This article will review the best VPNs for Windows 10, serve as a guide on setting up a Virtual Private Network connection, and explain why you should use a Windows 10 VPN to browse, stream, and download. We will also point out some VPNs with poor track records that should be avoided.

Skip to the list of the best VPNs for Windows 10 PCs.

Windows 10 is a massive improvement on its predecessor, but with it comes a trove of privacy issues–some new and some inherited. Integrated advertising, Cortana, and information synchronization with Microsoft servers are all made to help personalize your experience, but Windows blurs the line between personalization and privacy. This gem from Microsoft’s privacy policy pretty much sums it up:

There are no hidden terms - just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

Most of these trackers and telemetry services can be disabled, but they can also be switched back on without your knowledge during an update. Some cannot be turned off at all.

So how can you protect your privacy and keep using Windows 10? First off, check out our giant list of privacy tools; there’s a section just for Windows 10 users.

Next, get a VPN. VPN software encrypts and anonymizes all your online activity. This is important for P2P filesharing so your internet access provider can’t snoop on torrents and other downloads. It also protects you on unprotected public wi-fi networks and even unlocks geo-locked websites and services like Netflix. It does this by issuing a local IP address near the streaming servers you wish to connect to.

We’ll discuss VPNs in detail, but if you don’t want to read the full article, below are the best VPNs for Windows 10 PCs.

Best VPNs for Windows 10:

  • NordVPN: The best all-around VPN for Windows 10. Faster than its rivals, with solid security and a no-logging policy. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: A fantastic low-cost option that boasts high speeds and an impressive range of security and privacy features. No VPN connection limit.
  • ExpressVPN:  Easy to set up and use, fast speeds, and airtight security. Works with all major streaming sites including Netflix.
  • CyberGhost: Great security, very fast, and makes it easy to enjoy streaming sites like Netflix.
  • IPVanish: Strong security paired with fast speeds and reliable connections. No logs are kept.
  • Private Internet Access: Offers a user-friendly app for Windows 10, works with all popular streaming sites.

We’ve listed our top 5 favorite VPNs for Windows 10 PC users emphasizing the following criteria:

  • App quality
  • Supports OpenVPN protocol
  • DNS leak protection
  • Speed and performance
  • Ability to unblock streaming services such as Netflix

We reveal more about our testing methodology below.

App quality is pretty self-explanatory. Setup and use of the native Windows client should be easy and intuitive.

The OpenVPN protocol is open-source and audited. It’s relatively fast and widely regarded as the most secure and trusted protocol available. It doesn’t come built into Windows 10 like SSTP, L2TP, and PPTP, so these VPN providers must provide the user with an app that makes setting up OpenVPN easy.

DNS leaks are a known Windows 10 vulnerability, so VPNs that can suppress this are a must. A DNS leak nullifies a user’s anonymity by sending a web page request to their internet service provider instead of to a private DNS server through the VPN service. This allows your ISP and possibly Windows to track your web browsing.

  • Test your VPN for DNS leaks

Because Microsoft is based in the US and is known to have complied with the NSA’s bulk surveillance program, we prefer VPN providers based outside of the US to avoid any further conflicts of interest.

Top 6 Best VPNs for Windows 10 PCs

Here are the top 6 best VPNs for Windows 10 users:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Panama-based NordVPN has a true logless policy, meaning it keeps neither connection nor usage logs. Extra features include double-hop encryption, Tor over VPN, and a kill switch. Those plus DNS leak protection can all be switched on in the app settings.

The Windows VPN service client is detailed but not overwhelming for new users. The server list is categorized by recommended use–TV streaming, dedicated IP, Tor over VPN, etc–and each server is pinged so you can see which location offers the least latency. NordVPN can unblock Netflix.

NordVPN speed test data

BEST VPN FOR WINDOWS 10:NordVPN is our first choice. A real contender in all categories, with strong security features and the fastest speeds we’ve seen. It even has a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Windows 10 app works well
  • Vast server location network is very capable at unblocking most geo-restricted content
  • Faster than any other major provider
  • Excellent security tools
  • Zero-logs policy

Cons:

  • Sometimes takes desktop apps a little longer to connect

Our score:

Read our review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Live chat support is available around the clock. Best of all, Surfshark doesn’t put restrictions on how many devices you can connect at once, making it a great budget option for a family or group of housemates.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.

