It’s not strange that many PC users seek the best VPN for Windows. This operating system’s versatility attracts millions. However, it’s more vulnerable than macOS, especially because of all the tracking and telemetry in the background. Not to mention that whenever you go online, you’ll encounter a few issues.
Geo-restrictions will prevent you from accessing certain sites. Moreover, your ISP will follow you around, snooping on your traffic and monitoring your online activities. Torrenting, a popular use case for VPNs, is also supported. You don’t want to engage in P2P without additional protection.
When considering gaming, which VPN providers can enhance, you can see why many people look for a reliable VPN app for Windows. If you can’t choose one by yourself, we’ll list six excellent VPNs for Windows computers that we personally tested. These should be your go-to for top-tier privacy, security, speeds, and more.
Best VPN for Windows PC in 2026: Our Detailed List
We’ll start the guide by immediately addressing the subject. Our favorite premium VPNs for Windows in 2026 are the six below. While you can immediately get one, we advise staying and reading our reviews of each for more information.
- NordVPN – The best VPN overall for Windows 10 and 11 🥇
- ExpressVPN – Speedy and easy-to-use 🥈
- Private Internet Access – A Windows VPN with unlimited connections 🥉
- Proton VPN – A powerful Windows VPN with Swiss privacy & security
- Surfshark – One of the cheapest premium VPNs for Windows
- CyberGhost – A P2P and streaming-friendly Windows VPN
1. NordVPN
Pros
- 8,900+ servers worldwide
- Double VPN offers more privacy
- Works with streaming platforms
- Built-in ad blocker and anti-malware
- Audited by multiple cybersecurity firms
- Exceptional gaming performance
- Affordable introductory deals
Cons
- Higher renewal costs
- No anti-malware in the Basic plan
NordVPN is compatible with Windows, offering a modern-looking, feature-rich app. This provider rocks 8,900+ servers in 130 countries, so it’s among the largest VPNs for Windows. Moreover, it’s fast thanks to NordLynx. This protocol, with 10 Gbps servers, has smooth performance for gaming, torrenting, and streaming.
NordVPN works with BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and other streaming services, which Windows VPN users will value. Its Windows-present features are numerous. One is Double VPN, for routing your traffic through two servers for more privacy. Threat Protection Pro, however, blocks ads, trackers, and malware before they get to you.
NordVPN offers two in-house protocols, NordLynx and NordWhisper. The latter is interesting because it fights network filtering, ideal for changing your Netflix region on a censored network. On top of that, the VPN uses post-quantum 256-bit encryption to fully secure your online presence, and a kill switch to prevent leaks.
NordVPN is based in Panama, and as a result, keeps no logs. It’s even been audited multiple times by PwC and Deloitte. All in all, it has no major downsides. We haven’t mentioned all of its features, but you can learn more in our NordVPN analysis. The VPN costs just around $3.30 per month, so it’s also very affordable.
2. ExpressVPN
Pros
- One of the fastest Windows VPNs
- Kill switch prevents data leaks
- It works with Netflix
- Built-in ad blocker
- Audited no-logging policy
- Dedicated IP addresses
Cons
- No Multi-hop VPN servers
- Higher prices after renewal
ExpressVPN is a popular VPN app for Windows. It used to be expensive, but with its revamped prices for 2026, it costs about as much as NordVPN. Simultaneously, it offers over 3,000 servers, some of the fastest speeds, and unlimited bandwidth. ExpressVPN’s Windows app is easy to use.
It offers access to Lightway Turbo, a proprietary protocol built for speed. We discovered that its Advanced Protection works well for blocking ads, trackers, and malicious sites, such as porn sites, for example. Another perk is Network Lock, a reliable kill switch that prevents unwanted data (IP/DNS) leaks.
ExpressVPN is a streaming machine, offering access to 15+ Netflix catalogs. It also works for torrenting on all 3,000+ servers, and thanks to powerful performance, P2P is very fast. As one of the top-rated VPNs for Windows, ExpressVPN has built-in obfuscation in countries with less internet freedom.
