Which VPN is currently the best for Windows?
ExpressVPN stands out as the best overall VPN for Windows, thanks to its blazing fast speeds, reliable unblocking of streaming platforms, and exceptional transparency. It offers user-friendly apps, a vast server network, and top-tier security features. Notably, ExpressVPN is compatible with Copilot+ PCs that use ARM processors, making it suitable for all types of Windows devices.
For those seeking the best value, Surfshark offers an excellent option. It provides unlimited simultaneous connections, a robust suite of privacy features, and affordability, making it a budget-friendly choice for Windows users.
NordVPN takes the crown as the fastest VPN for Windows, with just an 11% average speed loss. It also delivers advanced privacy tools and excellent support for accessing geo-restricted content.
For a free VPN option, Proton VPN is the top recommendation. It includes the Stealth protocol on Windows, making it an excellent choice for those with strict privacy concerns. While the free version offers solid performance, upgrading to the paid plan unlocks a vast international server network and impressive streaming capabilities, including access to foreign Netflix libraries.
Reasons to Use a VPN on Windows !
A virtual private network (VPN) enhances your privacy, allows access to geo-blocked content like foreign Netflix libraries, and helps bypass throttling and censorship. Since Windows is one of the most widely used operating systems, most VPN providers offer easy installation for both desktops and laptops. With a VPN on your Windows device, you can unblock region-restricted streaming, such as out-of-market NFL games or foreign Netflix shows, download torrents privately, and avoid throttling or censorship.
Our ShockProxy experts rigorously tested numerous VPNs on Windows 11 and Windows 10, evaluating factors like streaming service unblocking, internet speed, connection stability, privacy, ease of use, and value for money. Each VPN’s Windows app was thoroughly reviewed to ensure it offers a user-friendly experience with valuable features. We also tested on non-Windows devices for versatility. If you’re using an older device, check out our guide on setting up a VPN on Windows 10. For Windows 11, follow our step-by-step guide to download and install it.
Key Considerations When Choosing a VPN for Windows
When selecting a VPN, it’s important to consider factors such as device compatibility, privacy features, internet speeds, and pricing. Here’s a breakdown of the main elements to keep in mind when choosing a VPN for your Windows device:
Device Compatibility
Most VPNs offer a dedicated app for Windows, but you may also want to install the VPN on other devices like phones, tablets, or streaming gadgets. While almost all providers support Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS/iPadOS, fewer offer apps for platforms like Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, or a Linux graphical user interface. Be sure to consider all the devices you plan to use and verify app availability from your chosen provider.
Privacy Features
Privacy is a primary reason for using a VPN. Look for features such as AES 256-bit encryption (for OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols) or ChaCha20 (for WireGuard), a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy. Although no-logging claims can be difficult to fully verify, third-party audits add transparency and can back up these claims. Split tunneling is another useful feature, allowing you to route certain apps through the VPN while keeping others on your regular connection. For example, you can stream UK-exclusive content via a VPN while downloading games on Steam without affecting your speeds.
Internet Speed Loss
VPNs typically reduce internet speeds to some degree since your data is routed through a VPN server for encryption. However, the best VPNs minimize speed loss, ideally keeping it under 25%, which is crucial for high-bandwidth activities like 4K streaming, video uploads, and online gaming.
Server Network
A broad and diverse server network is key to finding an optimal connection. Look for VPNs with a large number of servers and countries available. A provider with fewer servers but more country options can be especially useful for travelers. Top VPNs like ExpressVPN and Surfshark offer hundreds of servers across numerous locations, enhancing connectivity and reliability.
Content Unblocking
Many users turn to VPNs for bypassing geographic restrictions, particularly for streaming. Make sure the VPN you choose supports unblocking services like Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video. Some VPNs allow access to foreign content libraries, while others can unblock country-specific streaming services. For example, you can use a VPN to stream the Olympics on Peacock while traveling outside the U.S.
Customer Support
Strong customer support is essential, especially if you’re new to VPNs. Look for providers that offer detailed installation guides and FAQs. For more complex issues, 24/7 live chat or phone support can be invaluable, whether you’re facing connectivity problems or need help with billing.
