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Best VPN for Windows

vpn for windows 10Almost every VPN service works great on Windows, which makes choosing one all the more challenging.

There are hundreds of different VPNs out there, not to mention a vast number of biased reviews that can make you even more confused.

We’ve tested the most popular VPNs to see how they work, what their level of protection is, and whether they allow streaming and torrenting. 

What Is the Best VPN for Windows?

We narrowed the list down to these 6 VPNs:

  • ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN for PC, with remarkable features (including the Network Lock kill switch), best-in-class encryption, unlimited data, and the highest number of server locations. However, it’s also the most expensive VPN service, but it’s more than worth the money.
  • NordVPN is the best VPN for Windows overall, with a considerable number of VPN servers and the most reliable security. You would expect a big price tag for its outstanding performance and features, but it’s quite affordable.
  • CyberGhost is even more affordable and offers the best configure-ability, great features (including a kill switch), and an extensive server network. The only notable downside is the average speed.
  • Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections and uses some of the best encryption protocols available today. It’s also the cheapest VPN for Windows, and one of the best providers for unblocking Netflix.
  • IPVanish is almost as expensive as ExpressVPN, but it’s a very secure, second-fastest VPN service with an excellent Windows client and a useful kill switch.
  • Hotspot Shield is an affordable VPN for PC that offers a very delicate balance of performance and price. It offers fast speeds, a kill switch, and has a very pleasing privacy policy.

What to Look for When Choosing a VPN for Windows?

There are some essential features you need to pay attention to when choosing the best VPN for Windows. Some will ensure your privacy is fully protected, while other features will provide you with seamless user experiences.

The key features to look for in a Virtual Private Network for Windows include:

  • The number of VPN servers
  • The number of server locations
  • VPN provider location
  • Download speed
  • Encryption
  • Logging policy – aim for a VPN service with a no-logs policy
  • Streaming and torrenting capabilities
  • Usability
  • Customer support
  • Price

We’ve tested these VPNs for all their features, so read on to explore them in more detail. Looking out for these features will help you find the best deal on a VPN for Windows.

It’s important to note that all of them are excellent VPNs for Android as well. 

Each has a dedicated VPN app for Android, enabling you to set up a secure VPN connection on your smartphone, hide your IP address, and protect your data from threats.

ExpressVPN: Fastest VPN for PC

Pros

  • Super fast & ultra secure
  • Great for HD/4K streaming
  • Instant setup & very easy to use
  • AES-256 encryption
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • More expensive than some rivals
  • 3 simultaneous connections
Price: $6.67 a month
Good for:
Compatibility:

ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN for PC with more than 3000 servers in 160 server locations dispersed across 94 countries.

It supports all devices, doesn’t keep logs, offers 24/7 customer support via email and live chat, and has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Up to 5 simultaneous connections
  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • Torrenting and P2P allowed
  • Unblocking Netflix and other streaming services
  • Hefty price tag

NordVPN: Best All-Round VPN for Windows

Pros

  • 2048-bit SSL encryption
  • Logs are not stored in the system
  • VPN gateways for streaming media content
  • Automatic Kill Switch Button
  • 24/7 customer support

Cons

  • Has no bandwidth cap
  • No free trial
  • No phone support
Price: $2.99 a month
Good for:
Compatibility:

NordVPN that is also made onto the list of best VPNs for gaming has over 5600 servers spread across 59 countries.

It’s incredibly fast, has a strict no-logs policy, and its double data encryption and kill-switch make it remarkably secure.

Its customer service is excellent, too (includes 24/7 live chat support), and it has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Up to 6 simultaneous connections
  • Double data encryption
  • Torrenting and P2P allowed
  • Changes Netflix regions and unblocks services for streaming
  • Limited bandwidth

Cyberghost: Best Configurability, Average Speed

Pros

  • Strong privacy policy
  • Live chat support
  • TOR compatibility
  • Native encryption method IKEv2
  • 256-bit encryption of public Wi-Fi networks
  • Multilingual interface

Cons

  • Limited payment options
Price: $2.75 a month
Good for:
Compatibility:

CyberGhost features more than 5600 servers in over 90 countries, but its download speed is average.

Its Windows client is straightforward to use, allowing you to set up a VPN connection in seconds.

It doesn’t keep logs and has a 45-day money-back guarantee, but its 24/7 live chat support isn’t always very responsive.

  • Up to 7 simultaneous connections
  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • Torrenting and P2P allowed
  • Unblocks Netflix and other streaming services
  • Average speed

Surfshark: Cheapest VPN for PC with Unlimited Connections

Pros

  • VPN kill switch
  • Unlimited number of devices
  • Great performance speed

Cons

  • Weak support
  • Lack of information
Price: $1.99 a month
Good for:
Compatibility:

Surfshark has over 1040 servers in 61 countries. It uses secure encryption for concealing IP addresses and protecting data and has a kill switch and a strict zero-logs policy.

Its customer service is available 24/7 via live chat, and it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • Torrenting and P2P traffic allowed
  • Unblocks restricted websites and Netflix service (15 Netflix libraries)
  • Inconsistent speeds

IPVanish: Best Windows VPN for Torrenting

Pros

  • AES 256-bit encryption
  • OpenVPN, L2TP, and PPTP encryption
  • Leak protection
  • Self-owned servers
  • 7-day money-back guarantee
  • SOCKS5 web proxy

Cons

  • US-based
  • Blocked in China
Price: $6.49 a month
Good for:
Compatibility:

IPVanish has more than 1300 VPN servers in more than 75 countries.

