12 Best VPN for Windows Users – Fast, Safe & Reliable

VPN for Windows is such a tool that should be utilized by all people who want to secure his/her actions online and preserve his/her privacy in the contemporary world of the Internet. It encrypts your real IP address and covers your information online in a coded tunnel between your computer and a remote server, which keeps off hackers, internet service providers, and advertisers (it can be a real lifesaver when you have to utilize public Wi-Fi or have visited a website that is banned).

No matter what you use your computer to do, whether it is work, streaming, or games, a good Windows VPN will not only help in protecting your personal information but will also open new horizons to the internet, where a user is given the satisfaction of browsing at a safer and free environment with just a few clicks.

What is VPN for Windows?

A Windows VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a security application that achieves a secure and encrypted network between your Windows-based computer and the internet by routing your internet traffic through a remote VPN server.

This tunneling will keep hackers and other third parties from using your information, especially when browsing with the use of public Wi-Fi connections, and it will mask your actual IP address, giving the impression that you are browsing through the VPN server. 

A VPN on Windows allows you to ensure privacy and anonymity of your activities over the internet, as well as gain access to websites and services that are free, and you will be able to keep your sensitive data out of the reach of unauthorized parties.

The encryption of the internet traffic and authentication of your connection with the VPN server is done by the VPN software that is installed in your Windows computer, hence ensuring that no one can intercept the information that you are transmitting online. 

Advantages of using a VPN in Windows.

The primary advantages of the VPN with Windows are:

• Protection against privacy invasion: VPN covers your IP address and directs your web surfing through encrypted tunnels hence the ISPs, hackers, and other third parties cannot monitor your internet usage and web surfing, and keep the secrets of your privacy even in an unsecured or unprotected network.​
• Public Networks Security: A VPN will ensure that your data remains encrypted on the public Wi-Fi (service point, airports) network, such that the sensitive data, including passwords and emails, will not be stolen by any other network users.​
• Geo-restricted Content: Geo-restricted content with VPNs can be circumvented by spoofing the system to another nation where the content or service (streaming sites, websites) can be accessed to access geographic-blocked content and locations.​
• Do not use Data and Bandwidth throttling: ISP is more likely to slow down your internet speed according to your patterns of traffic, particularly streaming or playing games. The traffic is also encrypted by VPN, and that is why the ISPs cannot see and throttle your activity, so you can have a faster and reliable internet connection.​
• Secure Remote Work: VPN allows the remote employees to access the organizational networks and organizational resources in a way that is secure and encrypts the data transfer so that no confidential data is intercepted.​
• Scalable and cost-effective Networks VPNs. Corporations can rely on scalable and cost-effective networks to ensure safe remote access without having to operate large and expensive in-house IT networks by using the VPN service providers.​

List of Top 15 VPN for Windows

1. ExpressVPN

Website: https://www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN is a top VPN provider that enjoys high security, high-speed, and a no-logs policy, hence fits well in privacy on the internet, streaming, video gaming, and circumventing restrictions, among other uses.

It maintains a massive international system of servers in 105 countries and employs an advanced system of encryption and various VPN methods such as its own Lightway protocol, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. The VPN also has RAM-based servers that use obfuscated servers to enable users in highly censored areas to be free to use the internet as they have their data wiped on every reboot.

The other features are an easy-to-use interface, support of many devices, an automatic kill switch, split tunneling, a password manager, parental controls, and 24/7 customer service. ExpressVPN will additionally provide a dedicated router that has an in-built VPN to safeguard an entire home. It is very reliable because of its independent security audit and privacy.

Key Features of ExpressVPN:

• Fast and secure connections through Proprietary Lightway VPN.
• The AES-256 encryption has been supported in open VPN and IKEv2.
• No-logs policy, which is open to an independent audit.
• Every time a server was rebooted, it was wiped down (TrustedServer technology).
• It has over 3,000 servers in 105 countries worldwide.
• Blocked servers to avoid censorship in repressive regions.
• Split tunneling and kill switch assistance.
• ExpressVPN Aircove: Wi-Fi 6 router with an in-built VPN.
• Automatic connections and network-sensitive VPN connections.
• Addon password manager (ExpressVPN Keys)
• Multifunction protection blockers, advertisements, viruses, and erotica.
• The maximum number of simultaneous device connections to a subscription is 8.
• 24-hour customer service through live chat and email.
• Supported by Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and routers.

