Best Windows 10 VPN 2020

From slim and sleek ultrabooks, to gargantuan RGB-laden gaming battlestations, Windows PCs come in all manner of shapes and sizes. So too do even the best VPN options for Windows 10. Whether you're editing a script on a plane or unlocking some slick new skins in CS:Go, a decent virtual private network could very well be on your wish list.

Unlocking the full potential of the internet, a solid VPN will allow you to stream content on your PC that might otherwise not be available in your country. Catching up with the latest content from across the pond on BBC iPlayer, for example, might not be possible in the US, due to geo restrictions.

Using a VPN though, you can trick your PC into thinking it's actually in another location, such as the UK, removing all of those pesky restrictions. It's a grey area, and one which we don't condone ourselves, but we're presenting a list of some of the best VPNs around in case it's the sort of information you're after.

How does a Windows 10 VPN get me access?

At its core, a VPN makes you appear to be in a different physical location. They work by diverting your signal through another server, often in another country, utilizing a different IP address in the process. Essentially, this means that you can appear to be on the other side of the world, which has the added bonus of also providing privacy and anonymity, while unlocking access to streaming content in that country.

You could, for example, access Netflix content on your Windows PC browser that's unavailable in the US, broadening your content options from the comfort of your gaming chair.

We've tested a bunch of VPN services and have rounded up five of the best Windows 10 VPN options below!

1. ExpressVPN

Best overall Windows 10 VPN for most people

Fast connections: Very | Number of servers: 3,000+ | Server locations: 160 | Maximum devices supported: 5 | Can be used with: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox

Plan Length	Monthly Cost	Discount	Total Price
1 Month	$12.95	0%	$12.95 at ExpressVPN
6 Months	$9.99	23%	$59.95 at ExpressVPN
15 Months	$6.67	49%	$99.95 at ExpressVPN

Pros

• Useful Windows-specific features
• Very fast speeds

Cons

• More expensive than most

ExpressVPN is our number one choice for the best Windows VPN, and with good reason. For starters, it has 160 VPN locations spread across 96 different countries, with excellent server performance across the board, even in far away locations.

The Windows app itself is nicely polished and rammed with useful features such as server recommendations, different protocols and kill switch options. Another handy bonus is the ability to control things directly from browser extensions, which further streamlines the experience.

If the server automatically changes, which can often be the case when using a VPN, you'll be none the wiser, as the connection itself won't drop. Throw in strong encryption, security protocols and no logging of data, connection IPs and online activities, and you've got one of the best options around, complete with 24/7 live customer support.

ExpressVPN

This is our top pick for anyone looking to get started with a VPN. It offers a great mix of speed, reliability, outstanding customer service, and affordability. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee, so give it a shot today.

From $6.67 per month at ExpressVPN

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2. Surfshark

Best Windows 10 VPN for beginners on a budget

Fast connections: Yes | Number of servers: 1,700+ | Server locations: 100+ | Maximum devices supported: Unlimited | Can be used with: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Playstation, Xbox

Plan Length	Monthly Cost	Discount	Total Price
1 Month	$11.95	0%	$11.95 at Surfshark
12 Months	$5.99	50%	$71.88 at Surfshark
24 Months	$1.99	83%	$47.76 at Surfshark

Pros

• Great bang for buck
• Unlimited devices

Cons

• May be a little basic for experienced users

Surfshark offers incredible value for money, especially if you commit to more than one year of service, which drives the overall cost down significantly. Not only that, but you can use as many gadgets on its service as your hands can handle, thanks to its generous unlimited device policy.

Easy to set up, you'll be browsing the web anonymously in no time, with decent speeds and plenty of security options for peace of mind. That includes a choice of OpenVPN, IKEv2 and Shadowsocks security protocols, private DNS, AES-256 encryption, and a kill switch for those moments when your connection may drop.

It might lack the more complex settings that power users may be after, so if you're an experienced heavy user that likes delving into the tweaking options, you may want to look elsewhere. For most people though, this is an ideal starting service, especially when you take its 30-day money back guarantee into consideration.

Surfshark VPN

From $1.99 per month at Surfshark

You can connect as many devices as your heart desires at the same time and never worry about any of them being logged. Surfshark also offers a 30-day guarantee that you'll like the product, or it will give you your money back.

