Best VPN for Windows - CNET
If you’re shopping for the best VPN and Windows is your operating system of choice, we’ve got good news for you: You’ve got a wide range of options to choose from. Thanks to Windows’ domination as a desktop OS, practically every major VPN provider offers a Windows-compatible app. That means you’ll find it’s a relatively straightforward process to secure a solid VPN connection for your device, particularly if you choose a VPN provider that’s among our top recommended services. While MacOS users have to factor in a number of Apple-specific requirements, finding the best VPN for Windows — and getting the widest range of protocol options to work with your device — primarily involves sorting through the vast variety of VPN options available. That’s what we’ve done for you here.
We hands-on tested a wide variety of VPN services to determine the fastest and most secure VPN services for Windows 10 and Windows 11. Our CNET experts specifically tackled a number of core factors in our testing, including security strength; reliability; browsing and streaming speeds; ease of remote access; and value for the money. All the recommendations on our main list of the best VPN providers are compatible with all currently maintained Windows versions, and CNET has tested them for use in the latest available operating system. (That means they’ll work without a hitch on Windows 11, which is available for download on your desktop or laptop.) All of them also offer a stand-alone VPN client that will work seamlessly on your desktop.
Here you’ll find our top recommendations for the best VPN for Windows, ranked for performance across all categories, so that you choose the right VPN service for you.
And if you’re working with a slightly older device, be sure to read our guide on how to set up a VPN on Windows 10.
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Product details
Pros & Cons
Who it’s best for
- Unmatched transparency
- Top-notch security with no leaks detected
- Excellent for streaming
Who should avoid
- Expensive
- Only five simultaneous connections
- Owned by Kape Technologies
Despite battling major upheavals through the end of 2021, ExpressVPN clinched our Editor’s Choice Award for best VPN in 2022. One of the two largest providers globally, the VPN titan has been in business since 2009 and once again aggressively raised the industry bar for service transparency this year.
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Product details
Pros & Cons
Who it’s best for
- Lots of unique security features
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- RAM-only server network
Who should avoid
- Inconsistent speed performance
- 14 Eyes jurisdiction (Netherlands)
- No transparency reports
Surfshark boasts an impressive suite of privacy and security features, unlimited simultaneous connections, easy-to-use interface and expansive global network. And it’s still significantly cheaper than most of its competitors. That’s what helped Surfshark earn CNET’s Editors’ Choice for Best Value VPN in 2022.