9 Best VPN for Windows in 2025,Jul– Free/Paid, Fast & Secure

Are you seeking a secure, encrypted connection for your Windows system? Do you often feel frustrated when your connection drops on a P2P network, or you struggle to access a website due to annoying ads, cookies, or malware threats? You’re definitely not alone in this. There’re a lot who suffer from the same issue.
Many Windows users face these problems daily, be it annoying pop-ups, privacy breaches or sneaky malware trying to infect your system. The Internet is like a jungle out there and without the right protection, your data and privacy are always at risk. That’s where the best VPN for Windows comes in.
In this blog post, we’ve listed the top best VPNs for Windows that are stuffed with the advanced security features like kill switch, obfuscated servers, double encryption and top-class VPN protocols like WireGuard.
With these VPNs, you can browse, stream and torrent without worrying about hackers or trackers lurking in the shadows.
So, if you want to keep your Windows system safe and secure, stick around! We’ve got all the details coming right up!
What is VPN for Windows?
First, let’s understand what a VPN for Windows actually is! It is like a virtual shield that keeps your online activities safe and private. If you’re using a Windows computer, your internet connection can be easily tracked by websites, apps or even hackers.
A VPN hides your real IP address and replaces it with a new one from a different location, keeping your browsing safe and anonymous. It also encrypts the data you send and receive, so that no one can read it, even if they intercept it.
Let’s say you’re connected to public Wi-Fi at a café on your Windows laptop. Without a VPN, anyone on that network (like a hacker) can try to steal your sensitive info, like passwords or credit card details. But if you use a VPN for Windows, it creates a secure tunnel, protecting your data from bad eyes. You can safely browse, shop online, or stream without worrying about cybercriminals.
9 Best VPN For Windows in 2025
Exclusively for our readers wanting to know how to secure their Windows OS system, we’ve put a list of the top 9 best VPN for Windows, below. These VPNs offer advanced security technology, multiple VPN server locations across the globe, obfuscated servers to bypass restrictions, a kill switch mode for emergency protection, a one-click easy-to-use interface and even a malicious ad blocker to keep your browsing safe and smooth.
⏰ TL;DR:
1. ExpessVPN – Overall Best VPN For Windows
2. NordVPN – Best VPN For Windows
3. SurfShark – Affordable VPN For Windows
4. ProtonVPN – Privacy Focused VPN For Windows
5. PrivateInternetAccess – Customizable VPN For Windows
6. CyberGhost – User-Friendly VPN For Windows
7. IPVanish – Fast VPN For Windows
8. Windscribe – Flexible and Free VPN For Windows
9. HotspotShield – Low-Latency VPN For Windows
1. ExpressVPN – Overall Best VPN For Windows
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use VPN for your Windows 11 or 10 device, ExpressVPN is one of the options you can trust.
Let’s say you’re streaming, gaming, working remotely, or just browsing the web, ExpressVPN’s app makes it all simple and secure. Plus, with blazing-fast servers in 105 countries, you’ll never have to worry about slow connections or restricted content.
Wanna know the best part? If you’re not 100% satisfied, you can try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Think of it like a shield for your PC, keeping your data safe, your browsing private, and your online freedom fully unlocked.
Key Feature
- Lightway Protocol for Faster, Safer Connections: ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol is really useful for Windows users. It is lightweight, designed for speed and security without draining your PC’s resources.
- Post-Quantum Encryption for Future-Proof Privacy: This feature will safeguard your data even in a world where quantum computers could potentially crack traditional encryption. This means your sensitive data stays secure today and for years to come.
- Ad, Tracker and Malicious Site Blocker: It shields your internet connection from ads, trackers, and harmful websites. This feature enhances your browsing speed and stops companies from collecting your data for targeted ads.
- 105 Country Network for Global Freedom: Offers one of the widest server networks in the VPN world, with servers in 105 countries. This means you can access your favorite content no matter where you are.
