From slim and sleek ultrabooks, to gargantuan RGB-laden gaming battlestations, Windows PCs come in all manner of shapes and sizes. So, too, do even the best VPN options for Windows 10. Whether you're editing a script on a plane or unlocking some slick new skins in CS:Go, a decent virtual private network could very well be on your wish list.
So, what is a VPN? A VPN (or Virtual Private Network) is a tool that shrouds your internet connection in an extra layer of security and privacy. It does this by routing data sent to and from your PC through an extra set of tunnels before it reaches the destination helping to prevent any tracking or intercepting of data, particularly useful if you use public Wi-Fi a lot or deal with sensitive information.
A VPN can also be used for bypassing geographical restrictions on content as you can route your connection via another physical location, allowing you to stream content on your PC that might otherwise not be available in your country. Catching up with the latest content from across the pond on BBC iPlayer, for example, might not be possible in the U.S., due to geo-restrictions.
Using a VPN though, you can trick your PC into thinking it's actually in another location, such as the UK, removing all of those pesky restrictions. It's a grey area and one which we don't condone ourselves, but we're presenting a list of some of the best VPNs around in case it's the sort of information you're after.
How do you pick the best VPN for Windows 10?
Since the vast majority of VPN services work cross-platform these days, the best VPN for Windows 10 is probably just the best VPN period. Of course, you want the Windows app to function, but you'll spend relatively little time in there so the priority really ought to be on the quality of the service.
You probably want your VPN to have a focus on security and privacy since that's one of the main reasons for using one. Fortunately, most do — especially the ones we've listed below — so you know your personal info is being protected. If you're in doubt, it's worth checking to see if the VPN provider you're considering has a clear privacy policy when it comes to any data it keeps about you.
Price is also a key factor. As you might expect, you get what you pay for when it comes to VPNs, though you don't have to spend a fortune to get set up with one. In fact, many reputable options are available for just a few bucks a month. Plus, most offer some form of free trial or money-back guarantee so you can try them out risk-free and see how it works in reality.
We have a full list of picks further down in this guide, but our top three best VPN options right now include ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN.
1. ExpressVPN: The absolute best VPN option for most people
ExpressVPN is our top pick for any Windows user looking to get set up with a VPN. Its balance of speed, reliability, ease-of-use, and customer service make it a great option for most people.
2. Surfshark VPN: The best cheap VPN out there
With Surfshark there is no limit to how many devices you can connect at the same time which is great if you have a ton of tech. It's one of the more affordable options, so give it a shot today!
3. NordVPN: The most well-known VPN for security
You've probably heard of NordVPN. It's been around a long time and has been one of the most popular options for a while, offering a high-quality experience for not a lot of cash.
1. ExpressVPN
The best VPN service for Windows 10 users (and everyone else)
Compatible with: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Xbox | Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon, YouTube | Servers: 3,000+ | Server Locations: 160 in 94 countries | Trial Period: 30 days
Pros
- Servers in 160 locations
- 100 Mbps download speed
- Great customer support
- Useful Windows-specific features
- Netflix unblocking
Cons
- Generally more expensive than competitors
- Limited to five simultaneous connections
ExpressVPN is our number one choice for the best Windows VPN, and with good reason. For starters, it has 160 VPN locations spread across 96 different countries, with excellent server performance across the board, even in faraway locations.
The Windows app itself is nicely polished and rammed with useful features such as server recommendations, different protocols, and kill switch options. Another handy bonus is the ability to control things directly from browser extensions, which further streamlines the experience.
If the server automatically changes, which can often be the case when using a VPN, you'll be none the wiser, as the connection itself won't drop. Throw in strong encryption, security protocols, and no logging of data, connection IPs, and online activities, and you've got one of the best options around, complete with 24/7 live customer support.
ExpressVPN
This is our top pick for anyone looking to get started with a VPN. It offers a great mix of speed, reliability, outstanding customer service, and affordability. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee, so give it a shot today.
From $6.67 per month at ExpressVPN
2. Surfshark
Best Windows 10 VPN for beginners on a budget
Compatible with: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Xbox | Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, BBC iPlayer, Amazon | Servers: 1,700+ | Server Locations: 100+ in 63 countries | Trial Period: 30 days
Pros:
- Over 1,000 servers
- 100% RAM-only servers for extra privacy
- Company based in British Virgin Islands
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Unlimited devices
Cons:
- May be a little basic for experienced users
Surfshark offers incredible value for money, especially if you commit to more than one year of service, which drives the overall cost down significantly. Not only that, but you can use as many gadgets on its service as your hands can handle, thanks to its generous unlimited device policy.
Easy to set up, you'll be browsing the web anonymously in no time, with decent speeds and plenty of security options for peace of mind. That includes a choice of OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Shadowsocks security protocols, private DNS, AES-256 encryption, and a kill switch for those moments when your connection may drop.
