The Best VPNs For PC Will Keep Your Rig Secure While You're Gaming - IGN (2024)

ExpressVPN provides the high level of performance and security required from a PC VPN. It’s one of the faster VPNs we’ve tested, averaging 118 Mbps. Depending on your base internet speed, you may enjoy an even faster connection. These speeds coupled with 3,000+ servers in 105 countries makes ExpressVPN the best VPN for streaming. It unblocked every streaming service we threw at it, Netflix included.

Aside from 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a desktop kill switch, ExpressVPN has an ad blocker (this performed well in testing), and a password manager. Another feature is split tunneling which lets you select which apps can bypass the VPN connection. ExpressVPN has an independent audited no-logs policy and even publishes biannual transparency reports.

2. NordVPN

Best VPN For Gaming

NordVPN has one of the larger VPN server networks (6,000+ servers in 111 countries). We found connections to be highly consistent and this makes it not only suitable for streaming when traveling, but the best VPN for gaming. Indeed, NordVPN’s Meshnet feature lets you create a virtual network for LAN gaming with friends.

The internet traffic on your PC is secured from hackers and snoopers thanks to NordVPN’s 256-bit AES encryption and kill switch. We didn’t observe DNS or IP leaks in testing and were impressed with its ad blocker which stopped 91 percent of ads in their tracks. You’ll also have access to a password manager, malware protection, and encrypted cloud storage.

3. Surfshark

Best VPN For Streaming

Surfshark allows you to secure not only your PC, but all of your devices with its unlimited simultaneous connection allowance. One of the most consistent unblockers of geo-restricted content, Surfshark is ideal for streaming. It makes light work of streaming platforms, while speeds are more than fast enough for bandwidth-heavy activities.

If you opt for Surfshark’s highest subscription tier, you’ll have access to a whole host of extra security features. This includes an ad blocker, antivirus protection, and personal data removal. Of course, there’s also military-grade encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch, safely putting Surfshark’s security offering among the more comprehensive for PC.

4. Proton VPN

Best VPN With a Free Plan

Proton VPN is popular with privacy enthusiasts but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in terms of performance. In fact, its VPN Accelerator feature, which optimizes data routing, coupled with 10 Gbps connections on many servers makes it one of the fastest VPNs. The result is streaming and gaming that’s lag-free. Proton VPN has plenty of servers too (4,000+ in 91 countries).

Many VPNs claim to have no-logs policies yet keep connection logs but that’s not the case with Proton VPN. It has open source apps and operates out of Switzerland – a country with strong privacy laws. On top of high-end encryption and a kill switch, you can further secure your PC with its ad blocker and Secure Core (Double VPN) servers. Overall, the reason to go with this VPN over others is that it's our pick for the best free VPNs available on PC.

5. Private Internet Access

Best VPN For Privacy

Private Internet Access supports unlimited simultaneous connections. Though it doesn’t specify its server count, you can choose 91 countries. One particular advantage PIA has over many VPNs is that it lets you order servers by latency. It’s therefore that much easier to find a fast connection for multiplayer gaming or streaming.

There’s no shortage of security features with PIA, providing a high level of security for your PC. It includes an antivirus (Windows only), a built-in ad blocker, and MultiHop servers for two layers of encryption. This is on top of essentials including AES encryption, protection from DNS leaks, and a kill switch. PIA doesn’t keep any logs and has 24/7 live chat support.

6. CyberGhost

Best VPN For Travel

CyberGhost has one of the largest server networks of any VPN (11,000+ servers in 100 countries) so you can always find a fast server nearby. It uses the WireGuard protocol and offers unlimited bandwidth so speeds are as consistent as they are fast. Thanks to its gaming-optimized servers, CyberGhost is particularly popular with gamers.

Another reason why CyberGhost is a great VPN for PC is its security suite for Windows. This adds antivirus and anti-malware protection on top of the high-end encryption already provided. CyberGhost gives you the option to secure seven devices simultaneously. Connected devices further benefit from this VPN’s automatic kill switch and DNS leak protection.

