Best VPNs for Windows in 2026
On a Windows PC, the app is the VPN. A good one should come straight from the provider’s website, have a kill switch that stops your traffic if the connection drops, and let you choose which programs skip the VPN. This guide compares five providers on what each one says about its Windows app: the kill switch, split tunneling, protocols, how many devices one plan covers and how long you have to ask for a refund. Every fact comes from the providers’ own pages, and the table shows when each one was checked.
Which VPNs are best for Windows?
| # | VPN | Best for | Windows versions | Kill switch | Split tunneling | Simultaneous devices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Surfshark | Best overall for Windows | Windows 7 or later (Windows 7 and 8 need the separate Legacy app); an ARM64 version | Yes, on Android, iOS, macOS, Windows and Linux (Snap and .deb packages; not the Flatpak package). Not in the Fire TV app for Vega OS, where Surfshark lists it as coming soon without a date | Bypasser on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS (on iOS it can exclude websites, not apps); the reverse mode, where only the chosen apps use the VPN, is on Android only; the browser extensions can exclude websites only; the split tunneling page does not list Linux | Unlimited |
| 2 | ExpressVPN | Best for split tunneling on Windows | Windows 10 and 11 (separate instructions for Windows 7, 8 and 8.1); an ARM64 version for Windows 11 | Windows, macOS and Linux (Internet Kill Switch, on by default; it can also block traffic after a manual disconnect), Android, and the Fortify router | Windows (apps and websites, plus an inverse mode that sends only the chosen apps through the VPN), macOS, Linux, Android (per app) and iOS (websites only) | 10–14 (by plan) |
| 3 | Proton VPN | Best for a strict kill switch | Windows 10 and 11; x64 and ARM64 versions | Windows, macOS, Linux (app with a window and command line), iOS/iPadOS and Android (through Android's own setting); the advanced kill switch, which blocks traffic whenever the VPN is off, is on Windows, the Linux app with a window and iOS/iPadOS (beta) | Paid plans only: Windows, macOS (experimental, apps only), the Linux app with a window, Android, Android TV and the browser extensions | 10 (VPN Plus) |
| 4 | Private Internet Access | Best for unlimited devices | Windows 10 and 11; x64 (Intel and AMD) and ARM64 versions | Windows, macOS and Linux (named on each app's page; the macOS and Linux pages also name the Advanced Kill Switch, which blocks traffic while the VPN is off) | Windows, macOS, Linux and Android | Unlimited |
| 5 | CyberGhost | Best for a long refund period | Windows 10 or later; the page does not mention ARM | Windows, Android and iOS (named in each app's description); the macOS and Linux pages list it only in a general feature table | Windows and Android (per app); not named on the macOS, iOS or Linux app pages | 7 |
The table shows what each provider says about its apps, including which Windows versions and processor types its Windows app supports. A dash means the provider does not publish that detail.
How did we pick these VPNs?
The order is our editorial judgment, based only on facts each provider publishes:
- A Windows app – every provider here offers its own Windows app for download from its website, so you never have to type in server details by hand.
- Kill switch on Windows – whether the provider names the kill switch for its Windows app, not only for its other apps, and whether it can also block traffic after you disconnect on purpose.
- Split tunneling on Windows – whether you can send some programs, such as a game launcher or a work tool, outside the VPN while the rest stays protected.
- Protocols, devices and refunds – which protocols the Windows app offers, whether your PC takes one of a limited number of slots, and how long the money-back period runs.
We run no tests of our own on Windows. Where another site’s published test mentions Windows, the provider’s section points to it, credited to that site; none of it feeds into the order. NordVPN and PureVPN also list a kill switch for their Windows apps; they did not make this list, and our NordVPN vs PureVPN comparison covers the two side by side.
What are the best VPNs for Windows in detail?
