First and foremost if you’re searching for a VPN for Windows, your choices can appear to be limitless. But it’s a different story if you’re looking for a decent VPN for Windows. Here final checking has been done on speeds, security, unblocking capabilities, and more in our quest for the best Windows VPNs for 2024.
Also, many VPNs aren’t worth your time (and some even put your privacy at risk! ), but there are a few that excel in every way – including high speeds, access to streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer, and complete compatibility with Windows.
What is a VPN?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a technology that establishes a secure and encrypted connection between your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) and a remote server.
This connection is often referred to as a “tunnel” because it creates a private and protected pathway for your data to travel over the internet.
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How VPN Works:
When you connect to the internet without a VPN, your data packets are transmitted openly, making it vulnerable to potential threats and surveillance. However, when you use a VPN:
- Data Encryption: Your data is encrypted before it leaves your device, ensuring that even if intercepted, it remains indecipherable to unauthorized parties.
- IP Address Masking: A VPN conceals your real IP address and assigns you a new one based on the server’s location. This masks your online identity and location.
- Tunneling Protocol: VPNs use tunneling protocols (such as OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, or IKEv2/IPsec) to establish a secure connection between your device and the VPN server.
- Remote Server Connection: Your data is routed through the VPN server, which can be located in a different city or country. This server acts as an intermediary between your device and the websites or services you access.
10 Best VPN for Windows
Here we have discussed about a list of 10 best VPN for Windows. So, let the list begin.
1. NordVPN
The first is NordVPN is a privacy-focused VPN that does not monitor, store, or exchange information. Android, Windows, Apple, macOS, and Linux are all supported. Here one can able to experience a smooth link with no buffering.
Features –
- NordVPN has 5700 servers in over 60 countries.
- This application does not store session information, used bandwidth, IP addresses, traffic data, or session details.
- NordVPN supports double VPN or onion over VPN.
- Offers product support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
2. ExpressVPN
All major streaming services, including Netflix US, are accessible through ExpressVPN, which offers dependable, high-speed service. It updates the IP addresses of its servers on a regular basis to prevent even the most adamant VPN blocks.
It even works! We were able to access Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Showtime, and other major platforms using ExpressVPN, regardless of which server we used. ExpressVPN protects your online activity from three-letter agencies and Scammers. It provides unrestricted access to music, social media, and video, with no IP addresses, browsing history, DNS queries, or traffic destination being logged.
Features –
- 160 sites and 94 countries with servers
- Connect to the VPN without being limited by bandwidth.
- Encryption and leak proofing are used to provide online protection.
- Hide your IP address and encrypt your network data to stay secure.
- Support is available via email and lives chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- To enter secret sites, pay with Bitcoin and use Tor.
3. Surfshark
The third one is Surfshark that allows you to access web content quickly and safely. Further, it hides your location and protects your personal information. Secure tunneling protocols such as OpenVPN and IKEv2 are available in this software.
Features –
- Over 800 servers in over 50 countries
- This free VPN for PC helps you to disable the VPN for some applications and websites.
- Hide your real IP address to maintain your privacy.
- This program does not log your IP address, does not support WebRTC, and does not protect you from DNS leaks.
4. CyberGhost
P2P torrenting is made safer with CyberGhost tech. Both streaming services can be unblocked.
It’s one of the best free VPNs for PC, allowing you to encrypt your internet connection and improve your online protection and privacy. When you connect to a new internet connection, the CyberGhost tool automatically protects you.
Features –
- Allows access to the NoSpy server, which has 4900 servers in more than 59 countries.
- Encrypt data using the most up-to-date 256-bit AES encryption technique
- Connect up to seven devices at once
- Provides unrestricted bandwidth
- CyberGhost VPN helps you to prioritize your privacy while shielding you from data miners and hackers.
5. PrivateVPN
At first, if you’re looking for a low-cost VPN with strong protection, PrivateVPN is a good option. It has 256-bit encryption, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, and an automatic kill switch in its Windows app.
It has a true zero-log policy, despite being located in Sweden, a 5/9/14-Eyes nation. This means that it has no information to share with the government, even though it is requested.
Further, this VPN has 150 P2P-friendly servers in 60 different countries. Netflix-optimized servers can also unblock most common streaming services.During our testing, the speeds were adequate, but some of us experienced some slowdown during peak hours, which was disappointing.
In our in-depth PrivateVPN analysis, you will see the full results of our speed tests. The Stealth Mode of PrivateVPN is pretty cool – it can get around VPN blocks and deep packet inspection (DPI).
As a result, it’s a secure option for defending yourself in countries where the internet is monitored and censored. There is live chat support available, but it is only available during business hours. You’ll have to rely on email help when the PrivateVPN team isn’t in the office.
6. IPVanish
IPVanish employs the OpenVPN protocol and 256-bit AES encryption, which is military-grade. The Windows app includes a kill switch, DNS leak security, and a strict no-logs policy. It’s nice to have all of this dependable security wrapped up in a simple interface.
If you’re worried about 14-Eyes jurisdiction, you may want to use a different VPN, such as ExpressVPN, since IPVanish is based in the United States (which is based outside this jurisdiction).bIPVanish operates 1,600 servers in 75 countries.
It unblocked Netflix and BBC iPlayer during our tests, but it couldn’t stream Hulu or HBO GO. It had fast speeds in general, although there were a few glitches.
