If you want to use your Windows PC to cover your surfing footprint and access global content across regions, choosing a proper VPN may be the best answer. However, the wide range of good and bad products in the market can be overwhelming.
That’s okay, check out the newest list of the 6 best VPNs for Windows PC in 2025! Each product has passed our rigorous VPN test, and the top one even offers an unlimited free version. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Top 6 VPNs for PC in 2025
To ensure the objectivity, rigor, and professionalism of this list, we used 23 days to conduct a complete VPN test on 58 VPNs for Windows in the market with at least a certain level of popularity and downloads. Some details about the tests are shown below:
| 📝How Many We Tested | 58 VPNs |
| 📱Devices We Used | Dell Windows 10 PC, HP Windows 11 PC, MacBook, iPhone 16, Galaxy Z Flip5 |
| ⏱Time Duration | 23 Days |
| 🔥What We Value | Compatibility, Security, Functionality, Usability, Speed, Price |
| 🥇Top Choice | X-VPN |
Now let’s check our 2025 newest list of 6 best VPNs for Windows 10/11:
Short on time? Click here for a summary!
✦X-VPN – Best VPN for Windows PC with an unlimited free version.
✦ExpressVPN – Strong security and easy-to-use PC apps.
✦NordVPN – Ahead of most competitors in terms of functionality.
✦Surfshark – Offers cost-effective long-term subscription plans.
✦CyberGhost – Provides amazing global VPN server distribution.
✦IPVanish – Rich set of additional security tools.
X-VPN
X-VPN is the best VPN service for Windows and other PC users. With ample global servers, strong privacy protections, and high-speed and stable connections, X-VPN has gained widespread acclaim and numerous downloads in recent years. Of course, its unlimited free version and excellent ease of use have further earned it the favor of more PC users.
🌍Server Networks
X-VPN has over 8,000 servers in 225+ locations in 65 countries. This extensive network setup is especially suitable for travelers, giving you smooth access to global resources no matter where you are on the planet. Meanwhile, X-VPN is finely optimized for different online activities, providing dedicated servers to enhance the experience of online gaming, streaming, and BitTorrent on Windows 10/11.
🛡Security & Privacy
X-VPN provides robust online protection with AES-256 encryption, advanced features, and diverse protocols, safeguarding against tracking and snooping. Additional tools like Safe Browsing will enhance online defense by removing trackers, blocking ads, and preventing harmful downloads. Plus, there’s no need to worry about data leakage – a strict No-log Policy promise will ensure that your usage history and personal data are only stored on your PC and other local devices.
🚀Speed Performance
X-VPN’s exceptional speed is one of its core strengths, with encryption-related speed reduction averaging no more than 15%. Whether streaming live sports in 4K or diving into competitive gaming ranks, X-VPN can provide a smooth connection, ensuring a seamless experience. When paired with its optimized servers, latency is minimized, enabling nearly flawless online interactions.
🔑Content Unlocking
Whether you want to bypass geo-restrictions to watch streaming libraries from other regions, visit restricted resources, or purchase the cheapest Netflix Plan and other services, X-VPN can help. Its self-developed Everest protocol is equipped with a powerful obfuscation feature that cleverly avoids VPN detection by ISPs and other platforms, allowing X-VPN to carve out an unimpeded digital universe with superior unlocking capabilities.
🎄Free Version or Free Trial
X-VPN offers a 100% free version for all users. No limitations, no personal info is required, and you can use it indefinitely without logging in. With a simple click of the Quick Connect button, X-VPN will automatically connect you to the best-performing one from 1,000+ free servers across 17 major countries, and encrypt your data at no cost.
📝Basic Info
| Global Servers | 8,000+ servers in 225+ locations |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Router, TVs, Xbox, etc |
| Windows Support | Windows 10/11 |
| Security | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Speed | Fast and Stable |
| Connections | 5 Simultaneous Connections |
| Free Version | Provide. Over 1000 free servers in 17 countries |
👿Cons
・Fewer simultaneous devices supported compared to competitors.