Meanwhile, ExpressVPN includes SmartDNS for streaming on all platforms. Privacy-wise, we praise its audited no-log policy, GCM encryption, and RAM servers. With over twenty audits, it’s one of the most trusted VPNs for Windows. Try it risk-free below and get a discount of over 70% to drop the price to about $3.49 per month.
3. Private Internet Access
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Robust worldwide server network
- Optimized for P2P and torrenting
- Port forwarding for faster downloads
- Shadowsocks proxy for obfuscation
Cons
- Not the fastest Windows VPN
- Slightly confusing app layout
One of the most advanced Windows VPNs, Private Internet Access has over 30,000 servers in nearly 100 countries. PIA’s security is one of the best, with advanced features like MultiHop and obfuscation. The Windows VPN app has extras like Shadowsocks, a powerful proxy that deters internet censorship.
Users can also employ SOCKS5 or even use port forwarding to speed up their P2P traffic. Private Internet Access includes MACE, which blocks trackers and ads. Its protocols are fully customizable, so you can pick WireGuard or OpenVPN and adjust theirparameters. We elaborated on that in this PIA test.
While its speed isn’t the best, it’s stable for Full HD streaming and playing fast-paced online shooters. Furthermore, it includes a suite of bonus features, like dedicated IPs, to prevent IP blacklisting and captcha puzzles, and antivirus protection at $1.45 per month, which works on Windows, and offers real-time scanning.
Let’s not forget about its no-logging policy, proven in court, making Private Internet Access one of the most respected VPNs for Windows in 2026. Best of all, it won’t break the bank, and costs about $2.03 per month. A small price to pay for unlimited simultaneous connections and impenetrable privacy and security.
4. Proton VPN
Pros
- Secure Core (Double VPN) servers
- Verified no-logging policy
- Free version with unlimited data
- Tor over VPN connections
- VPN Accelerator for faster connections
Cons
- No P2P in its free plan
- Unimpressive customer support
Proton VPN is among the best VPNs for privacy, based in Switzerland. However, it’s not just about privacy. This is a solid Windows VPN that doesn’t store logs. At the same time, it uses RAM-only servers and includes an in-house DNS. Many praise Proton VPN’s Secure Core servers for better encryption and more privacy.
In addition, there’s NetShield (ad blocker) that also fights trackers and malicious websites. This premium VPN for Windows PCs is reasonably fast thanks to WireGuard, so it’s also used to gamble online, play PC games, and stream on BBC iPlayer and Netflix. Interestingly, it has port forwarding for faster and more reliable torrenting.
While we’re at that, Proton VPN’s Accelerator also greatly influences the connection speed. As a premium Windows VPN, it doesn’t restrict bandwidth. A standout feature is Onion Over VPN support, which makes the VPN ready for Tor and browsing the dark web. However, it’s also one of the rare VPNs with a forever-free plan.
It offers unlimited data, but limits torrenting and server selection. Proton VPN is affordable, with a price of $3.59 per month for the two-year plan. A 30-day money-back guarantee for all plans makes it risk-free. Plus, if you can’t afford it, you can opt for its free Windows VPN app and enjoy it forever without hidden costs.
5. Surfshark
Pros
- Unrestricted simultaneous connections
- Antivirus in the Surfshark One plan
- Periodical IP rotation for anonymity
- The cheapest VPN for Windows
Cons
- Expensive monthly plans
- Rare connection issues
Surfshark does many things right. Its recent updates have made the VPN much faster, and, coupled with 4,200+ servers, vastly more capable. This Windows PC VPN is also streaming-friendly and works with over thirty Netflix catalogs. Surfshark prides itself on offering static and dedicated IP addresses.
