Using a VPN on your Windows PC is a wise choice and a growing necessity to protect personal data and online privacy. It is essential for preventing threats such as identity theft, unauthorized access to sensitive information or blocking invasive advertising and tracking.
In this guide, we will explore the world of virtual private networks for PCs, focusing on how they can improve the browsing experience, the fundamental criteria for selecting the most suitable Windows VPN, and instructions for configuring it.
We will start with an overview of the best Windows PC VPNs, examining the features that make them the most reliable and performing. There is also space for free PC VPNs designed to meet basic needs.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert user, you will find all the information you need to navigate safely and freely here.
We have analyzed many services, comparing their speed and security, which log policies they use, and which encryption protocols they use; here, we list the best VPNs the market offers in 2025.
A PC VPN has become essential for various reasons, especially because it offers significant online security and privacy. When you browse the Internet, your data, such as banking credentials, passwords, and other sensitive information, can be exposed to risks of interception and theft. A virtual private network encrypts the connection to prevent it from being available to attackers.
Furthermore, this tool allows you to overcome geo-restrictions and access content from all over the world. Many streaming platforms and websites limit access based on the user’s geographic location. You can decide which country the connection should come from with a VPN.
Another important aspect is protection against online tracking. Many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and websites collect data about your online activities for marketing purposes. A virtual private network masks your real IP address and reduces the amount of information that can be collected.
A Windows VPN is also especially useful in public environments, such as when connecting to free Wi-Fi networks in coffee shops, airports, or hotels, where network security may be compromised.
After discovering the benefits of using a virtual private network, the time has come to explore the best VPNs for PCs. In this guide, the result of in-depth and accurate tests, we have selected exclusively the most performing and reliable providers currently on the market.
NordVPN is one of the most well-known and appreciated services, thanks to an excellent quality-price ratio and a stable and reliable connection in every situation.
The provider strictly adheres to the no-logs policy (i.e., it does not keep personal user data) and uses military-grade AES-256-bit encryption and a double data encryption system. Still, regarding security, Onion support and CyberSec technology provide additional protection against malicious advertising, malware, and phishing. At the same time, the automatic kill switch cuts off your Internet connection if the VPN stops working.
NordVPN is also committed to offering the best online experience possible by minimizing tunneling and encryption’s impact on your Internet connection speed. Speed performance was significantly improved by introducing the proprietary NordLynx protocol, an extension of WireGuard, which made the service even faster. The average download speed is 369 Mbps, with optimal ping and jitter for those who play online or make video calls frequently.
The service allows the simultaneous connection of up to 10 devices, PCs, smartphones, and tablets through dedicated applications or web browser extensions. In addition to Windows, it can be installed on macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
NordVPN has a network of over 6,200 servers in more than 104 countries, allowing connections from almost every country globally.
Support for P2P networks is an important aspect of the provider’s offering since it provides secure and fast data sharing. As for streaming, it can unblock the main online platforms without problems, allowing access to the catalogs of Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and live sporting events on DAZN.
NordVPN doesn’t have a call center, but it offers live chat and email support: a chatbot resolves common issues, while more complex questions can be emailed. The official NordVPN website also has an FAQ section with answers to users’ most frequently asked questions.
We conclude with the prices: three competitive plans are offered, with costs ranging from €3-5 for long-term plans to €15 for monthly plans, with intermediate options for annual subscriptions. The service accepts several payment methods, including cryptocurrencies. There is no free version, but a “money back” guarantee is within 30 days of subscription.
Among the best-known and most-used VPNs for PCs is Surfshark, which has the reputation of being one of the easiest virtual private networks to use. Thanks to an extremely intuitive and simple user interface, it is ideal even for those without experience with these tools. The available options are limited to “Quick Connect” and “All Locations”, as well as a settings icon – this makes using the service straightforward and essential.
Its main features are support for the OpenVPN UDP and TCP protocols, IKEv2, AES-256 encryption, and a kill switch that prevents data loss in connection interruption. Additionally, the service offers private DNS and added security with a double-hop VPN.
The provider records your email address and billing information, thus ensuring high standards of privacy.
The connection is very fast even when connecting to servers on other continents, which is particularly useful for accessing streaming services such as Netflix from abroad. The average speed is 324 Mbps, although slightly lower than that of NordVPN and IPVanish, which guarantees an excellent gaming experience with low pings and no lag.
Also worth mentioning is the MultiHop mode, making tracking your online activities more difficult. The Android version of the service includes the Whitelist feature, which is split-tunneling that allows you to select which apps to connect to the VPN.
