The best VPN for Windows in 2025: Expert tested and reviewed

1 week ago 23

Best web services deals of the week

Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.

When you're looking for a virtual private network (VPN) service, the provider likely offers a Microsoft Windows app, but this doesn't mean all Windows VPNs are equal.

All reputable VPNs will offer you a degree of online anonymity, establishing encrypted tunnels between your Windows PC and the internet. This ensures it's more difficult to track your movements. You can also take advantage of new internet protocol (IP) assignments from servers in different countries to bypass geo-location blocks. Furthermore, by adding a VPN security layer, you are bolstering your online privacy and reducing the amount of data being collected about you.

Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome and Chromium browsers.

What is the best Windows VPN right now?

ZDNET's top pick for a Windows VPN in 2025 is NordVPN. NordVPN combines excellent speed, an expansive server list, and security with an easy-to-use Windows app, making it a great option starting at $3.09 per month.

ZDNET has extensively tested VPN software for years. We frequently perform hands-on speed tests, check server availability and connection stability, and examine the most critical aspects of VPN clients including user-friendliness, security, and access to streaming services. With that in mind, these are our recommendations for the best VPNs for Windows in 2025.

The best VPNs for Windows in 2025

NordVPN has distinguished itself as one of the fastest VPNs on the market and is our top choice as a VPN for Windows machines.

Why we like it: The user interface works well on Windows, and during testing, we found that connections were fast and stable. NordVPN offers some of the best speeds on the market, up to 10 simultaneous connections, and a server network offering locations in 111 countries.

NordVPN also has solid capabilities beyond a basic VPN service. Its peer-to-peer (P2P) sharing functionality makes it an excellent VPN for torrenting, and there are options for a dedicated IP address, double VPN, and Onion over VPN.

You can purchase add-on services including a password manager and encrypted cloud storage. It's also one of the few VPN providers offering identity theft and cyber extortion coverage.

Also: NordVPN review

Who it's for: Beyond Windows, NordVPN supports all the most popular platforms, making it a good option for securing various devices. If you have trouble setting up the VPN, live chat is available, and customers report quality support.

Plans begin at $3.09 per month, with three months of free access added to two-year plans. One-year plans start at $5 per month. With a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can test it and get a full refund if it doesn't work for you.

Who should look elsewhere: NordVPN should suit most Windows users, but if you want unlimited simultaneous connections, you will need to look elsewhere.

Show Expert Take Show less

ExpressVPN has server locations in 105 countries, which is a larger network than many of the other top VPN providers. Its speed makes it one of our top choices.

Why we like it: In ZDNET's recent speed tests, we found that ExpressVPN marginally surpassed NordVPN in overall speed and experienced minimal speed loss, with performance predictably consistent across many of its servers worldwide.

ExpressVPN is one of the most widely used VPN providers for a reason. It supports a wide range of platforms and protocols and is easy to set up and use on just about any device including Windows.

Also: ExpressVPN review

ExpressVPN is up there with NordVPN in terms of its user interface. Like its competitor, it has a kill switch that protects your privacy should your connection suddenly drop. It's one of the fastest VPNs, although its higher price point and a lack of unlimited simultaneous connections should be taken into account.

Who it's for: Anyone who considers speed to be their top priority in a Windows VPN.

ExpressVPN has recently transitioned to a tiered system and adjusted its pricing accordingly. The best deal is for a two-year basic ExpressVPN plan at $3.49 per month with four months of free access.

Who should look elsewhere: Just as with NordVPN, if you want unlimited simultaneous connections, look elsewhere. Still, customers say this is an excellent VPN with a fantastic customer support team.

ExpressVPN features: Simultaneous connections: 10 - 14 | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux, Fire TV, Android TV, tvOS, and routers | Countries: 105 | Logging: No browsing logs, some connection logs | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS | Trustpilot rating: 4.0 | Google Play rating: 4.7 | App Store rating: 4.7

Show Expert Take Show less

Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market, providing a solid Windows VPN service for any budget.

Why we like it: In addition to great VPN functionality supported by the WireGuard protocol, it offers a clear, attractive user interface and unlimited connections.

We particularly like the pause function, which allows you to stop the VPN for five minutes, an hour, or more. This is a useful feature if you need to access a service local to you, for example.

Although download speeds were solid in our testing, we noticed they were slower than some competitors, and connection requests took longer as well. Still, considering its price point, you can't go wrong with Surfshark as a long-term Windows VPN that won't put a dent in your wallet every year.

Also: Surfshark VPN review

Who it's for: Anyone who wants a budget-friendly Windows VPN for at least two years.

Plans start at $2 per month on two-year plans, with three months of free access added to the length of the contract. You can also opt for one-year at $3.19 per month, monthly options at $15.45, and additional tiers that include antivirus protection and Incogni data removal.

Customers report Surfshark is a trustworthy VPN service with a great support team, although some users have reported billing issues.

Who should look elsewhere: If you need a fast service and want rapid connection times, try out NordVPN or ExpressVPN.