Pricing
- Starting Price: $4.99 per month (2-Year Purchase Plan + 4 Months Free VPN service)
2. NordVPN – Best VPN For Windows
Wanting to enhance your online privacy and security on your Windows PC or laptop? With NordVPN, you can easily change your IP address with just a click, ensuring a safer and more private browsing experience.
Let’s say you’re torrenting, or normally browsing, NordVPN offers one of the fastest VPN applications for Windows, providing easy access to content securely. Setting up NordVPN is really easy, if you’re using Windows 10 or Windows 11.
The app is also fully compatible with ARM-based devices like the Surface Pro, offering native support to ensure smooth performance. If you prefer manual configuration, NordVPN provides detailed guides to help you set up the VPN according to your needs.
Key Feature
- Threat Protection Pro: NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro offers additional layers of security. It blocks malware, malicious ads, websites, and trackers, all without the need for separate antivirus software.
- Secure Streaming: You can enjoy your favorite streaming services without buffering or restrictions. NordVPN’s SmartPlay technology allows you to securely access content from different regions, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted viewing experience.
- Fastest Connection: NordVPN has over 7,800 servers across 118 countries, plus with its NordLynx protocol, to provide some of the fastest VPN connections available.
- Split Tunneling: With this feature, you have the flexibility to choose which apps use the VPN connection and which access the internet directly. It is useful when you want to secure specific activities while maintaining direct access for others.
Pricing
- Starting Price: $3.39 per month (2-Year Purchase Plan + 2 Months Free VPN service)
3. SurfShark – Affordable VPN For Windows
What’s so easy about SurfShark? You can easily download the VPN for your Windows PC, keeping you private, secure, and supercharged while you surf the web.
If you’re on Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, or the latest Windows 11, Surfshark ensures your connection stays fast and smooth while your IP stays hidden and your data remains safe.
Surfshark also supports ARM-based devices like Microsoft Surface Pro and HP Elite Folio, so you can stay protected across all the Windows devices.
Plus, you can even fine-tune your VPN experience with cool features like Bypasser, allowing specific apps to bypass the VPN and Kill Switch, which keeps your data from leaking if the connection drops. Surfshark even offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test it out, risk-free.
Features
- Bypasser for App and Website Control: With this feature, you can exclude specific apps or websites from your VPN connection, so they run through your actual IP address while the rest of your traffic stays secure.
- Kill Switch for Uninterrupted Privacy: Surfshark’s Kill Switch has your back. If your VPN connection ever drops, the Kill Switch automatically cuts off your internet connection, preventing data leaks and keeping your sensitive information safe.
- CleanWeb for Ad-Free Browsing: Say TATA, to annoying ads, trackers, and pop-ups with the CleanWeb feature. Once activated, it blocks unwanted content across the websites you visit, making your browsing experience faster, smoother, and safer.
- MultiHop for Double Encryption: For those who want an extra layer of security, Surfshark offers MultiHop, an advanced feature that routes your internet traffic through two VPN servers instead of one.
Pricing
- Starting Price: $1.99 per month (2-Year Purchase Plan + 3 Months Free VPN service)
4. ProtonVPN – Privacy Focused VPN For Windows
Next in the list, we’ve ProtonVPN, one of the best free VPN options for Windows users, offering a secure and privacy-focused experience.
The free plan allows a single device connection and provides access to servers in five countries, the US, Netherlands, Japan, Romania, and Poland. While users cannot manually select their server location, the application automatically connects to the fastest available server based on the user’s location.
For users seeking enhanced features, Proton VPN’s premium plans offer the ability to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously and access over 12,000 high-speed servers across more than 110 countries. Plus, Proton VPN is an open-source provider, allowing for transparency and community trust in its security practices.
Key Feature
- Secure Core Architecture: This feature routes your internet traffic through multiple servers located in privacy-friendly countries before it reaches its final destination.
