Best VPN for Windows & PC in 2023

ExpressVPN

Go to ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a top name in the VPN industry. It is built for speed and reliability and offers secure access to content worldwide. It also provides solid privacy and seamlessly works with Windows operating system devices.

Servers

ExpressVPN has 3000 plus servers distributed all over the world. They span 160 locations in 94 countries. The server infrastructure comprises physical servers and virtual server locations. ExpressVPN virtual server locations improve your connection speed, reliability, and security.

Unlike most VPNs, ExpressVPN lacks specialized servers for various tasks. Nonetheless, the servers are optimized to handle almost any job. They use a tier-1 network that yields lightning speeds and unlimited bandwidth.

With powerful unblocking mechanisms, geographically spread servers, and fast connections, ExpressVPN offers access to most worldwide content. You can use ExpressVPN for online gaming, downloading content, torrenting on every server, and streaming from your favorite platforms.

ExpressVPN efficiently unblocks Netflix, Hulu, HBO, BBC, Disney Plus, Prime Video, live sports, and TV. ExpressVPN offers the obfuscation functionality for bypassing VPN blocks.

Read more about the above in our guide to watching Sky Go TV in the USA.

Privacy and Logging

ExpressVPN is also an offshore VPN with jurisdiction in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). The BVI is favorable for companies that want to maintain robust privacy policies.

It doesn’t have mandatory data retention laws; hence ExpressVPN is under no obligation to log user data. This is great for reinforcing ExpressVPN’s no-log policy.

Thus, ExpressVPN keeps doesn’t record, store, track, or share your data. Furthermore, the VPN infrastructure utilizes the TrustedServer technology – RAM-based servers. Configuration files and data in the server are regularly wiped when the server reboots.

ExpressVPN also services your DNS queries through its server-based private DNS. Your online activities are kept away from third parties.

Security and Protocols

ExpressVPN offers a secure service that protects you against hackers, government spying, eavesdroppers on Wi-Fi, and internet injustices from your ISP.

ExpressVPN does this by using the AES-256-bit encryption and VPN protocols.

ExpressVPN gives you access to protocols optimized for security and speed. They include OpenVPN, Lightway, and IKEv2. OpenVPN works well, but Lightway is designed to surpass it.

IKEv2 offers better stability. ExpressVPN also offers L2TP/IPsec; it has lower security but is excellent for anonymization. Use it when other protocols fail.

The Windows App

ExpressVPN Windows app is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface. This interface is streamlined across all ExpressVPN apps. Since the app is not complicated, even novice users can use the VPN services without hitches.

The main screen has a quick button that connects you to an intelligent location for an optimal VPN experience. The menu offers access to various settings, which you can tweak. Settings include VPN locations, speed tests, and options.

VPN locations give you access to a server list with all locations and recommended locations. The Options setting allows you to configure protocols, the VPN kill switch, split tunneling, and leak protection.

Compatibility

ExpressVPN offers a simultaneous connection of up to 5 devices. Besides Windows, ExpressVPN has native apps for other desktops, smartphones, smart TVs, streaming devices, browsers (Chrome, Edge, and Firefox), and routers.

It is also compatible with gaming consoles and network-assisted storage.

You can also configure the Smart DNS for devices that don’t allow VPN installations. However, it is recommended to use the VPN router.

Pricing Plans

ExpressVPN is expensive as compared to other VPNs. Nonetheless, you can test the services through its 30-day money-back guarantee.

ExpressVPN offers the following subscription plans at the time of this writing:

• The 1-year subscription plan goes for $8.32 per month.
• The 6-month subscription plan retails at $9.99 per month.
• The monthly subscription plan costs $12.95 per month.

Payment can be made using various methods, including cryptocurrency.

Customer support

ExpressVPN offers impressive customer support through a 24-hour live chat, email, and support page. The support page allows you to access FAQs, troubleshooting guides, instructions, and video tutorials.

Private Internet Access

Go to Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a superb VPN for Windows that provides a stellar VPN experience through a fully-featured Windows app.

You can rely on this VPN to protect your online security and privacy, bypass geo-restrictions and censorship, and undertake speed-intensive tasks such as streaming and torrenting.

Servers

PIA VPN offers next-gen servers that allow you to access content from any location using your Windows computer.

The next-gen servers are distributed across 84 countries and cover a wide geographical area. These servers offer unlimited bandwidth coupled with fast speeds of up to 10Gbps.

PIA VPN also packs an astounding ability to unblock streaming services through its specialized streaming servers.

The streaming servers allow you to stream various services depending on your location. They also allow you to watch the content in HD without buffering or stuttering.

Common streaming services you can unblock on your Windows PC include Netflix, Hulu, Crunchyroll, BBC iPlayer, HBO, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and sporting events.

