Best VPNs for Windows 2024 (For Laptops & Desktop PCs)
Statistics online show that there are at least one billion people on the planet who use the Windows operating system. A large percentage of those use the Windows 10 version. We can bet that you are either using one at this point in your life or you have used one before, because why not? It is one of the best-operating systems out there.
Using the internet feature on Windows 10 or any other internet-enabled device exposes you to certain risks. These risks come in the form of cybercriminals trying to lay their hands on your valuable pieces of information.
Apart from the above, while the internet is generally freely accessible, there are still companies and organizations that place geo-restrictions on using the internet. This particular type of restriction prevents you from accessing certain sites on your Windows.
These issues can be unnerving, but there is an easy solution, and it is a Virtual Private Network (VPN). However, choosing one that is best for your Windows operating system can be a bit of a hassle. This is even more so when you consider all the different factors you have to keep in mind.
5 Best VPNs for Windows
We have compiled a list containing five of the best VPNs for your Windows 10 device. They are:
ExpressVPN
Features
- Number of servers: More than 3,000
- Speeds: Unlimited
- Server locations: 160 in 105 countries
- Maximum devices supported: 5
- 24 live chat: Yes
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Yes
Pros/Cons
- Fastest VPN out there
- Strict no logs policy
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Few discounts
The number one Virtual Private Network service provider on our list of the best VPNs for your Windows 10 device is ExpressVPN. It is one of the earliest dating VPNs in the internet security industry, having been established in the year 2009.
It has in its possession over three thousand servers across more than 160 different locations in 94 countries in the world. With that many servers spread out over all those countries, you can be sure that you would be having coverage for your Windows device, no matter where you are trying to access in the world.
Four of its locations are in the continent of Africa. Apart from that, it also covers a fair amount of ground in South America. These are particularly worthy of note because not every Virtual Private Network in the Internet Privacy industry provides coverage in those areas. So, if you want to access restricted content in either of those continents with your Windows 10 device, ExpressVPN has you covered. In the same vein, if you need extra security while surfing the net in those parts of the world, ExpressVPN can provide you with that too.
In order to further ensure your privacy, ExpressVPN uses virtual servers. For most Virtual Private Networks in the internet privacy industry, their servers have to be in a particular location physically. They are there in order to allow for the VPN to connect your device to that location and whatnot. However, ExpressVPN has virtual servers in addition to physical servers. These servers appear to be in certain places, but they are not actually there.
It has a limited number of connections of five connections by subscription. If you are merely looking to use it for your Windows device and a couple more devices, that would be no problem at all. However, if you really want to connect more than five devices, it would be useful to invest in a router. ExpressVPN makes this possible with its partnership with FlashRouters. Connecting to a router would enable you to connect an infinite number of devices once you are subscribed. Thus, regardless of the number of devices you have using the Windows 10 operating system, you will be safe as can be.
ExpressVPN’s services are considered a bit expensive. Still, in comparison with all they are offering in terms of speed, cybersecurity, privacy, etc. you can conclude easily that it is well worth it. Alongside that, they even have discounts on their plans as they get cheaper with longer durations.
If you are still unsure, they have a thirty-day money-back guarantee. This allows you to get a refund if you are dissatisfied with their services. All of these are what make ExpressVPN one of the best VPNs for your Windows 10 device.
- Pros: Fastest VPN out there; Strict no logs policy; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest price: $6.67
NordVPN
Features
- Cryptocurrency accepted? Yes
- Simultaneous connections: 6
- Dedicated IP-addresses? Yes
- Servers: 5342 in 58 countries
Pros/Cons
- Lots of pricing options
- Netflix support kept up to date
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Slow app
Coming in sharp at number two on our list of the best VPNs for use with your Windows 10 device is NordVPN. Having only existed since 2012, it can’t be considered the oldest. However, it is still not one of the youngest either. In the several years of its existence, it has managed to amass an astounding 5200+ servers in over 59 countries around the world. Some of these servers can be found in places like South Korea, Israel, Hong Kong, etc.
