What is VPN on Computer? The days are long gone when Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) were only a part of the cyberpunk culture. Today, virtually everyone is (and should be) utilizing a VPN to secure their information since the traditional firewall, and antivirus bundles are no longer successful.
From the first second, you go online, more than a dozen entities start profiling you. Search engines, ISPs, ad agencies, social networks, data dealers, and hackers have reasons to gather and exchange your information. Hence, using VPNs to secure your information over the internet is as important as locking your back and front doors at night.
A top VPN must offer great data protection features, fast connection speed, and an easy interface. If you use a laptop or PC running Windows, there’s no shortage of VPNs to pick from, but each VPN satisfies a particular set of requirements you must know before opting for one.
To make your pick the best VPN for Windows / VPN for laptops easier, we’ve compiled this list of the best 10 VPNs for Windows. There are free VPNs for windows as well as paid ones. Also, you will find options for windows built-in VPNs. This article will help you understand windows VPN and the best VPN for PC.
But before diving into that, let’s first understand how a VPN protects you and how to choose the best Windows VPN for your PC.
How to choose the best VPN for Windows
Using a well-tested virtual private network is one of the most important privacy tools for those using Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Here are the best VPNs for Windows devices. Because of Windows’ dominance as a desktop OS and its comparatively customizable operating environment, it is compatible with a wide range of VPN services. Microsoft users have access to nearly every major VPN provider’s app on both desktop and mobile platforms.
Our top VPN recommendations include the best performers in the following areas:
- Security and encryption
- Speed
- Kill Switch
- Static IP
- Browser application
- Cross-platform availability
Best VPN for Windows: VPN Protection 101
As its name suggests, a “virtual” private network is a secure private connection established with another network over the Internet. Through such a network, confidential and private data can be securely exchanged between two networks using techniques like encryption.
When you’re connected to another server using a VPN, anybody sneaking around on the same network won’t be able to see what you’re doing. This is true regardless of whether the eavesdropper governs the network or not.
Another advantage of leveraging a VPN is that your actual IP address is concealed behind the VPN server’s IP address. This makes it difficult for ad agencies and others to follow your actions across the web.
Even a committed observer would struggle to identify whose traffic is whose since your information is combined with every other person’s information utilizing the same VPN server.
Top VPNs for Windows
And now that we’ve laid the premise, let’s proceed to discover the top 10 best VPNs for Windows. Here they are:
1. VPN.Surf
VPN. Surf is one of the most popular and well-known windows VPN / VPNs for computers since it operates with an infrastructure of multiple servers all over the globe and offers incredible privacy.
With ISPs and governments monitoring everyone’s online activities, agencies constantly targeting people with advertisements, and snoopers lurking around to steal data, security is something we all want when we go online with a VPN. Surf’s VPN for PC, you can secure your sensitive information and browse the Internet while leaving no marks behind.
VPN. Surf utilizes 256-bit AES encryption for securing connections. With a VPN, you can feel at ease with complete secrecy from prying eyes on the web. Also, VPN. Surf doesn’t keep any record of your virtual activities.
Pros
- VPN for Windows 7 and Android, macOS, Linux, iOS, routers, and more.
- 30-day money-back warranty.
- Works with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
Cons
- Relatively fewer choices for advanced configuration.
- Applications don’t work in a couple of countries.
- A few servers don’t perform well with Hulu or BBC iPlayer.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN maintains a powerful collection of safety features and a colossal network of web servers. It’s an incredible VPN that has heavily invested in upgrading its safety practices and infrastructure.
With a galore of protocols, including Double VPN, NordLynx, a no-logging policy, and ‘Onion over’ privacy, Nord VPN delivers much-needed peace of mind while surfing the web.
When asked, “what is the best VPN” our answer list always features this brand.
Pros
- Unlimited bandwidth and great streaming speeds.
- Easy to use Windows applications with a single click Quick Connect, VPN for Windows 10, 8, & 7.
- 5,400 servers in 59 nations.
- Devoted P2P-automated servers for secure torrenting.
- Up to 6 simultaneous connections on one account.
- A 30-day money-back guarantee.
- It works with HBO, Netflix, Showtime, Hulu, BBC, Amazon Prime Video, Sling TV, iPlayer, and more.
- Compatible with Android, macOS, Android TV, iOS, Chrome, Linux, routers, Firefox, and more.
Cons
- At times, Windows or desktop applications take quite a while to connect.
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN utilizes trusted-and-tried AES-256 encryption on its web servers to ensure your information is as secure as possible. With VPN Express for Windows, you can pick between a couple of protocols to customize the VPN’s performance towards ultimate security or supreme speed.
The VPN service comes equipped with a crisp, clean UI for Windows that is very intuitive. This variant forms the basis for other versions of the service. Numerous VPNs miss out on the capability to transform web servers without disconnecting. However, ExpressVPN can do precisely that. You can get a VPN for pc free. However, it won’t match the wide variety of features offered by Express VPN.
Pros
- Featured-packed Windows application, VPN for Windows 11, 10, 7.
- Up to 5 simultaneous connections on one account.
- Programmed off button
- A strict no-logs policy.
- Incredible speed.
Cons
- The number of simultaneous connections supported is quite limited compared to other VPNs.
- Only a few attributes can be tailored.
4. Surfshark
If you want to invest as little as possible on your laptop or Windows VPN yet still want a high-quality service, go no further than Surfshark. For under $2.50 monthly, you can get almost all the features available in VPNs costing twice as much as that of Surfshark VPN!
Surfshark is an amazing VPN for surfing. It unblocks almost every streaming website available, and that comes with the advantage of a fast connection speed, which makes it an exceptionally appealing choice for casual users who only, or mostly, want to surf the web.
