Best VPNs for PC: 2 Picks for Windows 11, Windows 10 and Laptops
The 2 best VPNs for a Windows PC or laptop, with real prices, the settings PC gamers need, and what Windows’ built-in VPN can’t do without a service.
Quick Answer
Proton VPN is the best VPN for PC for most people: a full Windows app with a native ARM version, Moderate NAT for games and audited no-logs, from $2.49 a month. PureVPN is the pick for open ports and a dedicated IP, and it’s the lower price, from $1.69 a month on 5 years. Both run on Windows 11 and 10, on up to 10 devices.
Without a VPN, your internet provider can see which sites your PC connects to, and every site sees your home IP. On public Wi-Fi, you’re also trusting a network you know nothing about. These 2 VPNs cover that on Windows 11, Windows 10 and laptops, and each adds something the other doesn’t.
The 2 Best VPNs for PC in 2026
Proton VPN suits most PCs and laptops. PureVPN is the one to pick when you need open ports or a fixed address.
Proton VPN Plus
- Moderate NAT for games, in the Windows app settings
- NetShield, split tunneling, kill switch and P2P servers
- $2.49 a month on 2 years ($59.76), 10 devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
2-year plan
PureVPN
- Port forwarding add-on: all ports or up to 15 chosen ports
- Split tunneling, kill switch and obfuscation
- $1.69 a month on 5 years ($101.55), or $2.15 on 27 months, 10 devices
- 31-day money-back guarantee
5-year plan·$1.69/mo $12.95/mo
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Which PC VPN Fits Your Job
Find what you use your PC for. The last column shows the pick.
| Your job | Why it fits | Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday privacy on Windows | Proton’s app is open source and audited, with NetShield to block ads, trackers and malware sites on paid plans. Keep Windows Security on too, since a VPN doesn’t replace antivirus. See the best VPN for privacy. | Proton VPN |
| Laptop on hotel, airport or café Wi-Fi | Both encrypt your traffic on networks you don’t control, and both have a kill switch. See the best VPN for travel. | Proton VPN or PureVPN |
| Games with Strict NAT | Proton’s Moderate NAT is the quickest fix, and PureVPN’s add-on opens ports. Details in the gaming section below. | Proton VPN |
| Torrenting on your PC | Proton’s paid plans add P2P servers and a forwarded port. See the best VPN for torrenting. | Proton VPN |
| Streaming in a browser or app | Both list streaming on paid plans. Services change their blocks, so try yours during the refund window. See the best VPN for streaming. | Proton VPN or PureVPN |
| Hosting a game or Plex server behind CGNAT | PureVPN opens the exact port numbers you need. See PureVPN port forwarding. | PureVPN |
| Sites that keep blocking shared VPN addresses | A dedicated IP gives you an address only you use. See the best dedicated IP VPNs. | PureVPN |
| Roblox, CapCut and other PC apps | Both cover every app on your PC, not just the browser. See the best VPN for Roblox and VPN for CapCut. | Proton VPN or PureVPN |
| Lowest monthly price | PureVPN starts at $1.69 a month on 5 years and $2.15 on 2 years, against $2.49 on Proton’s 2-year plan. See the best cheap VPNs. | PureVPN |
Best VPN for PC Gaming: The Settings That Matter
A regular VPN connection usually gives you Strict NAT, which can cause trouble joining or hosting games and hearing your team. On Windows, you can change that from the app.
| What you need | Proton VPN | PureVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Strict NAT in a game | Moderate NAT: a setting in the Windows app | Port Forwarding add-on: all ports open |
| A game or app that needs a fixed port number | Not a fit: one random port | Up to 15 chosen ports |
| Hosting a game server | One random port | All or chosen ports, plus a dedicated IP if players need one address |
| Keeping your IP from other players | Yes | Yes |
On Proton VPN, go to Settings, Connection, Advanced settings, NAT type and choose Moderate, then Apply. You can’t use it together with port forwarding, so pick one per session. A VPN adds a stop on the way to the game server, so choose a nearby server and compare your ping.
Get Moderate NAT With Proton VPNThen run our NAT test to see the type you’re on. More in the VPN NAT type guide, the Windows NAT type guide and the best VPN for gaming.