In spite of the distance of some of its servers from its base, it still boasts speeds of up to 14mbps, even in the most remote areas. That is, if you are accessing a server as far away from California as South Korea, you would still be able to surf the web safely and privately at decent speeds.
One of the things that make this VPN perfect for your Windows10 device is its security system. It ensures that there are no DNS leaks whatsoever. Apart from that, it has a kill switch that, unlike some other VPNs, cannot be turned off. It takes absolutely no chances with your internet safety. In addition to that, it also boasts of a security feature known as CyberSec, which prevents you from having to deal with ads, phishing threats, and malware.
It also allows for your Windows device to connect to geo-restricted zones with its SmartPlay DNS proxy. With NordVPN, you can connect not just your Windows 10 device after subscription but also an infinite number of devices. The VPN provides you with an easy-to-use interface such that you do not need to be a technical wizard to be able to use it.
Their prices are quite affordable, and they provide discounts as you choose longer durations. If, however, you are not satisfied with their service within the first thirty days, you can simply request a refund. Their money-back guarantee allows you to do that. When it comes to providing excellent security and other features for your Windows 10 device, you can totally rely on NordVPN.
- Pros: Lots of pricing options; Netflix support kept up to date; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest price: $3.71
Surfshark
Features
- Free trial? Yes
- Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
- Ad blocking? Yes
- Servers: 1000+ in 61 countries
Pros/Cons
- No footprints
- Allows torrenting
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Not the fastest
Number three on the list of the best VPNs for your Windows 10 device is Surfshark. This VPN, while relatively new in the industry, packs quite a punch as regards the quality of the services that it provides.
To begin with, it has a zero-log policy. Some VPN companies have made a bad name for themselves by making a habit of selling users’ details and data to advert companies, among others. Surfshark, on the other hand, with its zero-logs policy, does not even record or track your data, much less sell it to any individual or group of individuals for whatever reason. Whatever you are doing on your Windows 10 device stays right there.
Surfshark allows you to connect an unlimited amount of devices once you have subscribed. Just so you know, you do not even need a router in order to be able to do this. As soon as you activate your subscription to this Virtual Private Network, you would be free to connect as many Windows 10 devices as you have and any other device(s) you might want to be protected.
One of Surfshark’s less common characteristics that allow it to stand out among the rest is its Whitelister feature. This allows you to choose apps you want to protect with your VPN subscription. Take, for example, while surfing the net, you might want to change your IP address so you’ll be able to access whatever on your Chrome browser. However, you don’t necessarily want to change the IP address for the app you use to pay your bills. What Surfshark allows you to do is to choose that bill application and then single it out so that it does not get tunneled by the VPN alongside the other apps on your Windows device. Neat, right?
In addition to the above listed, it also has a Cleanweb feature. This ensures that while under the coverage of the VPN, your Windows device would be free from unwanted advertisements, malicious software, and phishing attempts.
You can give them a shot, at least for thirty days. If during that period, you are not satisfied, you can simply ask for a refund and it would be granted. In any case, you and your Windows 10 device will be more than glad that you did.
- Pros: No footprints; Allows torrenting; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest Price: $2.49
HideMyAss
Features
- Speeds: 20 Gbps
- Money-back guarantee: Yes
- Activity logs? No
- Locations: 190+ countries
Pros/Cons
- Best server database on the market
- No-logs and kill switch policy
- Multiple device protection
- Expensive short term plan
Last but not least, on our list is HideMyAss. This VPN was founded in 2005 by high school kids who just wanted to bypass the school’s restrictions on games. However, since those days, up until now, it has grown to become such a huge private network that it cannot but be added to our list. It has cool-enough features that you can trust it for all of your devices that use the Windows 10 operating system.
First of all, it can get your Windows 10 device blazing internet speeds. In that regard, it is safe to say that it gives every other Virtual Private Network a run for its money. Apart from that, to ensure your privacy, it has a zero-logs policy. This, as we are sure you have come to understand, means that your activities while using the VPN would not be tracked.
It allows for five simultaneous connections. That’s four extra spaces after connecting your Windows 10 device. To top it all off, it has a thirty-day money-back guarantee, which means that you get a refund if you request it after using the VPN within the first thirty days.
