To avoid being a target of online trackers and malicious cyber attacks while using the internet on your PC, try VPN for Windows. As using VPN services, you redirect your internet connection via an encrypted VPN tunnel. Luckily one can find many free and paid VPN service providers for Windows. While selecting a VPN software for your PC, one must check the streaming performance, speeds and user friendly app design. After testing over 20+ VPN services, we have compiled a list of the best free VPN for Windows PC.
Why do you need a VPN on Windows?
An excellent VPN service ensures that your identity is protected while you use the Internet, whether on a home network or a public Wi-Fi connection. VPN for Windows amps up security and privacy by masking your actual location. It can also help in accessing geo-restricted content on your computer. There are plenty of other benefits using a VPN on Windows while accessing the internet such as browsing anonymously, data privacy from ISP, bypassing internet buffers and security from trackers while using public Wi-Fi.
Our Top 3 Choices
Best VPN For Windows 11, 10, 8, 7 PC in 2023: Free & Paid
Let’s look at the list of best anonymous VPN services for Windows PC.
Nord VPN
- Kill switch to end connection
- AES with 256 bit-key to secure data
- Blocks suspicious website
Best Choice
Systweak VPN
- Provides privacy and security
- Allows you to browse anonymously
- No content restrictions and censorships
Best Choice
Express VPN
- Fast speed with Split tunneling
- Network Kill Switch.
- Threat Manager to block malicious sites
How to Choose the Best Free VPN for Windows ?
Always check a few points before making a decision on selecting your VPN service. As free VPN often is maligned with stealing user information and the security protocols are effective.
- Find out if it is really free or not as there may be some hidden charges irrespective of what is advertised. Along with that, if you are going for a free trial, make sure you read all terms and conditions on the money back guarantee.
- Check for the security protocols and if they are good enough to keep you guarded while connected to the internet. Check if the free VPN is using a standard protocol for the connection and if any other additional security measures are taken such as Kill Switch, IP leak protection etc.
- Speed is another of the major points to keep in mind while selecting a free VPN. Most of the free VPN servers are incapable of providing you with the same speed as your connection. This can hamper your productivity and therefore it is a very important aspect to check the speed.
- Customer Support holds much priority as it dire times you should be able to reach out to the support team of the free VPN. They can assist with application failure and other requirements.
1. Nord VPN for Windows
Best For Masking IP Address
Security: AES-256 Encryption and provides support for OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec protocols
Compatible With: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Extensions for Chrome and Firefox
Number Of Servers & Regions: 5031 servers & 59 countries
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Price Plans: $11.95/mo, $83.88/yr, $83.76/2yr, $125.64/3yr
Version: 6.48.10.0
Customer Support: 24*7
Free Trial: Available
NordVPN tops the list of recommended VPNs as it offers useful features, provides ease of use, and more. Moreover, NordVPN adds an extra layer of security by offering Kill Switch to end the connection when connectivity is lost automatically. It protects Internet traffic with cutting-edge security technologies.
By default, AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) with 256 bit-keys is used to secure all types of information. Moreover, NordVPN does not store, record, or monitor personal information with anyone so that no one can track your online activities. The best part about NordVPN is that it is compatible with all the platforms, be it Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android. Read NordVpn Review
Get exciting offers on reliable Nord VPN services:
Pros
- Provides the best security and privacy
- Kill Switch which prevents privacy breach
- Connect up to 6 devices on different platforms
Cons
- Torrenting support is limited
- Open VPN config, not user-friendly
2. Systweak VPN
Best In Bypassing Censorship & Accessing Streaming Sites In Restricted Region
Security: AES 256-bit military-grade encryption and provides support for OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocol
Available on: Windows 10/8.1/8 and 7 (both 32-bit and 64-bit)
Number Of Servers & Regions: 4500 + servers and 50+ Countries
Price Plans: US$5.95/mo
Version: v1.0.0.51
Systweak VPN is one of the best VPN services available for Windows, which comes with smart DNS and Kill Switch. This VPN for Windows comes with AES 256-bit military-grade encryption, which provides anonymous browsing features and hides your IP to protect online privacy. This open VPN service comes with bypass ISP throttling.