2. NordVPN

Website: https://nordvpn.com

NordVPN is a top virtual private network (VPN) service that helps users to enjoy privacy via the internet, security, as well as anonymity by encrypting online traffic and hiding the IP address of the user. It has a wide range of over 6,000 RAM-only servers in 60+ countries, operating out of privacy-friendly Panama, with fast and secure connectivity in 60+ countries with minimum loss of speed.

NordVPN has such advanced features as Double VPN, Onion Over VPN to be even more anonymous, mesh networking to connect multiple devices safely, and Threat Protection that also implies ad and Malware blocking.

It gives popular streaming sites the SmartPlay technology and provides apps that are simple to install on various operating systems and devices such as VPN for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. It also adheres to user privacy, which is also supported by its no-logs policy that underwent numerous independent audits.

Key Features of ExpressVPN  NordVPN :

• Encryption AES-256, next generation, and strong security.
• No-logs audited independently.
• Additional security layers: Double VPN (double-hop servers)
• Onion Over VPN in the routing of Tor networks.
• Meshnet to device-to-device secure connections.
• Malware blocker, ad blocker, and phishing protection: Threat Protection Pro.
• Dark Web Monitor to notify users that their credentials have been leaked.
• Automatic kill switch in case of data leakage in case of VPN failure.
• DNS leak protection
• Dedicated IP addresses option.
• Torrenting-optimized specialized P2P servers.
• Split tunneling in Windows, Android, and Android TV.
• NordLynx (WireGuard) and OpenVPN VPN protocols are supported.
• High speed and low ping affectivity.
• SmartPlay Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and other streaming services.
• 12/7 customer care and multi-platform applications.

3. Surfshark

Website: https://surfshark.com

Surfshark is a comprehensive, cheap VPN provider with a solid privacy policy, zero-logs, maximum possible AES-256-bit encryption, and a range of other features that allow providing a better user security and web privacy.

It operates over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries and has limitless parallel connections to devices, split tunneling, as well as special features like Camouflage Mode to be unnoticed using its VPN and MultiHop to have traffic pass through multiple servers to provide a better level of privacy. 

Surfshark supports most operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, routers, and smart TVs, and has a secure protocol, including OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2. It can also be used with ad and tracker blocking via CleanWeb, Kill Switch, GPS spoofing, as well as cookies pop-up blocking, hence suitable for streaming, torrent, and other sophisticated digital privacy functions.​

The key features of Surfshark are:

• In 100 countries, over 3,200 VPN servers.
• Limitless simultaneous relationships of appliances.
• No-log third-party audit policy.
• Bit-secure protocol encryption with the AES-256 (OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2).
• MultiHop (two VPN) is more anonymous.
• Capabilities to cover the use of VPN in Camouflage Mode and NoBorders Mode.
• CleanWeb advert, spam, malware, and phishing protection.
• Kill Switch Kill Kill the internet when the VPN is unsuccessful.
• Split tunneling ( Bypasser ) to block applications/websites using VPN.
• Location spoofing: GPS spoofing.
• Browsers’ pop-up blocker of cookies.
• Torrenting maintenance, such as automatic tunneling to P2P optimized servers.
• The programs can be found on such large platforms as Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, and smart TVs

4. CyberGhost VPN

Website: https://www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost VPN is a convenient and easy-to-use virtual private network system that is characterized by a large network of servers worldwide, privacy-oriented characteristics, and high-level security protocols. It has over 11,500 servers in 100+ countries, with its users enjoying fast and high-quality connections with special servers that are optimized to serve particular purposes of streaming, playing games, and torrenting.

CyberGhost incorporates new protocols such as WireGuard to offer a faster and reliable experience and a more secure and stronger encryption algorithm of AES-256, which will secure user information. It has a no-logs policy, RAM-only servers to guarantee no data retention, inbuilt security measures like a kill switch, and a DNS/IP leak protection feature.