It’s an excellent choice if you want to access HBO in Australia or SonyLiv in the USA.

PIA VPN also supports torrenting and is compatible with various torrenting clients for Windows. You can set up a SOCKS5 proxy or use port forwarding.

Besides streaming and torrenting, you can use PIA VPN to bypass restrictions and stringent censorship. This is through obfuscation which hides your VPN traffic.

Privacy and Logging

Private Internet Access ensures utmost privacy while using the VPN service on your Windows. It doesn’t track, monitor, collect, or store your online activities.

This VPN service has proven its strict no-usage-logs claim in court. This is welcome, given that the VPN is based in the US (the US is a member of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance).

If, in any case, PIA VPN is pressured or compelled to give out user data that compromises privacy, it won’t have anything to give – you cannot provide what you don’t have.

Security and Protocols

PIA VPN safeguards your online traffic and data through encryptions and fast protocols. The VPN service offers the industry-standard OpenVPN protocol and fast WireGuard protocol.

Depending on your task, you can use the default AES-128-bit encryption on the OpenVPN protocol or boost the security with the AES-256-bit encryption.

PIA VPN uses its private DNS to service your DNS queries, thus protecting you against leaks.

This VPN service offers a VPN kill switch and an advanced kill switch that blocks traffic on your Windows devices even when the VPN is turned off.

You also get to add an extra layer of encryption and hide your VPN traffic through the multi-hop and obfuscation functionality.

To have a better browsing experience on Windows browsers, you can turn on PIA MACE to block ads, malicious sites, and trackers.

The Windows App

PIA VPN offers a compact and well-designed VPN app for Windows. The interface is intuitive and detailed, which makes the VPN desirable.

When you open the app, you get a default minimalist window with a large connect button, and below it is a VPN server area and your IP details section.

You can expand the minimalist window to reveal other sections and functionalities. You can also arrange your sections. If you bookmark an area, it moves to the default window.

The main settings interface reveals PIA VPN’s detailed functionalities and advanced settings. You can change your protocol, toggle the kill switch, and change your encryption on this interface.

You can also allow LAN traffic, set up split tunneling, multi-hop, VPN obfuscation, the DNS server, automation rules, dedicated IP, and check your account.

Besides Windows, PIA VPN is also compatible with other platforms such as macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, browsers, routers, smart TVs, and consoles.

Check out our detailed roundup of the best VPNs for Android for more tips.

Pricing Plans

PIA offers three subscription plans for Windows. The plans carry a 30-day money-back guarantee, and a free email breach monitor, allowing up to 10 simultaneous connections.

The three subscription plans are as follows:

• The monthly plan costs $9.95 per month.
• The 1-year plan retails at $3.33 per month. This totals to $39.95 per year.
• The 3-year plan goes for $2.03 per month. This amounts to $79.00 per 3 years. This plan has an 80% discount with three months for free.

If you choose the long-term plans, you get a free 1-year Boxcryptor license. PIA VPN also offers premium add-ons for dedicated IP addresses and Windows antivirus.

Customer Support

PIA offers excellent customer support through the help center, a live chat, and an email ticket system.

The help center hosts a vast knowledge base that you can use to solve most issues. It has FAQs, guides, tutorials, and other information regarding the VPN service.

The live chat is highly responsive and gives you quick and accurate results. The email ticket system, however, takes longer. It would be best if you use it for technical issues.

CyberGhost

Go to Cyberghost

CyberGhost is a fully-fledged Windows VPN service with advanced features for privacy, security, speed, and downloads.

It packs one of the largest server networks, a rich Windows app, and advocates for privacy. CyberGhost is ideal for everyday online tasks but is suitable for security and unblocking geo-restricted content.

Servers

CyberGhost boasts 7100 plus servers in over 114 locations in 91 countries. These servers are optimized for streaming, gaming, torrenting and ultimate privacy. They offer blazing speeds and unlimited bandwidth, and you are unlikely to encounter congestion.

Servers specialized in streaming bypass restrictions easily and deliver buffer-free content; you can stream content up to 4K quality. These servers can give you full access to over 35 streaming platforms. Popular ones include BBC, HBO, Netflix, Disney plus, and various sporting events.

It also serves as a great DAZN VPN service and can help you to unblock and watch the BBC iPlayer in Australia.

Torrenting servers allow P2P traffic without ISP throttling. You can download your torrents safely and anonymously. Gaming servers offer a lag-free experience.

The NoSpy servers provide the ultimate online privacy since they are under the control of CyberGhost. The servers are also engineered to yield ultra-fast speeds.

With its robust set of features and extensive server network, CyberGhost is also a highly effective solution for those looking to bypass regional restrictions on Netflix.

