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In a hurry? Here’s the best VPN for Windows in 2024:
- 🥇 ExpressVPN (63% off here in December 2024): Has a super intuitive Widows app that’s also very feature-rich, as it comes with split-tunneling, an ad blocker, a malicious site blocker, parental controls, and obfuscation. The provider also comes with industry-leading security and privacy features, the fastest speeds on the market, and excellent streaming and P2P support. And it backs all purchases with a 30-day refund policy.
ExpressVPN
I always use a VPN on my Windows device, especially while traveling — it secures my Internet traffic, it protects my privacy, it helps me access streaming content from back home, and it secures my P2P and online gaming traffic.
Most VPNs work on Windows, but sadly many VPN services don’t offer good value. A lot of VPNs actually come with Windows apps that are difficult to use or full of bugs. And many of the VPNs that do have good Windows apps come with other drawbacks — they have really slow speeds, they don’t work with top streaming sites, or they lack important security and privacy features.
But all the Windows VPNs I mention in this article are really good — they’re secure, fast, and good for streaming, not to mention they have intuitive Windows apps. My favorite one is ExpressVPN since its Windows app is very feature-rich, and the provider also works with 100+ streaming platforms.
Quick Look at the Best VPNs for Windows in 2024:
- 🥇 1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Windows in 2024. Has a very feature-rich Windows app + offers the best value.
- 🥈 2. NordVPN — Excellent for remotely & securely accessing Windows devices + has malware protection.
- 🥉 3. Private Internet Access — Very good VPN for torrenting on Windows (also provides high-end privacy features).
- 4. CyberGhost VPN — Very good Windows VPN for streaming (also has convenient automation tools).
- 5. Surfshark — Good VPN for beginners (is also very fast + has a built-in speed test).
- VPNs #6 to #10.
🥇 1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN Service for Windows in 2024 ExpressVPN
Key Features
Apps
ExpressVPN is definitely the best VPN for Windows on the market. Its Windows app is extremely intuitive, it’s compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11, and it also comes with tons of useful extra features.
I love how user-friendly the provider’s Windows app is — it comes with a quick-connect tool that automatically connects you to the fastest server, and all connection settings and features come with helpful explanations. Plus, there’s Shortcuts, a very convenient feature that lets you set up 1-click shortcuts for specific apps and sites that show up on your screen after you connect to a VPN server.
Plus, ExpressVPN’s Windows app is also very feature-rich. For one, it comes with split-tunneling, which lets you choose which apps use the VPN and which apps use your local internet connection — this way, you can boost VPN speeds for specific activities (like torrenting or gaming). In addition, the app also has Advanced Protection, a tool that blocks ads, ad trackers, shady sites, and even adult sites, so you can even use it as a parental control method. Oh, And ExpressVPN also has obfuscation on all servers, a feature that hides your VPN traffic to help you bypass censorship in restrictive countries (like China, for example).
ExpressVPN is also the fastest VPN on the market. It maintains lightning-fast speeds for streaming, browsing, downloading files, gaming, and more. This is mostly thanks to its proprietary Lightway protocol, which is designed to be extremely lightweight (and also secure). Plus, ExpressVPN also has multiple server locations in 100+ countries, so it’s very easy to use nearby locations to get the fastest speeds.
And this is an excellent PC VPN for streaming and torrenting. The VPN provider works with 100+ streaming platforms, including top ones like Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. And it’s also the best torrenting VPN in 2024 since it allows P2P traffic on all of its servers.
ExpressVPN’s prices start at $5.49/month, which is pretty affordable. Plus, the VPN provider offers excellent value, and it also comes with a no-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee.
Highly recommended
ExpressVPN
Bottom Line: ExpressVPN is by far the best PC VPN in 2024 — it comes with a very intuitive Windows app that also comes packed with tons of useful features, including split-tunneling, an ad blocker, a malicious site blocker, parental controls, and obfuscation. This is also the fastest PC VPN out there, it’s excellent for streaming and torrenting, and it has a risk-free 30-day refund
🥈 2. NordVPN — Great for Remote & Secure Access + Malware Protection NordVPN
NordVPN is excellent for remotely and securely accessing your Windows device. On Windows, it has Meshnet, which is a feature that lets you link up devices over encrypted VPN connections. So, you can use this tool to remotely connect to and manage a Windows device (or more).
