If you’re looking for the best VPNs for Windows PCs and laptops, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll show you the top 10 best VPNs for Windows, plus a few free options if you don’t want to spend any money.
Are you concerned about your online privacy?
If so, you need to start using a VPN. A VPN can protect your privacy and keep your data safe from hackers and snoops.
VPN can also help you access blocked websites.
So, if you’re looking for a way to improve your online privacy or access blocked websites, a VPN is the best solution for you.
But with so many VPNs to choose from, which one should you choose?
But not all VPNs are created equal. Some VPNs are better than others when it comes to Windows PCs and laptops. Also, some VPNs are free, while others require a subscription. Usually, free VPNs are not as good as paid VPNs.
So, which VPN should you use?
Below is a list of the 10 best VPNs for Windows PCs and laptops. These VPNs are all excellent choices, and they all work well with Windows.
Whether you’re looking for security, speed, or just a simple way to access blocked websites, there’s a VPN on this list that will suit your needs.
So without further ado, let’s get started!
The Best VPN Services for 2023
The following are the 10 best VPNs for Windows PCs and laptops, based on our testing and research. Most of these VPNs are paid services, but we’ve also included a few free VPNs for those who don’t want to spend any money.
1. NordVPN – Most Recommended
Since 2012, NordVPN, a Panama-based VPN service, has provided online security solutions to thousands of users all over the world. It has evolved to become one of the biggest names in the VPN market. NordVPN operates a huge network of over 5300 servers in 60+ countries, which is constantly expanding.
NordVPN comes with a variety of features that make it perfect for online privacy and security, including military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. These features, combined with NordVPN’s huge server network, make it a great option for Windows users.
NordVPN frequently earns positive feedback from industry professionals. NordVPN has been rated the best VPN provider in the market by PCMag.com as well as Techradar.com for its strong pro-privacy stance and functionalities.
NordVPN is also a wonderful VPN for video streaming.
Because it unblocks all the major streaming sites as long as you are using the right servers. Honestly, I haven’t encountered a video platform that I couldn’t get into; thanks to its SmartPlay technology.
NordVPN does not disappoint whenever it comes to server choice. It has a huge number of servers in nations with the best streaming library.
You’ll be able to access content for users in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and a variety of other countries.
Also, NordVPN is an ideal choice for torrenting – in fact, it’s one of the strongest torrenting solutions available on the market. While P2P downloads aren’t available on all of the company’s servers, there are dedicated servers located all over the world that provide quick and dependable service.
The best thing about NordVPN is that it comes with a free 30-day trial. This trial gives you an opportunity to test the service and see how it works.
If you are not satisfied with the service, you can cancel your subscription and get 100% of your money back.
So, overall, NordVPN is an excellent VPN for Windows that comes with a host of features and a huge server network. You can’t go wrong with this VPN. So, if you’re looking for the best VPN for Windows, look no further than NordVPN.
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs on the market.
It’s a fast, reliable, and user-friendly VPN that is perfect for Windows. ExpressVPN also has a great reputation for privacy and security.
This is a VPN service provided by Express Technologies Ltd, a corporation based in the British Virgin Islands. The software is mainly advertised as a privacy and security solution that encrypts and hides users’ IP addresses.
ExpressVPN uses cutting-edge security to keep your online banking data safe, in addition to thousands of server locations. I was confident that hackers wouldn’t be able to decrypt my logins because of its 256-bit encryption, which is the same level of security used by US intelligence.
“VPN” may sound complicated, but it’s not with ExpressVPN.
There are no connection settings to deal with. You won’t have to struggle with your Macs, PCs, or mobile device configurations (smartphone or tablet). You don’t even need to know how to use a computer.
ExpressVPN provides simple plans that cover all of the existing apps, limitless bandwidth, and 24/7 customer service.
ExpressVPN enters the list of VPN free trial providers with a 30-day free trial. If you want to use it for a longer period, there is a 1-month plan for $12.95/month, a 6-month plan for $9.99/month, and a yearly plan for $8.32/month.
This is a fantastic VPN service with a large global footprint and great privacy policies to keep your data safe and secure.
Overall, it’s a fantastic option. You won’t find a better all-around VPN if money isn’t a factor. ExpressVPN excels in all areas, including speed, security, unblocking geo-restricted websites, bypassing restrictions, and customer service.
