The best VPN for Windows in 2025 (tested for PC & laptops)

What makes the best VPN for Windows? Think of it as a custom-built, encrypted tunnel for your PC or laptop. It’s a single click that shields your data from snoops, hides your real IP address, and stops your internet provider from seeing everything you do online.

In a world where your PC is your office, your cinema, and your gaming rig, leaving your connection exposed is no longer an option. From dodging ISP throttling during a critical match to securing your bank details on public Wi-Fi, a reliable VPN is your first line of digital defense.

As a cybersecurity analyst who has spent years testing software, I’ve seen countless VPNs that promise the world but fail on Windows. Many apps are slow, buggy, or lack the critical features that PC power users demand. This isn’t just about theory; it’s about hands-on experience with what actually works under pressure.

Your Windows PC is a powerful machine – don’t leave its security to chance. Let me guide you through the essentials and help you choose the robust protection it truly deserves.

1. The best VPN for Windows PC & laptops in 2025

After weeks of rigorous testing on our Windows 11 rig, we’ve filtered out the noise. The following VPNs represent the best of the best, each offering a superb balance of performance, security, and user-friendly design on the Windows platform.

I’ve structured these recommendations based on common user profiles. Here’s a quick comparison of our top picks to help you get started:

Now, let’s dive into the detailed breakdown of each service.

1.1. #1 – Best all-rounder: NordVPN

Servers: 
6,300+ servers in 111 countries

Logging policy: 
Independently audited no-logs policy

Protocols on Windows:
NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN

Standout feature:
Threat Protection malware and ad blocker

If I had to pick one VPN that strikes the perfect balance for almost any task on a Windows PC, it would be NordVPN. Its performance is the first thing you’ll notice. Powered by its custom NordLynx protocol, it consistently delivered some of the lowest speed drops in our testing. This makes it an absolute beast for demanding activities like streaming 4K content without buffering or maintaining a low, stable ping in online games.

The NordVPN Windows app is where it truly shines for power users. Its split tunneling feature is incredibly flexible. In my tests, I could route my game traffic through the VPN to protect against DDoS attacks while letting my browser use my regular connection for lower latency on Discord – all configured in under a minute. Its Kill Switch is also one of the most reliable I’ve tested – I tried simulating network drops, and it instantly cut my PC’s internet access every time.

Beyond the core VPN functions, the built-in Threat Protection works like a powerful ad and malware blocker that even scans your downloads for threats. It’s a significant value-add that beefs up your PC’s overall security. In our tests, the app also remained lightweight and efficient, running in the background with minimal impact on CPU and RAM.

1.2. #2 – Best for beginners: ExpressVPN

Servers: 
Servers in 105 countries

Logging policy: 
Independently audited no-logs policy (TrustedServer tech)

Protocols on Windows:
Lightway, OpenVPN

Standout feature:
Effortless one-click connectivity

ExpressVPN‘s Windows app is a masterclass in simplicity. From the moment you install it, the experience is clean, intuitive, and centered around a giant “On” button. There’s no complex menu to navigate or confusing jargon to decipher. In my testing, this is the VPN I’d recommend to my non-tech-savvy friends and family because it simply works.

While it may not offer the granular control of PIA, its core features are robust and reliable. The Kill Switch (called Network Lock) is enabled by default and proved flawless in our tests, immediately protecting my connection. Its proprietary Lightway protocol provides an excellent balance of speed and security, handling 4K streaming and video calls without any noticeable lag.

What I appreciate most is the focus on trust. Their TrustedServer technology, which runs all servers on RAM, ensures that no data is ever written to a hard drive, providing a strong foundation for their no-logs promise. In our tests, the ExpressVPN app was also remarkably lightweight, consuming minimal RAM and CPU resources, making it an excellent choice for users who want protection without any performance hit.

1.3. #3 – Best value: Surfshark

Servers: 
3,200+ servers, 100 countries

Logging policy: 
Independently audited no-logs policy

Protocols on Windows:
WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2

Standout feature:
Unlimited simultaneous connections

Surfshark‘s biggest selling point is impossible to ignore: One subscription covers an unlimited number of devices. This isn’t just a marketing gimmick – it’s a game-changer for value. During my review, I installed it on my Windows gaming rig, my work laptop, my partner’s MacBook, our phones, and even an Amazon Fire TV Stick – all running simultaneously off a single account. No other top provider offers this level of generosity.

But the value doesn’t stop there. The Windows app feels modern, slick, and is packed with features you’d expect from pricier competitors. Its CleanWeb feature effectively blocks ads and trackers, and its split tunneling tool (called Bypasser) worked perfectly, letting me secure my torrent client while my banking app used a direct connection.

