Microsoft Edge has come a long way from the now-discontinued Internet Explorer. It’s sleeker, faster, and packed with features that make browsing more secure. However, it’s still not immune to security and privacy risks. This is where a solid VPN for Microsoft Edge comes in.
When you connect to a VPN server, it reroutes your internet traffic through a secure tunnel and masks your IP address. As a result, your browsing becomes more private, and your data is shielded from prying eyes. Additionally, you can access more geo-restricted websites and online services than you normally could using Edge.
That said, VPNs are not all created equal, and not all of them support the browser. In this article, we’ll provide a shortlist of the best Microsoft Edge VPNs to help you choose the right option.
Best Edge VPNs in 2026 – shortlist
9200 servers
167 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
10 simultaneous connections
9.4 /10
3000 servers
105 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
10 simultaneous connections
9.1 /10
27000 servers
91 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
Unlimited connections
9 /10
17500 servers
127 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
10 simultaneous connections
8.8 /10
4500 servers
100 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
Unlimited connections
8.7 /10
Why Use a VPN for Microsoft Edge?
Microsoft Edge is a massive improvement on its predecessor, especially when it comes to security and privacy. Case in point: Microsoft rolled out an in-built VPN for the browser in 2022 called the Edge Secure Network.
However, like all other free VPNs, this one is bogged down by limitations. While it masks your traffic within the browser and prevents tracking, it collects more logs than we’re comfortable with — and retains them for up to 25 hours. Cloudflare powers the VPN, so there’s a chance that Microsoft shares at least some of those logs with the provider.
There are several other practical drawbacks to consider. For example, you cannot choose your preferred location as you can on a regular premium VPN. It’s also practically ineffective against tough geo-blocks on services like Netflix. What’s more, you only receive 5 GB of data monthly, which is okay for light browsing but nothing more bandwidth-intensive, like streaming or online gaming.
So, how does a solid VPN for Microsoft Edge address those gaps? Simply put, it solves all those issues. The VPNs we’ll discuss shortly all come with extensive server pools that allow location flexibility. They’re also excellent tools for bypassing geo-restrictions and offer unlimited services. Even more importantly, they’re serious about privacy, so there’s no intrusive logging to worry about.
Best VPN for Microsoft Edge: Our Detailed List
We thoroughly evaluated 40+ VPN providers across various factors to curate the best Edge VPNs of 2026. The deep dive included everything from server coverage to speed and compatibility. More on that later.
Below are the reviews of the VPNs that performed best in our tests:
1. NordVPN
Pros
- Extensive server network
- Comes with an Edge VPN browser extension
- Blazing-fast speeds
- Multiple third-party audits
- Best option for everything streaming-related
- Strong security features
Cons
- Expensive renewal prices
- Rare connection issues
NordVPN is our favorite VPN for Microsoft Edge in 2026, and also a great VPN to use on Windows. It’s an industry juggernaut with the perfect blend of performance and functionality that can elevate and secure your browsing experience.
The provider has an extension for Edge, but as with most others, it functions as a proxy, not a full-fledged VPN. That means the extension doesn’t offer comprehesive encryption but will still change your IP address for extra privacy and unrestricted access. Still, we like it because it includes features like split tunneling for controlling your browsing and Threat Protection, which keeps malicious websites and intrusive ads at bay.
Proxy aside, NordVPN’s standalone app for your device provides a fuller experience. For one, you can choose from an extensive collection comprising over 7,100 servers covering 118 countries. Those servers are all built to handle high-speed connections and deliver impressively, even across long distances.
What’s more, NordVPN’s exceptional unblocking capabilities allow for unrestricted browsing, but it’s also the top choice for bypassing geo-restrictions on streaming libraries and content. During our tests, the provider easily unlocked popular services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu the first time we tried.
As for privacy and security, you get military-grade AES-256 encryption to safeguard your traffic and data. NordVPN’s brimming arsenal also includes industry-standard and advanced tools like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a more advanced version of the Edge extension’s Threat Protection, called Threat Protection Pro. The upgrade includes things like real-time malware and phishing protection.
NordVPN has native apps for all the platforms Microsoft Edge is available on, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It allows up to ten simultaneous connections under a subscription, but router support means you can extend that to all your local devices.
Finally, NordVPN is available starting at approximately $3 per month and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee with every plan, giving you plenty of time to try it for yourself.
