Best VPNs for Windows 10 laptops and PCs in 2024

Although most VPNs work with Windows, some are better than others. The best Windows 10 VPNs have dedicated apps for the platform and top-notch security features.

Windows 10 is the world's most widely used desktop operating system, but it falls short on privacy. While it does offer built-in VPN support, it lacks the robust privacy features and VPN servers needed to safeguard your data. This means you must subscribe to a reliable VPN for Windows 10.

The best VPNs for Windows 10 offer server locations in up to 100 countries, and provide dedicated Windows applications.  This simplifies your VPN experience and enhances your online security no matter whether you use the internet at home, at work, or on public WiFi.

A VPN allows you to get a remote IP address within your VPN provider's network. This allows you to bypass local restrictions, online restrictions, censorship, and geo-blocks. A Windows VPN also encrypts all data between your device and the server. This means that even if your data is intercepted by malicious actors or scrutinized by your ISP it remains indecipherable. It also means you can use public WiFi without worrying about hackers.

The Windows VPNs in this guide are fast, reliable, secure, and work to access popular streaming services like Netflix. They also work for torrenting making them fantastic all-rounders. Check out the shortlist below, or scroll down to our in-depth summaries to find out more.

Best VPNs for Windows 10: 

1. NordVPN: Our recommended VPN for Windows 10. RAM-only servers in over 61 countries and an excellent Windows app with one-click access to the Tor network. Great for streaming and plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for Windows 10. A well-designed Windows app allows for the creation of bespoke MultiHop connections, and a NoBorders mode enables access in China. Provides fast connection speeds and RAM-only servers in 100+ countries. 
3. ExpressVPN: Able to access all popular streaming platforms and has a dedicated site on the Tor network. Apps are available for Windows and – more unusually – routers. Has servers in 105+ countries and works in China. 
4. PrivateVPN: Independent provider and a good choice for both streaming and torrenting. Windows app allows port forwarding and its stealth mode enables connections in China. Servers are available in 63+ countries.
5. CyberGhost: Notably fast connection speeds and RAM-only servers in 100+ countries. Its Windows app has access to the Smart Rules feature. Servers are optimized for specific streaming platforms and the company has an audited no-logs policy. 
6. Proton VPN: Servers in 71+ countries and a good choice for streaming. Windows app allows port forwarding and has decent connection speeds. High-security servers are available that route traffic through Proton VPN data centers. 
7. Atlas VPN: Subscriptions include unlimited device connections and access to SafeSwap servers. Windows app works with all major streaming platforms and provides very fast connection speeds. Servers are available in 49+ countries.

Summary Table

While there are plenty of subscription-based VPNs with Windows apps, relatively few have the features we consider essential for providing a safe and secure service. These are summarized below, though we have a more detailed section on our testing methodology later in the article. 

• App for Windows
• Large server network
• Fast connection speeds
• Strong privacy and security features
• Ability to access streaming services
• Good value for money
• Helpful customer support

To be included as one of our top three providers, we additionally require VPNs to have a RAM-only server network, independently audited software and infrastructure, effective obfuscation, and a location beyond the reach of cross-border spying alliances. 

Best VPNs for Windows 10

Now let’s explore each of our recommended providers in a little more detail:

NordVPN has been in the VPN industry for over a decade and has established itself as one of the most globally recognizable VPN brands. 

Recent innovations include a tool for users to create private networks of trusted devices that can be accessed from anywhere, and an open-source VPN speed-testing tool. Both of these are freely available to anyone – no subscription required. 

The company has a sleek app for Windows, as well as apps for macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. NordVPN features include built-in leak protection, a kill switch, and 256-bit encryption. Other features include split-tunneling and an ad, tracker, and malware-blocking tool.

RAM-only servers are available in 61+ countries and the company has its own connection protocol – NordLynx – that doesn’t require user data to be stored on its servers. Servers are optimized for various tasks including access to the Tor network, MultiHop connections, and obfuscation that can bypass Chinese VPN blocks. 

The provider works extremely well with all major streaming platforms and can comfortably stream 4K video without buffering. Its SmartPlay tool helps ensure that VPN-incompatible devices like smart TVs can also access geo-restricted content. 

