5 Best VPNs for Windows (2022): Safe, Easy to Use + Affordable

Short on time? Here’s the best VPN for Windows in 2022:

To find the best VPNs for Windows, I tested 72 of the most popular on the market.

It wasn’t an easy task. Many VPNs lack the necessary security features, are not intuitive on Windows, have poor privacy policies and overpriced. Many VPN brands can’t be used on streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime. Most of them also slow down my internet speeds too much.

The VPNs on this list are user-friendly Windows apps that can access many streaming apps and have high-speed connections.

Quick summary of the best VPNs for Windows:

• 1.🥇 ExpressVPN — Best overall VPN for Windows users in 2022.
• 2.🥈 CyberGhost VPN — Secure, reliable, fast, and inexpensive.
• 3.🥉 ProtonVPN — Excellent privacy features with a good free plan.
• 4. Private Internet Access — Customizable Windows app (with excellent P2P support).
• 5. PrivateVPN — User-friendly and simple Windows app.

🥇 1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Windows in 2022

ExpressVPN is a high-security VPN that is fast and secure. It also has a Windows app.

ExpressVPN’s speed allowed me to stream Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime content in high definition without buffering thanks to its fast speeds. It took me 10 minutes on average to download a BitTorrent file of 1 GB.

ExpressVPN’s Windows App also includes additional security features such as:

• Perfect forward security — This changes your encryption key every time you connect to a server in order to protect your data from being compromised by a third party.
• TrustedServer technology — ExpressVPN stores server metadata in memory (RAM), and wipes all data clean after each server is rebooted.
• Split tunnel — This allows you to select which apps will be routed through the VPN tunnel, and which through your local network.

ExpressVPN is a great way to connect to a fast server via your Windows laptop or desktop computer. You can either use the Smart Locator feature or choose from the ExpressVPN recommended servers.

ExpressVPN automatically disables IPv6 traffic, WebRTC leaks and is very user-friendly. It also makes it easy to enable/disable configurations such as automatically launching ExpressVPN when a Windows device is turned on.

ExpressVPN offers three payment options: a monthly, 6-month and yearly plan. The best deal is the yearly plan, which costs D152.350 per month and includes 3 months of free service. ExpressVPN supports 5 connections and offers a 30-day money back guarantee.

Bottom line:

ExpressVPN, my favorite Windows VPN, is available. It has excellent security features, is fast and easy to use. You get excellent server technology, perfect forward secrecy and split-tunneling, in addition to the essential privacy features. ExpressVPN is compatible with all major streaming services and allows 5 connections. All payment plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

ExpressVPN 2022

Name: Review ExpressVPN

Description: You have the option to choose between a subscription-based plan that includes a 1-month (6-month) or 12-month plan. The 12-month plan offers an additional 3 months of free service. While the 12-month plan may be the most affordable, it is more expensive than CyberGhost VPN’s 12-month plans.

Offer price: Star $6.99

Currency: USD

Operating System: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS

Application Category: ExpressVPN - Brand Review

Author: Best Antivirus

• Security
  (4)
• Features
  (3.5)
• Ease of use
  (4.5)
• Customer Support
  (4)
• Pricing
  (4.5)

Overall

4.1

Summary

The VPN speeds are remarkable consistent on both short-distance as well as long-distance connections.

All apps connect quickly with servers and there were no connection drops during thousands of tests.

ExpressVPN’s speed on long-distance connections is what really stands out.

Pros

• Exceptionally fast & reliable speeds
• Strong security & AES-256 bit encryption
• User-friendly apps for PC, Mac, iOS, Android & more
• Audited zero-logs policy & no IP/DNS leaks
• Impressive router app to protect all devices
• Five simultaneous device connections

Cons

• No Linux GUI

🥈 2. CyberGhost VPN — Best-Value VPN for Windows

CyberGhost VPN’s Windows application is easy to use, intuitive, fast, and comes in one of the most affordable VPN packages available.

CyberGhost did well in speed tests. It only decreased my average speed by 32%. CyberGhost’s Windows application displays server load percentages for each server. This shows how many active users are connected, so that users can quickly find the fastest.

CyberGhost’s Windows App comes with additional security features such as:

• NoSpy server — These servers were built by CyberGhost, and are operated by CyberGhost personnel only. They provide more security and speed than regular servers.
• Smart Rules — This tool is very convenient and allows you to personalize your privacy and security preferences.
• ID Protect — This alerts if your passwords and email have been stolen from the dark web.
• Specialized server — CyberGhost will tell you which servers are best for streaming, torrenting and gaming.

