9 Best VPNs for Windows 10/7/8 PC in 2024

Best Windows VPN – Shortlist:

1. NordVPN – Overall the best VPN for Windows
2. Surfshark – The fastest VPN for PC
3. AtlasVPN – A great budget choice
4. PrivateVPN – Great PC VPN
5. ExpressVPN – Secure and robust service
6. Private Internet Access – Largest server network.
7. IPVanish – Strong encryption and safety features.
8. HideMyAss – Budget-friendly plans.
9. PureVPN – Simple and streamlined.

If you primarily use a VPN on your Windows PC or laptop, you have a massive variety of options to choose from. As the most popular computer operating system worldwide, Windows enjoys great attention from VPNs. From more advanced apps to exclusive features. Windows VPN users often experience a better overall service than users on other platforms and devices.

Nowadays, there are more VPN services than ever before. But, not every VPN out there is worth your time and money. Starting with basic support, any Windows VPN worth its salt should offer support for Windows 7, 8, and 10. Moreover, it should come with a specific set of privacy, security, and performance characteristics. 

With that in mind, filtering through all of the unsuitable VPNs to get to the ones that offer a trustworthy and reliable service can be a hassle. But, we’ve done the research, so you don’t have to. We’ve tested and compared network speeds, security features, in-app settings, and much more. By the end of the page, you’ll know everything you need to pick the most suitable Windows VPN app for you.

Best VPN for PC Comparison

With so many Windows VPNs on the market, it can be challenging to single out a suitable service from many options. To make the selection process easier for you, we’ve drafted a useful comparison table. It covers all of the essential features of each VPN service. Let’s take a closer look:

VPN Service	Rating	Supported Windows Versions	Headquarters	Simultaneous Connections
NordVPN	4.9/5	10/8.1/7	Panama	6
Surfshark	4.7/5	10/8/7	The British Virgin Islands	Unlimited
PrivateVPN	4.7/5	10/8	Sweden	6
ExpressVPN	4.6/5	10/8/7	The British Virgin Islands	5
Private Internet Access	4.4/5	10/8.1	United States	10
IPVanish	4.3/5	10/8/7	United States	Unlimited
HideMyAss	4.2/5	10/8.1/8/7	The UK	10
PureVPN	4.1/5	10/8/7	Hong Kong	10

The table above includes everything you need to weigh in before you opt for a specific service. For a more detailed analysis of each VPN, make sure to read our separate overviews later on the page. We’ll address other aspects such as privacy policy, servers, security and privacy features, and many others.

Of course, keep in mind that the price plans can differ significantly depending on how long you are willing to commit. Month-by-month plans are generally the most expensive ones. Some VPNs additionally offer plans that stretch for six months, a year, or even two years.

Top VPN for Windows Speed Comparison

It’s no secret that network speed and performance are some of the most important aspects of every VPN service. With that in mind, we’ve conducted thorough tests and are bringing you direct comparison results for the top VPNs for Windows.

The regular network we’ve used as a baseline test is an average-speed network suitable for 1-2 users. Based in Europe, we’ve connected to US-based servers to see just how well each app performs over long distances. Here’s a detailed but concise table with the results of our Windows VPN speed tests:

Server Connection	Ping	Download Speed	Upload Speed
Base Test Network	9	56.31 Mbps	11.40 Mbps
NordVPN	99	48.47 Mbps	9.43 Mbps
PrivateVPN	90	47.67 Mbps	9.89 Mbps
Surfshark	94	52.15 Mbps	10.97 Mbps
ExpressVPN	88	50.50 Mbps	10.77 Mbps
Private Internet Access	85	51.50 Mbps	8.77 Mbps
IPVanish	114	48.70 Mbps	7.48 Mbps
HideMyAss	93	43.41 Mbps	10.02 Mbps
PureVPN	84	47.40 Mbps	7.48 Mbps

The 9 Best VPNs for Windows 10/7/8 – our detailed list:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN has consistently ranked among the very top of the market when it comes to VPN apps for Windows devices. The latest NordVPN Windows 10 is especially well-designed and is arguably the best VPN for Windows 10 you can get. It offers you nearly 5,300 worldwide servers, all RAM-based.

The Windows app also allows you to configure your DNS settings and set preferred DNS servers manually. The advanced kill switch function enables you to specify which programs you want to shut down in case of connection drops. But, seeing that NordVPN is one of the most stable Windows VPNs around, connection drops are few and far between.

The NordVPN Windows app is fully customizable. You can enable CyberSec to protect online threats or take advantage of the service’s powerful VPN obfuscation feature. With all of the above in mind, NordVPN for Windows is the best VPN for desktop and laptop devices you can currently get. 