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections on one account.
- Well-structured application.
- Incredible speed test scores.
- Automatic kill switch available.
- Follows a stern no-log policy.
- Rarely seen split-tunneling devices and multihop.
Cons
- Comparatively smaller server network.
- Delivers moderate speeds.
5. IPVanish
IPVanish is a Phoenix-based VPN supplier providing a zero-log policy, 256-bit AES encryption, unlimited data transmission, and a long list of advantages, including anonymous and limitless torrenting, flawless performance, and fast speed.
IPVanish has web servers in 50+ nations and offers easy streaming from Hulu and BBC iPlayer. You can bypass area limitations, remain anonymous, and hide your traffic from your ISP. It’s very easy to use—and underpins many platforms—while permitting up to five concurrent connections per user.
Pros
- OpenVPN, SOCKS5 web proxy.
- Avoids deep packet inspection.
- Zero-logging policy.
- Intuitive interface.
- 24*7 assistance.
Cons
- Offers a 7-day money-back guarantee. Competitors usually offer the same for 30 days.
6. CyberGhost
The CyberGhost VPN offers you safer P2P torrenting. With this VPN, you can unblock every streaming service. It stands out from other VPNs for Windows, allowing you to encode your virtual connection and improve its safety with online privacy. CyberGhost automatically secures you whenever you associate with another web connection.
Pros
- Permits access to the NoSpy server.
- Offers unlimited bandwidth.
- It allows you to put your privacy first.
- Secures you against hackers and data miners.
- Encode information utilizing the 256-bit AES encryption technique.
Cons
- A bit expensive.
- Restricted access to high-safety NoSpy web servers.
7. Hotspot Shield
The Hotspot Shield is viable if you want high speed with affordability on Windows 10. By utilizing its exclusive Catapult Hydra convention, the VPN can reach speeds over double what some other VPNs can offer.
Hotspot Shield can offer you access to almost any streaming feature that involves BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.
Pros
- Can access geographically restricted content.
- If the VPN web server isn’t available, it destroys the web connection for safety purposes.
- It offers a feature that permits you to conceal your identity when visiting specific sites.
Cons
- There’s no free version available.
8. TunnelBear
TunnelBear is a VPN platform that stands out due to its unique design and the free plan that accompanies the option of choosing more than 20 web servers.
Indeed, even as restrained as it is in the monthly information traffic, TunnelBear is the best free VPN platform for those who need a bit of security due to their virtual habits, for example, online shopping and banking.
Pros
- Simple to wrap your head around.
- Requires just 500 MB per month.
Cons
- Offers limited web server locations.
9. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is outstanding among other Windows VPN plans, majorly because of its lack of constraints on monthly VPN traffic, which is an uncommon thing for a free VPN to offer. However, this doesn’t come without a cost, as user support and speeds leave much desired.
Nonetheless, the privacy provided by ProtonVPN, even in its free version, is incredible, and the strict no-logs policy ensures no fragile data is kept on its web servers. The best part about using the VPN is that you only require an email address to register. You won’t see pesky advertisements, usually in other free VPNs, either.
Pros
- Incredible privacy features.
- No annoying advertisements.
- Limitless monthly traffic
Cons
- Speed could be better.
10. Windscribe
Windscribe is a powerful free Windows VPN platform with applications for all the major platforms, an incredible network of 25 web servers in 11 nations, and a liberal 10GB monthly cap on free information traffic.
You will even get updates via mail each time your monthly traffic pack is renewed. You don’t even need an email address to get your hands on this easy-to-use VPN service. Simply create a password alongside a username, and you’re good!
Pros
- Offers great privacy.
- Has 25 web server locations.
- High monthly transmission capacity.
Cons
- Speed is somewhat unpredictable.
To Conclude
A VPN is a simple yet powerful method to secure your privacy on the web. It lets you evade web restrictions and access your favorite websites and content. The VPN mentioned above for windows services are all worthy as they offer exciting features.
Compare their prices and usability, and then pick the one that best suits your Internet browsing needs. Let us know your pick via the comments section below.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are common encoding methodologies used by Windows VPN apps?
The common encoding methodologies utilized by VPN apps are:
- UDP and TCP.
- 256-bit encryption.
2: How should I choose the ‘right’ VPN for a PC?
To know if it’s the right VPN, you must consider the below features offered and compare them against your requirements:
- Areas covered
- Security and Privacy
- Device compatibility
- Purpose
- Reliability
- Customer support
3: What is the best VPN to use on Windows?
With features like a single-click connection for Android and 256-bit encryption, Express VPN is the best VPN for windows.
4: What is the best VPN for a home computer?
With strong security features like Open VPN and IKEV2 protocol, the cyber ghost is the best VPN for home computers.
5: Is it safe to use a free VPN?
Some are secure. Nevertheless, they are not always secure. Several free VPN services do not provide security.
A VPN service that charges can be said to be the same. Research and investigate the VPN service you’re considering are the only ways to be safe.
6: Does Windows have a built-in VPN?
Ans: Yes, technically, but there are some important caveats. ‘VPN’ may be listed under ‘Network & Internet. However, you can only add a VPN connection using this option.
7: Should I use a VPN all the time?
Ans: When using a VPN for security and anonymity, you will likely want to leave it on as much as possible, especially when your system is running. Your anonymity could be compromised if your VPN isn’t on or if many apps send data in and out in the background.
8: What is the safest VPN for a PC?
Ans: Express VPN is the safest VPN for windows.
9: What is the safest free VPN for PC?
Ans: If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a VPN, Surfshark is a great choice. You’ll now get 3 months of free streaming and privacy protection!