Summary
Using these fantastic virtual private networks for Windows, you won’t have to make any concessions in your hunt for the finest virtual private network.
What is the most reliable virtual private network (VPN) for Windows at the moment?
ExpressVPN is the finest virtual private network (VPN) for Windows because of its impressive streaming service unblocking capabilities, lightning-fast speeds, and unparalleled transparency. Additionally, ExpressVPN is distinguished by its user-friendly applications, huge server network, and cutting-edge security measures.
The finest virtual private network (VPN) for Windows is Surfshark, which provides an extensive collection of privacy features and allows for an infinite number of simultaneous connections without breaking the budget.
Because it has the best-in-class average speed loss of 11%, NordVPN is the quickest virtual private network (VPN) for Windows. When you use Nord, you will also have access to extensive privacy features and exceptional unblocking capabilities for material that is prohibited regionally.
The only free VPN service that we suggest is Proton VPN, which is also the best free VPN service.
In order to establish which virtual private network (VPN) services are the most reliable, fastest, and secure for Windows 10 and Windows 11, our tkgap specialists put a large number of VPNs through their paces. In the course of our testing, we concentrated on a number of fundamental aspects, such as the capacity to unblock streaming content, the speed at which we browse the internet, the dependability, the privacy, the simplicity of remote access, and the overall value for the money. In addition to this, we particularly examined the performance of the Windows application of each VPN to ensure that it included features that were both helpful and functional. The finest virtual private networks (VPNs) for Windows are evaluated according to their performance in every category. Additionally, if you are dealing with a device that is a little bit older, be sure to read our instructions on how to set up a virtual private network (VPN) on Windows 10.
What things should you look for in a virtual private network (VPN) for Windows?
In the process of choosing a virtual private network (VPN), there are many factors to consider, such as device support, privacy features, internet speeds, and pricing. When selecting a virtual private network (VPN) for Windows, the following are the primary considerations to take into account:.
Compatibility of the devices
Virtual private networks (VPNs) often include a Windows application. There is a good chance that you have additional devices, such as phones, tablets, and streaming devices, that you would want to install a virtual private network (VPN) on. You can get programs for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS from almost every VPN service; however, there are other platforms that are less common, such as Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and graphical user interface (GUI) software for Linux. If you wish to utilize a virtual private network (VPN) with devices that are not Windows-based, you need to obtain an app from the VPN service you want to use.
Confidentiality
One of the primary reasons to utilize a virtual private network (VPN) is to protect one’s privacy. An encryption method with 256 bits of AES, a kill button, and a rigorous no-log policy are the bare minimums that we advocate. In spite of the fact that it is difficult to verify no-logging claims with complete assurance — since you may and should be dubious — it does provide a sense of peace of mind. Audits conducted by third parties support no-log assumptions while simultaneously improving transparency.
Pace of the Internet
Because your data does not simply pass via the servers of your internet service provider (ISP), but rather tunnels through the servers of your VPN provider for encryption, all virtual private networks (VPNs) add a certain amount of delay to the download and upload rates of your internet connection. While some businesses provide quicker speeds than others, some do not. When it comes to activities that need a significant amount of bandwidth, such as streaming 4K video, uploading movies to YouTube, and playing competitive online games, the fastest virtual private networks (VPNs) provide a low performance loss of twenty percent or less.
A network of servers
You will be able to locate the perfect connection if the server network is sturdy. A huge number of servers and a comprehensive list of particular nations are going to be necessities for you. Because you have access to a wider variety of countries to choose from, a virtual private network (VPN) service that has a smaller number of servers overall but a greater number of standalone countries may be more suitable for travel. ExpressVPN and Surfshark are two of the most highly regarded virtual private networks (VPNs) that provide 100 or more servers.
The unblocking of content
In addition to protecting their privacy, many people utilize virtual private networks (VPNs) to get around geographical constraints. A virtual private network (VPN) may let you unblock streaming material, such as having access to UK Netflix libraries while you are in the United States, or it can help you skip tedious but essential CAPTCHAs when you are traveling overseas. You will want to make sure that your virtual private network (VPN) is compatible with the streaming services that you wish to use, such as Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video.