2. Surfshark

Surfshark offers over 3,200 servers in 65 countries, with private DNS and a strict no-logs policy for each server. More importantly, Surfshark is one of the few VPNs with a 100% diskless server network, with all of its servers running entirely on RAM. Not to mention that it’s the fastest VPN for PC, as you could see from our speed tests above. 

Surfshark’s Windows VPN client offers many options. For example, you can tailor your preferred server locations and connection settings. You can use the Whitelister and CleanWeb settings. They offer great split tunneling and ad blocking features, respectively.

Although it has a relatively expensive monthly plan, if you decide to sign up long-term, Surfshark becomes one of the cheapest VPNs for PC you can get. And, when you consider all of the features we’ve mentioned above, this VPN certainly ranks as one of the top VPN for PC users, offering great value for money.

3. AtlasVPN

If you’re looking for a budget VPN for Windows, AtlasVPN should undoubtedly be at the top of your list. As one of the most affordable VPNs on the market, AtlasVPN costs less than one and a half bucks per month if you opt for its long-term plan.

Of course, this isn’t to say that the price factor is AtlasVPN’s only strength. Its Windows VPN app is packed with plenty of advanced security and privacy features. These include split tunneling, IPv6 leak protection, private DNS, and a kill switch. Moreover, there’s also a Server Swap feature, which allows you to access the Internet from several IP addresses at a time.

AtlasVPN offers a solid server network of 750 servers across 37 global locations. All of these servers support the sophisticated WireGuard protocol, which delivers fantastic speeds without compromising security. This allows you to stream, game, torrent, or simply browse the Internet on your PC without worrying about any malicious content or online threats.

4. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a great all-around Windows VPN for general usage. It includes an extensive network of over 200 server locations across 63 countries. All servers are P2P-friendly and come with unlimited bandwidth. Thanks to its in-house Stealth VPN feature, PrivateVPN is also capable of going around geo-blocks and accessing every site on the Internet.

Of course, you’d want your Windows VPN to offer top-notch security. And, PrivateVPN delivers perfectly when it comes to this. While its Windows app is streamlined and easy to navigate, it features many great security mechanisms. These include DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and an application guard.
Lastly, this service has a true zero-logs policy, meaning that it doesn’t keep any data records of your online activities. To round off all of these fantastic features, PrivateVPN is one of the most budget-friendly VPNs on the market. With all that in mind, PrivateVPN deservedly ranks as one of the best VPN services for Windows devices.

5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN advertises as the best VPN for Windows, and this certainly isn’t far from the truth. The service supports one of the most comprehensive Windows app coverage you can get, covering all versions from Windows 7 and up. You can even set up the app on Windows XP.

It supports a blazing fast network of over 3,000 servers in 160 locations across 94 countries. Looking at the in-app features available to Windows users, the options are equally impressive. You can count on a kill switch, split tunneling, and advanced leak protection.

ExpressVPN is also one of the safest VPNs around. All of its servers run only on RAM and employ TrustedServer technology. The service uses 256-bit encryption for all connections. It also has an in-house protocol called Lightway, built for maximum speed, reliability, and security.

6. Private Internet Access

As one of the most advanced and sophisticated VPNs in the industry, PIA supports an excellent service for Windows users. This VPN currently supports Windows 8.1 and 10 devices, offering one of the most feature-rich services you can get. 

Its Windows app client comes with add and malware blocking, as well as advanced encryption settings. Additionally, PIA also has the largest network in the industry, numbering over 35,000 servers in 78 countries.  All of its servers support the high-performing WireGuard protocol.

Although PIA is based in the US, it’s an utterly trustworthy VPN. It’s been around for over a decade and has always maintained a privacy-friendly reputation with a strict no-logs policy. If you’re a PC or laptop user looking for a VPN with tons of adjustable settings and great features, PIA is an excellent choice.

7. IPVanish

IPVanish certainly isn’t the best-known or most advanced VPN in the industry. That said, it’s a very reliable and solid service. It supports more than 1,600 servers in over 75 locations. Feature-wise, IPVanish for PC has a lot to offer. You can count on a dedicated kill switch, IPv6 leak protection, and a 100% zero-logs policy.

What makes IPVanish such an excellent and user-friendly Windows app is the sheer quality of support Windows users can count on. It makes no difference which Windows version you have or thRough which protocol you want to set it up. IPvanish offers you convenient and detailed setup guides.

The service supports 256-bit AES encryption and works for any software version starting from Windows 7 and up. You can also count on a diverse selection of protocols. This includes IKEv2, OpenVPN, SSTP, L2TP, and PPTP. The service also supports the WireGuard protocol, although only in beta version as of yet.

