Best vpn for pc free softonic
Whether you're using Windows 10 or Windows 11, Microsoft fans don't have to compromise on finding the best virtual private networks. She's a data-driven investigative journalist on the software and services team, reviewing VPNs, password managers, antivirus software, anti-surveillance methods and ethics in tech. When not tapping away on his laptop, Attila enjoys spending time with his family, reading and collecting guitars.
If you're looking for the best VPN for a Windows device, you're in luck. Windows' dominance as a desktop OS and its comparatively customizable operating environment have allowed it to enjoy a wide range of compatible VPN services.
Nearly every major VPN provider offers an app on both desktop and mobile environments for Microsoft users. While MacOS users need to factor in Apple-specific requirements, finding the best VPN for Windows -- and getting the widest range of protocol options to work with your device -- is much easier.
All our top picks on our main list of the best VPN providers are compatible with all currently maintained Windows versions , and CNET has tested them for use in the latest available operating system. That means they'll work seamlessly on Windows 11 , which is available now for eligible devices.
All of them also offer a stand-alone VPN client that will work without a hitch on your desktop. Our CNET team has specifically tackled some core factors in our testing, including browsing and streaming speeds, security strength, ease of remote access and value for the money.
Below, you'll find our top recommendations for the best VPN for Windows, ranked for their performance across all categories. One of the two largest providers globally, the VPN titan has been in business since and once again aggressively raised the industry bar for service transparency this year.
In the past year, ExpressVPN increased its independent third-party audit count, published details about its TrustedServer deployment process, joined the i2Coalition to call for improved VPN industry ethics, and released an open source Lightway encryption protocol.
It also unblocks Netflix and other streaming services more reliably than most other VPNs, and seamlessly surpasses geo-blocking for access to international gaming servers and torrenting sites.
All of our top-rated VPN's have wide compatibility across platforms and operating systems, but ExpressVPN's collection of setup guides, detailed FAQs and troubleshooting articles give it a clear advantage for users. While you can get a better month-to-dollar bargain with ExpressVPN's two-year subscription, we don't recommend anyone purchase any two-year VPN subscriptions at this time due to overall market volatility.
Read our ExpressVPN review. While Surfshark's network is smaller than some, the VPN service makes it up on features and connection speed. Let's start off with the biggest win Surfshark offers: unlimited device support. If you want to run your entire home or office on Surfshark's VPN, you don't have to worry about how many devices you have on or connected. It also offers antimalware, ad-blocking and tracker-blocking as part of its software.
And it's fast. Surfshark received generally high marks when its Chrome and Firefox extensions were audited for privacy by German security firm Cure 53 PDF link of full report -- though that audit was commissioned by Surfshark. Additional devices such as game consoles can be configured for Surfshark via DNS settings. We particularly like the feature that allows you to whitelist certain apps and websites to automatically bypass the VPN.
For some business uses, this can be critically important. Surfshark also offers three special modes designed for those who want to get around restrictions and more carefully hide their online footsteps.
Multihop jumps your internet connection through multiple countries to hide your trail. Finally, NoBorders Mode "allows [you] to successfully use Surfshark in restrictive regions. Doing any of these three things could be illegal in your country and could result in severe penalties. Like an increasing number of other VPNs, Surfshark offers several different introductory pricing packages that are cheaper the longer your contract, but that get more expensive after the first term of your subscription plan.
If you're not satisfied with the service, Surfshark offers a day money-back guarantee. Read our Surfshark VPN review. It offers a generous simultaneous connection count, with six simultaneous connections through its network, where nearly all other providers offer five or fewer.
We detected no privacy leaks during our tests. We found NordVPN's speeds were reliably fast. There were never any sudden dips or service interruptions, and where we expected the VPN to underperform, it proved itself up to the task. NordVPN's pricing structure is similar to that of its sister company Surfshark , but more expensive. While NordVPN has lived on this list for a long time, CNET moved it to the penalty box in October to re-evaluate our recommendation after a report emerged that one of its rented servers was accessed without authorization in Nord's actions following the discovery included -- eventually -- multiple security audits, a bug bounty program and heavier investments in server security.
While we would have preferred it if Nord had self-disclosed the issue much earlier, the fact that the breach was limited in nature and involved no user-identifying information served to further verify that NordVPN keeps no logs of user activity. As a result, Nord remains on this list as a recommended vendor.
Read our NordVPN review. The industry veteran has an impressive network of servers worldwide and provides a solid balance of speed, security and unblocking power. We don't recommend free VPNs for a couple of reasons. First, free VPNs need to make money somehow -- which most of the time involves selling your data to third parties.
Some have even been found to be infected with malware. Besides being risky to use, free VPNs also generally lack the features and performance you'd want from your VPN service. You'll typically have to contend with slow speeds, data caps, weak security, limited server locations and erratic unblocking capabilities with free VPNs.
The best way to try a VPN for free is to take advantage of free trials and money-back guarantees offered by premium VPN providers. Each one offers the same AES bit encryption, operates a RAM-only server infrastructure and has been independently audited. Along with crucial security features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection, each of the three VPNs offers additional features that can help enhance your online security and privacy.
