5+ best VPNs for Windows 10 PCs
- In an age where everything can be traced, you need the best VPN for Windows 10 to protect your browsing privacy.
- Decide what to focus on: price, security, support for multiple devices, or anti-censorship features.
- Or, if you prefer a well-balanced VPN that brings out the best of all worlds, we have the right fit.
Windows 10 has some excellent security solutions up its sleeve, like the Windows Defender antivirus and firewall. But it doesn’t offer a VPN service.
Sure, you can use the Windows 10 integrated VPN client to set up a secure tunnel. But there are plenty of limitations to it.
For instance, you can’t create and toggle VPN profiles whenever you want to switch ports or locations. Instead, you have to find a workaround like exporting your VPN settings, which involves multiple steps.
It’s better to rely on commercial VPN services instead. They provide you with fake IP addresses so that you can connect to another location and hide your online identity. Besides, it’s easier to connect to a VPN server this way instead of manually adding a VPN connection on Windows 10.
In this article, we’re ranking the top VPN apps for Windows 10 PCs, laptops, and tablets.
How can a VPN help you?
Before doing that, let’s quickly review the best reasons why you need a VPN in your life:
- Hide your IP address and change your geo-location
- Protect your online privacy and browsing habits
- Shield your device from hackers when using public Wi-Fi
- Prevent marketing agencies from learning everything about you to create personalized ads
- Unblock streaming content that’s not normally available to your region due to licensing issues (like Netflix US)
- Bypass firewalls and defeat government censorship
- Continue to access your region-specific content even when traveling to a foreign country with strict Internet censorship laws
- Reduce your ping while gaming by connecting to VPN servers closer to the host
- Get better deals on airplane tickets, booking, and others
- Stay safe and avoid getting DMCA letters when downloading or uploading torrents
- Bypass network throttling if your ISP slows you down because of streaming or torrenting
- Easily change your VPN password to ensure that no one has access to your account
What are the top VPNs for Windows 10 computers?
Private Internet Access – best overall
Private Internet Access has made quite a name for itself in the VPN industry, thanks to fast network connections and superior encryption methods.
It provides you with more than 22,500 VPN and proxy servers in 98 locations across 77 countries.
You can encrypt your data using WireGuard or OpenVPN with up to 256-bit encryption, as well as take advantage of private DNS servers and a kill switch.
PIA also supports port forwarding, split tunneling, static and dynamic IP addresses, and a browser malware blocker called PIA MACE.
The software application spares you from having to troubleshoot VPN compatibility issues on Windows 10 since it fully supports Microsoft’s operating system as well as others.
It delivers consistent VPN connection speeds and unblocks Netflix US. We never experienced any application errors while testing Private Internet Access.
More about PIA:
- Windows, iOS, Android, Mac, Linux, Chrome, Opera, Firefox, routers
- 10 simultaneous device connections
- A zero-logging privacy policy
- 24/7 live chat support
- 30-day money-back guarantee (no free trial)
Private Internet Access
Use the best VPN (overall) for Windows 10 to stay safe online and unblock streaming media.
NordVPN – best for security
If you’re interested in raising your security and privacy level, look no further than NordVPN. Its reputation precedes itself, delivering consistent results in the VPN market.
NordVPN has more than 5,400 VPN servers in 59 countries. You can use the OpenVPN and NordLynx protocols, obfuscation mode, P2P, Double VPN, and Onion-over-VPN servers.
Furthermore, NordVPN has a kill switch and a malware blocker called CyberSec. You can also use it to unblock streaming media that’s not normally available to your country, by either connecting to VPN servers or using Smart DNS technology.
More about NordVPN:
- Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Android TV, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, routers
- Protect up to 6 devices at once
- No logs or leaks
- 24/7 live chat support
- 30-day money-back guarantee (no free trial)
NordVPN
Use the safest VPN for Windows 10 computers and explore all its advanced security options.
We had the pleasure of testing this reliable VPN service first hand. According to a speed test performed by AV-TEST in 2020, NordVPN surpassed its competition. You can read all about it in our in-depth NordVPN review.
Surfshark – best for multiple devices
Surfshark is another fan favorite, thanks to affordable subscription plans, advanced security features, and the fact that you can set it up on any number of devices. It’s actually the best VPN for multiple devices.
You can explore more than 3,200 VPN servers in 65 countries, use OpenVPN or WireGuard, and securely download or upload torrents. It runs private DNS on each VPN server.
Moreover, Surfshark has a malware blocker called CleanWeb, a kill switch, multi-hop VPN connections, split tunneling, and obfuscated servers (Camouflage Mode).
If you want to watch Netflix on a gaming console, Smart TV, or another device that doesn’t support VPN connections, you can use NordVPN’s Smart DNS feature instead.