2. ExpressVPN
Pros
- Many independent audits
- User-friendly and intuitive apps
- Fast connection speeds
- Great with unblocking
- Lightweight apps
Cons
- Pricing could be cheaper
- No dedicated Edge extension
ExpressVPN is the top alternative to NordVPN and another excellent VPN for protecting your browsing on Microsoft Edge. However, it’s worth noting that it does not offer an Edge browser extension.
While that seems like a downside, it can actually work in your favor. The standalone app provides complete encryption for all your internet traffic, not just your browser activity. This means everything from your downloads to your streaming apps is protected, not just what happens in Microsoft Edge. But what if you really want a dedicated browser extension for some reason? The VPN has one for Chrome, so you can switch to that browser.
ExpressVPN’s apps are incredibly lightweight and user-friendly, so they won’t bog down your device. That also makes launching, navigating, and activating the VPN before you begin a browsing session a breeze.
As for performance, ExpressVPN is up there with the fastest VPNs on the block. Thanks to 10 Gbps servers (over 3,000 across 105 countries) and a speedy custom protocol, you can browse and stream without annoying lags or buffering. Speaking of which, the provider’s exceptional unblocking prowess means it’s an excellent tool for gaining access to geo-restricted online content and resources.
ExpressVPN passed its first independent audit in 2019 with flying colors. Since then, it has undergone more audits than any other VPN, indicating a strong commitment to keeping your activities and data safe and secure. You’re shielded by AES 256-bit encryption while browsing, alongside a kill switch, IPv6 leak protection, and loads of other features.
The provider’s eight-device connection limit is relatively stingy, but then again, it’s arguably the best VPN for routers, so you can always extend it. Like NordVPN, ExpressVPN has a 30-day refund window that allows you to test it risk-free.
3. Private Internet Access
Pros
- Vast network of servers
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Strict no-logs policy
- Lots of security features
Cons
- No dedicated Edge extension
- Based in a 5 Eyes member country
Private Internet Access gives you an unrivaled range of location spoofing thanks to its extensive collection of servers — the largest in the industry — spanning 91 countries. That excellent coverage is especially handy when you need a US IP address, as the VPN has servers in every American state.
PIA has been steadily upping its game when it comes to providing unfettered access to websites and online content. For example, it unblocked more streaming libraries and services during our latest tests than before. There are dedicated streaming servers to choose from, and we found them to be pretty effective for unlocking platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
Having a ton of servers doesn’t always translate to blazing-fast speeds, but PIA doesn’t disappoint here. Its high-bandwidth servers deliver smooth connections and bufferless streaming, even in 4K quality.
Your PIA package comes loaded with lots of security and privacy features. Among these, we especially like its MACE tool, which combines an ad blocker, tracker blocker, and malware protection to safeguard your browsing. Plus, while the provider offers AES-128 encryption out of the box, you can upgrade that to AES 256-bit if you’re willing to sacrifice a bit of performance.
You really can’t overlook the value PIA brings to the table. Not only is it the best budget-friendly VPN for Microsoft Edge, but it also allows unlimited device connections. Plus, whatever your preferred plan, a 30-day money-back guarantee comes attached.
4. Proton VPN
Pros
- Loads of security features
- Has an Edge extension
- Fast connection speeds
- Open-source apps
Cons
- Not the cheapest
- Apps may be confusing to newbies
With Proton VPN, we’re back to VPNs with a dedicated Edge proxy, or browser extension. The extension is available to all users with a Proton VPN subscription, including free users. Speaking of which, the VPN has arguably the best free VPN provider you can hop on.
Anyway, Proton VPN doesn’t skimp on features for its browser proxy. Within Edge, you can connect to the VPN’s full range of servers across 113 countries and encrypt your browsing sessions with HTTPS. It also helps you to hide your history from your ISP and bypass censorship.
However, the VPN’s full apps are a different beast. Proton VPN covers your entire device, not just your browser, so all your internet traffic benefits from its impressive advanced privacy features. The app includes Secure Core, which routes your traffic through multiple servers for extra protection, and NetShield, a powerful ad, tracker, and malware blocker.
Proton VPN’s dedication to preventing tracking puts Microsoft Edge to shame. It doesn’t even track your activity on its apps and websites, which, unfortunately, is a common enough practice by VPNs. Plus, all Proton VPN apps are open-source, so you can check under the hood yourself if you know how.
The VPN also helps you get around ISP throttling and is fast enough for smooth browsing experiences. It has also consistently proven it can reach searing speeds, which translates to comfortable streaming, even in 4K. As for unblocking, it swept through all the streaming services we threw at it, so you’ll have no issues there.