CyberGhost has a few drawbacks. It doesn’t work in countries that restrict internet access (like China). ExpressVPN is a VPN that can bypass firewalls.

CyberGhost VPN offers 7 simultaneous connections, and monthly and annual payment plans. Prices start at D52,310 per month. CyberGhost is one of the most affordable VPN providers on the market. CyberGhost offers a 45-day money back guarantee for its annual plans, and a 14 day money-back guarantee for the monthly plan.

Bottom line:

CyberGhost VPN Windows app is fast, secure, and affordable. It has pre-optimized dedicated servers that can stream, torrent, and play games, as well as extras such dark web monitoring. CyberGhost reduced my average speed by only 32% during my tests. I was able to browse the internet and view videos without any lag or interruptions. CyberGhost VPN is not available in China so it doesn’t have the best results when it comes to bypassing internet restrictions. CyberGhost VPN offers a generous 45 day money-back guarantee on all its annual payment plans.

🥉 3. ProtonVPN — High-Privacy Features + Good Free VPN for Windows

ProtonVPN offers great security, speeds, and a simple Windows dashboard. It also has standard privacy features like kill switch and no-logs policy. ProtonVPN’s Windows application offers additional features such as split-tunneling and ad blocking. Secure Core servers route your internet traffic through multiple ultrasecure servers.

It’s great that ProtonVPN has made its Windows app open-source so anyone can see the source code. The app was also independently audited for security risk. Most of these vulnerabilities were fixed by ProtonVPN.

I love how simple it is to use ProtonVPN. Each ProtonVPN server is marked with a circle. This indicates which server is performing well, what is average and what is bad. My internet speeds decreased by 34% in my tests. This is slower than ExpressVPN.

ProtonVPN offers a free plan that is quite good. The free plan includes unlimited data and access 3 servers, but only 1 device can be connected at a time. ProtonVPN’s “medium” plan has some drawbacks. It doesn’t support streaming or torrenting and only provides “medium” speeds.

ProtonVPN Basic is the most affordable plan. It costs D91.360 per month and provides 2 connections. You also have access to servers in 40+ countries. ProtonVPN plus is the most affordable plan and costs D182,720 per month. It adds 10 connections and the fastest speed. Access to servers in 60+ countries. You also have access to streaming servers, Tor, Secure Core and Tor over VPN servers. ProtonVPN Visionary adds a ProtonMail address for D548,160 per month. ProtonVPN offers a prorated 30-day guarantee for all plans.

Bottom line:

ProtonVPN, a VPN with high-privacy features, offers a free plan. ProtonVPN’s Windows application is open-source and offers great speeds. ProtonVPN’s free plan offers unlimited bandwidth and decent speeds. However, you can only use it on one Windows device at once and can’t access torrenting or streaming servers. ProtonVPN offers 3 tier-based, paid plans with a prorated 30-day guarantee.

ProtonVPN 2022

Name: Review ProtonVPN

Description: ProtonVPN respects its customers' privacy. It does not log or track any customers' internet activity. The application, along with one of its features "Secure core", sends your internet traffic through multiple servers. This is a great security and privacy feature. However, sometimes the internet connection can be slow due to this.

Offer price: From $4.99 to up $15.99

Currency: USD

Operating System: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS

Application Category: ProtonVPN - Brand Review

Author: Best Antivirus

• Security
  (4.5)
• Features
  (3.5)
• Ease of use
  (4)
• Customer Support
  (3)
• Pricing
  (4)
• Speed
  (4)

Overall

3.8

Summary

ProtonVPN VPN is one of the most simple to use VPN services. ProtonsVPN places a lot of importance on protecting its customers’ privacy. ProtonVPN’s encrypted email service has been the best-known in the world for years. ProtonVPN is, in other words: a company that lives and breathes privacy.

Pros

•  Values the privacy of its customers
•  Has its HQ in Switzerland

Cons

• The servers are sometimes slow
• Is not offering customer support 24/7
• You only get access to all servers and features at the highest pay level

4. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Customizable Windows App + Excellent P2P Support

Private Internet Access is a Windows app that can be customized to provide decent speeds. However, it was able to connect very fast to local servers and provided me with a great connection speed.

I love the flexibility of PIA’s security settings. You can toggle between 7 categories to enable/disable a variety of features, such as split-tunneling and kill switch, and also change more advanced settings like data authentication and VPN encryption. Although most users won’t have to modify many of these settings, PIA defaults to the recommended settings. PIA is one VPN that allows you to control various configurations and settings.

PIA can be used for torrenting as it allows P2P traffic to all its servers. I was able to download 10 times faster using port forwarding in my tests. PIA is a great streaming VPN. It works with major sites such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and Disney+.

