Best VPN for PC: Our Full Review of Top 5 VPN Providers

 

Looking for the best VPN for PC? Whether you’re after speed, privacy, or a reliable free option, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ve reviewed the top 5 VPNs for Windows and other operating systems, each with a breakdown of pros and cons to help you make the right choice.

Whether you use Windows or macOS, this comparison will point you to a VPN that fits your needs.

5 Best VPNs for PC (With Pros and Cons)

1. Proton VPN: Best VPN for security 
2. CyberGhost VPN: Best VPN for fast speeds
3. ExpressVPN: Best VPN for streaming
4. NordVPN: Best VPN with a dedicated IP
5. Norton VPN: Best VPN with ad blocking

1. Proton VPN: the best VPN for security

Proton is widely regarded as one of the top VPNs for Windows and macOS, and when it comes to the best free VPNs, it’s hard to beat. If you're looking for a secure, reliable VPN without paying a cent, Proton should be at the top of your list.

While free VPNs usually come with serious compromises, including logging and selling user data, Proton takes a different approach. It offers a genuinely free plan with no data caps, no ads, and a strict no-logs policy.

Pros of ProtonVPN:

• Security in first place: Features like Secure Core servers and a no-logs policy will not leave you in danger. 

• Big server network: This is the best free VPN with the largest server network worldwide. 

• User-friendly design interface: The Proton app is very intuitive and easy to navigate. 

• Free plan.

Cons: 

• Subscription Plans: Proton subscriptions might seem a bit expensive compared to competitors. 
  
• Limited Support: You can reach out to the support only via email. 

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2. CyberGhost VPN: Best VPN for fast speeds

The next on our list is CyberGhost VPN. The interesting thing about this VPN is that it is one of the oldest VPNs with a vast server network. The services include ad blocking, tracking protection, etc.

Now let's dive into the pros and cons of CyberGhost VPN.

Pros: 

• Vast server networks: CyberGhost VPN is perfect for circumventing geo-based restrictions.
  
• Perfect speed: Enjoy good speeds, especially while using WireGuard. 
  
• Multiple device support: Yes, you read it right. CyberGhost will protect your different devices with just one account. This is just a paradise if you need a VPN for multiple machines. 

Cons: 

• Not an ideal option for Asian countries with big firewalls: Unfortunately, some Asian countries (like China, for instance) have powerful restrictions that are sometimes hard to bypass with CyberGhost. 

• Limited ad blocker: For some HTTPS websites, it doesn’t block all ads. 

• Failures on macOS: It has limited features for macOS compared to Windows. 

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3. ExpressVPN: Best VPN for streaming

ExpressVPN has built a strong reputation for privacy and security, and it’s earned it. Known for its commitment to user safety, the service even developed its own VPN protocol, designed to optimize speed and performance, especially on mobile devices.

Another standout feature: ExpressVPN’s servers run entirely on RAM, not hard drives. That means all data is wiped with every reboot or update, offering an extra layer of protection.

Here’s a quick breakdown of ExpressVPN’s key pros and cons:

Pros: 

• Great speed performance: As mentioned above, ExpressVPN has its own VPN protocol, and thanks to that, it’s the fastest compared with other VPNs. 

• Works great for streaming: Ideal for watching Netflix, BBC, Hulu, and other streaming services without being blocked.

• 24/7 customer support: Compared to other VPNs, ExpressVPN has the best customer support, operating 24/7 and is ready to answer your questions every day. 

• High reputation: Just go through Quora or Reddit, and you will see tons of recommendations for ExpressVPN from real users. 

Cons

• High price: As a matter of course, the top VPN providers have the highest price, and that’s the bad thing about ExpressVPN, too. If we compare it with CyberGhost, it’s more expensive, which can be challenging for a small budget. 

• Limited devices per account: This VPN offers only 5 devices per account. 

• No static IP: Compared with the competitor, it doesn't give a static IP. Users always use shared IPs. 

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4. NordVPN: Best VPN with a dedicated IP

If keeping your data safe is your top priority, NordVPN is one of the most reliable choices available. It’s one of the most popular VPNs globally, trusted by millions for good reason.

What sets NordVPN apart is its strong focus on security. It offers features like Double VPN for layered encryption, dedicated IP addresses, and NordLynx, its protocol built for speed and privacy. 

On top of that, NordVPN undergoes regular independent audits to verify its no-logs policy, adding an extra layer of trust.

Here’s a look at the main pros and cons of using NordVPN:

Pros: 

• Fast performance: Thanks to the NordLynx protocol, this VPN is the fastest, making it a trusted option in 2025 for gamers and streaming lovers.
  
• Security: Double VPN has two hops for extra security, or Onlion over VPN connects traffic through the Tor network. 

• 30-day money-back guarantee: NordVPN offers a money-back guarantee for all subscription plans. 

• Dedicated IP for extra money: Yes, you can pay a bit more but have a dedicated IP to run your business or work safely and securely. 

