Best Windows VPNs in 2023
In 2020, the world has changed drastically and so has the need for a secure and reliable virtual private network (VPN). As online security becomes increasingly important in this day and age, using a VPN is no longer an optional extra: it’s an absolute necessity. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a student, professional, or home user; having access to the best VPN for Windows is essential for keeping your data safe and secure.
30-day money-back guarantee
$4.19/month
59% off with 24-mo plan
30-day money-back guarantee
$2.30/month
82% off with 24-mo plan
+2 free months
30-day money-back guarantee
$6.67/month
49% off with 12-mo plan
+3 free months
$2.19/month
24-mo plan
+2 free months
$2.29/month
79% off with 24-mo plan
+3 free months
$1.83/month
83% off with 36-mo plan
$2.19/month
24-mo plan
+2 free months
$2.19/month
83% off with 24-mo plan
+2 free months
30-day money-back guarantee
$5/month
199$ Lifetime
63% off with 12-mo plan
$119.99 for 3 years
90% off with 60-mo plan
$2.99/month
77% off with 36-mo plan
In 2023, there are many different options available when it comes to the best VPN for Windows. Here is a list of five of the top contenders that you should consider:
NordVPN
NordVPN is a top choice for many Windows users when it comes to virtual private networks. It offers strong security protocols and features, excellent speeds, and convenient pricing plans. Its apps are user-friendly and intuitive across all platforms, including Windows 11. NordVPN also provides great customer service with 24/7 support availability and a dedicated team ready to answer any queries you might have. The provider also offers double encryption which provides an extra layer of security for your data as well as the ability to bypass geo-restrictions and government censorship. All in all, NordVPN is an ideal choice for anyone looking for the best VPN for Windows in 2023.
Surfshark
Surfshark is another excellent choice for Windows users in 2023. It provides a wide range of features, including secure encryption protocols, access to 3200 servers across 100 countries, and unlimited simultaneous connections. Surfshark also boasts an intuitive user-interface that makes it easy to navigate, allowing you to quickly find the features you need. The provider also offers a variety of additional features such as private DNS and leak protection, making sure your privacy remains intact while you’re connected. Furthermore, Surfshark includes a kill switch that will automatically cut off your internet connection if the VPN fails or your connection drops. All these features make Surfshark one of the best VPNs available for Windows in 2023.
PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN is a great option for those looking for a reliable VPN service in 2023. The provider offers a wide range of features, including secure encryption protocols, access to 80 servers across 50 countries, and up to six simultaneous connections. PrivateVPN also boasts an intuitive user-interface that makes it easy to navigate, allowing you to quickly find the features you need. The provider also includes additional features such as IPv6 leak protection and military-grade encryption, ensuring your online privacy remains intact while connected. Finally, PrivateVPN provides a kill switch that will automatically disconnect you from the internet if the VPN fails or your connection drops. With all these features, PrivateVPN is an excellent choice for Windows users in 2023.
IPVanish
IPVanish is a top-tier VPN provider that offers great features for Windows users in 2023. The provider boasts an impressive network of over 2000 servers across 50 countries, allowing you to access content from all over the world with ease. Additionally, IPVanish includes a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your browsing activities remain private and secure. With military-grade encryption and an automatic kill switch, IPVanish ensures that your data remains protected even if the connection drops or the VPN fails. Furthermore, IPVanish has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to customize settings and access features. For those looking for reliable security and privacy on Windows devices in 2023, IPVanish is an excellent choice.
Atlas VPN
Atlas VPN is one of the most popular and reliable VPN providers for Windows users in 2023. It offers a secure connection with strong encryption, making it an ideal choice for those looking to protect their data and privacy online. Moreover, Atlas VPN boasts a global network of servers in over 37 countries, allowing users to access content from around the world with ease. Additionally, the company features an automatic kill switch and no-logs policy to ensure your browsing activities remain anonymous and secure at all times. Furthermore, Atlas VPN offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to customize settings and access features on Windows devices. For comprehensive security and privacy in 2023, Atlas VPN is the perfect choice for Windows users.
What are the benefits of using a VPN on Windows?
Using a VPN for Windows can be incredibly beneficial when it comes to protecting your data and privacy online. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) provides an encrypted tunnel that keeps your data safe from snoopers, hackers, and other malicious actors. This is especially important if you’re using public Wi-Fi hotspots or any other unsecured network. Additionally, a VPN will help you access geo-restricted content by allowing you to route your internet traffic through a server located in a different country. This means that websites, streaming services, and other online services that are normally blocked due to geographic restrictions can now be accessed with ease. Finally, a VPN will mask your IP address so that you can browse the web anonymously, ensuring that your browsing activities remain private at all times. With these features combined, it’s easy to see why having a VPN for Windows is essential in 2023.