Private Internet Access permits 10 simultaneous connections. It offers 3 payment options starting at D46.370 per month and includes a 30-day money back guarantee.

Bottom line:

Private Internet Access offers a highly intuitive, customizable, and fully-open-source Windows app. Each plan comes with a 30-day guarantee.

Private Internet Access (PIA) 2022

Name: Reivew Private Internet Access (PIA) 2022

Description: PIA's profile is quite unique. This service is very flexible and offers great prices. This is especially true when you consider how it performs in certain situations like torrenting. PIA is a great choice if you are looking for something that's both practical and affordable.

Offer price: Star $2.99

Currency: USD

Operating System: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS

Application Category: Private Internet Access (PIA) - Review Brand

Author: Best Antivirus

• Security
  (3.5)
• Features
  (3)
• Ease of use
  (4)
• Customer Support
  (4)
• Pricing
  (4.5)
• Speed
  (3.5)

Overall

3.8

Summary

It is tempting to choose the best when looking for a service. VPN users may find the best a bit subjective. Because features are costly, you should look for the VPN that best suits your use style.

Pros

• Flexible encryption options
• Full security protection available
• PIA offers decent speeds
• Torrent download speeds are fast with PIA
• Wide availability with massive server farm
• PIA is extremely user friendly
• Connect up to 10 devices with PIA
• (Mostly) Excellent customer support
• Reasonable plan duration and prices

Cons

• Dubious business perspective
• Fast, but could be faster
• Netflix works – but takes time buffering
• No app exclusion / whitelisting
• Unverified Windows installer

5. PrivateVPN — Easy-To-Use VPN with Good Security

PrivateVPN is a user-friendly Windows application that offers fast streaming and torrenting speeds. PrivateVPN also has two viewing modes for Windows: Basic View and Advanced view.

The Simple makes things easy. You only need to decide which server you want to connect to. To do this, click on the large power button or manually choose a location using the change button. Contact customer support is the only option in Simple view.

The Advanced gives you the option to select your protocol and encryption level (256-bit or 128 bit AES), activate the kill switch to block certain programs from accessing internet, and activate Stealth VPN (PrivateVPN’s obfuscation function that bypasses firewalls in countries subject to online censorship).

PrivateVPN performed very well in speed tests – my speeds dropped by about 40% which is comparable with ProtonVPN or Private Internet Access. PrivateVPN’s fast speeds enabled me to stream Netflix and other streaming apps with no buffering. PrivateVPN supports P2P traffic from all 200+ servers.

PrivateVPN supports 10 simultaneous connections. Flexible payment options are available starting at D45680 per month. PrivateVPN offers a 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee on all of its payment plans.

Bottom line:

PrivateVPN is a simple Windows app with fast speeds and security. Advanced view allows you to access all the features and functions of PrivateVPN. PrivateVPN is an excellent VPN for torrenting and streaming. It works in countries with internet censorship. All of its payment plans include a 30-day money back guarantee.

PrivateVPN 2022

Name: Review PrivateVPN

Description: PrivateVPN is a VPN company that is constantly growing its user base. It was established in Stockholm, Sweden in 2009. It is a product by the Swedish company Privat Kommunikation Sverige AB. PrivateVPN claims that it is a VPN that protects users' privacy and security. We will be verifying this claim in our PrivateVPN review. PrivateVPN claims it is the fastest growing VPN in the world and promises to protect everything.

Offer price: Star $2.99

Currency: USD

Operating System: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS

Application Category: PrivateVPN - Brand Review

Author: Best Antivirus

• Security
  (4)
• Features
  (3.5)
• Ease of use
  (4)
• Customer Support
  (4)
• Pricing
  (4)
• Speed
  (4)

Overall

3.9

Summary

PrivateVPN is a decent VPN with no major issues, except for the Android app issues. It’s an average VPN, but it’s not exceptional. It is a great way for you to protect your privacy and stream content from around the globe. We were impressed by the fact that they do not keep logs. The VPN clients worked well, with the exception of occasional app crashes. PrivateVPN’s pricing structure is reasonable. We would recommend them if they could fix the issues with their smartphone apps.

Pros

• Easy desktop and mobile installation
• No logs
• OpenVPN 2048-bit encryption with AES-256
• Works with US Netflix
• Excellent speeds and unlimited bandwidth
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• 6 simultaneous connections

Cons

• More servers could be added
• Live Chat is not available 24/7
• Performance issues especially with the mobile clients

Source : #safetydetectives
Editor by : BEST Antivirus Review Team