Top 5 VPNs for Windows in 2026

Use this 2026 ranking to compare VPNs that list Windows support, then choose by the other devices you use and the privacy features you value. Each pick also lists a kill switch, split tunneling and an independent no-logs audit.

How we ranked these VPNs for Windows

Every provider here lists Windows, so Windows support alone does not separate the picks. We ranked by the number of listed platforms first: all five cover 12, including desktop and mobile operating systems, TV devices, routers and browser extensions. That makes this list useful if you want one subscription across a mixed set of devices, not just a Windows PC.

Next, we considered kill switch, split tunneling and independent no-logs audit flags. All five list each of those features, so the ranking keeps the supplied order; the additional details below help you decide which is the better fit. We rank on listed specifications and features rather than lab tests. A feature listed for a service does not by itself establish how it behaves in every Windows setup.

1. Surfshark Starter

Surfshark stands out if you want to connect many devices on one account: it lists unlimited simultaneous connections. For Windows, it has the three core flags used in this ranking, plus WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec and its own protocol. It lists 4,500 servers in 100 countries and RAM-only servers.

• Strengths: 12 listed platforms; kill switch, split tunneling and independent no-logs audit; unlimited simultaneous devices.
• Also lists ad and tracker blocking, malware protection, multi-hop, and a seven-day trial.

• Limits: No free version is listed. The trial is seven days, so it is not a permanent free option.
• The server count is lower than NordVPN’s or PureVPN’s, though Surfshark lists more countries than either of those two.

Choose Surfshark if your household or personal setup includes more than ten devices and you want to cover them under one account. Its broad platform list also suits you if the same VPN needs to work on Windows, a router and streaming devices.

2. NordVPN Basic

NordVPN is a strong match if you want a wide country selection and a large listed server network alongside Windows support. It lists 7,200 servers in 150 countries, the broadest country coverage among these five. Its Windows-relevant checklist includes a kill switch, split tunneling and an independent no-logs audit; RAM-only servers are also listed.

• Strengths: 12 platforms, 10 simultaneous devices, and support for OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, NordLynx and its own protocol.
• Also lists multi-hop, obfuscated servers, Tor over VPN and 24/7 support.

• Limits: The plan allows 10 simultaneous devices, unlike Surfshark’s unlimited connections.
• No ad and tracker blocker or malware protection is listed for this plan.

Pick NordVPN if reaching a choice of locations matters to you and ten connections are enough. For example, you can use it across a Windows laptop, phone and TV devices while keeping a larger listed country range available for your connections.

3. ExpressVPN Basic

ExpressVPN gives you 12 listed platforms and a choice of four protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec and Lightway. It lists servers in 113 countries, RAM-only servers, and the kill switch, split tunneling and independent no-logs audit that matter for this Windows ranking. Ad and tracker blocking and malware protection are also listed.

• Strengths: Ten simultaneous devices and support for Windows, other major platforms, routers and three browser extensions.
• Lists a three-day trial, a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 support.

• Limits: No free version is listed, and the three-day trial is shorter than Surfshark’s listed trial.
• The service lists 113 countries, fewer than NordVPN’s 150.

Consider ExpressVPN if you want several protocol options and listed blocking features alongside the core Windows checklist. Its platform coverage makes it practical if you also switch between a PC, mobile devices and a router.

4. hide.me Premium

hide.me combines the ranking’s Windows essentials with a free version and port forwarding. It lists 12 platforms, a kill switch, split tunneling and an independent no-logs audit. Protocol choices are WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec and SSTP; its server network covers 57 countries.

• Strengths: A free version is listed, along with ad and tracker blocking, malware protection and multi-hop.
• Port forwarding is listed, and support includes live chat, email, tickets, a forum and a knowledge base.

• Limits: Its 57-country coverage is the narrowest among these five picks.
• RAM-only servers and obfuscated servers are not listed for this plan.

Choose hide.me if you want a free option listed by the provider or need port forwarding. The plan’s range of support channels may also suit you if you prefer more than live chat and email when you need help.

5. PureVPN Standard

PureVPN rounds out the list with 12 platforms, 6,000 listed servers and coverage in 65 countries. Its listed Windows features include a kill switch, split tunneling and an independent no-logs audit. It supports WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec, and lists port forwarding.

• Strengths: Ten simultaneous devices, 24/7 support, obfuscated servers and a 31-day money-back guarantee.
• It lists ad and tracker blocking, streaming support and servers in the Netherlands.

• Limits: No free version or free trial is listed.
• The plan lists three protocols and coverage in 65 countries, fewer than NordVPN or ExpressVPN by country count.

PureVPN is worth considering if port forwarding is useful and you want the listed protocol options to include WireGuard. Its ten-device allowance is a familiar limit if you are comparing it with NordVPN, ExpressVPN or hide.me.

Products that did not make the list

Proton VPN Plus lists Windows, a kill switch, split tunneling and an independent audit, but its 10 listed platforms fall short of the 12 in every ranked pick. X-VPN Premium also lists those Windows features, but it covers 10 platforms and allows five simultaneous devices.

How to choose a Windows VPN

Start with your full device mix. All five picks list Windows, but if you also need browser extensions, router support or TV apps, check that your other devices appear in the provider’s platform list. All five list the same 12 platform categories here, while their device limits differ: Surfshark lists unlimited connections and the other four allow ten.

Then decide which extras matter. A kill switch and split tunneling appear on every ranked plan, as does an independent no-logs audit. If you want a free version, hide.me is the only ranked option that lists one. If port forwarding matters, hide.me and PureVPN list it. For a wider listed choice of countries, NordVPN leads this group at 150, followed by ExpressVPN at 113.

Finally, check the protocol options and support you are comfortable with. Surfshark, ExpressVPN and hide.me list four protocols each, while NordVPN lists four including NordLynx and its own protocol; PureVPN lists three. These protocol and network details describe what the providers offer, not a guarantee of a particular speed on your Windows connection. Recheck the comparison table for current plan terms before choosing in 2026.