The Windows operating system is still one of the most commonly used operating systems, so an additional layer of security is essential. By adding a VPN to your PC or laptop, you can easily block your IP address, encrypt online traffic, avoid dangerous ads, and increase your online security in general.
Getting a powerful Windows VPN is a great way to improve your online security. With it, you can also effortlessly bypass geographic restrictions and enjoy global content, such as streaming platforms, whether you’re using Windows 10 or 11.
It’s great that many VPN providers offer intuitive applications for Windows users. However, the market is so rich that it can be difficult to choose the best provider.
That’s why we tested and listed below our top picks for the best VPNs for Windows in 2023.
NordVPN
NordVPN is our overall best VPN for Windows with over 5,200 servers in 59 countries. You have thousands of servers to choose from to bypass censorship and access your network privately.
NordVPN is great for streaming; it can unlock Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu and other streaming platforms.
NordVPN runs a 10GBps server, while most VPN providers offer 1GBps servers. With such lightning-fast speeds, you can play movies and games or download Torrent files without delay or interruption. We tested NordVPN on a 100MBps connection and the speed on nearby servers dropped by only 2Mbps to 20Mbps.
NordVPN offers top-notch security over multiple protocols, including its WireGuard-based NordLynx, which protects you from ads, malware, and trackers. nordVPN uses RAM-based servers to deliver fast speeds and guarantees no logging.
It also has additional security features such as dual VPN, darknet monitoring, dedicated IP, Meshnet, obfuscated servers, split tunnels, Onion Over VPN, and more. If you encounter any problems, NordVPN offers 24/7 chat support so you can get quick help.
PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN combines fast speed and easy-to-use Windows applications. It’s a great low-cost VPN service for Windows 10. It has moderately sized servers with about 200+ servers in over 60 countries and is compatible with Windows 7, 8 and 10.
PrivateVPN is a great VPN for streaming geo-restricted platforms such as Netflix. you can access multiple Netflix libraries such as the US, UK, Japan and the Netherlands. It also offers great download speeds for streaming media.
With fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth, it’s the perfect combination for streaming Netflix and other geo-restricted VOD streaming services.
Although PrivateVPN is a Swedish VPN service, it follows a zero-logging policy, which means it doesn’t log any user information, making it a good VPN for PCs.
This VPN is a good choice because it has tight security features including 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection. privateVPN’s Windows application also has an auto-terminate switch for maximum security.
This VPN is a great choice for streaming enthusiasts. Thanks to its streaming-optimized servers, it works with various streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more. It also features a stealth mode that bypasses strict VPN blocks and undetected deep packet inspection (DPI).
This VPN is available for the low price of only $2.00/month. PrivateVPN also offers a 30-day money-back policy so users can try it risk-free. With all these amazing features, PrivateVPN is undoubtedly one of the best VPNs for Windows.
IPVanish
IPVanish is a reliable VPN service for Windows that offers a variety of security measures. With their AES 256-bit encryption and WireGuard protocol, you can be sure that your location and browsing activities will remain hidden.
This Windows VPN not only makes your devices and data more secure, but offers entertainment value to justify its price. IPVanish unblocks Netflix US, which is the service’s most popular library. All servers allow torrent downloads, and the SOCKS5 proxy should also prove valuable.
IPVanish has over 2,000 servers in over 50 countries/regions. The company owns the entire fleet, which means it is extremely unlikely that anyone will physically tamper with it. The servers are very well distributed and provide good performance even in remote areas.
Finally, we must mention that IPVanish offers unlimited simultaneous connections. Therefore, you can share the same account with family or friends and connect any number of devices.
Surfshark
Surfshark is the first choice for Windows users. Its low price point doesn’t mean any compromise in speed, security and ease of use, so it will meet the needs of all VPN users. Its server network includes more than 3,200 servers in over 95 countries that provide fast and secure connections for private web browsing, streaming and downloading.
Your traffic is protected by 256-bit AES encryption, termination switches in all versions of the application, and IPv6, DNS and WebRTC leak protection. surfshark also includes an automatic ad and malware blocker and a NoBorders feature that bypasses Internet blocking in countries with strict Internet regulations, such as China. surfshark does not record any of your personally identifiable information, so none of your online activity can be traced back to you. Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat.
Application is available for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS and Linux. Linux systems and supported routers require manual configuration. surfshark users can get great value with unlimited simultaneous connections generously allowed, so you will be able to protect all your devices at the same time.
AtlasVPN
AtlasVPN is a solid choice for modern and traditional Windows users as it offers some of the easiest to use applications we’ve seen in the VPNs we’ve tested. In addition to Windows, it also offers apps for ios, macOS and Android, but currently lacks router and Linux support.
AtlasVPN’s server infrastructure is smaller than other providers, with more than 750 servers in about 40 locations, but it offers WireGuard support and incredible speeds in many of the locations we tested.
AtlasVPN is able to access a wide range of geo-blocked services, including some of the major Netflix libraries as well as Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video and AT&T TV Now from abroad. Split tunnels, multi-hop servers, termination switches and a zero-logging policy are some of the benefits of using AtlasVPN, and live chat-based support is available 24/7 if you need help.
Tips on how to choose the best VPN for Windows
All of the VPNs in the list above meet the following criteria. However, if you are not sure what to look for in a good Windows VPN, check out the following metrics that I used to rank my top choices.
Strong security – Your VPN should have strong security features such as strong encryption, automatic termination switches, a strict no-logging policy, and DNS/IP leak protection. This protects your data from third parties monitoring your online activities.
Compatible with the latest Windows versions – Look for VPNs that regularly update their software to keep up with the latest Windows updates. all VPNs on the list are easy to use and compatible with Windows 7 to 11.
Extremely fast – Extremely fast speeds allow you to play games and stream in HD without delay. In my tests, all of my recommended VPNs averaged at least 20 Mbps (4x the minimum requirement for HD streaming and twice the minimum requirement for online gaming).
Large server networks – Large server networks help increase speed because users are more widely distributed, which reduces server congestion. Plus, you’re more likely to find a nearby server (which is usually faster).
Streaming support – The best VPNs can reliably unlock streaming sites like Netflix. This is especially useful if you’re traveling; you can watch content at home no matter where you are. All of the VPNs on this list unlock multiple platforms, including Netflix, Disney+, APV, and BBC iPlayer.
P2P Friendly – If you plan to seed downloads, you’ll need to choose a P2P-compatible VPN, preferably on a per-server basis or using a special server designed to increase download speeds.
Multi-device connectivity – All the VPNs on my list offer at least 5 simultaneous device connections, so you can cover all your devices with a single subscription.
Reliable support – Top providers offer 24/7 live chat support. All of the VPNs on my list allow you to contact a support agent at any time.
Trustworthy Money Back Guarantee – Choose a VPN provider that offers a trustworthy money back guarantee. I tested each VPN on my list to ensure that if you’re not satisfied, you can easily get a refund.
