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Best VPN For Windows (May 2024)

Kathy Haan,  Johanna Leggatt
Contributor,  Editor

Published: Jan 16, 2024, 1:00pm

Rob Watts
editor

Reviewed By

Editorial note: Forbes Advisor Australia may earn revenue from this story in the manner disclosed here. Read our advice disclaimer here.

Whether you’re a remote worker, a CEO abroad on a business trip or a ‘solopreneur’ tackling client projects at your local cafe, a virtual private network (VPN) is an essential tool, especially for Windows users.

VPNs allow you to securely access your home or office network from any public Wi-Fi hotspot. They can also bypass geographic restrictions on websites and streaming services, and protect your privacy when browsing the internet.

Australians are big Windows users, with Microsoft’s operating system making up 36% of the local market share, followed by Apple’s iOS at 27% and Android at at 17%, according to recent statistics. Here is everything you need to know about using VPNs for Australian Windows users.

Related: Best VPNs for Australians

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The Best VPN for Windows of 2023: Forbes Advisor’s Top 5 Picks

Get 66% off NordVPN’s 2-year plan

NordVPN is a fast and secure VPN service with a range of additional security features that add plenty of value for Australian users.


Try Nord VPN Now

On Nord VPN’s Secure website

Note: The below list represents a selection of our top category picks, as chosen by Forbes Advisor Australia’s editors and journalists. The information provided is purely factual and is not intended to imply any recommendation, opinion, or advice about a financial product. Not every product or provider in the marketplace has been reviewed, and the list below is not intended to be exhaustive nor replace your own research or independent financial advice. For more information on how Forbes Advisor ranks and reviews products, including how we identified our top category picks, read the methodology selection below.

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Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield
4.8
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Plan Price Range

Free to $11.99 AUD

per month

Free Trial

Has a free plan

Number of Devices

Up to 25, depending on plan

Hotspot Shield
Learn More

Plan Price Range

Free to $11.99 AUD

per month

Free Trial

Has a free plan

Number of Devices

Up to 25, depending on plan

Why We Picked It

Hotspot Shield is the best VPN for Australian Windows users who need a reliable and fast VPN for video conferencing. This is because Hotspot Shield offers the fastest speeds and lowest latency of any VPN we tested. It also offers a free forever plan, which is perfect for people who only need to protect a single device.
Its paid plans protect your devices from malware and phishing, and all plans come with a kill switch and multiple VPN protocols. Military-grade encryption comes standard, and paid plans offer unlimited data.

Who should use it:

Hotspot Shield is best for Windows users who need a fast and reliable VPN for video conferencing or streaming.

Pros & Cons
  • 45-day money-back guarantee
  • Has a free forever plan
  • Offers a plan for families to share an account for up to 25 devices
  • It’s expensive compared to its competition
  • Only has 115 server locations
  • Headquartered in a Five Eyes country
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN
4.8
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Plan Price Range

$US6.67 ($10 AUD) to $US12.95 ($20 AUD)

per month

Free Trial

No,

but offers 30-day money-back guarantee

Number of Devices

Up to 5

ExpressVPN
Learn More

On ExpressVPN's Website

Plan Price Range

$US6.67 ($10 AUD) to $US12.95 ($20 AUD)

per month

Free Trial

No,

but offers 30-day money-back guarantee

Number of Devices

Up to 5

Why We Picked It

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Windows users who want a wide range of security features. This is because ExpressVPN offers robust encryption, a strict no-logs policy, DNS and IPV leak protection and a kill switch. Plus, pay for your subscription using bitcoin for added privacy.

It also offers split tunnelling, which lets you choose which apps send traffic through the VPN and which ones don’t. ExpressVPN’s intuitive app makes it easy to use for beginners with one-click connections. Because it’s located in the British Virgin Islands, it’s not subject to the privacy laws you’d find on the mainland.

Who should use it:

ExpressVPN is best for Windows users who want a wide range of security features.

Read more:

Read our full ExpressVPN Review.

Pros & Cons
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • One-click connection
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Price-to-device ratio is higher compared to competition
  • Limited business use
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER

Surfshark

Surfshark
4.8
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Plan Price Range

From $3.76 AUD to $19.55 AUD

per month

Free Trial

Yes

Number of Devices

Unlimited

Surfshark
Learn More

On Surfshark's Website

Plan Price Range

From $3.76 AUD to $19.55 AUD

per month

Free Trial

Yes

Number of Devices

Unlimited

Why We Picked It

Surfshark may be an ideal VPN for Australian Windows users who want a lot of bang for their buck. This is because Surfshark offers a low monthly price, unlimited devices and high speeds. It also offers a wide range of security features, including military-grade encryption, DNS and IPv leak protection, a kill switch and a strict no-logs policy.

