The options are endless if you hunt for a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for Windows. However, if you need a good and reliable VPN for Windows, this is a completely different story. A virtual private network service (VPN) is an important tool for anyone serious about protecting and securing their company’s personal information online.
This is particularly true for Windows, the world’s most popular and well-known desktop operating system. Surfing the Internet with the best VPNs for Windows means that users can search, buy, and stream important personal and business information while hiding it from businesses, government agencies, and hackers.
There is no shortage of VPNs accessible on the market, but many VPNs are not suitable for that purpose. We will introduce the best VPNs for Windows and provide details on setting them up. We have formed a research team to test all VPNs on the market.
We tested speed, security, unblocking, and more to find the best Windows VPN for 2022. We have found a lot of VPNs that are not worth the time (some of them compromise privacy!), But they are all great in terms of speed, full compatibility with streaming services like Netflix & BBC iPlayer, and VPNs that are highly compatible with Windows 10, 8, and 7.
Guide to set up a VPN on Windows 10
You have to download and install the software to set up your VPN on any Windows with all VPN providers. All we need to do to connect is sign in, select a location, and click the Connect button. However, if the app is not right for you, Windows 10 has built-in VPN support that you can manually configure.
However, the operating system 9OS) does not support OpenVPN, so it is recommended to choose between L2TP / IPSec, SSTP, or IKEv2. Avoid PPTP. It’s faster and a little easier to set up, but it has known security flaws. To get started, you need to get the given information from your VPN service provider according to the protocol you choose;
- Username
- Password
- VPN server address
- Pre-shared secret/certificate.
In the search tab, type “VPN” and click on the menu cog at the top of the searched results.
On the menu which pops up, click on Add a VPN connection.
Under VPN service provider, select Windows (built-in). Fill in all of the other required information which is mentioned above accordingly.
Hit on the Save button.
The VPN is seen now listed in the VPN menu. Click on it and then hit Connect option. Please wait a minute for the VPN connection to complete, and that is it! You are now connected. After setting your VPN for the first time, you can now access it more speedily by clicking on the WiFi icon. It should be seen listed near the top.
How do I turn off a VPN on my windows (PC, laptops, and tablets)?
Open your VPN application and click on the Disconnect button. If you have manually configured your VPN, you can turn it off from the network button in your system tray. This may be either a WiFi icon or a LAN icon located in the bottom right of your system screen.
Is using a VPN legal?
Yes! The use of VPN is legal in all countries except some. Some countries, such as China, ban VPNs, but it also does not criminalize them. VPNs are perfectly legal, but criminal activity done by hackers while connected to a VPN service is still illegal. Using a VPN does not invalidate the law.
Best VPN For Windows 2023:
Here is the list of Best VPNs for Windows (Pcs, Laptops, and Tablets) in 2023.
- Surfshark
- PureVPN
- ExpressVPN
- PrivadoVPN
- CyberGhost
- Zenmate
- IPVanish
- VyprVPN
- Private Internet Access (PIA)
- Hide.me
- Speedify VPN
- Windscribe
- PrivateVPN
- Hotspot Shield
1. Surfshark – #1 VPN For Windows:
If you’re worried that using and understanding a VPN can be a bit tricky, Surfshark VPN is here to get you back into your comfort zone. In general, especially in Windows 10, a VPN makes running a virtual private network a second property. It is very easy to use. It’s easy to get started. Once inside, I like adjusting the main interface when resizing windows or navigating the app like a responsive website. It keeps things simple in a minimal way, but it opens up more & more features as it expands. Hey, this may sound pretty trivial, but it shows that you’re in the hands of a provider who cares about the user experience.
Surfshark VPN has a long list of accessible online streaming services (US Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, etc.) that turn your laptop into a full-fledged multimedia center on the go. All of these support the choice of OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard security protocols, private DNS, AES256 encryption, and an option of kill switch that is ready to use if the connection goes down. If your connection goes down, the latter would like to make his message a little clearer. Ultimately, we realize that the price of Surfshark stands out when we’re happy with the service for a few years. This number also increases, considering that one subscription covers as many devices as possible. Therefore, add Macs, mobile phones, tablets, routers, TV streaming devices, etc., for your PC.
