Best Windows VPNs for PC or laptop in 2025

My recommended VPNs for Windows

Why you need a VPN for Windows

Using a virtual private network (VPN) on a PC or laptop is essential for safeguarding online privacy and security. Windows users face numerous cyberthreats, including tracking by internet service providers (ISPs) and exposure to malicious websites.

Here are some reasons why you need a VPN for Windows:

• Encrypt your online activities. Without a VPN, your internet activity can be monitored and logged. This can lead to unwanted surveillance or data breaches.
• Use public Wi-Fi networks securely. VPNs make it difficult to intercept your data when using public Wi-Fi. A good VPN protects sensitive information like passwords, banking details, and personal messages.
• Bypass geo-restrictions. A VPN can change your location, thus giving you access to content from around the world. You can easily watch movies, shows, and live sports using your favorite streaming service.
• Get faster speeds. By hiding your online activities, VPNs can reduce internet throttling, which is when your ISP limits internet speed. Your ISP may throttle your speed when they see you performing high-bandwidth activities such as streaming or torrenting.

Although VPN use is legal in most countries, it’s still crucial to research the legal status of VPNs in your region and the countries you plan to connect to. This will help you avoid potential legal issues in the future.

It’s also essential to choose a VPN that delivers on its promise of privacy and security, as not all VPNs do so. At the very least, your Windows VPN should have a strict no-logs policy. I discuss more of what makes a good VPN below.

How we tested VPNs for Windows

To determine the best VPNs for Windows, I, along with the Cybernews research team, conducted extensive VPN testing based on key factors, such as performance, security, pricing, and usability for Windows users.

Here is a breakdown of the key factors I evaluated:

1. Speed and latency (30%). I measured download and upload speeds, as well as ping (latency). These metrics are crucial for Windows users who stream, game, and download large files. Faster internet speeds ensure a seamless experience, while low latency is essential for real-time applications.
2. Server locations and network size (20%). I evaluated the number of servers each VPN offers, their distribution across countries, and their availability in key regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia. A wide network ensures better access to global content and reduces server congestion. I also assessed specialized servers for streaming or P2P, server switching capabilities, and connection stability.
3. Security features and privacy policies (25%). I examined encryption strength, no-logs policies, additional security features, DNS and IP leak protection, and kill switch effectiveness. I also reviewed third-party security audits and ad/malware-blocking features. These factors help protect your data and keep your online activities private.
4. Compatibility with Windows (15%). I checked support for Windows 10, Windows 11, and older versions, as well as the ease of setup, and specialized features like split tunneling and Smart DNS. I also assessed the performance on Windows and the usability of these features. Compatibility ensures a smooth setup and use on your device.
5. Pricing and subscription plans (5%). I analyzed annual pricing, free trials, money-back guarantees, and value for money based on features and performance. Affordable and flexible plans are crucial for getting the best service without overspending.
6. Personal experience (5%). I considered how easy it is to install, set up, and use the VPN on Windows. I also evaluated real-world performance during various activities and the quality of customer support. Overall satisfaction with the VPN service, including standout features or drawbacks, is crucial for determining the best VPN for Windows.

By evaluating these factors, I identified the best VPNs for your Windows PC.

Best VPN for Windows – detailed list

Selecting the best VPN for a Windows laptop or PC can be overwhelming because of so many possible options. To help, I compiled the best VPNs on the market and highlighted their key strengths, including robust security, feature variety, ability to bypass geo-restrictions, and affordability. Rest assured that choosing any of these Windows VPNs will provide excellent results.

After reviewing 41 VPNs on a Windows 11 device running Intel i5-13600KF and with 32GB RAM, I identified the top performers that ensure optimal performance for any user. Explore the detailed list below to find the best Windows VPN for your needs.

1. NordVPN – best VPN for Windows in 2025

Speed and latency

During my testing, NordVPN retained 86% of my original download speed and 73% of my original upload speed. I had a latency of around 39 to 43ms, making it one of the fastest VPNs available for Windows.

What’s more, while conducting our NordVPN review, our team did not encounter any buffering or connectivity issues when streaming Netflix and YouTube. I downloaded a 4.6GB P2P file in just 6 minutes, reaching speeds of 21Mbps, which demonstrates NordVPN's capability to handle large file transfers efficiently.

Server locations and network size

NordVPN’s server network of 7700+ servers covering 118 countries not only ensures minimal congestion but also allows users to bypass geo-restrictions effectively. An extensive server network like NordVPN’s is crucial for streaming content from platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.

In terms of specialty servers, NordVPN offers obfuscated, double VPN, dedicated IP, and P2P servers, catering to a variety of your online needs.

Security features and privacy policies

NordVPN excels in security and privacy, offering various features that enhance user protection. The provider supports NordLynx (a WireGuard-based protocol), OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPSec protocols, using AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption keys to secure your data.

