Best VPN For Windows In 2019 – Fast, Reliable, Secure

With the latest updates, Win 10 is doing a good job of protecting our devices and keeping our data secure. But you’ll still need a solid VPN for Windows 10 to sleep well at night. The thing is – this is the most targeted operating system in the world and hackers from all over the globe are trying to crack its code. And there are still a lot of “holes” in its defense systems. 

While Microsoft is doing a great job of making the international users believe its OS in impenetrable, in reality, without an Antivirus or a proper VPN, your data will never be safe. Since it’s the most popular system, there are dozens of “exploit kits” that can help even an average cybercriminal to get through the defense lines. Windows 10, the latest OS from Microsoft, hit the shelves in 2015, and DNS leakage has been one of its most significant issues. Furthermore, most default settings make hacking a device running on Win 10 very easy.

Over the last three years, the team has done a great job of patching everything up, and an up-to-date Win 10 is now relatively safe. At the same time, hackers have also been busy, and this operating system is still in their scope. Besides, Cortana, information synchronization with the company’s servers, and integrated advertising are making it vulnerable in 2019.

And finally, the official privacy policy claims that Microsoft can (and does) access/disclose personal data of its users (including emails and private files) whenever they feel like there’s a potential threat. How’s that for privacy protection? Sadly, you can’t disable every single feature/mechanism that makes your OS an easy target: some of them go back on after a new update.

Big-time companies with billions of dollars are spending significant amounts of money to protect their property. When it comes to regular users, simply getting the best VPN for Windows can create a much safer environment on your PC.

Top-5 VPN services for Windows

Modern-day Virtual Private Networks come with strong encryption protocols, allow access to hundreds of international servers, and hide your online activity from prying eyes. And, above all, they are highly affordable, and even a regular user can protect his/her device at a reasonable price. Thanks to the rivalry between the best providers on the market, we, the customers, get to choose between stability, speed, and performance. And, again, VPNs aren’t particularly expensive, which makes them a must-have for those that put privacy and security first.

In this article, we’ll help you find the best VPN for Windows that will be equally strong, fast, easy-to-use, and affordable. It’s no secret that Microsoft’s OS is still the most popular one and when it comes to VPN services, you won’t ever feel like there aren’t enough options to choose from.  At the same time, with so many companies offering their products, it’s getting harder and harder to find the right one.

Our Guide To Choosing The Best VPN For Windows

It can be tiring, confusing, and even frustrating to sort through all the available VPNs on the market. But it is the safety of our most precious data we’re talking about, and that means it’s vital to understand what turns an average VPN into an outstanding one. To make things easier for you, we made a list of features that you should pay attention to when out searching for a solid service.

• The Encryption Algorithm. No need to get “nerdy” here. Let’s just say that AES-256 is the best encryption the world’s finest programmers came up with. If the VPN you chose features AES-256, that means your device will be well-protected.
• Logging. Privacy is becoming the most valued and hard-to-keep thing in the 21^st century. Nobody wants to worry about someone else watching his/her activity on the Internet and/or getting access to the private files. The Zero-Logs policy means your activity won’t be logged. Please remember that shady service providers aren’t always open about their logging practices and you should stay as far away from them as possible. A transparent company has no problem sharing its policy and practices. 
• The Location Of The Provider. Different countries have different laws concerning data. Therefore, the physical location of the provider will have a huge impact on your experience with a certain VPN. For example, the surveillance programs in America turn it into one of the least-favored countries among the fans of VPNs. The government is allowed to order companies to give it access to your data.
• The Locations Of The Severs. As they say, a VPN is as good as the number of servers it provides. Yet, it’s important to note that it’s actually not the number of servers, but rather their location that matters. If the VPN has servers in dozens of countries, you can change your IP and get access to blocked content in the blink of an eye.

Now that we know what makes a good VPN for Windows 10, let us check out the leaders of the race.

Searching For The Finest VPN For Windows

#1. NordVPN – 4000 Servers, Comes With Double Encryption

Many experts in the industry and regular users are calling NordVPN the finest VPN for Windows 10 as it works like a clock - flawlessly. The first reason for it being #1 on our list is the impressive number of servers and their stability. The second reason – the fantastic Win 10 client that’s better than anything we’ve seen on the market so far.

Launched more than six years ago, this Virtual Private Network is one of the obvious leaders today, with incredible protection algorithms, all the latest protocols, and a no-logs policy. The bottom line is – if you’re looking for a well-balanced VPN with absolutely no weak sides, go with NordVPN.

Is NordVPN safe?

If you need more protection than an average VPN software for Windows 10 can offer, then NordVPN will be right up your alley. It comes with the Double Encryption protocol (puts your connection through two servers at the same time), Kill Switch (a must-have for modern-day VPNs – shuts down the connection the second your VPN goes offline), and AES 256-bit encryption (the most advanced encryption protocol of our time).

