Best Windows VPN in 2024 (2024)

NordVPN stands out among the pack with its heightened security protocols and features. Its plans include built-in security benefits like mesh net, private DNS, dark web monitoring and threat protection, all backed and proven by multiple independent audits from third-party auditors.

Its three plans range in price from $12.99 to $15.99 per month, varying in features like cloud storage, file sharing and encryption, ad and tracking blockers and password manager. If you want the most out of NordVPN, its $14.99 plan offers every benefit (including all the added security features) at a still relatively affordable price compared to other higher-tier options.

Plus, NordVPN boasts a list of over 6,000 servers across more than 60 countries. That being said, it’s missing servers in some pretty prime areas within the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

Surfshark’s One plan packs a punch in terms of benefits for the cost, including a drastic drop in cost (from $14.99 per month to just $4.09) when you sign up for an annual plan.

Surfshark also sells a cheaper plan, starting at just $10.99 per month — but it doesn’t include half the number of features, such as 24/7 antivirus protection, webcam protection, identity protection and alerts, masked email generator and antivirus, anti-spyware and malware protection.

This plan also includes added unique features like a no-log policy and a Dynamic MultiHop feature that lets you create your own VPN entry and exit server pairs for double the security and privacy.

Surfshark is certainly one of the most expensive VPN providers on our list (and its One+ plan at $21.99 is the most expensive, though it comes with data removal services). But, what the Windows VPN includes for this cost is hard to beat.

If you like to stream on your Windows device, PureVPN is a great choice. While it doesn’t have as many servers as CyberGhost or Private Internet Access (PIA), it does have more than most at over 6,000.

With an app for Apple TV and Amazon Fire Stick and up to 10 simultaneous devices, streaming is easy with Pure VPN. Its software works with many popular streaming services, including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Hulu and HBO.

However, its plans are pretty limited in terms of other features, lacking benefits like ad-blockers and cloud storage, and some of the more standard VPN features, like a dedicated server, are only available as an add-on. Considering its price is already pretty high, there are better options in terms of value if you’re looking for more traditional VPN features.

ProtonVPN is the only provider on our list with a free plan. This plan only connects to servers in three countries (Netherlands, Japan and the U.S.) and only works on one device. But it still includes a no-logs policy and advanced anti-censorship features for increased security and availability.

Its paid plans start at $9.99 per month, which is still on the lower end for costs, and include over 3,000 servers in more than 65 countries, 10 simultaneous connections and advanced features like high-speed streaming, double hop technology, ad-blockers, password encryption, main and calendar integrations and document services.

While it promotes VPN Accelerator technology that increases speeds by up to 400%, our independent testing found its speeds to be pretty average — clocking the maximum download speed at just 328 Mbps, which is lower than many of the tested average speeds.

With over 11,400 servers across 100 countries, CyberGhost offers a host of server options for users. Whether your goal is to unblock global content, download torrents or browse the internet anonymously, its tech can automatically find and connect you with the best specialty server for your needs.

On Windows devices, you can set Smart Rules to automatically customize your preferences, trigger different apps or connect to a preferred server based on your needs.

While CyberGhost only sells one plan for $12.99 per month, it includes a lot of features, including a no-log policy, access for up to seven devices and free ID guard monitoring. You can add a Dedicated IP for just $5 per month.

With unlimited simultaneous connections, unmetered devices and bandwidth, no data transfer caps and 24/7 customer support, IPVanish’s single VPN plan doesn’t limit many of its features for its customers. For $12.99 per month, users get access to these limitless benefits, plus top-tier security benefits like kill switches, advanced AES 256-bit encryption and WireGuard protocol.

IPVanish also owns and operates all of its over 2,200 servers across more than 75 regions, meaning faster speeds and more reliable service. It also offers split tunneling for more control over your browsing.

IPVanish doesn’t offer features like dedicated IPs or ad or malware blockers, but it did recently launch an Android beta software called Threat Protection. Once available on Windows devices, it should block ads, malware, trackers and other malicious websites to help make browsing even more secure.

While Private Internet Access (PIA) only sells one plan, it is extremely reliable. As a 100% open-source software — which means anyone can view privacy or software concerns — you can trust that you’re getting a highly secure, reliable and dedicated service.

Its software also offers built-in features like advanced split tunneling, firewall-based leak protection, ad blocking, variable encryption settings, traffic obfuscation and kill switch. PIA is also highly customizable, offering the ability to control settings and your device with unique features such as a VPN snooze clock or a free 12-month Restoro software license. Not to mention, it offers servers in locations in 91 countries.

If you’re a business looking for a Windows VPN, its optional corporate accounts and antivirus software may be unique selling features.

With the ability to support 17 languages, ExpressVPN is available in some of the most popular languages around the globe. Most other VPNs can’t say the same, making ExpressVPN a top choice for those who speak different languages.

Its monthly plan includes some of the most advanced VPN features, like a kill switch, ad blockers, explicit content blockers and a built-in password manager. It even has a built-in Wi-Fi 6 router, offering the ability to secure devices normally not compatible with a VPN, like smart home appliances.

With its Lightway VPN protocol, ExpressVPN says it offers faster speeds, uses less battery and is easier to audit and maintain. But, our independent testing found its average speeds to be among the lowest on our lists.

Based on our independent testing, IVPN had the fastest average download speeds of any company we reviewed. Paired with its low $6 a month option (the most affordable on our list by far), IVPN is a fast and affordable VPN option.

But, those benefits come with a pretty big downfall: The plan itself is pretty bare bones. Its base plan only works on two devices and includes a few security features like a kill switch, anti-tracking and private DNS. Its pro plan is $10 and includes multi-hop features and up to seven devices, but not much else.

That being said, if your goal is to just find a VPN that’s fast, cheap and works, IVPN will fit the bill.

If you want a comprehensive and, in some ways, more complex VPN, consider TorGuard. Its software offers top-tier VPN benefits like internal encrypted DNS, port forwarding, ad blocking and a no-log policy. For added security, TorGuard touts its Stealth VPN that’s said to bypass even the strictest censorship, like in Russia or China, by masking VPN traffic.

For $12.99 per month, the Pro plan offers a bit more bang for the buck with up to 12 devices and a dedicated IP. And for the $14.99 Premium plan, you can get all that plus a free router, although it’s unclear why you may need one (note also that this is only included if you opt for annual billing).

However, the website is a little confusing and lackluster with information. And according to reviews, it’s hard to get support and you may have to know a bit more than average about VPNs to get the most out of your service.