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Ranked honestly · Real shortlist · No number-one-everywhere spam

The best VPNs for Windows

On Windows you want a stable desktop app, a dependable kill switch, split tunnelling and fast servers for work and play. Here is how the field ranks for Windows 10 and 11, with ROOT placed honestly.

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The ranking

A real shortlist. ROOT is placed where it genuinely earns its spot, not bumped to the top.

  1. NordVPN

    From £2.99 · 10 devices · No-logs

    A polished, feature-packed Windows app with a solid kill switch, split tunnelling and the fastest big network. The all-round Windows leader.

    NordVPN alternative

  2. ExpressVPN

    From £4.99 · 8 devices · No-logs

    A clean, reliable Windows client with Lightway and a dependable kill switch. Premium priced but very stable.

    ExpressVPN alternative

  3. Private Internet Access

    From £1.69 · Unlimited devices · No-logs

    The most configurable Windows app: open-source, deep settings, split tunnelling and unlimited devices, all cheap. Great for tinkerers.

    Private Internet Access alternative

  4. ROOT VPNOur pick to start free

    Free, then £3.99 · 10 devices · No-logs

    ROOT's desktop app is its flagship, live today on Windows 10 and 11, with WireGuard speed, a kill switch, four protocols and a free tier. The one honest gap versus the veterans is a smaller server network, so it ranks just behind them.

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  5. Surfshark

    From £1.99 · Unlimited devices · No-logs

    A tidy Windows app covering unlimited devices with CleanWeb, at a low long-term price. Speeds vary more than the top picks.

    Surfshark alternative

How we ranked them

The criteria that decided the order.

Best Windows VPN, answered

What is the best Windows VPN?
Our top pick is NordVPN, for the reasons in the ranking above. ROOT VPN comes in at number 4 on this list and is the pick if you want a genuinely free way in and modern stealth protocols. The right choice depends on what matters most to you.
Is ROOT VPN a good Windows VPN?
Yes, and we have placed it honestly at number 4 here rather than pretending it wins every category. ROOT gives you a free tier with unlimited data, four modern protocols and no activity logs, which makes it a strong, low-risk one to try first.
Do I have to pay for a good Windows VPN?
Not to start. ROOT VPN has a free forever plan with no card required, and a couple of others on this list offer real free tiers too. Paid plans add more locations and faster servers when you need them.

More ranked shortlists

Browse more, or see the full list of best-VPN guides.

Start with the free pick on this list.

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