Best VPN for Laptop [Out of 25 Tested in 2024]

Check our top pick for best-in-class data protection on your laptop

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Key notes

  • It's safe to say that enhanced security for your laptop reduces the risk of attacks.
  • VPNs are essential in that regard, especially if you care about your online privacy.
  • However, it's worth noting that not all VPNs can offer you top-notch protection.
  • If you're looking for the best VPNs to install on your laptop, check out our top picks.

A virtual private network (VPN) protects your privacy while online and secures your Internet connection by creating an encrypted environment. Using a VPN for laptop is an easy way to protect yourself from ISP or vicious attacks from hackers, that is why a lot of users install VPNs on their PC right after they buy it.

What makes VPNs popular among computer and Internet users is that all the traffic on the network flows through the VPN without being seen by anyone, including your internet service provider.

VPNs prevent other people from intercepting your Internet traffic. They are very useful when you’re using public Wi-Fi or traveling as they hide your actual IP address and you can’t be tracked easily online.

A VPN is also good when your personal and/or professional security is at stake, as an investigative journalist, or if your profession also requires heightened safety so that you can communicate with others across the world.

If you’re looking for the best VPN software for laptops, you need to check for affordability, reputable service, performance, encryption and transparency, support (tech or otherwise), ease of using the VPN, among other features.

What are the best VPNs for laptops?

Express VPN – Best VPN for laptop overall

This Express VPN International Ltd. service ranks number one among its rivals judging from independent and user reviews, as well as ratings.

It is the number one trusted leader in VPN with high speed, ultra-secure protection, ease of use, and instant setup.

With ExpressVPN, you can access any content across 94 countries and unblock the sites and apps you love, avoiding hacking or tracking using powerful encryption, backed by 24/7 support through live chat.

You also get blazing-fast VPN speeds on a huge network of over 1700 global VPN servers, unlimited bandwidth, and an easy-to-use VPN service for Windows and other operating systems.

Zero restrictions on streaming and downloading from anywhere while your IP is hidden, plus offshore privacy protection with no activity or connection logs are also part of the package.

Other features include protection from hacking and surveillance with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, kill switch, and split tunneling.

ExpressVPN

Want the best privacy protection for your laptop? Don’t waste any more time and get ExpressVPN.
Check price Visit website

NordVPN – most advanced privacy features

Developed by Tefincom & Co., S.A., NordVPN is everything you need to protect your privacy online.

As one of the best VPNs for laptops, NordVPN offers features such as double VPN combinations to encrypt your Internet traffic, and CyberSec technology to protect yourself from intrusive ads and malicious online threats.

Even more, its DNS leak protection ensures data protection. As for the no-logs policy, you’re assured your data isn’t tracked or monitored.

You can also secure your browsing on Chrome or Firefox, enjoy a secure streaming experience with SmartPlay technology, and join the NordVPN network of over 5400 servers in 59 countries globally.

The benefits of using NordVPN include lightning speeds, ease of download and installation, plus you can connect up to 6 devices simultaneously and protect your privacy on the go with mobile apps.

You also get a dedicated IP address for better connectivity and a faster VPN experience, plus if you need any assistance, NordVPN’s customer service is on standby to assist you anytime.

NordVPN

Wasting sleep trying to find the best VPN for your laptop? Look no further, check out NordVPN.
Check price Visit website

Surfshark – best for multiple devices

Surfshark is one of the few VPN providers to offer unlimited access to all types of devices. If you are a laptop user, you can easily get connected to the web using this VPN’s large number of servers – 1700+ in over 63 countries.

Your local IP address is totally masked when you’re using this VPN’s servers. You’ll also have access to top-notch AES 256-bit encryption.

When you need to hide your local IP address at a Wi-Fi hotspot, this Surfshark LTD VPN solution is a secure, reliable choice.

Your privacy will also be protected by their strict no-logs policy, which makes sure that your activity on the Internet is only known by you.

In addition, there’s a kill switch feature that protects you if the service ever disconnects.

One of the top benefits that you’ll receive when using Surfshark is the fast speeds that you’ll get with their servers.

They also offer one of the best ways to access Netflix with 14 Netflix libraries available.

