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. PrivateVPN – Great PC VPN
4. ExpressVPN – Secure and robust service
5. Private Internet Access – Largest server network.
6. PureVPN – Simple and streamlined.
7. IPVanish – Strong encryption and safety features.
8. AtlasVPN – A great budget choice
9. HideMyAss – Budget-friendly plans.

If you mainly use a VPN on your Windows PC or laptop, you have many choices. Windows is the most popular computer operating system globally. This means VPNs pay a lot of attention to it, providing better services than other platforms.

Today, there are more VPN services than ever. But, not all are worth your time and money. A good Windows VPN should support Windows 7, 8, and 10. It should also have strong privacy, security, and performance features.

Finding the right VPN can be hard. But, we’ve done the work for you. We’ve tested network speeds, security, and more. By the end of this page, you’ll know how to choose the best Windows VPN app for you.

Best VPN for PC Comparison

Choosing a Windows VPN can be tough with so many choices. We’ve made a comparison table to help you pick the right one. It highlights the key features of each VPN service. Let’s dive in:

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

Top VPN for Windows Speed Comparison

Network speed and performance are key for every VPN service. We’ve done thorough tests and are sharing the results of the top VPNs for Windows.

We used an average-speed network for our tests, perfect for 1-2 users. Located in Europe, we connected to US-based servers. This shows how each app performs over long distances. Here’s a detailed but concise table with our Windows VPN speed test results:

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 is a top choice for VPN apps on Windows devices. The latest version for Windows 10 is the best VPN for Windows 10. It has nearly 5,300 worldwide servers, all RAM-based.

The app lets you set your DNS settings and choose preferred DNS servers. It also has an advanced kill switch function. This function shuts down specific programs if the connection drops. But, NordVPN is known for being very stable, so drops are rare.

The NordVPN Windows app is fully customizable. You can enable CyberSec to block online threats. You can also use the powerful VPN obfuscation feature. With these features, NordVPN is the best VPN for desktop and laptop devices.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark has over 3,200 servers in 65 countries. It has private DNS and a strict no-logs policy. It’s also the fastest VPN for PC, as shown in our speed tests.

Surfshark’s Windows VPN client offers many options. You can choose your server locations and connection settings. It has Whitelister and CleanWeb settings for great split tunneling and ad blocking.

Surfshark has a pricey monthly plan. But, it’s very cheap if you sign up long-term. With all its features, it’s a top VPN for PC users, giving great value for money.

3. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a great all-around Windows VPN for general use. It has an extensive network of over 200 server locations across 63 countries. All servers are P2P-friendly and offer unlimited bandwidth. Its Stealth VPN feature helps bypass geo-blocks and access all sites on the Internet.

When it comes to security, PrivateVPN is a top choice for Windows users. Its app is easy to use and packed with security features. You get DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and an application guard.

This service also has a zero-logs policy, keeping your online activities private. Plus, it’s very affordable. With all these features, PrivateVPN is a top VPN for Windows devices.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is known as the best VPN for Windows. It supports all Windows versions from Windows 7 and up. You can even use it on Windows XP.

It has a huge network of over 3,000 servers in 160 locations across 94 countries. The app offers great features like a kill switch, split tunneling, and advanced leak protection.

ExpressVPN is also very safe. All its servers run only on RAM and use TrustedServer technology. It uses 256-bit encryption and has its own protocol called Lightway for speed and security.

5. Private Internet Access

PIA is a top VPN for Windows users. It supports Windows 8.1 and 10 devices. The service is very feature-rich.

The app has add and malware blocking and advanced encryption settings. PIA also has the largest network in the industry, with over 35,000 servers in 78 countries. All servers support the high-performing WireGuard protocol.

Even though PIA is based in the US, it’s very trustworthy. It has a strict no-logs policy. If you’re looking for a VPN with lots of settings and features, PIA is a great choice.

6. PureVPN

PureVPN is one of the most uncomplicated VPN services. Its Windows client is fast, light, and offers just enough features. It guarantees a pleasant user experience.

