⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useOne of the best for new users because of how simple it is⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceCan't beat the speeds of this VPN⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingMost streaming services aren't a problem to access⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyKill switch issues, especially when using with Windows PC, while not consistent, it does happen enough for us to notice⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportHelp articles are there, but it isn't the easiest to find exactly what you need⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceThe absolute best deal and best overall value⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The best free Windows VPN

Proton VPN's server network on a laptop

(Image credit: Proton VPN)

4. Proton VPN

Try before you buy with an unlimited free Windows VPN

Number of servers: 5,214 | Server locations: 91 countries | Also available for: Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Maximum connections: 10 | 24/7 support: Yes | Free trial?: 30-day money back guarantee

Above average speeds
Tons of features
Unblocks Netflix, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video
Pricier than most
Complex support sites

Even if Proton VPN didn’t have one of the best free VPN deals on the market, as well as an outstanding reputation for providing privacy across all their apps, it’s very likely it'd still end up on our list. That’s just how good the core service is.

Great unblocking capabilities and a truly worldwide server list, as well as decent compatibility, make Proton VPN one of the better VPNs we’ve reviewed.

Features

There’s a lot of power built into Proton VPN’s Windows app. Until recently, the Stealth protocol was only supported on iOS, Android, and MacOS. It completely disguises your VPN signature by pretending to be a HTTPS connection stream - making it significantly harder for ISPs and network admins to catch you using a VPN. A recent update brought this tech over to Windows, luckily, so there’s more or less complete feature parity now.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Proton VPN test results
AttributesNotesRating
DesignBeautiful, dark mode interface⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useEasier to use on mobile than on desktop⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceLots of variation and extra steps make it hard to get up and running quickly⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingMissing some streaming services, but most popular ones aren't a problem⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyAllows independent audits and passes checks for both security and privacy⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportLots of resources online, but it's hit-or-miss when trying to contact a live agent⭐⭐⭐
PricePaid programs are a little on the pricy side, but its free option is great⭐⭐⭐⭐

The best VPN for advanced users

A cartoon of a number of devices, including a laptop, monitor, smartphones and games consoles, displaying the Private Internet Access app on-screen underneath the Private Internet Access Logo

(Image credit: Private Internet Access)

5. Private Internet Access

A good torrenting VPN for Windows PCs

Number of servers: 20,000+ | Server locations: 140 | Also available on: Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Maximum connections: Unlimited | 24/7 support: Yes | Free trial?: 30-day money back guarantee

Excellent Windows 10 kill switch
A pleasure to use
Unblocks Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, and BBC iPlayer
Slightly limiting in scope
Speeds no longer match the best WireGuard VPNs

Private Internet Access rounds off our list in last place with an extensive server network and some unique features. It’s good, but there are a few issues that prevent me from putting it any higher. Compared to the other providers on our list, its speeds just aren’t quite there. Their customer support also tends to be a little slow at responding to anything beyond the typical VPN issues, but as one of the cheaper VPNs on our list, this isn’t particularly surprising.

On the upside, the actual VPN client is highly customizable so you can really dig into the app to get it looking and acting just the way you want, which is the polar opposite of what you’d get from a VPN like ExpressVPN. If you’re willing to put in just a little extra work, PIA is a very powerful pick for Windows.

Features

PIA’s Windows app offers adjustable encryption levels when you connect via OpenVPN, allowing you to customize your connection for speed or security based on your needs. It’s also one of the few providers that lets you anonymously purchase a dedicated IP in case you need unfettered access to services that usually block VPNs - such as banking apps. You’ve also got the ability to enable port forwarding, so you should be able to host web services from your Windows device which are still protected by PIA’s VPN servers.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Private Internet Access test results:
AttributesNotesRating
DesignSimple, clean, and customizable⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useThe sheer number of features may overwhelm new users⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceReliable speeds fast enough to support streaming and torrenting⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingAchieved a perfect score in our tests⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyBattle-tested encryption and twice-proven no logs policy⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer support24/7 live support is available – email support is hit or miss⭐⭐⭐
PriceIncredibly budget-friendly⭐⭐⭐⭐

What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is software called a client whose primary function is to keep your internet connection, browser history, and device location private. This is done in several ways, but the most important is through the use of encryption.