Plus, Surfshark’s app is easy to use with one-click connections and a user-friendly design. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Surfshark isn’t subject to the privacy laws you’d find in the UK or the US.

Who should use it:

Surfshark is best for Windows users who want a lot of features at a low price.

Read more:

Read our full Surfshark VPN review.

Pros & Cons
  • Located in the Netherlands
  • Unlimited devices
  • AES-256-GCM encryption
  • Antivirus costs extra
  • No option for a dedicated IP address
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER

NordVPN

NordVPN
4.6
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Plan Price Range

$US4.59 ($6.95 AUD) to $US7.29 ($11 AUD)

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

$US4.59 ($6.95 AUD) to $US7.29 ($11 AUD)

per month

Free Trial

No

(30-day money-back guarantee)

Number of Devices

Up to 6

Why We Picked It

NordVPN is perfect for VPN for Windows users who want a lot of privacy benefits, as it offers a wide range of security features, including military-grade encryption, malware blocking, obfuscated servers, multifactor authentication, split tunnelling, dedicated IP address, double protection, Onion Over VPN, 24/7 support and private DNS.

It also has a strict no-logs policy, so your data and activities are never stored or monitored. NordVPN is headquartered in Panama, which means it’s not subject to Five Eyes privacy laws.

Who should use it:

NordVPN is best for Windows users who want a ton of security features at an attractive price.

Read more:

Read our full NordVPN Review.

Pros & Cons
  • Headquartered in Panama
  • Double VPN
  • 24/7 access to support
  • Renewal price is much higher than introductory rates
  • Not as many servers as some competitors
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER

Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Plan Price Range

$2.79 AUD to $19.79 AUD

per month

Free Trial

No

(Seven- or 30-day money-back guarantee)

Number of Devices

Up to 10

Private Internet Access
Learn More

On Private Internet Access's Secure Website

Plan Price Range

$2.79 AUD to $19.79 AUD

per month

Free Trial

No

(Seven- or 30-day money-back guarantee)

Number of Devices

Up to 10

Why We Picked It

With its high speeds and low latency, Private Internet Access is perfect for streaming, video conferencing and gaming. It also has a wide range of security features, including military-grade encryption, malware blocking and a kill switch. Plus, it has open source software, which is perfect for customisation.

Private Internet Access is headquartered in the US, which means it’s subject to privacy laws thanks to being in a Five Eyes country. However, it keeps a strict no-logs policy.

Who should use it:

Private Internet Access is best for Windows users who want high speeds and low latency.

Read more:

Read our full PIA VPN Review.

Pros & Cons
  • Open source software
  • Fast speeds
  • Split tunnelling
  • Antivirus and a dedicated IP address cost extra
  • Mobile apps only have a seven-day money-back guarantee
  • Headquartered in a Five Eyes country

What Can I Do With a Windows VPN on a PC?

A Windows VPN can do a lot for your PC. It can protect your data and activities from prying eyes, encrypt your traffic so that your ISP can’t see what you’re doing and even improve your speeds. Plus, a Windows VPN can unblock censored and geo-restricted content, letting you watch your favourite shows and movies from anywhere in the world.

How To Choose the Best Windows VPN for PC

What Are My Needs and Goals for a VPN?

When choosing a Windows VPN, you’ll want to consider your needs and budget. A Windows VPN can be expensive, so make sure you pick one that has the features you need. If you’re looking for a VPN with military-grade encryption, a kill switch and a no-logs policy, you’ll likely have to pay more than if you just want a VPN to unblock content.

How Important Are Compatibility and Versatility?

If you need a VPN that can be used on multiple devices, make sure the VPN you choose can be installed on Windows, macOS, iOS and Android. Some even offer router installation. You’ll also want to make sure the VPN has a wide range of servers so you can unblock content from all over the world.

Does My VPN Offer Reliable Customer Service?

If you run into any trouble with your VPN, you’ll want to be able to contact customer service. Make sure the VPN you choose has 24/7 customer support via live chat or email (most don’t offer phone support). You should also be able to find helpful guides and FAQs on the VPN’s website.