Price
VPN pricing typically ranges from $10 per month to $100 annually. Annual plans offer better value, with further discounts on two- or three-year subscriptions. However, we recommend against long-term plans since the VPN industry can change quickly. Providers that offer great service today might face data breaches or be acquired by less trustworthy companies in the future. Annual plans strike a good balance between cost savings and flexibility. Prices can range from $40 to $60 for a value VPN, and higher-end services cost $90 to $100 per year. Keep an eye out for introductory discounts, and consider renewing during sales, such as Black Friday or Cyber Monday, for the best deals.
How We Test VPNs for Windows
At ShockProxy, we’ve spent years rigorously evaluating a wide range of VPN providers. For each VPN, we conducted over 250 internet speed tests, checked for DNS leaks, and compared server networks. In addition, we analyzed pricing to assess overall value, tested geo-restricted streaming content, and closely examined privacy features.
Specifically for Windows, we tested VPN apps on Microsoft’s operating system to evaluate their feature sets and performance. We also reviewed VPN apps on other platforms, including macOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV OS, Android/Android TV, iOS/iPadOS, and Apple TV, to ensure the VPN meets your multidevice needs.
Other VPNs We Tested
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access is an affordable VPN option, costing $12 per month, $40 per year, or $79 for a three-year plan. We appreciate PIA’s open-source apps and transparency, reinforced by third-party no-logging audits. It offers AES 256-bit encryption with OpenVPN or ChaCha20 with WireGuard, along with essential features like a kill switch, obfuscation, and multihop connections. With 35,000 servers across 91 countries, PIA is well-suited for international travelers.
In terms of streaming, we had no issues accessing Disney Plus and Netflix through U.S. and U.K. servers. However, Amazon Prime Video posed some challenges on PCs, though it worked fine on streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV and Android TV.
One downside is PIA’s 49% average speed loss in our tests, which is notably high compared to the ideal 20% or less. If your internet speed is fast (100Mbps or higher), you might not notice the drop. However, users with slower connections, such as those on satellite internet, might want to opt for a faster VPN like NordVPN. While PIA is a great budget option, we recommend Surfshark for better speed and more features.
Windows VPN FAQs
What’s the best VPN for Windows?
ShockProxy’s top choice for Windows is ExpressVPN. It even runs on Copilot+ ARM-based Windows PCs. As an industry leader, ExpressVPN offers a wide range of servers worldwide and delivers a great balance of speed, security, and the ability to unblock content.
Can you get a free VPN for Windows?
Yes, Proton VPN is the only free VPN we recommend for Windows. It doesn’t bombard you with ads, sell your data, or impose bandwidth limits. Unlike most free VPNs, which often monetize through data collection or ads, Proton VPN is a safer and more secure option. Most free VPNs come with significant drawbacks, like slow speeds, data caps, poor security, and unreliable unblocking. Instead, try a free trial or money-back guarantee from premium VPNs, or check out ShockProxy’s best cheap VPNs list if you’re on a budget.
What is the best free VPN for Windows?
Proton VPN is the top choice for a free VPN on Windows. It offers ad-free service, no data collection, and no bandwidth limits. While the free version has limitations, such as not allowing manual server selection, it’s still a great no-cost option without major downsides like data tracking or malware risks.
What’s the most secure VPN for Windows?
ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN are all excellent choices for security on Windows. Each offers AES 256-bit encryption, operates on RAM-only servers, and has undergone independent audits. They include key security features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection. Surfshark’s CleanWeb blocks malware and phishing, while NordVPN adds features like Tor over VPN, double VPN, and dark web monitoring. ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technology enhances security by ensuring the latest software is loaded each time a server boots up.
Can you get in trouble for using a VPN?
In most countries, using a VPN is legal, but there are exceptions in places like China and Iran, where VPNs are restricted or banned. If you’re traveling, it’s important to check local VPN laws. Even in restricted areas, you can use an obfuscated server to disguise your VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic.
What does my ISP see when I’m connected to a VPN?
Your ISP will know you’re connected to a VPN and see the IP address of the VPN server, the connection timestamps, and the amount of data you’re transmitting. However, your browsing activity and the websites you visit remain hidden, as the data is encrypted. If you want to hide your VPN usage entirely, you can use an obfuscated server to make your traffic look like standard HTTPS.