- Pros: Best server database on the market; No-logs and kill switch policy; Multiple device protection;
- Lowest price $2.99
UltraVPN
Features
- One click connect? Yes
- Servers: 100+ superfast servers
- Bandwidth cap? No
- Platforms: Mac, Windows, iOS, Android
Pros/Cons
- Firewall
- Apps for all devices
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Not as many servers as others
UltraVPN makes it to number four on our list. Among other reasons, it is perfect for your Windows device because of its outstanding speeds. With its zero-logs policy alongside the kill switch and other security measures, you can be sure that your privacy and security are a priority on this VPN.
In addition to these, it has a very friendly user interface. This allows you to use the software very easily on your Windows 10 device without necessarily having all the technical knowledge in the world.
After connecting your Windows 10 device to the VPN upon subscription, you can only connect two more devices. This is quite small if you are looking to connect many other devices to the VPN. However, what it does not have in simultaneous connections, it makes up for in affordable prices.
- Pros: Firewall; Apps for all devices; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest price: €2.99
Will free VPNs work with Windows?
On our list of the best VPNs you can use with your Windows 10 devices, we largely focused on Virtual Private Networks that offer premium services. Of course, they allow you to try out their services, risk-free for a number of days, usually 30 days. However, if you do not request a refund, you would ultimately have to pay for the services. You might be confused about whether or not free VPNs work with Windows seeing as we only mentioned premium VPNs.
A simple answer to the question is “yes.” Free VPNs can and will work with your Windows 10 device perfectly. Of course, “perfectly” is subject to your VPN requirements alongside the capacity of the free Virtual Private Network you choose. Regardless, there are still quite a number of them online ranging from ProtonVPN to TunnelBear VPN, among others.
Some of them allow you to start free and then decide at a later time to upgrade. Some others will enable you to use them completely free of charge.
Free VPNs would cost you quite literally nothing in terms of money spent acquiring them. However, they are not the best option if you are very conscious of your online security. You may ultimately be compromising your security when you go along with a free provider. Some of the premium VPNs are relatively expensive, but they still provide services that give you your money’s worth. Free VPNs, on the other hand, are just not as good. To sum it up, free VPNs will work on your Windows 10 devices. However, we would still advise that you go for a premium Virtual Private Network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my VPN subscription work on non-Windows devices?
Yes, excellent VPNs usually don’t restrict the operating systems they can operate on. It would be ridiculous if they did because many people use multiple devices with different operating systems. The VPNs on this list can also work on other operating systems such as iOS, Android, and Mac. Furthermore, you can simultaneously connect many devices running on different operating systems on one VPN subscription.
Can I get a dedicated IP address for my Windows device?
Yes, you can opt for having a dedicated IP address that only your Windows device uses. However, many VPN service providers will most likely charge you an extra fee. A personal IP address will be a great decision if all you want is internet security and safety. Unfortunately, if you want to unblock various services in many countries, a dedicated IP address will limit you. This is because a static IP will be restricted to a definite server location, and you’ll only be able to unlock content within that region.
Do Windows devices have a VPN client?
Many Windows devices have inbuilt VPN clients that you can use to secure your PC or desktop privacy or security. Furthermore, this VPN client allows you to connect to other third-party VPN service providers. Standalone VPN applications, however, are often better than the Windows VPN client. For instance, the Windows VPN wouldn’t let you jump across different servers worldwide to unblock content. Also, if you have an older Windows device, you may have only the older and less secure VPN protocols.
Is it illegal to use a VPN on Windows?
No, it isn’t unlawful to use a VPN on your Windows devices. VPN connections are legal in the US and many countries of the world. Microsoft even has an official guide to setting up a Windows profile on your gadgets. However, if you use the VPN for fraud or other cybercrimes, then you’re running afoul of the law.
Conclusion
There are several VPNs out there that could, in theory, work well with your Windows 10 device. However, this is our list of the five best Virtual Private Networks, assuming that you are looking for the absolute best. If you are wondering what criteria to use for making your final selection, keep speed, security, privacy, and effectiveness in mind. On that note, have fun enjoying your newly found privacy online on your Windows 10 device.