Prices are very competitive: two-year plans start from €1.99 for the Starter plan to €3.99 for the One plan, which includes five free months. Annual and monthly subscriptions cost slightly more but remain convenient. While it doesn’t offer a free version, SurfShark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try the service before committing to the long-term. It accepts multiple payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, Amazon Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and some cryptocurrencies.
Regarding compatibility, Surfshark covers unlimited devices with a single subscription. It works on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS, with easy-to-use apps. You can manually install it on compatible home routers to protect all devices connected to your home network, including Smart TVs and game consoles.
The provider has 3,200 units in 65 countries for the server network, surpassing competitors such as VyprVPN and PrivateVPN. A strong point is using servers with volatile memories (RAM), which automatically erase data whenever the servers are turned off or restarted. Most of the servers are in the USA, but there are also options in India, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, Spain, and France.
SurfShark offers live chat 24/7 and an email form for quick and effective responses. The website also includes a Resources section with setup guides, tutorials, and FAQs.
Finally, we specify that SurfShark supports P2P networks, allowing safe and anonymous downloads. It also seamlessly unblocks the main streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Sky, and many others, making it an excellent Windows VPN service for streaming.
One of the virtual private network sector pioneers is CyberGhost, which has extensive experience in the field. This is reflected in its reliability and popularity as a choice among the best Windows VPNs. It offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, higher than the typical 30 days of its competitors, and allows up to 7 simultaneous connections, one more than most other VPNs.
Among its main features, CyberGhost supports 256-bit AES encryption and OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols, which are particularly effective for mobile devices. Recently, the WireGuard protocol was also added. The kill switch feature is available on desktop and mobile apps, a feature not always present in VPN apps for iOS and Android.
Prices are slightly lower than competitors, with plans starting at around 2 euros for the two-year plan (plus 4 free months), €6.99 per month for the six-monthly subscription, and €12 for the monthly plan. We accept payments via PayPal, credit card (prepaid), and cryptocurrencies.
As for compatibility, it supports a wide range of devices, including mobile, desktop, and TV, as well as web browser extensions. In terms of servers, it has over 7,300 servers in more than 90 countries. It offers servers optimized for streaming and a no-logs policy to ensure user privacy. It also supports P2P networks and unblocks major streaming platforms. Customer support is available via live chat and email, with guides and tutorials on the site.
The name “PrivateVPN” immediately suggests the purpose of this provider: a service focused on security and protecting users’ privacy, who often find themselves in the crosshairs of hackers or online trackers.
Thanks to its no-log policy and advanced security systems such as OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and IKEv2 protocols, it offers a stable and reliable connection. Among its distinctive features is Stealth VPN, which is useful for bypassing government filters in countries with high censorship and for browsing incognito. The service includes a kill switch but lacks split tunneling.
While it’s fast, it still doesn’t match the speed of some competitors like CyberGhost or ExpressVPN.
An annual subscription costs just €2.08 per month (three-year plan), a competitive price compared to more well-known services. Quarterly plans are also available for €6.20 per month and monthly plans for €10.39. Payments can be made via credit, debit, PayPal, or Bitcoin card, and 30-day refunds are available on all plans.
It works smoothly on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices. For advanced users, there are guides for manual installation on Linux, compatible routers, and the Kodi media center. An extension is unavailable for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge browsers. The app offers an automatic kill switch for Windows only. You can connect up to 6 devices simultaneously.
The network that forms the heart of the Private VPN service has over 200 servers in 63 countries. Since the number is quite limited, it is advisable to choose the closest ones for better connection speed. It is worth mentioning that US servers are particularly fast, making them ideal for video streaming.
The servers support P2P, allowing downloads without leaving a trace. There are no specialized servers for streaming, but those with dedicated IPs offer access to the main streaming platforms.
PrivateVPN stands out from the competition with an additional assistance option: in addition to live chat and email, it offers remote support via TeamViewer, allowing operators to intervene directly on the user’s desktop to resolve problems.
The name “PrivateVPN” immediately suggests the purpose of this provider: a service focused on security and protecting users’ privacy, who often find themselves in the crosshairs of hackers or online trackers.
Thanks to its no-log policy and advanced security systems such as OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and IKEv2 protocols, it offers a stable and reliable connection. Among its distinctive features is Stealth VPN, which is useful for bypassing government filters in countries with high censorship and browsing incognito. The service includes a kill switch but lacks split tunneling.
While it’s fast, it still doesn’t match the speed of some competitors like CyberGhost or ExpressVPN.
