There are many things to consider when choosing a VPN, including device support, privacy features, internet speed, and price. Here are the main factors to consider when choosing a VPN for Windows.
Device compatibility
Most VPNs offer apps for Windows. However, you likely have other devices, including phones, tablets, and streaming devices, that you want to install a VPN on. You’ll find apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS from almost every VPN provider. Some platforms, such as Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Linux graphical user interface (GUI) apps, are less common. Think about the non-Windows gadgets you want to use the VPN on, and make sure your provider of choice has an app.
Personal
Privacy is one of the main reasons to use a VPN. We recommend at least 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy. While no-logging claims are difficult to verify with certainty – you can and should be skeptical – they give you peace of mind. Third-party audits increase transparency while supporting non-logging confirmations.
Internet speed
All VPNs slow down your Internet download and upload speeds slightly because your data not only passes through your Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) servers, but also passes through your VPN provider’s servers for encryption. However, some companies offer faster speeds than others. The fastest VPNs offer minimal speed loss of 20% or less, which is ideal for bandwidth-intensive activities like streaming 4K video, uploading videos to YouTube, and playing competitive online games.
Server network
A solid network of servers lets you find the perfect connection. You need a large number of servers and a large list of individual countries. A VPN company with fewer servers but more independent countries may be better suited for traveling because you have a wider selection of countries to choose from. Many of the VPNs we recommend, including ExpressVPN and Surfshark, offer 100 or more servers.
Unblocking content
Privacy aside, many people use VPNs to bypass regional restrictions. Whether it’s about unblocking streaming content like accessing the English Netflix library in the US, or avoiding annoying but important CAPTCHAs when traveling abroad, a VPN has you covered. For streaming, make sure your VPN works with your preferred service, such as Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video.
Customer support
Especially if you’re new to VPNs, a comprehensive help guide and FAQ section will make it easy to get help. We appreciate companies that have detailed installation instructions and troubleshooting tips. For further assistance, 24/7 live chat online or by phone is a great solution, whether you’re experiencing connectivity issues or have billing questions.
Price
VPN reimburses you anywhere from $10 per month to $100 per year. Generally, you’ll save by purchasing an annual subscription with bigger discounts for two- or three-year purchases. Despite the lower costs, we recommend avoiding multi-year plans because of how quickly the VPN world is changing. Even if your provider initially offers fast speeds and excellent privacy features, they may suffer a data breach or be acquired by an unscrupulous company. To get the best value with the least risk, stick to an annual plan. High-end companies charge $90-$100 per year, while good value VPNs cost around $50-$60 per year. Companies often offer attractive starting prices for the first year of work and then increase the prices. However, if you upgrade during a sale – perhaps around Black Friday or Cyber Monday – you can still get a great deal.
2023-12-31 17:59:57
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