Windows is the most popular operating system used today. It was initially launched by the huge computer company, Microsoft, back in 1981. Even though the older versions of Windows were very risky when it came to online threats, yet, the recent versions have come a long way in the direction of providing the users with a much more secure operating system. However, when comparing it with other operating systems available (Mac, Linux, etc.), it is still not considered the safest one of them all. Especially that these online risks have been increasing and becoming more and more advanced. These threats come in many forms including viruses, malwares, cybercrimes, etc. This is why, even the users with the latest versions of Windows, are still bound to online threats and should take measures to protect their online life. These measures come in different forms but the most reliable form recently has been the use of a VPN.
A VPN provides its users with several features related, not only to online security, but also online freedom. The online security features include highly encrypted connections between the users and the VPN servers, security protocols supported by the VPN service, and other additional security features. Online freedom or the ability to bypass online censorship are done by the VPN allowing its users to connect to any of its numerous servers located outside of the country that is applying these restrictions or inside the countries applying geo-restrictions to their sites (e.g. Netflix US can only be accessed from within the US). What differentiates between VPN providers is the quality and strength of the features provided and, in the case of Windows users, the VPN’s compatibility with the Windows operating system. Since almost all VPNs are compatible with Windows, we will focus more on the security features to compare. With that being said, we have picked out the best 3 VPNs for Windows.
Best VPNs for Windows
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the leading premium names in the VPN market. It started operating officially in 2009 and is based in the British Virgin Islands. Over the years it has provided state of the art online security measures to hundreds of thousands of users all over the world. The ExpressVPN application is compatible with almost every operating system with very minor differences between each version. For that reason it is considered a very suitable VPN for Windows.
Level of Security
- Network is SSL secured with a 256-bit encryption
- Multiple security protocols supported (OpenVPN with TCP/UDP, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP, and SSTP)
- An additional security feature is the Network Lock Kill Switch
Network of Servers
- More than 1000 servers in 145 cities, spread across 94 countries around the world
- This network is able to provide the users with countless shared IP’s to hide their online identity within
Compatibility
- The ExpressVPN Windows application is extremely user-friendly and is very easy to use.
- It is compatible with all the recent versions of Windows (XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10)
- There is also an available ExpressVPN application for Mac, iOS, Android, Routers, and Linux
Additional Features
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Unlimited server switching
- Zero logging of network traffic
- Up to 3 simultaneous connections
- 30-day money back guarantee
NordVPN
NordVPN was initially launched in 2012 with the core vision of providing its users with complete online freedom, security, and privacy. It is based in Panama and is famous for providing both standard and customized online solutions for all its users. Over the years it has become a very popular name among its competitors. It is without a doubt one of the best VPN service providers in the market. We would definitely recommend it to all the Windows users out there.
Level of Security
- NordVPN uses an AES 256-bit SHA encryption to secure its entire network
- Multiple advanced security protocols supported (OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP, SSTP, and IKEv2)
- Additional security features include Double Data Encryption, Automatic Kill Switch, DNS Leak Resolver, Onion over VPN
Network of Servers
- Network consists of 1023 servers spread across 59 countries around the world.
- Each server provides its users with numerous shared IP’s and the availability of acquiring dedicated IP’s
Compatibility
- Connecting to the NordVPN servers through the Windows application is as simple as a single click
- There is an available application for all the recent versions of Windows (XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10)
- NordVPN provides applications that are compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Routers, and more
Additional Features
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Unlimited server switching
- Up to 6 simultaneous connections
- No logs kept
- Smart Play
- 3-day free trial and 30-day money back guarantee
BVPN
BVPN is known to be one of the strongest VPNs in the VPN industry. It started operating from the Netherlands in 2014 and in a very short time grew to prove its name among the big names in the market. It has ranked very high in several online challenges around the world. BVPN is known to have a very creative approach in all its online security features and continuously upgrades its application to provide its users with the easiest yet strongest online security service available. We would definitely recommend it for all Windows users.
Level of Security
- The entire BVPN network is secured with a 256-bit military grade encryption
- Multiple advanced and unique security protocols supported (OpenVPN with TCP/UDP, L2TP/IPSec, SSH, SSTP, and its very own Smoke Tunnel)
- Additional security features include IPv6 Leak Protection, Public Wi-Fi Hotspot Protection, and Internet Kill Switch
Network of Servers
- BVPN has more than 20 strategically placed server locations around the world
- There are continuous expansions to the network.
- Each server provides the users with numerous shared IP’s
Compatibility
- The BVPN Windows application is one of the easiest VPN applications available and users can connect to any server by simply just clicking on it.
- The application is supported on most of the Windows versions (Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10)
- BVPN is also supported by multiple operating systems like Mac, iOS, and Android
Additional Features
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Unlimited server switching
- Up to 6 simultaneous connections
- No logs kept
- 7-day money back guarantee
Conclusion
Even though Microsoft have been continuously improving the built-in security measures in the Windows operating system, yet the online risks are still much greater. As mentioned earlier, with all these security updates and still Windows remains an unsafe operating system and hence a strong compatible VPN is very important to be acquired by all Windows users. This is to ensure their complete online security, freedom and privacy.