2. PureVPN:
PureVPN uses about 750+ servers worldwide and can access any server from any package plan. This VPN is great for PCs as it is available on all versions of Windows. One of the biggest attractions is the availability and accessibility of unlimited bandwidth. This means that anyone can stream and download what they like at no extra charge or data restrictions. PureVPN service makes it easy in unblocking Netflix content, Amazon Prime Video, & even Hulu movies. Ensure that the PureVPN server routes internet traffic, and no one monitors your data. Mask your IP address and hide it out of the reach of ISPs, government agencies, and hackers.
If you are hunting or looking for a VPN service that instantly unblocks any geographically restricted content online, you can always use PureVPN. PureVPN is physically based in Hong Kong, and the 5, 14, or 9 eyes are not responsible for implementing this VPN, thus making it extremely safe, secure, and private. The company offers competitive pricing/cost plans and covers many payment types, including online methods and novel cryptocurrencies. Furthermore, all these services are covered by a 7-day money-back guarantee.
3. ExpressVPN – Top VPN For Windows:
ExpressVPN gives reliable, fast access to all major online streaming services, including the Netflix US. This VPN regularly updates the server’s IP addresses to evade even the most stubborn and irritating VPN blocks. You can choose from many servers for ExpressVPN, with over 3,000 high-speed servers in 90 countries. This way, it guarantees truly global coverage. ExpressVPN MediaStreamer technology lets you stream all your favorite shows and movies online on devices that don’t support VPN connections, gaming consoles, or smart TVs. This VPN has a packaged Windows app compatible with all Windows versions.
ExpressVPN is physically based in the British Virgin Islands with privacy in mind. In addition to having a strict no-logs policy. However, its TrustedServer technology practices RAM to completely erase all information on the server each time the server is restarted. In addition, it has 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, split tunneling, and an automatic kill switch. ExpressVPN isn’t the cheapest VPN in the world, but you may have to pay for it. With the one-click installation of ExpressVPN, ExpressVPN has become one of the easiest VPNs to use. However, customer support is available online 24/7 through live chat in a problem. ExpressVPN provides a money-back guarantee, so you can try it for up to 30 days and may request a refund if you are not impressed.
4. PrivadoVPN – Best Budget VPN:
PrivadoVPN has made quite an impression in its short time in existence, providing fast speeds and advanced security to users for excellent prices. They have a free account that gives users 10GB of data every month and allows them to connect up to one device at a time to the network, and several paid plans with unlimited data and up to 10 simultaneous connections.
Of course, they also use 256-bit-AES encryption and have just rolled out new ad-blocking and malware protection features that keep your browsing safe and free of excessive clutter. Since they’re based in Switzerland, PrivadoVPN users benefit from the world’s strongest consumer protection laws.
5. CyberGhost – Windows VPN:
CyberGhost’s Windows application is not very sophisticated and easy to use. After researching, all my teammates have agreed that it is an ideal choice for beginners and advanced VPN customers. The one-click setup means your PCs, laptops, or tablets will be protected in a matter of seconds and can even automatically connect to a VPN when you turn on your device. CyberGhost VPN operates more than 7,490 servers in 90 countries. If you have any VPN experience, you can use CyberGhost’s advanced settings and smart rules to optimize every aspect of your connection. This VPN is compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10 and has approximately 7,490 servers in 90 countries.
Another great thing about CyberGhost VPN is its built-in dedicated profile that optimizes the connection for streaming or torrent. With this VPN, you can easily unblock Netflix and many other popular online streaming services. CyberGhost protects users with 256-bit encryption and an automatic killing switch. Based in Romania for privacy, we also have a strong No-logs policy. CyberGhost VPN enables you to connect up to 7 devices simultaneously. In case of problems, customer support is available 24/7 via live chat. CyberGhost provides a generous 45-day money-back guarantee so that you can try it for quite some time without risk.
6. Zenmate – Best Free VPN:
Your connection is protected with state-of-the-art encryption and protocols with just one click. With ZenMate VPN, you can protect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. Zenmate VPN provides an easy-to-use Windows app with a one-click configuration and a simple 3-step setup. This VPN is highly compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10. Its network isn’t the largest, but you can choose and select from over 4,100 servers in about 80 countries to take advantage of unlimited bandwidth and data transfer. It can also be very useful, with unlimited server switches available.
