Best VPN for Windows
You don't have to compromise in your search for the best with these great VPNs for Windows.
What to look for in a VPN for Windows
Internet speed loss
Privacy
Server network
Device support
Streaming capabilities
Cost
Best Overall VPN
ExpressVPN
Best Cheap VPN
Surfshark
Best VPN for Speed
NordVPN
Best Open-Source VPN
ProtonVPN
What to look for in a VPN for Windows
Internet speed loss
Privacy
Server network
Device support
Streaming capabilities
Cost
What is the best VPN for Windows right now?
ExpressVPN is the best overall VPN for Windows, with its fast speeds, great unblocking of streaming services 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. With its Stealth protocol -- which is now on Windows -- Proton is a great virtual private network option for folks with strict privacy needs. While the free tier is solid, the paid plan boasts a massive international server network and outstanding streaming support for unblocking region-restricted content, like foreign Netflix libraries.
Why you should use a VPN on Windows
A virtual private network -- VPN -- offers enhanced privacy, lets you unblock geo-restricted content like foreign Netflix libraries and allows you to circumvent throttling restrictions or censorship. Because of the massive popularity of Microsoft's Windows operating system, most VPN providers make it easy to install a VPN on your desktop or laptop.
Our CNET experts extensively tested a slew of VPNs on Windows 11 and Windows 10. We looked at several factors, including streaming service unblocking, internet speeds, connection reliability, privacy, ease of use and value for the money. During our hands-on analysis, we used each VPN's Windows app to make sure it delivered useful features in an intuitive package. But because most folks have multiple devices, we also tested on non-Windows machines as well. Whether you want to watch Axel F on Netflix from anywhere in the world, keep your web browsing hidden from your ISP's prying eyes or prevent throttling, these are the best Windows VPNs on the market. 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. Whether you're setting it up for the first time or reinstalling it, here's how to download Windows 11.
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. You may find split tunneling -- which lets you use a VPN for some applications but not others -- useful. For instance, you can stream The Jetty on BBC iPlayer from outside of the UK with a VPN while downloading Horizon Forbidden West on Steam without hurting your download speeds.
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. While some services, like Netflix and Disney Plus let you access foreign content libraries, country-specific streaming services may be unblocked from abroad. For instance, you can stream the Olympics on the US-only service Peacock with a VPN while traveling internationally.
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 to $100 per year, while a good value VPN runs you around $40 to $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 so 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.