Best VPN for Laptops, Including Snapdragon Models
A laptop moves between networks, so the kill switch matters more than on a desktop: if the VPN drops on hotel Wi-Fi, it cuts your connection until the VPN is back. Both picks have one.
Check your chip if you have a Surface or another thin laptop. Snapdragon and other ARM laptops run ARM versions of Windows, and Proton VPN publishes a native ARM app with all the features of its regular one. It names the Surface Laptop, Surface Pro, Samsung Galaxy Book S, Lenovo Flex 5G, HP Elite Folio and Acer Spin 7. Go to Settings, System, About to see your system type.
Wondering if your laptop needs one at all? See should you use a VPN on your laptop. On a MacBook instead? See our VPN for MacBook guide.
PC VPN Price: From $1.69 a Month
Paying month to month costs several times more. PureVPN’s monthly price is $12.95, and its 5-year plan brings that down to $1.69. Add-ons cost only a little more when you buy them with the 2-year plan.
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Proton VPN Plus, 2 years | $2.49 a month ($59.76) | Moderate NAT, one forwarded port, NetShield and split tunneling included |
| PureVPN, 5 years | $1.69 a month ($101.55 for 60 months) | Kill switch, split tunneling and obfuscation included |
| PureVPN, 2 years | $2.15 a month ($58.20 for 27 months) | The same, and the plan to choose if you want an add-on |
| PureVPN with Port Forwarding, 2 years | $3.48 a month ($93.96 for 27 months) | All ports or up to 15 chosen ports |
| PureVPN with Dedicated IP, 2 years | $4.81 a month ($129.96 for 27 months) | One fixed address that only you use |
US prices before tax, read at checkout on November 6, 2026, during Black Friday offers. Seasonal deals, when running, show on the cards above. After the first term, plans renew at each VPN’s regular rate. Refunds don’t cover renewals, crypto on PureVPN, or cash and bank transfer on Proton VPN.
Get Proton VPN Plus From $2.49 a MonthWindows Built-In VPN vs a VPN App
Windows 11 and 10 include a VPN client under Settings, Network & internet, VPN. It’s a form, not a service: Microsoft’s guide asks you for a server address, VPN type and sign-in from your employer or VPN provider. For a personal VPN, it also points you to the provider’s app.
| What to compare | VPN app | Windows built-in client |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | The VPN service and its servers | A connection profile, with no servers of its own |
| Setup | Install, log in and connect | Enter a server name, VPN type and sign-in by hand |
| Changing location | Choose from the app’s server list | A separate profile for each server you add |
| Kill switch, split tunneling and NAT settings | In the app’s settings | Not part of the profile form |
| Best for | Personal use, gaming and travel | A work VPN your employer set up |
How to Set Up a VPN on Windows in 4 Steps
- Choose your VPN and plan. Pick Proton VPN Plus or PureVPN. Long plans cost least per month. Go to the 2 picks.
- Install the Windows app. Download the app from your VPN’s own site and log in. If you search the Microsoft Store instead, check the publisher, because many apps have VPN in the name. On a Snapdragon laptop, choose Proton’s ARM version.
- Turn on the settings you need. Check that the kill switch is on. For games on Proton VPN, go to Settings, Connection, Advanced settings, NAT type and choose Moderate. For open ports on PureVPN, set them in the Member Area first.
- Connect and check. Connect to a nearby server, then check that your public IP has changed. Try your games and apps during your refund window.
Need more detail? See how to connect to a VPN and how to tell if you’re using a VPN.
VPN Not Working on Your PC? 4 Quick Fixes
It won’t connect
Switch protocol or server, then restart the app. Security software can block a VPN too: see VPN blocked by external software.
It keeps dropping
Try another server or protocol, and keep the kill switch on while you do. More in VPN keeps disconnecting.
Your internet got slower
Pick a nearby server first. Use split tunneling to keep large downloads outside the VPN. See VPN slowing down your internet.
A game still shows Strict NAT
Check the NAT setting is on, then reconnect so it applies. If you forwarded a port, allow the game through Windows Firewall as well.
Related Guides
Sources (checked November 6, 2026):
- • Microsoft Support: connect to a VPN in Windows
- • Proton: its Windows download page (ARM app, features, servers, devices) and Moderate NAT guide (Windows path, limits)
- • PureVPN: its Windows page (versions, protocols, features) and order page (totals with add-ons in the cart)