Finding a trustworthy, free VPN for Windows can be a daunting task. The free VPN market is filled with potential risks, such as embedded malware or the sharing of user information with unknown third parties. However, after extensive testing, my team and I have discovered a few free VPNs that you can rely on.
We tested over 70 free VPNs to identify the best options that are safe for Windows users. While all free VPNs have limitations, such as smaller server networks, slower speeds, or a lack of advanced security features, the following shortlist provides basic security and privacy protection, along with usable speeds.
The top VPN on our list is ExpressVPN. Although it’s not entirely free, it offers advanced security features, a vast server network, and impressive speeds. Unlike other free VPNs, ExpressVPN doesn’t come with any restrictions. Additionally, it offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it out without any worries. We tested this guarantee and received a refund within 3 days, hassle-free.
If you’re short on time, here are the best free VPNs for Windows PCs in 2023:
- ExpressVPN: The fastest and most reliable VPN for Windows, offering military-grade security features. You can try it completely risk-free for 30 days.
- CyberGhost: An intuitive Windows app with optimized servers for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. You can test it without worry for 45 days.
- Proton VPN: A forever free VPN with unlimited data for seamless browsing, although it may have limitations in unblocking popular streaming platforms.
- Avira Phantom VPN: A user-friendly app that provides complete protection for your Windows device for free, with a monthly data cap of 500MB.
- hide.me: A totally free VPN with excellent security features to keep your PC protected, although it may have difficulty accessing some major streaming sites.
For a full analysis of the best free VPNs for Windows PCs, including two additional options, continue reading below.
1- ExpressVPN – The Fastest and Most Reliable Windows VPN for Streaming, Torrenting, and Gaming
ExpressVPN is our top pick due to its impressive speeds, extensive server network, and advanced security features. During our tests, we achieved an average speed of 61.45Mbps on its German, US, and Canadian servers. Even on long-distance servers in Australia and Japan, we experienced only a 12% drop from our baseline, which is considered excellent. These speeds are more than sufficient for streaming in UHD quality.
With over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, ExpressVPN ensures that you can always find a reliable server for browsing, streaming, or torrenting on your Windows PC. It successfully unblocked 20+ Netflix libraries, as well as Disney+ and BBC iPlayer, allowing access to global content. ExpressVPN supports P2P activity and even works in countries with online censorship. However, always be sure to comply with local laws and regulations.
Setting up and using ExpressVPN on your Windows device is effortless. The installation process takes only 5 minutes, and connecting to a server is as simple as clicking a button. We recommend enabling the “Launch on startup” option to ensure automatic connection to the fastest server upon PC startup. ExpressVPN is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11, as well as XP with manual OpenVPN setup.
ExpressVPN prioritizes user privacy and data protection. It employs military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch, and protection against IP/DNS/WebRTC leaks. Additionally, its Threat Manager feature prevents apps and websites from tracking your activity..
ExpressVPN’s privacy policy is transparent, stating that it does not collect activity logs or connection logs, ensuring your online activities remain private. Based in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN operates under a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, further enhancing its commitment to user privacy.
While ExpressVPN is not entirely free, it offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can try out all its features on your Windows PC without any commitment. If you’re unsatisfied with the service, you can request a refund within the first 30 days, no questions asked.
2- CyberGhost – An Intuitive Windows VPN with Optimized Servers
CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN provider that offers a dedicated app for Windows users. It provides an intuitive interface and optimized servers for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. During our tests, we achieved an average speed of 52.18Mbps on CyberGhost’s servers, ensuring smooth browsing and streaming experiences.
With over 7,200 servers in 91 countries, CyberGhost offers a vast network that allows you to access content from around the world. It successfully unblocks popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, giving you the freedom to enjoy your favorite shows and movies on your Windows PC.
CyberGhost offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service without any risk. This gives you ample time to assess its performance and compatibility with your Windows device.
3- ProtonVPN – A Forever Free VPN with Unlimited Data
ProtonVPN is a reputable VPN provider that offers a forever free plan for Windows users. While the free plan has limitations, such as slower speeds and access to a limited number of servers, it provides unlimited data, making it suitable for basic browsing needs.
ProtonVPN’s free plan allows you to connect to servers in three countries and provides secure and private browsing on your Windows PC. However, it may have limitations in unblocking popular streaming platforms and may not be suitable for bandwidth-intensive activities like torrenting or gaming.
If you require more advanced features and access to a larger server network, ProtonVPN also offers premium plans that provide enhanced security and performance.
4- Avira Phantom VPN – User-Friendly Protection for Your Windows Device
Avira Phantom VPN is a user-friendly VPN app that provides complete protection for your Windows device. It offers a free plan with a monthly data cap of 500MB, allowing you to secure your online activities and protect your privacy.
Avira Phantom VPN’s free plan is suitable for light browsing and securing your connection while using public Wi-Fi. If you require more data, Avira offers affordable premium plans that provide unlimited data and access to a wider range of servers.
5- hide.me – A Totally Free VPN with Excellent Security Features
hide.me is a reliable VPN provider that offers a completely free plan for Windows users. It provides excellent security features to keep your PC protected and your online activities private.
hide.me’s free plan includes 10GB of data per month, ensuring you have enough bandwidth for basic browsing and occasional streaming. It offers strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and support for multiple VPN protocols, making it a solid choice for Windows users seeking a free VPN.
However, it’s important to note that hide.me may have difficulty accessing some major streaming sites, so it may not be suitable if streaming is a priority for you.
Final Verdict
While free VPNs for Windows come with certain limitations, such as smaller server networks and slower speeds, the VPN providers mentioned in this article offer basic security and privacy protection for your Windows PC. ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, ProtonVPN, Avira Phantom VPN, and hide.me are all reliable options that you can consider based on your specific needs.