Furthermore, NordVPN follows the no-logs policy, and they put the privacy of their users first. Rest assured that no sensitive data will ever be transmitted to any third parties. Add dedicated IP addresses, obfuscation servers, P2P servers, and Onion-friendly servers, and you’ll get an amazing VPN that will keep your device and your private data safe.

This provider is based in Panama and packs almost 5000 (!) servers in 62 countries, more than enough to pick from. Both speed and performance will bring a smile to your face; switching between servers won’t take more than a couple of seconds. The company owns every single server, and that means no third parties will ever be able to follow your online activity.

NordVPN Windows client

As mentioned in the beginning, NordVPN’s Windows client is a God-sent. The team did a marvelous job of making it fast, stable, user-friendly, intuitive, and flexible. All the necessary settings are right there in front of you. Ease of use is its strongest suit: even a 5-year-old kid will be able to make sense of the client. After all, the most important thing here is the on/off button!

With that said, the Mac client and the iOS/Android apps are also pretty great, but, in all fairness, Windows is on top of it all. Installation won’t take more than 5 minutes. Just go to the official website, choose a plan you like, pay for it with one of the available methods (including Bitcoins, by the way), and follow the instructions in the setup file – that’s it.

What about torrenting and Netflix?

With NordVPN, torrenting is allowed, and that means you won’t have to constantly be on alert when downloading big files through a BitTorrent client. And, given the fact that this arguably the most reliable service on the planet, you won’t experience any significant drops in connection speed.

Remember those P2P servers we mentioned? With their help, you’ll get to enjoy a connection with no limitations. As for the blocked streaming services (yes, we’re talking about geo-restricted content on Netflix and other platforms), they can all be accessed with one single click/push of a button.

NordVPN Pricing

Take a look at the available packages:

• The best deal [$2.99 a month], save 75%, 36-months - $107.55
• [$3.99 a month], save 66%, 24-months - $95.75
• [$6.99 a month], save 41%, 12-months - $83.88
• [$11.95 a month] 1-month - $12.95

With this provider, you’ll get not only a 30-day MBG (Money-Back Guarantee), but also a 3-day trial (it allows you to use the Network absolutely for free and to see it “in action”, so to speak).

#2. ExpressVPN – Strong, Fast and Anonymous

ExpressVPN has been around for even longer than NordVPN and is known internationally as one of the most respected and favored services. With all the latest encryption protocols, incredibly fast servers, and top-notch clients for all major platforms, this Network deserves every single penny you pay for it. The only significant downside – you’ll only be able to protect up to 3 connections against 6 in the case of the previous VPN. And while for people with a limited number of devices that’s not a big problem, for big families or users with several gadgets/computers, NordVPN is a far better choice.

Is ExpressVPN safe?

AES 256-bit encryption, Double Encryption, Kill Switch, and OpenVPN – those protocols will make sure your device is safe from any outside threats. The list of available features also includes an encrypted DNS, IP address masking, and the ability to choose between various protocols (yes, OpenVPN isn’t the only one, even though it is considered to be the best pick).

Furthermore, the company follows the Zero-logs policy and does everything in its power to keep the trust of the loyal customers. Still, they do keep bandwidth and some timestamps – not a big deal for most of us. Located in the Virgin Islands, the company is free of the notorious “14 Eyes” jurisdiction and puts privacy first. The list of available servers is impressive, and the combination of ease of use and high speed turns this VPN into a must-have.

ExpressVPN Windows client

The Win client is almost on par with NordVPN; for some users, it is better, as it comes with even more features. It’s clear that the team had only one goal – to create the most versatile, flexible, and easy-to-use client so that even the beginners could make sense of it all. They certainly did come through with the Windows application, but we also want to say that all the other platforms are just as lucky.

One more thing: customer support is friendly, helpful, and swift – you’ll get your answers within hours (not within days, as in the case with some of the rivals). The download/installation procedure is very straightforward – that’s what ExpressVPN has in common with NordVPN. Just say “Yes” and click “Next” until the service installs itself on your computer/mobile gadget.

As mentioned in the “Pros” section, ExpressVPN has an extensive line-up of servers – more than 2000, to be exact. Optimized for the best possible performance, they provide unlimited bandwidth and no throttling whatsoever. And while every single Network on the market does slow down the connection speed, with ExpressVPN, you won’t even feel that.

What about torrenting and Netflix?

But what about torrenting, you might ask? Well, the official website claims that you can download whatever you want from any of the available servers and your IP will be hidden 24/7. They don’t support torrenting, yet they’re not against it either.

With this service, streaming is also highly enjoyable. Forget about that notorious “Not available in your country/region” error message you used to deal with when trying to access Netflix, HBO, iPlayer, and other streaming platforms. For a smooth experience, it’s vital for a VPN to provide servers in as many locations as possible, and with ExpressVPN, you get 148 cities in 94 countries at your disposal!