- NetShield Ad and Malware Blocker: NetShield enhances browsing by blocking ads, trackers, and malware. By filtering out malicious content at the DNS level, it not only speeds up browsing but also protects devices from potential threats.
- Open-Source Transparency: Proton VPN’s commitment to transparency is proved from the fact that it is an open-source application. By making its code publicly available, it allows for community audits, ensuring that there are no loopholes.
- Strict No-Logs Policy: Operating under Swiss jurisdiction, Proton VPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not track or record user activity.
Pricing
- Starting Price: $4.49 per month (2-Year Purchase Plan)
5. PrivateInternetAccess – Customizable VPN For Windows
Now, with Private Internet Access, also called PIA, you can secure your online experience across Windows 10, Windows 11, and the new Copilot+ devices via ARM64 beta version. Let’s say you’re working on a desktop PC or a laptop, PIA VPN helps you avoid DDoS attacks, reduce latency for seamless gaming and stream or download from anywhere on blazing-fast NextGen 10-Gbps servers.
PIA encrypts your internet traffic, masks your IP address, and helps you bypass ISP snooping and content throttling, keeping your digital life secure, private, and free. From gaming and streaming to simply browsing safely on public Wi-Fi, PIA VPN for Windows ensures you stay protected on any Windows PC.
The app is designed for 64-bit Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems, delivering an easy way to safeguard your data, block ads, and access content without restrictions.
Key Feature
- Automatic Kill Switch: PIA VPN’s Automatic Kill Switch is your ultimate safeguard against accidental data leaks. If your VPN connection drops for any reason, the Kill Switch immediately halts all internet traffic to prevent your real IP or sensitive data from being exposed.
- Proven No-Logs Policy with RAM-Only Servers: PIA operates on RAM-only servers, meaning no data is ever written to a hard disk, leaving zero trails behind. When a server is rebooted, all information is wiped, so there’s no way to access your browsing activity.
- Blazing-Fast Speeds on a Global Network: The NextGen server network is built for speed, equipped with 10-Gbps network cards to deliver ultra-fast connections. Servers in 91 countries and all 50 US states, you can access content worldwide while enjoying stable, high-speed connections.
- Built-In Ads & Malware Blocker: This means ads and malicious scripts never even get the chance to load on your device, keeping your browsing experience clean and your PC safe.
Pricing
- Starting Price: $1.76 per month (3-Year Purchase Plan + 3 Months Free VPN service)
6. CyberGhost – User-Friendly VPN For Windows
What’s so special with CyberGhost VPN for Windows? First off, it is a powerful tool designed to enhance your online experience on both PCs and laptops. Be it streaming, gaming or downloading, it ensures your activities remain private and secure.
By masking your IP address and encrypting your internet connection, CyberGhost VPN provides an added layer of protection against cyber threats and unwanted surveillance. Its user-friendly interface allows for easy setup on Windows 10 and 11, making it accessible even for those new to VPNs.
Beyond basic protection, CyberGhost VPN offers advanced features like a strict No Logs policy, ensuring that your online activities aren’t tracked or recorded. The 45-day money-back guarantee allows you to try the service risk-free, giving you ample time to explore its benefits and decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Key Feature
- Streaming-Optimized Servers: Offers servers specifically optimized for streaming, allowing you to access platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer with minimal buffering and high-speed connections.
- Smart Rules Automation: This feature lets you customize your VPN experience by setting specific behaviors for different scenarios. You can configure the VPN to automatically connect when you launch certain apps or when you join unsecured free Wi-Fi networks.
- Dedicated IP Address: With CyberGhost, you have the option to obtain a dedicated IP address, which is unique to you and doesn’t change over time. This is particularly useful for accessing IP-restricted networks.
- Integrated Antivirus Protection: This feature scans your system in real-time for malware, trojans, spyware, and other cyber threats, offering protection without the need for separate antivirus software.