The service includes a system-level kill switch, ensuring data protection if the connection drops, and private DNS servers with no leaks detected on ipleak.net and dnsleaktest.com pages.

I find NordVPN's no-logs policy, audited by PwC and Deloitte, very reassuring, as it guarantees user data is not stored. Based in Panama, NordVPN benefits from strong privacy laws and has RAM-only servers that ensure no data is stored locally. It also supports cryptocurrency payments for enhanced privacy.

Compatibility with Windows

NordVPN is compatible with various Windows versions, including Windows 7 Service Pack 1, 8.1, 10 (version 1607 or later), and 11. It also supports a native VPN implementation for Windows ARM devices, making it compatible with Microsoft Surface Pro devices.

Pricing and subscription plans

NordVPN is reasonably priced from $3.39/month, offering a feature-rich package at a great price. This is much cheaper than ExpressVPN, which costs $4.99/month, making NordVPN a cost-effective VPN for any task.

Personal experience

Using NordVPN on my Windows device was a smooth and reliable experience. The setup process was straightforward, and the application ran seamlessly. I never felt confused using the app, as its Windows interface is clean, well-designed, and intuitive.

NordVPN was also consistent in speed, allowing me to binge-watch Gilmore Girls on Netflix without stuttering. Plus, I felt secure using my laptop on public Wi-Fi networks, knowing NordVPN kept my data private. Overall, I enjoyed testing this VPN and plan to continue using it for all my streaming needs.

2. Surfshark VPN – best cheap Windows VPN for PC

Speed and latency

Surfshark retained 92% of my original download speed and 60% of my original upload speed. It had a ping of 39 to 50. While preparing our Surfshark VPN review, our team had no buffering or connectivity issues while streaming Netflix and YouTube.

Additionally, downloading a 4.6GB P2P file took only 6 minutes, and speeds reached 20Mbps. This highlights Surfshark's ability to provide consistent, high-speed performance for various online activities.

Server locations and network size

Surfshark has 3200+ servers spread across 100 countries, including specialized servers for your convenience. Its MultiHop servers route your online traffic through multiple servers to add extra layers of security. It also has NoBorders mode for circumventing censorship.

Security features and privacy policies

Surfshark offers robust security features for Windows, including support for OpenVPN (TCP/UDP), WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec, and L2TP/IPsec protocols with AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption keys. Surfshark includes a system-level kill switch to protect data if the connection drops. It also uses private DNS servers with no leaks detected on the ipleak.net and dnsleaktest.com pages.

Surfshark’s no-logs policy, verified by a third-party audit by Deloitte, guarantees user data is not stored. Based in the Netherlands, Surfshark benefits from strong privacy laws. RAM-only servers ensure no data is stored locally, and cryptocurrency payments are supported for enhanced privacy.

Compatibility with Windows

Surfshark has apps for Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11. Like NordVPN, it also supports ARM-based devices, making it compatible with Microsoft Surface Pro, Samsung Galaxy Book, and HP Elite Folio.

Pricing and subscription plans

Priced from $2.49/month with the 2-year plan, Surfshark offers a cost-effective solution for Windows users who need a VPN. It even has a 7-day free trial on the Google and Apple app stores, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee. This is significantly cheaper than ExpressVPN, providing excellent value for its comprehensive features. Personally, I think it's one of the best deals for what it offers.

Personal experience

Surfshark provides a premium VPN experience at a fraction of the cost of other VPNs. It delivers everything you would expect from a VPN and more. For example, the Surfshark Windows app includes helpful tools like CleanWeb, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware. Additionally, Surfshark Alert monitors for account breaches – an invaluable feature for maintaining overall security.

Regarding streaming, I found Surfshark to be more than capable of unblocking content from different countries, and my viewing experience was lag free. Overall, I highly recommend Surfshark for Windows users on a tight budget who still want top-notch services.

3. IPVanish – beginner-friendly VPN for Windows

Speed and latency

IPVanish retained 44% of my original download speed and 41% of my original upload speed, with a ping ranging between 52 to 62ms. During our IPVanish tests, it took the longest to download a 4.6GB P2P file compared to other providers on this list.

Despite these average speeds, I found that IPVanish can still handle basic streaming and browsing tasks effectively, although it may not be ideal for heavy downloading or high-quality streaming.

Server locations and network size

IPVanish offers an acceptable network of 2400+ servers in 109 countries. I could access international Netflix catalogs using the provider’s servers, which is an excellent perk. Moreover, like NordVPN and Surfshark, IPVanish offers double VPN servers.

Security features and privacy policies

IPVanish offers good security with WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols, using AES-256 encryption. I like that IPVanish includes a kill switch to protect data if the connection drops and DNS leak protection to ensure privacy. No leaks were detected during our tests.

