6 Best VPN for Windows 11 in 2024 (Free & Premium) - EarthWeb (2024)

In a hurry?
The best VPN for Windows 11 in 2024, as found in our independent testing, is NordVPN!

While most VPN providers promise to shine in security and speed, only a few actually do.

Fortunately, we’ve found six of the best providers of VPN services for Windows 11 to save your time.

Whether from viruses or hacking, Windows operating systems have always been vulnerable to security threats.

Although Windows 11 claims to be more secure, it’s always a good idea to use a VPN for an added layer of security.

A good VPN should encrypt your traffic, ensuring all your online activities are protected from prying eyes.

While changing your IP address, the VPN should allow you to browse the internet anonymously (so much so even your ISP can’t see what you’re doing online).

Besides that, you can use a VPN to spoof your location and access services and geo-restricted or censored websites.

This post will walk you through six of the best VPN providers for Windows 11.

All these VPN providers are compatible with almost all currently used Windows versions and other operating systems.

That means they’ll work perfectly (without a hitch) on Windows 11.

Best VPN for Windows 11 in 2024

1. NordVPN – 🏆 Winner!
2. Surfshark
3. AtlasVPN
4. ExpressVPN
5. Private Internet Access
6. IPVanish VPN

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is, undoubtedly, our first-rated VPN for Windows 11.

The service is based in Panama and was co-founded by Tom Oakman.

Although it released its iOS and Android apps in 2016, it was October 2017 when the company released browser extensions for Google Chrome.

In addition, it’s now compatible with almost every kind of device, including Mac, Android TVs, and more.

👉 Get NordVPN FREE!

👉 Get NordVPN FREE!

As the company is based in Panama, Nord falls outside the surveillance of the 14 eyes law.

This means that no one (not even government bodies) can force it to give up your confidential data through statute. That’s a plus for anyone who always wants to keep their information private.

Moreover, NordVPN is one of the best solutions for accessing a lot of geo-restricted streaming content.

In fact, NordVPN can unblock restricted content on BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu, and other services.

You name it, the company has it.

Moreover, the VPN provider keeps on updating the IP addresses of its servers to overcome the possibility of various streaming services figuring out that you’re using a VPN to bypass their restrictions.

Nord currently has more than 5,000 servers located in 60 countries (another plus point).

While each of its servers is streaming-friendly, if you aren’t sure which location to choose while streaming, you can go to the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Australia, and the United States.

Apart from these, NordVPN even comes with P2P services, which are torrenting-optimized, which means that these servers support torrenting.

But unfortunately, only a few of its servers support P2P.

Moreover, this VPN provider offers a similar interface for all its devices, so you don’t need to worry about getting confused.

The desktop version of NordVPN also has excellent features, such as a kill switch, auto-connect, DNS leak protection, and many more.

2. Surfshark

Located in the Netherlands, Surfshark is a popular budget VPN.

It was launched in 2018, making it one of the newest additions to the large VPN market.

The mission of this VPN provider is to create a secured digital space and allow users to have complete control over their online lives.

In fact, in the same year (i.e., in 2018), it had its first independent audit conducted by Cure53.

Also, the company released Surfshark Search and Alert and Trust DNS (a free app) in 2019. Surfshark also owns an antivirus.

👉 Try Surfshark FREE

It released 2-factor authentication in 2020 to enhance its security. Besides that, it moved to a 100% RAM-only VPN server network recently.

Today, it has 3,200 servers spread across 65 countries.

On top of that, each country has different libraries due to geo-location and copyright issues. So, this content is geo-restricted.

However, Surfshark VPN can change your IP address to the location of your favorite content library, enabling you to access this content while sitting at home.

What more can anyone wish for, right?

Moreover, Surfshark VPN can unblock almost all content streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, VUDU, BBC iPlayer, HBO, Hot Star, Disney plus, Hulu, CBS, and DAZN.

In fact, you can use this provider of VPN services to bypass the content library of the UK, the US, Japan, Canada, and many more.