8. HideMyAss

HideMyAss has a relatively average network of just below 1100 servers. However, you can choose from over 290 locations in more than 210 countries. All apps are designed with the UI in mind. Even the Windows client, which is often the most feature-rich and complex version, is effortless to navigate and control.

The HideMyAss Windows app works on any Windows 7/8/8.1/10 version. The top features of the VPN’s Windows client include a smart kill switch and No Logs DNS servers. There’s also an advanced Leak Shield, which protects you from IPv4, IPv6, and DNS leaks.

Although it’s the slowest of the seven VPNs we’ve listed on this page, HideMyAss provides competent and stable service. It can unblock most streaming services. Moreover, it comes with some of the lowest-priced long-term subscription plans in the industry.

9. PureVPN

PureVPN is one of the most uncomplicated and most streamlined VPN services around, and its Windows client is no different. The PureVPN Windows app is fast, light, and offers just enough features to guarantee a pleasant user experience.

Server-wise, you can choose from a massive selection of over 6,500 servers in more than 140 countries. Additionally, the service supports a solid variety of protocols. This includes IKEv2, SSTP, L2TP, and OpenVPN. All of this makes PureVPN an excellent choice for Windows users who like to stream, browse the Internet, and download P2P files.

Its basic VPN service doesn’t come with many advanced features. However, for an additional monthly subscription cost, you can add options you want to be included. These cover port forwarding, DDoS protection, and a dedicated IP address. PureVPN uses one of the most secure encryption standards in the world, AES 256-bit encryption.

How to Download and Set Up a VPN for PC

All seven Windows VPNs we’ve discussed above have their own Windows VPN clients. The Windows clients can differ from one another depending on the complexity of their features. However, the download and setup processes are fairly identical between all VPN services. The installation steps will take only a couple of minutes. This quick guide will help you make sure you set it up the right way from the first try:

1. Choose one of our recommended VPN services and sign up.
2. Download the appropriate app for your Windows version.
3. Open up the downloaded file and follow the setup steps to install the VPN.
4. Once the installation process is complete, open up your newly installed app.
5. You can hit connect to automatically establish a network to the nearest VPN server that the app chooses. Alternatively, you can select a server you want to connect to.
6. After you click “Connect”, wait a few seconds, and you can start using the encrypted network!

Windows VPN FAQs

What’s the best VPN for my laptop?

Whether you’re a laptop or PC user, it makes no difference, as long as you run the same Windows version. The only important thing is that the VPN you choose offers a solid Windows app that works with the software version you have on your laptop.

What is the best VPN for PC gaming?

When you’re picking out a VPN for gaming, you have to pay attention to several specific features. Each can play a significant role in shaping your experience. For this reason, we suggest you read our detailed best VPNs for gaming page. It will help you learn all gaming-related aspects you should know.

Can I use a free VPN for Windows?

No, we don’t recommend using a free VPN for PCs. Although it might seem like a practical way to save money, nearly all exclusively free VPNs come with some sort of downside. This can range from bandwidth issues to cookie injections. Always remember, if you’re not buying the product, you most likely are the product.

What’s the best VPN for PC and mobile devices?

The best cross-platform VPNs for PC and mobile users include NordVPN, PrivateVPN and Surfshark. These three VPNs can all confidently claim that they’re the best VPN for Windows and Android. So, no matter which of the three you choose for this purpose, you won’t go wrong.

What is the best VPN for Windows XP?

In 2024, quality VPNs for XP can be challenging to find. Luckily, one of the best VPNs in the industry, ExpressVPN, does offer Windows XP support. The setup process is a bit different than that on Windows 10/8/7 devices, but don’t worry. There’s a detailed guide you can follow when setting up ExpressVPN for PC.

What is the best VPN for PCs in India?

If you’re looking for the best VPN for Windows in India – you’re in luck! VPN use is completely legal in India, so you have your pick of the litter. The answer to the question is a subjective one, based on what VPN you like the most. That said, all seven VPNs on this page are excellent choices for a PC user.

Best VPNs for Windows – Summing It Up

A good VPN for PC needs to have a precise set of characteristics and features you should be familiar with when opting for a specific service. Hopefully, the information and tips we shared with you on this page have helped you answer which VPN is best for PC from your perspective. 

The VPNs we recommend all come with money-back guarantees. This allows you to choose each and any one of them without risking a single cent. If you’re not sure which of the seven VPNs on our list is best for you, we recommend NordVPN. After comparing all of the essential criteria, it ranked top on our list as the best VPN for computer and laptop users.