Help for the customers
A comprehensive collection of help manuals and commonly asked questions makes it easier for you to receive assistance, particularly if you are new to virtual private networks (VPNs). The firms that provide comprehensive installation instructions and troubleshooting advice are very much appreciated by us. Whether you are experiencing issues with connection or have queries about bills, live chat that is available online or over the phone around the clock is an excellent option for more sophisticated support.
The cost
The cost of a virtual private network (VPN) may range anywhere from ten dollars per month to one hundred dollars per year. In most cases, you will be able to save money by buying a membership for a whole year, with reductions being even bigger for purchases made for two or three years. In spite of the fact that it is less expensive, we advise against purchasing a multi-year plan because of the rapid pace at which things change in the VPN industry. It is possible that your service provider may suffer a data breach or be bought by a questionable business, despite the fact that it may initially provide you with high download speeds and strong privacy features. Always stick with yearly plans if you want the greatest value with the least amount of risk. A decent-value virtual private network (VPN) will cost you between $50 and $60 per year, whereas an expensive VPN would cost you between $90 and $100 per year. Most of the time, businesses will offer you attractive introductory discounts for your first year of service, and then they will raise the price after that. You may still be able to obtain a fantastic discount if you renew your subscription during a sale, such as around the time of Black Friday or Cyber Monday.
How do we test virtual private networks (VPNs) for Windows?
tkgap has spent years doing in-depth reviews of a wide range of virtual private network (VPN) service providers. Over two hundred and fifty internet speed tests were performed on each VPN, DNS leaks were investigated, and server networks were compared. Aside from that, we examined the price structure in order to ascertain the total value, streamed material that was geo-protected, and investigated the privacy aspects. With regard to Windows, we put applications through their paces on Microsoft’s operating system to determine the capabilities that each one provides. In order to meet your requirements for a VPN that is compatible with several devices, we also evaluated VPN applications that run on other operating systems, such as MacOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV OS, Android/Android TV, iOS/iPadOS, and Apple TV.
Other virtual private networks that we tested?
PIA Private Internet Access is a virtual private network (VPN) service that is favorable to one’s pocketbook. Just $12 every month, $40 per year, or $79 every three years is all that is required to get it. We approve of PIA’s open-source applications and the remarkable transparency it provides with its third-party audits that do not log. PIA has a kill switch, obfuscation, multihop connections, and AES 256-bit encryption as standard safety features. Because it has 35,000 servers located in 91 different countries, private Internet access is an excellent choice when traveling internationally. Using servers located in the United States and the United Kingdom, we were able to stream content from Disney Plus and Netflix without any difficulty. There were some problems with Amazon Prime Video when we used it on our personal computers, but it functioned well on streaming devices such as the Amazon Fire TV and Android TV.
During our testing, we discovered that the average internet speed and download speed had decreased by a shockingly high 49%. A decrease of twenty percent or less in internet speed is usually undetectable, as a point of comparison. There is a possibility that you will be blissfully ignorant of the inconsistent server performance of PIA if you have a connection that is adequately fast (at least 100 Mbps). People who utilize slower internet connections, such as those who use satellite internet, should think about using one of the quickest virtual private networks (VPNs), such as NordVPN. In spite of the fact that PIA is an excellent choice for those on a budget, we suggest Surfshark instead since it is both quicker and more feature-packed.
What is the best virtual private network (VPN) for Windows?
CNET now recommends ExpressVPN as the best virtual private network (VPN) for Windows. The seasoned professional in the field has an excellent network of servers located all over the globe and offers a compelling combination of speed, security, and unblocking ability.
The Best VPN Services of 2024
- NordVPN – Best VPN for Privacy
- Surfshark – Best VPN for Security
- Private Internet Access VPN – Best VPN for Windows
- Hotspot Shield – Best VPN for Netflix
- Norton Secure VPN – Best VPN With Dynamic IP Addresses
- IPVanish – Best Customer Support
- ExpressVPN – Best Encryption
- CyberGhost – Best VPN for Mac
- Proton VPN – Best VPN for Work
- UltraVPN – Best for Day-to-day Use
Is it possible to get a free virtual private network (VPN) for Windows?