ExpressVPN Pricing

Take a look at the available packages:

The best deal [$8.32 a month], save 35%, 12-months - $99.95

[$9.99 a month] 6-months - $59.95

[$12.95 a month] 1-month - $12.95

Sadly, in contrast to NordVPN, ExpressVPN doesn’t offer any free trials. You’ll still get a 30-day MBG, though.

#3. VyprVPN – Private, Secure, Great For Torrenting, And Affordable

This is another excellent choice for users that put privacy and security first. It’s on par with NordVPN when it comes to protection and offers almost the same features. The Chameleon protocol, VyprVPN’s trademark technology, is a great addition to the pack. With it, unblocking geo-restricted content is even easier and faster than with NordVPN and ExpressVPN. No download caps, no throttling, and a policy that isn’t against torrenting –that’s what you’ll get with this provider. It is a fantastic choice for torrenting (thanks to the privacy policy and the connection speed) and comes at an affordable price.

Is VyprVPN safe?

Switzerland is famous for its privacy laws, and with this provider, you won’t have to worry about someone getting access to your data. The users are free to choose between as much as 700 servers (they are located in 70 locations around the globe). One of the most significant advantages of VyprVPN over its competitors is the fact that the company owns every single one of those 700 servers. What does that mean for the regular users? That means no third parties are involved, and they won’t be able to steal your personal data. But what about their privacy policy – is it on par with the competitors?

Here’s the deal: while the company does follow the no-logs policy, in reality, they are keeping tabs on their customers. The logs include session start/stop time, IP (not your real IP, of course, but the one that VyprVPN has given you), and the amount of traffic used. It’s up to you to decide whether that’s a violation of your privacy or not.

According to statistics, most users don’t pay much attention to these non-dangerous logs and commit to this VPN. As we’ve already learned, the headquarters are located in Switzerland, the land of the free, and this is one of the reasons why people don’t mind the logs VyprVPN is keeping and choose it for the privacy-friendly laws.

VyprVPN Windows client

The VPN client for Windows 10 is user-friendly and fast, easy to set up. Interesting fact: until recently, VyprVPN wasn’t available for other platforms, but in recent years, the team has developed some of the best clients/apps for Mac, iOS, and Android. We were especially pleased with the Android app’s performance. As for the whole download/install/launch routine, you’ll be done with it before you know it. The user interface is what’s important here, and it is, indeed, quite amazing.

What about torrenting and Netflix?

For streaming, this Network even better than NordVPN, as you can easily switch between the available servers and almost every single one of them will impress you with the performance. VyprVPN has 200K IP addresses – perfect for switching with one single click. So, if Netflix refuses to let you watch The Punisher, with VyprVPN, that problem can be easily solved. The impressive Chameleon protocol goes around the government-issued blocks, giving you access to your favorite websites. As for torrenting, VyprVPN is not your best choice because of the logging issues we’ve discusses earlier. Moreover, the company’s terms of use forbid sharing copyrighted materials.  

VyprVPN Pricing

With this VPN, you get to choose between two plans:

Basic – simultaneous protection for up to 3 computers/mobile gadgets.

• [$5 a month] 12-months - $60
• [$9.95 a month] 1-month - $9.95

Premium – protection for up to 5 computers/mobile gadgets.

• [$6.67 a month] 12-months - $80
• [$12.95 a month] 1-month - $12.95

Just like NordVPN, VyprVPN comes with a winning combination of a 30-day MBG and a 3-day trial (until recently, this company didn’t even offer the clients any money back).

#4. IPVanish – Amazing Customer Support, Impressive Speed, P2P

With this Phoenix-based VPN, you get AES-256 encryption, unlimited bandwidth, and more great features. Performance is impeccable; the VPN is fast; unlimited torrenting is included (P2P is officially supported). You can also use IPVanish to bypass any restrictions and watch Netflix/other online services. The connection speed is, indeed, impressive, and IPVanish offers customer support that’s just as great as with ExpressVPN.

Is IPVanish safe?

With this VPN, you can simultaneously protect up to 10 connections (which is a record on our list) and enjoy all the latest protection protocols (including AES 256-bit encryption, P2P tunneling, LAN blocking, and more). In many regards, it is an exact copy of all the previous services, and you’ll be well protected with IPVanish. Plus, the company follows the Zero-logs policy, which, as we already learned today, means there will be nothing to share with the government whenever they come asking for your personal information.

The company is located in the United States; therefore, the legislation that allows the government to poke its nose into your private data is applicable. A couple of years ago, this company was involved in a relatively big scandal: they were accused of stealing and sharing private user data with various US agencies, and while they denied any involvement in that, this news did “scare away” a lot of potential clients. The good news is – the Network gives you access to 1100 servers in 60+ countries, and you won’t have a problem with connection speeds.