NordVPN made its entire server network RAM-only following an attack on a third-party data center in 2018. The attack also prompted it to begin the process of colocation. This involves buying its servers outright and housing them in purpose-built data centers for additional security. It has thousands of servers to pick from (6,000+) worldwide. 

The company has had audits carried out by PricewaterhouseCoopers AG and Versprite. These examined its infrastructure and applications to verify its no-logs claims. 

BEST VPN FOR WINDOWS 10: NordVPN is our recommended provider. It has speedy RAM-only servers in 60+ countries, and works seamlessly with all popular streaming platforms. Plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark offers reasonably priced subscriptions and a host of interesting features. These include the ability to rotate users’ IP addresses in-session and the option to manually select entry and exit servers for MultiHop connections. Static IP addresses are available and subscriptions come with unlimited device connections.

The Surfshark Windows app works with versions 10 and 11 of the operating system, as well as legacy versions 7, 8, and 8.1. The provider also makes apps for macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. These all have a full GUI and include automatic connection for P2P clients, as well as built-in leak protection and 256-bit encryption. 

Surfshark’s CleanWeb tool protects against ads, trackers, and malware. Its NoBorders mode enables connections in restrictive countries such as China. 

The company has RAM-only servers in 100+ countries and easy access to popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime Video. Connections are fast enough for watching video in 4K and there’s a smart DNS service available for devices that don’t natively support VPN apps. 

Surfshark is no longer independent, having merged with NordVPN’s parent company – Nord Security – in 2022. In a press release issued at the time, Surfshark said that it would nevertheless continue to operate as an autonomous company.

GREAT VALUE: Surfshark is great for streaming and has RAM-only servers in 100+ countries. Its NoBorders mode enables connections in China, and subscriptions include unlimited device connections. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN has a reputation for forward-thinking products and advanced security, so many people believe that higher-than-average subscription fees are justified. 

Features include Trusted Server technology that – among other things – involves the provider reinstalling the operating systems of its servers on a weekly basis. The company has its own connection protocol for optimum speeds, and a dedicated Onion site on the Tor network. 

Its Windows app is easy to use, as are the apps for macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, Nvidia Shield, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. ExpressVPN is unusual in that it also makes an app specifically for routers. This allows users to more easily protect every device on their home networks.

The company has RAM-only servers in 105+ countries and works with a huge range of streaming platforms’ content libraries. Connections are fast enough for watching video in 4K, and a MediaStreamer tool helps games consoles and smart TVs access geo-restricted content, too. 

Obfuscation is enabled by default, which makes connecting in restrictive countries like China relatively straightforward. Other features include split tunneling, a kill switch, and IPv6 and DNS leak protection.

ExpressVPN was acquired by Kape Technologies in 2021. Kape is a cybersecurity firm that – under its previous name of Crossrider – had designed software to inject adware into users’ browsers. 

Since the acquisition, ExpressVPN has said that it would remain a separate service from existing Kape brands. Its no-logs policy has been verified via several audits of its software and infrastructure.

TRUSTED SERVERS: ExpressVPN has RAM-only servers in 105+ countries, a dedicated Onion site, and obfuscation that is enabled by default. Apps are available for Windows as well as routers. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

PrivateVPN is a refreshingly independent VPN company. It has an easy-to-use Windows app and is a great VPN for torrenting or streaming.

Features include a stealth mode that can bypass Chinese VPN blocks, built-in leak protection, app-specific and system-wide kill switches, and access to SOCKS5 and HTTP proxies. As well as an app for Windows, PrivateVPN has apps for macOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV.

The company allows port forwarding, which lets torrenters connect to more peers in a torrent swarm. Its P2P-optimized servers can handle large file transfers. PrivateVPN works with a range of streaming platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.

Connection speeds are decent – certainly fast enough for watching video in 4K. For the best speeds, users can reduce the level of encryption used on their data from 256-bit to 128-bit. Changing connection protocols can also help, with available options including OpenVPN with UDP/TCP, L2TP, IPsec, PPTP, and IKEv2. 

PrivateVPN servers are available in 63+ countries, and the company acts as both its own server host and ISP. While PrivateVPN has a clearly defined no-logs policy, its infrastructure and software have yet to be audited.