Methodology

To come up with our list of the best VPN for Windows in 2023, Forbes Advisor analysed a variety of factors to determine the top contenders for small businesses and ensured they were also highly relevant and valuable to Australian customers. These included, but were not limited to:

  • Value. Competitors offering the most features for the price point were rated more highly than those with limited functionality. We assigned bonus points to platforms that offer a money-back guarantee and/or free trial.
  • Number of devices. Plans that cover multiple devices received a higher score than options that only cover a single device.
  • Compatibility and versatility. While we are focused on PC-based products in this ranking, providers that function well on multiple operating systems and types of devices were ranked higher overall than those that don’t. Platforms with a dedicated Windows app received bonus points.
  • Speed and security. A good VPN should be able to safely encrypt your information without sacrificing speed.
  • Customer service. You could be using the VPN connection at any time, day or night, and encounter a problem. We assigned top marks to companies that offer 24/7 customer support on multiple channels.
  • User reviews. We did the research to see how satisfied users are with each VPN. This includes not only reviewing star ratings, but also checking to see how many reviews are left and balancing the public opinion accordingly. We also considered the popularity of each product by researching how many users each one has.

We then weighted these factors according to importance, giving the most weight to security features and speeds. The resulting top five options beat out dozens of competitors, many of whom do not offer dedicated Windows apps or will only cover a limited number of devices.

It’s important to note that while many users are looking for a free VPN solution, most of these products sacrifice user privacy and speed in order to provide a product that doesn’t have a monthly fee. Hotspot Shield is the only software on our list that offers a free plan we felt comfortable recommending.

About Star Rankings

You will note that we have included a star rating next to each product or provider. This rating was determined by the editorial team once all of the data points above were considered, and the pros and cons of each product attribute was reviewed. The star rating is solely the view of Forbes Advisor editorial staff. Commercial partners or advertisers have no bearing on the star rating or their inclusion on this list. Star ratings are only one factor to be considered.

Additional Australian research: Anna Rey

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the limitations of VPNs?

VPNs are not perfect and can have some limitations. One of the main drawbacks is that they can slow your internet speeds down. Additionally, VPNs can be blocked by some websites and networks. Another downside is that they can be expensive, so make sure you pick one that has the features you need.

Can I use a free VPN?

You can use a free VPN, but that doesn’t mean you should. Free VPNs often have data caps, limited server locations and slow speeds. Additionally, they may not offer the same level of security as a paid VPN. If you’re looking for a VPN to protect your data and activities, we recommend choosing a paid VPN. Thankfully there are plenty of reputable and cheap VPN providers.

How do I connect to a VPN?

The process for connecting to a VPN varies depending on your device and operating system. Generally, you’ll need to download the VPN’s app or software, enter your username and password, and select a server. For more detailed instructions, check out the VPN’s website or contact customer service.

Can a VPN work on my other devices as well?

Yes, most VPNs can be installed on multiple devices. This includes Windows and macOS computers, iOS and Android smartphones and tablets and even routers. Some VPNs can also be used with gaming consoles such as the PlayStation and Xbox. Check the VPN’s website to see if it’s compatible with your devices.

Is a VPN really secure?

A VPN can mask your identity and prevent your ISP from tracking your online activity, so yes. However, if you’ve allowed sites access to your data, a VPN can’t protect you from that sort of tracking. The type of VPN protocols used also contribute to how secure your VPN is as outdated protocols have multiple known exploits.

Can I be tracked while using a VPN?

Yes, but it depends on your activity and your awareness. A VPN protects active data transfers while you’re online. If you’ve enabled cookies on websites you visit, advertisers can track your activity (but with a VPN they won’t be able to connect your activity to your IP). Malware is another risk, as a VPN can’t protect you from accidentally installing malware.

Does Windows have a built-in VPN?

Technically, yes, Microsoft windows does offer a built-in VPN, although it’s not the same as commercial VPNs. These built-in VPN clients, as they are known, are designed to help users connect with a third-party VPN, such as NordVPN or ExpressVPN.

How can I use VPN in Windows?

Microsoft has detailed instructions on how to connect to a VPN through its operating system.

Once you are ready to connect, you:

  1. Select Start > Settings > Network & internet > VPN > Add VPN.
  2. Under ‘Add a VPN connection’, choose Windows (built-in). In the Connection name box, enter a name you’ll recognise (for example, My Work VPN). …
  3. Select Save.
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Kathy Haan Contributor

Kathy Haan, MBA is a former financial advisor-turned-writer and business coach. For over a decade, she’s helped small business owners make money online. When she’s not trying out the latest tech or travel blogging with her family, you can find her curling up with a good novel.

Johanna Leggatt Editor

Johanna Leggatt is the Lead Editor for Forbes Advisor, Australia. She has more than 20 years' experience as a print and digital journalist, including with Australian Associated Press (AAP) and The Sun-Herald in Sydney. She is a former digital sub-editor on The Guardian and The Telegraph in the UK, and lives in Melbourne.