3. IPVanish
IPVanish is a US-based VPN service that is perfect for Windows. It’s fast, reliable, and offers a number of features, including military-grade encryption and a kill switch. IPVanish also has a large network of servers. If you’re looking for a fast and reliable VPN for Windows, IPVanish is a good choice.
The VPN encrypts your data with 256-bit AES encryption, which is the same protection used by the US government. This makes your data virtually unreadable to hackers and other third-party snoopers. IPVanish also has a strict no-logs policy, meaning that your data will never be stored or monitored.
IPVanish is one of the few VPNs that comes with a kill switch.
The kill switch ensures that your data is never exposed if the VPN connection fails. If the connection ever drops, the kill switch will automatically disable your internet connection, keeping your data safe and secure.
IPVanish also has a large network of servers.
With over 2,000 servers in 75+ VPN locations and 40000+ IP addresses, you’ll be able to access content from all over the world. This makes IPVanish a good choice for everyone who wants to unblock content from other countries.
While most VPNs will slow down your internet connectivity, IPVanish performs an excellent job of keeping it as fast as possible.
Also, IPVanish is an excellent choice for watching Netflix from any location in the whole world. It has a large server network that enables you to easily access Netflix libraries all over the world. Furthermore, its ultra-fast speeds allow you to view your favorite movies or shows without any lag or interruptions.
Rather than borrowing other people’s hardware, the firm owns and operates its own servers, providing it significantly more control over how the system and servers are configured up and run. This also demonstrates a quality of resources and skills that you won’t find with most other VPNs.
If you need help, IPVanish offers live chat assistance 24/7 and nowadays, IPVanish goes above and beyond. There is phone support available in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Mexico, Spain, Germany, and Brazil.
Overall, IPVanish is an excellent VPN for Windows.
If you are looking for a VPN with excellent security features, a large server network, and blazing-fast speeds, IPVanish is a perfect choice.
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a VPN service based in Bucharest, Romania that has been providing online security and privacy solutions since 2011. Its user-friendly software makes it perfect for both personal and professional uses, and its large network of servers provides excellent speeds and reliability.
CyberGhost has a large network of servers that are located all over the world. With over 7,670 servers in 90+ countries, you’ll be able to access content from anywhere in the world. This makes CyberGhost an excellent choice.
This server network is one of the largest in the market, and it can access Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer, among other streaming services.
It also has a number of features that make it perfect for privacy and security. It encrypts your data with 256-bit AES encryption, ensuring that your data is safe from hackers and other third-party snoopers. It also has a strict no-logs policy, meaning that your data will never be stored or monitored.
CyberGhost, like practically any VPN, gathers some maintenance-related data, although it promises not to store your server location preferences.
They have a strict no-logs policy.
This means that your data will never be stored or monitored, ensuring that your privacy is always protected. It’s also one of the most cost effective VPNs on the market, with a monthly subscription starting at $2.29.
Overall, CyberGhost is, without a doubt, one of the best VPN services for both personal and business needs. As one of the market leaders, it has revolutionized the private sector and has proven to be one of the best VPN services for everyday usage. Everyone who wants to maintain their privacy should use CyberGhost.
5. Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield is another great option for Windows users. It’s fast, reliable, and easy to use, making it perfect for beginners. With over 650 million users and multiple servers in 115+ countries, this is one of the most popular VPNs on the market.
One of Hotspot Shield’s top features is its ability to unblock content from all over the world. With servers in over 115 countries, you’ll be able to access your favorite websites, shows, and movies no matter where you are in the world.
It also has a number of security features that make it perfect for online privacy. It encrypts your data with 256-bit AES encryption, making it impossible for hackers or other third-party snoopers to see your data. It also has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your data is never stored or monitored.
Hotspot Shield is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV. It also has a browser extension that is available for Chrome.
And, when it comes to torrenting, Hotspot Shield is one of the best VPNs around. It allows you to torrent safely and anonymously, without having to worry about your privacy or safety. Torrenting is permitted on all servers and across all platforms.
Your IP address will be masked, and your P2P activity will be hidden from your ISP. Hotspot Shield also performs pretty well on its promise of fast download and upload connections, which is great for file sharing over the Internet.