Other functionalities are dedicated IP addresses, split tunneling, intelligent automation rules, block ads, and trackers, as well as 24/7 live chat. CyberGhost also offers a reliable VPN for Windows, based in Romania and enjoys good privacy legislation, which makes it a good choice for security and unhindered access to multimedia.

The key features of Surfshark are:

• Extensive global coverage with over 11,500 servers in over 100 countries.
• Does supports several VPN tunneling protocols, such as WireGuard, which is faster and reliable.
• Military grade protection of data AES-256.
• No-logs and RAM-only server technology that ensures improved privacy.
• Auto kill switch to avoid leakage of data in case of loss of connection.
• DNS and IP leak defense to ensure that your location and identity are not revealed.
• Dedicated servers that are geared towards streaming, torrenting, and gaming.
• Smart Rules in support of VPN behavior automation.
• Premium IP address, used exclusively, and reduced CAPTCHA.
• Split tunneling is supported (primarily on Android).
• Block advertisements, trackers, and malware (option)
• 7 simultaneous device connections on one subscription.
• 24/7 customer service and live chat.
• Money-back guarantee (45 days) on the majority of plans.
• Secure privacy jurisdiction in Romania.

5. Proton VPN

Website: https://protonvpn.com

Proton VPN is a fast, secure, and privacy-oriented VPN service, headquartered in Switzerland, that is meant to ensure the privacy of their online life by hiding their real IP addresses, encrypting their traffic, and offering advanced security features.

It relies on a strict Swiss privacy policy and a no-logs policy, meaning that the activities of the users are not monitored or logged. Proton VPN has fast servers all around the world, which are located in over 13,000 servers in 122 countries.

It has several VPN protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN, and it has a number of features, including a kill switch, Secure Core double VPN, which offers additional security, and an in-built ad and malware blocker known as NetShield. It is also compatible with streaming, torrenting, and may be utilized within the network restrictions with its own Stealth protocol.

The key features of Proton VPN are:

• Audited the no-logs policy and open-source applications independently to aid transparency.
• AES-256 strong encryption and protocols such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, and a proprietary stealth.
• Tier 1 servers provide a type of double VPN routing through privacy-friendly countries.
• Kill switch, constant VPN to avoid leaking of IP during disconnections.
• More than 13,000 high-speed servers in 122 countries are fully encrypted with the disk.
• NetShield Adblocker, which blocks adverts, trackers, and viruses.
• P2P/torrenting and streaming support with support for more than 90 streaming services.
• Split tunneling to direct or tunnel designated applications.
• VPN Accelerator technology is an improvement of 400%.
• Account security by two-factor authentication.
• DNS leak prevention and custom DNS.
• Applications on all major platforms such as Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, with browser extensions.
• Company characteristics such as a central control panel, dedicated servers, single sign-on, and user activity monitoring.
• Headquarters are located in Switzerland, where privacy laws are strict, not subject to US or EU surveillance.

6. Private Internet Access (PIA)

Website:  https://www.privateinternetaccess.com

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a reliable VPN company that has a high emphasis on customer privacy and security. It provides AES-256 encryption to ensure that the internet traffic is not subject to surveillance and attack, and a no-logs policy that has been confirmed by independent audits and real-world litigation.

PIA maintains a huge network that has more than 35,000 servers across 91 countries, including all the states of the United States as well to enable access to content from the comfort of their servers throughout the globe. It also includes such features as DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, ad and malware blocking provided by its MACE feature, and advanced customizable security settings for the tech-savvy consumer.

PIA works with a variety of gadgets and unlimited connections simultaneously, and its programs are completely open-source, which enhances openness and reliability. It also provides a highly secure VPN for Windows and VPN for Android, making it a fairly affordable option for streamers, torrent users, and those who need privacy when using the internet.