I also really like the Threat Protection Pro feature you get on Windows. In addition to blocking ads and malicious websites, it also protects you from malware-infected downloads. What’s more, it can even detect app vulnerabilities and alert you about them.
Plus, the Windows app comes with Dark Web Monitor, which is a tool that alerts you if your NordVPN login credentials have been compromised. If you use the same login details for other online accounts, you can keep an eye on them via this security tool.
And the provider’s Windows VPN app also comes with other extras — it has split-tunneling, obfuscated VPN servers, and even double VPN servers that route your data through 2 VPN servers (instead of just 1 server) to provide an extra layer of encryption.
This is also one of the best VPN services for streaming and torrenting on Windows. That makes it easy to avoid overcrowded servers and use nearby server locations to get fast speeds forIt’s compatible with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Max, and other streaming services. Also, it allows torrenting on servers in 110+ countries, and it also has SOCKS5 proxy servers (they hide your IP but don’t encrypt your internet traffic, so they’re much faster than VPN connections).
This VPN service also has 6,000+ servers in 110+ countries. Plus, it provides built-in access to NordLynx on Windows, which is the VPN’s proprietary protocol that’s built around WireGuard (so, it’s very fast). Due to this, NordVPN maintains very fast speeds.
NordVPN has tier-based subscriptions with plans that start at $3.99/month. But I recommend getting the Plus subscription since that one also includes malware protection. And the VPN service comes with a 30-day refund too.
Highly recommended
Bottom Line: Bottom Line: NordVPN is very good for remotely accessing your Windows PC thanks to its Meshnet feature, which lets you link up Windows devices over encrypted VPN connections. The provider’s Windows app also comes with malware protection, ad-blocking, a data breach monitor, and more. And all purchases are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
🥉 3. Private Internet Access — Very Good VPN for Torrenting on Windows Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) is one of the best VPN providers for torrenting on Windows, as it allows P2P downloads on all of its servers, which are located in 90+ countries. On top of that, you also get access to SOCKS5 proxy support, which is really convenient.
I really like how the Windows app has built-in support for port forwarding. This is a feature that lets you connect to more peers while torrenting, which is likely to boost your P2P speeds. I tried out while downloading a torrent, and it increased my download speeds by about 10%.
Also, PIA’s Windows app is very intuitive — it has a quick-connect tool, and there’s a search field for instant access to your desired servers. Plus, I like how this provider allows unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning you can use the VPN on as many Windows devices as you want.
And I really like the split-tunneling feature on the provider’s Windows app. In addition to split-tunneling app traffic, it also lets you split-tunnel websites — this is very convenient, as you can just split-tunnel a specific site instead of the whole browser you access the site on.
What’s more, I really like the MACE feature on Windows. This is PIA’s ad blocker, which works very well — I used it while connecting to ad-heavy websites, and it always got rid of all pop-up, banner, and video ads.
Plus, I think PIA provides very good privacy, as it has a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited and also proven true in many court documents. In addition, its apps (including the Windows app) are open-source, which means anyone can inspect the security code for security vulnerabilities.
Private Internet Access has prices that start at just $2.19/month, so it’s very budget-friendly. On top of that, the provider also backs all of its plans with a no-questions-asked 30-day money-back guaranteeso it’s very budget-friendly. On top of that, the provider also backs all of its plans with a no-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee
Highly recommended
Bottom Line: Private Internet Access is excellent for downloading torrents on your Windows PC. The provider allows P2P traffic on all servers, and its Windows app has built-in support for port forwarding. Plus, PIA provides excellent privacy, its Windows app is very easy to use, it allows unlimited simultaneous connections, and it has a risk-free 30-day refund.