With strong encryption, leak protection, and antimalware, the VPN keeps your connections safe. If you use the Windows native software, you’ll also benefit from an automated kill switch that protects your data even if your VPN connection is lost. Sadly, the kill switch is only available for Windows users.
One of the best things to note about this VPN is that all paid subscriptions include a 45-day money-back guarantee. This is one of the longest I’ve seen.
Overall, Hotspot Shield is an excellent VPN for Windows that provides a wealth of features and benefits. With over 650 million users and servers in 115+ countries, this VPN is perfect for unblocking content and staying safe and anonymous online.
6. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN is a VPN service based in Sweden that has been providing online security and privacy solutions since 2009. With over 150 servers in 60 countries, PrivateVPN is another great option for Windows users.
They have servers in most major cities across the world, but their total number of servers is on the lower end when compared to some of the other providers on this list. PrivateVPN is a zero-logs VPN service, meaning that your data will never be stored or monitored. It also has strong military-grade encryption.
PrivateVPN is one of the best VPNs when it comes to streaming. It works quite well with Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, among many other streaming services. However, some servers are frequently overburdened, and you may not always be able to stream movies in HD.
Honestly, PrivateVPN delivers on its promise of unblocking Netflix and all other streaming sites I tested with lightning-fast speeds.
Also, for P2P file sharing, the VPN service is an excellent option. And, there are no leaks of IPv4 or IPv6 addresses. Port forwarding, well, cannot be disabled.
PrivateVPN doesn’t have as many “additional” features as other VPNs, and its server network is smaller than that of most competitors.
However, it offers decent privacy protections, performed admirably in all of my performance, streaming, and torrenting experiments, and is extremely user-friendly across all apps. It’s also less expensive than many other VPNs.
7. FastVPN
FastVPN is a VPN service offered by Namecheap, a popular domain registrar and hosting company. It’s a zero-logs VPN service with no data retention rules that applies to FastVPN. It also has strong military-grade encryption.
FastVPN is one of the best VPNs for torrenting and P2P file sharing. With over 1000 servers in over 50 locations worldwide, FastVPN is a low-cost VPN that lets you access Netflix and Disney Plus in multiple countries.
Frankly, it isn’t the fastest VPN on the market, but it can stream anything without problems. It also has special features such as an automated kill switch, although this is only compatible with Windows and not on macOS.
When it comes to your security, it doesn’t really disappoint. Yes, FastestVPN protects your privacy with robust security features and a strict no-logs policy. It’s also headquartered in the Cayman Islands, which are known for its confidentiality.
OpenVPN and IKEv2, two of the most secure connection protocols currently, are supported by this Namecheap VPN. To put it another way, they strike a solid mix between reliability and safety.
FastVPN is among the cheapest VPNs available, but its lack of functionalities makes it difficult to recommend it for anything more than basic use.
Overall, FastVPN is a good, low-cost VPN service that is perfect for streaming and torrenting. However, it lacks some features that you may find in other VPNs. If you’re looking for a simple VPN that works with Netflix US or HBO Max, it might be a good fit. It also has adequate security and privacy features, and I feel it works hard to keep you secure and anonymous when using the internet.
But, when you look at the price, you can’t really complain. It does offer value for your money. You can try it free for 30 days without a credit card.
Best FREE VPNs
Free VPNs are a great option for people who are looking for a low-cost or even free way to protect their privacy online. While they don’t offer the same level of features and security as paid VPNs, they can be a great way to get started with VPNs or to use them for basic activities such as browsing the internet or streaming videos.
But, before you start, here’s a caution for you:
Most free VPNs are not as secure as paid VPNs. In fact, many of them are actually data-collection tools for third-party companies. So, if you’re looking for a VPN to protect your privacy, you should avoid free VPNs.
That said, if you’re just looking for a VPN to unblock websites or to stream videos, then a free VPN may be a good option for you.
Here are the only 3 best free VPNs that you can use:
1. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is one of the best free VPNs out there. It’s safe to use, the apps are open-source, and there’s no data restriction. However, there are only 3 server locations available, and it does not support Netflix or torrenting. Nonetheless, for high degrees of privacy, it’s a top free service.