An annual subscription costs just €2.08 per month (three-year plan), a competitive price compared to more well-known services. Quarterly plans are also available for €6.20 per month and monthly plans for €10.39. Payments can be made via credit, debit, PayPal, or Bitcoin card, and 30-day refunds are available on all plans.
It works smoothly on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices. For advanced users, there are guides for manual installation on Linux, compatible routers, and the Kodi media center. An extension is unavailable for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge browsers. The app offers an automatic kill switch for Windows only. You can connect up to 6 devices simultaneously.
The network that forms the heart of the Private VPN service has over 200 servers in 63 countries. Since the number is quite limited, it is advisable to choose the closest ones for better connection speed. It is worth mentioning that US servers are particularly fast, making them ideal for video streaming.
The servers support P2P, allowing downloads without leaving a trace. There are no specialized servers for streaming, but those with dedicated IPs offer access to the main streaming platforms.
PrivateVPN stands out from the competition with an additional assistance option: in addition to live chat and email, it offers remote support via TeamViewer, allowing operators to intervene directly on the user’s desktop to resolve problems.
ExpressVPN is one of the best virtual private network services with cutting-edge features and a strong reputation in the industry. This provider is committed to being the fastest on the market, minimizing the impact on your internet connection and ensuring smooth browsing. With an average speed of 400-490 Mbps, it also includes a speed test built into the PC app.
Its split tunneling allows you to separate internet traffic, and the kill switch protects your data in case the VPN connection drops. It also ensures 256-bit AES encryption, among the best available for a virtual private network. As for security, ExpressVPN boasts its own proprietary Lightway protocol and OpenVPN and L2TP/IPsec, ensuring strong protection, including DNS leak prevention.
This service’s costs are slightly higher than those of its competitors. Plans range from €7.86 per month for the annual subscription to €12 for the monthly one, without two-year options. Payments can be made with credit cards, PayPal, BitPay (Bitcoin), and other cryptocurrencies, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Its compatibility spans a wide range of devices, from official apps for PCs (Windows, Mac, Linux ), smartphones (Android, iOS), Chromebook, Kindle Fire, and Nook to extensions for Chrome and Firefox. There’s also support for consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, smart TVs, Amazon’s Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV. This allows setup on almost any device in your home, with a limit of 5 devices that can be used simultaneously.
ExpressVPN servers ( over 3,000) are located in 160 locations in 94 countries. Although it offers less than NordVPN, it allows connections in more countries. However, not all servers support the most advanced encryption standards.
Regarding privacy, it does not record data on users or their online activity, limiting itself to collecting minimum information necessary for network operation and technical support. Although not specified on the site, ExpressVPN protects and guarantees anonymity even in P2P networks. It is also reliable for unblocking streaming sites such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, DAZN and others, thanks to the availability of servers in different locations.
For customer support, it offers always-available live chat, email support, and on-site how-to guides for less urgent or complex issues.
Private Internet Access (PIA hereafter ) is an excellent PC VPN. It offers adequate protection for all devices and maintains an excellent balance between cost and the ability to safeguard privacy and access geographically restricted streaming services.
This service stands out for its strong emphasis on privacy and security. It represents a valid choice for those looking for a reliable and privacy-respecting virtual private network at an advantageous price. Users can take advantage of advanced options to protect their devices, including the ability to create a dedicated tunnel for each application. Private Internet Access also offers features like a kill switch, split tunneling (except on iOS), and port forwarding, a rarity in the industry.
Like all the Windows VPNs analyzed in this study, PIA also adopts a no-log policy, ensuring the non-traceability of connections. It offers military-grade encryption and supports various protocols, including OpenVPN and WireGuard, and IPsec on iOS, with which you can effectively protect against hackers and trackers.
Regarding speed, it averages 200 Mbps with OpenVPN and has low latency with local servers. Ping, important for online games, is around 8ms.
In terms of prices, it starts from €1.85 per month for the two-year plan (with 4 months free), making it one of the cheapest options for protecting your connection. Six-monthly plans cost €6.79 per month, and monthly plans cost €10.69. Various payment methods are accepted, including credit cards, PayPal, Amazon Pay, and cryptocurrencies, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
It is compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, PS4/Xbox, and various routers, ensuring protection for any device connected to the Internet. Browser extensions are also available. The server network covers 91 countries with over 35,000 servers. There are servers optimized for streaming, even without dedicated solutions.
All servers support P2P connections without the need for dedicated servers. The service can be activated before starting any download to ensure anonymity. Furthermore, PIA allows you to overcome the geographical restrictions of streaming services such as Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+.