The key features of  Private Internet Access (PIA):

• Level 256 encryption using customizable encryption algorithms.
• No-logs policy that is strictly audited on an independent basis.
• The company has over 35,000 servers in 91 countries and all of the US.
• DNS and IPv6 leak protection
• Kill switch to stop IP spillages on the connection drops.
• MACE ad blocker, tracker, and malware blocker to have better privacy and speed.
• An infinite number of simultaneous devices to a subscription.
• Multiple VPN protocols such as WireGuard and OpenVPN are supported.
• Torrenting and application port forwarding.
• Auto-connect and split tunneling capabilities.
• Open-source apps and full transparency/security.
• Dedicated IP address at an additional charge.
• Malware protection add-on in real-time.
• Impression management with major streaming services such as Netflix, Disney, and BBC iPlayer.

7. Windscribe VPN

Website: https://windscribe.com

Windscribe VPN is a well-rounded virtual private network service that has a high privacy and security emphasis and provides an ample free plan and a highly distributed network of servers. It offers more advanced options, such as a customizable advertisement, tracker, and malware blocker application named R.O.B.E.R.T., a firewall option that is similar to a kill switch to avoid data leaks, and also multi-protocol, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, as well as IKEv2. 

Windscribe is compatible with most systems and devices, such as desktop applications, mobile applications, and browser extensions, and it provides other privacy options, such as GPS spoofing and MAC address spoofing.

It has connections in 134 cities in 69 countries, which allows geo-restricted content and a high level of no-identifying-logs privacy policies, which fit the individual and small business users.​

The key features of  Windscribe VPN include:

• R.O.B.E.R.T. domain and ip blocking tool (ads, trackers, malware, gambling, social networks, etc.) can be customized.
• Firewall capability that offers a kill switch that prevents IP leakage.
• Several VPN protocols, such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, are supported.
• Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge Apps and extensions.
• GPS location spoofing (Android) and MAC address spoofing (desktop applications).
• CAPTCHA reduced and reduced block option with the static IP add-on.
• Huge server network of 134 cities in 69 countries, including underserved locations.
• Auto-connect customization and split tunneling.
• Board no-identifying-logs policy.
• Centralized billing and management within a small business is considered in the ScribeForce team.
• The capability to avoid government censorship and the size of the data packets.
• Privacy-oriented Proxy browser extension, such as WebRTC leak and user agent spoofing.

8. TunnelBear VPN 

Website:https://www.tunnelbear.com

TunnelBear is an easy-to-use VPN that is meant to protect your internet usage by encrypting your traffic and suppressing your IP addresses, enabling you to use it privately and avoid geo-blocking content.

It is well known and has a playful interface that uses bear-themed graphics, has a solid AES-256 encryption, a strong no-logs policy, and such options as VigilantBear (a kill switch that halts traffic in case the VPN is not connected) and GhostBear (disguise VPN traffic to avoid being detected), and SplitBear (split tunneling that chooses to route traffic selectively).

It works with a variety of platforms such as Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, and has a free plan with limited data as well as paid subscriptions. A bare user with minimum needs and an overall basic VPN experience would consider using TunnelBear as they offer the bare essential security features and connection to global servers.

Key Features:

• High-level AES-256-bit encryption to secure it.
• No-logs policy that guarantees the privacy protection of its users.
• VigilantBear kill switch blocks the internet in case of a dead VPN connection.
• GhostBear mode to conceal VPN traffic and circumvent censorship or VPN blocking.
• SplitBear split tunneling to pass through certain traffic outside the VPN.
• Friendly user-friendly interface and straightforward choice of location.
• Whenever I want, I can have unlimited simultaneous connections on the same account.
• It has servers that are fast connection connection-oriented in more than 40 countries.
• Provides a free plan that includes 500MB of data per month.
• Supports several protocols such as OpenVPN and IKEv2.
• Frequent transparency security audit.
• An extension of Tracker blocker that can be used in Chrome.

9. Hotspot Shield

website: https://www.hotspotshield.com

Hotspot Shield is a famous VPN network that was developed under the name of Pango (once AnchorFree) that is aimed at providing users with safe and private internet connectivity and encrypts the traffic, and hides their IP addresses. It offers an efficient network of over 1,800 servers all over 80 countries, which enables one to connect fast and effectively to stream, peer-to-peer, or geo-block.