Performance-wise, Surfshark holds its own against the top names, with its WireGuard implementation providing fast and stable speeds for both streaming and general browsing. It proves you don’t have to sacrifice performance or core security features to get an amazing deal.

1.4. #4 – Best for power users & torrenters: Private Internet Access (PIA)

Servers: 
Extensive network across 91 countries

Logging policy: 
Court-proven no-logs policy (multiple times)

Protocols on Windows:
WireGuard, OpenVPN, SOCKS5 Proxy

Standout feature:
Advanced customization & port forwarding

Opening PIA’s settings on Windows feels like stepping into a tinkerer’s dream. While other VPNs simplify, PIA empowers you with an incredible amount of control. You can adjust your encryption level, choose your connection ports, and set up complex automation rules. This is the VPN for people who know exactly what they want.

For torrenters, PIA is in a class of its own, primarily due to one critical feature: Port forwarding. By enabling this, I was able to significantly increase my download and upload speeds in qBittorrent by allowing more direct connections with peers. This, combined with an advanced Kill Switch and a no-logs policy that has been proven in court, makes it my top recommendation for P2P file-sharing.

Despite its vast array of options, the app’s default settings are perfectly secure for everyday use, and it remains surprisingly efficient on system resources. The interface neatly organizes its advanced features, so you can dive deep when you want to or just stick to the basics.

1.5. #5 – Best for streaming & ease of use: CyberGhost

Servers: 
11,500+ servers in 100 countries

Logging policy: 
Independently audited no-logs policy

Protocols on Windows:
WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2

Standout feature:
Dedicated, optimized servers for streaming platforms

CyberGhost’s genius lies in eliminating the biggest frustration for streamers: Server hunting. Instead of making you guess which US server might work with Netflix, its Windows app has a dedicated “For Streaming” tab. Here, you’ll find a list of VPN servers specifically optimized for platforms like Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more.

In my tests, this feature worked flawlessly. I clicked the server labeled “Optimized for Netflix UK,” and within seconds, I was browsing the UK library without a single error message. It takes all the trial-and-error out of the process. This makes it incredibly beginner-friendly.

Beyond streaming, CyberGhost offers a solid all-around experience with a reliable Kill Switch, good speeds via WireGuard, and a feature called “Smart Rules” that lets you automate how the VPN behaves on your Windows PC (e.g., automatically connect when you open a specific app). The app is user-friendly, colorful, and remains light on system resources, making it a great companion for your media consumption needs.

2. Why every Windows user needs a VPN

While Windows Security has become a powerhouse at protecting your PC from computer viruses and malware, it has one major blind spot: Your online privacy. Once your data leaves your computer and hits the internet, Windows Defender can’t protect it. That’s where a VPN steps in.

From my experience, I see users fall into four main categories where a VPN isn’t just helpful – it’s essential.

For ultimate privacy

Think of your internet service provider (ISP) – like Comcast, Verizon, or BT – as a nosy landlord. Without a VPN, they can see every website you visit, how long you stay there, and what you download. A VPN builds a private, encrypted tunnel around your activity, making it impossible for them to spy on you. It’s the digital equivalent of drawing the blinds.

For secure public Wi-Fi

That free Wi-Fi at the coffee shop or airport is a playground for hackers. I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen people log into sensitive accounts on these open networks. A VPN encrypts everything you send and receive, turning a risky public network into your own private connection. So even if a snooper is watching, all they’ll see is scrambled, useless data.

For unrestricted streaming & gaming

Ever get that frustrating “This content is not available in your region” message on Netflix or Disney+? A VPN lets you connect to a server in another country, making it look like you’re browsing from there. Suddenly, you’ve unlocked a world of new shows and movies. For gamers, it can help find less crowded international servers and shield you from petty DDoS attacks from sore losers.

For safe torrenting (P2P)

When you use a P2P service like BitTorrent, your IP address is often visible to everyone else sharing that same file. The best VPN for torrenting hides your real IP address and shows them the VPN IP address instead. This simple switch is an absolutely essential step for protecting your identity while participating in P2P networks.

3. How we test the best VPNs for Windows

Testing a VPN for Windows is more than just running a speed test. A generic review won’t cut it, because PC users expect performance, control, and features that go beyond the basics. At Safelyo, our process is hands-on, transparent, and built to find the services that truly excel on the Windows platform.

I personally install and use each VPN on a Windows 11 machine to see how it performs in real-world scenarios. Here’s a transparent look at our weighted testing criteria and what we prioritize:

Windows app & features (40%)

This is our top priority. How does the app feel on Windows? Is it intuitive or cluttered? We dig deep into the settings to test the reliability of power-user features like the kill switch and split tunneling. Does the VPN offer easy protocol switching? A great VPN engine is useless without a well-designed and stable Windows client.

