When we think about online security and web privacy, the first thing we think of is our trusty home desktop. Whether it be a lightweight laptop or a heavy-duty gaming tower, you need the protection of one of the best VPNs. Virtual Private Networks today all tend to target Windows 10 or above, so as long as your PC runs on the Windows 10 operating system or better, you're on for a winner. Choose from the best VPNs for Windows PC today.
All VPNs have their own distinct strengths and weaknesses, for PCs, this is still the case. Your choice of VPN for Windows PC really just boils down to your personal online activity on this device. If you use your PC for online banking, you'll certainly want to prioritise security and reliability. If you can't get enough Netflix, you'll benefit from a provider with top speeds.
Almost all desktops come pre-installed with the best virus and firmware protection, if they don't, it's always the first priority. You should view VPNs in the exact same light. You're at just as much risk of falling victim to a privacy or data breach as you are of picking up a nasty virus. If you're going to have one, you might as well have both.
The best VPN for Windows PC at a glance:
• The best VPN for Windows 10 for PC: ExpressVPN - View on ExpressVPN
• The most secure VPNs for Windows PC: NordVPN - View on NordVPN
• The best VPNs for Windows PC for streaming: ProtonVPN - View on ProtonVPN
From streaming and gaming to online banking and working from home, we've put together a comprehensive ranking of the very best VPNs for Windows PC. Read on and find the right Virtual Private Network for you and your device.
Please note: All prices are correct at time of writing. VPN deals and savings are subject to change at short notice.
1.
ExpressVPN
The best VPN for Windows 10 for PC
go.expressvpn.com
Description
If your PC is the hub of your online activity, there's no better VPN to watch out for than ExpressVPN. For an unencumbered, easy-to-use Virtual Private Network experience, Express hits every note on Windows 10 and above.
You want a VPN that compliments your PC that runs alongside it, not one that feels like a hindrance. With Express, you'll get fast, reliable speeds. That's not the only thing reliable though, security is powerful, and millions of users around the world gladly put their PCs in the safe hands of ExpressVPN.
While some VPN veterans might be left asking for more customisation of features, you cannot deny the effectiveness of what Express offers at base value. Network Lock is ExpressVPN's version of a kill switch, and it's a sharpshooter at that.
Pros
- Easy-to-use Windows app
- Great speeds and security
- Network lock (Express' kill switch)
Cons
- Could be more customisable
2.
NordVPN
The most secure VPN for Windows 10 for PC
nordvpn.com
Description
Security, security, and more security. NordVPN is the bodyguard for your PC. It's hands down the most secure VPN for Windows 10 and PCs on the market. Let's start with the double data encryption that Nord have become renowned for. Running two powerful encryptions – Nordlynx and WireGuard – you get a privacy guarantee that's backed up.
Surely you can't have a VPN that's this secure and fast too. Wrong. Users have recorded exemplary speeds across all operating systems, including PCs running Windows 10 and above. For PCs, many users have also found the app to be the most user-friendly out of all operating systems.
Sadly, PC users draw the short straw in some small ways with Nord. There's no free trial on Windows, so you'll have to make do with the 30-day money-back guarantee. There's also no dedicated router app as of yet, which does put Nord behind its fiercest competition - ExpressVPN.
Pros
- Max security
- Solid performance
- User-friendly
Cons
- No Windows free trial
- No dedicated router app
The best VPN for Windows 10 for PC features
www.privateinternetaccess.com
Description
Still a relatively dark horse within the world of Virtual Private Networks, PIA lands on this ranking with a point to prove. For a pretty affordable pricing plan, you get a VPN that's absolutely packed full of features, features that are almost all fully customisable. Private Internet Access is among the VPNs for Windows PC that you can accurately tune to your online preferences.
Speaking of features, you get the regular suspects on Windows, like a solid kill switch, split tunnelling, and responsive 24/7 live support for if you ever get stuck. PIA's vast offering of features will no doubt take some getting used to for anyone, so we wouldn't if VPN beginners find some difficulty navigating the app.
You might have heard of PIA for its wide coverage of over 35,000 servers worldwide. This poses a fruitful opportunity for anyone wanting plenty of server options and unblocking possibilities.
Pros
- More affordable provider
- Feature packed
- Huge server list
Cons
- Complex interface for beginners
4.
ProtonVPN
The best Windows 10 VPN on PC for streaming
protonvpn.com
Description
Narrowly besting PIA, ProtonVPN comes in hot as the best VPNs for Windows PC for streaming purposes. It was a close call, but Proton offers a much more comprehensive and reliable streaming experience with some pretty impressive extras on the side.
ProtonVPN is powerful, it's secure, and it masters unblocking Netflix. Features like the VPN accelerator means there's always options if things aren't going your way. Expect seamless streaming with users finding average speeds of around 510mbps.
Not to mention, ProtonVPN has a fantastic free plan available that only has very few differences to the full version, it's practically an unlimited VPN free trial. This free version may be a better decision for users new to VPNs, this is because Proton currently doesn't have 24/7 live support.
Pros
- Innovative app - intricate features
- Seamless streaming, great for unblocking Netflix
- Fabulous free plan
Cons
- No 24/7 live support
5.
Surfshark
The best budget VPN for Windows 10 for PC
surfshark.com
Description
When you look at VPNs for Windows PC, and you don't want to be spending too much, look no further than Surfshark. It might not be the perfect provider, but Surfshark offers more for its price than some providers do with the heftier price tags. It's not a leap to say that Surfshark subscribers would happily pay more because they get so much.
Get unlimited simultaneous connections with Surfshark. Along with any and every other device in your household, you can protect your PC too. We'd advise against pushing that limit to extremities though, kill switch issues have been found across the board under intense use. The Windows app is easy to use, users have recorded very impressive peak speeds too.
There's no sign of a free version for Surfshark on Windows 10. Then again, you won't be paying much at all for the 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Greatest value for money
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Easy interface
Cons
- No free version on Windows
- Minor kill switch issues under intense use
Relevant terms
VPN - Virtual Private Network
Kill switch - If internet connection is lost, it kills any internet connection until a secure VPN link is re-established
Double data encryption - When a VPN combines two algorithms in order to create the encrypted Virtual Private Network
Split tunnelling - A split tunnel allows the user to select which data they would like to access/send via VPN and which they're happy to allow through their standard internet service provider route.
How to set up a VPN on Windows 10
Setting up a VPN on a PC running Windows 10 or above is easy. Just head over to the website of your chosen VPN and click download. Open the VPN app and log in or sign up if you haven't already. Now, all you have to do is tweak your configuration settings to your choosing, then click activate.
How to use a VPN on PC
VPNs for Windows PC are very simple as long as the Virtual Private Network is compatible with your PC. Assuming you've installed the VPN app and signed in, you use this as the control centre. Use the VPN app to activate or deactivate the VPN, as well as configure your Virtual Private Network settings.
Since we're talking about Microsoft products, you'll likely benefit from one of these providers if you're looking for an Xbox Series X VPN too. These are ideal for using a Windows 10 desktop.
Is there a free VPN for PC?
There are plenty of free VPNs you can use on your PC. Our top pick free VPN for Windows PC would be the free version of ProtonVPN, and it offers a wholesome VPN experience you might not even get from some paid providers.
Jack Barrell is the Commercial Content Writer for VPNs. He's hands-on when it comes to producing best-of articles, how-to guides, and product reviews for Virtual Private Networks. On his off-days, Jack can be found in the gym, at the movies, or flicking through a car mag.