Apart from these, Surfshark follows a strict no-log policy which means that it never and will never keep your data, including your IP address.

In addition, the IP address that this VPN provides is entirely different from your actual one, so you can download torrents with complete safety.

In fact, all of its servers (apart from the countries where torrenting isn’t allowed) support P2P.

Furthermore, you can get an ad-blocker (that allows you to block malware and ads and help you avoid phishing) at an extra cost.

Also, it offers an unlimited number of simultaneous device connections and a split tunneling add-on.

3. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN was initially launched in 2019 and formed an essential part of a highly secure service that we have ranked as the best free VPN for Windows 11.

Its main aim is to make sure the internet remains safe for anyone. Moreover, Nord Security (the company that owns NordVPN) purchased Atlas VPN in 2021.

Nord Security is one of the leading providers of digital privacy and security solutions.

This Virtual Private Network service provider allows users to browse the internet with complete anonymity.

In addition, it also offers security and privacy protection for your online activity.

This is highly beneficial in gaining access to geo-restricted content like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Pandora, etc.

👉 Get Atlas VPN FREE

Moreover, it also protects from any online surveillance, which is really important in Russia, China, and Uzbekistan.

Unlike most VPN services that limit the number of devices one can connect per account, Atlas doesn’t place any limit.

In fact, you can join as many devices as you want with a single license.

Furthermore, along with Windows, Atlas is compatible with all the major operating systems, including Mac, iOS, and Android (isn’t it amazing?).

Additionally, this VPN provider supports almost all P2P clients, so you can enjoy a safe file sharing and torrent downloading experience.

Plus, it comes with a split tunneling feature that enables the users to route specific internet traffic via the VPN and others via the regular internet connection.

That’s not all; Atlas has a WireGuard Protocol, an open-sourced encryption protocol created to offer higher and safer connections.

In fact, whenever you use this protocol, you speed up your online experience.

It uses high-tech cryptography that makes Atlas way more reliable for streaming, browsing, and gaming.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN, established in 2009, was founded by Dan Pomerantz and Peter Burckhardt.

It makes the cut, and you’ll know why in a few minutes.

But first, it offers free tools on its official website, including a DNS leak test, an IP address checker, and a WebRTC test. Therefore, if you want, you can check it on its website.

The reputed VPN provider has thousands of servers (it hasn’t disclosed the exact number of servers yet) in 160 cities and 94 countries; that’s a high volume of locations.

Moreover, you don’t need to worry about whether it’ll be available for your device or not because it offers apps for every platform.

More precisely, it’s compatible with Windows (obviously), Android, Linux, iOS, Mac, Routers, PlayStation, Chromebook, Kindle, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox.

Additionally, one of the main reasons VPN providers are used is for unblocking streaming services or geo-restricted content, and that’s where ExpressVPN shines.

It has Netflix-optimized servers, which is best for bypassing Netflix geo-restricted content.

For instance, the UK, the US, and Ireland are best for accessing Netflix content, and ExpressVPN has servers there, so you can easily unblock this content.

Although ExpressVPN doesn’t have any specific P2P optimized server (servers for peer-to-peer file sharing), all its servers are optimized for P2P.

Therefore, no matter which location you’re using, you can share files with your colleagues and friends at ease.

Moreover, ExpressVPN uses a Lightway protocol, which keeps you more secure online with high-speed browsing.

5. Private Internet Access

Established in 2009, Private Internet Access (PIA) is a trusted and well-established VPN, known for its apps and extra functionality.

However, Kape (owner of ZenMate and CyberGhost) acquired the VPN in 2019.

PIA is one of the leading VPN providers when offering a vast server network. Although it hasn’t disclosed the number of servers, it’s certainly more than 10,000.

Private Internet Access also has excellent security and privacy credentials.

Plus, you’ll get access to WireGuard and OpenVPN encryption protocol and can also choose the level of encryption, handshake methods, and data authentication.

All its apps are open source, come with an effective kill switch, and strictly follow a no-log policy.