Although IPVanish is based in the United States, a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, it follows a strict no-logs policy to ensure user privacy. Additionally, IPVanish supports anonymous cryptocurrency payments, which is a great feature for enhancing privacy.

Compatibility with Windows

IPVanish is compatible with Windows 10 and 11. Though it’s not available to older Windows systems, it should be a good choice for users with modern devices.

Pricing and subscription plans

From just $2.19/month, I find IPVanish offers great value, especially considering the unlimited simultaneous connections. This makes it competitive and budget-friendly for users with multiple devices. However, I think Surfshark has more to offer for the same price.

Personal experience

While testing IPVanish, I particularly appreciated its unlimited simultaneous connections, which I found ideal for sharing with my family. The IPVanish Windows app features a user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate. The setup process was also quick, taking less than a minute.

Although it lacks streaming-specific features, I had no trouble using it with Amazon Prime Video. I was able to catch up on the last season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel without any issues. Overall, I believe IPVanish is a strong contender for the best Windows VPN of the year, especially for those seeking beginner-friendly options.

4. ExpressVPN – fast Windows VPN for PC

Speed and latency

ExpressVPN is one the fastest VPNs for Windows due to its proprietary Lightway protocol. It retained an impressive 94% of my original download speed and 87% of my original upload speed, with a 41 to 48ms ping.

During our ExpressVPN testing, I encountered no buffering or connectivity issues while streaming Netflix and YouTube, and a 4.6GB P2P file downloaded in just 4 minutes, with download speeds reaching 22Mbps. I find this makes ExpressVPN ideal for users who value speed and seamless streaming.

Server locations and network size

ExpressVPN offers an undisclosed number of servers across 105 countries and is renowned for its ability to bypass geo-restrictions. Though it lacks specialized streaming servers, its customer service is readily available to assist if you encounter issues using ExpressVPN to access Netflix and other streaming services. All of ExpressVPN’s servers are optimized for P2P transfers, unlike other VPNs that limit P2P or torrenting to specific servers.

Security features and privacy policies

ExpressVPN offers robust security features, supporting Lightway (TCP/UDP), OpenVPN (TCP/UDP), and IKEv2 protocols with AES-256 encryption. The system-level kill switch (Network Lock) ensures data protection if the connection drops.

ExpressVPN also includes Threat Manager to block ads, trackers, and malicious sites, private DNS servers with DNS leak protection, and WebRTC leak protection.

With independent audits regularly conducted by companies like Cure53, the British Virgin Islands-based ExpressVPN benefits from strong privacy laws and no mandatory data-retention requirements. The use of RAM-only servers ensures no data is stored locally, and cryptocurrency payments are supported for enhanced privacy.

However, the lack of a Warrant Canary page, which would inform users about government requests for data, is a drawback to me.

Compatibility with Windows

ExpressVPN has an easy-to-use app for Windows 10 and 11. It also provides helpful guides for manually setting up ExpressVPN for your Windows PC or laptop.

Pricing and subscription plans

From $4.99/month, ExpressVPN is the most expensive Windows VPN on this list. While it offers a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, the price may be a drawback for budget-conscious users. I think more affordable options like Surfshark or NordVPN provide better value for their features.

Personal experience

I’ve tested ExpressVPN plenty of times in the past, and it has been a pleasant experience each time. The Windows app is easy to use, quick to load, and rarely runs into errors on my laptop. While it doesn’t have the biggest server network, ExpressVPN is still an excellent choice for my streaming needs, as it expertly bypassed all geo-restrictions I tested.

Torrenting was also a breeze with ExpressVPN, as I didn’t need to search for specific servers for P2P transfers. I could seamlessly use the same server for streaming, gaming, and torrenting while maintaining impressive speeds. This considerably increased my user experience.

5. CyberGhost – affordable gaming VPN for Windows

Speed and latency

CyberGhost retained 82% of my original download speed and 75% of my original upload speed, with a 39 to 53ms ping. While it maintained decent speeds, it wasn’t as fast as NordVPN or ExpressVPN.

During CyberGhost testing, I didn’t experience buffering or connectivity issues while streaming Netflix and YouTube. I downloaded a 4.6GB test file in 5 minutes at 21Mbps. These speeds are satisfactory for most activities but fall short of the faster performance offered by NordVPN and Surfshark.

Server locations and network size

Like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost has an undisclosed number of servers in 100 countries, many of which are specialized servers for streaming and gaming. The gaming servers prioritize low latency and high speeds, ensuring smoother gameplay and connections. I played Overwatch 2 while testing CyberGhost and experienced no issues whatsoever.

Security features and privacy policies

CyberGhost supports OpenVPN (TCP/UDP), IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols with AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption keys, providing a solid security foundation. I appreciate the automatic kill switch that protects data if the connection drops and the private DNS servers that offer DNS leak protection, as no leaks were detected during my tests.