ProtonVPN is one of the safest and most secure VPN services available. It has military-grade encryption and tunneling protocols, including AES. Because all of their applications are open-source, anyone can examine their code and ensure that it is secure to use. So, if you’re looking for a safe, secure, and private VPN service, ProtonVPN is a good option and it can be used for free.
However, it does have some limitations. You can only use it on 1 device, it does not support Netflix or torrenting, and the server locations are limited.
ProtonVPN Free, unlike many other free VPNs, does not earn money by stealing and selling user data. Instead, the VPN makes money through its premium VPN service, which helps to cover the expenses of providing the free service.
Overall, ProtonVPN is an excellent free VPN service that is perfect for people who are looking for a high level of privacy and security.
2. AtlasVPN
Anyone interested in trying out a free VPN can start with Atlas VPN. The free version has solid encryption, however, the premium version allows you to unblock Netflix and most other prominent online streaming services.
Wireguard’s lightning-fast protocol, as well as features like Tracker Blocker, will take your security to another level when you use AtlasVPN.
When it comes to safety, it really doesn’t disappoint. With a strict no-logs policy and military-grade encryption, it is perfect for people who prioritize their privacy.
AtlasVPN doesn’t have a data cap and you can use it on as many devices as you want simultaneously. If you want to give it a shot, it’s available on both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. You can also download it for Windows and macOS. The premium plans start from as low as $2.99/month.
So, if you are looking for a free VPN, with good security features and the ability to stay anonymous, then you should definitely try out AtlasVPN.
3. Windscribe
Windscribe is a good, secure, and free VPN service that you can use for unblocking websites and for getting around censorship. It also has a built-in ad blocker to help you reduce the number of ads that you see online.
Windscribe has a data cap of 10GB per month, and you can use it on as many devices as you want simultaneously. It also supports torrenting.
Windscribe is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. You can also use it on your router. The premium plans start from as low as $1/month.
Overall, Windscribe is a good free VPN service that you can use for basic privacy and security needs. However, if you are looking for a VPN to unblock websites and stream videos faster, then you should consider upgrading.
Now that you know about some of the best free VPNs, let’s take a look at some of the worst VPNs you should never use:
Worst VPNs You Should Never Use
The following VPNs are known for being insecure. They are some of the most insecure and least reliable VPNs available. Don’t use them!
1. HolaVPN
HolaVPN is a free VPN service that you should never use. It has been involved in a number of scandals, including selling user data to third-party companies.
2. Betternet
Betternet is a free VPN service that is known for being insecure and for tracking user data. It has also been involved in a number of scandals.
3. Touch VPN
Touch VPN is a free VPN service that is known for being insecure and for tracking user data. It has also been involved in a number of scandals.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some of the most commonly asked questions about VPNs. These questions should help you better understand VPNs.
Let’s start with the basics…
What is a VPN?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a technology that allows you to create a secure connection between your device and the internet. It does this by encrypting your traffic and routing it through a server in a location of your choice. This allows you to access websites and services that are blocked in your location. It also allows you to keep your data and identity safe when you are online.
How do VPNs work?
VPNs work by creating a secure connection between your device and the internet. This connection is encrypted, which means that your data is hidden from prying eyes. It is then routed through a server in a location of your choice, which allows you to access websites and services that are blocked in your location.
What are the benefits of using a VPN?
The benefits of using a VPN include:
- Protection of your privacy online
- Unblocking of websites
- Getting around censorship
- Access to geo-restricted content
- Secure connection over a public network
So, VPN s provide a number of benefits that are important for people who want to protect their privacy and unblock websites.
Are VPNs legal?
Yes, VPNs are legal in most countries. However, some countries do have restrictions on their use. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional to find out whether or not using a VPN is legal in your specific location. But, in most countries, VPNs are perfectly legal. You don’t need to worry about it.
Can I use a VPN for torrenting?
Yes, you can use a VPN for torrenting. In fact, many VPNs are specifically designed for torrenting. However, you should always consult with the provider to find out whether or not they allow torrenting on their servers. Some providers do not allow torrenting, while others have specific servers that are designed for torrenting.
What are the main differences between a free VPN and a premium VPN service?
The main difference between a free VPN and a premium VPN is that a premium VPN provides better security and privacy features. It also usually has a faster connection and supports more devices. So, if you are looking for better security and privacy, then you should consider upgrading to a premium VPN.