You won’t find them in some pricier VPNs for Windows. Advanced features are there, and its MultiHop servers enhance your privacy by encrypting your traffic twice. An IP Rotator tool on Windows also rotates your IP every few minutes to keep you untrackable. If you get the One plan, you also get antivirus software for Windows.
Surfshark’s app for PC also has NoBorders obfuscation to mask your VPN traffic. As the icing on the cake, Surfshark has a verified no-logging policy. On the compatibility front, the VPN allows unlimited simultaneous connections, and you can connect it to a router to protect non-VPN-friendly devices in your household.
Finally, we should clarify that this is the least expensive VPN for Windows, with the price for the Starter plan of $1.99 per month. We advise spending half a dollar more for the One plan with all the handy extras that include antivirus protection. No free plan is available, but the VPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
6. CyberGhost
Pros
- Dedicated streaming & P2P servers
- Smart DNS addresses in many locations
- Fast speeds with WireGuard
- IPv6 leak protection adds more security
Cons
- Seven simultaneous connections
- Slightly confusing Windows VPN app
- No obfuscation
CyberGhost won’t reinvent the wheel, but it offers a few redeeming qualities. Its Windows PC VPN offers dedicated streaming and torrenting servers. They’re not a gimmick and work reliably for watching Netflix and using torrent clients to download files. NoSpy servers, one of CyberGhost’s unique features, are designed for privacy.
CyberGhost owns and operates them without third-party influence. The VPN is fast with WireGuard, but its OpenVPN speeds tend to suffer. Regardless, this VPN remains useful due to its dedicated IPs in 20+ locations and many Smart DNS locations in and outside the USA for effortless streaming.
Our experts recognized CyberGhost’s strong privacy policy. Based in Romania, the VPN’s no-log policy is unquestionable. Being one of the best-rated VPNs for Windows, CyberGhost includes bank-grade encryption and a reliable kill switch, with domain split tunneling, which routes only specific websites through the tunnel.
An ad blocker is there, as well, and users can protect their IPv6 connections from leaks. CyberGhost has 12,000+ servers in 100 countries, so its size is enormous. However, it lacks obfuscation and is limited to seven simultaneous connections. On the other hand, it’s priced moderately and has a 45-day refund policy.
How to Install and Use a VPN on Windows?
Maybe this is your first time reading about VPNs, and you’ve never used one?. In this case, we’ll demonstrate how to install a VPN on Windows. We’ll also explain how to connect to a server and enjoy all the associated benefits.
1. Subscribe to a VPN
The subscription process is the first. Since you know what the best premium VPNs for Windows are, select one. We recommend NordVPN, and we’ll stick with it, but the procedure is identical with every VPN. Click one of the buttons we left, where you can claim exclusive discounts on all six VPNs.
NordVPN has 2-year plans with around 70%+ discounts, so it’s an excellent deal. Claim the discount by providing your email to the VPN, paying for it, and verifying your email afterward. It’s a standard procedure.
2. Install a VPN on Windows
Install the service you subscribed to. Windows VPN setups are the simplest. You go to the provider’s official site, find the Download section, and select the Windows app. Press Download, and the setup file will be on your PC. Open it and follow the steps on the screen to install your Windows VPN.
Once you’re done, open the application and sign in. Use your email and password from Step 1. If you’re using NordVPN, you can sign in with Google, too. This is what NordVPN’s app looks like.
3. Connect to a VPN Server
However, the most important thing is to connect to a server. It’s done in a few clicks – similar to using a VPN on your iPhone. Open the server list, find the country you want, and click it. After a few seconds, NordVPN will connect – this is how it looks:
We connected to an Australian server to show you how it works. The Connected message appears at the top, signifying you’re ready to go online anonymously. Now, it’s up to you how you’ll use some of the best Windows VPNs.
Why Use a VPN on a Windows PC?
As you know, Windows is one of the most capable operating systems. It’s widely used for both business and entertainment. Here’s how a proper Windows VPN application can aid your cause and enhance your online experience.