Read my full Private Internet Access review
4. CyberGhost VPN — Really Good Streaming VPN for Windows (With Great Automation) CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN is great for Windows users who are focused on streaming. The provider has dedicated streaming servers in 20+ countries that work with 50+ streaming platforms, including top ones like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Plus, you get very good Netflix support, as CyberGhost VPN’s streaming servers work with 15+ Netflix libraries, including Netflix US and Netflix UK.
And the provider has user-friendly VPN software for Windows, as its app makes it super simple to find and connect to your desired VPN server location. Plus, the app comes with Smart Rules, which lets you automate your VPN connection — for example, you can configure the provider’s Windows app to automatically connect to a specific server location and open your desired app on launch.
The VPN also has server locations in 95+ countries, and its Windows app has the WireGuard protocol. Both of those things help the VPN service provide fast VPN connection speeds — whenever I use it while traveling, most sites and HD and 4K videos load instantly.
The VPN also has dedicated P2P and gaming servers on Windows. It has torrenting servers in 80+ countries (so it provides good coverage), and it has gaming servers in 4 countries that are optimized to provide stable ping and smooth gaming sessions.
The provider’s Windows app is also really secure, as it comes with an ad blocker that protects you from shady sites. In addition, it has Privacy Guard, which is great for protecting your privacy by allowing you to disable Windows’ intrusive functionalities.
That said, I think it’s a shame the Windows app is missing split-tunneling (the feature is only available on the provider’s Android app)— if this is a deal-breaker, check out ExpressVPN or NordVPN instead.
CyberGhost VPN has affordable prices that start at $2.19/month. The VPN backs all long-term plans with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, and it has a 14-day refund policy for its shortest plan.
Bottom Line: CyberGhost VPN is one of the best Windows VPNs for streaming, as it has streaming-optimized servers that work with 50+ streaming services. It also has a really intuitive Windows app that provides access to convenient automation. Also, the VPN has good P2P and gaming support, fast speeds, and strong security tools. And it backs all long-term plans with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read my full CyberGhost VPN review
5. Surfshark — Great Beginner-Friendly VPN for Windows SurfShark
Surfshark is a very user-friendly VPN for Windows — its app comes with a quick-connect tool, a search field to instantly find your favorite servers, and helpful explanations for all settings and features. What’s more, it allows unlimited connections, which makes it a good pick for large families or people who own tons of Windows web-connected devices.
I also like how feature-rich the provider’s Windows app is. It comes with split-tunneling, a really good ad blocker, and customizable double VPN servers (choose whichever entry and exit servers you want). Plus, it has IP Rotator, which regularly changes your VPN IP address without dropping your VPN connection — this is useful for enjoying an extra layer of privacy.
Also, this is one of the fastest VPNs services for Windows out there. That’s mainly because it has 3,200 servers in 95 countries, and because it comes with WireGuard on Windows. Plus, the Windows app comes with a built-in speed test, which is really helpful for quickly finding which server locations would provide you with the fastest speeds.
And Surfshark also provides great streaming and P2P support, It works with 100+ streaming services, such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+, and it allows torrenting on all of its servers.
Surfshark is also super affordable, with plans starting as low as $2.19/month. What’s more, the provider backs all of its plans with a no-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line: Surfshark has very intuitive VPN software for Windows, which makes it a great pick for Windows users that are new to VPNs. The VPN also supports unlimited simultaneous connections, has great streaming and torrenting support, is extremely fast, and comes with tons of useful extras on Windows. It also backs all purchases with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
6. Proton VPN — Best Free VPN for Windows Proton VPN
Proton VPN is the best free VPN for Windows. That’s mostly because it provides unlimited data — most free VPNs only let you use 2–10 GB per day or month. So you can use the free version to securely surf the web as much as you want on your Windows PC.
Plus, free users also get very good privacy, as the VPN has an audited no-logs policy. On top of that, Proton VPN’s Windows app (alongside all of its apps) is open-source and fully audited
Still, the free version comes with some limitations — you only get servers in 5 countries, you can’t choose which server you connect to (the Windows app automatically connects you to the fastest server), you can only connect 1 device, and there’s no streaming and P2P support.