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3. NordVPN

Best Windows 10 VPN for the security conscious

Fast connections: Very | Number of servers: 5,400+ | Server locations: 80+ | Maximum devices supported: 55+ | Can be used with: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux

Plan Length	Monthly Cost	Discount	Total Price
1 Month	$11.95	0%	$11.95 at NordVPN
12 Months	$6.99	41%	$83.88 at NordVPN
24 Months	$3.49	70%	$83.76 at NordVPN
36 Months	$3.49	70%	$125.64 at NordVPN

Pros

• Great security features
• Fast speeds

Cons

• Some UI issues

Widely regarded as one of the best and most recognizable VPNs in the game, NordVPN has won users over with its incredible security options, which includes passing your data through two separate VPN servers for a double dose of security.

If that wasn't enough, you also have the option to route traffic over the Tor network, in addition to KEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN, PPTP, and L2TP protocols, along with a kill switch.

While the app's UI can be a little buggy at times, the service is fast and solid, with a 30-day money back guarantee and 24/7 support if required. The multi-year plan offers the best value for money, if you decide to continue using its services after the initial 30 days, and if you want an extra dose of anonymity and privacy, you have the option to pay via Bitcoin too, which sets it apart from most rivals.

NordVPN

From $3.49 per month at NordVPN

NordVPN is one of the most common and biggest names in the VPN space, and it also happens to be one of the best. It offers amongst the largest number of server options and some high-quality app experiences.

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4. IPVanish

Best Windows 10 VPN for feature fiends

Fast connections: Very | Number of servers: 1,500+ | Server locations: 75 | Maximum devices supported: Unlimited | Can be used with: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux

Plan Length	Monthly Cost	Discount	Total Price
1 Month	$11.99	0%	$11.99 at IPVanish
3 Months	$3.99	67%	$11.99 at IPVanish
Annual	$6.49	46%	$77.99 at IPVanish

Pros

• Great app
• Lots of features

Cons

• May have a learning curve for some

The aptly-named IPVanish has an excellent, polished Windows app that's rammed with settings and features specifically designed for PC users, with basic and advanced settings available for all levels. It's an ideal choice for P2P traffic use cases, which includes torrenting and file sharing services.

From download speed graphs to a Quick Connect menu, a whole host of features are available in an easy to use manner. These are combined with strong speeds and solid security, including a kill switch, 256-bit encryption, a no-log policy, as well as a host of other protocols.

Some of the features may not be on by default which means you may have to dig around and find your feet, but with a little time, power users will soon find their comfort and feel right at home - especially if you take into account the extra languages on offer, which include Spanish, Russian and Hindi.

IPVanish VPN

From $3.99 per month at IPVanish

IPVanish may not have the biggest numbers for stats, but the service that the company offers is reliable and fast. Getting set up takes just minutes, so start today!

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5. CyberGhost

Best Windows 10 VPN for flexibility

Fast connections: Very | Number of servers: 6,200+ | Server locations: 110+ | Maximum devices supported: 7 | Can be used with: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux

Plan Length	Monthly Cost	Discount	Total Price
1 Month	$12.99	0%	$12.99 at CyberGhost
12 Months	$5.99	54%	$71.88 at CyberGhost
24 Months	$3.69	72%%	$88.56 at CyberGhost
38 Months	$2.75	79%	$99 at CyberGhost

Pros

• Large server count
• Lots of tweak options available

Cons

• Support could be better

CyberGhost, like ExpressVPN, is able to quickly and easily connect to different servers, with numerous security protocols on offer alongside 256-AES encryption, a kill switch, ad blocker and a beefy privacy policy.

The service offered is speedy, thanks to a decent amount of servers around the world, although certain features like the ad blocker can occasionally slow things down a little. The app itself is rammed with features, allowing more comfortable users to tinker away to their hearts' content, although VPN greenhorns should still feel comfortable too.

It doesn't offer a free trial like some of its rivals, but it does serve up a fairly generous 45-day money back guarantee, giving you ample time to take it for a spin before laying down your hard earned cash.

If you do go for it, we'd recommend the one year subscription option, which works out to the cheapest amount per month.

CyberGhost VPN

From $2.75 per month at CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost makes using a VPN easy by helping you choose the best server to use for certain tasks, and it generally offers some of the best pricing around as well.