Best VPN For Windows: Our Top 5

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For anyone serious about protecting their data while they’re online, virtual private networks (VPNs) are an essential tool.

This is especially true for Windows, the world’s most popular desktop operating system. Navigating the internet with the best VPN for Windows means users can search, shop and stream all while keeping your valuable personal and business data hidden from corporations, government agencies and hackers.

If you’re on the hunt for a VPN provider for you or your team but are overwhelmed with all the options on the market, you’re not alone. That’s why we’ve analysed over a dozen providers and put together our top five contenders for the best VPN for Windows.

It’s worth noting that almost all VPNs on the market work with numerous operating systems. While we’re primarily focusing on ease-of-use and security features for your Windows computer, the VPNs on this list may also be solid options for devices that run on macOS, Android, iOS and Linux.

This cross compatibility is especially helpful if your company or household uses numerous kinds of devices.

Please note that the prices shown use the US$ to £ conversion rates applicable at time of writing


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The Best Windows VPN For PC


ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN
4.8
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team..

Plan Price Range

£7-£9

per month

Free Trial

No

(30-day money-back guarantee)

Number of Devices

Up to 5

ExpressVPN
Learn More

On ExpressVPN's Secure Website

Plan Price Range

£7-£9

per month

Free Trial

No

(30-day money-back guarantee)

Number of Devices

Up to 5

Why We Picked It

ExpressVPN is an authority in the online data protection space. With a wide selection of features, it caters to a multitude of cyber security needs, whether you need protection while you’re working remotely or while streaming Netflix in your free time. Chances are, ExpressVPN will exceed any user’s privacy expectations.

ExpressVPN offers servers in 160 locations and 94 countries, making it simple for you to virtually change your location. You will find some of the fastest VPN speeds available on the market with ExpressVPN. The service also offers split tunneling, which allows you to choose which apps or programs utilize a VPN connection and which don’t.

VPN connections are typically stable. But even if a connection drops, ExpressVPN’s Network Lock feature, which is often referred to as a kill switch, ensures vulnerable data isn’t exposed

A downside is that you can only connect five devices to your ExpressVPN account at one time, which is low compared to other VPNs.

One way to get around that limitation—and to exponentially increase the amount of protected devices—is to use ExpressVPNs router app, which allows you to connect a router as one of the five device slots. When you use a router with ExpressVPN, every device connecting to the internet through it is protected.

Who Should Use It: Simply put, ExpressVPN is one of the best VPN services for Windows on the market. From the online shopper to the travelling remote worker, ExpressVPN offers great speeds, encryption and protection.

Pros & Cons
  • Best in-class security and encryption
  • Significant discount available to those who pay annually
  • Bitcoin accepted as payment
  • No activity logs
  • Massive server network
  • Router app
  • More expensive than many competitors
  • Limited simultaneous connections for the price
  • Limited business uses

NordVPN

NordVPN
4.3
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team..

Plan Price Range

£3-£9

per month

Free Trial

No

(30-day money-back guarantee)

Number of Devices

Up to 6

NordVPN
Learn More

On NordVPN's Secure Website

Plan Price Range

£3-£9

per month

Free Trial

No

(30-day money-back guarantee)

Number of Devices

Up to 6

Why We Picked It

NordVPN is a great option for workers who frequently travel thanks to its Quick Connect feature. Simply choose the Quick Connect button and the company’s algorithm will find the best server for a user in real-time based on overall speed and reliability. NordVPN can also be configured to start up automatically whenever a PC turns on or connects to a Wi-Fi hotspot, which is great for those who tend to do most of their work from airport lobbies and hotel rooms.

The Windows app is completely customisable, too. Users can toggle features such as CyberSec, which blocks ads and malicious websites. Files can be confidently downloaded and uploaded through NordVPN’s P2P services without limits on bandwidth.

All these are features included in its standard VPN subscription package, which is geared more toward personal use though it should suffice for small teams.

Through a separate subscription tier called NordVPN Teams, larger teams will be able to utilise additional features tailored to them for a monthly rate determined by the size of the team.

Who Should Use It: While NordVPN is a great fit for several types of professionals, we recommend it highly for those who travel regularly, either for business or pleasure. With several features designed specifically for travelling, NordVPN offers seamless protection on the go, whether it’s to a coffee shop down the street or across an ocean.

Pros & Cons
  • Smart ad-blocking
  • Next-generation data encryption
  • No activity logs
  • Inconsistent speeds during high traffic times
  • No phone support

Surfshark

Surfshark
3.9
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team..