You can watch your favorite content visit the restricted website. This VPN for Windows saves you from all the digital threats by providing a secure connection, no matter where you go! Using a public VPN is not an issue, as Systweak VPN makes you anonymous online and encrypts your data to improve wireless security. Read here the Systweak VPN review!
No-Risk, Money-Back Guarantee
Protects your IP address and bypasses ISP throttling.
No demographic restrictions on streaming services such as Netflix.
Safe online browsing with AES 256-bit military-grade encryption
Since it’s a new service, the server list is limited
World Class Customer Support
Download and Start Your 7-Day Free Trial
3. Express VPN
Secure Encryption and trusted servers
Security: AES-256 Encryption and provides support for OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec protocols
Compatible With: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Router. Extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox
Number Of Servers & Regions: 3000+ servers in 94 countries
Price Plans: $12.95/mo, $99.84/yr
Version: 12.25.1
ExpressVPN is one of the top-most VPN services available for Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7. It provides you with all the necessary security features to keep the users safe such as Network Kill Switch, AES- 256 encryption, no logs policy, and Safe Servers. It also works on Advanced Leak Protection by default to safeguard your internet connection from DNS and IP leaks.
The vast network of servers is spread globally in multiple locations in 90+ countries. The VPN for Windows is also optimized for incredible speeds on your computer. Users can avail of a great deal on the yearly package with 5 devices. Customizing your ExpressVPN app on Windows is easier with the most used sites.
4. Surfshark
Unlimited Bandwidth and Device Limits
Unrestricted global access to enjoy streaming services.
Gaming is easy and protects from DDoS attacks.
Network lock block kill switch to drop connection without exposing you.
Costly plans
Security: AES-256-GCM Encryption and provides support for OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec protocols
Works with: Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other popular streaming services
Compatible With: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, SmartTVs, Consoles, Extensions for Chrome & Firefox
Number Of Servers & Regions: 1700+ servers in 63 countries
Price Plans: $11.95/mo,$71.88/yr, $47.76/2yr
Version:4.2.0
Customer Support: 24*7 expert support
Surfshark VPN gives you the freedom to access the Internet with security and privacy. This VPN ensures that your location is kept secret. It also prevents all phishing attempts, including trackers, malware, and ads. You can protect unlimited devices with one account of Surfshark. All you need to do is Connect & Use. It allows you to whitelist certain apps and websites to bypass the VPN. Surfshark doesn’t keep track or store your online activities. It comes with a kill switch, which can be used in case the VPN connection dips so that your sensitive information is never exposed.
Each tool server has a private DNS and comes with an IPv4 stack to avoid leak protection and security. Also, it comes with AES-256-GCM Encryption. It has a Camouflage Mode, which conceals your identity even from your internet provider. Read complete Surfshark Vpn Review.
5. PureVPN
Best VPN service for Multiple Platforms
Easy streaming of geo-blocked content
Speed is good
Comes with a multi-hop connection
Bad customer service
Slow speed while Torrenting
Security: 256-bit Encryption – Enterprise-Grade security level.
Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux.
Number Of Servers & Regions: 6500+ servers in 140+ Countries.
Money-back guarantee: 31 days*.
Price Plans: US$10.95/mo and US$49.95/yr* (Current Offer)
Version: 9.2.1.1
Customer Support: 24*7.
Trial: 7 Days (Paid)
PureVPN comes as an easy-breezy application with loads of user-friendly features. With the help of PureVPN, you can use one account on your different devices. It allows you to connect anonymously to the Internet and hides your IP address. It will also remove the geo-restrictions for over 50 streaming services such as Netflix and Disney+. You get a VPN Kill Switch so that the connection drops without revealing your real IP address in cases of losing internet connection. Protects you from DNS and WebRTC leaks, masks your IP address, and saves data with 256-Bit Encryption.
The ultra-fast speed and defying ISP throttling will make it your favorite VPN service. PureVPN is a dedicated application for Windows, iOS, Android, Mac, TV, Gaming Consoles, and routers. Read complete PureVPN Review.
