Windows is by far the best-known operating system, but its popularity makes it vulnerable to cybercriminals. If you’re a Windows user, you need to be aware that your OS is a primary target of hackers and to take the necessary steps to protect your PC. In addition, Windows 10 has many privacy issues. For example, Windows 10 makes use of integrated advertising and data synchronization with Microsoft servers to give users a more personalized experience, but these features can compromise your privacy. The best way for Windows users to protect their privacy and security is to invest in an effective VPN. A VPN establishes a secure internet connection, so your data is encrypted and transferred through the VPN’s servers, which keeps it safe from third parties. In this article, we’ll fill you in on the best VPNs for Windows right now.
Best VPNs for Windows 10
Since most malware attacks and hackers target Windows users – simply because it’s the most used operating system – it’s crucial to make use of reliable tools to stay safe online as a Windows user. One such tool that helps you do this is a reliable VPN which can help make your internet connection a lot more secure. A VPN effectively protects your privacy online by encrypting your traffic, thus concealing your browsing activity, and assigning you a different IP address to protect your anonymity online.
However, Windows users need to understand that not all VPNs are created equal. There are tons of VPNs out there for Windows users, but not all of them are ideal. These 7 VPN services have been extensively tested and are all reliable VPNs for Windows users.
1] ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a top-rated VPN in almost every category and is one of the best VPNs available for Windows 10 users. Their Windows VPN app is extremely user-friendly and straightforward to use and has OpenVPN encryption, which makes it incredibly secure. ExpressVPN has an extensive server network in 94 countries and is known for its high-speed connections and download speeds. This makes it ideal for P2P filesharing and HD streaming. This VPN also works with all major streaming services and is excellent at unblocking region-restricted content. Whether you want to binge-watch that latest Netflix show that’s blocked in your country or download some large torrent files, ExpressVPN is a great bet for any Windows user.
ExpressVPN takes privacy and security very seriously with high-grade AES-256 encryption, and a no-logs policy. The one downside is they only allow you to connect three devices. The service starts at $6.67 per month, so it’s not the cheapest option out there. However, the levels of privacy, ease of use, and security are well worth it. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it out risk-free.
2] NordVPN
For Windows users looking for the highest levels of security on a budget, NordVPN is an excellent choice. The service starts at $2.99 per month but doesn’t skimp on security. NordVPN has a unique double-encryption system, which translates to 2048-bit encryption and adds additional levels of security to your data. It also has a zero-log policy, a network of over 5,000 servers, and DNS leak protection.
The Windows app is relatively detailed but still simple enough for new users to set up. It also has good connection and download speeds and can unblock most streaming services and geo-restricted content. NordVPN lets you connect up to six devices per user and has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
3] CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost another VPN that is a good option for Windows users on a budget. It’s easy to install and set up on Windows, and is extremely user-friendly and straightforward to navigate. It has high speeds, streams HD videos well, and can unblock Netflix and many other streaming sites. CyberGhost protects your data with 256-bit AES military-grade encryption and stores no logs.
It is newer than some of the other VPNs on our list, however, and has a smaller server network. CyberGhost can unblock Netflix but is not as reliable with some other popular streaming services. CyberGhost also lets you connect up to five devices per account. The service starts at $2.75 per month and has a 45-day money-back guarantee.
4] IPVanish
Another great VPN option for Windows users is IPVanish, which has a reliable Windows 10 app that is very easy to use. IPVanish offers high speeds and 256-bit AES encryption over OpenVPN for high standards of privacy and security. It also has a zero-log policy, DNS leak protection, and unlimited bandwidth and torrenting.
IPVanish provides a smooth streaming experience, though some of their servers didn’t work well with Netflix or Hulu. It’s also not one of the cheaper options, with monthly plans starting at $10 per month and annual plans starting at $6.49 per month. There’s also a 7-day money-back guarantee in case you decide it’s not your best option.
5] VyprVPN
VyprVPN is another good option for Windows users. This service has a secure Windows 10 app that’s easy to set up and navigate. It has high speeds, which makes it great for streaming and downloading, and can easily unblock sites like Netflix, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer.
One issue is that VyprVPN’s logging policy states that they store your IP address, VyprVPN address, and connection logs for up to 30 days. It’s also not one of the cheaper providers, with its Basic plan starting at $5 per month and its Premium plan starting at $6.67 per month.
6] Surfshark
- Although Surfshark is a newer VPN provider with a smaller server network, it’s also a reliable option for securing your Windows PC. Surfshark VPN free trial offers strong encryption, a zero-log policy, and has kill switches in case your VPN gets disconnected. It’s also excellent at unblocking geo-restricted content, including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video.
Another perk is that Surfshark lets you connect as many devices as you want, so your whole family can use one account. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
7] Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield is based in the US and offers both a free and a paid version. Both versions have high speeds and security, though the paid version has more features. This service is highly secure, with AES-256 encryption over OpenVPN, and protection against DNS leaks. It doesn’t keep logs of your activity but does keep connection logs.
The Windows app is intuitive and easy for beginners to set up and use, but it lacks some advanced features like a kill switch or the ability to track bandwidth. The paid version starts at $2.49 per month for an annual plan and comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Final Thoughts
Although Windows is the operating system most targeted by hackers, the good news is there are lots of VPNs available to protect your Windows PC. Any of the VPNs we discussed are great choices for Windows users. It’s just up to you to decide which features are most important to you. Installing a VPN is an excellent way to secure your Windows PC, so we strongly recommend giving one of these services a try.