The Content Blocker is a nice feature for filtering ads, trackers, and malware, and antivirus software is available through additional subscription plans. However, the lack of MFA support and a Warrant Canary page is a downside, especially for users seeking maximum privacy. If comprehensive privacy features are important to you, NordVPN or Surfshark might be worth considering.

Compatibility with Windows

CyberGhost is compatible with Windows 10 and 11 and has a 1-day free trial for Windows users. Like other VPNs on this list, CyberGhost’s Windows app is well-designed and easy to use, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced VPN user.

Pricing and subscription plans

CyberGhost is affordable, starting from $2.19/month, with a 3-day free trial on the Google Play Store, a 7-day free trial on the Apple App Store, and a 45-day money-back guarantee for long-term plans.

This affordability is a significant advantage, but to me, Surfshark offers similar pricing with better features, making it a more compelling option if you're looking for additional functionality.

Personal experience

My CyberGhost testing didn’t yield any notable issues, especially regarding gaming and streaming. As such, I have to conclude that it’s a great VPN for online gaming. Thanks to its modern design, the CyberGhost Windows app was also nice to use.

I especially like that CyberGhost provides a great user experience at an affordable price. While it doesn’t quite measure up to NordVPN and Surfshark, it’s still a solid option if you want gaming servers.

Setting up your VPN for Windows

Setting up a VPN on your Windows computer is quick and easy. You can secure your internet connection and protect your privacy with just a few simple steps. Follow this guide to get started and optimize your VPN experience.

1. Choose a VPN provider. Start by selecting a reputable VPN provider that meets your speed, security, and price needs. I recommend NordVPN, now 76% OFF, since it's the best VPN for Windows overall.
2. Download and install. Sign up on the provider's website, download the Windows app, and follow the installation prompts to set up the software on your computer.
3. Log in and connect. Open the VPN app, log in with your credentials, and choose a server location. Click Connect to secure your connection.
4. Configure settings. Adjust settings like enabling the kill switch or selecting a preferred protocol (e.g., WireGuard for speed, OpenVPN for security) to optimize your experience.

Optimizing your Windows VPN

Want to improve VPN performance on Windows? Here are some tips you can try:

• Connect to a nearby server to reduce latency. This ensures better speeds for activities like streaming and gaming.
• Adjust protocol settings to balance speed and security. WireGuard is generally faster, while OpenVPN provides robust security.
• Use split tunneling to route only specific apps through the VPN, which can free up bandwidth for other tasks.
• Ensure your VPN app is up to date to benefit from the latest enhancements and security patches.

Troubleshooting your Windows VPN

If you’re having trouble connecting to your VPN, check your internet connection and try a different server. Restarting the VPN app or your computer can also help resolve connection issues. For slow speeds, connect to a closer server or close any unnecessary applications that may consume bandwidth.

Frequent disconnections can be resolved by switching to a more stable protocol like OpenVPN and ensuring the kill switch is enabled to protect data. If websites block your VPN traffic, try different servers or use features like obfuscation if available.

To prevent DNS leaks, enable DNS leak protection and verify using a DNS leak test tool. If issues persist, contact your VPN provider’s support team for further assistance.

Free VPNs for Windows: are they worth it?

Windows users seeking cost-effective security solutions consider popular free VPNs like Proton VPN, Hide.me, and Hotspot Shield.

Proton VPN stands out for its unlimited bandwidth and data, as well as its strong security features, including a strict no-logs policy and ad-free experience, making it a reliable option for maintaining privacy online. However, its free plan only supports one device and offers limited server locations.

Hide.me offers solid privacy policies and decent speeds without requiring user registration, but it has a 10GB monthly data limit and fewer server locations. Hotspot Shield is known for its fast connections and easy-to-use interface, but its free plan includes a 500MB daily data cap and displays ads​.

While these free VPNs have advantages, they also have significant drawbacks, such as limited server options, slower speeds, and potential security risks. Free VPNs often lack the advanced features and robust performance found in paid services.

For those needing comprehensive protection and better performance, upgrading to a paid VPN like NordVPN is recommended, as it offers extensive server networks, faster speeds, and advanced security features for Windows users.

Conclusion

A robust Windows VPN grants many exceptional benefits that don’t come by default with the popular operating system. For starters, you gain extra security and privacy perks while browsing the web, such as encryption and ad blocking. Secondly, you can change your location to achieve anonymity while simultaneously bypassing geographical restrictions.

My research showed that NordVPN is the best overall VPN for Windows. However, you can consider providers like Surfshark and IPVanish if you want something effective but also affordable. Alternatively, you can pick ExpressVPN if you want something more premium. Either way, you’ll have plenty of features at your disposal to protect your Windows device and online activities.

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