Your PC is where you bank, work, game and stream, which makes it the device that most needs a good VPN. Every major provider has a Windows app, but they are not equal. Some have a system level kill switch and per app split tunnelling, some run natively on the new ARM based Copilot+ laptops, and some quietly lack features you would expect on a desktop.
This guide compares six well known VPNs on what actually matters on Windows: speed, leak protection, split tunnelling, ARM support, streaming and gaming, and privacy. You will also find a setup guide, the settings worth changing, and why the VPN client built into Windows is no longer the best choice.
Quick answer: the best VPNs for PC
- NordVPN: best overall Windows VPN, with NordLynx speed, native ARM64 support and Threat Protection
- Proton VPN: best for privacy, with open source Windows apps and a permanent kill switch
- Surfshark: best value, covering unlimited devices on one plan
- ExpressVPN: fastest to connect, with the Lightway protocol and automatic obfuscation
- CyberGhost: easiest for beginners, with task labelled servers and a 45 day refund
- PureVPN: budget pick with app based split tunnelling and strong streaming results
Why use a VPN on your PC?
- Protect yourself on public WiFi in cafes, hotels, airports and coworking spaces
- Hide your browsing from your internet provider, school or office network
- Watch streaming libraries from home while you travel
- Reduce DDoS risk and throttling when gaming or downloading large files
- Work remotely with an encrypted connection on any network
- Block trackers and malicious sites with the extra filters many Windows apps include
The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency explains how open wireless networks can expose your data. A laptop that hops between hotspots is exactly where a VPN earns its place.
What to look for in a Windows VPN
- A system wide kill switch that blocks all traffic if the tunnel drops, not just selected apps
- App based split tunnelling so games, printers or local tools can bypass the VPN
- A fast modern protocol such as WireGuard, NordLynx or Lightway
- DNS and IPv6 leak protection turned on by default
- Native ARM64 support if you own a Snapdragon powered Copilot+ PC
- Auto connect on untrusted networks and launch at startup
- An audited no logs policy from a trustworthy jurisdiction
- A refund window long enough to test on your own connection
Best VPNs for PC compared
| VPN | Fastest protocol | Split tunnelling on Windows | Native ARM64 app | Servers | Devices | Refund |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | NordLynx | Yes, by app | Yes | 9,000+ in 149 countries | 10 | 30 days |
| Proton VPN | WireGuard | Yes, by app or IP | Yes | 20,799 in 149 countries | 10 | 30 days |
| Surfshark | WireGuard | Yes (Bypasser) | Yes, since version 5.2.0 | 4,500+ in 100 countries | Unlimited | 30 days |
| ExpressVPN | Lightway | Yes, by app | ARM ready Lightway drivers with emulation | 3,000+ in 105 countries | 10 to 14 by plan | 30 days |
| CyberGhost | WireGuard | URL and IP exceptions only | Not confirmed | 11,000+ in 100 countries | 7 | 45 days |
| PureVPN | WireGuard | Yes, by app | Not confirmed | 6,000+ in 65+ countries | 10 | 31 days |
Figures come from each provider's own pages and our published reviews in October 2026. Server counts change often, so treat them as a snapshot.
1. NordVPN: best overall VPN for PC
NordVPN has the most complete Windows app we have used. The NordLynx protocol, built on WireGuard, keeps speed loss low even on fast fibre connections, and the app offers both an app kill switch and an internet kill switch, so you can choose between closing specific programs or cutting all traffic. Split tunnelling works by app, which is handy for keeping a game launcher or a work tool off the VPN.
It is also one of the few providers with a native ARM64 Windows build that matches the x64 version feature for feature, so it runs properly on Snapdragon laptops. Threat Protection blocks trackers, ads and malicious downloads, and parts of it work even when the VPN is off. Its no logs policy has passed six independent audits. Read our full NordVPN review for speed results.
- Pros: very fast, two kill switch modes, native ARM64, malware and tracker blocking
- Cons: renewal prices are higher than the first term
2. Proton VPN: best VPN for privacy on Windows
Proton VPN is the choice if privacy comes first. Its Windows app is fully open source, so anyone can inspect the code, and its no logs policy has passed annual independent audits. The permanent kill switch blocks internet access whenever the VPN is disconnected, even before you sign in, which is ideal for sensitive work.
