Best VPN for Windows
You don't have to compromise in your search for the best virtual private network with these great Windows VPNs.
Our Experts
Best Overall VPN
ExpressVPN
- Strong commitment to privacy and transparency
- Forward-thinking security enhancements
- Excellent for streaming
- Streamlined, easy-to-use app across platforms
- Privacy-friendly jurisdiction (British Virgin Islands)
- DNS leaks detected (but immediately addressed)
- Expensive
- Only eight simultaneous connections
- Apple TV app needs work
ExpressVPN is CNET’s pick for the best VPN overall, scoring an 8.8/10 on our VPN rating scale. We appreciate ExpressVPN’s user-friendly Windows app -- and software for other platforms like MacOS, Android and iOS, for that matter. Whether you’re a VPN expert or have never used one before, Express remains intuitive to use yet feature-rich. The veteran VPN provider consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to privacy and transparency while remaining excellent for streaming.
When we most recently evaluated ExpressVPN for privacy and security, we uncovered an alarming bug in its Windows app that sent our DNS requests to our ISP instead of ExpressVPN’s dedicated DNS servers when we had the split tunneling feature enabled. This meant that our true IP address, general location and the websites we visited were exposed. We notified ExpressVPN, who immediately disabled split tunneling from its Windows app as a temporary solution while engineers got to work on a permanent fix. We were also impressed with the transparency with which the company acknowledged the situation, promptly publishing a
ExpressVPN’s speeds, while fast enough for most online activities, are not quite as fast as some of its competitors, based on our latest speed tests. In 2024, CNET Labs measured a 24.8% average speed loss with ExpressVPN. While we saw substantially better speeds from NordVPN (11.1% speed loss) and Surfshark (17%), ExpressVPN’s speeds were largely consistent and aligned with our expectations across protocols and server locations. Although we recommend OpenVPN for seriously privacy-concerned users, Express’s blasing-fast 15% average speed loss with Lightway on Windows is great for more data-intensive activities like streaming, gaming and videoconferencing.
The company’s latest independent audit is slated to be published soon, building on its industry-leading audit count. ExpressVPN says it collects no logs, a claim bolstered by a
The provider also recently bumped its simultaneous connection allowance up to eight, which is slightly more generous than NordVPN’s six simultaneous connections, but considerably less than the unlimited simultaneous connections allowed by others like Surfshark, PIA and IPVanish. But for the best, you’ll need to pay a premium -- ExpressVPN is one of the most expensive VPN providers currently on the market. The service costs $13 per month, $60 every six months or $100 annually, which is considerably more expensive than the $11 per month or $60 per year that Surfshark charges. NordVPN is more in line with ExpressVPN on price at $13 per month or $100 annually (after a promotional $60 price for the first year). If you’re not satisfied with the service, you can request your money back within 30 days of your purchase.
Best Cheap VPN
Surfshark
- Lots of unique security features
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- RAM-only server network
- Inconsistent speed performance
- 14 Eyes jurisdiction (Netherlands)
- No transparency reports
Surfshark boasts an impressive suite of privacy and security features, unlimited simultaneous connections, an easy-to-use interface and an expansive global network. It's also still significantly cheaper than most of its competitors. Along with standard VPN features such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection, some of the more notable Surfshark amenities include camouflage mode (which hides the fact that you're using a VPN), split-tunneling, NoBorders mode (which lets you use Surfshark in regions where VPNs are restricted) and multihop VPN connections. You'll also get access to Surfshark's CleanWeb technology, which blocks ads and malware and helps you avoid phishing attacks.
One innovation we particularly appreciate is Surfshark’s Nexus network, which connects the VPN's entire network of servers and allows you to choose multiple servers to route your connection through. The functionality is somewhat similar to Tor, but Surfshark says it's faster. With its Dynamic MultiHop, IP Randomizer and IP Rotator functions, the Nexus network can give you a few extra layers of protection while you use the VPN -- which can be especially beneficial to users with critical privacy needs. Surfshark says it doesn't log any user activity. Although no-logging claims are virtually impossible to prove with 100% certainty, Surfshark passed a third-party no-logs audit by Deloitte.
Surfshark rates consistently as one of the fastest VPNs available. CNET Labs clocked an impressive 17% average speed loss in autumn 2023 tests, just shy of NordVPN’s best-in-class 10%. Surfshark had no problems unblocking Netflix, Disney Plus and Amazon Prime Video content in our tests. Surfshark keeps its prices lower than most other VPNs, making it an outstanding value. You’ll pay $14 monthly, $48 annually or $55 total for your first two years. Both the annual and 24-month plans jump to $60 per year for any additional 12-month cycles. Despite its wallet-friendly pricing, we don’t recommend the two-year plan because of how quickly things change in the VPN space.