The VPN also uses its Hydra protocol to make it faster and harder to detect, as well as implementing the WireGuard and IKEv2/IPSec protocols to ensure its use on a variety of devices, including VPN for Windows systems. It has powerful encryption of AES-128 and AES-256, a no-logs policy that was recently audited in 2023, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, split tunneling, and malware/anti-phishing protection, which suits users who want to remain secure and fast.

The service has a maximum of 10 simultaneous connections of devices and has specialized servers that are optimized for streaming and gaming. Hotspot Shield is founded on the concept of freemium, where the free version has a limit on the amount of data and advertisements, and the premium version offers all the features of the product, such as a faster internet connection and more servers.

Key Features OF Hotspot Shield:

• Over 1,800 servers in 80+ countries, and it is possible to select the city.
• Proprietary Hydra VPN, a High-speed and traffic-obfuscation VPN protocol.
• Advocates of WireGuard and the IKEv2/IPSec protocols.
• Powerful security AES-128 and AES-256 encryption specifications.
• Audits (no-logs policy audited in 2023). Kill switch to kill the internet in case of VPN disconnection.
• WebRTC leak and DNS leak protection.
• Split tunneling of apps and websites (app tunneling is more reliable)
• Anti-phishing DNS filter and malware detection.
• Servers that are streaming optimized (US, UK, Japan)
• Low-latency gaming servers.
• Multiple devices Maximum of 10 simultaneous connections.
• Automatic connection to insecure Wi-Fi networks and automated VPN connection policies.
• They can take either free or paid plans, and premium plans have more features and come without ads and unlimited bandwidth.

10. Atlas VPN

Website: https://atlasvpn.com

Atlas VPN is a convenient and cheap VPN service with good privacy and security characteristics that can be used by any beginner and average users. It offers high speed and good connection with servers in more than 30 countries and has special server features such as SafeSwap that switches your IP address every time to provide even greater anonymity and MultiHop Plus that passes by even more than one server to add extra security.

The VPN has an encryption that is military grade of AES-256, and it uses OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols. Among the key features are a kill switch where the internet traffic is blocked in case of loss of VPN connection, protection of DNS leaks, no-logs, unlimited simultaneous device connections, and a data breach monitor where a user should have the opportunity to know whether his email is part of the leaks.

Atlas VPN also supports split tunneling where a user should have an opportunity to choose which application or site to use VPN. It also offers a free version and is compatible with such popular platforms as Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and browsers.

Key Features of Atlas VPN:

• Military level encryption AES-256.
• Protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard.
• Kill switch to ensure privacy in case of VPN failure.
• DNS leak protection
• No-logs policy that guarantees the privacy of users.
• Adaptable IP addresses (US, Singapore, Netherlands), Swap servers (safe)
• MultiHop Plus to direct the traffic across multiple servers.
• Email leak alert: Data Breach Monitor.
• Split tunneling,g Selective VPN.
• Limeless multi-connections of devices in paid plans.
• Existing servers in over 30 countries around the world.
• Available on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and browsers.
• Basic use is available as freemium.

11. VyprVPN

Website:https://www.vyprvpn.com/

VyprVPN is a VPN service based on privacy features and located in Switzerland, with a high no-log policy and owns all the servers, which provides high security without any reliance on third parties. It encrypts with strong AES-256-bit encryption and supports such advanced features as the proprietary Chameleon protocol that beats VPN blocking and hides VPN traffic.

VyprVPN offers various VPN protocols, such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPsec, with secure, fast, and reliable connections throughout its network that spans more than 700 servers worldwide in more than 70 countries.

It secures users across various devices, including VPN for Windows, and it has services such as kill switch, DNS and IP leak protection, public Wi-Fi protection, and connection per app split tunneling, which makes it an excellent choice for users concerned with their privacy and those who need to get their way around geographic blocks and restrictions in the shortest time possible without exposing themselves to harm.

