Yes. Even though your home computer is not using the public Wi-Fi network (unless you live in an airport), using a VPN on your computer is still a good idea. It protects your privacy from your ISP, allows you to access sites blocked in your country, and allows you to unblock Netflix libraries not available in your region.
- 8 Best VPNs for Windows (PCs, Tablets & Laptops) in 2022
- Short on time? Here are the best VPNs for Windows in January 2022
- 1. ExpressVPN – Smooth Windows App With Fast Speeds for Streaming
- More about VPNs
- Blazing speeds, proven privacy
- ExpressVPN
- Surfshark
- A speed leader, packed with features
- Surfshark VPN
- Best VPN for Windows PC & Laptop
- 1) NordVPN
- Key Statistics:
- 2) ExpressVPN
- Key Statistics:
- 3) Atlas VPN
- ❗ What are the limitations of free VPNs?
- How we selected and tested these VPNs
- Why do I need a VPN for Windows?
- How can a VPN help you?
- What are the top VPNs for Windows 10 computers?
- Best VPN for PC FAQs
- Do you need a VPN for your PC?
- How a PC VPN solves the ISP spying problem
- Conclusion on PC VPN services
- The Windows 10 VPN client is a great option for some people
- NordVPN: Top VPN with most server options
8 Best VPNs for Windows (PCs, Tablets & Laptops) in 2022
I built a global research team and tested every VPN on the market – over 300 in total. In our quest to find the best VPNs for Windows for 2022, we tested speeds, security, unblocking capabilities, and much more.
We found a lot of VPNs that aren’t worth your time (some even put your privacy at risk!), But we also found a few that stood out in every way – including high speeds, access to streaming services like Netflix and the BBC iPlayer, and full compatibility with Windows 10, 8 and 7.
We got the best results with ExpressVPN, and this is our top recommendation for Windows. Read on to find out why, or give ExpressVPN a try for yourself, and if you’re not satisfied, you have up to 30 days to apply for a refund.
Short on time? Here are the best VPNs for Windows in January 2022
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– Our top choice for Windows gives you the fastest speeds, unblocks Netflix and other streaming services, and currently offers an amazing discount – Great VPN for beginners (doesn’t work in China) – Great security features, but not the best choice for streaming – Friendly for a budget with strong security features but speed drops during peak usage hours – Best security features and user-friendly interface but based on 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance
Our research team regularly tests all the major VPNs on the market, and we update this list with the best options for Windows. I have tried all of these VPNs on my own Windows laptop and tablet, and they are the only ones I can recommend.
1. ExpressVPN – Smooth Windows App With Fast Speeds for Streaming
- Featured Windows application compatible with all Windows versions
- Perfect speeds
- 3,000 servers in 90 countries
- Up to 5 simultaneous device connections on one account
- strict no-logs policy and automatic kill switch
- 30 day money back guarantee
- Works with: Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Showtime, DAZN, BBC iPlayer and more
- Also compatible with: macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, routers and more
ExpressVPN Offer January 2022: For a limited time only, you can get an ExpressVPN subscription up to 49% off! Don’t miss out!
ExpressVPN gives you reliable, fast access to all major streaming services, including Netflix US. It regularly refreshes its servers’ IP addresses to avoid even the most stubborn VPN blocks. And it works! When we tested ExpressVPN, we were able to access Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Showtime, and other major platforms no matter which server we tried.
And ExpressVPN has a lot of servers to choose from – there are over 3,000 high-speed servers in 90 countries for a truly global reach.
One of my favorite ExpressVPN features is MediaStreamer technology, which allows you to stream your favorite shows and movies to devices that don’t support VPN connections, such as a game console or smart TV.
When it comes to connection speed, ExpressVPN is hard to beat. We received impressive speed test results from a variety of locations around the world, and none of our team members complained about lag or buffering. You can see the full results of our testing in our in-depth ExpressVPN review.
ExpressVPN is based in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands. Not only does it have a strict no-logs policy, TrustedServer technology uses RAM to permanently delete all information from the server with each restart. This is a great choice if online anonymity is important to you.
In addition, you have 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, split tunneling, and an automatic kill switch.
Sure, ExpressVPN isn’t the cheapest VPN, but sometimes you get what you pay for. Besides, I have now discovered a hidden discount. (Shhh! Don’t tell anyone!)
