The Best VPNs for PC

ExpressVPN combines the high level of performance and security required to be the best VPN for Windows PC. It’s one of the faster VPNs I’ve tested, and this coupled with 3,000 servers in 105 countries is what makes ExpressVPN the best VPN for streaming, too. It unblocked every streaming service I threw at it including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. It doesn’t hurt that ExpressVPN has some of the most user-friendly VPN apps on the market either.

Aside from 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a desktop kill switch, ExpressVPN has an ad blocker (which performed very well in testing), and a password manager. Another useful feature that’s available on multiple platforms including Windows is split tunneling. This allows you to select which apps can bypass the VPN connection. ExpressVPN has Windows 10 and 11 apps and an ARM-compatible app so you can even use it on Copilot+ PCs.

Proton VPN is popular with privacy enthusiasts. A VPN Accelerator feature, which optimizes data routing, coupled with 10 Gbps connections on many servers makes this one of the fastest VPNs. The result is lag-free streaming and gaming. Proton VPN has plenty of servers too. Aside from the Windows app, there’s a special ARM version for use with Microsoft Surface and other ARM Windows devices.

Many VPNs claim to have no-logs policies yet keep connection logs, but that’s not the case with Proton VPN. It has open source apps and operates out of Switzerland, a country with strong privacy laws. On top of high-end encryption and a kill switch, you can further secure your PC with its ad blocker and Secure Core (Double VPN) servers. More recently, Proton VPN has implemented a Stealth protocol for Windows, allowing PC users to bypass strict censorship.

NordVPN has one of the larger VPN server networks (7,000+ servers in 118 countries). We found its connections to be highly consistent, which makes it highly suitable for streaming when traveling. It’s also why it’s the best VPN for gaming; NordVPN’s Meshnet feature lets you create a virtual network for LAN gaming with friends. Not only is NordVPN available for Windows 11 and 10, it supports both Surface Pro and ARM devices.

The internet traffic on your PC is secured from hackers and snoopers thanks to 256-bit AES encryption and kill switch feature. I didn’t observe DNS or IP leaks in testing and was impressed with its ad blocker that stopped the vast majority of ads in their tracks. As part of your NordVPN subscription, you have access to a password manager, malware protection, and encrypted cloud storage, providing comprehensive security to your Windows PC.

Surfshark lets you secure not just your PC, but all of your devices with an unlimited simultaneous connection allowance. One of the most consistent unblockers of content, Surfshark is ideal for streaming. It makes light work of tricky-to-access streaming platforms while speeds are more than fast enough for bandwidth-heavy activities. Surfshark supports Windows 7 onwards, but only Windows 10 and 11 are fully supported with the latest updates.

If you opt for Surfshark’s highest subscription tier, you’ll have access to a whole host of extra security features. This includes an ad blocker, antivirus protection, and personal data removal. Of course, there’s also military-grade encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch, safely putting Surfshark’s security offering among the more comprehensive of the best PC VPNs. If you don’t mind committing for two years, Surfshark represents almost unrivalled value for money.

Private Internet Access supports unlimited simultaneous connections. Though it doesn’t specify its server count, you can choose from 91 countries, which is far more than most VPN services. One particular advantage PIA has over many VPNs is that it lets you order servers by latency. It’s therefore that much easier to find a fast connection for multiplayer gaming or streaming on your Windows PC. PIA is available for Windows 10 and 11, as well as Copilot+.

There’s no shortage of security features with PIA, providing a high level of security for your PC. It includes a Windows-only antivirus, a built-in ad blocker, and MultiHop servers for two layers of encryption. This is on top of essentials including AES encryption, protection from DNS leaks, and a kill switch. PIA doesn’t keep any logs and has 24/7 live chat support. This is a VPN that’s ideal for experienced users thanks to the high level of customization allowed by its apps.

CyberGhost has one of the largest server networks of any VPN. Though it no longer discloses just how many servers it has, this stood at over 11,000. We also know that its network covers 100 countries so you can always find a fast server nearby. CyberGhost uses the WireGuard protocol and offers unlimited bandwidth so speeds are as consistent as they are fast. Thanks to its gaming-optimized servers, CyberGhost is ideal if you’re seeking low latency connections.

Another reason why CyberGhost is a great VPN for PC is its security suite for Windows. This adds antivirus and anti-malware protection on top of the high-end encryption already provided. CyberGhost gives you the option to secure seven devices simultaneously. Connected devices further benefit from an automatic kill switch and DNS leak protection. Uniquely, CyberGhost has a 24-hour free trial for Windows with full access to all features and no credit card required.

IPVanish stands out for its generous North American server count, which makes up 60% of its network. So if you’re in the U.S. or Canada and want a fast local server, or want to watch your usual home streaming services on your Windows PC from abroad, it’s likely a great fit. Better still, speeds are more than fast enough for streaming, even in 4K. With IPVanish, you can find an app that supports Windows 10 and 11, as well as an ARM64 beta for CoPilot+ PCs.

This VPN supports the WireGuard protocol which, aside from being fast, is open source and secure. When you connect to an IPVanish server, your internet traffic is routed through a 256-bit AES encrypted tunnel. Furthermore, IPVanish passed our leak tests with flying colors. IPVanish has introduced several new features of late, including a secure browser, cloud protection, and Threat Protection which safeguards your PC from ads, trackers, and malicious websites.

Disclosure: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, IGN's parent company.

What to Look for in a VPN for Windows PC

It’s hard to find a VPN that doesn’t offer an app for Windows. With this in mind, choosing the best VPN for PC requires taking other factors into account:

• Speed: I carry out speed tests on each VPN’s servers to make sure they’re fast enough for streaming and playing online multiplayer games.
• Security: At a minimum, I’m looking for VPNs that offer a secure VPN protocol, 256-bit AES encryption, and protection from DNS leaks.
• Unblocking: Some VPNs struggle to unblock popular streaming services. I test each VPN against a variety of websites and services before recommending it.
• Servers: Free VPNs only have a handful of servers in one or two locations. The best VPNs for PC have thousands of servers in dozens of countries.
• Privacy: Encryption is little good if your VPN is logging identifying data. By reading the fine print of privacy policies, I can determine how privacy-friendly a VPN really is.
• Support: Although I’ve selected VPNs that provide user-friendly apps, it always helps to have access to live chat and email support, preferably 24/7.
• Extra features: To further separate the many VPNs available, I sought those that provide extras, be it an antivirus, ad blocker, or password manager.

Where things get a little bit trickier is finding VPNs that support older versions of Windows. To receive the latest features and security patches, you’ll ideally want to be on Windows 10 or 11. Some of the VPNs covered in this list even support Windows ARM devices such as Microsoft Surface Pro.