6 of the best VPNs to keep your Windows 10 system secure
Take charge of your cyber safety by using a VPN for Windows 10 — these six are the best.
Disclosure
Every product here is independently selected by Mashable journalists. If you buy something featured, we may earn an affiliate commission which helps support our work.Best Choice Overall
ExpressVPN
Easy to use with plenty of different locations, ExpressVPN is ideal whatever your requirements.
Best value
NordVPN
With a steady supply of special offers, NordVPN is frequently one of the cheapest VPNs out there, while also very secure.
Best free choice
TunnelBear
Don't want to pay for a VPN? TunnelBear is a flexible option that's super cute and really easy for newbies.
It's important to keep secure when browsing online. While you can be aware of where you're browsing and what you're doing online, using a VPN is the best way to guarantee your cyber safety.
A good quality VPN will block any nefarious traffic coming your way while also keeping your browsing history private from your ISP and anyone else trying to snoop on your activities. It typically blocks ad trackers, as well as malware in some cases. It also means you can conduct activities such as check your online banking while connected to public WiFi without worrying that you're leaking valuable information.Â
The best VPN deals this week*
NordVPN — 75% off three-year plan ($107.55)
IPVanish — Get three years for only $99 (a savings of 77%)
Private Internet Access — 67% off a 1-year plan ($39.95; Original Price $119.40)
TunnelBear — 58% off two-year plan ($99.99; Original Price $239.76)
TorGuard — 50% off one-year plan ($29.99 after coupon MASH50)
*Deals are selected by our partner, TechBargains
For other users, a VPN enables them to get around their country's censorship laws, or simply allows them to browse a different country's Netflix library.
Whatever the reason you might want a VPN, there are plenty of choices out there.Â
If you're looking for a VPN for Windows 10, you're looking for a similar service to Mac and smartphone users. Generally, the key to a good VPN is to find one that's reliable and secure. You want a service that is as fast as possible while also remaining secure enough that you don't have to worry about your data going to nefarious sources. A so-called "no logs" policy whereby the VPN doesn't track what you do is vital, as well as a no-kill switch so your connection drops if the VPN connection fails.
For Windows 10, it's also useful to have an app that's easy to use. We've stuck to VPN services that have apps that are simple for you to get to grips with, while still offering advanced features for those that want to dip under the surface to make tweaks. All of these clients will fit well into your usual workflow.
Here's a look at the best VPN options for Windows 10, no matter your budget. But first, a tip: Hit the grey arrow on each box to expand the text and read about why we included each of these VPN services in our list.
Image: expressvpn
The Good
Strong encryption • Features unique to ExpressVPN • Easy to use
The Bad
No free trial
The Bottom Line
You need to commit to a long term subscription to get the best deal from ExpressVPN, but it's an easy-to-use and secure VPN service.
1. ExpressVPN
Easy to use with plenty of different locations, ExpressVPN is ideal whatever your requirements.- Price: Between $8.32 a month and $12.95 per month depending on length of plan
- Features: AES-256 encryption, no logs kept, 160 VPN server locations in 94 countries, split tunneling feature
ExpressVPN is a well established VPN service that should suit mostly everyone. Based in the British Virgin Islands, you won't have to worry about your data being targeted by nefarious government entities. Indeed, ExpressVPN follows a strict no logging policy and also never tracks data, DNS queries, or anything else that could make you easily traced by the authorities.Â
ExpressVPN further backs that up with AES-256 encryption, which is pretty much the best level of encryption you could hope to see here. In addition, there are neat features such as split tunneling, which allows you to route some device traffic through a VPN while the rest of your data accesses the internet directly. There's a kill switch too, so if your connection ever drops unexpectedly, all internet traffic is blocked until protection is restored.
Other features include the option to pick from one of 160 server locations across 94 countries, as well as be able to use it to stream other countries' versions of Netflix and other streaming services. On the whole, it's also often one of the fastest VPN services out there.Â
Throw in the ability to pay with Bitcoin or use Tor to browse ExpressVPN's hidden .onion site, and it's clear that this is a service that's rich in features for both newbies to VPN services and more experienced hands. There are clients available for all devices imaginable with the Windows 10 version being particularly simple to use.Â
There's no free trial for ExpressVPN but users can take advantage of a 30 day money back guarantee if they're not satisfied. Prices start at $12.95 for a month by month subscription, with the best price stemming from a 12 month subscription which costs $99.95. For the price, you can use five devices simultaneously with unlimited bandwidth available to you.Â
Why it's best for Windows 10: ExpressVPN is great for pretty much any device going but its Windows 10 app is a particular joy to use. It's straightforward enough that you don't have to feel knowledgeable in VPNs to still use it effectively.Â
ExpressVPN further backs that up with AES-256 encryption, which is pretty much the best level of encryption you could hope to see here. In addition, there are neat features such as split tunneling, which allows you to route some device traffic through a VPN while the rest of your data accesses the internet directly. There's a kill switch too, so if your connection ever drops unexpectedly, all internet traffic is blocked until protection is restored.
Other features include the option to pick from one of 160 server locations across 94 countries, as well as be able to use it to stream other countries' versions of Netflix and other streaming services. On the whole, it's also often one of the fastest VPN services out there.Â
Throw in the ability to pay with Bitcoin or use Tor to browse ExpressVPN's hidden .onion site, and it's clear that this is a service that's rich in features for both newbies to VPN services and more experienced hands. There are clients available for all devices imaginable with the Windows 10 version being particularly simple to use.Â
There's no free trial for ExpressVPN but users can take advantage of a 30 day money back guarantee if they're not satisfied. Prices start at $12.95 for a month by month subscription, with the best price stemming from a 12 month subscription which costs $99.95. For the price, you can use five devices simultaneously with unlimited bandwidth available to you.Â
Why it's best for Windows 10: ExpressVPN is great for pretty much any device going but its Windows 10 app is a particular joy to use. It's straightforward enough that you don't have to feel knowledgeable in VPNs to still use it effectively.Â
Image: Nordvpn
The Good
Thousands of servers to choose from • Cheap • Highly secure
The Bad
Windows 10 app is pretty ugly
The Bottom Line
Look past the ugly app and NordVPN is one of the cheapest VPNs out there (providing you subscribe for a couple of years), plus it’s one of the most secure too.
2. NordVPN
With a steady supply of special offers, NordVPN is frequently one of the cheapest VPNs out there, while also very secure.- Price: Between $2.99 per month and $11.95 depending on subscription plan.
- Features: AES-256 encryption, no logs policy, 5559 servers across 60 countries, double VPN option
Why it's best for Windows 10: Â Though we're not huge fans of NordVPN's app per se, NordVPN is still a solid bet for Windows users thanks to it being a fairly minimal footprint on your hard drive. It's also a great value.
NordVPN is a VPN service provider you've probably seen advertised extensively across the internet. Like ExpressVPN, it's one of the best out there. Unlike ExpressVPN, it's not quite as fast but it is much cheaper, providing you commit to a long term plan.Â
NordVPN offers military-grade level AES-256 encryption and promises that no logs are kept so your browsing is entirely anonymous. It also uses something called CyberSec, which blocks ads and malicious websites for you, saving you the risk of inadvertently browsing a suspicious website.Â
Elsewhere, there's also the Double VPN feature that enables you to encrypt your data twice, effectively hiding yourself twice as much as with a regular VPN client. It's a feature that's overkill for many users but every once in a while, you may find it reassuring.
For more regular use, there are useful features like an automatic kill switch, DNS leak protection (which covers an extra level of potential risk associated with sending unencrypted queries), and that all-important no logging policy.Â
For those keen to use torrenting facilities or stream Netflix from other countries, NordVPN caters for such interests. While speeds aren't quite as impressive as ExpressVPN's, they're still more than good enough so you'll have no complaints. Don't expect the user interface of the app to look great though: NordVPN is full of great features hidden behind a fairly ugly and dated looking server map.
Prices vary depending on how long you commit to NordVPN. The 3-year plan works out to be $2.99 per month (billed at $107.55 every three years) with the price creeping up to the equivalent of $6.99 per month for a year, or $11.95 on a monthly basis. For the price, you can connect six devices at the same time.Â
NordVPN is a VPN service provider you've probably seen advertised extensively across the internet. Like ExpressVPN, it's one of the best out there. Unlike ExpressVPN, it's not quite as fast but it is much cheaper, providing you commit to a long term plan.Â
NordVPN offers military-grade level AES-256 encryption and promises that no logs are kept so your browsing is entirely anonymous. It also uses something called CyberSec, which blocks ads and malicious websites for you, saving you the risk of inadvertently browsing a suspicious website.Â
Elsewhere, there's also the Double VPN feature that enables you to encrypt your data twice, effectively hiding yourself twice as much as with a regular VPN client. It's a feature that's overkill for many users but every once in a while, you may find it reassuring.
For more regular use, there are useful features like an automatic kill switch, DNS leak protection (which covers an extra level of potential risk associated with sending unencrypted queries), and that all-important no logging policy.Â
For those keen to use torrenting facilities or stream Netflix from other countries, NordVPN caters for such interests. While speeds aren't quite as impressive as ExpressVPN's, they're still more than good enough so you'll have no complaints. Don't expect the user interface of the app to look great though: NordVPN is full of great features hidden behind a fairly ugly and dated looking server map.
Prices vary depending on how long you commit to NordVPN. The 3-year plan works out to be $2.99 per month (billed at $107.55 every three years) with the price creeping up to the equivalent of $6.99 per month for a year, or $11.95 on a monthly basis. For the price, you can connect six devices at the same time.Â
Image: IPVanish
The Good
10 connections at once • Reasonably priced • Lots of servers
The Bad
US jurisdiction • Not the cheapest
The Bottom Line
IPVanish is a good alternate option, especially if you need to be able to use a VPN across many different devices. Be wary of its US-based jurisdiction, though.
3. IPVanish
IPVanish offers the features that everyone expects from a VPN service, but with one key extra bonus: You can use one account across 10 connections.- Price: Between $6.49 per month and $10 per month depending on length of subscription plan
- Features: AES-256 encryption, 1300+ servers across 75 locations, 10 connections at once, no logs kept
IPVanish (which is owned by J2, the same parent company as Mashable) covers most requirements of a VPN service. It has a strict no-logs policy and promises to not record any of your activities, plus its wealth of 1300+ anonymous servers means you can browse through the VPN from anywhere in the world. There's unlimited bandwidth too, along with SOCKS5 web proxy, which masks your personal IP address while you use it.
Best of all, you can use IPVanish across 10 different devices at once. That's ideal in large households that may not wish to change settings on their router to hook up with the VPN. Such flexibility is great.
So, what's the catch? IPVanish is based in the US, which could potentially be an issue when it comes to criminal jurisdiction. It's unlikely to be a problem, but for the extra privacy conscious, it can seem more than a little off-putting.Â
IPVanish's prices vary depending on how long you subscribe. A month by month plan works out at $10 per month with a yearly plan averaging out at $6.49 per month.Â
What makes it best for Windows 10: It takes up a fairly minimal footprint on your hard drive and it's a great value.
Best of all, you can use IPVanish across 10 different devices at once. That's ideal in large households that may not wish to change settings on their router to hook up with the VPN. Such flexibility is great.
So, what's the catch? IPVanish is based in the US, which could potentially be an issue when it comes to criminal jurisdiction. It's unlikely to be a problem, but for the extra privacy conscious, it can seem more than a little off-putting.Â
IPVanish's prices vary depending on how long you subscribe. A month by month plan works out at $10 per month with a yearly plan averaging out at $6.49 per month.Â
What makes it best for Windows 10: It takes up a fairly minimal footprint on your hard drive and it's a great value.
Image: Cyberghost
The Good
Plenty of server options • Quite inexpensive • Simple app
The Bad
Not as fast as alternatives • Doesn't work with Netflix
The Bottom Line
CyberGhost isn't the perfect VPN, but if you simply want an easy-to-use app for a low price, it's a good option.
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a simple-to-use VPN that prides itself on having a server for every occasion.- Price: Between $2.75 per month and $12.99 per month depending on length of plan chosen
- Features: AES-256 encryption, no logs policy, up to 7 devices can connect at once, 4800+ servers across 61 countries
CyberGhost starts well given it offers a rare free trial. It only lasts 24 hours, but that should be plenty of time for you to try out the app and its other features. It has standard military grade encryption as well as the option to connect via OpenVPN, which is great for people who want to set their routers up with a VPN. There's a strict no logging policy in place and since CyberGhost based in Romania, it's out of most jurisdictions.Â
The service offers more than 4,700 servers across 61 different countries, so it's helpful that its app tailors servers for your needs. There are specific options for downloading and streaming, as well as services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, YouTube, and others. Unfortunately, at times, the CyberGhost VPN can be detected by Netflix, but it's a great idea in theory and there have been reports of success.
Elsewhere, you can use CyberGhost to block ads while browsing as well as malware, which can threaten your PC's safety. It's a good deal for the safety conscious VPN user.
The price of CyberGhost varies depending on how long you subscribe to it. At its most expensive, it's $12.99 per month on a rolling basis, or it can be as low as $2.75 per month if you subscribe for three years, thus making it a little cheaper than NordVPN.
Why it's best for Windows 10:Â
The service offers more than 4,700 servers across 61 different countries, so it's helpful that its app tailors servers for your needs. There are specific options for downloading and streaming, as well as services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, YouTube, and others. Unfortunately, at times, the CyberGhost VPN can be detected by Netflix, but it's a great idea in theory and there have been reports of success.
Elsewhere, you can use CyberGhost to block ads while browsing as well as malware, which can threaten your PC's safety. It's a good deal for the safety conscious VPN user.
The price of CyberGhost varies depending on how long you subscribe to it. At its most expensive, it's $12.99 per month on a rolling basis, or it can be as low as $2.75 per month if you subscribe for three years, thus making it a little cheaper than NordVPN.
Why it's best for Windows 10:Â
Image: PRivate Internet Access
The Good
Complete anonymity even when paying • P2P support • Fast
The Bad
No third party audit • No free trial
The Bottom Line
If you want to keep entirely secure, use Private Internet Access and pay with a private payment method.
5. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access allows you to pay with gift cards and other untraceable methods for maximum privacy.- Price: Between $6.95 per month and $3.33 per month depending on the length of the plan.
- Features: AES-128 encryption, multiple VPN gateways, no logs kept, up to 10 devices can connect
Private Internet Access works like a lot of other VPNs. It has extensive military grade encryption, an easy-to-use app, and it works well with Netflix and other streaming services. For the price, you get access to over 3000 different servers across 32 different countries, and it takes seconds to switch around.
Impressively, each server is pretty speedy, and with Private Internet Access welcoming to P2P users, it's appealing to fans of torrenting. Netflix support is great too, although don't expect other streaming services to work like Amazon Prime.Â
Where Private Internet Access falters is its default use of AES-128 encryption, making it slightly less secure than other services. It's also based in the US, which could make some users a little uneasy.
However, one substantial advantage is that you can subscribe to Private Internet Access through some pretty inventive ways. Don't want to pay with a credit card? Use a Starbucks or Walmart gift card to pay instead. A vast number of different options are available and it's ideal if you're a little unsure about having your card details held by a VPN service.Â
Prices start at $6.95 per month or as low as $3.33 per month if you pay yearly.Â
Why it's best for Windows 10: Â Â
The Private Internet Access hides away snugly in the system bar so it's a good call for those that prefer a more minimalist approach to Windows 10 apps.
Impressively, each server is pretty speedy, and with Private Internet Access welcoming to P2P users, it's appealing to fans of torrenting. Netflix support is great too, although don't expect other streaming services to work like Amazon Prime.Â
Where Private Internet Access falters is its default use of AES-128 encryption, making it slightly less secure than other services. It's also based in the US, which could make some users a little uneasy.
However, one substantial advantage is that you can subscribe to Private Internet Access through some pretty inventive ways. Don't want to pay with a credit card? Use a Starbucks or Walmart gift card to pay instead. A vast number of different options are available and it's ideal if you're a little unsure about having your card details held by a VPN service.Â
Prices start at $6.95 per month or as low as $3.33 per month if you pay yearly.Â
Why it's best for Windows 10: Â Â
The Private Internet Access hides away snugly in the system bar so it's a good call for those that prefer a more minimalist approach to Windows 10 apps.
Image: Tunnelbear
The Good
Cute and simple interface, it's free up to a point, independently audited
The Bad
Not the cheapest once you pay for it
The Bottom Line
TunnelBear is free if you only need limited bandwidth. It's also very simple to use and rather cute to boot.
6. TunnelBear
Don't want to pay for a VPN? TunnelBear is a flexible option that's super cute and really easy for newbies.- Price: Free to $9.99 per month depending on the plan chosen
- Features: AES-256 encryption, independently audited security, servers across 22 countries, free to use
Most VPN clients focus on being practical and professional. TunnelBear has all the professional features you could want, but it also offers animations of cute cuddly bears tunneling around the world to provide you with a more secure connection. For that reason alone, it's one of the friendliest, and most easy-to-use VPN clients out there, especially for people who are new to the whole VPN game. Just pick a country and TunnelBear does the rest for you.
TunnelBear is smarter than your average bear, too. Its AES-256 encryption keeps your data secure from both hackers and ISPs, and you're able to access global content from elsewhere too. We've found mixed results when it comes to connecting to Netflix, but it's speedy enough when downloading torrents and other files.
TunnelBear is also the only VPN (that we know of) to publish regular, independent security audits of its apps, which is immensely reassuring for the security conscious.Â
There's also the small matter of its pricing plan. If you only use a VPN very rarely, you can subscribe for free gaining 500mb of data a month. That price increases to $9.99 month by month, or the equivalent of $4.99 per month if you pay for a year at the time. The paid plans offer unlimited data along with up to five devices connected at any one time. So it's cute, but very practical too.Â
What makes it best for Windows 10: Â Â
TunnelBear slots into any system well but on Windows 10, it's subtle but gets to the point. You won't have to worry about this feeling like it's getting in the way while you browse.
TunnelBear is smarter than your average bear, too. Its AES-256 encryption keeps your data secure from both hackers and ISPs, and you're able to access global content from elsewhere too. We've found mixed results when it comes to connecting to Netflix, but it's speedy enough when downloading torrents and other files.
TunnelBear is also the only VPN (that we know of) to publish regular, independent security audits of its apps, which is immensely reassuring for the security conscious.Â
There's also the small matter of its pricing plan. If you only use a VPN very rarely, you can subscribe for free gaining 500mb of data a month. That price increases to $9.99 month by month, or the equivalent of $4.99 per month if you pay for a year at the time. The paid plans offer unlimited data along with up to five devices connected at any one time. So it's cute, but very practical too.Â
What makes it best for Windows 10: Â Â
TunnelBear slots into any system well but on Windows 10, it's subtle but gets to the point. You won't have to worry about this feeling like it's getting in the way while you browse.
Editor’s Note: IPVanish is owned by J2 Global, the parent company of Ziff Davis, Mashable’s publisher. Any J2 products featured on Mashable are covered independently by our content team.