1. Surfshark
- Windows versions
- Windows 7 or later (Windows 7 and 8 need the separate Legacy app); an ARM64 versionsupport.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/36… · checked 2026-11-12
- Kill switch
- Yes, on Android, iOS, macOS, Windows and Linux (Snap and .deb packages; not the Flatpak package). Not in the Fire TV app for Vega OS, where Surfshark lists it as coming soon without a datesupport.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/10… · surfshark.com/download/linux · surfshark.com/download/vega-os · checked 2026-11-09
- Split tunneling
- Bypasser on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS (on iOS it can exclude websites, not apps); the reverse mode, where only the chosen apps use the VPN, is on Android only; the browser extensions can exclude websites only; the split tunneling page does not list Linuxsurfshark.com/features/split-tunneling · checked 2026-11-09
- Simultaneous devices
- Unlimitedsurfshark.com/features/multiple-devices · checked 2026-11-07
Surfshark lists its kill switch for the Windows app and offers Bypasser, its split tunneling feature, on Windows as well. It sets no device limit, so a Windows PC never takes a slot away from a phone or a TV. Its no-logs policy has been checked by an outside auditor, as our Surfshark review explains.
+ Pros
- Kill switch and split tunneling both listed for Windows
- No device limit
- Independent no-logs audit on record
− Cons
- The reverse split tunneling mode, where only the chosen apps use the VPN, is on Android only
- IKEv2 is no longer in the Windows app; Surfshark says it needs a manual setup in the Windows settings
- Its own report describes a security incident in which an outside party reached one of its servers
Choose it if you want one plan for every device in the house. Skip it if you need IKEv2 inside the app.
All About Cookies ran its tests of Surfshark on a Windows computer; its results, credited, are below.
These are other sites' tests, not ours. Each one is credited and linked, and nothing is merged or averaged.
Speed
- Safelyo (article updated Oct 2026; run from Vietnam): On WireGuard, an average of 420.47 Mbps download across 5 server locations, keeping 47.2% of an 890.15 Mbps no-VPN baseline measured from Vietnam; the US Seattle server gave 372.46 Mbps, or 41.8%, and the Australian server came last at 356.24 Mbps, or 40.0%
- All About Cookies (tested Oct 2026; run from the US): From a baseline download speed of about 316 Mbps on Windows 11 in the US, download speed dropped by 4.43% on a US server (Dallas), 8.12% on a Canadian server, and 17.62% each on UK and Australian servers; upload speed dropped more, by 24% to 84%. The protocol is not stated
2. ExpressVPN
- Windows versions
- Windows 10 and 11 (separate instructions for Windows 7, 8 and 8.1); an ARM64 version for Windows 11expressvpn.com/support/vpn-setup/app-for-w… · checked 2026-11-12
- Kill switch
- Windows, macOS and Linux (Internet Kill Switch, on by default; it can also block traffic after a manual disconnect), Android, and the Fortify routerexpressvpn.com/features/network-lock · checked 2026-11-12
- Split tunneling
- Windows (apps and websites, plus an inverse mode that sends only the chosen apps through the VPN), macOS, Linux, Android (per app) and iOS (websites only)expressvpn.com/features/split-tunneling · checked 2026-11-12
- Simultaneous devices
- 10–14 (by plan)expressvpn.com/pricing · checked 2026-11-12
ExpressVPN says its Windows app can route both apps and websites outside the VPN, and it adds an inverse mode that protects only the apps you pick. The Internet Kill Switch is on by default in the Windows app, and a stricter setting keeps traffic blocked even after you disconnect yourself. The app also offers Lightway, ExpressVPN’s own protocol, and its own version of WireGuard.
+ Pros
- Split tunneling for apps and websites on Windows, with an inverse mode
- Kill switch on by default in the Windows app
- Its own Lightway protocol plus WireGuard in the Windows app
− Cons
- Has a device limit that depends on the plan, unlike Surfshark and PIA
- The money-back guarantee is for new users only
Choose it if you want to decide program by program what uses the VPN. Skip it if you need an unlimited number of devices.
Other sites’ published leak and kill switch tests of ExpressVPN, some of them on Windows, are below.