7. IPVanish

Best VPN For Multiple Devices

IPVanish stands out for its generous North America server count which makes up 65 percent of its network. So if you’re in the US or Canada and want a fast local server, or want to watch your usual home streaming services from abroad, it’s likely a great fit. Better still, speeds are more than fast enough for streaming (even in 4K resolution).

This VPN supports the WireGuard protocol which, aside from being fast, is open source and secure. Data is routed through a 256-bit AES encrypted tunnel. Furthermore, IPVanish passed our leak tests with flying colors. A Threat Protection safeguards your PC from ads, trackers, and malicious websites. Last but not least, IPVanish doesn’t keep identifying logs of users.

How to pick the best VPN for PC

Most VPNs offer apps for Windows and Mac, while many either offer a Linux GUI or CLI app (or are compatible with manual configuration). Choosing the best VPN for PC therefore requires taking other factors into account:

• Speed: We carry out speed tests on each VPN’s servers to make sure they’re fast enough for streaming and playing online multiplayer games.
• Security: At a minimum, we’re looking for VPNs that offer a secure VPN protocol, 256-bit AES encryption, and protection from DNS leaks.
• Unblocking: Some VPNs struggle to unblock popular streaming services. We test each VPN against a variety of websites and services before recommending it.
• Servers: Free VPNs only have a handful of servers in one or two locations. The best VPNs for PC have thousands of servers in dozens of countries.
• Privacy: Encryption is little good if your VPN is logging identifying data. By reading the smallprint of privacy policies, we can determine how privacy-friendly a VPN really is.
• Support: Although we’ve selected VPNs that provide user-friendly apps, it always helps to have access to live chat and email support, preferably 24/7.
• Extra features: To further separate the many VPNs available, we sought those that provide extras, be it an antivirus, ad blocker, or password manager.

How to use the best VPN for PC

Once you’ve chosen your VPN for PC, you’ll want to get set up and connected. Here’s how:

1. Sign up with your preferred VPN for PC.
2. Download the Windows, Mac, or Linux app as appropriate.
3. Open the VPN app (you may be promoted to log in).
4. Connect to a server in your preferred country.
5. Your connection is now secured.

Best VPN for PC FAQ

Why should I use a VPN on my PC?

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, rendering it unreadable to third parties and preventing cyber threats such as man-in-the-middle attacks. The fact that it hides your IP address means even your ISP can’t see what you’re doing online. Aside from the security and privacy-related benefits, a VPN allows you to spoof your location and bypass geo-blocking. If your ISP is throttling your connection, a VPN may even improve your speeds.

Will a VPN slow my connection?

Unless your ISP is throttling your bandwidth, a VPN is likely to slow your connection to a degree. There are several influencing factors including the protocol you use, the location of the server to which you connect (and its proximity to your actual location), and the current server load. The encryption process takes its toll but, as our speed tests indicate, some VPNs compensate for this better than others. With the fastest VPNs, you may not notice a difference.

Can I use a free VPN for PC?

There are plenty of free VPNs for PC but they have too many limitations. You’ll likely only have access to a few servers (often in one or two countries) and there will probably be bandwidth and data caps. Some free VPNs don’t properly encrypt your data and make money by logging your data. Overall, free VPNs tend to offer inferior security and performance, making them particularly unsuitable for streaming and PC gaming.

Mark Gill is a freelance VPN writer for IGN, bringing over five years of dedicated experience from Comparitech, where he delves deep into the intricacies of VPNs. A journalism graduate with a passion for safeguarding digital freedoms, Mark has strengthened his expertise with a Google Cybersecurity Certificate and is now studying for the CompTIA Security+ certification. When he’s not testing VPNs, Mark is an avid gamer with a soft spot for the Sega Mega Drive, reliving the classics for a dose of nostalgia. He also enjoys mountain biking and watching football (go Lions!), and working on his dark comedy screenplays. You won’t find Mark on social media because he already wastes far too much time managing his fantasy football teams with the hope of this year being “the year.” Hint: it never is.