This article has been just updated: January 17, 2024

We expect a certain degree of privacy in our lives, and would not tolerate some entity following us down the street and noting our every move throughout the day. Yet this is exactly what your ISP can do every time you fire up your web browser and go online.

Use of a VPN will provide you with anonymity when you are on the Internet by hiding your IP address. Unless you like having your online movements tracked, you need to start using a VPN.

what is the best vpn for windows

 

Top 3 Best VPNs for Windows

Here are three of the best VPNs available that will allow Windows users to maintain online anonymity.

 

1. NordVPN

nord vpn for windows

NordVPN is a feature-rich VPN application that will protect your identity and data while you are online. Be aware that there are extra malware and ad blocking capabilities in the version that is downloaded directly from the NordVPN site. The Google Play version does not contain these options. Here are some of the features you get with NordVPN. A thirty-day money-back guarantee protects your financial investment.best vpn for windows

Features:

  • Online Privacy – Anonymity is preserved by hiding your IP address and eliminating DNS leaks. Your transmission can be routed through a Nord VPN server and then the Onion router when accessing the dark web. A kill switch enables you to close your online session if the VPN connection is closed.
  • Data Security – NordVPN protects your data with military-grade 256-bit AES encryption. You can also opt for double encryption where your data is sent through two subsequent VPN servers.
  • No Logging – No logs of your online activity are retained.
  • Extensive VPN Server Network – NordVPN has over 5,000 VPN servers meaning you can always find one nearby for your connection.
  • Connect Multiple Devices – Protect up to six devices an any OS platform with a single NordVPN account.
 

2. ExpressVPN

express vpn for windowsAnother quality VPN for the Windows platform is ExpressVPN. It is backed by a thirty-day money-back guarantee so you can essentially test drive the app for free. Here are some of the features provided by ExpressVPN.best free vpn

Features:

  • High-Speed Server Network – A large network of over 2,000 servers located in 94 different countries ensures you can always get a fast VPN connection when you need one.
  • No Data Logging – No logs of your online history are kept.
  • Data Protection – You data is secured by using 256-bit AES encryption. Additional protection is afforded by DNS leak protection and a kill switch to shut down your session if the VPN drops.
  • Protect Multiple Devices – Up to three devices can be connected simultaneously using a single ExpressVPN account.
 

3. IPVanish

ip vanish vpn for windows

Rounding out our review of Window’s VPNs is IPVanish. This application offers a 7-day money-back guarantee so you can test the tool. best vpn

Features:

  • Data Encryption – IPVanish employs 256-bit AES encryption to ensure that your data remains secure.
  • Unlimited P2P traffic – Users who download torrents will enjoy this feature which will maintain your high-speed connection when engaged in P2P activity.
  • Multiple Simultaneous Connections – A single account can have up to ten devices connected at the same time.
  • No Logging – Your online activity is never captured or saved in logs, preserving your anonymity.
  • Large Server Network – Use over 1,100 servers located in over 60 countries worldwide.

If you value your privacy and data security you need to use a VPN whenever you go online. Windows users will be well-protected with any of the applications discussed in this article.

FAQ

A reliable VPN for Windows should offer strong encryption, a no-logs policy, a wide network of servers, fast speeds, a user-friendly interface, and compatibility with multiple devices. Additionally, look for features like a kill-switch, split tunneling, and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions.

A VPN protects your Windows computer by encrypting your internet connection, which secures your online activities from cyber threats and hides your IP address from ISPs and potential hackers. This encryption helps prevent unauthorized access to your personal data.

Yes, some VPNs are optimized for Windows 10, offering seamless integration and enhanced features.

Yes, using a VPN on your Windows PC allows you to access and stream geo-blocked content by connecting to a server in a location where the content is available.

Yes, the best VPN for Windows will usually offer fast connection speeds to minimize buffering and interruptions while streaming and browsing.

To install a VPN on your Windows computer, you typically need to sign up for a VPN service, download the VPN app from the provider’s website, install it, and then log in with your credentials.

Yes, a high-quality VPN can significantly increase your Windows computer’s cybersecurity by encrypting your connection and protecting your personal information from potential threats.

While there are free VPN options available for Windows, they may have limitations on speed, data usage, and server availability, and often lack the robust security features of paid services.

The VPN app is a third-party application that provides additional features and a more user-friendly experience, while the built-in Windows VPN feature offers basic VPN functionality without the need to install extra software.

A VPN can help you avoid ISP throttling on your Windows PC by encrypting your data, which prevents your ISP from monitoring and potentially slowing down your internet traffic based on usage.

Yes, it is generally legal to use a VPN with Windows in most countries; however, some countries have restrictions on VPN use, so it’s important to be aware of your local laws.

Most modern VPNs are compatible with multiple versions of Windows, but it’s advisable to check the VPN provider’s system requirements to ensure compatibility with your specific Windows version.

Reputable VPN services for Windows typically offer customer support through live chat, email, or phone to assist with any issues you may encounter.

Although using a VPN may sometimes result in a slight decrease in internet speed due to encryption overhead, the best VPN services minimize this to ensure negligible performance issues.

Many VPN providers allow you to use one subscription on multiple devices, including several Windows PCs, simultaneously.

You can check if your Windows VPN is working by verifying that your IP address has changed to the server’s IP and by checking for DNS leaks using online leak test tools.

It’s important to keep your VPN software updated on Windows to ensure optimal security and performance. Enable automatic updates or regularly check for updates on the VPN provider’s website.

Yes, many VPN services support multiple simultaneous connections, allowing you to secure multiple devices at the same time.

Most VPNs allow you to customize settings, such as choosing a preferred server, changing the encryption protocol, and configuring a kill-switch on your Windows computer for a personalized VPN experience.

The cost for a quality VPN service for Windows can range from a few dollars to around $10 or $15 per month, though discounts are often available for longer-term plans.

For up-to-date recommendations and additional information on VPN services compatible with Windows, you might want to visit PCWorld’s VPN section or TechRadar’s Best VPN list.