Show Expert Take Show less

Proton VPN is one of the best VPN solutions available for those concerned about their privacy.

Why we like it: Made by the engineers behind ProtonMail, Proton VPN places security and privacy at the heart of its operations and is protected by Swiss privacy laws. It is also open source, which means anyone can review and audit its code.

The firm's privacy policy is clear, and there are frequent transparency reports.

Also: Proton VPN review

Speeds are reasonable, although they can be slower than those of other VPN providers. We like the user interface and the fact that paid subscribers support a free plan. Many customers say they like this secure service, but there are complaints regarding the free service tier -- take that how you will.

Who it's for: Individuals who want to put security first when they consider what VPN service they are interested in signing up for.

Proton VPN is priced at $3.59 per month on a two-year contract. One-year subscriptions cost $4 per month, whereas a month of access is available for $10.

Who should look elsewhere: It's a great VPN, but it falls in the middle of the pack regarding speed, so NordVPN or ExpressVPN might be a better fit if speed is your priority.

Show Expert Take Show less

IPVanish is a solid, highly flexible product with a helpful user interface and fast connection times.

Why we like it: Windows users will appreciate iPVanish's high configurability. Its app makes choosing the optimal server for your VPN connection a breeze by providing ping times and server load information. As a bonus, this VPN is an excellent choice for Kodi users.

While connection times were excellent with IPVanish during our testing, the transfer speed sometimes lagged behind competitors, and the user interface won't appeal to everyone. Despite this, customers say they like the VPN's price point and report an overall positive experience, with many noting that streaming services work well.

Another bonus? Every account supports unlimited simultaneous connections, making it a great option if you want to protect devices other than your Windows PC.

Also: IPVanish review

It's compatible with Windows 7 and above, but you might have to use the VPN's legacy app for older versions of the operating system.

Who it's for: Anyone who is on the hunt for a cheap, configurable VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections.

You can sign up for a two-year plan at $2.19 per month, with three months free. Alternatively, a yearly plan will set you back $3.33 per month, or a month of access will cost you $13.

Who should look elsewhere: Speeds aren't the greatest, and its user interface is quite bland. If these factors are important, check out another one of our recommendations.

Note: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, ZDNET's parent company. For more information, see our Editorial Guidelines.

IPVanish features: Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, Kodi, and routers | Logging: None, except billing data | Locations: 108 countries | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS | Trustpilot rating: 4.2 | Google Play rating: 4.4 | App Store rating: 4.6

Show Expert Take Show less

Best VPN for Windows	Price	Simultaneous connections	Locations
NordVPN	$3.09 per month with a two-year plan plus three free months	10	111
ExpressVPN	$3.49 per month with a two-year plan plus four free months	10 - 14	105
Surfshark	$2 per month with a two-year plan plus three free months	Unlimited	100
Proton VPN	$3.59 per month with a two-year plan	1 (free) / 10	91
IPVanish VPN	$2.19 per month with a two-year plan plus three free months	Unlimited	108

Note: The information presented in this table is accurate as of our last publish date. Prices, ratings, and other details may have changed since then.

A Windows VPN service is a virtual private network solution that encrypts your internet traffic, hides your IP address, and provides you with a relatively anonymous and secure connection while you're online.

With the right VPN, you can browse the internet without being tracked and access geo-restricted content and streaming services while you're away from home. VPNs are not a silver bullet for security, but rather a valuable layer that can protect your sensitive data and mask your online activities.

Also: What is a VPN and why do you need one?

How to set up a VPN on Windows

When you're ready to try a new VPN on your Windows machine, you must first download the corresponding app from your VPN provider's website or other official sources.

Next, run the installer. For this example, we are installing IPVanish on a Windows-based Lenovo laptop. You may need to provide permission for the installation software to finish.

Then, sign in using your VPN account credentials or a device authorization code. Your VPN will now be active, and you can select the country server you want, change any further settings, and more.

When you are selecting your new Windows VPN, you should consider:

Compatibility: You will need a VPN that works with the Microsoft Windows operating system. Thankfully, the majority of VPNs will support Windows, one of the most popular operating systems, by default.
Cost: You need to consider the overall cost of your new VPN plan. Try to take advantage of promotions, but ignore countdown timers -- they typically are just marketing tools. While top-notch VPNs can cost upwards of $10/month, many are available for only a few dollars. We generally recommend that free VPNs are avoided -- with several exceptions -- as they may sell your data.
Streaming and geoblocking: If you intend to use your Windows VPN for streaming content, ensure that the VPN can accommodate your favorite services, especially if they are located in another location. It can be a cat-and-mouse game, especially if you're away from home, so it is worth researching whether or not your VPN has issues with accessing specific streaming services. Also, keep in mind that streaming with a VPN legally is a gray area.
Device connections: When you're paying for a Windows VPN, you might also want to use the service across multiple devices, such as on an Android smartphone or Mac. We recommend you sign up for a plan with support for at least six devices. Thankfully, many paid VPN plans now offer unlimited connections and are compatible with the most popular operating systems.
Contract length: You also need to decide how long you want a VPN. If you opt for a two-year term (or longer, with some VPN providers offering up to five years) you tend to secure the best prices, but there are other options available. After you've made a selection, you typically have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Apps and extensions: When selecting a VPN, you might want to try out its accompanying mobile apps and extensions to ensure you're getting the most out of your subscription. Some VPNs, for example, have great desktop software but lack in the mobile app department, which may not be as intuitive or easy to use.