The Windows app runs natively on ARM64 with all features, including split tunnelling by app or IP address. Secure Core routes traffic through Switzerland, Iceland or Sweden first, and the Stealth protocol helps on office or campus networks that block VPNs. There is also a free plan with no data cap, the safest free VPN we have tested. Our Proton VPN review covers its audits in detail.
- Pros: open source apps, permanent kill switch, native ARM64, huge network, usable free plan
- Cons: Secure Core is slower; the free plan does not let you choose a country
3. Surfshark: best value Windows VPN
Surfshark covers unlimited devices on one plan, so your desktop, laptop, phones and a family PC all stay protected without juggling logins. Its Windows app is clean and fast on WireGuard, and Bypasser lets you exclude apps or websites from the tunnel. It has supported native ARM64 Windows since version 5.2.0.
Useful Windows extras include CleanWeb for ad and tracker blocking, Camouflage mode to hide VPN use, and dynamic MultiHop to pick your own double VPN route. It is also a reliable streaming VPN in testing. See our Surfshark review for its full results.
- Pros: unlimited devices, low starting price, native ARM64, good streaming
- Cons: smaller network than NordVPN or Proton VPN
4. ExpressVPN: fastest connections on Windows
ExpressVPN built its own Lightway protocol, which typically connects in about a second, so switching servers feels instant. Obfuscation runs automatically on every server, which helps on hotel and work networks that block VPN traffic, and its Network Lock kill switch is on by default. Split tunnelling works by app.
On ARM laptops, ExpressVPN uses ARM ready Lightway drivers together with Microsoft's Prism emulation rather than a fully native app, which works but is less efficient than NordVPN, Proton or Surfshark. It costs more than the others. Our ExpressVPN review explains its plans.
- Pros: near instant connections, automatic obfuscation, simple app
- Cons: higher price; ARM support relies partly on emulation
5. CyberGhost: easiest VPN for beginners on PC
CyberGhost is built for people who want to click one button. Servers are labelled by task, so you pick a server for a specific streaming service, download or game instead of guessing. The automatic kill switch is always on in the Windows app, and the 45 day money back guarantee on longer plans is the longest on this list.
The main gap on PC is split tunnelling. Instead of excluding apps, CyberGhost's Exceptions feature lets you exclude URLs and IP addresses only, so it is less flexible for gamers and remote workers. It covers 7 devices. Our CyberGhost review covers its audits and Romanian jurisdiction.
- Pros: very simple app, task labelled servers, always on kill switch, 45 day refund
- Cons: no app based split tunnelling; fewer devices
6. PureVPN: budget Windows VPN
PureVPN is the cheapest option here over a long plan, and its Windows app covers the essentials well. The kill switch is on by default and blocks both IPv4 and IPv6 traffic, and unlike CyberGhost it offers app based split tunnelling on Windows. Streaming is one of its strongest areas in independent tests.
The trade off is a smaller network of 6,000+ servers in 65+ countries and speeds that vary between servers. Some features, such as a dedicated IP, are paid extras. Our PureVPN review explains its plans and add ons.
- Pros: low long term price, kill switch on by default, app split tunnelling
- Cons: smaller network; inconsistent server speeds
Best VPN for each type of PC user
| If you mainly | Best pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Want the best all rounder | NordVPN | Speed, two kill switch modes, Threat Protection |
| Care most about privacy | Proton VPN | Open source, Swiss, permanent kill switch |
| Protect a whole household | Surfshark | Unlimited devices on one plan |
| Use a Snapdragon Copilot+ laptop | NordVPN or Proton VPN | Native ARM64 apps with every feature |
| Work on restrictive networks | ExpressVPN | Automatic obfuscation on all servers |
| Are new to VPNs | CyberGhost | Simple app and a 45 day refund |
| Want the lowest price | PureVPN | Cheap long plans with the core features |
Best VPN for PC gaming
A VPN will rarely lower your ping, but it can protect you from DDoS attacks, stop ISP throttling and let you join servers in other regions. On PC, use split tunnelling to keep launchers like Steam or Battle.net downloading at full speed while the game itself goes through the tunnel, and always pick the closest server with WireGuard or NordLynx. NordVPN and Surfshark gave the most consistent latency in testing. For shooter specific advice on NAT type and ports, read our guide to the best VPN for Warzone.
Best VPN for streaming on PC
Browsers on Windows are the easiest place to stream through a VPN, because you can clear cookies and switch servers in seconds. NordVPN, Surfshark and Proton VPN were the most reliable for major libraries in testing. If you watch American shows abroad, our guide to the best VPN for HBO Max explains how account regions and payment checks work. Travellers can also check our Japan VPN guide for long distance streaming tips.