・Lacks manual server selection for free users.
💰Price
・Free to use without a new account.
・$11.99/mo for the One-Month plan.
・$9.99/mo for the Half-Year plan.
・$5.99/mo for the One-Year plan. (👍Best Choice)
Now let’s download X-VPN on your Windows PC and enjoy all the premium features for free in 30 days with its money-back guarantee, or just start your VPN journey using its free version.
ExpressVPN
Whenever we discuss the best VPNs, ExpressVPN is inevitably part of the conversation. Strong security, good speeds, and easy-to-use Windows apps are all proof that it’s extremely good at what it does.
🌍Server Networks
ExpressVPN boasts an amazing server network, currently spanning 105 countries, surpassing most competitors in this aspect. It does not specify the exact number of servers officially, according to third-party websites, the service provider has more than 3,000 servers and offers fast, reliable connections worldwide.
🛡Security & Privacy
As one of the industry’s leading brands, ExpressVPN excels in security protection. It combines AES-256 encryption and various VPN features like Kill Switch and Private DNS, which passed the DNS, IP, and WebRTC leak tests perfectly. In addition, its RAM-Only servers and transparent security audits also further earn the trust of privacy-conscious users.
🚀Speed Performance
The speed reduction with ExpressVPN isn’t the lowest, averaging up to 19.7%, but our test shows that this doesn’t hinder smooth online activities. Thanks to its proprietary Lightway protocol, ExpressVPN better balances functionality and speed with additional server optimizations to ensure that users can use their PCs to access any content smoothly in a secure environment.
🔑Content Unlocking
As one of the best VPNs for Netflix, ExpressVPN allows you to enjoy global streaming from anywhere in the world. With its help, we successfully unlocked Netflix libraries in the UK, France, and India on a Windows PC, and also watched BBC iPlayer in the US – all without any hassle.
🎄Free Version or Free Trial
Unfortunately, ExpressVPN does not offer a free plan or version, not even a 7-day free trial for PC users. This means that Windows users have to pay $12.95 for a premium subscription to initially access ExpressVPN. However, the good news is that you can take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee to ensure a risk-free trial experience.
📝Basic Info
| Global Servers | 3,000+ servers in 105 countries |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire Stick, VPN Router, etc |
| Windows Support | Windows 10/11 |
| Security | Industry-leading security with a No-log Policy |
| Speed | Fast and Stable |
| Connections | 8 Simultaneous Connections |
| Free Version | No |
👿Cons
・The price is higher compared to most VPN providers.
・Undisclosed number of servers, users may experience server congestion at peak times.
・No free version and no free trial period for PC users.
💰Price
・$12.95/mo for the One-Month plan.
・$6.25/mo for the One-Year plan.
・$4.99/mo for the Two-Year plan.
NordVPN
NordVPN is known in the industry as a premium VPN provider with an extremely rich set of advanced features and comprehensive additional security tools. However, this seems to be a double-edged sword, with the complexity of some features not being friendly to beginners. As a result, we ranked it after ExpressVPN, placing it third on our list.
🌍Server Networks
NordVPN has a strong server network with over 6,700 servers in 111 countries, which gives it an advantage in both coverage and quantity. Also, it provides various types of dedicated servers, including P2P, Double VPN, Virtual Server, Onion Over VPN, and Obfuscated Server. These options offer comprehensive optimization solutions for PC users’ daily use scenarios.
🛡Security & Privacy
NordVPN not only offers robust AES-256 encryption and all common VPN features, but it also has self-developed features such as Meshnet, which allows users to create a private encrypted network, and Secure Cloud Storage for backing up important files. Sure, NordVPN also provides security tools like Anti-malware Protection, further enhancing privacy safeguards.