🔒 Privacy Protection
The obvious benefit of the best VPN for Windows is privacy. Pesky VPNs might store your data and leak your IP, but not our top six options. They’re extremely well-equipped, using strong encryption, leak protection, kill switches, obfuscation, MultiHop routing, RAM servers, a no-log policy, and other essentials.
All these aid privacy preservation and anonymity. ISPs and government bodies are known for tracking your online activities. Well, concealing your IP address with a VPN prevents this because of end-to-end encryption and other security measures. This also prevents data brokers and websites from stealing your data.
Instead of your IP, they’ll associate your online activities with an IP address from the VPN, which, in the end, means nothing because this isn’t your true identity.
🍿 Unlimited Streaming
Windows computers and laptops are frequently used for streaming. But when the geo-block knocks on your door, the only way to fight it is with a VPN. This service lets you access BBC iPlayer, Netflix, ITV, Max, and hundreds of other streaming services. These best VPNs for Windows are known to work with Netflix.
They can unblock many libraries, such as ones from the USA, the UK, Singapore, Canada, and Japan. Such a commodity lets you access any movie or series, no matter your location or device. Just connect to a server and start watching.
🕵️ Anonymous Torrenting
We know Windows users prefer torrenting with a VPN. Without it, you’re left exposed to your ISP and even torrent sites that collect your download history and serve it on a silver platter for the governing body that requests it. That’s not the case when your traffic is encrypted with a powerful VPN for a Windows PC.
Torrent sites and other peers downloading the same torrent will see the IP address of the VPN. Even if downloading a specific file ends up associated with this IP, that’s not your real IP, and you’ll be untouched.
🕹️ DDoS-Free Online Gaming
How about gaming? Our favorite VPNs for Windows provide impeccable DDoS protection and lower your ping that usually appears because of ISP throttling. Connecting to a server lets you enjoy the full speeds and encryption needed to ward off DDoS attacks and annoying slowdowns that often spoil the fun.
🦠 Malware and Virus Protection
While VPNs are not the same as antivirus software, they can and will protect against malware and viruses. At least NordVPN, our #1-rated Windows VPN, and Surfshark. This is welcome because malware can seriously damage your Windows PC and even mine crypto using your precious computing resources.
NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro removes unwanted software to keep your computer running like a well-oiled machine. This feature is also available in Surfshark, which offers a full-fledged antivirus instead. We can also mention PIA and CyberGhost here, and their optional antivirus software for Windows.
The best Windows VPNs can be two-in-one packages for online protection.
Best VPN for Windows: Final Considerations
If you’re a Windows user, you have ample options to pick from. However, if you’re settling only for the best Windows VPNs in 2026, NordVPN and ExpressVPN are our favorites, as they’re compatible with Windows 11 and 10. Above all, their features are superior, with amazing performance and robust security.
We then have PIA and Surfshark VPN as respectable options with unlimited simultaneous connections, RAM-only servers, and outstanding streaming capabilities. Proton VPN and CyberGhost are our last two. CyberGhost is best for streaming and P2P, while Proton VPN’s image is built upon impressive Swiss privacy security.
Your turn. Select the provider and secure your Windows PC with a VPN today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a VPN on Windows 7?
Yes, you can. At the time of writing, pretty much all providers work on Windows 7. NordVPN supports Windows 7, 8, and 8.1. Windows XP users can also enjoy some VPNs through the OpenVPN client, but not through a dedicated VPN client.
Does Windows have a built-in VPN?
No. It only has built-in VPN support, but you still need to subscribe to one to use it. The same goes for macOS and iOS, often confused for having pre-installed VPN services. No OS has a built-in VPN; at least not a high-quality one.
Are Windows VPNs really safe to use?
Yes, they’re safe to use, but it also depends on which provider we’re talking about. Our top six options are the safest options to use in 2026. We can’t guarantee that it’s the same for any provider outside of this list. Before you get one, inform yourself properly and avoid services that store logs or look shady.