Encryption is a way of scrambling your data so it can't be read. Many government agencies, militaries, and even financial institutions use encryption when saving files, sharing data, and receiving personal information through their websites, email, or messages. The highest encryption level is known as AES-256 bit. The best VPNs should use this level of security.

Another helpful security tool of a VPN client is the number and location of its servers. When you log onto the internet, your device is given an IP address that is specific to your location, and even more specific to your home address.

Laptop in a dark room

(Image credit: Unsplash / Markus Spiske)

Since connecting to a VPN requires you to log in through one of the client's servers, your IP address will be different every time you log in. This makes it really hard to trace your online activity back to you, your device, or your address.

You can use a VPN to secure person-to-person (P2P) data transfers. This is also called torrenting. By nature of their designs, a VPN will encrypt these messages, but some VPNs are specifically designed to support torrenting with dedicated servers with faster connection speed to help cut down on the risk of the data being intercepted.

And finally, every country has content that you can't access unless you are physically present in that area. This is known as geo-restricted content, and most often is used to refer to TV streaming services. But there is other content that is restricted if you're in a country, like China.

When you connect to a VPN in a geo-restricted area, your device's IP address will show that you are local. This lets you log into your home accounts and watch your favorite shows on Netflix, Amazon Prime, AppleTV, BBC iPlayer, and others.

How to choose a Windows VPN

Everyone’s needs are a little different when it comes to VPNs. There are a few metrics that I keep in mind when reviewing VPNs, however, and they’ll be just as useful to you when you’re picking a Windows VPN for yourself.

  • Speed: You could have the best, most secure VPN in the world, but if its speeds can’t keep up with your home internet connection, it’s useless. Particularly essential for streaming in HD without buffering, and downloading large files, as well as taking crystal-clear online calls. Usually a good indicator of how consistent your connection will be for gaming, too.
  • Server locations: Choice is good. The more server locations a VPN has, the more freedom you have to unblock the streams you want to access. Connecting to a server that’s geographically closer to you also means faster connections and less lag, which is vital if you’re doing something latency-sensitive - like hosting a call or playing games online.
  • Security: If a VPN doesn’t have a no-logs policy, I can’t recommend them. It’s as simple as that. Ideally, it’d be audited by a third party too. Beyond that, you want to look for evidence that the service is using VPN protocols with strong encryption like OpenVPN or WireGuard.
  • Compatibility: The best VPNs are highly compatible and work across a variety of platforms. It’s quite rare now that a quality VPN focuses on Windows alone, so seeing a VPN provider that works across iOS, Android, MacOS, and Linux as well is usually a hallmark of quality. Plus, you’ll want to make sure your VPN provider is compatible with Copilot+ PCs if you have one.
  • Ease of use: VPNs shouldn’t bog you down in endless menuing and technical fiddling. You should be able to install, log in, press connect, and enjoy the benefits of it without a fuss. Choose a VPN with a straightforward interface, especially if you're new to VPNs.
  • Price: There are options for every budget, so balance what you want out of a VPN against the cost. The best VPN for you might not be the most expensive one, especially if you’re looking for specific features.

How we test VPNs for Windows

At TechRadar, a crucial aspect of our VPN testing methodology is to retest and re-review the top VPNs on the market every six months or so to make sure we stay on top of any important changes in the VPNs’ performance that may ultimately impact the recommendations in our VPN guides.

Additionally, we want to offer only the most up-to-date and relevant information to our readers at all times. With that in mind, here are the main aspects we scrutinize while testing the VPN providers:

Privacy and security: We begin our investigation into a VPN by first visiting its website, where we carefully read the fine print in its privacy policy, see what features and how many servers are supposed to be on offer, and what the prices are like. We look around for any evidence the service has commissioned an independent audit to demonstrate its no-logs policy.