More about Surshark:
- Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, routers
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- A strict no-logging policy
- 24/7 live chat and email support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 7-day free trial for Android and iOS
Surfshark
Check out the best VPN for your entire household by setting it up on unlimited vices.
CyberGhost VPN – best free VPN
Another spot in our list is occupied by CyberGhost VPN. We think it’s the top free VPN for Windows 10 PC because it’s a premium service that offers a 1-day free trial (all features unlocked, no credit card).
This VPN service has an impressive range of more than 6,500 VPN servers spread across 88 countries and 109 locations.
It also supports the WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, exclusive DNS servers, and an emergency kill switch.
When using CyberGhost VPN, you can take advantage of split tunneling and an ad blocker for web browsers.
You can use it to unblock the best Netflix libraries, including Netflix US, UK, and Canada. Plus, you can set it up on devices without native VPN support by using its Smart DNS feature.
The app successfully unblocked restricted websites in our evaluation, without error. Discover our experience with this VPN service in our detailed CyberGhost VPN review.
More about CyberGhost VPN:
- Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Fire TV, routers
- 7 device connections at the same time
- No identifying or traffic logs
- 24/7 live chat support
- Up to 45-day money-back guarantee
- 1-day free trial for Windows
- 7-day free trial for Android and iOS
CyberGhost VPN
Get the best free VPN for Windows 10 to fully test all features before purchasing the premium version.
ExpressVPN – best for anti-censorship
If you prefer a top VPN service that seamlessly integrates with Windows 10 and other operating systems, then shift your attention to ExpressVPN. It’s super-intuitive and quickly connects to the Internet.
ExpressVPN has over 3,000 VPN servers in 160 VPN server locations and 94 countries. It also runs zero-knowledge DNS servers to make sure that your online traffic remains private. China users can run ExpressVPN, too.
You can use this VPN app to unblock Netflix US and other streaming services, as well as to safely engage in torrenting activities. It supports a kill switch called Network Lock and a Smart DNS feature called MediaStreamer.
More about ExpressVPN:
- Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, routers
- Up to 5 simultaneous connections
- A zero-logging policy backed by TrustedServer technology
- 24/7 live chat support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 7-day free trial for iOS and Android
ExpressVPN
Get this VPN service to defeat government censorship if you want to keep accessing your favorite online content.
AtlasVPN – best for 4K streaming
If you want to enjoy the wonders of 4K on your devices and preserve your privacy, AtlasVPN is the best choice you got.
This is a fast-speed tool that will bring you unrestricted content from all over the world at your fingertips for an unlimited number of devices.
It supports all major P2P clients so you will enjoy a secure and smooth file-sharing or torrent downloading experience.
Moreover, it comes with smart features to block ads, trackers, malicious websites, and it protects your data with a tool called Data Breach Monitor.
And the WireGuard tunneling protocol with built-in cryptography ensures a secure and seamless browsing experience.
It works on Windows PC and Macs but also on portable devices with Android or iOS so you will enjoy these privileges on pretty much all your gear.
More about AtlasVPN:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections even with a low plan
- 24/7 support
- Ultra-fast servers for 4K streaming
- Block ads, trackers, malicious websites with Tracker Blocker
- Two protocols available: WireGuard and IPSec/IKEv2 (AES-256)
AtlasVPN
Enjoy your 4K media with this ultra-fast VPN with servers all over the world.
In conclusion, the top VPNs on this list are the best in the business for Windows 10 and they work seamlessly.
VPNs, along with good antiviruses are the backbone tools to make sure that your businesses and data are safely secured.
However, the tools from our list are designed to protect your privacy and prevent harmful interceptions along the way, not as failsafe methods of security.
The main security protection comes from backing up your sensitive data on more storage services and media.
If you’re looking for that, browse our best backup software for servers article and pick the right product for your business.
Did you use any of the products from our list? Tell us about your experience and if you have any other tools to suggest, drop us a line in the comments section below.
Your connection is not secure - websites you visit can find out your details:
- Your IP Address:
23.20.20.52
Companies can sell this information, alongside your location and internet provider name, and profit from it by serving targeted ads or monitoring your data usage.
We recommend Private Internet Access, a VPN with a no-log policy, open source code, ad blocking and much more; now 79% off.
Frequently Asked Questions
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We have made a list of the best free VPN for Windows 10 you can choose from.
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The built-in VPN client of Windows 10 is only a client. You still need to get hold of VPN servers if you want to connect to another location.
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Generally, no, you can’t trust free VPNs with your data. But you can use the free versions provided by some premium VPN services, like ProtonVPN, Windscribe, or Hotspot Shield.