The browsing speed shows an average of nearly 190-300Mbps when you use the OpenVPN encryption protocol in the United States.

Moreover, with the WireGuard VPN protocol, the rate could reach 430Mbps.

More precisely, it’s neither the best nor worst performer. Well, for most individuals, this speed is more than enough.

Additionally, Private Internet Access can unblock the United States Netflix; however, it fails to free other libraries of Netflix such as Japan and Canada.

Also, PIA can unblock geo-restricted content of Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer, making it an excellent VPN for streaming fans.

Moreover, it allows torrenting on all its servers.

Furthermore, the port forwarding function of Private Internet Access is tailored to P2P sharers.

PIA’s desktop apps are simple and effective, with effortless access to unique additional features.

It also has a special piactl command-line tool. This tool allows a user to write scripts for the app to follow.

Besides that, private Internet Access mobile apps are also compelling, making them a good choice for all types of devices.

6. IPVanish

IPVanish, our last Windows 11 VPN service, was launched in 2012.

It’s based in the United States, which isn’t a suitable location as it comes under the surveillance of five eyes, nine eyes, and 14 eyes.

The countries in these alliances can share information about their people within the coalition.

Don’t worry; IPVanish can still safeguard your online privacy extensively from these alliances.

However, your data will be shared (with the government) if you do something which isn’t appropriate in the eyes of the law.

So, as long as you keep your online activities clear, there’s no need to worry about anything.

Moreover, a free IP checker and a password generator are available on IPVanish VPN’s website.

These can work as practical tools at times, mainly because we need many passwords these days, but it’s so hard to come up with unique code.

Also, the IP checker is best to check whether your IP ever got leaked.

Furthermore, if you want to use P2P features or look for a VPN to torrent files, then IPVanish is one of your best options.

In fact, each of its VPN servers supports torrenting (therefore, you aren’t limited to specific VPN servers).

Moreover, the VPN provider is known for its high speeds in terms of torrenting.

The interface of IPVanish is easy to navigate with its white, black, and green color theme (you know what, this color theme gives gamer vibes).

Because it’s one of the popular VPNs for gaming, it has catered well to its customers.

That’s not all; IPVanish also has a simplistic layout, so you can find everything quite easily.

In fact, it has a vast connect button in the above right corner or bottom (the structure depends on the country you’ve chosen).

How to Install a VPN on Windows 11

There are different ways to install a reliable VPN on Windows 11.

However, the easiest way is to establish a third-party app (you can use any of the VPNs mentioned above, but we recommend Nord).

The other way is to set up a VPN connection through Windows settings. We’ll talk about both in this post.

First, you can install a VPN on Windows 11 through a third-party app.

You need to sign up with any of the mentioned VPNs for Windows 11; however, we particularly recommend NordVPN.

Next, download and install its Windows app on your device (don’t worry, it won’t take more than a minute).

After logging in to the app and connecting to any server you want, it’ll ensure that all your data are encrypted online. And you’re all set to enjoy it.

However, if (although you won’t still) you face any trouble unblocking content, make sure to clear the cache and cookies of your browser.

Apart from that, you can also manually install a VPN on Windows 11 through Settings.

In such a case, you need to go to “Settings” and then navigate to “Network and Internet.” After that, go to the “VPN” and “Add VPN.”

Once done, you need to specify the following: VPN type, VPN provider, Type of sign-in info, Connection name, and Server name or address.

Once you’re done adding all the required information, again navigate to “Settings,” followed by “Network and Internet” and “VPN Connections.”

Finally, click “Connect.” And that’s it; you’re ready to use a VPN on your Windows 11.

FAQs

In Summary, the best VPNs in 2024 are;

Conclusion

And we’re done discussing and finding the best Windows 11 VPN.

Now you can easily install and protect your Windows device with a VPN.

However, if you want to download VPN for Windows 11, it’ll undoubtedly be NordVPN.

That’s because it strictly follows a zero-log policy and has a wide range of server networks.

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