Choose this VPN for Windows	If you want...
NordVPN	The best Windows VPN overall. NordVPN combines great speeds and stability with an expensive server network and plenty of additional options to bolster your online security.
ExpressVPN	A speed-driven VPN. While expensive, ExpressVPN has some of the best speed test results in our reviews and is a solid VPN service with an easy-to-use user interface.
Surfshark	An affordable VPN. Surfshark isn't always as quick as its competitors, but it does offer reasonable speeds across a decent server network and at a price point suitable for most users.
Proton VPN	A security-first free VPN. Proton VPN is our only open-source option, and its developers heavily emphasize security and user privacy. Its network and speed is what we consider reasonable, and the free plan is enough to get you started.
IPVanish	Unlimited connections. IPVanish does not limit how many devices you can connect to the VPN at the same time, and it is also highly configurable.

Many providers recommended in this list have been subject to in-depth testing and reviews by the ZDNET team. We've been reviewing VPNs for years, have spoken with their management and their users, and have developed a generally favorable impression.

ZDNET tests VPN services from multiple locations, but we can't test from all locations. Every home, every community, every local ISP, and every nation has a different infrastructure.

We analyzed the best VPNs for Windows using the following criteria to help you make an informed decision:

Performance: Our top VPNs must have a minimum level of performance. After all, there's no point in using a VPN if your connection continually drops or lags.
Simultaneous connections: Many VPNs limit how many devices you can connect to a service simultaneously. If you have a phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, and possibly even a smart TV you want to connect to a VPN, you need a service that allows at least five or six simultaneous connections.
Security: There's no point using a VPN unless its security protocols and encryption levels are up to scratch. We also ensure the development team behind each recommended VPN cares about making security improvements and patching reported bugs.
Kill switch: A kill switch prevents you from having an unprotected connection. It is an important feature for a VPN, as it protects you by preventing a return to a default Wi-Fi connection should your internet connection unexpectedly drop.
Geo-blocks and streaming: We know VPNs can be key to accessing local content and services while you're away from home. We ensure that our top recommendations perform well given these factors and are unlikely to slow down your connection while streaming.
Platforms: What systems and devices can you run the VPN on? Our VPN recommendations have to offer easy-to-use and intuitive apps.
Countries and servers: In how many different countries does the VPN have servers? This can include physical and virtual servers, and whether there are enough -- at least 50 or so -- to provide variety.
Trial length and price: Each VPN we recommend has a solid money-back guarantee, and mobile users are offered a seven-day trial.
Support: As with any subscription software, you may encounter problems installing apps, using the service, renewing, or canceling. We list VPNs with an available support team.

For a more extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensive VPN testing methodology page.

Latest news

A new cybercriminal campaign spreading Akira ransomware is targeting SonicWall VPNs.
Microsoft is working on a new corporate resource management system that seeks to replace VPNs.
After considering user feedback, NordVPN reversed its decision to sunset its Meshnet service.

Yes, and no. Windows 11 includes a VPN client, but it isn't suitable for the average user.

If you're connecting to your corporate VPN server, then you can use Windows' built-in client. If, however, you want to connect elsewhere, you need a separate VPN service. Microsoft has a guide for setting up the built-in VPN client, but we recommend that most users opt for a standalone VPN, which will save you the legwork and will generally provide you with more features.

There are several vendors that provide free VPN plans. You can opt for a free VPN for Windows before signing up for a paid service, as this will give you the opportunity to learn about VPN software and potentially test out a VPN before making the leap.

That said, we do not recommend downloading free VPNs that harvest your information or are ad-supported, as this negates the whole point of using a VPN to improve your privacy and security. At present, we suggest that you try out Proton VPN or Windscribe if you want a free plan, but keep in mind that while they are supported by paid users, these services are limited.

Latest updates

September 2025: In ZDNET's September update, we performed substantial copy, editorial, and layout changes. We also updated the information on our top picks and alternative options.

Alternative VPNs for Windows

CyberGhost is an excellent alternative Windows VPN if you want speed at a reasonable price, starting at $2.19 per month.

It's also great for streaming thanks to its optimized servers.

Show Expert Take Show less

If you want to choose where you appear from and what servers you want to connect to, Windscribe is a trustworthy VPN service.

It provides custom plans, starting at just $1. There's also a free plan available.

Show Expert Take Show less

We hope you've found our guide to the best Windows VPNs around useful. If you would like to explore further VPN categories, check out our favorite VPNs overall, the best free VPNs in the market, and the best Apple iPhone VPNs.

Editorial standards

Read Entire Article