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Reviewed
Virtual private networks (VPNs) allow you to access your home or office network from any public Wi-Fi hot spot securely. They protect your privacy while browsing the internet and can also bypass geographic restrictions on websites and streaming services.
If you use a Windows PC, there are many VPN services available to you. The Forbes Advisor team researched dozens of options to identify the best Windows VPN for PC. Forbes Advisor selected these services based on PC compatibility, pricing and other key features.
The Forbes Advisor Small Business team is committed to bringing you unbiased rankings and information with full editorial independence. We use product data, strategic methodologies and expert insights to inform all of our content to guide you in making the best decisions for your business journey.
To find the best VPN for Windows, we considered dozens of the leading providers in the space and narrowed it down to seven, which we then evaluated across five key categories and 33 different metrics. Our ratings consider factors such as transparent pricing, server locations, compatibility with third-party integrations, access to customer support and ratings. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
| Company | Forbes Advisor Rating | Starting Price | Number of VPN Server Locations | Number of Servers | LEARN MORE | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN |  |
4.5 |  |
$3.69 per month (for the first two years) | 60 countries | Undisclosed | Learn More | On NordVPN's Website | |
| TunnelBear |  |
4.3 | |
Free; $3.33 per month (billed every three years) | 47 countries | 5,000 | Learn More | Read Forbes' Review | |
| TorGuard |  |
4.3 | |
$4.99 per month (billed annually) | 50 countries | 3,000 | Learn More | Read Forbes' Review | |
| ProtonVPN |  |
4.2 |  |
$4.99 per month (billed every two years) | Depends on plan; three or 65-plus countries | Depends on plan; 100-plus (Free plan), 1,900-plus (Plus plan) | Learn More | On ProtonVPN's Website | |
| Private Internet Access |  |
4.2 | |
$2.03 per month billed for the first two years (plus four months free), then annually thereafter | 84 countries | Undisclosed | Learn More | On Privateinternetaccess.com's Website | |
| hide.me |  |
4.1 | |
$2.59 per month (billed every 26 months) | 84 countries | Undisclosed | Learn More | On hide.me’s website | |
| Surfshark |  |
4.0 | |
$2.99 per month (billed annually; plus two free months) | 100 countries | 3,200 | Learn More | On Surfshark's Website |
Selecting the ideal Windows VPN for your PC involves evaluating various factors to find the perfect balance between privacy, performance and ease of use. As you explore your options, keep in mind your unique needs and goals, as well as the essential VPN features, device compatibility, versatility, cost and customer service.
When picking out the best Windows VPN for your PC, ask these questions to figure out your individual needs and goals:
You’ll pay a little more for advanced features, though most basic features come standard no matter which VPN provider you choose.
Basic Features:
Premium Features
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.
Typically, VPNs offer subscription-based plans, which can be billed monthly, annually or sometimes even biennially. The longer the subscription plan, the lower the monthly cost. It’s not unusual to see prices ranging from $5 to $12 per month, depending on the plan, your commitment and the VPN provider.
Getting a VPN for your Windows computer won’t set you back too much compared to other platforms, such as Android or Mac, since many providers offer support for multiple devices with a single subscription. Some providers may offer one-time lifetime subscriptions, but these are less common and may come with certain limitations or restrictions.
To reduce your VPN costs, consider the following:
Remember that the cheapest option may not always be the best, as it could lack essential features, performance or security. It’s important to balance cost with the quality and functionality of the VPN 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.
Featured Partners
1
NordVPN
$3.49 per month
6
AES-256
2
Surfshark
$2.29
Unlimited
AES-256
3
Private Internet Access
$2.03
Unlimited
AES-256
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 favorite shows and movies from anywhere in the world.
VPNs, while offering many advantages, do come with certain limitations. It’s important to understand these constraints to manage your expectations and make informed decisions when using a VPN. Some common limitations include:
To create our list of the best VPNs for Windows, Forbes Advisor analyzed various factors to identify the top choices for small businesses. Our evaluation process involved considering 33 criteria and weighting them according to importance, with the most emphasis placed on security features and speed.
We looked at the displayed prices for each VPN, comparing their starting and highest prices to assess affordability and value for money. Platforms with money-back guarantees or free trials received bonus points for providing additional value to users. This makes up 15% of a platform’s score.
We examined each VPN’s general features, such as anonymous browsing, DNS protection measures, dedicated IP, kill switch, split tunneling and multifactor authentication, as well as additional features including the number of continents with servers, no-logs policy, browser extensions and simultaneous connections. Features contribute 35% of the final score.
We considered the average download and upload speeds offered by each VPN to ensure they provided an optimal browsing experience. These speeds are tested by the Forbes Advisor team on a weekly basis and make up 20% of the total score.
We assessed the App Store and Play Store ratings for each VPN’s mobile app, along with customer reviews on Trustpilot, Capterra and G2. This helped us determine the overall customer experience and satisfaction levels for each VPN. These reviews make up 13% of each provider’s score.
We evaluated each VPN based on their customer service and support offerings, including live chat, a knowledge base and phone support. We assigned top marks to companies that offered 24/7 customer support across multiple channels, recognizing that users may encounter issues with their VPN connection at any time and require prompt assistance. Access to support accounts for 7% of the score.
Lastly, we analyzed the Forbes Advisor Expert Score for each VPN, including details and standout features, value for money, popularity and ease of use. We also considered scores from other experts to compare and validate our rankings. These insights tally up the final 10% of our scoring.
The best VPN for Windows depends on your specific needs, budget and desired features. Some popular and highly rated options include NordVPN, TunnelBear and TorGuard, as they offer robust security, fast speeds and excellent compatibility with Windows devices.
The best free VPN for Windows is TunnelBear as it offers a reliable and reasonably fast service without sacrificing user privacy. Keep in mind, however, that free VPNs often come with limitations in features, speed and data usage compared to their paid counterparts.
Windows 10 does have a built-in VPN, but it requires manual configuration and only supports specific VPN protocols, such as L2TP, PPTP and SSTP. The built-in VPN client is not as user-friendly, feature-rich or versatile as third-party VPN solutions, which are generally recommended for enhanced security and functionality.
To set up a Windows VPN, follow these steps:
It’s easy to see if you’re connected to a VPN on Windows 10. Click on your network icon in the taskbar (right side) and it should say “Connected” under VPN.
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.
VPNs are relatively secure since they scramble your internet traffic and disguise your IP address, making it almost impossible for anybody else to intercept or monitor your online activities. How secure your VPN gets is all down to the provider, encryption type and privacy policies of the country it’s headquartered in. Choose a reputable VPN with strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy and additional security features, such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection.
While a VPN significantly improves your online privacy and security, it’s not a guarantee against all forms of tracking. Some sophisticated adversaries, such as government agencies, might still be able to track users through advanced techniques. Additionally, using a VPN doesn’t protect you from other forms of tracking, including browser fingerprinting or cookies. It’s essential to use a combination of privacy tools, including VPNs, ad-blockers and anti-tracking browser extensions, to enhance your online anonymity.
