Best VPN for Windows 11 and PC in 2026
Windows is where VPN apps have the most features and the most differences: kill switches that actually block traffic, per-app split tunnelling, and protocol choices that affect speed. We run the full speed battery on a Windows 11 desktop and check each of those.
NordVPN is the top Windows pick — fastest, 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#1 overall · 9.7/10
NordVPN
Fastest speeds on Windows in our tests, kill switch on by default, Threat Protection Pro blocks ads and malware system-wide.
- Windows app
- Native app
- Speed
- 712 Mbps
- Devices
- 10
- Refund
- 30 days
−73% + 3 months freeends soon - 2Best value#2 overall · 9.4/10
Surfshark
Full-featured Windows app with Bypasser split tunnelling and CleanWeb, unlimited devices.
- Windows app
- Native app
- Speed
- 655 Mbps
- Devices
- Unlimited
- Refund
- 30 days
−86% + 3 months freeends soon - 3Easiest to use#3 overall · 9.1/10
ExpressVPN
The simplest Windows app and the best help documentation; Lightway protocol reconnects instantly.
- Windows app
- Native app
- Speed
- 598 Mbps
- Devices
- 8
- Refund
- 30 days
- 4Most configurable#6 overall · 8.3/10
Private Internet Access
Choose ciphers, ports and DNS; port forwarding for torrenting; unlimited devices.
- Windows app
- Native app
- Speed
- 480 Mbps
- Devices
- Unlimited
- Refund
- 30 days
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Side by side
| VPN | Score | Windows app | Speed | Devices | 2-yr price | Refund | Port fwd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 9.7 | Native app | 712 Mbps | 10 | $3.39 | 30 days | |
| Surfshark | 9.4 | Native app | 655 Mbps | Unlimited | $2.19 | 30 days | |
| ExpressVPN | 9.1 | Native app | 598 Mbps | 8 | $4.99 | 30 days | |
| PIA | 8.3 | Native app | 480 Mbps | Unlimited | $2.03 | 30 days |
How we picked
Tested on a Windows 11 desktop: speed across four regions, kill-switch behaviour when the connection drops, split tunnelling, and start-up/auto-connect reliability.
All scores come from the same monthly tests on the same rig — 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. It was fastest on our Windows 11 test machine and its kill switch and Threat Protection are on by default.
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. Avoid 'free VPN for PC' downloads from unknown sites — several are adware.
Which VPN protocol is best on Windows?
WireGuard (NordLynx on NordVPN, Lightway on ExpressVPN) for speed. OpenVPN TCP if a network blocks WireGuard.