Surfshark's CleanWeb feature will help you automatically block malware and phishing attempts. In addition to ensuring data is never stored on its servers, ExpressVPN says its TrustedServer technology helps improve security and minimizes vulnerabilities and misconfiguration by loading the most up-to-date software every time a server starts up.
You typically won't have to worry about getting into any sort of legal trouble for using a VPN in most parts of the world. However, you could potentially get in legal trouble for using a VPN if you're in a country like China, Iran or any other country where VPNs are banned or outlawed.
If you're traveling, check the local laws regarding VPN use in the country you're traveling to. Even if the country you're in or traveling to does have restrictions on VPNs, you can hide your VPN use by connecting to an obfuscated server. But since the actual traffic is encrypted, your ISP will only be able to see that traffic as a random string of gibberish.
Your guide to a better future. Want CNET to notify you of price drops and the latest stories? No, thank you Accept. Rae Hodge. Attila Tomaschek. July 29, p. Rae Hodge Senior Editor. ExpressVPN Blazing speeds, proven privacy.
Surfshark A speed leader, packed with features. Blazing speeds, proven privacy. A speed leader, packed with features. Best VPN for reliability and security. What's the best VPN for Windows? Can you get a free VPN for Windows? What's the most secure VPN for Windows? Can you get in trouble for using a VPN?
- Best vpn for pc free softonic
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Tuxler 2. NordVPN offers an affordable and low-cost solution for Windows users who are looking for advanced online security without breaking the bank. It has servers in 60 countries around the world, which is less than ExpressVPN but still great coverage. Their service is highly reliable and stable. NordVPN has over 5, servers in its network, which can handle more than 30TB of data every day without any throttling or blocking. It also provides you with unlimited bandwidth and speed so that you can stream Hulu and BBC iPlayer as much as you want.
NordVPN offers apps for many devices and operating systems, including Windows. It uses standard OpenVPN encryption with perfect forward secrecy and a bit key. NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy , meaning that the company doesn't monitor or track your internet activity or record your IP address.
The VPN has a kill switch for Windows. It will automatically block all traffic if your connection drops. You can download NordVPN here. Surfshark is a relative newcomer to the world of VPNs. However, it's one to watch as its fast speeds, and broad platform compatibility makes it ideal for Windows users. Surfshark has over 3, servers in more than 65 countries. It also offers unlimited speed and bandwidth. Surfshark is based in the British Virgin Islands, which puts it out of the reach of both US authorities and copyright.
It has a no-logs policy to ensure you're completely anonymous when you use their servers. And for even more protection, they provide users with an Internet kill switch that halts all web traffic in case of a lost connection. You can download Surfshark here.
Hotspot Shield is another popular provider that offers its services to Windows users. It's known for its free version, which is supported by ads, but you can upgrade to the Elite version without ads and get more features like malware protection and tracker blocking. Hotspot Shield has over 2, servers in 80 countries.
However, most of these are virtual servers that act as proxies for your traffic to cover up your true location. The company is based in the US, which may be a deal-breaker for you if you're looking for strict privacy and anonymity. Hotspot Shield doesn't encrypt your data or use perfect forward secrecy. You can download Hotspot Shield here.
It has over 1, servers in more than 75 countries and provides unlimited bandwidth and speed. In addition, they provide manual tutorials on how to set it up with many different devices and operating systems, including Windows. This VPN provider is based in the US, which may be an issue if you're looking for strict privacy and anonymity. It does not use perfect forward secrecy or any form of DNS leak protection. However, it does provide users with a kill switch that halts all traffic once your connection drops.
You can download IPVanish here. It's well known for its low prices and has a strict no-logging policy. It also doesn't store any traffic logs or monitor your activity. They use bit encryption along with perfect forward secrecy. Unfortunately, it doesn't provide manual tutorials on installing it on Windows devices.
Still, instructions are available in the FAQ section of their website. Private Internet Access has a kill switch , and it will automatically disconnect your connection if there is no network activity every 10 minutes. You can download Private Internet Access here. It has over servers available, which cover over 70 locations across the globe. VyprVPN provides all of its customers with unlimited speed and bandwidth. They also offer perfect forward secrecy coupled with strong OpenVPN encryption that comes at bit.
Their service is fast and stable, but it also has a couple of limitations: VyprVPN would be a good choice for users who want to protect their privacy while torrenting, but it doesn't offer dedicated Windows software which could make the process a bit complicated for some users. You can download VyperVPN here. Windscribe is a newer VPN provider that's been rapidly gaining in popularity.
They have servers available in 63 countries and apps for Android, iOS coming soon , Windows desktop version only and macOS beta. Windscribe offers a unique feature that allows its users to earn up to 10GB of additional data monthly by inviting friends. The VPN service also has a built-in firewall that blocks ads and trackers.
It doesn't have the kill switch feature. Windscribe is a great choice if you're looking for a free VPN to protect your online privacy.