Do VPNs keep logs?
VPNs do not typically keep logs of user activity. However, some VPNs do keep logs of user data for a certain amount of time. But, by using a VPN, you can protect your data and identity from being tracked by third-party companies. You should always consult with the provider to find out whether or not they keep logs of user data.
What is the best VPN for Windows?
The best VPN for Windows is a VPN that supports Windows 10 and has good security and privacy features. It should also have a fast connection and be easy to use for beginners. Some of the best and most popular VPNs for Windows include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost.
Should I use free VPNs?
Whether you should use free VPNs or not depends on your needs and budget. If you are looking for a basic VPN to protect your privacy and to unblock websites, then a free VPN is a good option. However, if you are looking for a more advanced VPN with better security and privacy features, you should upgrade.
In general, most free VPNs are not good for streaming videos or for accessing geo-restricted content. So, if you are looking for a VPN to unblock websites and stream videos faster, then you should upgrade to a premium VPN.
Free VPNs are also known for being insecure and for tracking user data. So, you should never use a free VPN if you are concerned about privacy.
There are only a few VPNs that are both free and good for privacy. So, if you are looking for a VPN that is both free and good for privacy, then you should consider only the free VPNs listed in this article.
What is a kill switch?
A kill switch is a feature that allows you to automatically disconnect from the VPN if the connection drops. This helps to ensure that your data and identity remain safe and secure. All of the VPNs on our list include a kill switch.
Can I use a VPN on multiple devices?
Yes, most VPNs allow you to use their service on multiple devices.
However, you should always consult with the provider to find out how many devices are allowed per account. Some providers limit the number of devices that can be connected at once, while others do not.
What is a proxy?
A proxy is a service that allows you to hide your IP address and access blocked websites and services. It does this by routing your traffic through its servers. However, proxies are not as secure as VPNs, and they do not encrypt your traffic. For this reason, we recommend using a VPN instead of a proxy.
Is it safe to use a VPN?
Yes, VPNs are safe to use. They protect your data and identity by encrypting your traffic and routing it through a secure server. They are also legal in most countries. However, you should always consult with a qualified legal professional to find out whether or not using a VPN is safe in your specific location.
Can I use a VPN on my phone?
Yes, you can use a VPN on your phone. In fact, many VPNs offer apps for both Android and iOS devices. However, you should always consult with the provider to find out whether or not they offer apps for your specific device.
What is a VPN server?
A VPN server is a server that is used to route your traffic through a VPN. It helps to ensure that your data and identity remain safe and secure. All of the VPNs on our list include servers in a variety of locations.
What is a VPN protocol?
A VPN protocol is a method that your device uses to connect to a VPN server. There are a variety of different protocols available, including PPTP, L2TP, and OpenVPN. Each protocol has its own benefits and drawbacks, so you should always consult with the provider to find out which protocol they use.
Are VPNs slow?
VPNs are not typically slower than regular internet connections. However, the speed of a VPN connection can vary depending on the location of the server and the type of protocol used. All of the VPNs on our list offer a variety of different protocols, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Do I need a VPN?
No, you do not need a VPN. However, using a VPN can help protect your data and identity while you are online. It can also allow you to access blocked websites and services. For this reason, it is recommended to use a VPN if you are concerned about your online privacy and security.
As of now, I believe most of the questions about VPNs have been answered. If you have not still found your answer, you may leave a comment.
Final Words – Best VPN
The best VPN is the one that fits your needs and budget. So, it is important to consider your needs before you decide which VPN is right for you. If you are looking for a basic VPN to protect your privacy and to unblock websites, then a free VPN is a good option. However, if you are looking for a more advanced VPN with better security and privacy features, you should upgrade.
VPNs are becoming increasingly popular as more and more people become concerned about their online privacy. And, for good reason!
A VPN can help keep your data private and secure by encrypting your traffic data and hiding your IP address from prying eyes.
There are a lot of VPNs on the market these days.
But not all of them are created equal.
In this article, I’ve highlighted the 10 best VPNs for Windows PCs and laptops. I’ve also included a few free VPN options to get you started.
So, whether you’re looking for a VPN to keep your browsing data private, to unblock content, or to torrent anonymously, we’ve got you covered! If you have liked what you’ve just read, please share this article. It really helps!