Proton VPN’s paid version starts at $3.59/month, and it adds compatibility with 40+ streaming sites, P2P servers in 90+ countries,6000+ servers in 110+ countries, a really good ad blocker, 10 device connections, and more. The provider backs all plans with a prorated 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line: Proton VPN is the best free VPN for Windows. It allows unlimited data, and it also provides very good privacy. Its paid version adds a huge server network, very good streaming and P2P support, and a great ad blocker. Proton VPN backs all of its plans with a prorated 30-day refund policy.
Read my full Proton VPN review
7. PureVPN — Good Streaming VPN With Customizable Connections
PureVPN is great for streaming on your Windows PC, as it’s compatible with pretty much any popular streaming service you could think of — whenever I use it while traveling, I’m always able to access Netflix, Max, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.
I’m also happy with the Shortcuts feature that’s available on Windows. This tool lets you set up customized connections to specific streaming platforms. The VPN has a list of pre-set shortcuts you can use, but I also like how you can create your own custom shortcuts (you only need to add the website’s URL, and you’re good to go).
The provider also allows torrenting, but only on servers in 30+ countries. It also has port forwarding, but you need to pay extra for it. To be honest, if you’re looking for a good P2P VPN for Windows, just get Private Internet Access instead — it allows torrenting on servers in 90+ countries, it provides free access to port forwarding, and it also has SOCKS5 proxy support.
PureVPN has tier-based subscriptions that start at $2.14/month, which I find pretty affordable. The cheapest subscription comes with all VPN features, and there’s also a 31-day refund policy for all of its plans.
Bottom Line: PureVPN provides very good streaming on Windows, and it also comes with a feature that lets you set up customized connections to specific streaming websites. The VPN is also easy to use and fast, and it backs all plans with a 31-day money-back guarantee.
8. PrivateVPN — Good User-Friendly and Minimalistic VPN for Windows PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN comes with a very minimalistic app for Windows, as it doesn’t come with tons of additional features (it only has obfuscation). It’s not as feature-rich as ExpressVPN and NordVPN, but this means people new to VPNs won’t feel overwhelmed by tons of settings and features.
Plus, the provider’s Windows app has Application Guard, which is an app-based kill switch. Unlike a regular kill switch that shuts down web access when the VPN connection drops, Application Guard shuts down selected apps when you disconnect from the VPN. I tested Application Guard with Steam, and it successfully closed the app whenever I disconnected from PrivateVPN.
PrivateVPN also provides overall great value — it has 200+ servers in 60+ countries, it allows torrenting on all of its servers (and also comes with port forwarding and SOCKS5 proxy support), it works with top streaming services, and it has really good VPN connection speeds.
PrivateVPN’s prices start at $2.00/month, making this VPN one of the most affordable VPN providers on the market. It also backs all of its plans with a 30-day refund policy.
Bottom Line: PrivateVPN provides access to a beginner-friendly Windows app, which features a minimalistic design and an easy-to-navigate interface. The provider also has really good security tools (including an app-based kill switch), good P2P support, and fast speeds. It also backs all purchases with a 30-day refund.
Read my full PrivateVPN review
9. IPVanish — Decent P2P VPN for Windows IPVanish
IPVanish has good P2P support, as it allows torrenting on all of its servers (2,400+ servers in 50+ countries). In addition, it also has SOCKS5 proxy support — when I used this feature while torrenting, it boosted my download speeds by a whopping 30%!
The provider’s Windows app is also really good, as it comes with a quick-connect feature, and it also features a digital map that you can use to connect to servers. In addition, there are quick explanations for most settings and features, and the VPN also allows you to connect unlimited devices.
The VPN also has good streaming support, as it works with top sites like Netflix and BBC iPlayer — though, it sadly isn’t compatible with Max and YouTube TV. To be honest, ExpressVPN is a much better streaming VPN, as it works with 100+ streaming sites (including the ones IPVanish can and can’t access).