STEALTH MODE: PrivateVPN has servers in 63+ countries and a stealth mode that enables connections in China. It works with major streaming platforms and allows port forwarding for improved streaming. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

CyberGhost will appeal to anyone who wants a VPN primarily for gaming or streaming. It combines market-leading connection speeds with a vast network of RAM-only servers – some of which are optimized for individual streaming platforms.

Its Windows app has a kill switch enabled by default, and allows access to a SmartRules tool. This tool enables users to set up URL bypasses for connecting to the internet normally and, more interestingly, lets them link named apps with specific CyberGhost servers. So, for example, they could specify that the Netflix app automatically connects to a Netflix-optimized server when opened. 

Apps are also available for macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. These all come with built-in DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection; and 256-bit encryption. Note that CyberGhost doesn’t offer access to MultiHop servers or obfuscation – look to one of our other recommended providers if these are important to you.

CyberGhost has been owned by Kape Technologies since 2017. As mentioned in the ExpressVPN mini-review, Kape has a somewhat murky past – which makes it all the more reassuring that CyberGhost has had its no-logs claims verified through independent audits of its network and management systems. The company also issues quarterly transparency reports listing any third-party data requests.

FAST CONNECTIONS: CyberGhost has RAM-only servers in 100+ countries and very fast connection speeds. Its Windows app provides access to the Smart Rules tool and it works great with streaming platforms. Plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.

Proton VPN prides itself on providing a secure service that’s trusted by everyone from grassroots activities to mainstream journalists. It has servers spread across 71+ countries, and 99+ SecureCore servers that route traffic through high-security Proton VPN data centers in Switzerland, Sweden, and Iceland. 

Its Windows app is compatible with version 10 of the OS, as well as working with Windows 7, Windows 8, and 32-bit versions. Apps are also available for macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, and Linux. 

All Proton VPN apps are open-source and come with built-in leak protection and a kill switch. Other features include one-click access to the Tor network; and a tracker, ad and malware blocker.

Proton VPN is a good choice for streaming, with fast connection speeds and the ability to access platforms such as Netflix, Peacock, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer. Torrenters will appreciate that the company allows port forwarding, which makes for more efficient seeding and leeching. 

Users’ internet traffic is protected using ChaCha20 for the WireGuard protocol, and 256-bit AES encryption for the OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols. Proton VPN has an independently audited no-logs policy and uses its own DNS servers by default.

STRONG ON PRIVACY: Proton VPN has an open-source Windows app and offers one-click access to the Tor network. It has high-security servers available and works very well for streaming and torrenting. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ProtonVPN.

Although Atlas VPN is a relative newcomer to the industry, it already excels in a few important areas: speed, access to streaming services, and security.

The service is easily capable of streaming video in 4K and it works with a range of popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Its impressive speeds are partly down to it using the lightweight WireGuard protocol by default. 

Security features include 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and access to MultiHop servers. The company’s SafeSwap technology rotates users’ IP addresses in session for additional security. 

Atlas VPN subscriptions include unlimited device connections, which makes it a great option for larger households. Apps are available for Windows 10 as well as iOS, Android, macOS, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. These all come with built-in DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a tracker-blocker, a data breach monitor, and split tunneling. 

AtlasVPN is no longer independent, having been acquired – just a year after being founded – by Nord Security. As part of the deal, Atlas VPN is required by its new owner to undergo regular third-party audits that verify its no-logs policy. This is a good start, though some users might reasonably still be concerned by the fact that Atlas VPN is based in the US – a country known for intrusive surveillance.

STRONG ON SECURITY: Atlas VPN allows unlimited device connections and its SafeSwap servers rotate users’ IP addresses in-session. Its Windows app works with a range of streaming platforms. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of AtlasVPN.

Methodology for choosing the best VPNs for Windows 10

With so many VPNs available, it’s never easy choosing just one. The most suitable VPNs for Windows 10 combine a variety of features. To help ensure objectivity, we test each provider against a list of criteria using our testing methodology. You can read about each element below.