Pricing
- Starting Price: $2.05 per month (2-Year Purchase Plan + 2 Months Free VPN service)
7. IPVanish – Fast VPN For Windows
Now, we’ve IPVanish that provides a dedicated VPN application compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11, designed to offer users a secure and unrestricted internet experience. With an easy setup process, users can quickly connect to a vast network of over 2,200 servers across 75+ locations worldwide, giving access to global content without any limitations.
The service focuses on user privacy, operating under a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited and verified, ensuring that no user activity or connection data is recorded.
Beyond privacy, IPVanish enhances online security through features like a kill switch, which automatically disconnects the internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing data leaks. The application also includes DNS and IPv6 leak protection, ensuring that user data remains encrypted and private.
Key Feature
- Verified No-Logs Policy: Operates under a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not record any user activity or connection data. This guarantee to privacy has been independently audited and verified, ensuring that users’ online activities remain confidential.
- Advanced Security Protocols: The VPN supports multiple security protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec, providing users with options tailored to their specific needs.
- Threat Protection Suite: It includes a Threat Protection feature that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites. This enhances the browsing experience by reducing interruptions and protecting users from potential online threats.
- Unlimited Simultaneous Connections: Allows users to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously under a single subscription. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with multiple devices, ensuring 100% protection across all platforms.
Pricing
- Starting Price: $2.19 per month (2-Year Purchase Plan)
8. Windscribe – Flexible and Free VPN For Windows
As far as strong security features and user-friendly interface is concerned, Windscribe is the best VPN provider that employs industry-standard AES-256 encryption and supports multiple VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard, ensuring secure and flexible connections.
Windscribe’s commitment to user privacy is shown in its strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not store any identifying information about user activity. Plus, Windscribe offers a free plan with 10GB of monthly data, allowing users to experience its features without a subscription.
A nice feature of Windscribe is its customizable content blocker, R.O.B.E.R.T., which allows users to block ads, trackers, malware, and specific website categories at the DNS level. This not only enhances browsing speed but also provides an added layer of security.
Key Feature
- R.O.B.E.R.T. (Remote Omnidirectional Badware Eliminating Robotic Tool): It is Windscribe’s customizable DNS-level content blocker. It allows users to block various categories such as ads, trackers, malware, social media, gambling, and adult content.
- Firewall (Advanced Kill Switch): This firewall feature acts as an advanced kill switch, preventing any internet connectivity outside the VPN tunnel. It proactively blocks all non-VPN traffic, eliminating potential data leaks and ensuring user anonymity.
- Split Tunneling: Allows users to select which applications or IP addresses use the VPN tunnel and which access the internet directly.
- Proxy Gateway: The Proxy Gateway feature enables users to create a secure HTTP or SOCKS5 proxy server on their computer. This allows devices that do not support VPNs, such as certain smart TVs, to route their traffic through the secure Windscribe tunnel.
Pricing
- Starting Price: $5.75 per month (1-Year Purchase Plan)
9. HotspotShield – Low-Latency VPN For Windows
And lastly, now we’ve the best VPN for Windows, HotspotShield that helps you privately access all your favorite content. With Hotspot Shield, you can browse the internet with complete freedom, if you’re, shopping, or just catching up on your favorite websites.
Made for Windows PCs, Hotspot Shield ensures your connection stays safe from hackers and harmful websites, giving you the power to unlock a truly open web without any limitations.
With 1800+ servers in 80+ countries, you can access global content anytime, anywhere. Plus, it uses top-quality military-grade encryption and the patented Hydra protocol, ensuring your data stays safe and private. If you’re streaming high-definition videos or working remotely, Hotspot Shield provides unlimited bandwidth, 24/7 live tech support, and a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Key Feature
- Military-Grade Encryption with Malware Protection: Offers military-grade encryption to protect your sensitive data, ensuring that your online activity is completely secure. Beyond just privacy, it blocks over 57 million malware and phishing sites every day, keeping your PC safe from harmful attacks.