These are other sites' tests, not ours. Each one is credited and linked, and nothing is merged or averaged.
Leaks and kill switch
- Top10VPN (article updated Nov 2026): IP, DNS and WebRTC leak tests on a nearby server passed with nothing exposed. Every app ships the Network Lock kill switch, and an advanced mode blocks the device's internet until the VPN is reactivated; the page does not report a simulated-drop result for ExpressVPN itself
- CyberInsider (article updated Nov 2026; run from the US): Leak tests on the Windows, macOS and Android apps found no leaks: IPv6 was blocked and all DNS requests went to ExpressVPN servers. The Network Lock kill switch worked well on Windows and macOS and blocked traffic when the connection dropped or was interrupted
- CNET (article updated Oct 2026): No leaks were detected, and the kill switch worked as intended in both its standard and always-on modes
- Safelyo (article updated Oct 2026; run from Vietnam): No leaks in the Windows leak tests with Lightway: IPv4 and IPv6, DNS and WebRTC all passed. The Network Lock kill switch cut all traffic as soon as the connection was pulled, and traffic only returned after the VPN came back up
- vpnMentor (article updated Sep 2026): Leak tests on ipleak.net across 10 servers on Windows, Mac, Android and iPhone found no IP, DNS, IPv6 or WebRTC leaks, only the VPN's own address and DNS server
3. Proton VPN
- Windows versions
- Windows 10 and 11; x64 and ARM64 versionsprotonvpn.com/support/protonvpn-windows-vp… · checked 2026-11-12
- Kill switch
- Windows, macOS, Linux (app with a window and command line), iOS/iPadOS and Android (through Android's own setting); the advanced kill switch, which blocks traffic whenever the VPN is off, is on Windows, the Linux app with a window and iOS/iPadOS (beta)protonvpn.com/support/what-is-kill-switch · checked 2026-11-12
- Split tunneling
- Paid plans only: Windows, macOS (experimental, apps only), the Linux app with a window, Android, Android TV and the browser extensionsprotonvpn.com/support/protonvpn-split-tunn… · checked 2026-11-12
- Simultaneous devices
- 10 (VPN Plus)protonvpn.com/pricing · checked 2026-11-07
Proton VPN offers two kill switch modes on Windows: a standard one that steps in when the connection drops by accident, and an advanced one that only allows internet access while you are connected to Proton VPN. Proton says the advanced mode stays on even after you restart the PC. The Windows app supports Proton’s Smart Protocol, Stealth and WireGuard, and Proton also has a free plan.
+ Pros
- Advanced kill switch on Windows that blocks traffic whenever the VPN is off
- Stealth protocol in the Windows app, built to hide that you are using a VPN
- A free plan
− Cons
- Split tunneling is for paid plans only
- OpenVPN is not in the Windows app; Proton offers it in its Linux app only
- The free plan covers a single device
Choose it if you want a kill switch that never lets traffic out unprotected. Skip it if you need split tunneling without paying.
CNET’s published speed results for Proton VPN include figures measured on Windows; they are below, credited.
These are other sites' tests, not ours. Each one is credited and linked, and nothing is merged or averaged.
