Best VPNs for Windows 10 (and the worst) plus our handy set up guide

Windows might be the most popular operating system in the world, but it’s not without its security concerns, which is why it’s smart to use a VPN with Windows 10. There are plenty of options out there since almost every VPN service caters to Windows users. But too much choice can be a problem which is why we’re here to help you narrow down the options.

We used our tried and tested methods to find the best VPNs for Windows with the best all-around performance, security, design, and customer support. We list them here for you, explain how to use them, and answer some common VPN questions. We go into each of the providers we recommend in more detail, but in case you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary.

Best VPNs for Windows 10:

1. NordVPN: The best all-around VPN for Windows 10. Faster than its rivals, with solid security and privacy and a strict no-logs policy. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Windows 10.
2. Surfshark: The best budget VPN for Windows 10. A fantastic low-cost option that boasts high speeds and an impressive range of security and privacy features. Allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
3. ExpressVPN: Reliable VPN with fast speeds and airtight security. Works with all major streaming sites, including Netflix US and UK.
4. CyberGhost: Great security, fast speeds, vast server network. Makes it easy for Windows 10 users to enjoy online security and streaming sites like Netflix.
5. IPVanish: Strong security paired with fast speeds and reliable connections. No logs are kept. Allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
6. Private Internet Access: Offers a user-friendly app for Windows 10 and works with all major streaming sites.
7. PureVPN: Quick and reliable VPN that’s simple enough for complete beginners. Suitable for almost any task and capable of keeping you safe.
8. ProtonVPN: A more advanced service with powerful security features. Boasts top-tier performance, 24/7 customer support, and exceptional unblocking ability.

Why use a VPN with Windows 10

Windows 10 is a massive improvement on its predecessor, but with it comes a trove of privacy issues–some new and some inherited. Integrated advertising, Cortana, and information synchronization with Microsoft servers are all made to help personalize your experience, but Windows blurs the line between personalization and privacy. This gem from Microsoft’s privacy policy pretty much sums it up:

“We will access, disclose and preserve personal data, including your content (such as the content of your emails, other private communications or files in private folders), when we have a good faith belief that doing so is necessary to protect our customers or enforce the terms governing the use of the services.”

Most of these trackers and telemetry services can be disabled, but they can also be switched back on without your knowledge during an update. Some cannot be turned off at all.

So how can you protect your privacy and keep using Windows 10? First off, check out our giant list of privacy tools; there’s a section just for Windows 10 users.

Next, get a VPN. VPN software encrypts and anonymizes all your online activity. This is important for P2P filesharing so your internet access provider can’t snoop on torrents and other downloads. It also protects you on unprotected public Wi-Fi networks and works to access geo-locked websites and services like Netflix.

Best VPNs for Windows 10: at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Windows 10.

Criteria for the best Windows 10 VPNs

In order to find the best VPNs for Windows 10 PC users, we looked for providers that  have at least the following criteria:

• App quality – setup and use of the native Windows client should be easy and intuitive.
• Supports OpenVPN protocol and makes setting it up easy.
• DNS leak protection – IP leaks are a known Windows 10 vulnerability, so VPNs that can suppress this are a must.
• A strict no-logs policy
• Reliable speed and performance for streaming, downloading, and more
• Ability to unblock geo-restricted sites and popular streaming platforms such as Netflix

You can read more about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend in our methodology section below. For now, let’s take a look at the ones that made the cut. 

Best VPNs for Windows 10 users

Here’s a more in-depth look at our list of the best VPNs for Windows 10 users:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024

NordVPN is our number one VPN for Windows 10 users. This Panama-based VPN has a true logless policy, meaning it keeps neither connection nor usage logs. Extra features include double-hop encryption, Tor over VPN, and a kill switch. Those, plus DNS leak protection, can all be switched on in the app settings.

The Windows VPN service client is detailed but not overwhelming for new users. The server list is categorized by recommended use–TV streaming, dedicated IP, Tor over VPN, etc.–and each server is pinged so you can see which location offers the least latency. NordVPN can also reliably access Netflix and most other popular streaming platforms.