Regarding customer support, Private Internet Access offers tutorials and detailed guides on its official website, as well as live chat and email assistance.
We have almost reached the end of our guide on the best VPNs for Windows, and the turn has come to IPVanish, a provider that combines speed with many servers. It is ideal for accessing fast servers in any situation, and it is especially suitable for streaming.
Despite being easy to use and set up, especially for those less experienced with VPNs, IPVanish does not lack advanced features. Among these stand-out 256-bit encryption, support for the most popular protocols, including OpenVPN, a dedicated kill switch button, DNS/IPv6 protection, an IP obfuscation system with periodic reset, and split tunneling, the latter available only on Android and Fire Stick.
From a speed point of view it excels, offering consistent performance with negligible traffic slowdowns and minimal ping drops, also ideal for gaming.
Pricing: You can sign up for a two-year subscription for around $3.25 a month, with three months free, or an annual plan for $4.33 a month. Payments can be made via credit/debit cards or PayPal, but cryptocurrencies are not accepted. A 30-day refund is available, but only with annual or longer plans.
In terms of compatibility, IPVanish offers Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Fire TV applications, allowing advanced users to customize their connection protection further. However, it doesn’t have apps for game consoles or smart TVs, so a router is required to protect these devices.
Its vast network of 2,200 servers in over 75 geographic locations ensures high connection speeds wherever you are. With over 40,000 reserved IP addresses, it offers the flexibility to change servers and IPs.
Located in the United States, a country known for its sophisticated online surveillance system and a member of the 14-Eyes Alliance, IPVanish maintains a strict no-logs policy, protecting against tracking. It is suitable for online tasks such as bypassing censorship or protecting traffic from hackers.
Although the official website does not explicitly state this, it supports P2P networks. To avoid disconnections, it is recommended that you set a stable IP during downloads. It is also useful for unblocking the main streaming platforms.
For customer support, IPVanish offers three channels: 24/7 live chat, email, and telephone (the latter can be improved). Useful tutorials are also available on the official website.
VyprVPN is a great choice for those who often connect to public hotspots and want to hide their online activity. Thanks to its “no-logs” policy and ability to automatically protect devices connected to public networks, it is a great choice for these users.
This service uses the proprietary Chameleon protocol to overcome national restrictions and filters, such as those imposed in China. It also offers 256-bit AES encryption and automatic protection on public Wi-Fi networks.
It is also notable for its speed, which is comparable to services like ExpressVPN or CyberGhost, especially when connecting to local servers. However, it can drop significantly when connecting to more distant servers, with the WireGuard protocol helping minimize significant drops.
It offers two price plans: an annual one at €5 per month and a monthly one at €10. It accepts payments via credit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, and Apple Pay but excludes the possibility of paying with cryptocurrencies. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and the option to try the service for 3 days via a mobile app.
VyprVPN’s compatibility is broad, with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS clients available. Its mobile apps can automatically initiate connections in unsafe situations, such as on public hotspots. Extensions are only available for the Chrome browser.
Vypr’s network includes over 700 servers in over 70 regions and 66 countries, with efficient servers in the United States and good performance elsewhere.
Its no-logs policy is rigorous: it ensures total anonymity, does not keep track of connections and sites visited, and uses its own anonymous DNS service and a kill switch system to terminate every connection immediately. The split tunneling option is available on Android and macOS devices.
VyprVPN also supports torrenting and streaming, offering dedicated and anonymized servers for cloud storage. Windows VPN unblocks all major streaming platforms, varying speeds depending on the server, but generally with minimal buffering.
Finally, Vypr’s customer support effectively provides quick, detailed responses via live chat and email.
Those looking for a free VPN for PC should know that there are some valid free solutions to take into consideration. Windscribe and ProtonVPN stand out, offering notable features for a no-cost service. The former stands out for its generous monthly data offer and the ability to select different servers, which is rare for a free VPN. It also includes a robust privacy and security policy, making it a reliable option for basic browsing and some casual streaming uses.
The second, however, stands out for its unlimited broadband, a unique feature among free VPNs. This makes it a good choice for continuous use without worrying about data restrictions. Its security and privacy are of a high standard, with a clear commitment to user protection. ProtonVPN is also known for its transparency and security orientation, stemming from the creators of ProtonMail, a highly secure email service.
However, it is important to recognize the limitations of free VPNs for Windows, as they typically have restrictions that can affect the user experience. For example, free VPNs often have a limited number of servers, which can lead to slower connection speeds due to crowding. Some advanced features, such as support for streaming from specific platforms or the ability to connect to a wide range of global locations, may be absent.