Proton VPN allows up to ten simultaneous connections under your subscription. Keep in mind that using the Microsoft Edge VPN extension counts towards that limit. If you’re not impressed with the service within 30 days of purchasing a plan, you can request a full refund.
5. Surfshark
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Cheap long-term plans
- Multiple security audits
- Edge extension included
Cons
- Based in a 9 Eyes member country
- Occasional launch issues
- Costly monthly plan
The highly versatile Surfshark lands high up in our rankings of the best budget VPN services. And, just like the other affordable entry on this list, PIA, it allows unlimited simultaneous connections, spelling excellent bang for your buck.
Surfshark also comes with a browser extension supported by Microsoft Edge. As usual, it provides proxy functionality within your browser, masking your IP address and encrypting traffic.
But we especially love how the Edge extension isn’t just a threadbare shell. The VPN includes many of its features (it has loads of them), including Alternative ID, data breach alerts, and malware and phishing protection. You also get the full array of the provider’s network and can even favorite your preferred locations for a later session.
Surfshark boasts an impressive network of 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. They’re fine-tuned to beat network restrictions, which explains why Surfshark is one of our favorite VPNs for travel. Test after test, the VPN continues to handle streaming services like a charm — even the formidable ones like Netflix and Hulu. On top of that, it’s mighty fast. Geographically closer generally means faster speeds, but Surfshark impresses even across long distances.
If you’re concerned about privacy, you’re in safe hands. Surfshark has an excellent track record in this area and doesn’t store logs — a guarantee supported by its multiple third-party audits. Speaking of guarantees, the VPN offers you one for the first 30 days after signing up. Don’t like what you see? You receive your money back.
Essential Factors for Ranking the Best VPNs for Microsoft Edge
Now, we didn’t just throw darts at a list of VPN providers to compile this list. Instead, we meticulously evaluated each VPN based on key factors needed for a seamless and secure Edge experience.
In our deep dive into the best VPNs for Chrome, we only included VPNs with dedicated browser extensions. However, we couldn’t be quite as strict here, as that would mean ignoring some highly-rated VPNs.
So, here’s what we looked at:
- Server Network: You need a robust server network to access geo-restricted content and minimize lag. So, we looked into relevant factors like the number of servers, their global distribution, and the overall stability of the network.
- Speed and Performance: We ran rigorous speed tests on each VPN to determine their impact on download and upload speeds. We also assessed their latency and jitter to ensure smooth browsing and streaming experiences.
- Security and Privacy: The ultimate non-negotiable. We prioritized VPNs with strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and security features like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and malware protection. However, every Edge VPN on this list has many other advanced features.
- Unblocking: Users are increasingly checking for Microsoft Edge VPNs to help them bypass network restrictions and geo-blocking. That’s why we tested each VPN’s ability to bypass geo-restrictions on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
- Ease of Use: Not to be underrated, especially for VPN newbies. We evaluated the user-friendliness of each VPN’s apps and browser extensions, looking into factors like installation and overall user experience.
- Device and Connection Limits: With Edge available across various platforms, we considered how many devices each VPN allows you to connect simultaneously. Providers with unlimited connections earned extra points, but we made sure every entry is above the industry average.
- Pricing and Value: A good VPN must deliver good bang for your buck, not just cheap prices. We analyzed each provider’s pricing plans, free trials, and money-back guarantees and then aligned them with their features and performance.
Should You Use a Free VPN With Microsoft Edge?
The short answer is no—you probably shouldn’t. Just like you shouldn’t use a free VPN on Windows or macOS.
Here’s the deal: most free VPNs have limited server options, slow speeds, and weak unblocking capabilities, which make them less effective for activities like streaming or gaming.
They might even track your browsing activity and sell that data to third parties, all while promising to keep you safe. Not exactly the kind of protection you want when browsing on Edge.
Besides, as mentioned earlier, the browser has its own free VPN anyway. Keeping with the theme, while you get basic protection, it’s far from ideal, especially considering that 5 GB data allowance. Given everything, a premium provider is well worth the investment.
Final Thoughts
While the Edge browser has several tools to fortify your privacy while browsing, it pales in comparison to a solid, premium VPN. So, we did some digging and curated a list of the top options to make your choice easier. Ultimately, the best VPN for Microsoft Edge for you comes down to what you need most: privacy, speed, flexibility, unlocking, or reliability.
A quality choice checks all those boxes, and in this case, we recommend NordVPN. Take advantage of an exclusive discount on its plans below. You’ll also receive a 30-day money-back guarantee, which means ample time to decide whether it fits your requirements.