NordVPN speed test data

BEST VPN FOR WINDOWS 10:NordVPN is our first choice. A real contender in all categories, with strong security features and the fastest speeds we’ve seen. It even has a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a great value VPN provider that excels at accessing region-locked content like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video from abroad. The service employs strong encryption and keeps zero logs. Torrenting is allowed, and kill switches prevent data leaks on both mobile and desktop apps.

Live chat support is available around the clock. Best of all, Surfshark doesn’t put restrictions on how many devices you can connect at once, making it a great budget option for a family or group of housemates.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.

Surfshark speed test data

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark secures your Windows PC as well as all your other gadgets without worrying about hitting a device limit. Great value and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN makes this list for its superb app. The Windows VPN software is the simplest option for those who want something that just works without fuss, and it boasts the fastest average download speed of any VPN we’ve tested so far—great for P2P filesharing and streaming.

Users can opt to use ExpressVPN’s DNS servers whenever connected by toggling it in the advanced settings. ExpressVPN is incorporated in the British Virgin Islands beyond the reach of the GCHQ and NSA, and it keeps no usage logs.

ExpressVPN speed test data

HIGHLY SECURE:ExpressVPN is a privacy-focused provider that offers high speeds, a ton of security features, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN offers easy-to-use apps and a large network that spans more than 9,000 VPN servers in over 90 countries. CyberGhost stores no identifying logs and protects your data with 256-bit AES military-grade encryption on the OpenVPN protocol. Live chat is available should you encounter any issues. Speeds are excellent, and you can connect up to seven devices at the same time.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

CyberGhost speed test data

BEGINNER FRIENDLY:CyberGhost has an easy to use Windows app. Streams HD video reliably. Strong encryption and privacy features. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

IPVanish uses OpenVPN with strong encryption and features a true zero logs policy, meaning it records neither session nor traffic logs. It’s one of the only VPNs to sport a Tier 1 network, meaning it owns all of its own servers rather than renting physical or virtual space from someone else. Because of that, we’ve overlooked the fact that it’s based in the US.

IPVanish boasts a selection of almost 60 countries, and all VPN connections are DNS leak protected.

IPVanish speed test data

LARGE NETWORK:IPVanish is great for families. Solid Windows 10 app. Good at unblocking most geo-restricted content. Recommend for their high standard of connection privacy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish here.

6. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access is a popular VPN for Windows 10 users thanks to its intuitive and lightweight app that works with little user input. For expert users, it offers the option to adjust the level of encryption needed, which is helpful for apps like Kodi. AES encryption is used alongside a network kill switch and DNS leak protection to further enhance your privacy.

PIA operates from the United States with 10,000+ servers in over 80 locations capable of accessing popular streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu. Its use of WireGuard means you’ll benefit from HD streaming, and with unlimited device connections, your entire family will be able to stream simultaneously. Try PIA for 30 days, and if you’re not happy, you can request a full refund.

Private Internet Access speed test data

ADJUSTABLE ENCRYPTION:Private Internet Access offers a lightweight app for Windows 10 with customizable encryption settings for advanced users. All plans include a 30-day refund policy.

Read our full review of Private Internet Access.

7. PureVPN

PureVPN is a great choice for anyone looking to try their first VPN. Its Windows app is extremely easy to use and it can help you access platforms like Netflix without breaking a sweat. There are more than 6,000 servers to choose from (spread across 60+ countries) and in our latest tests, these provided average speeds of almost 400 Mbps – fast enough for almost any task. Users can secure up to 10 devices at the same time and if anything goes wrong, support staff are only ever a quick message away.

So how does PureVPN help keep your browsing habits private? Well, it uses unbreakable encryption, DNs and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch to ensure that nobody, not even your service provider, can see what you get up to. There’s also a proven no-logging policy and automatic obfuscation. Choosing the Plus or Max subscription unlocks a tracker-blocking feature too, though we’d rather this was included on the standard plan.

PureVPN offers apps for Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS. If you need to connect more than 10 devices at once, just install it on your router – there are detailed setup guides in its website’s help section.

PureVPN speed test data

GREAT FOR NOVICES:PureVPN takes the stress out of digital security. It’s very fast, works with most region-locked services, and offers 24/7 customer support. Not only that, you can use it just about anywhere (even China).