IPVanish has prices that start at $2.19/month, which is pretty decent. It also comes with a 30-day refund policy, but it unfortunately only covers its long-term plans.
Bottom Line: IPVanish provides good P2P support since it allows torrenting on all of its servers. Plus, it comes with SOCKS5 proxy support, and it has a really beginner-friendly Windows app. It also lets you connect unlimited devices, it has decent streaming support, and it backs all long-term purchases with a 30-day refund policy.
10. Astrill VPN — Good VPN for Users in Restrictive Countries
Astrill VPN is one of the best VPN services for restrictive countries, as it works extremely well in places like China, Russia, and Egypt. It does so via its 2 proprietary protocols, which are called OpenWeb and StealthVPN.
Astrill VPN’s Windows app is also pretty feature-rich, as it comes with an ad blocking feature, and it also has a built-in speed test. And for an additional cost, you can get access to multihop VPN connections.
The provider’s Windows app is pretty simple to use, though its design is definitely not as good as ExpressVPN and NordVPN. The interface simply looks outdated, and I also don’t like how some settings and features are missing explanations.
Astrill VPN has prices that start at $12.50/month, which make this one of the most expensive VPN services on the market. And it sadly doesn’t come with a refund policy like most other top Windows VPNs.
Bottom Line: Astrill VPN is a good pick for Windows users in restrictive countries, as it works without issues in such places thanks to its proprietary protocols. The VPN also comes with good security features, including full leak protection and an ad blocker. However, I think it’s a shame that the provider is missing a refund policy.
Read my full Astrill VPN review
Quick Comparison of My Top Picks
| Starting Price | Number of Streaming Services | Server Network | P2P Support | Free Plan | Money-Back Guarantee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 1. ExpressVPN | $5.49/month | 100+ | Servers in 100+ countries |  (P2P servers in 100+ countries) |  | 30 days |
| 🥈 2. NordVPN | $3.99/month | Unknown | 6,000+ servers in 110+ countries | (P2P servers in 110+ countries) | | 30 days |
| 🥉 3. Private Internet Access | $2.19/month | 20+ | Servers in 90+ countries | (P2P servers in 90+ countries) | | 30 days |
| 4. CyberGhost VPN | $2.19/month | 50+ | Servers in 95+ countries | (10,000+ P2P servers in 80+ countries) | | 45 days (long-term plans) 14 days (shortest plan) |
| 5. Surfshark | $2.19/month | 100+ | 3,200+ servers in 95+ countries | (3,200+ P2P servers in 95+ countries) | | 30 days |
| 6. Proton VPN | $3.59/month | 40+ | 6000+ servers in 110+ countries | (P2P servers in 90+ countries) | | 30 days (prorated) |
| 7. PureVPN | $2.14/month | 10+ | 6,000+ servers in 65+ countries | (P2P servers in 30+ countries) | | 31 days |
| 8. PrivateVPN | $2.00/month | Unknown | 200+ servers in 60+ countries | (200+ P2P servers in 60+ countries) | | 30 days |
| 9. IPVanish | $2.19/month | Unknown | 2,400+ servers in 50+ countries | (2,400+ servers in 50+ countries) | | 30 days (long-term plans only) |
| 10. Astrill VPN | $12.50/month | Unknown | Servers in 55+ countries | (P2P servers in 30+ countries) | | |
How I Chose the VPNs on This List
- Get a VPN with an intuitive Windows app — YYou should only pick a VPN with user-friendly apps for Windows. Basically, the app should be easy to install, and it should make it very simple to find and connect to different server locations. All of the VPNs I recommend come with Windows apps that are simple to navigate.
- Go for a VPN that’s secure — I only recommend choosing a Windows VPN that has all essential security features, including military-grade encryption, a kill switch to stop traffic leaks if the VPN connection drops, a no-logs policy, and DNS leak protection. Most of my top picks also have advanced security tools, like RAM-only servers (every server reset wipes all data) and perfect forward secrecy, which provides a different encryption key for each VPN session.