Plan Price Range

£2-£9.50

per month

Free Trial

No

(30-day money-back guarantee)

Number of Devices

Unlimited

Surfshark
Learn More

On Surfshark's Secure Website

Plan Price Range

£2-£9.50

per month

Free Trial

No

(30-day money-back guarantee)

Number of Devices

Unlimited

Why We Picked It

Surfshark is a powerful VPN that offers some unique advantages compared to its competitors, such as a “Camouflage Mode” that hides VPN use from your internet service provider (ISP). It’s also affordable without compromising on speed. And with over 3,200 servers in 65 countries, it provides plenty of opportunities for unrestricted internet experiences. All told, this is a solid package for teams looking to save money.

Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy, so you can rest assured that your online activities won’t be monitored, tracked or stored. It also offers a kill switch feature that protects data from being exposed should the VPN connection suddenly drop. Surfshark also offers an additional layer of security with private DNS on each of its servers.

With Camouflage Mode, not even your internet provider will know you’re using a VPN. And through the multi-hop feature, you can connect through multiple countries at once to enjoy levels of ID protection and footprint masking that other competitors can’t offer.

Who Should Use It: Surfshark is great for homes and businesses alike. With the ability to protect connections through unlimited devices, this VPN also offers one of the best values in the industry.

Pros & Cons
  • Unlimited devices
  • AES-256-GCM encryption
  • Affordable prices without speed compromise
  • Multi-hop feature
  • Some features must be added on at an additional price
  • Some features not available on all devices

CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN
3.7
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team..

Plan Price Range

£2-£9.50

per month

Free Trial Available

Yes

Number of Devices

7

CyberGhost VPN
Learn More

On CyberGhost's Secure Website

Plan Price Range

£2-£9.50

per month

Free Trial Available

Yes

Number of Devices

7

Why We Picked It

CyberGhost may not enjoy the same brand recognition as our other top contenders for best VPN for Windows, but it offers an attractive, affordable package that can suit your team’s needs thanks to a wide range of servers and features.

In terms of its server network: CyberGhost provides global VPN coverage with over 7,600 servers in more than 88 countries. World travelers can enjoy anonymity no matter where they are. CyberGhost also has their own datacenter with NoSpy servers that are independently operated, guaranteeing heightened security standards.

CyberGhost’s generous free trial further sets it apart. While most companies offer a money-back guarantee, payment information and an initial payment are almost always required before you can actually test out the VPN.

CyberGhost doesn’t require any credit card information upfront. Instead, you can try the VPN entirely for free before deciding on a subscription. And even once you do, CyberGhost takes customer service up a notch by offering a 45-day money-back guarantee. This is ideal for teams that want to try out a VPN for the first time.

Who Should Use It: CyberGhost VPN can suit the needs of any business, and it’s also great for those who spend the majority of their time online streaming their favorite television shows and movies. With hundreds of server choices and no bandwidth limit, it’s also great for those who need a fast and secure torrenting option.

Pros & Cons
  • A genuinely free trial
  • AES-256-GCM encryption
  • Up to 7 devices can be connected simultaneously
  • 45-day money-back guarantee
  • Customer support can be slow
  • Securing lower pricing requires several years of commitment

SecurityKiSS VPN

SecurityKiSS VPN
3.5
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team..

Plan Price Range

£0-£70

per month

Free Trial

Free version available but no trial for paid tier

Number of Devices

Up to 6

SecurityKiSS VPN

Plan Price Range

£0-£70

per month

Free Trial

Free version available but no trial for paid tier

Number of Devices

Up to 6

Why We Picked It

Finding a free VPN that doesn’t compromise on data protection and privacy can be difficult. SecurityKiSS VPN offers a 100% free plan with no limits on membership length. In other words, it’s free to use forever, ad-free and with unlimited switching between servers. This can be a good fit for solopreneurs or freelancers who don’t have the budget for a paid VPN.

The only limitation of their free plan is a daily traffic limit of 300 MB and only one device can be connected at a time. Because this may not be enough for some customers, there are advanced paid tiers with unlimited traffic and increased device allowances to choose from.

SecurityKiSS markets its product as lightweight. Users don’t need to submit any personal data to take advantage of the application’s features. A common disadvantage to using a free VPN is a higher risk of malware. But SecurityKiSS was awarded the “100% Clean Award” from Softpedia Labs, meaning the application does not contain spyware, viruses, trojans or any other type of malware.

While SecurityKiSS doesn’t offer as many features as some of its competitors, it’s a great free option for those who need security on a budget.

Who Should Use It: SecurityKiSS is the ideal option for internet users on a budget and only concerned with privacy during limited scenarios. For example, they spend most of their time online at home on a secure Wi-Fi connection and only occasionally frequent a local coffee shop or office that could put their online browsing habits at risk. If budget isn’t an issue, we would recommend a VPN with additional features.