It offers servers specifically optimized for streaming, ensuring you can access your favorite shows and movies without dealing with frustrating lags or buffering.

If you’re keen on exploring other VPN options tailored for Netflix streaming, check out our article on the best VPN for Netflix.

Privacy and Logging

CyberGhost is based in Romania, where mandatory data retention policies and laws are unconstitutional. This is a good aspect for CyberGhost in terms of its no-log policy.

Additionally, Romania doesn’t share data with surveillance alliances and is not directly influenced by the EU and other nations that don’t uphold privacy laws.

Under CyberGhost’s no-log policy, the VPN service doesn’t collect, monitor, or log your data. It also doesn’t log your activities, online behavior, and connection details.

Any collected data won’t be used to compromise your identity. CyberGhost publishes a Transparency Report every three months to be true to its word.

CyberGhost advocates for privacy and internet freedom. Concerning its infrastructure, CyberGhost blocks trackers, ads, and malicious websites, offering protection against leaks.

The NoSpy servers also provide improved privacy and security. They are located in Romania, and CyberGhost has total control over them. No third parties are allowed.

Security and Protocols

CyberGhost always ensures that your online traffic and connection are secure. Your digital life is protected by military-grade AES 256-bit encryption and the best VPN protocols.

The protocols include the industry-standard OpenVPN, the stable IKEv2, and the new WireGuard protocol.

OpenVPN offers the best security, reliability, and excellent speeds. When in doubt, this is your go-to protocol. IKEv2 provides better stability, and you can change between connections without worries.

WireGuard offers the highest possible speeds while maintaining excellent security. It is lightweight as compared to OpenVPN.

The Windows App

CyberGhost has a fully-featured app that is suitable for tech-savvy users. Nonetheless, anyone can familiarize themselves with the interface in a few minutes.

The main screen sports an easy-to-use design. It has a one-click button that enables you to protect your connection in a few seconds.

The expanded screen showcases an all-server list, and you can access the specialized servers. The server list displays the ping, distance, and server load parameters.

The VPN settings allow you to select your protocol, use a random port, disable IPv6, and repair the network card. You can also toggle the kill switch, leak protection, and block content (ads). You can also access the Smart rule tab to automate your privacy triggers, including split tunneling.

Compatibility

CyberGhost has VPN apps compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Linux, streaming devices, and browsers.

It also supports browsers, and you can use a Smart DNS on devices that don’t allow VPN apps, such as gaming consoles. Smart DNS offers faster speeds with no security.

The solution is to share your PC’s VPN connection or use a VPN router.

CyberGhost protects up to 7 devices simultaneously.

Pricing Plans

CyberGhost offers three subscription plans, and before you commit to any plan, CyberGhost lets you try out the VPN for free. It offers a 7-day trial period for mobile devices and a 24hr trial for desktops with no credit card required.

Below are the plans in detail at the time of this writing:

• The 2-year subscription plan costs $2.25 per month.
• The 6-month subscription plan retails at $6.39 per month.
• The monthly subscription plan goes for $12.99 per month.

CyberGhost also offers an all-in-one security solution for Windows at an extra fee of $1.24 per month. This solution adds an antivirus, privacy guard, and security updater.

The long-term plans are budget-friendly. Payment can be made using various methods. To conceal your identity at check out, you can pay via cryptocurrency.

CyberGhost also offers a no-questions-asked money-back guarantee. 14-days for the monthly subscription and 45-days for the long-term subscriptions.

Customer support

Customer support is offered via a live chat, email, or the Help page. The live chat is highly responsive, while the email is slow.

Nonetheless, you can solve most issues via the help page. The help page has extensive information divided into FAQs, set-up guides, troubleshooting guides, and an announcement section.

SurfShark

Go to Surfshark

Surfshark is a top-notch VPN solution for Windows. You can use it to unblock content and also safeguard your privacy.

It has a wide range of security features, and its servers boast faster speeds with unlimited bandwidth. Surfshark gives you value for your money as it allows unlimited simultaneous connections.

Servers

Surfshark has a decent-sized server network of 3200 plus servers in 65 countries. The servers compromise both physical and virtual servers. Virtual servers help you access locations where physical servers cannot be installed for legal or security reasons.

Surfshark allows you to connect to various servers depending on your online activities. These servers can be used for streaming content, online gaming, downloading content, and even regular browsing.

The available servers are optimized to offer very high speeds and unlimited bandwidth.

Surfshark can help you unblock and access various worldwide services with global server coverage. For streaming, Surfshark unlocks a variety of catalogs from Netflix, Disney Plus, HBO, BBC, Hulu, sporting events, and even live TV.

It can allow you to watch Showtime outside the USA and serves as a great Vudu VPN.

