The best VPN for Windows: Expert tested

Note: The information presented in this table is accurate as of our last publish date, and 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?

Many providers recommended in this list have been subject to in-depth testing and reviews by members of our 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 does test 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 below using the following criteria that were most important in helping 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 while streaming if your connection continually drops or lags, making it intolerable.
• Simultaneous connections: Many VPNs limit how many devices you can connect to a service at the same time. If you have a phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, and possibly even a smart TV you want to connect to a VPN, you'd 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 ensured the development team behind each recommended VPN cared about making security improvements over time and patching reported bugs.
• Kill switch: A kill switch prevents you from having an unprotected connection. It is an important feature for a VPN to have, as it protects by preventing a return to a default Wi-Fi connection should your internet connection unexpectedly drop.
• Geoblocks and streaming: We know VPNs can be key to accessing local content and services while you're away from home. We ensured that our top recommendations performed well in these factors and are unlikely to slow down your connection while you are streaming. 
• Platforms: What systems and devices can you run the VPN on? Our VPN recommendations, naturally, have to offer easy-to-use and intuitive mobile apps. 
• Countries & servers: In how many different countries does the VPN have servers? This can include physical and virtual servers and whether or not there are enough -- at least 50 or so -- to provide variety.
• Trial length & price: Each VPN we recommend has a solid money-back guarantee and many will offer mobile users a seven-day trial. 

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

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. 

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

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

Yes -- as long as you're running iOS or Android on your phone. All of the VPNs we recommend support multiple simultaneous connections for just this reason. Once you sign up for a service, you can generally run the VPN client multiple devices at once, and we prefer to showcase VPNs that provide at least five simultaneous connections, or more.

• Also: The best VPNs for Android: Expert tested
• Also: The best VPNs for iPhone and iPad: Expert tested

There are several vendors who 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. 

However, 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. 

If the services we've profiled in our best Windows VPNs list don't quite do it for you, no problem. There are a number of other services with a level of security and performance to meet your needs.