In general, not all free services maintain high standards of security and privacy, posing risks in tracking and disseminating user data. Finally, for those looking for a VPN for heavy use, such as high-resolution streaming or downloading large files, a paid service may be better suited due to its more robust features and higher bandwidth.
Among the most recommended VPNs for Windows 11 is NordVPN, known for its exceptional security and high connection speeds. Advanced encryption technology and features like double VPN and an automatic kill switch make it a solid choice for those seeking security and performance.
Surfshark, on the other hand, is known for its unique offering of unlimited simultaneous connections to protect all your devices at once. This, combined with impressive speed and robust security, makes it particularly suitable for families or users with many devices, including Windows 11.
Although Private VPN is a newcomer to the VPN landscape, it has quickly gained popularity. It offers a reliable service with good speeds and solid security features at a competitive price. The ease of use it guarantees and the intuitive user interface make it an excellent choice for those new to the world of VPNs or those looking for a simple and effective solution for Windows.
The best VPNs for Windows 10 tend to be those that are also good for the latest operating system. We recommend two others.
ExpressVPN is renowned for its amazing speed and ability to bypass geo-blocks effectively, which is great for streaming and accessing geo-restricted content. It is recognized as one of the most secure solutions on the market, thanks to its combination of advanced security with high-level encryption and a rigorously implemented no-logs policy. Its user interface is intuitive and easy to use; it is therefore suitable even for those who do not have much experience with VPNs.
On the other hand, CyberGhost is known for its large network of servers optimized for streaming and torrenting and its ease of use. It is good for users who want a personalized experience, as it provides the choice of specific servers depending on their needs. It also offers solid security and good speed for a seamless user experience.
As is evident from this guide, VPNs for Windows are very numerous. The ones listed are, in fact, only the best, but there are dozens more available online. At this point, the most important thing is to understand how to choose a VPN on Windows 10 or one of the previous versions, including Windows 7. The first question you need to ask yourself is the type of use that will be made of it. All the alternatives in the previous paragraphs apply high-level protection to personal data and are all equipped with encryption. This means that for simple web browsing, they are all more than valid.
However, it will be necessary to identify the most suitable alternative for more specific uses. For streaming, for example, ExpressVPN is certainly the best choice. With the frequent use of torrents, however, NordVPN has an edge over rival services. In any case, all providers are also compatible with Windows 7 or other versions of the Microsoft operating system. To use them best, simply download the dedicated application from the official website and install it on your PC.
Setting up a VPN on a Windows PC may seem complicated. In reality, almost all services now offer a simplified interface, accessible by downloading the dedicated software. You only need to download the application directly from the official VPN website and run it. In just a few clicks you can navigate safely and without the worry that someone may intercept your data.
Some users then prefer to install the VPN in the router. In this way, whatever device is used to browse can simply be connected to the selected modem, and the traffic will be automatically masked. However, this procedure is more complicated, and not all support it. For more information on this matter, we recommend carefully reading the FAQs of the chosen virtual private network or contact support.
In this guide dedicated to the best VPNs for Windows, we have shown the most functional and safe anonymous and incognito browsing services currently on the market. If you intend to start using an alternative of this type seriously, the best-paid VPNs are certainly the most suitable ones. In fact, using them will not have any type of limitation, and the user experience will be perfect in every aspect. For those curious to find out what using a virtual private network for browsing can mean, there are free VPNs for Windows.
Establishing a priori, which is the best VPN for Windows, is not easy, and a lot also depends on the specific preferences of the individual user . The VPN services reviewed in our guide to the best VPNs for Windows (10 and other versions) have in common excellent quality standards and excellent reviews from the majority of users. For example, by choosing a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, but also the others in the guide, you can be sure that you are choosing a quality, tested and constantly updated product.
Yes, there are free VPNs available for Windows. However, they often have limitations such as slower speeds, data caps, fewer servers, and might lack robust security features. Some free VPNs may also monetize by tracking and selling user data. Always choose reputable VPN providers, even for free services.
For streaming on Windows, you need a VPN that can bypass geo-restrictions and maintain high speeds. Providers like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost are popular for their ability to unblock major streaming platforms (like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer) and deliver consistent, fast streaming experiences.
Yes, a VPN can help reduce ping and overcome bandwidth throttling by ISPs, potentially improving your online gaming experience on Windows. Look for VPNs with low latency, such as ExpressVPN or NordVPN, and ensure they have servers near your gaming servers for the best performance.
Selecting the best VPN for Windows depends on several factors: