The 5 Best VPNs For Windows PCs of 2026  

1. Best VPN For Windows PC

   

   Track

   

   

   

   
   Mullvad9 
   
   SEE PRICE

   Mullvad
   Private Browsing

   9.1

   Torrent

   7.6

   Security

   8.6

   Speed

   7.4

   Data Limit: 

   N/A

   Server Choice: 

   Yes

   Simultaneous Devices: 

   6.8

   See all our test results 

   Mullvad is the best VPN for Windows PCs we've tested for most people. Its approach to privacy makes it easy to recommend: it doesn't collect logs of your browsing activity, and you don't need an email address to create an account. The Windows app runs exclusively on WireGuard and comes with a functional kill switch, so your IP address stays hidden even if the VPN disconnects. It also supports split tunneling, so you can exclude apps you don't want using the VPN, along with obfuscation tools to make encrypted traffic even harder to detect. You can run the VPN on up to five devices simultaneously, and it's easy to try without committing to a lengthy subscription.

   If you frequently torrent or stream, it's worth noting that Mullvad doesn't support port forwarding or bypassing geo-restricted content. Without port forwarding, torrents can have fewer available peer connections, potentially slowing downloads and limiting seeding. And since Mullvad's primary focus is privacy, it doesn't maintain the rotating IP addresses necessary to bypass regional streaming blocks reliably; a server that previously let you stream another country's Netflix library may stop working, requiring you to try a different one. But overall, it's a great option for users who value consistent online privacy while surfing the web. Mullvad accepts cards, PayPal, bank transfers, cash, and supported cryptocurrencies, with a 10% monthly discount if you pay with an eligible cryptocurrency.

   See our review 

2. Best Budget VPN For Windows

   

   Track

   

   

   

   
   Windscribe2 
   
   SEE PRICE

   Windscribe
   Private Browsing

   9.2

   Torrent

   9.3

   Security

   8.6

   Speed

   7.4

   Data Limit: 

   N/A

   Server Choice: 

   Yes

   Simultaneous Devices: 

   9.9

   See all our test results 

   Starting at just $3 USD per month, Windscribe's Build-a-Plan option is a practical budget choice if you only need access to a handful of server locations. Its Windows app is easy to use with support for both WireGuard and OpenVPN, along with unlimited simultaneous connections and optional unlimited data. Windscribe supports split tunneling and includes a functional kill switch to ensure your unencrypted data won't leak if the VPN disconnects. Like our top pick, Mullvad, Windscribe doesn't require your email for registration and enforces a strict no-logs policy that's been vetted by third-party audits.

   While user reports show that Windscribe is generally successful at bypassing geo-blocks on major streaming platforms, long-term access is never a guarantee. Build-a-Plan's main downside comes down to its smaller selection of countries and lack of port forwarding (a feature reserved for Pro users). Still, if neither of those is a dealbreaker, it serves as an excellent low-cost VPN from a reputable, privacy-oriented provider. The company accepts credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, cryptocurrency, and other regional payment options through Paymentwall.

   See our review 

3. Best Windows VPN For Short-Term Use

   

   Track

   

   

   

   
   IVPN0 
   
   SEE PRICE

   IVPN
   Private Browsing

   9.2

   Torrent

   7.6

   Security

   8.6

   Speed

   7.3

   Data Limit: 

   N/A

   Server Choice: 

   Yes

   Simultaneous Devices: 

   9.1

   See all our test results 

   If you only need VPN protection temporarily, IVPN is a great short-term option thanks to its flexible weekly pricing. The Standard plan costs just $2 USD per week and covers up to five devices, with ad-blocking functionality included at no extra cost. You get split tunneling and multi-hop routing, which passes your connection through two servers for extra privacy, alongside obfuscation features that disguise your traffic to make it harder to detect. Like Mullvad and Windscribe, IVPN takes a privacy-focused approach and doesn't require an email to use.

   In terms of streaming access, IVPN doesn't guarantee or optimize its service for bypassing geo-restrictions on platforms like Netflix or Disney+. You can pay via card, PayPal, Bitcoin, or Monero, with cash accepted on subscriptions of a year or longer.

   See our review 

4. Best Free VPN For Windows PC

   

   Track

   

   

   

   
   Proton VPN Free0 
   
   SEE PRICE

   Proton
   Private Browsing

   7.5

   Torrent

   5.0

   Security

   8.6

   Speed

   7.2

   Data Limit: 

   N/A

   Server Choice: 

   No

   Simultaneous Devices: 

   4.6

   See all our test results 

   If you want a VPN you can use daily without paying or managing a data allowance, Proton VPN Free is the best option we've tested. Its unlimited data makes it practical to keep running throughout the day, and its functional kill switch ensures your traffic won't leak if the connection drops unexpectedly. You can use the VPN as a guest without providing an email or payment information, or create a free Proton email account to manage your profile and sync preferences across devices.

   But if you want free unlimited data, you'll have to accept a few compromises elsewhere: Proton's free plan only supports one active device at a time, and you're automatically assigned to the fastest available server rather than being able to choose your own. Support for P2P traffic, streaming, and manual server selection remains exclusive to the service's paid tiers. Proton also scored below Windscribe in our assessment of the company's broader policies and practices, so if you care more about your privacy than unlimited data, we'd recommend having a look at Windscribe Free.

   See our review 

5. Best Windows VPN For Streaming

   

   Track

   

   

   

   
   NordVPN5 
   
   SEE PRICE

   NordVPN
   Private Browsing

   6.4

   Torrent

   7.2

   Security

   8.6

   Speed

   7.2

   Data Limit: 

   N/A

   Server Choice: 

   No

   Simultaneous Devices: 

   9.1

   See all our test results 

   We recommend NordVPN if your main reason for getting a VPN on Windows is to stream content from different regions. User reports indicate that the Windows app reliably bypasses geo-restrictions on major streaming platforms, although no provider can guarantee that a specific region will remain accessible indefinitely. The VPN comes with a functional kill switch, split tunneling, and a one-click tool that routes you to the fastest server automatically, though you can still manually select your server location if you want access to a particular streaming catalog.

   A single subscription covers up to 10 simultaneous connections, so you can watch from your phone, laptop, and additional devices under the same plan. Unlike our more privacy-focused VPN recommendations, however, NordVPN's policy does allow for the collection of user data via targeted advertising, which you'll need to opt out of manually. We'd recommend it for streaming convenience rather than top-tier privacy and anonymity on the web. NordVPN accepts payment via credit card, PayPal, and cryptocurrency, with availability varying by region.

   See our review 

Notable Mentions

Recent Updates

1.  Oct 07, 2026: 

   We've updated this article's recommendations with more pricing information and clearer buying advice. We've also added three new categories: 'Best For Streaming,' 'Best For Short-Term Use,' and 'Best Free.'

2.  Aug 19, 2026: 

   We've reviewed our picks to ensure they're still relevant and remain the best options for their respective categories.

3.  Jun 24, 2026: 

   We've reviewed this article for accuracy and relevance, but haven't made any changes to our recommendations.

4.  Apr 24, 2026: 

   We've updated this article to reflect that Windscribe Free now supports hashed account login. We've reviewed and verified that our current recommendations remain the best picks, but have added Windscribe as a Notable Mention.

5.  Feb 19, 2026: 

   We've reviewed our recommendations to ensure that they're still the best options, but we haven't made any changes to our list.