How to choose the best VPN for Windows
Choosing the best VPN for Windows can be a tricky task as there are numerous options to choose from. To make the right decision, it’s important to consider the following factors: speed, security, reliability, cost, and compatibility. The faster the VPN connection is, the better your online experience will be. Security should also be taken into account; look for a VPN that offers military-grade encryption and multiple protocols such as OpenVPN or IKEv2/IPSec. Reliability is also important – make sure that the VPN doesn’t suffer from frequent connection drops or outages. It’s also worth considering how much you’re willing to pay for a subscription; some services offer discounts if you opt for an annual plan instead of a monthly one. Finally, make sure that your chosen VPN is compatible with Windows 10 so that you can take advantage of all its features without any issues. By taking all these factors into account when making your decision, you can rest assured that you’ll find the perfect VPN for Windows in 2023.
Windows VPN protocol comparison
When it comes to Windows VPN protocols, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Each protocol has its own strengths and weaknesses and understanding the differences between them is key to finding the right one for you. OpenVPN is considered the most secure of the protocols, offering military-grade encryption and a range of authentication methods. PPTP is another popular option that offers good speeds but lacks in terms of security. L2TP/IPSec provides strong encryption for data transmission and authentication, but can be slower than other options. SSTP is often seen as a great balance between speed and security, making it ideal for streaming or gaming online. Finally, IKEv2/IPSec combines excellent security with fast connection speeds, making it perfect for mobile users who need a reliable VPN connection on the go.
WireGuard
WireGuard is the new kid on the block when it comes to Windows VPN protocols. It’s an open-source, next-generation tunneling protocol that promises faster speeds and better security than any other option available. With WireGuard, you’ll get the highest levels of encryption for data transmission and authentication, as well as a simpler, more lightweight setup that makes it easier to audit. Plus, WireGuard is incredibly fast; many users report connection speeds up to 10 times faster than OpenVPN. Whether you’re streaming videos or playing online games, WireGuard will ensure you have a reliable connection with minimal latency. As more and more services start offering WireGuard support in March 2023, expect this protocol to become increasingly popular among Windows users looking for the best possible VPN experience.
OpenVPN
OpenVPN is a well-established, secure protocol that has been around for over two decades. It’s the most widely used VPN protocol and is supported by nearly every provider. OpenVPN utilizes strong encryption to protect your data transmissions and authentication and is generally considered one of the most secure protocols available. However, it can be detected by Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) and is harder to audit than some other protocols. Nevertheless, OpenVPN remains an excellent option for Windows users who need a reliable VPN connection. With the new OpenVPN Connect app, you can also enjoy a standalone experience with fewer setup steps. For maximum protection and ease of use, OpenVPN remains one of the best Windows VPN protocols in March 2023.
IKEv2/IPSec
IKEv2/IPSec is a protocol combination that is becoming increasingly popular for Windows users in March 2023. It’s especially beneficial for mobile users since it was designed with their needs in mind, but desktop users can also benefit from its features. IKEv2/IPSec offers fast speeds and strong encryption to protect your data transmissions, making it a great choice for those who need secure connections. However, unlike OpenVPN, it is not open source so it can be difficult to audit the protocol itself. Despite this limitation, IKEv2/IPSec remains an excellent option for Windows users who need a reliable VPN connection.
SSTP
SSTP (Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol) is a 100% Windows VPN protocol developed by Microsoft. It’s an excellent choice for Windows users who need strong encryption and fast speeds in March 2023. It allows users to bypass deep packet inspection and firewalls without any trouble, making it one of the most secure protocols available. Although it’s not open source, it is considered to be safe since there is no risk of Microsoft having a backdoor for the protocol. Additionally, SSTP offers throughput that is comparable to OpenVPN, so it has become increasingly popular among Windows users who need reliable and secure connections. All in all, SSTP remains an excellent option for those who are looking for a strong VPN connection on their Windows devices.
PPTP
PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) is an outdated VPN protocol that was developed by Microsoft and released in 1995. It was designed to provide a secure connection between two points, such as a PC and a server. However, due to its weak encryption and lack of security features, PPTP should no longer be used in March 2023. It’s not uncommon for hackers to exploit the security flaws in PPTP, making it easy for them to gain access to your data. Therefore, if you’re looking for a Windows VPN with strong encryption and security features, we recommend avoiding PPTP at all costs.
FAQ
The best VPN for Windows depends on your needs and preferences. However, some popular options for Windows include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark.
A VPN on Windows works by encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through a remote server. This masks your IP address and provides you with a new one, making it difficult for third parties to track your online activities.
Yes, you can use a free VPN on Windows, but be aware that free VPNs often come with limitations such as data caps and slow speeds. Additionally, some free VPNs may collect and sell your data, so it’s important to choose a reputable provider.
Yes, it is legal to use a VPN on Windows in most countries. However, some countries have banned the use of VPNs or restrict their usage, so it’s important to check local laws and regulations.
Yes, a VPN can improve your Windows computer’s security by encrypting your internet traffic and protecting your data from hackers and other malicious actors. However, it’s important to note that a VPN is just one part of a comprehensive security strategy, and you should still practice good security habits such as using strong passwords and keeping your software up-to-date.