6. CyberGhost
Popular For Better Security
- Free Trial is not available
Security: 256-bit AES military-grade encryption and comes with OpenVPN, L2TP-IPsec, and PPTP protocols
Works with: Netflix, Prime Video, Kodi, BBC Player, Spotify, Vodi, Facebook, and others
Compatible With: Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, iOS, Consoles, & SmartTVs
Number Of Servers & Regions: 6553 servers in 90 countries
Money-back guarantee: 45 days
Price Plans: $12.99/mo, $71.88/yr, $88.56/2yr
Version:8.3.6.9650
Customer Support: 24*7 Chat or Email
Free Trial: One Day
Powered with 15 years of expertise, this Romanian-based VPN is one of the best VPN providers. It shields your data from hackers and snoopy authorities. CyberGhost hides your IP address and encrypts Internet activity to protect you whenever you use Wi-Fi. This best VPN for windows pc is compatible with all versions of Windows. Plus, it allows users to set up a custom connection with their Linux devices or routes. What’s best about CyberGhost is that it is compatible with TOR and provides ease of use. Plus, it does not take more than 5 minutes to install, launch and use CyberGhost on Windows. Read Complete Cyberghost Vpn Review
7. Hotspot Shield
Seamless Streaming
Supports major protocols and Encryption
Has optimized profile servers
Good speed on Torrent
Not that Anonymous, as it claims to be
Not that great performance
Security: Military-grade encryption
Works with: Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, Sling TV, BBC player, Disney+
Compatible With: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and extensions for Chrome
Number Of Servers & Regions: 3200+ servers in 70 countries
Price Plans: $12.99/mo, $95.88/yr, $107.64/3yr
Customer Support: 24*7 Live Support
Free Trial: Freemium
Hotspot Shield is one of the best VPNs for PC if you intend to surf on public networks. It ensures that users’ online privacy and anonymity are maintained. Hotspot Shield has a virtual tunnel that lets the user hide the IP address and choose one from the UK, USA, Australia, and Japan.
One of the best VPNs for Windows, it offers 750 Mb daily. Users can see content from 15 countries using this VPN service. The only drawback is that it shows a lot of ads. This is because it offers a free VPN proxy service, probably their way of generating revenue. This is primarily an excellent choice for USA users. Read complete Hotspot Shield VPN Review.
Get It Here
Good customer support
Good speed with Torrent
Comes with a 45-day money-back warranty
Not cost-effective
Privacy policy is not reliable
8. BullGuard VPN
BulletProof Protection
Security: Military-grade AES-256-CBC encryption
Compatible With: Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
Number Of Servers & Regions: 2000+ servers and 16 countries
Price Plans: $83.29/yr, $113.89/2yr, $127.49/3yr,
Customer Support: 24*7 chat or Email
Free Trial: No
BullGuard VPN is one of the best VPN apps for Windows 10, 8, and 7, which provides total internet freedom and privacy. Irrespective of the platform you are using, if you have BullGuard VPN, you can access banking accounts on public Wi-Fi in a shopping center; it will keep you safe. It enables you to secure six devices (Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android) with a single BullGuard VPN account.
To use, you need to click Quick Connect, and the nearest BullGuard VPN server will connect you based on factors, including the current location. It also allows selecting a country to connect to a server. The tool doesn’t record your online activities, ensuring that your online security and privacy are intact. BullGuard VPN comes with military-grade Encryption, which renders bulletproof protection for data.
Comes with P2P & AES-256-CBC encryption
Easy-to-use app
Allows you to stream the US Netflix
No servers in Africa, Russia, or Latin America
Comes with limited features
9. Avira Phantom VPN Pro
Unlimited Data
Security: AES-256 encryption
Works with: BBC player, Hulu, HBO Go
Compatible With: Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android
Number Of Servers & Regions: 50 servers and 36 countries
Price Plans: €7.95/mo, €59.95/yr
Customer Support: Via Email
Free Trial: Yes
Avira claims to be one of the best VPN services for Windows, and we agree with that. It’s been quite a decent free VPN that offers limitless, private, and secure access to the online world. The service ensures that your identity is completely protected while you surf the Internet & comes with a new slick interface.
The software lets you surf the web anonymously and allows you to connect to public Wi-Fi without any danger. Best of all? The application is ideal for streaming, shopping, and social media, as no online entity can flood you with unwanted ads. It has 50 server locations worldwide and simply amps users’ security and privacy. You can run the Phantom VPN simultaneously on multiple devices for free. Read complete Avira Phantom VPN Review.
Has a no-log policy
Good security
Allows you to use it on n number of devices
Comes with unwanted device monitoring
Low-speed results at times
10. TunnelBear
Secure Encryption
Security: AES-256 bit encryption
Number Of Servers & Regions: 900 servers and 23+ countries
Price Plans: for individuals – $3.33/mo, for teams $5.75/user per month
Customer Support: via Email
Free: Yes, up to 500 MB of data
This is the best choice on our list if you are a first-time user of VPN services. A user-friendly VPN service, TunnelBear offers 500MB of traffic each year. Simple to use, it provides an extra 500MB monthly if you tweet about them. The service is ideal for those who have light downloads and only stream videos. TunnelBear routes the Internet traffic to servers in countries like the UK, USA, and Germany. They have servers in more than 20 countries. The VPN service is known to have secure Encryption, thus keeping the snoopers at bay. Read complete TunnelBear VPN Review.
No logging and no leaks
Works on multiple platforms & is secure
Has 900 servers in more than 20 countries
Doesn’t allow access to sites in Africa, Turkey, Russia, & the Middle East
Slow speed & No Netflix
Also Read: 10 Best Junk File Cleaners For Windows 10, 7 And 8
11. Hide.me
Free Version Available
Compatible With: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android
Number Of Servers & Regions: 1700 servers and 70 countries
Price Plans: for individuals – 12.95/mo, $99.95/yr, and 129.95/2yr
Customer Support: 24*7 Live chat and Emails
Free: Yes, with limited features
hide.me is a Malaysian VPN service provider with three server locations, Singapore, the Netherlands, and Canada. Although one of the best VPNs for Windows, its only drawback is that since it connects you to these three countries, you may miss out on the popular USA sites. You will get 2 GB of free usage, and if you wish to use it further, you can also subscribe to the plan. With secure Encryption in place, hide.me is one of our favorite choices on this list. Their privacy policy ensures the security of the user on the home network and public Wi-Fi. They do not save any logs. This makes Hide me one of the best VPN software for Windows.
Offers advanced encryption algos
Simple no-log policy
Inbuilt Internet kill switch
Not-so-good server network
Slow downloading and uploading speed
12. Betternet
Security: 256 bit AES encryption, 128 bit encryption
Compatible With: Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, Chrome extensions
Number Of Servers & Regions: 11 servers and 10 countries
Money-back guarantee: 0 days
Price Plans: for individuals – 11.99/mo, $23.94/6mos, and $35.99/yr
Customer Support: 24*7 via Email
Betternet is probably the most simple-to-use paid/ free VPN proxy service on this list. Just one button, and you can activate the services. While it has free and paid versions, the difference lies in the security layers it adds to the paid version. They offer unlimited data. However, you cannot choose which server you will connect to. There is no need to subscribe with Betternet and hides IP addresses randomly.
Available for Free
Allows Peer-to-peer connection
Don’t need registration to use
Not good for watching geo-restrict content
Not secure enough & has limited server selection
13. Windscribe
Allows Unlimited Devices
Security: AES-256 cipher with SHA512 auth & 4096-bit RSA key
Works With: Netflix US and Torrent
Compatible With: macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, extensions for Firefox, Chrome, Opera
Number Of Servers & Regions: 610 servers and 63 countries
Money-back guarantee: 3 days
Price Plans: $9.00/mo, $49/yr
Customer Support: Live chat
Free: Yes
Windscribe is one of the best free VPNs for Windows 10 Pc. It offers 10 GB of data per month, along with high speed. Windscribe does not store any logs like many others on this list. The VPN service provides its users with three types of connection modes, i.e., UDP, TCP, and Stealth via Stunnel. It deletes all traces within 3 minutes of logging out and is, thus, famous for its high privacy. For those who tweet about their services, an extra 5GB is available for them, making it a whopping 15 GB per month. As if that were not enough, it has a built-in adblocker and firewall to offer a smooth experience. Read complete Windscribe VPN Review.
Strong Encryption and privacy
No leaks and no virus detected
Can bypass Netflix Restrictions
Slow speed
Not cost-effective
14. ProtonVPN
Unlimited bandwidth
Security: AES-256 key is with 4096-bit RSA and HMAC with SHA384
Works With: Netflix, Prime, Disney+, HBO Now, Hulu, and more
Compatible With: macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
Number Of Servers & Regions: 809 servers and 50 countries
Price Plans: Basic: € 48/year, Plus: €96/year, Visionary: €288/year
ProtonVPN is probably the newest in this list of best free VPNs for Windows and deserves a place in the top 10 because of the experts from their team who have focused all their efforts on cybersecurity. There is no bandwidth cap on data, and it has servers in countries like the USA, Switzerland, and Japan. You can make 5 simultaneous connections at the same time. It is an ideal choice for those in Europe. Read complete ProtonVPN Review.
It comes with strong Encryption and protocol
Secure servers and has no log policy
No leaks detected
Fewer Servers in Asia Region
Has Limited P2P Available
Bonus:
Speedify
Speedify has more than servers and more than 20 server locations. It supports up to 5 devices and is known for its high speed. Like others on the list, it is known for its high speed and allows 1GB of free data per month. They also offer paid plans to users. It is a hassle-free and straightforward service provider with a clutter-free UI.
SurfEasy
Has dedicated speed servers
Allows P2P
Strong Encryption and unlimited download
Limited servers
Can’t access Netflix
The list of the best Windows VPNs would be incomplete without this name. SurfEasy offers unlimited bandwidth to its users. They have strong security measures. Like many others on the list, it does not save any logs. It allows you to connect to a maximum of 5 devices and 500MB of free data. It is an excellent option for surfing.
So here is our list of the best free VPN for Windows 10, 8, and 7. We hope you enjoy safe and secure browsing on personal and public networks. It is always wiser to use a VPN than allow hackers to snoop on your details, which can be further misused later. We will love to know if you have other suggestions on a free VPN for Windows. Do share with us in the comments section below.
Comparison Table With All the Features
Frequently Asked Questions- Paid & Free VPNs for Windows 10
Q1. How Do I Hide My IP Address?
No-log policy
Good download speed for local areas
Allows access to Netflix
Limited server network
Pricey
It is always better to choose from the best VPN services for your PC to hide your IP Address. A VPN creates a secure network for you by using a virtual network as a front to hide your IP address. However, it is essential to choose a good VPN for a PC. You can try Surfshark, which offers AES-256-GCM Encryption, providing maximum privacy and security on a web session.
Q2. Is Using A VPN Safe?
The answer is both no and yes. VPN is meant to create a secure network for you over the Internet. It uses the VPN’s server as a front to hide your IP from websites that you log into. But whether the VPN is safe itself depends on what kind of VPN for PC you use.
If the VPN’s server is encrypted, it is safe to use it to create virtual networks. However, if the server isn’t protected, your data is prone to leaks. It is also recommended not to use VPNs, which run advertisements as they monitor your web activity to run specific ads on your web sessions.
Q3. How Do I Setup a VPN On Windows 10?
Setup VPN on Windows 10 by following the procedure below:
Step 1: Press WINDOWS+I on the keyboard to open Settings.
Step 2: Head to Network & Internet.
Step 3: Click a VPN located on the left-side menu. It’s the fourth option from the top.
Step 4: Select Add a VPN Connection, symbolized by the (+) sign.
Step 5: Here, from the drop-down menu under VPN Provider, select Windows (built-in).
Step 6: Under Connection Name, give your VPN a name of your choice.
Step 7: Under Server Name or Address, type the hostname or IP address of the VPN server. This is provided by the VPN service provider you’ve subscribed to.
Step 8: Under VPN Type, select L2TP/IPsec with a pre-shared key.
Step 9: A pre-shared key would have to be typed in to activate VPN for PC, which the provider would also give.
Step 10: Under Type of sign-in info, select the one suitable.
Step 11: Type Username/Password in the bottom two sections.
Step 12: Save the information.
Step 13: You’d see your VPN name on the list in the VPN menu. Click Connect.
Q4. What Is The Best VPN For Windows 10?
Surfshark works the best as a VPN for Windows 10. Surfshark not only hides your IP address but also blocks your location. Plus, it has a separate module to prevent phishing attempts, trackers, and spyware; and blocks ads. One of the best VPN services, Surfshark, accounts for complete freedom over internet access with maximum privacy.
Surfshark ensures that any server you are connected to has a private DNS to avoid data leaks and ensure network security. Moreover, it comes with reliable AES-256-GCM Encryption.
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Best Free PC Cleaning Software For Windows 10, 8, 7
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