Best VPN for Windows 11 and PC in 2026
Windows is where VPN apps have the most features and the most differences: kill switches, per-app split tunnelling, and a choice of protocols. We have not run our own speed tests on Windows — this list ranks on the published feature set.
NordVPN is the top Windows pick, with Threat Protection Pro that works even with the VPN off. Surfshark is the value choice; PIA is for people who want every setting exposed.
The 4 best VPNs for windows 11 and pc, ranked
- 1Best overall#6 overall · 8.7/10
NordVPN
Kill switch on by default, and Threat Protection Pro blocks ads and malware system-wide, even without the VPN connected. We have not measured Windows speed ourselves.
- Windows app
- Native app
- Refund
- 30 days
- Devices
- 10
- Refund
- 30 days
- 2Best value#5 overall · 8.8/10
Surfshark
Full-featured Windows app with Bypasser split tunnelling and CleanWeb, unlimited devices.
- Windows app
- Native app
- Refund
- 30 days
- Devices
- Unlimited
- Refund
- 30 days
- 3Easiest to use#4 overall · 8.8/10
ExpressVPN
A straightforward Windows app with extensive help documentation; Lightway is built for fast reconnects. We have not measured reconnect time ourselves.
- Windows app
- Native app
- Refund
- 30 days
- Devices
- 10
- Refund
- 30 days
- 4Most configurable#1 overall · 9.3/10
Private Internet Access
Choose ciphers, ports and DNS; port forwarding for torrenting; unlimited devices.
- Windows app
- Native app
- Refund
- 30 days
- Devices
- Unlimited
- Refund
- 30 days
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Side by side
| VPN | Score | Windows app | Devices | 2-yr price | Refund | Port fwd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 8.7 | Native app | 10 | $3.49 | 30 days | |
| Surfshark | 8.8 | Native app | Unlimited | $2.49 | 30 days | |
| ExpressVPN | 8.8 | Native app | 10 | $2.99 | 30 days | |
| PIA | 9.3 | Native app | Unlimited | $1.79 | 30 days |
How we picked
We have not run our own device testing. Ranked on published Windows-specific features — kill switch default state, split tunnelling, protocol choice — and auto-connect support.
All scores come from the same published rubric, checked monthly — how we test. Rank order on this page is by the category criteria, not by commission.
Questions
What is the best VPN for Windows 11?
NordVPN. Its kill switch and Threat Protection are on by default, and it has the broadest feature set of the group. We have not benchmarked Windows speed ourselves.
Does Windows have a built-in VPN?
Windows 11 has a VPN client that can connect to a server you configure manually, but it needs a provider and lacks a kill switch. A provider's app is easier and safer.
Is there a free VPN for Windows?
Proton VPN Free has a Windows app with no data cap and an audited no-logs policy. Avoid 'free VPN for PC' downloads from unknown sites — adware bundled with these is a documented, ongoing problem.
Which VPN protocol is best on Windows?
WireGuard (NordLynx on NordVPN, Lightway on ExpressVPN) for speed. OpenVPN TCP if a network blocks WireGuard.