Cons: 

• No free-trial plan: Unfortunately, there's no free trial. But, as mentioned above, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which ends up being very similar to a free trial.

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5. Norton VPN: Best VPN with ad blocking

Norton VPN comes from Norton LifeLock (formerly Symantec), the same company behind one of the world’s most recognized antivirus brands. It’s often bundled with Norton 360 or LifeLock plans, which means many users get it at no extra cost as part of their broader security suite.

Unlike some competitors that rely on third-party infrastructure, Norton operates its own server network, a plus for users concerned about data handling and control.

While it doesn’t offer the advanced features that power users might expect, Norton VPN is designed to be simple, user-friendly, and effective for everyday browsing and privacy.

Let’s go over the main pros and cons of Norton VPN:

Pros: 

• Easy to navigate: It’s one of the easiest VPNs to set up, especially if you are a beginner. The user interface is intuitive and easy to use. 

• Decent speeds: Great for everyday browsing and streaming. This can be a perfect option for everyday personal use as it is considered one of the most trusted VPN providers in 2025. 

• Ad tracker blocking: Stops some ad trackers while you browse.

• Works on multiple devices: Norton VPN works with Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. 

Cons: 

• No advanced features:  It doesn’t have any special features or specialty servers. 

• Fewer servers & locations: Norton VPN has smaller networks compared to other VPNs. 

• No independent no-logs audit: They claim no-logs but don't allow third-party audits.

Navigate safely with NortonVPN

Quick Comparison Table: Best VPNs for PC (2025)

Still not sure about which one to choose? No worries, we made this chart to help:

VPN	Best For	Free Plan	Devices per Account	Dedicated IP	Price Range
ProtonVPN	Privacy & Security	✅	10 (paid plan)	❌	Free – $$$
CyberGhost	Speed	❌	7	✅	$$
ExpressVPN	Streaming	❌	5	❌	$$$
NordVPN	Advanced Security	❌	6	✅	$$
Norton VPN	Simplicity	❌	5	❌	$ – $$

How We Chose the Best VPNs for PC

Not all VPNs are created equal, especially when it comes to using them on a PC. To help you find the best options, we focused on a few key factors:

1. Security and privacy standards

First and foremost, a VPN needs to protect your data. We looked for providers with strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and independent security audits.

2. Speed and performance

No one wants a VPN that slows everything down. We prioritized services that offer stable, fast connections for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

3. Platform compatibility

We made sure all options here work seamlessly with Windows 10 and 11, and many of them support macOS, Android, and iOS too.

4. Value for money

Whether it’s a free plan or a premium subscription, each VPN on this list offers solid value based on the features you get.

Paid VPNs vs. Free VPNs: Practical Differences

When looking for secure VPN services, it’s important to understand the differences between paid and free options. Both have advantages and limitations, and choosing the right one can protect your privacy, help you access restricted content, and keep your data secure.

Paid VPNs

Paid VPNs are often considered the Best VPN for PC solutions for Windows PCs. Premium Paid VPNs are premium services, usually offering faster speeds, stronger security, more server locations, and dedicated customer support. 

If you stream, game, or download large files, a paid VPN is the best way to guarantee consistent performance and privacy without annoying limitations.

Are Free VPNs a good option?

Not everyone wants to pay for a VPN, which is why many users search for the best free VPN instead. 

A free VPN can be a good starting point for basic browsing and occasional use, but you'll have to be careful: many of them sell your data externally.

But of course, free versions have their limitations: 

• Data caps
• Slower speeds
• Data leaks
• Fewer server locations
• Ads. 

It’s rare to find a truly free unlimited VPN for Windows, but Proton VPN is the exception with no data limit, though speed can be slower during peak times.

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When searching for the best free VPN for Windows 10 or a free VPN for Windows 11, always check the provider’s privacy policy. Some free services log your data and sell it to advertisers, which defeats the purpose of a VPN. 

Look for a provider with a clear no-logs policy and strong encryption standards, like the ones we recommend here. 

FAQ

Which is the best VPN for Windows in 2025?

For general performance and security, NordVPN and ExpressVPN are the best choices. If you want it to be easy to set up and with good streaming support, give CyberGhost a try. For a reliable free VPN, Proton VPN is the one that you need.

Is there a truly free unlimited VPN for Windows?

If you are looking for a free VPN for Windows, Proton VPN is one of the few names that offers a free plan with unlimited data. The other free VPNs have data limits or even slower speeds.

Is Norton VPN a good option for streaming or torrenting?

Norton VPN can be a good option for basic security and privacy, but it does not support torrenting, and unfortunately, may not reliably access some popular streaming services like Netflix. For streaming and P2P, a dedicated VPN like ExpressVPN or NordVPN is a better choice.

Are free VPNs safe to use on Windows 10 or 11?

Of course, some free VPNs are safe if you choose trusted providers, like the ones we mentioned. Avoid using unknown free VPNs, as they may log your data or show ads, except for Proton.