Disclosure: Our team works hard to provide helpful content based on hours of research on the best VPNs. We take pride in maintaining the website to provide a free resource for those who want fast and secured web browsing. To continue providing reviews and articles, we may receive a commission on qualified purchases through links at this website. Rest assured that our potential commission is not increasing your purchase price. Our goal is to help you find the best VPN for your needs. Thank you!
What is a VPN for Windows and How Does it Work?
A VPN for Windows hides your online activity from prying eyes. It adds an extra layer of security by hiding your IP address and encrypting your data. Without a VPN, your internet traffic goes through a gateway provided by your internet service provider (ISP). When you connect to a VPN server, your data goes through an encrypted tunnel that disguises your location and hides your activity.
How Can a VPN for Windows Help Me?
When you go online without a Windows VPN, your location and internet activity are visible to third parties and your ISP. Your ISP may even sell your information to digital marketers and trackers. A top VPN for Windows prevents unwelcome third parties from seeing your location and online activity.
What Should I Keep in Mind When Looking for the Best VPN for Windows?
There are many factors to keep in mind when looking for the best VPN for Windows. Of course, security features such as top-notch encryption and a no-logs policy are essential. Other considerations include server locations, device compatibility, and more. Below we list key features to look for in a top Windows VPN.
Server Selection
Generally, you can’t have too many VPN server locations to choose from. Look for Windows VPNs that offer at least 60 or more server locations. Many of the best VPNs for Windows have servers in 100 or more regions.
A large number of servers lets you bypass congested servers. Most importantly, it can give you access to international content that would otherwise be blocked.
VPN Provider Location
When searching for the best VPN for Windows, the location of the VPN provider is a critical consideration. Avoid brands that are based in a region that requires VPN providers to store information about user online activity. To protect your privacy and security, look for VPN providers that are located in a privacy-friendly region that does not require logs or records of customer data.
Basic Privacy and Security Features
At minimum, a VPN for Windows should come with certain basic features. The following features provide a basic level of privacy protection:
- No-logs policy: the VPN provider does not keep records or store data about customers’ online activity, such as websites visited, location, and brows history.
- AES-256 encryption: considered the industry standard for encryption, this is the same encryption protocol used for government and military security.
- Kill switch: the Windows VPN automatically shuts down internet access if you lose your VPN connection, keeping your data private and secure.
- DNS leak protection: the VPN sends queries through its own DNS servers, protecting your data with another layer of security.
Additional Windows VPN Features
Many Windows VPN brands offer premium features that provide enhanced security. Some of these additional features include:
- Split tunneling: lets you decide which applications go through the VPN and which go through your regular network. For example, you can send web browsing through the Windows VPN and your printer directly to the internet.
- Multihop: also called double VPN or cascading VPN, sends online traffic through multiple VPN networks, enhancing security.
- Ad and malware blockers: further protects your online privacy by blocking ads, malicious websites, and third-party trackers.
- RAM-only servers: a server architecture that does not store data, enhancing the no-logs policy of a VPN for Windows.
Speed
Online privacy protection is extremely important, but you don’t want to sacrifice speed. Using a VPN for Windows can slow your internet speed by as much as 50 percent. The result is sluggish downloading, streaming, and web browsing. However, some fast VPNs for Windows will drop speed by only 20 percent. To get the most out of your Internet experience, look for Windows VPNs that offer high-speed connections.
Compatibility And Number of Devices
Do you and your household plan to use multiple devices with your VPN for Windows? Do some of your devices run on platforms other than Windows? Before you commit to a VPN service, make sure it is compatible with all of your devices and that you can connect all devices with one account.
Most Windows VPNs are also compatible with MacOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. You may have to search a little deeper to find apps that work with platforms such as Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV. Defies capacity varies with each VPN brand. Some providers let you connect 5 devices with one VPN account, while others have a 10-device capacity.
Best Antivirus for Windows 11
When searching for the best antivirus for Windows 11, look for software that provides malware scanning as well as real-time protection that is compatible with Windows 11. Compatibility with Windows 11 is critical in order to protect against the latest threats. The best antivirus software for Windows 11 includes protective features such as monitoring for suspicious links and protection against ransomware. Check our detailed, balanced reviews to help you search for the best antivirus for Windows 11.
Straightforward Interface
A clean, intuitive user interface is a definite plus when looking for the best VPN for Windows. Installation and setup should be quick and straightforward. The power button and server location tool should be easily found by a beginner. The interface should have a simple design that provides a seamless user experience.
Subscription Plans and Payments
Windows VPN subscriptions are typically available on a monthly, 6-month, or annual basis. The longer the subscription plan, the less it will cost per month. For example, a monthly plan can cost up to twice as much per month as an annual plan.
To protect your credit card information at the time of purchase, look for VPN brands that accept multiple payment methods. Examples of alternative payment platforms include PayPal and Bitcoin.
Reliable Customer Support
When you have a question about your VPN for Windows, you want the answer sooner rather than later. Customer service is an important consideration when choosing the best Windows VPN. Some VPN providers offer 24/7 live chat, while others offer email and phone help. Most brands provide FAQ pages and some offer detailed help guides. Look for a Windows VPN that offers reliable customer support that is available when you need it.
How Do I Find the Best VPN for Windows?
Even if you know what to look for in a top Windows VPN, the search takes time and effort. You may be wondering where to start in your search for the right Windows VPN. With a myriad of VPN brands to choose from, we’ll help you get started. Read below to learn tips for find the best VPN for Windows.
Read VPN for Windows Reviews
We understand how overwhelming it can be to research top VPNs for Windows. It can be a time-consuming project, requiring visits to multiple websites of many VPN brands. Our goal is to provide detailed reviews of top Windows VPNs, all on one website. We do the hard part, finding and researching top Windows VPN brands.
At the top of this page, you’ll find top VPNs for Windows. To read one of our reviews, just click the link. Also on this page is our comparison table that shows top VPN for Windows features. Easily compare VPN brands with this table.
Shop Online for Windows VPN
Shopping online can be a real time-saver, and fortunately, Windows VPNs are typically purchased online. As you browse VPN brands in the comfort of home, you can read product descriptions without being bothered or pressured. You don’t have to drive to a store or hurry to choose a VPN for Windows before the store closes.
Look for Guarantees and Free Trials
Many Windows VPN brands offer money-back guarantees, which can give you peace of mind about your purchase. Typically, the guarantee is effective for new users for the first 30 days after purchase. If you are not satisfied with your VPN for Windows, you can receive a refund within that 30-day period.
If you are not sure about purchasing a VPN for Windows, look for brands that offer free trials. The trial period usually lasts 30 to 60 days. Free trials give you a chance to use all of the features of a Windows VPN without having to pay until you’re sure it will work for you.
Best VPN for Windows Reviews
Our reviews offer details about our recommendations for best VPN for Windows 2026. Read our reviews and see how our recommendations have helped 100,000+ people shop for the best Windows VPN. Here are a few of our recommended top VPN for Windows reviews:
Total VPN
Surfshark VPN
NordVPN