Key Features of VyprVPN:

• Independent audit of no-log policy.
• Operates and owns 700+ servers across 70 countries.
• Perfect Forward Secrecy 256-bit AES-256-bit encryption.
• VPN blocking: Proprietary Chameleon protocol to evade.
• Several VPN protocols: IPsec, WireGuard, and OpenVPN.
• Connection drop protection: Kill Switch.
• DNS and IP leak protection
• Automatic Wi-Fi protection in public.
• Connection per app (Split tunneling) feature.
• Supports a maximum of 5 concurrent connections of devices.
• Windows-based, macOS, Android, iOS, router user-friendly apps.
• Specialized Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer streamers.
• Malware blocker feature
• 24/7 customer support service

12. Hide.me VPN

Website: https://hide.me/en/

Hide. Me VPN is a safe VPN network that boasts a considerable emphasis on privacy, security, and performance. It uses AES-256-bit encryption, the maximum standard of encryption offered by governments and financial institutions, which guarantees that the user information and activity are entirely secure and undiscoverable.

The Hide.me service has a firm no-logs policy, which is audited by an independent third party to ensure that there are no user logs stored or shared.It has more than 2,000 servers in 75+ places, major streaming service support, and additional functionality like a kill switch, split tunneling, and StealthGuard to block the internet when the VPN is not connected, as well as a multi-hop VPN connection.

Having the headquarters in Malaysia, an unfriendly nation where a spying partnership is not present, Hide. Me is intended to offer quick, consistent, and anonymized internet service ideal for both casual and professional users.

Key features of Hide.me VPN:

• Strong security of AES-256-bit encryption.
• Independent, strict no-logs policy auditing.
• Servers in 75+ locations around the globe, 2,000+.
• Kill Switch to avoid information leakage during connection drops.
• Split Tunneling to allow apps out of the VPN to be routed.
• VPN Blocker to block the internet when the VPN is offline.
• Supports such popular streaming services as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+.
• All servers have P2P and torrenting.
• Multi-hop VPN increases privacy by means of routing to multiple destinations.
• Connection auto-reconnect and auto server selection.
• Complete IPv6 and DNS leakage.
• Supports a connection of up to 10 devices at a time.

Conclusion

VPN for Windows is a necessary product that offers secure, confidential, and coded internet services and keeps your information safe against hackers and unapproved access. It allows anonymity because it conceals your IP address as well as location, so it helps avoid identity theft and access region-blocked content all over the world.

VPNs are also a source of a secure work experience remotely, where you establish encrypted tunnels to facilitate secure transfers of data between your device and corporate networks.

Although VPNs secure your privacy on the internet as well as overcome the blocking of content, they do not provide full coverage since antivirus software should be used to provide overall security. All in all, VPN on Windows improves web security, privacy, and even freedom, and should be considered worth the addition to any internet user.

FAQs

Q1. What Is A VPN, And How To Use It In Windows?

When your internet traffic is encrypted between your Windows computer and some remote server, and your IP address is unknown, and your data is safe, this is a VPN for Windows (Virtual Private Network). This will render it impossible to track ISPs, hackers, and privacy when one reads or watches geo-restricted material.

Q2. How Do You Install A VPN On A Windows Computer Workstation?

One can configure the VPN in Windows by either using an inbuilt VPN client that can be found in the settings menu and Network and Internet, VPN, or by simply typing in the server information, or by using a third-party VPN client that has been provided by a credible vendor. Both of them assist you in establishing a trustworthy relationship and make it individual.

Q3. Is VPN Use Legal In Windows?

Yes, VPN is not illegal in most countries. However, some of the areas have restrictions. One of them is to act as a responsible user of a VPN on Windows and utilize the services of the providers with no-log policies to be certain that you will not break the right legislature.

Q4. Will VPN Slow Down My Windows Internet?

Since VPNs entail the overhead of encryption, they may reduce the speed slightly, though quality VPNs possess streamlined servers and cutting-edge protocols to counter the impact of speed reduction, enabling the effective streaming, gaming, and browsing of Windows.

Q5. What Is The Security That I Have To Switch On In My Windows VPN?

Turn on certain functions like a kill switch in the case of the leakage of data in the event of the VPN disconnection, employ secure encoding protocol, and split tunneling, which may be taken into account, since it is preferable to transfer only specific applications when the VPN is on, to reach the next level of performance.