Besides being able to connect with your laptop that uses macOS or the Windows operating system, you also have access to apps for Android and iOS, which can come in handy if you only have your smartphone with you.

The support team at this VPN is available 24/7 if you ever have any issues.

Surfshark

Surfshark is simply one of the best VPN solutions you could install on your laptop. Check it out now!
Check price Visit website

Private Internet Access – largest server network

Private Internet Access (PIA) offers top-notch security and privacy for all those eager to find the best VPN software for laptops.

Developed by the online privacy company Kape Technologies, PIA uses advanced encryption algorithms and proudly adheres to a strict no-logs policy.

Creating your account only means revealing an email address and your payment information. However, even these can be done anonymously if you feel safer this way.

Private Internet Access supports multiple VPN technologies such as PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, SOCKS5, OpenVPN, and even the new WireGuard.

Most users still prefer the OpenVPN protocol, which is open-source software, therefore its code has zero vulnerabilities.

It’s also worth noting that PIA doesn’t log user activity and includes DNS leak protection. On top of that, it has a secure killswitch to ensure your data isn’t leaked even if VPN connection drops.

Private Internet Access

Enjoy optimal protection on your laptop with Private Internet Access. Currently available at a major discount!
Check price Visit website

CyberGhost VPN – best-in-class encryption

CyberGhost is a favorite among the best VPN software tools for laptops as it protects your privacy on a multi-platform privacy solution.

Features include the highest encryption available with 256-bit encryption technology, hiding of your IP, and Wi-Fi protection if in a public area.

You also get a strict no-logs policy that doesn’t track your Internet activity, multiplatform apps for all your devices, security for transactions and conversations, plus access to over 6400 VPN servers in 89 countries.

The benefits of using CyberGhost include access to restricted content, protection for all your devices, ad blocking, malware blocking, and the highest possible speeds you can get on a VPN.

CyberGhost

Looking for a fast VPN for your laptop? You should give CyberGhost VPN a try.
Check price Visit website

💰 Which VPN is free and best for laptops?

Good VPNs should have up-to-standard encryption, no logs policy, proven connection speed, and a decent number of servers. Not many free clients include all these, but we have a reliable option:

Tunnel Bear – proven zero logs and great free version

TunnelBear is an intuitive VPN service created by McAfee LLC with dedicated applications for multiple platforms, including Windows-operated laptops.

This VPN has a simple, yet witty and fun user interface that lets you connect to a private server at the press of a button.

Users can connect to an automatically determined server or pick the location of their choice manually.

This VPN service places no limit on data usage and secures your connection with military-grade AES-256-bit encryption.

TunnelBear keeps your data private even in case the connection drops. It blocks all traffic data until you are able to reaccess a VPN server.

With proven fast speed rates, Tunnelbear offers a map view of all its VPN locations that are spread across 49 different countries.

It

TunnelBear is a very reliable VPN that has both free and paid versions. The free version has a daily data limit but is a good option in terms of privacy and speed. The paid version has two plans, for personal and business use.

Tunnel Bear

Secure your browsing data and bypass geo-restrictions with this simple and trustworthy VPN.
Free trial Visit website

Is it good to have a VPN on your laptop?

Yes, a VPN protects your data when connected to the Internet, so you are less likely to be tracked down by malicious third parties.

Thanks to the encryption, your connection will be secure even on Public Wi-Fi.

There are other key benefits of using a VPN, including the possibility to bypass geo-blocks, stop ISP throttling and improve connection speed.

How do I set up a VPN on my laptop?

Most VPN clients come with easy-to-install native applications for all major operating systems, so you’ll be able to set it up in no time:

  1. After you decide which VPN to use, head to its official website and get a subscription. We use ExpressVPN because it’s very reliable, fast, and easy to use.
  2. Download the dedicated app to your device and install it.
  3. Launch ExpressVPN and click on the power button in the main UI to connect to a server.

A VPN will tunnel and encrypt your traffic through its secure servers so no information about your activity or identity can be leaked.

Good VPNs like the ones we mention in this article can be used on any type of laptop model, including Dell laptops or Lenovos.

Ready to start using the best VPN software for laptops? Let us know your favorite pick.

If there’s one you use that didn’t make the list, tell us about it by leaving a comment in the section below.

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