You will see the full results of our research in our in-depth IPVanish review. You can connect an unlimited number of devices to a single account at the same time. Customer service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via live chat and email.
IPVanish provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try out the service risk-free. This guarantee does not apply to accounts built by iTunes or the iOS app, so make sure to register with your Windows computer.
7. VyprVPN
VyprVPN is based in Switzerland, a country noted for its high level of privacy. There’s also high-end encryption, a no-logs policy, DNS authentication, and an automatic kill switch. Advanced users can appreciate the real-time data display, which is a useful feature.
Chameleon’s proprietary technology allows it to avoid being tracked and oppressed by networks. It scrambles OpenVPN packet metadata to make it look like normal data during deep packet inspection.
Don’t worry if you don’t understand what that means; all you need to know is that VyprVPN is a good option for people who live in countries where internet access is severely limited, such as China, Russia, and Iran.
VyprVPN has more than 700 servers in 70 countries and can unblock almost every streaming service. Its speeds are adequate for buffer-free streaming – for the full results of our speed tests, see our in-depth VyprVPN review.
8. Zenmate
Zenmate comes with a simple Windows app that allows for one-click configuration and a three-step setup process. Its network isn’t the largest, but you get unlimited bandwidth and data transfer, as well as access to over 2,700 servers in 80 countries.
In addition, you get an infinite number of server switches, which can come in handy at times. To keep you safe from IP leaks and anonymous at all times, there’s a strict no-logs policy, an automatic kill switch, and DNS leak protection.
Further ZenMate makes it simple to bypass digital censorship and access popular streaming sites. It can also be used to download torrent files. To learn more about what we liked about ZenMate, read our full review.
9. Hide.me
Hide.me is a well-known and reliable free VPN service. While you won’t always hear me say “trustworthy” and “free VPN” in the same sentence, Hide.me free account is a limited version of the paid account.
While Hide.me isn’t bad if you’re going to pay for a VPN, ExpressVPN, or CyberGhost, which have a larger server network and unblocking capabilities, are better options.
Hide.me uses 256-bit encryption and several authentication protocols, including OpenVPN and IKEv2. It doesn’t store any logs and comes with a built-in kill switch for added protection.
See how Hide.me fared in our security tests by reading our full review. Both premium accounts have a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it out risk-free. Hide.me can be contacted via live chat, email, Facebook Messenger, and its website.
10. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a good torrenting choice because it has some good security features, such as DNS leak protection, an automatic kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy. It has 35,550 servers spread across 77 countries.
If you’re looking for a VPN for streaming, however, PIA may not be the best choice. Although the connection speeds aren’t bad (for more detail, see our Private Internet Access review), my team and I were unable to unblock every platform we tried when we tested it.
One of our favorites was PIA’s MACE functionality, which includes an ad, tracker, and malware blocker. Customers can contact customer service through live chat or by filling out a support ticket on the website.
Advantages of Using a VPN:
1. Enhanced Online Security:
- VPNs protect your data from cybercriminals, hackers, and eavesdroppers, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks.
- They prevent your ISP (Internet Service Provider) from monitoring your online activities.
2. Privacy Protection:
- VPNs hide your real IP address, making it challenging for websites and advertisers to track your online behavior.
- They maintain your anonymity, allowing you to browse the internet without revealing your identity.
3. Access to Geo-Restricted Content:
VPNs enable you to bypass geo-blocks and access websites, streaming services, and content restricted to specific regions.
4. Safe Torrenting:
VPNs offer a secure environment for torrenting by keeping your identity hidden while sharing files.
5. Remote Access:
Businesses use VPNs to provide remote employees with secure access to company networks and resources.
6. Circumvent Censorship:
In countries with internet censorship, VPNs can help users access blocked websites and online services.
7. Protection from Throttling:
VPNs can prevent ISPs from throttling your internet speed, ensuring a consistent and fast connection.
How to Choose the Right VPN Service:
Selecting the right VPN service is crucial to enjoy all the benefits it offers. Here are key factors to consider:
1. Security Features:
Look for VPNs that offer strong encryption, a no-logs policy (they don’t store your online activities), and support for secure tunneling protocols.
2. Server Locations:
Choose a VPN provider with servers in locations relevant to your needs, especially if you want to access geo-restricted content.
3. Speed and Performance:
Check user reviews and performance tests to ensure that the VPN service doesn’t significantly slow down your internet connection.
4. Device Compatibility:
Ensure the VPN is compatible with the devices and operating systems you use, whether it’s Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, or others.
5. Number of Simultaneous Connections:
Some VPNs allow multiple simultaneous connections, which is useful if you want to protect various devices under one subscription.
6. Customer Support:
Opt for a VPN provider with responsive customer support, including live chat or email assistance.
7. Price and Payment Options:
Consider your budget and whether the VPN offers a free trial or a money-back guarantee.
8. Privacy Policy:
Read the VPN provider’s privacy policy to understand how they handle your data.
9. Reputation and Trustworthiness:
Research the VPN’s reputation by reading user reviews and checking independent assessments.
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Conclusion
Finally, we can that it all boils down to how much you’re willing to pay for those values. You can safely choose a free service if you don’t mind the service seeing your data traffic or advertising and registering, or offering you ads while browsing or in the app.
For the time being, a free VPN provider cannot guarantee you complete protection. It’s easy to go for free, but it’s still better to be safe.
