Best Windows VPN For PC (February 2024) (2024)

Selecting the ideal Windows VPN for your PC involves evaluating various factors to find the perfect balance between privacy, performance and ease of use. As you explore your options, keep in mind your unique needs and goals, as well as the essential VPN features, device compatibility, versatility, cost and customer service.

Assess Your Needs and Goals

When picking out the best Windows VPN for your PC, ask these questions to figure out your individual needs and goals:

• What are my main security and privacy concerns? Consider VPNs with military-grade encryption, a kill switch and a no-logs policy to ensure your online activities remain secure and private. You should also consider using a VPN located in a country not required to divulge your private information, such as the Netherlands or Switzerland.
• Do I need to unblock content and bypass censorship? Look for VPNs that offer a wide range of server locations and are known for bypassing geo-restrictions to access content from various regions.
• Are fast connection speeds for streaming and gaming a priority? Focus on VPNs that emphasize high-speed connections and have dedicated streaming or gaming servers for an optimal experience.
• How important is ease of setup and use for me? Choose VPNs with user-friendly interfaces, simple installation processes and comprehensive support options if you prefer a hassle-free experience.

Essential VPN Features

You’ll pay a little more for advanced features, though most basic features come standard no matter which VPN provider you choose.

Basic Features:

• Encryption: The foundation of any VPN, encryption ensures that your data is secure and unreadable by third parties. Search for VPNs that have powerful encryption protocols, such as AES-256.
• No logs: A no-logs policy means your VPN provider won’t track the sites you visit.
• Server selection: To get around geo-limits and access content from different countries, you need a good VPN with lots of server choices.
• Device compatibility: The VPN should support multiple devices and operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.
• Ease of use: A user-friendly interface and easy setup process are essential for a seamless VPN experience.

Premium Features

• Kill switch: This feature will automatically unplug your internet connection if the VPN connection drops, preventing any accidental exposure of your real IP address.
• Split tunneling: This allows you to route specific applications or websites through the VPN connection while leaving others on your regular network, providing flexibility and control over your internet usage.
• DNS leak protection: By routing DNS queries through the VPN, not the ISP’s DNS servers, this protection stops potential leaks of your privacy.
• IPv6 support: IPv6 is the latest version of the Internet Protocol and full support ensures that your IPv6 traffic is also protected.
• Dedicated streaming and gaming servers: Some VPNs offer servers specifically optimized for streaming and gaming, providing faster speeds and better performance.
• Ad and malware blockers: Additional security features block ads, trackers and malicious websites, enhancing your online privacy and browsing experience.
• Multi-hop (double VPN) connections: This feature routes your traffic through two VPN servers instead of one, adding an extra layer of security and privacy.

Device Compatibility and Versatility

If you need a VPN that can be used on multiple devices, make sure the VPN you choose can be installed on Windows, macOS, iOS and Android. Some even offer router installation. You’ll also want to make sure the VPN has a wide range of servers so you can unblock content from all over the world.

Cost

Typically, VPNs offer subscription-based plans, which can be billed monthly, annually or sometimes even biennially. The longer the subscription plan, the lower the monthly cost. It’s not unusual to see prices ranging from $5 to $12 per month, depending on the plan, your commitment and the VPN provider.

Getting a VPN for your Windows computer won’t set you back too much compared to other platforms, such as Android or Mac, since many providers offer support for multiple devices with a single subscription. Some providers may offer one-time lifetime subscriptions, but these are less common and may come with certain limitations or restrictions.

To reduce your VPN costs, consider the following:

• Longer subscription plans: Opting for a longer subscription plan often results in a lower monthly cost. However, make sure to choose a reputable VPN provider, as you’ll be committing to their service for an extended period.
• Discounts and promotions: VPN providers frequently run discounts and promotions, especially during holidays or special events. Keep an eye out for these deals to save on your VPN subscription.
• Free trials and money-back guarantees: Some VPN providers offer free trials or money-back guarantees, so you can see how the VPN works for the sites you use before locking into a multi-year plan. Most offer 30-day money-back guarantees, although this isn’t always the case, so check to be sure.
• Referral programs and loyalty rewards: Some VPNs offer referral programs or loyalty rewards, providing discounts or free subscription time for referring new customers or maintaining an active subscription.

Remember that the cheapest option may not always be the best, as it could lack essential features, performance or security. It’s important to balance cost with the quality and functionality of the VPN service.

Customer Service

If you run into any trouble with your VPN, you’ll want to be able to contact customer service. Make sure the VPN you choose has 24/7 customer support via live chat or email (most don’t offer phone support). You should also be able to find helpful guides and FAQs on the VPN’s website.