Pros & Cons
  • Free plan available
  • No activity logs
  • Based in Ireland, not part of international intelligence-sharing pacts
  • Limited server locations
  • Inconsistent speeds

The Best VPN for Windows


Company Forbes Advisor UK Score Plan Price Range Free Trial Number of Devices
Express VPN
4.8

£7-£9
per month
No
(30-day money-back guarantee)
Up to 5
Nord VPN
4.3

£3-£9
per month
No
(30-day money-back guarantee)
Up to 6
Surfshark VPN
3.9

£2-£9.50
per month
No
(30-day money-back guarantee)
Unlimited
CyberGhost VPN
3.7

£2-£9.50
per month
Yes
7
SecurityKiSS Access VPN
3.5

£0-£70
per month
Free version available but no trial for paid tier
Up to 6

Methodology

To determine the best VPN for Windows, Forbes Advisor UK considered several primary factors. Based on these factors, every VPN provider had the opportunity to score up to 25 points. We then translated these scores into a 5-star rating system. Here are the main criteria we used to base our final decisions.

  • Price: Does the provider offer a free trial? How many different pricing tiers and options do they provide? Do they offer discounts when paying for an annual subscription compared to monthly?
  • Features: Features we believed to be most important when choosing a VPN service for Windows include allowed number of simultaneous connections, number of server locations, server availability by country, ad-blocking potential and level of encryption.
  • Compatibility: Is the VPN compatible with more than one type of device? Though our research was focused on finding the best VPN for Windows, compatibility with other devices is still an important criterion to consider.
  • Reviews and Recognition: What are current users saying about their provider? Has a provider received recognition for an innovative feature or superb customer service?
  • Expert Rating: Our editors looked at more qualitative factors such as reputation, ease-of-use, stand-out features and versatility for business- and work-related uses.

How to Know Which VPN Is Right for You

The best VPN for one user may not be ideal for another. That’s why it’s important to ask the following questions in order to find a provider that best meets user-specific online privacy needs.

What Are My Needs and Goals for a VPN?

Are you looking to protect confidential information while you and your family use the internet at home? Finding a VPN that provides security for multiple simultaneous connections will be important.

If you’re a gamer or movie aficionado, finding a VPN that offers high speed paired with unlimited bandwidth will be crucial. If you travel internationally on a regular basis, finding a VPN that allows you to bypass local internet restrictions will be an important feature to look for.

Once you know what you need from a VPN, it becomes much easier to eliminate providers that won’t meet your needs and hone in on the features and services provided by the best VPN options for your unique needs.

How Important Is Compatibility and Versatility?

We’ve zeroed in on the best VPN for Windows and while this may be enough protection for some internet users, having a VPN that can support other platforms, such as Mac, Android, Linux and iOS, is non-negotiable for others.

Along the same lines, knowing how many devices you’ll need to protect at one time can help you navigate your way to a great VPN provider. While some services allow for unlimited devices, some can be as low as one device, especially with free or low-cost plans.

How Tech-Savvy Am I?

While the basic functions of a VPN are simple to understand, securing, installing and navigating a VPN dashboard doesn’t come easily to everyone. Finding a VPN with a user-friendly platform may be more important than other features if you’re not tech-savvy.

Does My VPN Offer Reliable Customer Service?

While most VPNs offer seamless service, a hiccup in protection can be a serious issue. Finding a VPN that offers 24/7 customer support can prevent gaps in internet security. Providers that offer live-chat can provide solutions faster than those who only offer resolutions through email or tickets.

You may also want to look for a provider that offers a money-back guarantee. Not only does this offer financial protection, it also serves as a sign that a provider is confident in their products and services.


Other Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the limitations of VPNs?

While they offer great benefits, VPNs are not without their flaws. In some cases, a VPN can slow down internet speed. Some can be difficult to set up and have limited compatibility.

And while VPNs certainly help to limit visibility and protect vulnerabilities during online sessions, there are still many ways online activity can be tracked and stored. It’s also important to note that VPNs are also illegal in some countries. But for most users, the benefits outweigh the risks.

Can I use a free VPN?

There are multiple free VPN services to consider. But there are caveats to be aware of. A VPN that doesn’t charge its customers typically relies on ads for profits. An overabundance of ads could create a larger risk for malware, slower speeds and a poor user experience.

VPNs that offer free services may also profit by selling user data to third-parties. Should you choose a free VPN, research the provider in depth before using its services.

How do I connect to a VPN?

Every VPN has its own installation process. But for most, the process is simple. Just download the program, allow it to run on your Windows device and follow the instructions. You’ll typically need to create a login and choose a country to connect from. When connecting a VPN to Windows 10, follow these instructions.

Can a VPN work on my other devices as well?

Protecting your Windows computer is important. But being able to use a VPN additionally on an Android or iPhone can provide supplemental security and peace of mind. Rather than working with multiple providers, it makes sense to choose a VPN that’s compatible on multiple devices. While many are, be sure to investigate before committing to a provider.


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