• App for Windows: Given that Windows is by far the most widely used operating system for desktop and laptop computers, it’s not surprising that most VPNs have a Windows app. However, not all of these are worth your time. We look for apps that make it easy to connect intuitively, with a well-thought-out GUI and plenty of additional functionality for configuring the app’s settings.  
• Large server network: The best VPNs for Windows 10 have a worldwide server network with numerous options available in countries where demand for servers is high. This ensures that no one server becomes too congested and that there are back-ups available should one go offline.  
• Fast connection speeds: Choosing a fast VPN ensures that your connection doesn’t get noticeably bogged down when using the service. The fastest providers can easily cope with intensive gaming and streaming video in 4K. We regularly perform speed tests on providers and only recommend those that are at least fast enough for buffer-free HD streaming.
• Strong privacy and security features: VPNs should prioritize keeping their customers’ data safe and secure. This requires strong encryption, leak protection, a transparent no-logs policy, and a kill switch. Ideally, VPN services should also include access to MultiHop servers, split tunneling, obfuscation, and port forwarding.
• Ability to access streaming services: Many people look to VPNs for accessing additional content from their favorite streaming service. Unfortunately, very few VPNs actually work with the big-name platforms. We perform regular tests on providers to see which offer continued access to the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney+.
• Good value for money: Good quality VPN services cost money, though there are options available to suit a range of budgets. We only include those that provide a level of service in keeping with their subscription fees. Providers that charge too much while providing too little are excluded. 
• Helpful customer support: Whether it’s finding a server for streaming or configuring a router connection, the best VPNs provide knowledgeable and helpful support staff. Ideally, these are available 24/7 via live chat and email support. 

Bonus points

To make it to one of our top three positions, VPN companies must additionally offer the following features:

• Access to China: China has spent the last decade perfecting its ability to block VPNs within its borders. Nevertheless, a few VPN services do still work in the country. As well as being invaluable to anyone in China, these VPNs are useful for those living in similarly repressive countries such as Russia and Turkey.
• Diskless servers: Traditional VPN networks comprise servers using magnetic disk drives or solid-state drives. These pose a potential security risk in that they hold onto data until it is written over. If these servers are compromised by attackers or seized and interrogated by government agencies, their stored data can be extracted and analyzed. By comparison, RAM-only servers use volatile memory that is wiped clean at every reboot, minimizing the risk of data being exposed. 
• Incorporation outside the scope of intelligence alliances: It’s well established that several countries have formed intelligence-gathering networks to more efficiently obtain information. Members of these networks spy on each other’s citizens and share the results, thus enabling the spied-upon countries to gather national intelligence without flouting domestic privacy laws. It’s a sorry business, and one that the better VPN providers try to avoid becoming involved in. This is best achieved by incorporating their companies in countries such as Panama and the British Virgin Islands, which are beyond the jurisdiction of known alliances. 
• Audited software and infrastructure: The majority of subscription-only VPN services claim to not keep any logs of user data. Unfortunately, some have been found to do quite the opposite. To regain consumer confidence in the industry, better VPN providers pay to have their software and infrastructure analyzed by third-party auditors. These audits verify any no-logs claims while also identifying any vulnerabilities present in the VPN providers' server networks and applications. 

How do I use a VPN with Windows 10?

Follow these simple steps to start using a VPN with Windows 10:

1. Choose a VPN with a Windows app. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Sign up for a subscription. Note that longer terms are almost always better value. 
3. Download and install the Windows app on your device.
4. Restart the device once installation is complete. 
5. Open the newly installed app and choose a server from the country list. The servers nearest to you usually provide the fastest connections. 
6. Click the “connect” button.
7. Wait until the app tells you that a connection has been established.
8. Use the internet as normal, but with a private and secure connection.

Does Windows 10 have a built-in VPN?

Not really. It has a way of configuring a connection to named VPN servers – which can be useful for work computers. However, for day-to-day use, you’ll still need to subscribe to a VPN service to get the address for one of their servers. You’ll also need your username, password, and pre-shared key.

Once you have these, follow the instructions below to configure a connection:

1. Click the ‘Start’ button, then the ‘Settings’ icon.
2. Click the three stacked vertical lines, then choose ‘Network & internet’ from the drop-down menu.
3. Select ‘VPN’ and then click the ‘Add VPN’ button.
4. Enter the information provided by your chosen VPN service into the required fields. 
5. Press ‘Save’.
6. Select the relevant VPN service, which should now be listed in the menu.
7. Click ‘Connect’.