Torrenting is supported in all servers, but the P2P traffic is routed through P2P-friendly countries such as the Netherlands. You can also connect to Static servers to avoid blacklists or access services that only allow a static IP address.

You also have access to Double VPN servers known as Multi-hop. These servers add an extra layer to your security and improve your online privacy. You can bypass harsh restrictions by using the NoBorders Mode feature.

Privacy and Logging

Surfshark is an offshore VPN under the British Virgin Islands (BVI) jurisdiction. The BVI is a privacy-friendly country that doesn’t share information with other countries or surveillance alliances like the 14-Eyes.

Without mandatory data retention laws, the BVI doesn’t require Surfshark to report or store data. This is good for Surfshark since it’s a no-log VPN.

Under the no-log policy, Surfshark specifies that it doesn’t track or log your online activities. It also doesn’t keep logs regarding your connection details or other information that can compromise your identity.

Surfshark also ensures privacy right from its servers. The network uses RAM-only servers, ensuring no information will be stored locally.

With each reboot, information on RAM is wiped. RAM-only VPN servers also improve security, there are no inconsistencies, and the servers will always run on the latest configurations.

Security and Protocols

Surfshark protects your sensitive information, secures your Wi-Fi network, and ensures no prying eyes are eavesdropping on your connections or data. This is possible by using the AES 256-bit encryption and its security protocols.

The first three protocols offer reliability, security, and required speeds. The protocols include IKEv2, OpenVPN, WireGuard, and Shadowsocks. WireGuard offers the fastest speeds. Shadowsocks is more of an encrypted proxy. It helps bypass censorship restrictions.

Surfshark also offers a kill switch, leak protection, and stops trackers, ads, phishing attempts, and malware (via CleanWeb).

You can also use Surfshark One and get on-device security via an antivirus. You can also hide your VPN traffic via the Camouflage mode.

The Windows App

Surfshark offers a clean Windows app that sports a straightforward, easy-to-use interface. The functionalities are easily accessible through four vertical tabs. The app is responsive and can go into a mini mode to conserve your Windows working space.

The home tab hosts a one-tap connect button that selects a server connection depending on the fastest server or nearest country. You can also access the kill switch from the pull-up arrow on the button section.

The location tab gives access to server locations, including the static and MultiHop servers. The servers have bubbles that indicate the server load.

The featured tab has features such as CleanWeb, Whitelister (Split tunneling), and functionalities from Surfshark One.

The Settings tab shows your account info and preferences and allows you to configure connectivity settings and advanced settings such as Protocols, invisibility to devices, NoBorders Mode, and speed test.

Compatibility

You can protect as many devices as you can. Unlike most VPNs, Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections. This is handy as Surfshark is compatible with almost all other platforms besides Windows.

They include desktops, smartphones, streaming devices, routers, Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and browser extensions (Chrome, Firefox, and Edge).

For devices that don’t support native VPN apps, Surfshark offers a Smart DNS – faster speeds with no security. If you value online security and privacy, connecting the devices via a VPN router is your best option. You can also share your PC’s VPN connection.

Pricing Plans

Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN that also offers excellent value for your money. This is through unlimited connections. The pricing plan offers three subscription plans with a 30-day 100% money-back guarantee.

Below are the plans in detail at the time of this writing:

• A 2-year subscription plan retails at $2.49 per month.
• A 6-month subscription plan goes for $6.49 per month.
• The monthly subscription plan costs $12.95 per month.

At an extra $1.49 per month, you can unlock Surfshark’s full security potential through Surfshark One. This 4 in one4-in-one includes the VPN service, an antivirus, private search, and an alert for data breaches.

Surfshark allows various payment methods, and you can even use cryptocurrency to keep your identity anonymous.

Customer support

Surfshark offers customer service through a 24/7 live chat, email, or the extensive help center page. This page provides FAQs, tutorials, and troubleshooting guides.

It has the following categories, Get started, Troubleshoot issues, Billing and account, and General info. For quick solutions, try the live chat or the Help Center page.

How do we choose the Best VPNs for Windows & PC?

As a popular OS, there are many VPN offerings for Windows, and most of them do not offer what they claim. Hence, it can be overwhelming when you need to choose the right VPN. Nonetheless, here is an overview of what to consider when selecting a Windows VPN.

• Server locations
• Speed and performance
• Privacy and security
• Ease of use (The VPN app)
• Compatibility
• Money-back guarantee
• Customer service

Wrap Up

A VPN should be your first line of defense when you access the internet. The encryption will keep your data and connection safe from prying eyes.

You also improve your privacy since internet entities will only see the VPN’s server IP address. Your actual IP address will be well masked.

Our best VPN for Windows will also ensure you safely gain access to content. They have larger server networks that ensure you can unblock content from anywhere. You will also enjoy blazing speeds and unlimited bandwidth without ISP throttling.