Zenmate VPN has a strict, no logs policy, automatic killing switch, DNS leak protection feature to keep you safe from IP leaks and anonymity. ZenMate VPN can easily get rid of digital censorship restrictions & unblock popular streaming sites. It can also be used for torrents. ZenMate can also unblock Netflix, Hulu, BBC, iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video streaming services. Yes! It’s very easy to unblock geographically restricted content at home without paying an additional fee to your VPN provider or Netflix. With a 30-days money-back guarantee, you can try Zenmate without risk. If you want to contact customer support service, submit a request to the website.
7. IPVanish – Cheap VPN For Windows:
IPVanish VPN uses military-grade 256-bit AES encryption with the OpenVPN protocols. This VPN is compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10 and has approximately 1,900 servers in 70 countries. Windows apps have a built-in kill switch, DNS leak protection, and strong no-logs policies. It’s convenient to combine all the trusted security into one easy-to-use interface. IPVanish VPN service is based in the United States. Therefore, if you are concerned about the jurisdiction of 14Eyes, you need to pay securely with another VPN such as ExpressVPN (outside that jurisdiction).
You can unblock Netflix & BBC iPlayer, but it won’t stream Hulu or HBO GO during testing. The speed was generally fast, but there were some problems. P2P connectivity is supported, and SOCKS5 is built-in for secure torrents. You can use unlimited simultaneous device connections with one account. Customer service is always available 24/7 by live chatting, phone, and email. IPVanish VPN provides a 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can try it without risk. It is important to note that this warranty does not cover those accounts created via the iTunes and iOS apps. Therefore, be sure to register it on your Windows devices.
8. VyprVPN:
VyprVPN service is based in Switzerland with privacy in mind. It provides high-end encryption, No logs policy, DNS protection, & an automatic kill switch. A real-time data display is also available. This is a great feature for advanced customers. Unique chameleon technology bypasses restricted networks and censorship. This amazing VPN is compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10 and has about 700+ servers in 70 countries. VyprVPN service also comes along with a kill switch option. This also means that your data is in a secure and private, and hidden location, even if the VPN disconnects you.
This VPN encrypts OpenVPN packet metadata to look like normal data in deep packet inspection. If you don’t know what this means, don’t worry because you need to know that VyprVPN is the best choice for customers in countries with severely restricted internet access, such as China, Russia, and Iran. VyprVPN service has more than 700 servers in 70 countries and can unblock Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, & almost any other streaming service we’ve tried. Its speed is enough to be buffer-free. With a 30-days money-back guarantee, you can try Vypr VPN for a month. If you have any problems, you can do ticket posting in the forums on our website to contact the VyprVPN customer support team.
9. Private Internet Access (PIA):
Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN has several strong security features and is suitable for any Windows version due to DNS leak protection, automatic kill switch & strict No logs policy. It operates more than 29,650 servers in about 70 countries around the globe. This amazing VPN service is highly compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10. PIA or Private Internet Access has a huge range of server locations, and so it can connect almost 10 device connections to one account.
However, if you are hunting for a VPN to stream online, PIA may not be your best choice. The connection speed isn’t bad, but our team has tested it, and it couldn’t unblock all the platforms we tried. After some attempts, we could access Netflix US and UK successfully but could not work with BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Prime Video. PIA VPN has great MACE features such as ads, trackers, and malware blockers. Anyone can contact customer support through live chat. PIA provides a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. This is an excellent risk-free way to test your service yourself.
10. Hide.me:
Hide.me VPN offers a reliable and free VPN service. We rarely use the terms “trusted” and “free VPN” in the same sentence, but in this case, the free version is also a limited version of the Hide.me premium account. With 2GB of data transfer per month, one device can access 5 server locations. This isn’t enough data for streaming or torrenting on windows, but it’s great if you want a reliable VPN for a short time. Upgrade to a premium account to access 2,000 servers in 40 locations worldwide, including Netflix, Hulu, and an optimized streaming server that can unblock BBC iPlayer. This VPN is highly compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10.
Hide. It is not a bad option to upgrade to a paid VPN service. It unlocks the server networks and has features similar to ExpressVPN and CyberGhost. Hide.me VPN uses 256-bit encryption and a wide range of privacy or security protocols, including OpenVPN & IKEv2. It doesn’t keep logs, and the app has a built-in kill switch for added security. All premium accounts come along with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free and see if it suits you. You can contact hide.me customer service via live chat, emails, Facebook Messenger, & its website.