Surfshark speed test data

BEST BUDGET VPN:Secure your Windows PC as well as all your other gadgets without worrying about hitting a device limit. Surfshark is inexpensive and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • A relatively small server network
  • Some slow speeds

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

Ever among the top 5 in almost any category, ExpressVPN makes this list for its superb app. The Windows VPN software is the simplest option for those who want something that just works without fuss, and it boasts the fastest average download speed of any VPN we’ve tested so far—great for P2P filesharing and streaming.

Users can opt to use ExpressVPN’s DNS servers whenever connected by toggling it in the advanced settings. ExpressVPN is incorporated in the British Virgin Islands beyond the reach of the GCHQ and NSA, and it keeps no usage logs. It’s also one of the few VPNs to work with Netflix.

ExpressVPN speed test data

HIGHLY SECURE:ExpressVPN is a privacy-focused provider that offers high speeds, a ton of security features, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Blazing-fast servers for streaming and downloading

  • High-grade encryption, security, and privacy throughout

  • Great at unblocking most popular streaming sites from almost anywhere

  • Live chat customer support has you covered

  • Can only connect 5 devices concurrently

  • Few customizable features

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost VPN

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost VPN offers easy-to-use apps and a large network that spans more than 5,700 VPN servers in over 80 countries. CyberGhost’s premium tier stores no identifying logs and protects your data in transit with 256-bit AES military-grade encryption on the OpenVPN protocol. Live chat is available should you encounter any issues. Speeds are excellent and you can connect up to seven devices at the same time. CyberGhost can unblock US Netflix.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

CyberGhost speed test data

VALUE AND PERFORMANCE:CyberGhost is easy to use. Another budget choice. Good on privacy. Streams HD video reliably. Can struggle with some popular streaming sites. 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Windows 10 app is beginner friendly and easy to setup

  • Good security and they don’t store user activity logs

  • Impressive streaming and downloading speeds

  • Doesn’t work in China or the UAE

  • May not be flexible enough for power users

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

US-based IPVanish uses OpenVPN with strong encryption and features a true zero logs policy, meaning it records neither session nor traffic logs. It’s one of the only VPNs to sport a Tier 1 network, meaning it owns all of its own servers rather than renting physical or virtual space from someone else. Because of that, we’ve overlooked the fact that it’s based in the US.

IPVanish boasts a selection of almost 60 countries and all VPN connections are DNS leak protected.

IPVanish speed test data

LARGE NETWORK:IPVanish is great for families. Solid Windows 10 app. Good at unblocking most geo-restricted content. Recommend for their high standard of connection privacy. Could do with a live support option. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • No issues using their Windows 10 app during testing

  • Keep no logs on user activities and have solid security settings

  • Good speeds for streaming

  • Some servers don’t perform well with Netflix or Hulu

  • Apps don’t work in China

Read our full review of IPVanish here.

6. Private internet Access

Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

Private Internet Access is a popular VPN for Windows 10 users thanks to its intuitive and lightweight app that works with little user input. For expert users, it offers the option to adjust the level of encryption needed, which is helpful for apps like Kodi. AES encryption is used alongside a network kill switch and DNS leak protection to further enhance your privacy.

PIA operates from the United States with 10,000+ servers in over 80 locations capable of accessing popular streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu. Its use of WireGuard means you’ll benefit from HD streaming, and with a 10-device connection limit, your entire family will be able to stream simultaneously. Try PIA for 30 days, and if you’re not happy, you can request a full refund.

Private Internet Access speed test data

ADJUSTABLE ENCRYPTION:Private Internet Access offers a lightweight app for Windows 10 with customizable encryption settings for advanced users. All plans include a 30-day refund policy.

  • Excellent Kodi support

  • Lightweight app for Windows 10

  • Operates over 10,000 servers in 80+ countries

  • Struggles with some streaming services

  • Streaming speeds can be inconsistent

Read our full review of Private Internet Access.

Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for Windows 10

While most VPNs offer an app for Windows, few are worth your time and money. Our methodology for finding the best VPNs for Windows 10 involved assessing each VPN in areas such as security and privacy protection. Here’s a full list of what we looked for:

  • Servers worldwide: Windows users can be found in almost every country around the world so having access to a global network of servers just makes sense. The VPNs we recommend typically offer thousands of servers. You can find these in dozens of countries including the US, UK, Australia, Japan, and more.
  • Speed: Whether you’re browsing, streaming, or torrenting on your Windows device, high-speed connections are essential. Without these, you’re likely to suffer performance issues such as low resolution, lag, and buffering. Thanks to our speed tests, we’ve identified the fastest VPNs for Windows 10, all of which offer unlimited bandwidth.
  • Unblocking: Region-locked content affects us all, particularly when it comes to streaming services. However, some users also have to contend with strict online censorship in their country. It’s only by testing the VPNs with a wide range of restricted websites and services that we found those with the strongest unblocking ability.
  • Security: From DDoS attacks to malware, there is a multitude of security threats online. Using a VPN ensures your data is encrypted and inaccessible to cybercriminals. They also include a kill switch and DNS leak protection. If that’s not enough, VPN services such as NordVPN and Surfshark even offer Double VPN servers.
  • Privacy: As we’ve covered in this post, Windows 10 comes with some privacy issues. If you want to be able to browse anonymously, a VPN is all the more essential. Aside from encryption, we look for each VPN to operate a no-logs policy. Having analyzed 140 VPN logging policies, we’ve found those that offer you online anonymity.
  • Ease of use: Whether you’re on Windows, Android, or another operating system, the VPN app in question should be quick and easy to use. Our hands-on experience with each VPN’s apps makes sure of this. Furthermore, you can expect each VPN to provide plenty of setup guides as well as 24-hour live chat and email support.
  • Value for money: All of the best VPNs for Windows 10 are affordable. In fact, they often work out to be less expensive than VPNs that fail to offer much of the above! To save a little extra, you can take advantage of our VPN discount coupons linked in this post. Remember, each VPN comes with a risk-free money-back guarantee of at least 30 days.

We don’t just take a VPN’s word that they offer the above. Instead, we test each VPN extensively for ourselves, all as part of our VPN testing methodology. This allows us to provide reviews that are as accurate and up-to-date as possible.

VPNs to avoid

When deciding which VPNs Windows 10 users should avoid, free options top the list. We listed a couple here that the typical person would likely find on Google, but the same goes for pretty much all free VPN services.

We passed on several paid VPNs as well because they either don’t protect against DNS leaks, are based in the US, or both.

Betternet

If you Google “free VPN for Windows,” Betternet will be one of the top search results. Betternet doesn’t collect user logs, but the app itself is part of an ad platform that accesses your cookies to target you with advertisements, videos, and suggested apps. It also doesn’t protect users from DNS leaks. It’s not that Betternet is malicious–in fact, it’s quite transparent in how it operates. We might even recommend the mobile app as a decent free alternative. But for Windows, we have to say pass.

Hide.me (free)

Hide.me is the other free VPN for Windows that ranks high on Google. While it has premium plans that aren’t so bad, the free version limits speed and data transfers to 3 Mbit/s and 2GB, respectively. It also doesn’t support OpenVPN, which is our recommended protocol for security. Free users are limited to three server locations, and port forwarding is not available (useful for torrenting). On the plus side, Hide.me is completely log-free.

Hola

Hola is a peer-to-peer proxy browser extension that works sort of like a free VPN but has no centralized servers. Instead, users route their internet traffic through other Hola users’ devices whenever idle bandwidth is available. Depending on your local laws and regulations, that could make you responsible for the activities of other users. Furthermore, Hola once hijacked the computing resources of its users, turning them into a botnet army, to carry out distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks on websites and distribute pirated materials.

Double-check for DNS leaks

If you want to double-check that your DNS leak protection is working, you can run a DNS leak test here. Run the test with your VPN enabled and then again with it disabled to get an instant readout of the test results.