Let’s go back to the topic of innovative VPN technology. In addition to NordLynx, the NordVPN network includes several types of special purpose servers that you may want to use:
More about VPNs
Blazing speeds, proven privacy
- Number of IP addresses: 30,000
- Number of servers: over 3,000 in 160 locations
- Number of simultaneous connections: 5
- Country / Jurisdiction: British Virgin Islands
- over 94 countries (limited time offer)
ExpressVPN tells us that its network is powered by TrustedServer technology, which the VPN provider has built to ensure that there are never any logs of users’ online activity. In the privacy world, ExpressVPN has a lot of experience as it experienced a server takeover by authorities that proved its zero-logging policy was real at the time. I also like the quality of the VPN setup guides and the detailed information in its FAQ.
While its speeds consistently compete with strong competitors, CNET’s 2020 speed tests showed that ExpressVPN caused a total loss of 52% of normal internet speeds, a significant slowdown compared to 2019’s score of 2.
Like the other top five VPN services, ExpressVPN offers a useful kill-switch security feature that prevents your network data from leaking outside your secure VPN tunnel in the event of a VPN connection failure. ExpressVPN also offers great DNS leak protection. Unlike the others, however, ExpressVPN has earned points for supporting Bitcoin as a payment method – something that doesn’t offer all of my favorites, but adds an extra layer of privacy during checkout.
The VPN service provider has been in the market since 2009, and ExpressVPN has a sizeable network of high-speed VPN server locations in 94 countries. It’s the best VPN for online privacy protection, has best-in-class encryption, and gives you unlimited bandwidth. Its best plan costs less than $ 7 a month for an annual package that includes three months free.
ExpressVPN
- Competitive speeds
- A solid security package
- The company is based in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction.
Surfshark
A speed leader, packed with features
- Number of servers: 3200-plus
- VPN server locations: 65
- Jurisdiction: British Virgin Islands
While Surfshark’s network is smaller than some, the VPN service makes up for it in features and connection speed. Let’s start with the biggest win it has to offer: unlimited device support. If you want to run your entire home or office with a Surfshark VPN, you don’t have to worry about how many devices you have connected or connected to. As part of its software, it also offers anti-malware, ad-blocking, and tracker-blocking.
And it’s fast. With over 3,200 servers in 65 countries, I lost less than 17% of my average internet speed in our recent speed tests. That’s faster than the 27% speed loss I’ve seen in previous tests, and it’s ahead of ExpressVPN to be the current leader in speed comparisons.
Surfshark received high marks overall when its Chrome and Firefox extensions were subjected to a privacy audit by German security firm Cure 53 (PDF link to the full report) – although this audit was commissioned by Surfshark.
The company offers a wide range of application support for Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Fire TV and routers. Additional devices, such as game consoles, can be configured for Surfshark using the DNS settings. I especially like the feature that allows you to whitelist certain apps and websites to bypass VPNs automatically. This can be critical for some business applications.
Surfshark also offers three special modes designed for those who want to bypass restrictions and more accurately hide their footprints on the Internet. Camouflage mode masks your VPN activity, so your ISP doesn’t know you’re using a VPN. Multihop hops your internet connection through multiple countries to hide its trace. Finally, NoBorders mode “allows you to successfully use Surfshark in restricted regions.” Just be careful. Doing any of these three things may be illegal in your country and may result in severe penalties. I didn’t notice a single IP address or DNS leak during testing, and I had no problems accessing Netflix.
Unlike many other VPN providers, Surfshark doesn’t offer an annual plan. Its best deal is 3,500.30 a month for a two-year plan (you pay around $ 60 upfront). The six-month plan costs $ 6.49 per month (about $ 39 upfront) and the monthly plans are $ 12.95 per month. Definitely take advantage of its generous 30-day trial to decide if you like this VPN service (and if you go for the two-year plan, you can set a reminder in 23 months to see if you can talk it into a fixed discount rate).
Surfshark VPN
- Market-leading speeds
- Doorbuster pricelist
- Multi-hop VPN
Of course, remember that your speed scores will be slightly different to ours. This is because they depend on many factors, although major trends can be discerned.