Should you use the VPN built into Windows?
Windows 11 includes a VPN client under Settings, Network and internet, VPN, and Microsoft support explains how to add a manual connection. It is useful for connecting to a company network, but it is not a VPN service: you still need a server to connect to, and it has no kill switch, no split tunnelling by app and no WireGuard support.
The protocols it relies on are also ageing. Microsoft has deprecated PPTP and L2TP, which are now disabled by default for new connections on Windows Server 2025, and it is retiring SSTP on its Azure VPN gateways. IKEv2 remains the recommended built in option. For personal privacy, a provider app is faster, safer and much easier to use.
| Feature | Windows built in VPN | Provider VPN app |
|---|---|---|
| Includes servers | No | Yes |
| WireGuard or similar | No | Yes |
| Kill switch | No | Yes |
| App split tunnelling | No | Most providers |
| Ad and malware blocking | No | Many providers |
Windows 10, Windows 11 and ARM laptops
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, as confirmed on Microsoft's support site. Most VPN apps still run on it, but an unpatched operating system is a bigger risk than any VPN can fix, so upgrade to Windows 11 or enrol in Extended Security Updates if you can.
If you own a Snapdragon based Copilot+ PC, choose a VPN with a native ARM64 app. Emulated apps work, but native ones use less battery and handle network drivers more reliably. NordVPN, Proton VPN and Surfshark all offer native builds.
How to set up a VPN on Windows
- Choose a VPN from the list above and sign up on the provider's website
- Download the Windows app from the official site or the Microsoft Store, picking the ARM64 version if your PC has a Snapdragon chip
- Install and sign in, then allow the network driver when Windows asks
- Turn on the kill switch and set the protocol to WireGuard, NordLynx or Lightway
- Enable auto connect on untrusted WiFi and launch at startup
- Connect to a nearby server and run a DNS leak test in your browser
Windows VPN settings worth changing
- Kill switch: use the full internet kill switch for travel and the app kill switch at home
- Split tunnelling: exclude game launchers, printers and your banking app if it blocks VPN IPs
- Protocol: WireGuard based protocols for speed, OpenVPN TCP or obfuscated servers for blocked networks
- LAN access: allow local network access if you use a network printer or a home media server
- Ad and malware blocking: enable Threat Protection, CleanWeb or NetShield
- Windows Firewall: leave it on; VPN apps work alongside it
Troubleshooting a VPN on Windows
- VPN will not connect: switch protocol, try another server, or reinstall the network adapter from the app's settings
- Slow speeds: pick a closer server and switch to a WireGuard based protocol
- No internet after disconnecting: a permanent kill switch is active; turn it off or reconnect
- Antivirus blocking the app: add the VPN to your antivirus allow list
- Streaming error: clear browser cookies and try another server in the same country
Should you use a free VPN on PC?
A trusted free plan is better than nothing on public WiFi. Proton VPN Free is the safest free option we have tested, with no data cap and no ads, but it limits server choice and streaming. Many other free Windows VPNs cap your data, show ads or collect browsing data to pay their costs. For streaming, gaming or daily use, a paid plan costs little over a long term. For picks beyond Windows, see our main best VPN roundup.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best VPN for PC?
NordVPN is the best VPN for PC overall, thanks to NordLynx speed, two kill switch modes, app split tunnelling and a native ARM64 app. Proton VPN is the best choice for privacy.
Does Windows 11 have a built in VPN?
It has a VPN client, not a VPN service. You still need a server to connect to, and it lacks a kill switch and WireGuard, so a provider app is better for personal use.
Which VPNs work on Windows on ARM?
NordVPN, Proton VPN and Surfshark offer native ARM64 Windows apps. ExpressVPN works through ARM ready drivers and Microsoft's emulation.
Will a VPN slow down my PC?
A good VPN uses very little processor power. You may lose some download speed, especially on distant servers, but WireGuard based protocols keep the loss small on nearby servers.
Is there a good free VPN for PC?
Proton VPN Free is the best free option, with no data limit. It does not let you choose a country or stream reliably.
Can I use one VPN subscription on several PCs?
Yes. Most providers cover 7 to 14 devices, and Surfshark covers unlimited devices on one plan.
Is it legal to use a VPN on a PC?
Yes, in most countries including the US, UK, Canada, Australia and the EU. Anything illegal without a VPN is still illegal with one.