IPVanish Windows client

Just like in the case with the previous 3 VPNs, the installation procedure is straight and intuitive. The real fun starts as soon as you launch the Win/Mac client or the apps for mobile devices. As one of the leading services on the market right now, IPVanish offers the users fast navigation, lots of settings, and a straightforward, yet friendly and flexible interface. All that’s left for you to do is scroll through the list of the most reliable/stable servers at the time, wait a second for the system to set itself up, and enjoy a secure connection!

What about torrenting and Netflix?

The experts are calling IPVanish one of the fastest VPNs out there, and our team of professionals agrees with that statement. If you put speed above everything else and need a Network to help you download big files through P2P (torrenting, that is), then this is a great choice for you. Streaming is also an option – Netflix, Hulu, and all the other popular streaming services that might not be available to you in the past will now be “magically” unblocked.

IPVanish Pricing

Take a look at the available packages:

• The best deal [$6.49 a month], save 46%, 12-months - $77.99
• [$8.99 a month], save 25%, 3-months - $26.99
• [$11.99 a month] 1-month - $11.99

This is one of the “greediest” services on the market and only offers seven days of MBG.

#5. CyberGhost – Fast, Cheap, And All-Around Solid

Impressive speed, access to geo-restricted content, an easy-to-use interface, and an “honest” zero-logs policy are among this VPN’s strongest suits. It might not be as secure as NordVPN but it is actually faster than IPVanish, and also delivers higher-than-average performance on all fronts, and that’s what most users need these days. Furthermore, you’ll get servers optimized for streaming platforms, the benefits of a privacy-oriented network, and industry-leading customer support (they genuinely are incredibly friendly and professional).

Another important thing: while the monthly plan is expensive, you’ll be pleased by how affordable the 12-months plan is. Add protection for seven simultaneous connections, great clients/apps for all platforms (but with some bugs here and there), and the ability to pay using Bitcoins, and you’ll get one hell of a deal from one of the most respected providers in the industry.

Is CyberGhost safe?

We don’t even have to tell you about the protocols: DNS/IP leak protection, OpenVPN, and 256-bit encryption are just some of the highlights. The headquarters are located in Romania, a free and open country with absolutely no ties to any international surveillance agencies (including 14-Eyes). CyberGhost gives access to 3000+ servers - you won’t even have to scroll through them to find the fastest ones: the VPN will automatically do that for you.

The service instantly locates the closest, most reliable, and fast server and connects your device to it in a matter of seconds. This puts CyberGhost on the same level as the best VPNs on our least and even gives it an “edge,” all thanks to this smart feature that really works and proves to be handy in the real world.

CyberGhost Windows client

CyberGhost is available on all the major platforms, and more. You’ll be able to install it on Linux and most modern-day routers, in addition to Win, Mac, Android, and iOS devices. Some users claim that the user interface isn’t as “fancy” as, say, the ExpressVPN or NordVPN ones; plus, it’s evident that they need some polishing. But other than that, you’ll still get to enjoy this VPN on any platform you use.

What about torrenting and Netflix?

For torrenting, CyberGhost is an excellent choice as well. It is fast and always keeps the connection speed high. However, there’s something you should know: officially, the company doesn’t support torrenting. That doesn’t mean you’ll have any trouble with it, especially given the fact that it’s located in Romania and keeps no logs. Just make sure to use the “Torrent Anonymously” mode whenever you decide to use a BitTorrent client. Without it, you might experience throttling and even blocking of specific torrent ports. Streaming, on the other hand, can be done with absolutely no additional settings.

CyberGhost Pricing

Take a look at the available packages:

• The best deal [$3.5 a month], save 73%, 12-months - $63
• [$7.99 a month], save 50%, 6-months - $47.94
• [$12.99 a month], 1-month - $12.99

No free trials with CyberGhost. At the same time, this company provides a 45-day MBG, which is more than any other VPN on our list has to offer.

Choose Your VPN Service for Windows

That’s it for our list of the best VPNs for Windows 10. As we’ve learned today, Virtual Private Networks are highly affordable in 2019, and most users around the world can afford one. Plus, they are incredibly strong and reliable. Every single one of the providers on our list deserves a round of applause, and they’ll make sure that your device is well-protected 24/7 without putting a strain on the system or significantly slowing down the connection speed. Plus, you’ll get to access geo-restricted content, which is the most important thing for many modern users.

While ExpressVPN is the most versatile offer on the market, it doesn’t get more secure than NordVPN. VyprVPN is great for torrenting and streaming, while IPVanish is all about speed. And finally, CyberGhost is like the golden middle and provides a balanced experience (along with impressive speeds). Don’t rush with making a decision and go over the list ones again to figure out exactly which Network will do the job for you.