Best VPN for Windows PC & Laptop
1) NordVPN
NordVPN is VPN software that does not track, collect, or share user data. It provides security by encrypting sent and received data. This free VPN software helps prevent ads and malware. It also allows you to seamlessly access multiple online streaming sites.
Characteristics:
- This VPN software does not store information about your session, used bandwidth, IP addresses, traffic data, and session details.
- The NordVPN service gives you good security.
- Offers dual VPN or Onion over VPN.
- Does not keep a log of online activity.
- Provides 24/7 product support.
Key Statistics:
- Total number of servers: 5000+
- Maximum devices supported: 2
- Server selection: manual
- Data limit: unlimited
- No logging policy: Yes
- Simultaneous connections: 6
- Unblocks: YouTube TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu
- Emergency stop switch: Yes
- Free trial version: Yes – 30 days
- Countries: 59
- Supported platforms: Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS
How to use NordVPN for free:
- Start your NordVPN trial risk-free. You can cancel your subscription at any time. There is no cost.
- NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. It also offers flexible pricing plans which makes it easy to use and a valuable privacy tool.
2) ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN keeps your internet browsing safe from surveillance agencies and fraudsters. This working VPN offers online protection with leak protection and encryption. It helps you stay safe by hiding your IP address and encrypting your network data. ExpressVPN offers 24/7 support via email and live chat. It also helps prevent ads and malware.
Characteristics:
- It allows you to choose which network devices are to be protected.
- It helps you connect to a VPN without any bandwidth restrictions.
- Offers online protection with leak protection and encryption.
- Provides a wide variety of server locations.
- It helps you stay safe by hiding IP addresses and encrypting network data.
- Good customer service.
- You can use it to access hidden sites.
Key Statistics:
- Total number of servers: 3000+
- Maximum devices supported: 5
- Server selection: manual
- Data limit: unlimited
- No logging policy: Yes
- Unblocks: YouTube TV, Netflix, iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Hulu.
- Split tunneling: Yes
- Torrenting: Yes
- IP Addresses: Dynamic
- Emergency stop switch: Yes
- Concurrent Connections: Unlimited
- Free trial version: Yes – 30 days
- Countries: 94
- Supported platforms: iOS, Android, Linux, macOS, and Microsoft Windows.
How to use ExpressVPN for free:
- Start a risk-free trial of ExpressVPN. You can cancel your subscription at any time. There is no cost.
- ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. This VPN service provides flexible pricing plans, making it an easy-to-use online privacy tool.
3) Atlas VPN
Atlas VPN allows you to discover a safer and more open internet. Offers best-in-class WireGuard protocol to ensure safe and hassle-free gaming, streaming, and overall browsing experience. It allows you to access the Internet from several IP addresses at the same time.
❗ What are the limitations of free VPNs?
The following are the limitations of free VPN software for PC:
- Your privacy and security may be at risk
- Your online activity can be tracked
- Free VPNs cannot unblock certain apps
- Limited data allowed for use
- Internet speed slows down
- So many ads
- It can sell your bandwidth
What else is VyprVPN doing to stand out from the crowd? Well, for starters, it’s really great for streaming. It can unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and even DAZN, which is one of the hardest nuts to crack.
How we selected and tested these VPNs
The service doesn’t appear on our list of Best VPNs for Windows for a reason. Must meet specific speed, safety and function requirements. Here are the criteria that helped us choose the best of the best:
- Logging Policy. No matter how good a VPN can be – if its logging policy is suspicious, we never recommend it. As a result, every service on this website offers a true no-logs policy.
- Windows client. It should be obvious – to be chosen as one of the best VPNs for Windows, the service needs to offer a cutting-edge Windows application that is not only easy to use but also pleasing to the eye.
- Speed. Even though using a VPN usually means a slower connection, it doesn’t have to be that slow. Using the correct tunneling protocols (such as NordLynx or WireGuard) can significantly improve your experience when browsing or watching your favorite shows using a VPN.
- Streaming capabilities. Watching movies on your computer is more convenient than doing it on your phone – which is why the best VPNs for Windows must be able to unblock at least a few streaming platforms like Netflix or Hulu.
- Price £. Nobody wants to break the bank with new software. That’s why most of the VPNs for Windows we selected are really cheap, and only cost a few dollars a month.