🚀Speed Performance
NordVPN came in first place in our speed tests, with an average top speed loss of just 11.5%. The provider defaults to NordLynx, its homegrown protocol built around WireGuard, which enables faster connections to servers and increased speeds without compromising security.
🔑Content Unlocking
Unlocking global content is no longer a problem with NordVPN’s obfuscation servers. You can even purchase a dedicated IP address, thus drastically reducing the chances of being recognized by the platform. However, unlike X-VPN, which offers VPN obfuscation for all servers, it only offers obfuscated servers for some regions, which may limit the scope of unlocking.
🎄Free Version or Free Trial
NordVPN does not currently offer a free version and only offers a 7-day free trial for Android users. Windows PC users who want to experience the power of NordVPN, need to subscribe to evaluate if the product meets their needs. It’s worth noting that NordVPN offers four pricing plans – Prime, Complete, Plu, and Basic. Even the cheapest plan costs $12.99 per month and only includes basic VPN features.
📝Basic Info
| Global Servers | 6,700+ servers in 111 countries |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, tvOS, Firefox, Edge, etc |
| Windows Support | Windows 10/11 |
| Security | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Speed | Fast and Stable |
| Connections | 10 Simultaneous Connections |
| Free Version | No |
👿Cons
・Does not offer a free version and is stingy with the free trial period.
・Many features are not included in the Basic plan, but it is also priced higher than many competitors.
・The advanced features come with a learning curve, making them less suitable for beginners.
💰Price
・Basic Plan: $12.99/mo
・Plus Plan: $13.99/mo
・Complete Plan: $14.99/mo
・Prime Plan: $17.99/mo
Surfshark
Known for its reliability and all-around functionality, Surfshark is particularly popular with Windows PC users who need frequent VPN access. Its simple and intuitive UI design makes it easy for users to get started, while its competitive long-term plans offer excellent value for money.
🌍Server Networks
Surfshake’s server network is similar to ExpressVPN‘s, featuring over 3,200 servers across 100 countries. Although the number of servers may not be as impressive as other products on the list, its network coverage still offers good flexibility for global access. The simple UI design also makes it possible for even first-time VPN users to smoothly connect to the fastest servers, or even static IP and dedicated IP servers.
🛡Security & Privacy
In addition to employing standard encryption and adhering to a no-logs policy, Surfshark has invested much effort in additional privacy and security protections. They offer a range of security tools including CleanWeb, Alternative ID and Private Search Engine for better online security. Moreover, providing security reports on a quarterly or annual basis is also a smart way to gain users’ trust.
🚀Speed Performance
Surfshark excels in speed performance thanks to WireGuard protocol and Nexus technology. Its average maximum speed loss is no more than 14.2%, second only to NordVPN. This means whether you’re playing Steam games or watching NBA live streams on a Windows PC, Surfshark can offer a low-latency and smooth experience.
🔑Content Unlocking
Surfshark has nice ability to unblock most streaming services, including YouTube TV, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, etc. However, due to the relatively small number of VPN servers, Surfshark may be more easily detected and blocked by streaming platforms in certain cases compared to providers like X-VPN or NordVPN.
🎄Free Version or Free Trial
Surfshark doesn’t have a free version or a free trial for Windows PC users, but its clever pricing strategy works to attract budget-conscious users – the longer the subscription, the lower the monthly fee. Opting for a two-year Starter plan costs just $2.19 per month, while a monthly subscription is a staggering $15.45.
📝Basic Info
| Global Servers | 3200+ servers in 100 countries |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc |
| Windows Support | Windows 10/11 |
| Security | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Speed | Fast |
| Connections | Unlimited Simultaneous Connections |
| Free Version | No |
👿Cons
・No free plan.
・Monthly plans are very expensive and very unfriendly for short-term subscribers.
・The cheapest Surfshark Starter plan only includes VPN and Alternative ID features.
💰Price
・Surfshark Starter: $15.45/mo for monthly plan, $2.19/mo for 2-year plan.