11. Speedify VPN:
Protect and secure yourself and your family at the same time using a highly recommended VPN such as Speedify VPN. When you’re connected to a Speedify VPN, your data on public WiFi is always protected. It gives you all the needed features at once. It can build a circle of trust in your online data and ensure safe from prying eyes. With Speedify VPN, you can protect all passwords, emails, and bank details from snooping eyes. Speedify VPN provides 5 simultaneous connections at once.
Speedify VPN allows you to stream various apps from UK and US-based libraries while unblocking all geographically restricted websites and Netflix content. Gamers and streamers looking for the best VPN for their streaming service can also use Speedify VPN. Optimize your audio and video streams to provide the best online streaming experience online. Speedify VPN is equipped with bank-grade encryption technology that provides great security from attackers. VPN has another channel bonding technology feature that brings the entire surfing experience.
12. Windscribe – :
Windscribe VPN claims to be the fastest and best VPN to protect your digital privacy and security. You can carry your browsing history with you anywhere you want, and no one knows if you are a Windscribe VPN user. Encrypt your online streaming data and block ads using the company’s built-in ad blockers. Government guidelines also allow you to access online entertainment content which is not available in your area easily. Stop all hackers and threats to your data and enjoy a safer and more open internet browsing experience anytime, anywhere. Windscribe VPN comes with a free version, perfect for those who can’t afford to pay for a VPN every month. We provide 10GB of data for free every month.
Windscribe allows you to access websites where surfing is illegal in your country by masking the IP address. Get instant news from around the world without having to do anything. Windscribe has a strict logging policy that prevents data from being monitored or stored anywhere. Windscribe VPN also provides the peace of mind that DNS information will not be leaked. Windscribe is the perfect VPN if you need to speed up your online browsing experience on your windows and PC. VPNs don’t speed up; They run smoothly and improve by removing annoying ads and keeping trackers away. In addition, geographically restricted content can be unblocked in more than 30 countries.
13. PrivateVPN:
If you’re considering a budget-friendly, secure VPN, a Private VPN is for you. This amazing VPN is highly compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10. Using 256-bit encryption and IPv6 and DNS leak protection, Windows apps include an automatic kill switch. 5/9/14 located in Sweden, the country of Eyes, but with a true zero log policy. This means that we cannot provide information to the government when requested. The VPN operates 200 P2P-enabled servers in 60 countries. Private VPN also has servers optimized for Netflix, unblocking most top streaming services.
The speed during the test was decent, but some people slowed down during peak hours, which was a bit disappointing. The stealth mode of PrivateVPN is very good. You can bypass VPN blocking and deep packet inspection or (DPI). This makes it a safe option or choice to protect yourself in countries subject to Internet surveillance and censorship. Live chat support is available, but only during business time or hours. If the PrivateVPN team is absent, you will need to rely on email support. With a 30-days money-back guarantee, you can try a Private VPN without risk.
14. Hotspot Shield:
Hotspot Shield VPN has been a big hit in Windows VPN games for some time, with the Catapult Hydra protocol jumping to the top three. However, in the latest test rounds, the absolutely impressive speed of the proprietary protocol far outperformed other WireGuard VPNs, and the proprietary performance was slightly above average. That said, that interface is still a great option for anyone looking for a Windows 10 VPN for their system or PC. Hotspot Shield VPN provides a Windows VPN that is ridiculously easy to set up and use, even for VPN novices. Pressing the large, thick on/off button will immediately connect to the selected server (or, if necessary, move to the most local server).
Hotspot Shield VPN has been a very well-known brand for many years & has been downloaded over 600 million times on all platforms. It’s hard to get the best browsing experience, but with the help of Hotspot Shield VPN, you can always get a great scrolling experience with your social media app. The company also offers a free version of VPN. It is available on the Playstore and can be easily downloaded from the official VPN website for Windows operating systems. The free version provides over 500MB of data per day. This is enough for one person to use. If you want to captivate yourself with the features offered by a VPN, you can always buy a premium plan.
Final Conclusion:
These are the perfect virtual private networks to download to your windows (PC, laptops, and tablets). To be prepared for cyber threats and stay up to date, these VPN service providers can help you at any cost. These VPN services protect your PC from invisible hackers and threats. You can use any of these amazing features to instantly access global content by unblocking all your home websites and geographically blocked streaming services. Always hide from the prying eyes of ISPs, hackers, and snoops. Keep your VPN active, surf online, and enjoy a secure, ad-free web browsing experience.