Windows is the most popular desktop OS, and most VPNs have their most feature-rich apps on Windows. We tested 10+ VPN Windows apps on Windows 11 for connection speed, features, stability, and ease of use.
Best VPNs for Windows at a Glance
| VPN | Speed (WireGuard) | Split Tunneling | Kill Switch | Price/mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 730 Mbps avg | ✅ App-based | ✅ App + OS | From $2.99 |
| ExpressVPN | 680 Mbps avg | ✅ App-based | ✅ Network Lock | From $4.99 |
| Surfshark | 650 Mbps avg | ✅ App-based | ✅ Kill Switch | From $2.30 |
| Private Internet Access | 600 Mbps avg | ✅ App-based | ✅ Kill Switch | From $2.03 |
1. NordVPN — Best Windows VPN Overall
NordVPN’s Windows app is the most feature-complete VPN app we tested. It offers NordLynx (WireGuard-based) for maximum speed, an OS-level kill switch that blocks all traffic if the VPN disconnects, and split tunneling to route only selected apps through the VPN. The Threat Protection feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware URLs without needing the VPN to be connected.
NordVPN — Fastest Windows app, OS-level kill switch, and Threat Protection built in.
Get NordVPN ›
2. ExpressVPN — Best for Ease of Use on Windows
ExpressVPN’s Windows app is clean and beginner-friendly. One click connects you to the fastest available server. The Network Lock kill switch and Lightway protocol make it excellent for everyday use. It’s slightly more expensive than NordVPN but the user experience is flawless.
Try ExpressVPN ›3. Surfshark — Best Budget Windows VPN
Surfshark offers excellent value on Windows with unlimited devices, WireGuard support, CleanWeb ad blocker, and a reliable kill switch — all at a very competitive price. The Windows app has improved significantly and now rivals NordVPN in features.
Try Surfshark ›Key Windows VPN Features Explained
- OS-Level Kill Switch — Blocks all traffic at the Windows firewall level if the VPN drops (more reliable than app-level only).
- Split Tunneling — Let specific apps bypass the VPN (e.g., local bank site) while everything else is protected.
- WireGuard / NordLynx — The fastest VPN protocols available on Windows; much faster than OpenVPN.
- Ad & Malware Blocking — Some VPNs (NordVPN, Surfshark) include DNS-level blocking built into the Windows app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Windows have a built-in VPN?
Windows has a built-in VPN client that supports IKEv2, L2TP, and PPTP protocols, but it requires manual configuration and doesn’t include privacy features like a kill switch or no-logs policy. A dedicated VPN app is much easier and more secure.
Will a VPN slow down my Windows PC?
With modern protocols like WireGuard or NordLynx, speed loss is typically under 10% on fast connections. The VPN encrypts and routes traffic, adding slight overhead, but modern CPUs handle this easily.
Can I use a free VPN on Windows?
Free VPNs exist but typically have data caps, slower speeds, and weaker privacy practices. For Windows, ProtonVPN’s free plan is the most trustworthy free option.