It might lack the more complex settings that power users may be after, so if you're an experienced heavy user that likes delving into the tweaking options, you may want to look elsewhere. For most people though, this is an ideal starting service, especially when you take its 30-day money-back guarantee into consideration.
Surfshark VPN
From $2.49 per month at Surfshark
You can connect as many devices as your heart desires at the same time and never worry about any of them being logged. Surfshark also offers a 30-day guarantee that you'll like the product, or it will give you your money back.
2. NordVPN
Best server options of any popular VPN
Compatible with: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux | Streaming services unblocked: Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, iPlayer, Amazon | Servers: 5,400+ | Server Locations: 80+ in 59 countries | Trial Period: 30 days
Pros:
- Nearly 5,500 servers
- 2048-bit encryption
- Multiple plan options
- Fast speeds
Cons:
- Security breach in 2018
- Some UI issues
Widely regarded as one of the best and most recognizable VPNs in the game, NordVPN has won users over with its incredible security options, which include passing your data through two separate VPN servers for a double dose of security.
If that wasn't enough, you also have the option to route traffic over the Tor network, in addition to KEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN, PPTP, and L2TP protocols, along with a kill switch.
While the app's UI can be a little buggy at times, the service is fast and solid, with a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 support if required. The multi-year plan offers the best value for money, if you decide to continue using its services after the initial 30 days, and if you want an extra dose of anonymity and privacy, you have the option to pay via Bitcoin too, which sets it apart from most rivals.
It's also worth noting that back in 2018 one of the company's servers was compromised. After investigating it, and the confirmation from Nord, it was understood that it was a single server with limited information being obtained.
NordVPN
From $3.71 per month at NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the most common and biggest names in the VPN space, and it also happens to be one of the best. It offers amongst the largest number of server options and some high-quality app experiences.
4. IPVanish VPN
Best Windows 10 VPN for feature fiends
Compatible with: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux | Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, YouTube, Hulu | Servers: 1,600+ | Server Locations: 75+ in 50 countries | Trial Period: 30 days
Pros:
- Over 40,000 shared IP addresses
- Great customer support
- Now offers unlimited devices to be connected simultaneously
- Cloud storage option
- Lots of features
Cons:
- Some servers appear to be in different places than what's stated
- May have a learning curve for some
The aptly-named IPVanish has an excellent, polished Windows app that's rammed with settings and features specifically designed for PC users, with basic and advanced settings available for all levels. It's an ideal choice for P2P traffic use cases, which includes torrenting and file sharing services.
From download speed graphs to a Quick Connect menu, a whole host of features are available in an easy to use manner. These are combined with strong speeds and solid security, including a kill switch, 256-bit encryption, a no-log policy, as well as a host of other protocols.
Some of the features may not be on by default which means you may have to dig around and find your feet, but with a little time, power users will soon find their comfort and feel right at home - especially if you take into account the extra languages on offer, which include Spanish, Russian and Hindi.
IPVanish VPN
From $3.33 per month at IPVanish
IPVanish may not have the biggest numbers for stats, but the service that the company offers is reliable and fast. Getting set up takes just minutes, so start today!
5. CyberGhost
Best Windows 10 VPN for flexibility
Compatible with: Mac, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux | Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon, YouTube | Servers: 6,700+ | Server Locations: 111 in 89 countries | Trial Period: 45 days
Pros:
- Over 6,700 servers available
- Based in Romania & Germany
- Automatic server matching for geo-restricted content unblocking
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Lots of tweak options available
Cons:
- Connection speeds are slower than competition
- Support could be better
CyberGhost, like ExpressVPN, is able to quickly and easily connect to different servers, with numerous security protocols on offer alongside 256-AES encryption, a kill switch, ad blocker, and a beefy privacy policy.
The service offered is speedy, thanks to a decent amount of servers around the world, although certain features like the ad blocker can occasionally slow things down a little. The app itself is rammed with features, allowing more comfortable users to tinker away to their hearts' content, although VPN greenhorns should still feel comfortable too.
It doesn't offer a free trial like some of its rivals, but it does serve up a fairly generous 45-day money-back guarantee, giving you ample time to take it for a spin before laying down your hard-earned cash.
If you do go for it, we'd recommend the one-year subscription option, which works out to the cheapest amount per month.
CyberGhost VPN
From $2.25 per month at CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost makes using a VPN easy by helping you choose the best server to use for certain tasks, and it generally offers some of the best pricing around as well.
What about the others?
There are hundreds of VPN providers out there. We do our best to check out all of the most popular options and we will continue to update this list with more providers as they pass our testing. We've rounded up all the best VPN picks, along with the best free VPNs and best cheap VPNs. Not all of those picks have been vetted to work great on Windows 10, which is why you'll want to refer to the list above first before looking elsewhere.
You can also keep an eye out for VPN deals as a way to help save you some money on your new investment.
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