Other privacy essentials we look for include rock-solid encryption (AES 256-bit is the industry standard), support for the most popular and secure VPN protocols (WireGuard and OpenVPN must absolutely be there, whereas IKEv2 is a nice extra), and a rock-solid kill switch, alongside robust leak protection and split tunneling.

Speed testing: To test the speeds on offer by a provider, we use a variety of protocols, times, devices (all of which use a 1 Gbps connection line), and locations (one in the US and another in the UK) to run a minimum of 45 tests across various speed testing sites. The median of all the results is what we consider as the average speed of the VPN.

It’s worth noting that we also check DNS benchmark queries and connection times, undertake day-to-day browsing, and stream videos to ensure the VPN works seamlessly in the real world.

Compatibility: We test a VPN across a range of devices to get an idea of how features differ for each platform, but we pay special attention to the Windows version as it’s usually the exemplar. We then stress-test essential features, such as the kill switch, split tunneling, and DNS leak protection, to see if everything works as it says on the tin. While we're with the apps, we also evaluate how easy to use (or not) they are, and this is an important ranking criteria we use in all our VPN buying guides.

Unblocking capabilities: We try to tap into various libraries of popular streaming platforms, like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer, to find out whether the VPN can comfortably unblock region-restricted content. We do so from various server locations around the world for accurate readings.

Rounding it off, we test the VPN’s P2P connectivity on Windows to see if torrents work, and we also make some time to test out any specialist features the VPN has to offer. Last but not least, we’ll contact the VPN’s customer support and throw genuine questions at them to find out if they’re prompt and effective enough to resolve any queries you might have.

Windows VPN FAQs

What is the best Windows VPN for PC?

The best Windows VPN for your PC is NordVPN. For privacy and security, ExpressVPN is a top pick. If speed is your priority, Surfshark offers blazing-fast connections. Check out our detailed reviews to find the best option for you.

What can I do with a VPN on my PC?

Although VPNs started life as a way to share data securely, they have become a lot more broad in their usage. If you use your Windows 10 laptop as a portable multimedia device, for example, you can geo-spoof your PC IP address to other regions of the world to make sure you don't miss out on your favorite content when abroad—or even catch films, TV and sport that is shown in other countries but not yours.

Virtual private networks have also become a key tool in unlocking restricted websites on PCs (just one of the reasons why VPNs in China have become so popular, with the likes of Google, Facebook, BBC, CNN, and more being blocked there). There are plenty more ancillary VPN uses you can explore, too—you can discover more by clicking the link.

How do I set up a VPN on my PC computer?

Setting up a VPN on your PC is straightforward. Simply download the VPN app from the provider site (once you've chosen a service and a subscription package), install it, and log in. Once installed, you can connect to a server with just a click.

Does Windows 10 have a built in VPN - and is it good?

Windows 10 includes a built-in VPN client, but it requires manual configuration and does not offer the same privacy or unblocking capabilities as third-party VPN services. For better performance and security, we recommend using a dedicated VPN app.

How safe is Windows 10

While not as secure as Windows 11, Windows 10 is a significant improvement in terms of security and protection over previous incarnations (especially with dedicated Windows antivirus). Even so, you can never be too secure, and a reliable VPN is an essential tool for anyone online nowadays.

Can I use VPNs on Windows 11

Yes, you can—all of our recommended services above support the latest version of Windows. Windows 11 is no longer in its infancy, and VPN providers have adapted thoroughly to the changes present in the latest OS.

Edited by
River Hart Tech Software Editor
Edited by
River Hart

River helps take care of cybersecurity content on TechRadar—ranging from breaking news pieces, reviews, and buying guides.

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.

TOPICS
Sam Dawson
VPN and cybersecurity expert

Sam Dawson is a cybersecurity expert who has over four years of experience reviewing security-related software products. He focuses his writing on VPNs and security, previously writing for ProPrivacy before freelancing for Future PLC's brands, including TechRadar. Between running a penetration testing company and finishing a PhD focusing on speculative execution attacks at the University of Kent, he still somehow finds the time to keep an eye on how technology is impacting current affairs.

With contributions from