- Look for a VPN with a feature-rich Windows app — I recommend opting for a VPN whose Windows app provides access to useful additional features, such as split-tunneling, an ad blocker, obfuscation, or a built-in speed test. ExpressVPN’s Windows app even comes with limited parental controls functionality.
- Check out the VPN’s streaming and P2P support — Make sure the VPN is compatible with top streaming platforms, like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or Amazon Prime Video. Also, the provider should allow P2P traffic on most of its servers (ideally, on all of them).
- Choose a VPN that has fast speeds — When you use a VPN, your original speeds will always slow down. This is due to the added level of encryption. But the best Windows VPN providers minimize the speed loss by optimizing their services.
- Go for a VPN with a large server network — How far you are from the VPN server also impacts your VPN speeds, so you should ideally pick a VPN with servers in at least 50+ countries. ExpressVPN, my top pick, has servers in 100+ countries.
- Pick a VPN that provides good value — I recommend getting a VPN that has affordable plans, and which also ideally either has a free VPN plan or a generous money-back guarantee.
Why Use a Windows VPN?
- Protect your online data — VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, making it 100% unreadable. This means that malicious actors can’t spy on your online activities to compromise your data.
- Secure your privacy — VPNs hide your IP address, so nobody can use it to track your location. Also, when you use a VPN, your internet service provider (ISP) can’t track your online browsing.
- Access streaming content — When you travel abroad, you might lose access to streaming content and sites from back home. With a VPN, you can hide your location to access your favorite sites and titles as if you were in your country.
- Secure your P2P traffic — VPNs make your torrent traffic unreadable, so nobody can detect and block it. In addition, a VPN stops anyone in the torrent swarm (the total number of people downloading and uploading a torrent) from seeing your real IP address.
- Improve your gaming — VPNs might reduce ping when playing online games, as there’s a chance they’ll route your traffic straight to the gaming server (normally, your gaming traffic might take some “detours” on its way to the gaming server). What’s more, VPNs can protect you from Distributed-Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks while gaming by hiding your IP address.
- Prevent bandwidth throttling — ISPs might intentionally slow down your speeds when you use too much bandwidth (like during hour-long streaming or gaming sessions on the weekend) to prevent network congestion. But a VPN stops your ISP from seeing your web traffic, so it can’t selectively slow down your online speeds anymore.
How to Install and Use a VPN on Windows
- Get a reliable VPN for Windows. My top pick is ExpressVPN since it has a super intuitive Windows app that’s also very feature-rich, and the VPN is also very secure, excellent for streaming and torrenting, and super fast.
- Download and install the VPN app. Just download the installer from the provider’s site, and then follow the installation wizard instructions to install the app on your device. The whole process won’t take more than 2 minutes.
- Run the VPN client. Find the VPN app shortcut on your desktop, and double-click it to launch it.
- Connect to a VPN server. I recommend choosing a nearby VPN server to get the fastest speeds.
- Securely surf the web. And that’s it! All your online data is now fully encrypted, and nobody can track your location anymore.
VPNs That I Recommend Avoiding on Windows
- VyprVPN — The provider works well in restrictive countries, provides strong security, and is really fast. However, its Windows app is missing split-tunneling and a feature that blocks ads.
- BolehVPN — I don’t like BolehVPN’s Windows app because it’s not intuitive, and it’s also missing a quick-connect feature. Plus, the provider says it could temporarily enable logging, which could compromise your privacy.
- VPNSecure — The provider’s Windows app looks outdated, and I don’t like how it’s missing a quick-connect tool. Plus, the VPN doesn’t work with most streaming sites, and it has a really small server network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best VPNs for Windows in 2024 — Final Thoughts:
NordVPN®
About The Author
Hi! I’m Trevor James, a Canadian YouTuber who travels the world full-time. I make videos about food, travel, and cybersecurity. I have been traveling the world and making videos for over 10 years. You can read more about me here.
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