・Surfshark One: $17.95/mo for monthly plan, $2.69/mo for 2-year plan.
・Surfshark One+: $20.65/mo for monthly plan, $4.29/mo for 2-year plan.
CyberGhost
With an amazing global VPN server distribution, great customer service, and a special focus on PC users, CyberGhost has successfully outperformed other competitors in our tests, taking the fifth spot on the best VPN for Windows list.
🌍Server Networks
According to third-party sources, the provider has more than 11,000+ servers worldwide and is spread across 125 locations in 100+ countries. This amazing server network coverage is undoubtedly CyberGhost’s core competency, ensuring that users can enjoy a flexible and stable VPN connection from anywhere.
🛡Security & Privacy
CyberGhost comes with common VPN features such as Kill Switch and IP Leak Protection, and while it doesn’t particularly stand out in terms of advanced features, its usability is still excellent. In terms of privacy protection, CyberGhost excels. It practices a strict no-logs policy, conducts regular independent audits and provides quarterly privacy reports. Users can also use their own NoSpy to better prevent online tracking.
🚀Speed Performance
Although CyberGhost officially claims to use a 10-Gbps network, speed is not its strong suit, with an average maximum speed loss of 29%. In practice, we did occasionally experience high ping, lag and buffering when connecting to this VPN for CS:GO gaming or watching NFL live streams. However, these are usually within acceptable limits and do not significantly affect the overall internet experience.
🔑Content Unlocking
It’s suitable for most streaming media with good unlocking ability. Popular streaming platforms in various regions can be easily accessed by simply connecting to servers optimized for streaming services. While the CyberGhost’s overall speed is average, these servers only allow for routing traffic from streaming media, so smooth Ultra HD playback is still achievable.
🎄Free Version or Free Trial
CyberGhost also does not offer a free version. However, unlike ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark, it provides Windows PC and macOS users with a 24-hour free trial that doesn’t require a credit card.
You can experience all the features before deciding whether to subscribe or not. The provider follows a similar pricing strategy to Surfshark, attracting long-term users with more expensive monthly plans and lower-priced annual plans.
📝Basic Info
| Global Servers | 11,000+ servers in 100+ countries |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Console, Chrome, TVs, etc |
| Windows Support | Windows 10/11 |
| Security | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Speed | Decent |
| Connections | 7 Simultaneous Connections |
| Free Version | No |
👿Cons
・No free plan.
・Monthly plans are expensive.
・Speed is not impressive.
・The UI design of its Windows program is a bit complicated and may not be friendly for beginners.
💰Price
・$12.99/mo for the One-Month plan.
・$6.99/mo for the One-Year plan.
・$2.19/mo for the Two-Year plan.
IPVanish
IPVanish is also a quality VPN service that often appears in major VPN top lists. Although it doesn’t stand out in terms of functionality, the rich support of additional security tools makes it a favorite among Windows users who are concerned about online privacy protection. Therefore, we have finally included it in this list.
🌍Server Networks
IPVanish’s server network is the smallest on the list, with over 2,400 servers in 140+ locations across 56 countries. However, while its server count doesn’t rank high in the industry, it is able to assign over 40,000+ IP addresses, which is more than enough to provide users with ample virtual identities.
🛡Security & Privacy
IPVanish’s use of AES-256 encryption, high-quality VPN protocols, and strict no-logging policy allow it to consistently earn users’ trust when it comes to security. While there are no more advanced VPN features, its additional security tools can make up for this disadvantage. Users can enjoy a cleaner, safer online environment by blocking ads and malicious websites with Threat Protection and checking web security with Link Checker.
🚀Speed Performance
IPVanish’s speed performance wasn’t particularly outstanding, with an average maximum speed loss of 21%, placing it in the bottom half of our list. If you plan to use IPVanish to watch 4K streaming in other regions, we might not recommend it, as we frequently encountered buffering issues during our tests. However, if you switch the image quality to HD, the viewing experience is significantly better and smoother.