Server-wise, you can choose from a massive selection of over 6,500 servers in more than 140 countries. It supports a solid variety of protocols. This includes IKEv2, SSTP, L2TP, and OpenVPN. It’s 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. But, for an additional monthly subscription cost, you can add options. 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.

7. IPVanish

IPVanish is a reliable VPN service. It has more than 1,600 servers in over 75 locations. The app offers a dedicated kill switch, IPv6 leak protection, and a 100% zero-logs policy.

IPVanish is known for its user-friendly Windows app. It supports all Windows versions and offers detailed setup guides. You can set it up using 256-bit AES encryption and various protocols.

The service supports 256-bit AES encryption and works on Windows 7 and up. It also offers a range of protocols, including IKEv2, OpenVPN, SSTP, L2TP, and PPTP. The WireGuard protocol is available in beta.

8. AtlasVPN

AtlasVPN is a top choice for a budget VPN on Windows. It’s very affordable, costing less than one and a half bucks per month for a long-term plan.

AtlasVPN isn’t just cheap. Its Windows VPN app has advanced security and privacy features. It includes split tunneling, IPv6 leak protection, private DNS, and a kill switch. It also has a Server Swap feature for accessing the Internet from different IP addresses.

AtlasVPN has a solid server network of 750 servers across 37 global locations. All servers use the WireGuard protocol for fast speeds and security. This makes it safe to stream, game, torrent, or browse the Internet on your PC.

9. HideMyAss

HideMyAss has a network of just below 1100 servers. You can pick from over 290 locations in more than 210 countries. All apps are designed with the UI in mind. Even the Windows client is easy to use and control.

The HideMyAss Windows app works on any Windows 7/8/8.1/10 version. It has 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.

HideMyAss is the slowest of the seven VPNs we’ve listed. But it provides stable service. It can unblock most streaming services. Plus, it has some of the lowest-priced long-term subscription plans in the industry.

How to Download and Set Up a VPN for PC?

All seven Windows VPNs we’ve talked about have their own clients for Windows. These clients vary in features but setting them up is similar. Here’s a quick guide to help you set it up right the first time:

1. Choose one of our recommended VPN services and sign up.
2. Download the app that fits your Windows version.
3. Open the downloaded file and follow the setup steps to install the VPN.
4. After installing, open your new app.
5. You can hit connect to automatically connect to a VPN server. Or, choose a server yourself.
6. Click “Connect” and wait a few seconds. Then, you can start using the encrypted network!

Windows VPN FAQs

What’s the best VPN for my laptop?

It doesn’t matter if you use a laptop or PC. The key is to find a VPN with a good Windows app that matches your laptop’s software version.

What is the best VPN for PC gaming?

Choosing a VPN for gaming requires looking at specific features. These features can greatly affect your gaming experience. For more information, check out our best VPNs for gaming page.

Can I use a free VPN for Windows?

No, we advise against using free VPNs on PCs. Free VPNs often have downsides like bandwidth issues or cookie injections. Remember, if you’re not paying, you’re probably the product.

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

The top VPNs for both PC and mobile are NordVPN, PrivateVPN, and Surfshark. These VPNs are great for Windows and Android. You can’t go wrong with any of them.

What is the best VPN for Windows XP?

Finding a good VPN for XP in 2024 is tough. But, ExpressVPN supports XP. The setup is a bit different than on newer Windows versions. There’s a detailed guide to help you set up ExpressVPN for PC.

What is the best VPN for PCs in India?

Looking for the best VPN for Windows in India? You’re in luck! VPNs are legal in India, so you have many options. The best VPN for you depends on your preferences. All seven VPNs on this page are great choices for PC users.

Best VPNs for Windows – Summing It Up

Choosing a VPN for your PC involves looking at specific features. We hope our tips have helped you decide which VPN is right for you.

The VPNs we suggest all offer money-back guarantees. This means you can try any of them without spending a dime. If you’re unsure, we recommend NordVPN. It’s at the top of our list for computer and laptop users.