- Global Internet Access Across 80+ Countries: Provides an expansive global network with 1800+ servers in 80+ countries and 35+ cities around the world. This means you can access your favorite content, streaming services and websites from virtually anywhere.
- Patented Hydra Protocol for Maximum Speed & Security: The self-owned, Hydra protocol is what makes it better than other VPNs. This patented technology is verified by experts as the fastest and most secure VPN protocol available, ensuring lightning-fast speeds without compromising on your security.
- Unlimited Bandwidth with 24/7 Support: Offers unlimited bandwidth, so you can stream, download, and browse as much as you want without worrying about hitting a data cap.
Pricing
- Starting Price: $7.99 per month (1-Year Purchase Plan)
Best Free VPNs for Windows
See! It is true that many people new to VPNs feel hesitant to invest in a paid plan before they understand how a VPN works. For all the newbies out there, we’ve handpicked the top 3 free VPNs for Windows that ask for zero money during subscription, so you can try them risk-free!
- ProtonVPN: A lifetime free VPN where you can connect only one device and access 5 VPN servers. It’s perfect for basic browsing needs, but speeds and server options are limited.
- Surfshark VPN: It offers a 7-day free trial that lets you experience premium features like unlimited devices, blazing-fast speeds, and full access to all servers worldwide.
- NordVPN: Also provides a 7-day free trial, giving you a chance to explore its powerful security features, like Double VPN and Threat Protection.
What VPN features should Windows users look for?
As a Windows user, you’re probably curious to secure your digital footprints online. The internet can be a risky place with trackers, hackers, and geo-restrictions wandering everywhere. That’s why a VPN is your best bet. But with so many options out there, all claiming to be the best, how do you choose the right one? To help you out, here are the top 5 must-have features every Windows user should look for in a VPN:
Strong Encryption
Look for VPNs that use AES-256-bit encryption, the same level used by governments and banks. This ensures your data is fully unreadable by anyone who tries to intercept it.
Kill Switch
A kill switch cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops unexpectedly, so your real IP and data never leak. It’s a must-have for privacy-conscious users.
Obfuscated Servers
These servers hide the fact that you’re using a VPN, helping you bypass censorship and VPN blocks (especially in restrictive regions like China or UAE).
No-Logs Policy
A good VPN should have a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t record your browsing history, IP address, or personal data. This keeps your online activity 100% private.
User-Friendly Interface
Not everyone is a tech expert! A VPN should have a simple interface, ideally, a one-click connect button, clear server lists, and easy-to-understand settings, so anyone can use it without a learning curve.
How to Set Up a VPN on Windows?
There are a lot of you who might be wanting to know how to set up a VPN for Windows. There’re beginners out there who might be looking for a basic guide on how to set up a VPN. Here, we’ve mentioned a proper guide on how you can install a VPN on your Windows device. Please make sure to check out the screenshots!
- Choose the correct VPN provider! Here, we’ve chosen NordVPN. Why? NordVPN offers great security features like MeshNet, Threat Protection Pro, DarkWeb Monitor, multiple VPN server locations (with one in Germany), kill switch, RAM-only servers, IP masking, No log policy and also money back guarantee as well.
- As you choose the right VPN for your online safe shopping or browsing >> Go to the official website of the VPN provider >> Click the Pricing tab provided in the top menu bar.
- As you do so >> You get to see 3 VPN plans >> Pick any one out of them as per your requirements and budget >> Press the Get Basic tab to carry on with the payment option.
- You’re directed to the NordVPN checkout page >> Add your email address (that’s the only information taken from you — good for your privacy) >> Enter a code if any >> Select the BitCoin payment >> And then, Press the Buy / Purchase option to do the payment.
- On making the payment successfully >> Please, use your login credentials to sign in your NordVPN dashboard >> Go to NordVPN services >> Press the Download NordVPN option to get the app on your desktop.