Read our comprehensive PureVPN review.

8. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN has a first-class Windows app and is fast enough for uninterrupted streaming, torrenting, or gaming. It’s a little more complex than some of its rivals but don’t worry; staff are available 24/7 via live chat if you need them. This provider has servers in 90+ countries and lets you protect 10 devices simultaneously – far more than most of its rivals. There are even specially-designed Secure Core servers that are kept underground for maximum privacy.

We’re big fans of ProtonVPN’s security toolkit. By default, it keeps you safe using uncrackable encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch, but there’s also automatic ad and tracker-blocking. Experienced users will appreciate its split tunneling and port forwarding support, and if you need a little extra speed, you can activate the accelerator tool or switch to WireGuard. ProtonVPN has been independently-audited to prove it doesn’t keep logs. Not only that, it accepts Bitcoin and cash payments so you can sign up as anonymously as possible.

ProtonVPN has its own apps for Windows, Android, iOS, MacOS, and Linux. This service also works with most routers though you’ll have to follow the manual setup instructions on its site.

ProtonVPN test data

FAST AND RELIABLE:ProtonVPN delivers impressive speeds and a network covering almost 100 countries. It’s very privacy-conscious, excels at unblocking stubborn websites abroad, and includes many advanced features.

Interested? Find out more in our full ProtonVPN review.

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Do these VPNs work on Windows 11?

The good news is that you can use all of the best VPNs for Windows 10 on Windows 11. This is because quality VPN providers design their software to be compatible with multiple versions of Windows. Besides, when Windows launched Windows 11, they maintained a high level of compatibility with Windows 10, particularly regarding software and applications.

Aside from Windows, you can use the above recommended VPNs on mobile (Android and iOS) and other desktop operating systems (MacOS and Linux). In some cases, VPNs provide an app for Linux, and in others you’ll need to manually configure the connection yourself.

Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for Windows 10

While most VPNs offer an app for Windows, few are worth your time and money. Our methodology for finding the best VPNs for Windows 10 involved assessing each VPN in areas such as security and privacy protection. Here’s a full list of what we looked for:

• Servers worldwide: Windows users can be found in almost every country around the world, so having access to a global network of servers just makes sense. The VPNs we recommend typically offer thousands of servers. You can find these in dozens of countries, including the US, UK, Australia, Japan, and more.
• Speed: Whether you’re browsing, streaming, or torrenting on your Windows device, high-speed connections are essential. Without these, you’re likely to suffer performance issues such as low resolution, lag, and buffering. Thanks to our speed tests, we’ve identified the fastest VPNs for Windows 10, all of which offer unlimited bandwidth.
• Unblocking: Region-locked content affects us all, particularly when it comes to streaming services. However, some users also have to contend with strict online censorship in their country. It’s only by testing the VPNs with a wide range of restricted websites and services that we found those with the strongest unblocking ability.
• Security: From DDoS attacks to malware, there is a multitude of security threats online. Using a VPN ensures your data is encrypted and inaccessible to cybercriminals. They also include a kill switch and DNS leak protection. If that’s not enough, VPN services such as NordVPN and Surfshark even offer Double VPN servers.
• Privacy: As we’ve covered in this post, Windows 10 comes with some privacy issues. If you want to be able to browse anonymously, a VPN is all the more essential. Aside from encryption, we look for each VPN to operate a no-logs policy. Having analyzed 140 VPN logging policies, we’ve found those that offer you online anonymity.
• Ease of use: Whether you’re on Windows, Android, or another operating system, the VPN app in question should be quick and easy to use. Our hands-on experience with each VPN’s apps makes sure of this. Furthermore, you can expect each VPN to provide plenty of setup guides as well as 24-hour live chat and email support.
• Value for money: All of the best VPNs for Windows 10 are affordable. In fact, they often work out to be less expensive than VPNs that fail to offer much of the above! To save a little extra, you can take advantage of our VPN discount coupons linked in this post. Remember, each VPN comes with a risk-free money-back guarantee of at least 30 days.

