Best VPN for Windows
You don't have to compromise in your search for the best with these great VPNs for Windows.
Our Experts
Best Overall VPN
ExpressVPN
Best Cheap VPN
Surfshark
Best VPN for Speed
NordVPN
What is the best VPN for Windows right now?
ExpressVPN is the best overall VPN for Windows with its fast speeds, great streaming service unblocking and unmatched transparency. Additionally, ExpressVPN boasts user-friendly apps, an extensive server network and cutting-edge security features.
Surfshark is the best value VPN for Windows, offering unlimited simultaneous connections and a solid suite of privacy features without breaking the bank.
NordVPN is the fastest Windows VPN because of its best-in-class 11% average speed loss. With Nord, you'll also enjoy advanced privacy features and outstanding geographically restricted content unblocking.
Proton VPN is the top free VPN and the only no-cost option we recommend.
Why you should use a VPN on Windows
A virtual private network, or VPN, can enhance your online experience by providing an extra layer of privacy, letting you unblock geo-restricted content like international Netflix libraries or speeding up your internet connection on a game server. Microsoft Windows has been the most popular desktop operating system for as long as we can remember, and because of its widespread use, almost all major VPN providers feature a Windows-compatible app.
Our CNET experts put an extensive roster of VPNs to the test to determine the best, quickest and most private VPN services for Windows 10 and Windows 11. We focused on several core details in our testing, including streaming unblocking, internet browsing speeds, reliability, privacy, ease of remote access and overall value for the money. We also looked specifically at the performance of each VPN's Windows app to make sure it offered useful, functional features. Above are the best VPNs for Windows, ranked for performance across all categories. And if you're working with a slightly older device, be sure to read our guide on how to set up a VPN on Windows 10.
Factors to consider in a VPN for Windows
There's much to think about when selecting a VPN, including device support, privacy features, internet speeds and price. Here are the main factors to mull over when picking a Windows VPN.
Device compatibility
Most VPNs offer an app for Windows. Chances are you've got other devices including phones, tablets and streaming devices that you want to install a VPN on. You'll find Windows, MacOS, Android and iOS/iPadOS apps from nearly every VPN provider, but certain platforms such as Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV and a Linux graphical user interface (GUI) app are rarer. Think about the non-Windows gadgets you want to use a VPN with and make sure your desired provider has an app.
Privacy
Privacy is one of the main reasons to use a VPN. At a minimum, we recommend AES 256-bit encryption (for the OpenVPN and IKEv2 VPN protocols) or ChaCha20 (WireGuard), a kill switch and a strict no-log policy. While no-logging claims are tough to verify with absolute certainty -- you can and should be skeptical -- it adds peace of mind. Third-party audits improve transparency while backing up no-log assertions.
Internet speed loss
All VPNs somewhat slow down your internet download and upload speeds because your data doesn't merely travel through your internet service provider's (ISP) servers, but instead tunnels through your VPN provider's server for encryption. Some companies feature faster speeds than others. The fastest VPNs deliver minimal speed loss of 25% or less, which is ideal for bandwidth-intensive activities like 4K video streaming, uploading videos to YouTube and competitive online gaming.
Server network
A robust server network lets you find an ideal connection. You'll want a high number of servers and a large list of individual countries. A VPN company with fewer overall servers but more standalone countries might work better for travel because you've got a broader selection of nations to pick from. Many of our top recommended VPNs, including ExpressVPN and Surfshark, offer 100 or more servers.
Content unblocking
Aside from privacy, many folks use VPNs to circumvent regional restrictions. Whether that's unblocking streaming content, like accessing UK Netflix libraries in the US or avoiding annoying but necessary CAPTCHAs while traveling abroad, a VPN has you covered. For streaming, you'll want to ensure your VPN works with your desired services, like Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu or Amazon Prime Video.
Customer support
Especially if you're new to VPNs, a robust section of help guides and frequently asked questions lets you get help more easily. We appreciate companies with detailed installation instructions and troubleshooting tips. For more advanced assistance, 24/7 live chat online or over the phone is great whether you're having connectivity problems or have billing questions.
Price
A VPN sets you back anywhere from $10 monthly to $100 annually. Generally, you'll save by purchasing a year-long subscription, with greater discounts on two- or three-year purchases. Despite the lower cost, we recommend avoiding a multi-year plan because of how fast things change in the VPN realm. While your provider might offer fast speeds and excellent privacy features at the onset, it could suffer a data breach or get acquired by a shady company. For the best value with the least risk, stick with annual plans. At the high end, companies charge $90-$100 per year, while a good value VPN runs you around $50-$60 annually. Commonly, companies provide sweet introductory prices for your first year of service, then hike the price. If you renew during a sale -- like around Black Friday or Cyber Monday -- you might still get a great deal.
How we test VPNs for Windows
Here at CNET, we've spent years comprehensively reviewing various VPN providers. We ran over 250 internet speed tests per VPN, checked for DNS leaks and compared server networks. Additionally, we analyzed pricing to determine overall value, streamed geo-protected content and pored over privacy features. Specifically for Windows, we tested apps on Microsoft's operating system to see what features each offers. We also assessed VPN apps on other platforms including MacOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV OS, Android/Android TV, iOS/iPadOS and Apple TV to as to address your multidevice VPN needs.
Other VPNs we tested
PIA
Private Internet Access is a wallet-friendly VPN provider. It sets you back just $12 per month, $40 per year or $79 every three years. We like PIA's open-source apps and great transparency with its third-party no-logging audits. PIA packs AES 256-bit encryption on OpenVPN or ChaCha20 with WireGuard, a kill switch, obfuscation and multihop connections. Its 35,000 servers peppering 91 countries make Private Internet Access great for international travel. On the entertainment side, we effortlessly streamed from Disney Plus and Netflix using US and UK servers. Amazon Prime Video gave us some issues on PCs, but it worked on streaming devices including the Amazon Fire TV and Android TV.
We clocked a disappointingly high 49% average internet speed download loss in our testing. For reference, 20% internet speed loss or less is largely unnoticeable. If you've got reasonably quick connectivity (at least 100Mbps), you might be blissfully unaware of PIA's uneven server performance. Folks with slower speeds like satellite internet users should consider one of the fastest VPNs, like NordVPN. While PIA is a superb budget pick, we recommend Surfshark instead because it's faster and more feature-rich.