The benefit of establishing a connection this way is that it negates the need for downloading, installing, and running the app of your chosen VPN service. However, it does mean you won’t be able to access the many features that come with good-quality VPN apps. You’re paying for them anyway, so manual configuration seems like an unnecessary sacrifice. 

What is the best free VPN for Windows 10?

While it might be tempting to use a free VPN on your Windows 10 machine, we don’t recommend it. Free VPNs pose a risk to both your security and privacy. Some neglect to encrypt internet traffic, while others might leak your IP address or use standard DNS servers that reveal which websites you visit.  

Free VPNs are also slow – sometimes painfully so. The majority of them have very small server networks that can easily become congested. This results in some providers operating a queuing system before establishing a connection. Others might simply refuse to connect. Small server networks also have the downside of limiting the choice of IP address locations. Any of the premium VPNs we've listed above will be a better alternative, whether it's due to independent security audits, or offeringthe fastest speeds. 

Best VPNs for Windows 10 – FAQs

Does Windows 10 collect private data? And can a VPN stop it?

Windows 10 does indeed collect private data, which Microsoft refers to as “telemetry”. Apparently, “Microsoft collects data to help you do more”. Although a VPN cannot stop Microsoft collecting data on your machine, Microsoft does give users some control over the data it collects.

To protect your data, first navigate to the ‘Privacy & Security’ page via ‘Settings’. There’s a lot to explore here, but the bulk of the most invasive practices can be found in the ‘General’, ‘Activity History’, and ‘App permissions’ sections. 

For example, in the ‘General’ area, you can toggle off advertising ID. Left on, the advertising ID will gather information about your interests while using Microsoft apps and browsing the web. It’s used by advertisers to better sell you things. We strongly recommend turning it off. 

On the same page, you can set the three other three toggle switches to “off” if you want to prevent Microsoft from gathering information relating to other targeted content and services. Yet more options are available via the Privacy Dashboard – a link to which is at the bottom of the page. 

Here you can, for example, opt out of receiving messages from Microsoft partners, and turn off targeted advertising. Scroll down to explore the options available for increasing your privacy by clicking on ‘Personalized ad settings’, ‘Apps and services’, ‘Promotional communications’, and ‘Other Microsoft products’.

Is it legal to use a VPN with Windows 10?

VPNs are legal in the vast majority of the world. There are only a handful of countries that actually ban them outright. Microsoft certainly allows their use and has a client in Windows 10 to help people configure a connection. However, while VPNs provide users with a measure of anonymity, they shouldn't be used to mask illegal activity. 

How do I find my Windows version?

It’s very easy to do. Press the Windows logo key and the letter ‘R’. Type ‘winver’ in the ‘Open’ box and click ‘OK’. Your version of Windows will be displayed. 

Windows 10 will not be receiving any major new updates since it’s been succeeded by Windows 11. It will not receive any updates at all after 2025. To ensure your device is secure, it’s worth updating to the latest version of Windows. 

Can I unblock streaming services with a Windows 10 VPN?

Yes! With a Windows 10 VPN, you can unblock a wide range of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Peacock, and more. VPNs work by masking your real IP address and routing your internet traffic through a server located in a different region, making it appear as if you're browsing from a different country. This can help you access geo-restricted content on vacation.

However, it's crucial to pick your VPN service carefully when it comes to streaming. Not all VPNs are equally effective at bypassing the content restrictions imposed by streaming platforms. Some services may struggle to consistently unblock certain platforms, while others may work seamlessly.

Before choosing a Windows 10 VPN for streaming, it's advisable to research and select a reputable VPN provider known for its ability to unblock popular streaming services. Additionally, keep in mind that streaming platforms are continuously updating their security measures to detect and block VPN traffic. 

The VPNs in this guide are highly reliable and all work with some streaming services. Our top recommendations work with all the streaming services we test them with, but if you are concerned (or use a niche streaming service we might not have tested) you can check it yourself using its 30-day money-back guarantee.