Best VPN for Windows – CNET
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.
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Product details
Pros & Cons
Who it’s best for
- Among the fastest VPNs
- Tons of features
- Diskless RAM-only server infrastructure
Who should avoid
- No transparency reports
- Ambiguous corporate structure
- Only six simultaneous connections allowed
NordVPN is one of the most recognized brands in the VPN field. It offers a generous simultaneous connection count, with six simultaneous connections through its network, where nearly all other providers offer five or fewer. NordVPN also offers a dedicated IP option for those looking for a different level of VPN connection, and the ability to VPN into Tor. More than half of Nord’s 5,000-plus server fleet is optimized for peer-to-peer sharing, though Nord has blocked torrenting in 14 countries.
Windows VPN FAQs
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What’s the best VPN for Windows?
ExpressVPN is CNET’s current top pick for the best Windows VPN. The industry veteran has an impressive network of servers worldwide and provides a solid balance of speed, security and unblocking power.
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Can you get a free VPN for Windows?
We don’t recommend free VPNs for a couple of reasons. First, free VPNs need to make money somehow — which most of the time involves selling your data to third parties. Some have even been found to be infected with malware. Besides being risky to use, free VPNs also generally lack the features and performance you’d want from your VPN service. You’ll typically have to contend with slow speeds, data caps, weak security, limited server locations and erratic unblocking capabilities with free VPNs. The best way to try a VPN for free is to take advantage of free trials and money-back guarantees offered by premium VPN providers. If you’re on a budget, you can also check out CNET’s list of the best cheap VPN services.