It supports all devices, has a firm zero-logs policy, and offers 24/7 live chat and email customer support.

Contrary to all these other VPNs, it features a money-back guarantee of only seven days.

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections
  • Torrenting and P2P allowed
  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • Unblocks Netflix and other streaming services
  • Expensive

Hotspot Shield: Great Balance of Price and Performance

Pros

  • 45 -day money-back guarantee
  • Connects up to 5 devices
  • Torrenting is allowed
  • Fast download speed

Cons

  • No Live Chat
Price: $2.99 a month
Good for:
Compatibility:

Hotspot Shield has more than 2500 servers in over 70 locations.

Its download speeds are fast, its encryption is military-grade, and it doesn’t keep logs. It offers 24/7 live chat support and a 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Up to 5 simultaneous connections
  • Torrenting and P2P allowed
  • Unblocks Netflix and other streaming services
  • Unlimited bandwidth for streaming
  • Limited configuration options

If you want to protect your privacy truly, you should seriously think about getting a paid legal VPN.

If you choose any of the VPN services from our list, you can be sure that you will get the best deal on a VPN for Windows.

All of these VPNs are quite remarkable. A few may be more expensive than others, but they’re more than worth the price.

All of them have a money-back guarantee, so be sure to give them a test drive to see how they fit your needs before making your final decision.

How to choose the best Windows 10 VPN for PC

The number of VPN you will find in the PC market is endless; thus, it can be overwhelming to find the right one that’s best suited for what you want. When you are picking the right VPN, you should pay attention to the following;

  • fast connection speeds,
  • a friendly app,
  • P2P support,
  • No strings attached privacy policy

Pricing, too, is one crucial factor while choosing the best VPN. Please note that just because it’s expensive doesn’t mean that it would be perfect for you, and just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean it wouldn’t serve you well. Some of the best VPN for Windows 10 are ExpressVPN, CyberGhost and NordVPN.

How do I set up a VPN on my PC computer?

Choosing a VPN is the major task; setting up one isn’t much of an activity. The VPN provider website should provide all that you need to set it up. All you have to do is select Windows as your installed operation software. Using CyberGhost, for instance, once installed, the VPN interface has a connect button on the right that gives you a list of countries and servers you can connect to. Just pick the location you desire and connect.

FAQ

What is the Best VPN for Windows 10 Torrenting?

IPVanish would be the best VPN service for torrenting. All of these VPNs allow it, and we’re torn between ExpressVPN and IPVanish, but the latter might be better for torrenting and other P2P traffic.

Which Is Better: Paid or Free VPN for Windows?

Paid VPNs for Windows are better than their free counterparts because they offer more security. Free VPNs often keep their users’ activity and connection logs and sell user data to third parties.

Most of the available paid VPNs also come with ad-blocking features, which again means higher security. They also offer faster speeds, as they typically have more servers and cover more locations. Free VPNs have more traffic, which translates to slower speeds, data limitations, and an inconsistent VPN connection.

What are the standard encryption techniques used by VPN applications?

Encryption techniques ensure that your VPN is private and secure. Without it, anyone can access your data on any network. The standard encryption techniques utilized by VPN applications include 256-bit encryption and UDP TCP.

What is the best Windows 10 VPN for PC?

At the moment, we will say ExpressVPN. The reasons are not far-fetched. Firstly, the VPN is a perfect choice for both computers and mobile users. It has fast and reliable servers and a track record of masking your IP from streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu, among others. Most importantly, the company never keeps track of your online activities as long as it’s connected.

What can I do with a VPN on my PC?

With a VPN on your computer, you can do endless things, ranging from masking your computer IP address to other regions or countries to give you access to an array of services you would typically not enjoy in your current location.
It unlocks restricted websites, especially in countries where certain websites and services have been banned or restricted.

Does Windows 10 have a built-in VPN?

Yes, Windows 10 has an inbuilt VPN with a split tunneling protocol that provides you with an extra layer of privacy and security. However, the problem with this is that it won’t provide you with other use cases like kill switch and no-logging activity that ExpressVPN and CyberGhost provide.
More so, it’s challenging to set up because you have to dive deep into the network setting and perform one or two activities on the router instead of other VPN clients that get you connected in seconds.

Are these free VPNs safe to use for everyday streaming on my Windows device?

Yes, a free VPN gives you access to high-level network security, sometimes military-grade 256-encryption. This keeps your device safe from prying eyes.

Are free VPNs safe for use on any of my devices?

From our research on foremost free VPNs, we understand that CyberGhost, Express VPN, and Speedify are safe for use. However, as much as some are safe, some aren’t. So be sure to do your own research before picking any.

Will these VPNs run on my other devices?

The VPN we have researched provides apps for both mobile and PCs on the primary operating system. Hence, your mobile phones and computer are equally secured. VPNs like CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are safe to use on your smart TVs and routers. As long as the VPN is connected to your router, your devices are protected with no added effort.

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