🔑Content Unlocking
In most cases, IPVanish successfully unlocks various streaming platforms, including Netflix, Apple TV+, and Hulu, providing users with a rich selection of content. However, there are occasional instances where the VPN might not work or is detected on some platforms.
🎄Free Version or Free Trial
IPVanish does not offer a free plan, nor does it provide any trial period for Windows users. The only way for Windows users to try IPVanish is to take advantage of its 30-day refund policy to experience its full service and get a refund if unsatisfied. Additionally, IPVanish’s pricing is relatively expensive, with the basic monthly fee matching that of NordVPN and CyberGhost at $12.99.
📝Basic Info
| Global Servers | 2,400+ servers in 140+ locations |
| Compatibility | Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Linux, FireTV, Router, etc |
| Windows Support | Windows 10/11 |
| Security | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Speed | Decent |
| Connections | Unlimited Simultaneous Connections |
| Free Version | No. |
👿Cons
・No free version
・High pricing
・No Leak Test tools, like DNS Leak Test.
・No support for more advanced VPN features, only the basics are provided.
💰Price
・IPVanish Essential: $12.99/mo
・IPVanish Advanced: $14.99/mo
Quick Comparison Table of the 6 Best VPNs for Windows PC
Here’s a quick comparison table of the 6 best VPNs for Windows PCs to help you make the best choice.
| X-VPN | ExpressVPN | NordVPN | Surfshark | CyberGhost | IPVanish | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Price | $11.99/mo | $12.95/mo | $12.99/mo | $15.45/mo | $12.99/mo | $12.99/mo |
| Global Servers | 8,000+ | 3000+ | 6,700+ | 3,200+ | 11,000+ | 2,400+ |
| Free Version | ✔︎ | ✖︎ | ✖︎ | ✖︎ | ✖︎ | ✖︎ |
| Free Servers | 1,000+ | – | – | – | – | – |
| Security | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Speed Lost | 15% | 19.7% | 11.5% | 14.2% | 29% | 21% |
| No-log Policy | ✔︎ | ✔︎ | ✔︎ | ✔︎ | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Connections | 5 | 8 | 10 | Unlimited | 7 | Unlimited |
By comparing several important criteria for VPNs, X-VPN stood out with its comprehensive capabilities. Not only does it have rich servers, strong security, and superior speeds, but it also offers a truly free version. Although it supports only 5 simultaneous device connections, X-VPN is more than enough to protect all your devices for users who frequently use their Windows PC daily.
Click the button below to subscribe to X-VPN’s premium plan! We highly recommend the annual plan, which gives you full access to all the features of this top-rated VPN for just $5.99/mo. If you’re not completely satisfied with the service, don’t worry, you’ll be covered by a 0-risk money-back guarantee for 30 days!
Are Free VPNs Safe to Use on PC?
In most cases, using a free VPN on a PC is actually not safe. Even when they claim to be completely free, there are often hidden costs involved.
Many products on the market advertise themselves as free, powerful, and secure, but in reality, they often fail to deliver on these promises. Since free VPNs don’t generate revenue through subscriptions, some unethical providers might sell users’ personal data, display ads with phishing links, or even embed malware in the software to make a profit, severely compromising user safety.
Of course, some reputable providers offer truly free and secure VPN services, such as X-VPN, which offers a free product that requires no signup, does not limit traffic or usage time, and utilizes the industry’s top VPN encryption standards to effectively protect users’ online privacy.
However, X-VPN’s free version does have some limitations in terms of functionality, lacking advanced VPN features and not allowing manual server selection, which may not meet the needs of bypassing geo-restrictions. Therefore, we recommend considering a premium VPN subscription for more comprehensive security protection and feature access. If you’re on a tight budget, opting for a high-quality free service like X-VPN is also a good choice.