- Customer service. Even though installing and using a new VPN on your computer is a piece of cake, a few questions may arise here and there if you’ve never done it before. Therefore, good customer support (preferably live chat) is crucial.
Why do I need a VPN for Windows?
Using the best VPN for Windows can make a lot of difference in your life. Let’s take a look at what you can do while connected to a VPN:
- Protect yourself when using public Wi-Fi. Do you often take your laptop and work at your local Starbucks? Remember that public Wi-Fi is usually unencrypted, keeping network traffic visible to everyone nearby. Fortunately, a VPN will encrypt your traffic and keep your personal information safe.
- Hide your online activity from your ISP. Did you know your ISP sees everything you do online? A good VPN will put an end to this by making your traffic completely unreadable.
- Access blocked websites. Whether a website is blocking traffic from your country or is simply blocked at your office or school, a VPN will help you gain hassle-free access by hiding your real IP address and providing you with a new one.
- Watch movies and shows. This is the reason why the use of Windows VPNs is growing steadily year on year: some VPNs are able to unblock foreign libraries of Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and other streaming platforms. Moreover, basically any VPN will let you watch YouTube videos blocked in your country.
- Avoid throttling your bandwidth. Sometimes an ISP may deliberately slow down your internet connection to regulate network traffic. This can result in a much slower connection than before, which can be especially frustrating when watching movies or torrenting. Fortunately, using a VPN eliminates this problem.
- Save money. Using a VPN can save you a lot of money if you frequently buy plane tickets or rent a car. Vendors implement many techniques to pay more, ranging from price discrimination to browser cookies. A VPN will allow you to take advantage of lower prices, allowing you to freely change your location.
Absolutely. Even if you’re in a country where torrenting is legal, we all know that this popular online activity is never 100% safe. You may think you are downloading legal torrents, but suddenly find yourself being sued for inadvertently downloading the wrong file.
How can a VPN help you?
Before you do that, let’s quickly go over the top reasons why you need a VPN in your life:
-
and change your geographic location
- Protect your privacy and browsing habits
- Protect your device from hackers when using public Wi-Fi
- Don’t let marketing agencies find out everything about you to create personalized ads
- Unblock streaming content normally not available in your region due to licensing issues (e.g. Netflix US)
- Bypass barriers and defeat government censorship
- Continue to access region-specific content even when traveling to a foreign country with strict internet censorship laws by connecting to VPN servers closer to your host
- Get better deals on airline tickets, reservations and more
- Stay safe and avoid receiving DMCA letters while downloading or uploading torrents
- Bypass network throttling if your ISP is slowing you down due to streaming or torrenting
- easily change your VPN password so no one can access your account
Access worldwide content at the highest speed.
Secure multiple devices and enjoy stable connections anywhere.
A cost-effective VPN service with comprehensive security features.
Connect to thousands of servers for uninterrupted, hassle-free browsing.
Works with all operating systems under one account.
What are the top VPNs for Windows 10 computers?
Private Internet Access has made a name for itself in the VPN industry thanks to its fast network connections and excellent encryption methods.
Provides 22,500+ VPN servers and proxies in 98 locations in 77 countries.
You can encrypt your data with WireGuard or OpenVPN with up to 256-bit encryption, as well as take advantage of private DNS servers and a kill switch.
PIA also supports port forwarding, split tunneling, static and dynamic IP addresses, and a browser malware blocker called PIA MACE.
The app avoids troubleshooting VPN compatibility issues on Windows 10 as it fully supports Microsoft’s operating system as well as others.
Provides consistent VPN connection speeds and unblocks Netflix US. We have never experienced any application bugs when testing private internet access.
More about PIA:
- Windows, iOS, Android, Mac, Linux, Chrome, Opera, Firefox, routers
- 10 simultaneous device connections
- Zero Logging Privacy Policy
- 24/7 live chat support
- 30-day money-back guarantee (no free trial period)
Next on our list is Surfshark, a growing VPN service based in the British Virgin Islands. Just a few years old (launched in 2018), Surfshark is quickly breaking through the crowd with great speeds, lots of great features and a very affordable price.
Best VPN for PC FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about finding and using the best VPN for PC.
Do you need a VPN for your PC?
If you are like most PC users, your computer runs Windows 10. It is a powerful operating system that, in combination with the latest anti-virus / anti-malware software, should be well protected against attacks. So why would you pay for a VPN for PC?