Yes, it is possible to get a virtual private network (VPN) for Windows, and the only free alternative that we suggest is Proton VPN. In addition to not displaying advertisements on your screen or collecting and selling your data, the free tier of Proton does not even impose bandwidth restrictions on its users. For a few different reasons, we do not suggest the majority of free virtual private networks (VPNs). In the first place, free virtual private networks (VPNs) have to find a way to generate revenue, which often includes selling your data to other parties. Many of them have even been discovered to be infested with malicious software. Free virtual private networks (VPNs) are not only unsafe to use, but they also often lack the features and functionality that you would expect from a VPN service. When you use a free virtual private network (VPN), you will often have to deal with poor connections, data limitations, inadequate security, a restricted number of server locations, and inconsistent unblocking capabilities. The easiest method to test out a virtual private network (VPN) without spending any money is to take advantage of the free trials and money-back guarantees that premium VPN providers provide. Additionally, if you are on a tight budget, you may look at the list that tkgap has compiled of the top inexpensive VPN services.
What is the best free virtual private network (VPN) for Windows?
We recommend using Proton VPN since it is the finest free virtual private network (VPN) and the only one that does not cost anything. There are no advertisements included, there is no data aggregation offered, and there are no bandwidth constraints imposed on you. Although the free tier of Proton’s Virtual Private Network (VPN) service does have a few limitations, such as the inability to manually pick a server, the service is, all things considered, an excellent free service. Proton is one of the few virtual private networks (VPNs) for Windows computers that does not have significant drawbacks, such as the gathering of data, the display of annoying advertisements, or even the possibility of getting infected with some kind of malware.
Which virtual private network (VPN) offers the highest level of security for Windows?
Every single one of ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN provides Windows users with an exceptional level of protection. Every single one of them provides the same AES 256-bit encryption, has a server architecture that is only based on RAM, and has been subjected to independent auditing. In addition to essential security features such as a kill switch and protection against DNS leaks, each of these three virtual private networks (VPNs) has extra features that may assist in enhancing your online privacy and security on the internet. The CleanWeb function of Surfshark will assist you in automatically blocking malicious software and attempts to phish for information. Some of the capabilities that NordVPN provides include Tor over VPN, double VPN, and dark web monitoring. ExpressVPN claims that its TrustedServer technology helps increase security and eliminate vulnerabilities and misconfigurations by loading the most recent software every time a server starts up. Apart from guaranteeing that data is never kept on its servers, ExpressVPN also claims that this technology provides further benefits.
Is it possible to get in trouble for utilizing a virtual private network (VPN)?
While utilizing a virtual private network (VPN), you won’t normally have to worry about getting into any kind of legal issues in the majority of regions across the globe. It is possible that you might face legal consequences for using a virtual private network (VPN) if you are located in a nation such as China, Iran, or any other country that prohibits or outlaws the use of VPNs. It is important to examine the local rules surrounding the usage of virtual private networks (VPNs) in the nation that you are visiting. You are able to conceal your usage of a virtual private network (VPN) by connecting to an obfuscated server, even if the nation you are currently in or flying to does have limitations on VPNs. Your VPN traffic will be disguised as standard HTTPS traffic if you complete this step.
When I am connected to my virtual private network (VPN), what does my Internet service provider (ISP) see?
Your Internet service provider (ISP) will be able to determine that you are connected to a virtual private network (VPN) when you connect to one; however, it will not be able to see the websites that you visit or your browsing history. The quantity of data that you are transferring, the IP address of the VPN server that you are connected to, and the timestamps of when you joined the VPN will all be visible to your Internet service provider (ISP). Your Internet service provider will only be able to distinguish the actual communication as a random string of gibberish since the traffic itself is encrypted. You will need to connect to an obfuscated server if your VPN provider offers such a service in order to conceal the fact that you are using a virtual private network (VPN) from your Internet service provider (ISP).
How to Find The Best VPNs?
When selecting a virtual private network (VPN), there are a lot of things to take into consideration. Could you tell me how many servers it has? Can you tell me what kind of encryption it offers? In what kinds of gadgets does it function? Does it record or track an individual’s browsing history? Could it effectively conceal IP addresses? When evaluating virtual private networks (VPNs), we take all of these factors into consideration. When it comes to locating the finest virtual private networks (VPNs), there are just three essential aspects that should be considered: privacy, speed, and security.
When we talk about the virtual private networks (VPNs) that we suggest, we will provide you with an overview and grade how each of them performed in those three categories: excellent, very good, good, fair, and bad. We will also describe our user experience and explain the reasoning behind our selection of each choice. To get started, have a look at the comparison table that is provided below.