・Unlimited Free Version ・8000+ Global Servers ・Robust Unblock Ability
How to Pick The Best VPN for PC?
If none of the 6 products we have recommended impress you very much, you can also choose the best VPN for the PC yourself. But make sure to refer to the following criteria:
⭐️Security: Make sure the provider offers solid VPN encryption and rich VPN protocols to guard your online security.
⭐️Privacy Protection: Confirm that the VPN strictly enforces a No-log Policy, has no history of data breaches and boasts a good market reputation.
⭐️Server Network: A wider server network provides more flexible cross-region options, richer masked identities (IP addresses) and faster speeds.
⭐️Speed: Speed is very important, especially if you plan to use a VPN for HD streaming, online gaming or downloading on your PC.
⭐️Ease of Use: A simple yet intuitive UI design is more user-friendly for VPN newbies, making it easier to connect and set up functions.
⭐️Compatibility: Make sure the VPN supports multiple systems and devices. Special emphasis is placed on making sure it is compatible with the version of Windows you are currently using.
⭐️Simultaneous Connections: Depending on the number of devices you commonly use, choose a VPN that supports simultaneous connections from multiple devices to ensure that all of them are covered.
⭐️Functionality: If you expect more from VPN protection, choose one with a rich set of advanced features and additional security tools.
⭐️Pricing and Refunds: Check if the VPN’s pricing fits your budget and prioritize services that offer free versions, free trial periods, or a 30-day or longer money-back guarantee.
Pro Tip: How to Set Up a VPN on Your Windows PC?
Setting up a VPN on a Windows PC is very easy, usually, you just need to download the VPN client and install it to complete the basic configuration.
Below we will show you the full process of how to set up X-VPN on a Windows PC:
Step 1. Download the X-VPN Client
・Hit the button below to navigate to the X-VPN download page.
・Click the Download Free VPN option to get the VPN for Windows download.
Step 2. Launch the X-VPN Client
・Once the installation is complete, locate the X-VPN icon on the desktop and open the program.
・Agree to its Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
・If you already subscribed to a premium plan and created an account, please sign in. For free use, just enter without login.
Step 3. Connect to X-VPN
・When you enter its interface, hit the Select Location or the All Location option on the sidebar to check the global server list.
・Now head to your target country> location, and tap a specific server or just choose the Fastest Server. X-VPN will connect to it automatically.
・You can click the big Quick Connect button to connect/disconnect a VPN server within seconds.
💡Notes:
・Operating System Requirement: Make sure your PC is running Windows 10 or higher for compatibility.
・Use Advanced Features: If you’re subscribed to the premium plan, explore more features in the Settings, such as Kill Switch and other security tools.
▶︎ You can read this detailed guide for more info: How to Set Up a VPN on Windows 10/11?
Conclusion
In this blog, we’ve taken an in-depth look at the 6 best VPNs for Windows PC, and X-VPN tops the list – it’s powerful, secure, stable, and fast. Click the button below to start a 30-day free trial and experience its exceptional performance firsthand!
FAQs
What is the best VPN to use on a PC?
We believe that X-VPN is the best choice for PC users today because of its comprehensive ability to meet the diverse needs of most users. Equally favored and widely recommended options include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, and IPVanish. Feel free to peruse this blog for detailed reviews of these six products.
Should I use a VPN on my Windows PC?
Yes, using a VPN on a Windows PC is usually a wise decision. A VPN can encrypt data, hide your real IP address, and protect your online activity from being logged. If you watch a lot of streaming media on your PC, a VPN can help you unlock content libraries in different regions and enjoy global resources. Also, if you’re a PC gamer, using a VPN can reduce ping and fix game server connectivity issues in some cases.
How much does a Windows VPN cost per month?
The monthly cost of a Windows VPN varies depending on the provider, package features, and subscription length. Typically, prices range from about $2 to $15 per month. When choosing, you can compare the features and prices of different services to find the plan that best suits your needs.