Although Surfshark sports a slew of privacy features, its 14-Eyes intelligence sharing jurisdiction (it’s based in the Netherlands) may disappoint folks with serious security needs, such as investigative journalists or activists. If you're not satisfied with the service for any reason, Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Best VPN for Speed
NordVPN
- Reliable, competitive speeds
- RAM-disk servers
- Feature-rich software
- Visual server map could use additional functions
- Discounts steeper for longer contracts
- Only six simultaneous connections allowed
NordVPN remains a popular virtual private network option due to its fast connections, privacy-focused features and excellent geo-unblocking for streaming services. Its user-friendly design -- including a polished Windows app -- that doesn't compromise on settings makes it an outstanding choice for casual VPN newcomers and seasoned power users alike. At $13 per month, $60 annually or $96 total for two years, NordVPN sets you back less initially than premium VPN rivals like ExpressVPN, but more than budget-oriented companies like Surfshark and PIA. However, subsequent price hikes drive the price to $100 per year, which aligns with many other VPN providers, including Express.
We appreciate NordVPN's commitment to privacy and security. In addition to features like Onion over VPN (Tor) and a Double VPN, which deliver additional encryption, a 2023 audit by Deloitte backed up its no-log claims for improved transparency. Folks with serious privacy needs can even buy a Nord subscription with cryptocurrencies for pseudo-anonymity. While zero-logging policies are challenging to verify with absolute certainty, third-party audits provide peace of mind. On the entertainment side, we had no issues streaming US and UK Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus libraries on most devices. Aside from Windows, Nord runs on virtually any platform you can think of, including MacOS, Linux, Android/Android TV, iOS/iPadOS, browsers and even Apple TV.
NordVPN’s global server network comprises more than 6,300 servers spanning 111 countries after a recent server expansion, keeping its server reach among the best in the VPN world. Overall, NordVPN sports advanced privacy features in an intuitive service.
NordVPN solidified itself as the fastest VPN in our 2024 speed tests, particularly using its proprietary NordLynx protocol (a WireGuard derivative). Using the NordLynx VPN protocol, we clocked an average internet speed loss of just 3.2% with Windows and 12.6% on MacOS. Even its OpenVPN speed loss was a blazing-fast 10.1% average on MacOS and 18.8% on Windows. We do recommend an OpenVPN connection for more privacy-critical users, but you can expect fast speeds either way.
What is the best VPN for Windows right now?
ExpressVPN is the best overall VPN for Windows with its fast speeds, great streaming service unblocking 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.
About VPNs for Windows
As a Windows user, you're probably interested in the best VPN to improve your privacy. Thankfully, there is a large selection of virtual private network options on the market. Microsoft Windows has been the most popular desktop operating system for as long as we can remember, and because of its widespread use, almost all major VPN providers feature a Windows-compatible app.
When you're choosing a solid VPN, the process is relatively user-friendly -- especially if you decide on one of the services highlighted in our roundup of top providers. MacOS users often deal with a bunch of Apple-specific requirements before being able to install privacy tools to a mobile device or computer, but picking the best VPN for Windows is pretty simple. The available options, which deliver a top-notch slate of safety features for your device or computer, are more plentiful than those available for MacOS.
Our CNET experts put an extensive roster of VPNs to the test to determine the best, quickest and most secure VPN services for Windows 10 and Windows 11. We focused on a number of core details in our testing, including streaming and browsing speeds, reliability, privacy, ease of remote access and overall value for the money. We also looked specifically at the performance of each VPN's Windows app to make sure it offered useful, functional features. Here are the best VPNs for Windows, ranked for performance across all categories. And 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.
Other VPNs we tested
PIA
Private Internet Access is a wallet-friendly VPN provider. It sets you back just $12 per month, $45 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, a kill switch, obfuscation and multihop connections. Its whopping 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 worked on streaming devices including the Amazon Fire TV and Android TV.
However, 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 remain blissfully unaware of PIA's uneven server performance, but 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.
How we test VPNs for Windows
Here at CNET, we've spent years comprehensively reviewing various VPN providers. We ran hundreds of internet speed tests, 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.
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. But 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 apps from nearly every VPN provider. Certain platforms such as Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV and a Linux graphical user interface (GUI) app are more rare. 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, 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. And third-party audits improve transparency while backing up no-log assertions.
Internet speed
All VPNs slow down your internet download and upload speeds somewhat 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. However, some companies feature faster speeds than others. The fastest VPNs deliver minimal speed loss of 20% 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.
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-$100 per year, while a good value VPN runs you around $50-$60 annually. Commonly, companies provide sweet introductory prices for your first year of service, then hike the price. But if you renew during a sale -- like around Black Friday or Cyber Monday -- you might still get a great deal.