We don’t just take a VPN’s word that they offer the above. Instead, we test each VPN extensively for ourselves, all as part of our VPN testing methodology. This allows us to provide reviews that are as accurate and up-to-date as possible.

VPNs to avoid

When deciding which VPNs Windows 10 users should avoid, free options top the list. We listed a couple here that the typical person would likely find on Google, but the same goes for pretty much all free VPN services.

We passed on several paid VPNs as well because they don’t protect against DNS leaks or because they are based in the US without strict enough no-logging policies to ease our privacy concerns.

Betternet

If you Google “free VPN for Windows,” Betternet will be one of the top search results. Betternet doesn’t collect user logs, but the app itself is part of an ad platform that accesses your cookies to target you with advertisements, videos and suggested apps. It also doesn’t protect users from DNS leaks. It’s not that Betternet is malicious–in fact, it’s quite transparent in how it operates. We might even recommend the mobile app as a decent free alternative. But for Windows, we have to say pass.

Hide.me (free)

Hide.me is the other free VPN for Windows that ranks high on Google. While it has premium plans that aren’t so bad, the free version limits speed and data transfers to 3 Mbit/s and 2GB, respectively. It also doesn’t support OpenVPN, which is our recommended protocol for security. Free users are limited to three server locations, and port forwarding is not available (useful for torrenting). On the plus side, Hide.me is completely log-free.

Hola

Hola is a peer-to-peer proxy browser extension that works sort of like a free VPN but has no centralized servers. Instead, users route their internet traffic through other Hola users’ devices whenever idle bandwidth is available. Depending on your local laws and regulations, that could make you responsible for the activities of other users. Furthermore, Hola once hijacked the computing resources of its users, turning them into a botnet army, to carry out distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks on websites and distribute pirated materials.

Double-check for DNS leaks

If you want to double-check that your DNS leak protection is working, you can run a DNS leak test here. Run the test with your VPN enabled and then again with it disabled to get an instant readout of the test results.

Can’t unblock Netflix and Hulu? Try disabling IPv6

Even if a VPN advertises DNS leak protection, websites like Hulu and Netflix can sometimes still force a request to leak out over the IPv6 protocol. By default, most VPNs force all DNS requests onto IPv4 and avoid IPv6 altogether. But if IPv6 is enabled on your device, this might not stop an IPv6 DNS leak on Windows 10.

First off, make sure you ask your VPN provider’s customer support if they have servers that unblock US Netflix and Hulu. If it does and you are connected to one of those servers, but the site still detects you are using a VPN service, then you may need to disable IPv6.

To do so, follow these instructions:

1. Right-click the wifi or LAN icon in your system tray and click “Open Network and Sharing Center”
2. On the Window that appears, click the link for your network next to “Connections”
3. Click Properties
4. Uncheck the entry for “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)”
5. Press “OK” to save changes, then restart your computer

IPv6 is now disabled, and you should no longer leak IPv6 DNS requests.

Related: What’s the best VPN for Hulu and for Netflix?

How to manually set up a VPN on Windows 10

With all of the above providers, you need only download and install software to get up and running with a VPN on Windows. Connecting is as simple as logging in, choosing a location, and hitting the Connect button.

But if an app doesn’t suit you, Windows 10 has built-in VPN support that can be manually configured. The OS doesn’t support OpenVPN, however, so we recommend choosing from L2TP/IPSec, SSTP, or IKEv2. Avoid PPTP; even though it can be faster and is slightly easier to set up, it has known security vulnerabilities.

To get started, you’ll need to get the following information from your VPN provider according to your chosen protocol:

• Username
• Password
• VPN server address
• Pre-shared secret or certificate

1. In the search bar, type “VPN” and click the menu cog at the top of the search results.
   
2. On the menu that pops up, click Add a VPN connection
3. Under VPN provider, choose Windows (built-in). Fill in all of the other information mentioned above accordingly.
4. Hit Save
5. The VPN should now be listed in the VPN menu. Click it and then hit Connect
6. Wait a moment for the VPN connection to be completed, and that’s it! You’re connected.
7. After you set your VPN up the first time, you can access it more quickly by clicking the wifi icon in your system tray. It should be listed near the top.

VPNs for Windows 10: FAQs