A VPN for PC offers a different type of protection than antivirus and anti-malware software or even Windows 10’s built-in security. It all protects your computer from outsiders trying to break in. A VPN protects the back and forth messages between your computer and the rest of the world. When you do anything online, messages are sent from your computer to your ISP (Internet Service Provider) through various servers and other equipment until they finally reach their destination (for example, the Restore Privacy website). Messages coming back to the computer do the same thing, only in reverse order.
Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that this message traffic will be safe from spies. At various points in his path, messages that travel back and forth could be intercepted and read by various strangers. While the HTTPS protocol used by many websites protects your traffic to some extent, your ISP can see who you are communicating with. The website or other computer you end up communicating with may see your IP address, which at least tells them where you physically are, and may even be enough for individual identification.
Even governments are stepping into the action when it comes to spying on what you do online. You don’t believe it? Let us introduce you to room 641A. According to Wikipedia, “Room 641A is a telecommunications interception device operated by AT&T for the US National Security Agency under its warrantless surveillance program under the Patriot Act.” The facility started operating in 2003, and its purpose was announced to the public in 2006.”
Faced with such powerful opponents, the only defense normal people have is using a VPN on their computer. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your computer and the Internet.
You gain security through encryption. You gain privacy because the VPN service prevents others (even the website you communicate with) from seeing your real IP address.
How a PC VPN solves the ISP spying problem
If you are not using a VPN on your computer, your ISP (and your mobile operator, if you are using a smartphone) can see a lot of what you do online. The HTTPS protocol is being adopted by more and more websites. With HTTPS, no one (except you and the website you’re connected to) can read the messages sent between them. That’s great, but HTTPS can’t prevent your ISP or mobile operator from knowing which website you’re communicating with.
In order to pass message traffic back and forth, they need to know where and where that traffic is coming from. This connection data itself is very valuable for some parties. In the United States, companies can use this information on their own and also sell your data to anyone who wants to buy it. In other countries, such as Australia, these companies are required to record and store connection data for at least 2 years in case some government bureaucrat wishes to see it.
Conclusion on PC VPN services
That concludes the review of the best VPN services for PC users. We’ve named four great VPNs that keep your internet activities safe while protecting your privacy from the many dangers lurking on the internet. Moreover, these top VPNs give PC users access to the best information and entertainment available on the Internet, no matter where you are or where it comes from.
Remember that what we present here is just a summary of what makes each of these VPNs great for PC users. For a complete understanding of any or all of them please use the links below. And don’t be afraid to download one of these VPNs and give it a solid test drive. Every VPN we recommend comes with a full 30-day money-back guarantee. You have nothing to lose.
NordVPN is VPN software that does not track, collect, or share user data. It provides security by encrypting sent and received data. This free VPN software helps prevent ads and malware. It also allows you to seamlessly access multiple online streaming sites.
The Windows 10 VPN client is a great option for some people
We’ve said a lot of negative things about Windows 10’s built-in VPN client, and for good reason. It just doesn’t make sense to most users. If you’ve just signed up to a VPN service, it makes much more sense to use a dedicated VPN app to connect and switch between servers. It’s simpler to use, and you’ll have access to the full wealth of features a VPN has to offer.
There is, however, an exception to this rule. If you’re technically minded and want to avoid the potential bloat of installing unnecessary apps, the VPN client for Windows 10 offers its benefits. You don’t need to install any additional apps to connect to your VPN of choice, which is handy if you have limited space or your system has a very low spec and needs all possible assistance to keep it running smoothly. Also, if you’re concerned about any security issues with your VPN service, this is an easy way to avoid those concerns (though maybe consider switching to a VPN you trust more).
Be sure to check out this breakdown of all the best VPN deals now.
NordVPN: Top VPN with most server options
NordVPN has an incredible number of server locations you can choose from and is one of the best services for unblocking streaming services. It is by far by far the most famous brand in the VPN space.
We test and evaluate VPN services in the context of legal recreational use. For example:
1. Access to the service from another country (subject to the terms of this service).
2. Protect your online safety and strengthen your online privacy abroad.
We do not endorse or tolerate illegal or malicious use of VPN services. The use of paid pirated content is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.