Can’t unblock Netflix and Hulu? Try disabling IPv6

Even if a VPN advertises DNS leak protection, websites like Hulu and Netflix can sometimes still force a request to leak out over the IPv6 protocol. By default, most VPNs force all DNS requests onto IPv4 and avoid IPv6 altogether. But if IPv6 is enabled on your device, this might not stop an IPv6 DNS leak on Windows 10.

First off, make sure you ask your VPN provider’s customer support if they have servers that unblock US Netflix and Hulu. If it does and you are connected to one of those servers, but the site still detects you are using a VPN service, then you may need to disable IPv6.

To do so, follow these instructions:

  • Right-click the wifi or LAN icon in your system tray and click “Open Network and Sharing Center”
  • On the Window that appears, click the link for your network next to “Connections”
  • Click Properties
  • Uncheck the entry for “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)”
  • Press “OK” to save changes, then restart your computer

IPv6 is now disabled, and you should no longer leak IPv6 DNS requests.

How to manually set up a VPN on Windows 10

With all of the above providers, you need only download and install software to get up and running with a VPN on Windows. Connecting is as simple as logging in, choosing a location, and hitting the Connect button.

But if an app doesn’t suit you, Windows 10 has built-in VPN support that can be manually configured. The OS doesn’t support OpenVPN however, so we recommend choosing from L2TP/IPSec, SSTP, or IKEv2. Avoid PPTP; even though it can be faster and is slightly easier to set up, it has known security vulnerabilities.

To get started, you’ll need to get the following information from your VPN provider according to your chosen protocol:

  • Username

  • Password

  • VPN server address

  • Pre-shared secret or certificate

  • In the search bar, type “VPN” and click the menu cog at the top of the search results.

  • On the menu that pops up, click Add a VPN connection

  • Under VPN provider, choose Windows (built-in). Fill in all of the other information mentioned above accordingly.

  • Hit Save

  • The VPN should now be listed in the VPN menu. Click it and then hit Connect

  • Wait a moment for the VPN connection to be completed, and that’s it! You’re connected.

  • After you set your VPN up the first time, you can access it more quickly by clicking the wifi icon in your system tray. It should be listed near the top.

Windows 10 VPN testing methodology

Comparitech’s VPN reviewers use, analyze, and test every VPN we recommend to ensure they function as described and meet our standards of quality. When it comes to Windows VPNs, we particularly examine:

  • Data leaks: Windows 10 PCs are particularly vulnerable to IPv6 leaks while connected to VPNs. We check every VPN for IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks that could compromise users’ privacy. All of our recommendations also come with kill switches.
  • Speed: Windows PCs are often used for high-bandwidth activities. We speed test connections to North America, Europe, and Asia.
  • App quality: We try out the Windows versions of every VPN app we recommend, factoring in performance, design, and features.
  • Stream unblocking: We’ve run more than 3,000 real-world tests this year alone to find out which VPNs can unblock streaming services like Netflix from around the world.
  • Customer support: We contact each VPN’s customer support to gauge the quality and timeliness of their responses.

Comparitech reviewers further evaluate each VPN’s encryption scheme, logging policy, country of incorporation, ability to bypass censorship, and more. Learn about our methodology on our how we test VPNs page.

  • Navigate to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings

  • Next, right-click the network you’re using and select Properties

  • Click the Configure button

  • Open the Power Management tab on the right and make sure the Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power option is unchecked.

  • Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center

  • Click on Change adapter settings in the menu on the left

  • Find your network in the list, right-click it, and select Properties

  • Now, simply untick the box labeled Internet Protocol version 6 (TCP/IPv6)

It might be possible to set up split tunneling so that some applications use one VPN and other applications use another VPN.

Another option would be to combine a VPN app for Windows, a VPN plugin or extension for your web browser, and/or a VPN on your wi-fi router.

Stacking VPNs could have a serious impact on performance and speed. If you’re using two VPNs simultaneously, for example, your data will have to be encrypted and decrypted twice over, and it will have to travel through both VPN servers to reach its destination.

Some countries, such as China, prevent the use of VPNs, but do not criminalize it.

Although VPNs are perfectly legal, any criminal activity you conduct while connected to the VPN is still illegal. Using a VPN does not void the law.