- Install the app >> First you get a pop up to set your VPN up >> Set the Auto-Connect option, Enable Kill Switch to cut off the internet once VPN goes down >> And also enable the Threat Protection Pro >> On finishing the configurations, please Press the Finish button to proceed.
- Now, Finally get to access the main UI of the NordVPN app >> You can choose the setting option from the side panel in order to make necessary changes.
Isn’t it so easy? We’ve taken you to an amazing tour of NordVPN dashboard and have even told you about its basic procedure and how you can do the settings. Please take a visual to get a proper idea about the UI of NordVPN.
How We Test and Pick the Best VPNs for Windows in 2025?
The VPN providers we’ve listed in this blog are fully tested and reviewed by our team, so you can trust them to protect your Windows system. Wondering how we choose the best ones? Here are the top 4 tests we use to check a VPN’s performance and reliability:
Speed Test
We measure how much a VPN affects internet speed. A good VPN should offer minimal speed drops even when connected to distant servers.
Security Audit
We test if the VPN has strong encryption, a working kill switch, and whether it leaks any DNS or IP information. Only VPNs that pass these checks make our list.
Streaming & Geo-Unblocking Test
We try accessing global content like US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu to see if the VPN can bypass geo-blocks without issues.
Ease of Use
We check the VPN’s user interface and customer support. A VPN must be simple enough for beginners yet powerful for advanced users.
By following these criteria, we ensure that only the best VPNs for Windows keep you safe, secure, and streaming freely!
FAQ’s
Why should I use a VPN on my Windows PC?
Using a VPN on your Windows PC is really important for maintaining your online privacy and security. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it unreadable to hackers, advertisers and even your internet service provider.
Are VPNs compatible with Windows 11 and ARM devices?
Yes, most modern VPNs are compatible with Windows 11 and ARM devices. Best VPN providers have updated their apps to support the latest Windows versions and ARM architecture, ensuring smooth performance across a wide range of devices, including laptops, tablets and hybrid devices running Windows 11 on ARM processors.
Will a VPN slow down my Windows PC’s internet speed?
Yes! Using a VPN can slightly reduce your internet speed due to encryption and rerouting of your traffic. However, most high-quality VPNs minimize this impact by using optimized servers and protocols.
Which VPNs are best for streaming on Windows?
For seamless streaming on Windows, it’s best to choose a VPN that offers optimized servers for popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. VPNs like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark are well-known for their streaming capabilities, offering fast speeds, stable connections, and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions without buffering.
Can I use a free VPN on Windows?
Yes! You can use a free VPN on Windows, but there are some limitations and risks involved. Free VPNs often come with restricted bandwidth, slower speeds, and limited server locations, which can impact your browsing and streaming experience.
How do I set up a VPN on my Windows PC?
Setting up a VPN on your Windows PC is simple. Most VPN providers offer easy-to-use apps that you can download and install directly from their websites. Once installed, you just need to sign in >> Select a server location >> Click “Connect.” >> Windows also has a built-in VPN feature that allows you to manually configure a VPN connection using the details provided by your VPN service.
Are VPNs safe for Windows users?
Yes! VPNs are generally safe for Windows users, provided you choose a reputable service with a strict no-logs policy, strong encryption standards, and a solid reputation in the industry.
Conclusion
The security of your digital identity is as important as protecting your soul from black magic. Every click, every website you visit, every file you download, these are all windows into your personal life that bad people are waiting to exploit.
What a VPN for Windows does is reroute your connection through an encrypted tunnel, masking your real IP address and shielding your data from prying eyes. In this article, we’ve given you plenty of options to choose from, each VPN offering unique features that fits different needs. Before making a decision, take your budget into account and make the most of free trials to test the waters.
Investing in a reliable VPN is not just a good idea, it’s a necessity for keeping your Windows system safe from cyber threats. Stay secure, stay private, and choose wisely.
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