Performance & speed (30%)

We measure download speeds, upload speeds, and latency (ping) before and after connecting to servers in different regions. We primarily use the WireGuard protocol for its modern speed and security balance, but we also test OpenVPN. This tells us the real impact on activities like 4K streaming, competitive gaming, and downloading large files.

System footprint (New criterion)

A VPN shouldn’t slow down your PC. We measure the RAM and CPU usage of each app when it’s idle and when it’s actively connected. This ensures the VPN runs quietly in the background without hogging resources during an important video call or an intense gaming session.

Security & privacy (15%)

This is non-negotiable. We run tests to check for any IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks that could expose your identity. We also verify each provider’s no-logs policy, giving preference to those that have undergone independent audits.

Streaming & P2P support (15%)

We don’t take their word for it. We actively test if the VPN can unblock popular streaming services like Netflix (US, UK, and Japan), BBC iPlayer, and more. For torrenting, we check for P2P-optimized servers and measure download performance.

4. Windows VPN power features explained

The best VPNs for Windows are more than just an “on” button. They come with powerful tools designed to give you more control and flexibility. Understanding these features can completely change how you use a VPN. Let’s break down the most important ones.

4.1. Split tunneling: The ultimate multi-tasking tool

Think of split tunneling as creating two separate lanes for your internet traffic. One lane is the secure, encrypted VPN tunnel, and the other is your regular, open internet connection. This feature lets you decide which apps use the VPN lane and which use the regular one.

Here’s a practical example I use almost daily: I need to download a large file securely using my torrent client. For that, I need the VPN’s protection to hide my IP address. So, I tell the VPN to route only my torrent app through the secure tunnel. At the same time, I can browse my local news website or access my online banking portal through my normal connection. My bank sees my real location (so it doesn’t get suspicious and lock my account), while my torrenting activity remains completely private. It’s the best of both worlds.

4.2. The Kill Switch: Your fail-safe protection

A Kill Switch is your internet’s emergency brake. Its one and only job is to instantly cut your device’s internet access if the VPN connection ever drops unexpectedly.

Why is this so important? Imagine your Wi-Fi flickers for just a second. In that moment, your PC might automatically reconnect to the internet without the VPN’s protection, briefly exposing your real IP address. If you’re handling sensitive information or torrenting, that split second is all it takes for a data leak.

For me, a VPN without a reliable Kill Switch is a deal-breaker. It’s the feature that gives me peace of mind to leave a download running overnight, knowing that even if something goes wrong with the connection, my privacy will never be compromised. Most top-tier VPNs on Windows use a system-level Kill Switch, which is the most secure type as it blocks all traffic from your PC.

5. How to install a VPN on Windows in 3 easy steps

If you’re worried that setting up a VPN is complicated, don’t be. The top providers have made the process incredibly simple. It really just takes a minute.

Download the app. 

Go to the website of the VPN you chose (like NordVPN or ExpressVPN) and click the big “Download for Windows” button. This will save the installer file to your PC, usually in your “Downloads” folder.

Run the installer. 

Find the file you just downloaded and double-click it. A standard Windows installation window will pop up. You just need to click “Next” or “Install,” and the app will handle the rest. Windows might ask you to approve the installation; just click “Yes.”

Log in and connect. 

Once it’s installed, open the VPN app from your desktop or Start Menu. Enter the username and password you created when you signed up, and that’s it! You’ll see a big “Connect” button. Click it, and your PC is now protected.

6. FAQ about the best VPN for Windows

Still have a few questions? That’s completely normal. When it comes to protecting your Windows PC, it’s important to have all the facts. Here are clear, straightforward answers to some of the most common questions we get at Safelyo.

7. Conclusion

Choosing the best VPN for Windows means equipping your PC with a versatile tool that can handle everything from high-speed gaming and unrestricted streaming to secure browsing on the go. It’s no longer a niche tool for tech experts but an essential layer of protection for every Windows user.

To recap, here are the key takeaways to remember:

• A quality VPN is essential for privacy from your ISP, security on public Wi-Fi, and unlocking the full potential of your internet connection.
• Look for powerful features in the Windows app, especially a reliable kill switch and flexible split tunneling, to give you maximum control.
• Your ideal VPN depends on your needs: NordVPN is the top all-rounder, ExpressVPN offers simplicity, Surfshark provides unbeatable value, PIA is the king of customization, and CyberGhost makes streaming effortless.

Your Windows PC is a powerful machine; give it the powerful protection it deserves. Explore the detailed guides and find the perfect match for your needs right here at Safelyo in our Best VPN category to secure your digital life today.