Speed
- CyberInsider (article updated Nov 2026; run from the US): On a 1 Gbps connection in the US, Proton VPN reached 698 Mbps on WireGuard
- Safelyo (article updated Nov 2026; run from Vietnam): On WireGuard, an average of 335.45 Mbps download across 5 server locations, keeping 37.9% of an 884.36 Mbps no-VPN baseline measured from Vietnam; the US Seattle server gave 370.13 Mbps, or 41.9%, while Australia was an outlier at 25.21 Mbps, or 2.9%
- CNET (article updated Oct 2026): An average 40.8% download speed loss in their 2026 testing, but only 11.9% on Windows over a 1 Gbps Google Fiber line while macOS speeds were roughly halved
4. Private Internet Access
- Windows versions
- Windows 10 and 11; x64 (Intel and AMD) and ARM64 versionsprivateinternetaccess.com/download/windows… · checked 2026-11-12
- Kill switch
- Windows, macOS and Linux (named on each app's page; the macOS and Linux pages also name the Advanced Kill Switch, which blocks traffic while the VPN is off)privateinternetaccess.com/download/windows… · privateinternetaccess.com/download/mac-vpn · privateinternetaccess.com/download/linux-vpn · checked 2026-11-12
- Split tunneling
- Windows, macOS, Linux and Androidprivateinternetaccess.com/vpn-features/spl… · checked 2026-11-12
- Simultaneous devices
- Unlimitedprivateinternetaccess.com · checked 2026-11-07
Private Internet Access (PIA) sets no device limit, like Surfshark. Its Windows app page names the kill switch, and PIA lists split tunneling for Windows, macOS, Linux and Android. The Windows app connects with WireGuard or OpenVPN.
+ Pros
- No device limit
- Kill switch named for the Windows app
- Split tunneling on Windows and on the other desktop systems
− Cons
- Only two protocols in the Windows app, fewer than ExpressVPN and Proton VPN
- The money-back guarantee is for new subscribers only
Choose it if you want WireGuard or OpenVPN on every device at home. Skip it if you want a choice of more protocols.
CNET’s published speed results for PIA include a Windows test over Wi-Fi; they are below, credited.
These are other sites' tests, not ours. Each one is credited and linked, and nothing is merged or averaged.
Speed
- Safelyo (article updated Nov 2026; run from Vietnam): On WireGuard over a fiber connection in Vietnam, an average of 200.26 Mbps download across 5 server locations, keeping 23.0% of an 872.17 Mbps no-VPN baseline; the US server gave 351.03 Mbps, or 40.2%, and Singapore was the slowest at 27.20 Mbps, or 3.1%
- CNET (article updated Oct 2026): An overall 49.2% average speed loss in their 2026 tests, and on Windows over Wi-Fi the speed to a Germany server swung between 62 and 248 Mbps on a 575 Mbps connection
- Tom's Guide (article updated Aug 2026): On their 10 Gbps test line they measured 419 Mbps on WireGuard for a local connection and 256 Mbps on a UK-US link
5. CyberGhost
- Windows versions
- Windows 10 or later; the page does not mention ARMcyberghostvpn.com/download/windows-vpn · checked 2026-11-12
- Kill switch
- Windows, Android and iOS (named in each app's description); the macOS and Linux pages list it only in a general feature tablecyberghostvpn.com/download/windows-vpn · cyberghostvpn.com/download/android-vpn · cyberghostvpn.com/download/ios-vpn · checked 2026-11-12
- Split tunneling
- Windows and Android (per app); not named on the macOS, iOS or Linux app pagescyberghostvpn.com/download/windows-vpn · cyberghostvpn.com/download/android-vpn · checked 2026-11-12
- Simultaneous devices
- 7cyberghostvpn.com/features/money-back-guar… · checked 2026-11-07
CyberGhost has the longest money-back period on this list for its longer plans, while the monthly plan has a shorter one. Its Windows app page names both the kill switch and split tunneling, and the app connects with WireGuard or IKEv2; CyberGhost says OpenVPN needs a manual setup on Windows.
+ Pros
- The longest refund period in this list on longer plans
- Kill switch and split tunneling named for the Windows app
− Cons
- Covers the fewest devices of the five
- OpenVPN only through a manual setup on Windows
- A much shorter refund period on the monthly plan
Choose it if you want more time to decide whether to keep it. Skip it if you need to cover many devices.
Other sites’ published leak and kill switch tests of CyberGhost on Windows are below, credited.
These are other sites' tests, not ours. Each one is credited and linked, and nothing is merged or averaged.
Leaks and kill switch
- Safelyo (article updated Nov 2026; run from Vietnam): No DNS, WebRTC or IPv6 leaks in the Windows tests. The automatic kill switch cuts the connection when the tunnel drops and is on by default; the review also notes that CyberGhost has no obfuscation, so its traffic is easy for deep packet inspection firewalls to identify
- CleanVPNs (tested Apr 2026; run from Sofia, Bulgaria): No IP or DNS leaks showed up in their tests, but the automatic kill switch did not hold in either of two Windows 11 runs: with it confirmed on beforehand, stopping the CyberGhost service through Task Manager left traffic flowing unimpeded
- Tom's Guide (article updated Feb 2026): The kill switch stopped traffic the moment the VPN dropped over WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2, so nothing leaked on the unsecured line, but the Windows app did not report a forced disconnect
How do you set up a VPN on Windows?
- Subscribe to one of the VPNs in the table, then download its Windows app from the provider’s own website.
- Open the downloaded file and follow the installer. If Windows asks whether to allow the app to make changes to your device, choose Yes. The app opens when the installation is done.
- Sign in with the account you created when you subscribed.
- Click the app’s main connect button. The app picks a location for you, or you can choose one from the server list.
- Check that the app shows you as connected before you open anything else. To double-check, open an IP checker page, such as the ones Surfshark and ExpressVPN run: it should show the VPN’s address, not your own.
Each provider’s help center has a longer guide for its own app, with the settings for the kill switch and split tunneling.
What should you watch out for on Windows?
- Features differ by plan and by app. Proton VPN keeps split tunneling for paid plans, and Surfshark offers its reverse split tunneling mode on Android only. Check that the feature you need is listed for Windows, as in the table above.
- Some PCs only install apps from the Microsoft Store. Proton’s Windows guide says Windows may be set to allow apps from the Microsoft Store only. If the installer will not run, look for “Choose where to get apps” in the Windows settings.
- A kill switch does not always block everything. ExpressVPN’s default kill switch lets traffic through after you disconnect yourself unless you turn on the stricter setting, and Proton VPN’s standard kill switch works the same way. Pick the stricter mode if you never want an unprotected connection.
- Manual setups skip the app. Surfshark offers IKEv2 only through the Windows settings, and CyberGhost offers OpenVPN only through a manual setup. A manual connection does not come with the features the providers list for their apps.
- Older Windows versions and ARM laptops. Check the Windows column in the table before you subscribe. Surfshark keeps a separate Legacy app for older Windows versions, and CyberGhost does not mention ARM-based PCs on its Windows page.
- Device limits count your PC. ExpressVPN and CyberGhost limit how many devices can connect at once, and your Windows PC takes one of those slots.
FAQ
What is the best VPN for Windows?
Surfshark is our pick, because its Windows app has a kill switch and split tunneling and its plan has no device limit. ExpressVPN is the better fit if you want split tunneling for websites as well as apps.
Is there a free VPN for Windows?
Proton VPN has a free plan, and its Windows guide covers connecting on it. The free plan covers a single device and leaves out split tunneling, which Proton keeps for paid plans.
Do you need a separate subscription for Windows?
No. With every provider on this page, one subscription covers your Windows PC together with your other devices. Surfshark and PIA set no limit, while ExpressVPN and CyberGhost limit how many devices can connect at once.
Can you set up a VPN on Windows without an app?
Yes, for some protocols. Surfshark offers IKEv2 through the Windows settings, and CyberGhost offers OpenVPN through a manual setup. You lose the extras the providers list for their apps, so the app is the simpler choice.
Do these VPNs work on ARM-based Windows laptops?
Surfshark, ExpressVPN, Proton VPN and PIA say they offer a version of their Windows app for ARM-based PCs; the table shows which Windows versions each one covers. CyberGhost’s Windows page does not mention ARM, so check with CyberGhost before you buy it for an ARM laptop.
Does a VPN slow down Windows?
A VPN adds a step to every connection, so some slowdown is normal. We have not measured speed on Windows ourselves, and we type no speed figures into the text; other sites’ published speed tests appear in the provider sections above, credited to them.