With the expansion of threats on the internet, both from cybercriminals and data-gathering platforms, more and more people are choosing to install a VPN. These virtual private networks allow us to browse, download, and enjoy online services without revealing our real location and protecting all our digital movements. However, What is the best VPN for Windows 11?
In this article, we address this issue. Here you'll find both free and paid options, their standout features, the level of privacy they offer, their prices, and the advantages of each in 2025.
What is a VPN and why is it important in Windows 11?
When we talk about VPN we refer to a technology that creates an encrypted tunnel between your computer and the VPN server. This allows your data travels safely, preventing internet providers, hackers, or digital platforms from tracking your activity. In addition, allows you to simulate that you are browsing from another country, ideal for accessing geo-restricted content or bypassing blocks.
In Windows 11, VPNs are especially useful because this system has multiple online integrations and, in its ecosystem, It is common to use applications that can collect information. Using a VPN strengthens security both at work and at leisure, on public connections or unsecured WiFi networks.
How to choose the best VPN for your device?
Finding the best VPNs for Windows 11 isn't easy. The range of options is so diverse that it can be overwhelming to decide which one to install. Here are some essential guidelines to help you make the right choice:
- Privacy and log policy: Make sure the VPN doesn't log your activity, data, or traffic.
- Location and number of servers: The more countries and servers you have, the greater your freedom to browse and the better speeds you'll have.
- Cross-platform compatibility: While we're focusing on Windows 11 today, it's ideal for the VPN to have versions for mobile, tablet, router, smart TV, etc.
- Limitations of use: Evaluate the limits on simultaneous connections, data amount, or speed, especially in free versions.
- Easy to use: It is important that the interface is intuitive and the installation process simple.
- Additional features: Some VPNs feature ad blockers, malware protection, firewalls, split tunneling, and more.
Most recommended paid VPNs for Windows 11
Premium VPNs are those that offer the highest level of privacy, speed, and stability. If you take your online security seriously and want avoid limitations, opt for one of these professional solutions:
NordVPN
Recognized as one of the The world's most popular VPNs, NordVPN It has a massive network of over 5.200 servers spread across 59 countries. Its Windows 11 app is intuitive, fast, and packed with advanced features like double encryption, tracker blocking, malware protection, remote file access, and alerts for dark web leaks.
One of its strong points is the policy of zero records: does not store any data about your activity, guaranteeing complete anonymity. Plus, you can use it on all your devices, including PCs, mobile phones, TVs, consoles, and even browser extensions. Prices start at around €3,59 per month for the standard two-year plan, although these prices may change due to promotions.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN It stands out for its great speed and ability to unblock content from anywhere in the world thanks to its servers in 94 countries. It has apps for all types of devices, including routers and Windows 11, and allows you to enjoy connections of up to 10 Gbps. Ideal for streaming, gaming and anonymous browsing, although its price (from €4,79 per month for long-term plans) is somewhat higher than others.
ExpressVPN is known for its ease of use, 24/7 customer support, and strong commitment to privacy (it keeps no logs and uses state-of-the-art protocols).
CyberGhost VPN
Another reference option for Windows computers, CyberGhost It offers more than 8.000 servers in 111 locations. It provides fast connection speeds, advanced protection on public Wi-Fi networks, military-grade encryption, and allows you to protect up to seven devices at once.
Its strong point is its excellent value for money, with a two-year subscription costing around €2,03 per month. It offers apps for Windows, macOS, GNU/Linux, Android, iOS, smart TVs, and consoles. Special attention should be paid to its optimized modes for streaming and secure downloads.
Surfshark
Surfshark It has quickly positioned itself among the best VPNs for Windows 11 thanks to its balance between competitive price and advanced featuresStarting at €1,99 per month (basic plan, two years), you'll get anonymous browsing, an ad and cookie blocker, unlimited P2P protection, and extra features on higher plans. It's highly flexible, easy to install on Windows 11, and ensures a smooth and secure experience.
Private Internet Access (PIA)
PIA It offers you thousands of servers in 84 countries and stands out for its great bandwidth and speed on simultaneous connectionsIt is one of the few to offer open source software, which increases confidence in their handling of privacy.
Its coverage extends to almost any device, with apps for Windows 11, Mac, Linux, mobile phones, smart TVs, and browsers. Its three-year plan costs around €1,75 per month, and its annual plan costs around €3,10 per month.
IPVanish
IPVanish It's a very easy-to-use VPN, perfect for users new to the world of digital privacy. With over 2.200 servers in over 75 locations, protect your identityencrypts your traffic and guarantees high speeds even for P2P downloads. Pricing for two-year plans starts at just €1,97 per month, and its apps are compatible with almost any system.
Free VPNs for Windows 11: Advantages and Limitations
If you only need a VPN a few times and don't want to spend any money, there are free solutions that can be very useful, especially if you choose wisely. Free VPNs have significant limitations.: Limited data, slower speed, ads, or fewer country options. Also, privacy risks are greater, as there are unreliable free options that may trade your data or not properly encrypt information.
Most reputable companies that offer paid VPNs also have limited but security-solid free versions. It is preferable to opt for these alternatives rather than through unknown or ad-filled services.
Top free VPN for Windows 11
- NordVPN Free: It includes limited server access and free monthly gigabytes. Most advanced features are unavailable, but it's the free version of one of the most globally recognized VPNs.
- Hotspot Shield Free VPN: It allows up to five devices with 500 MB of daily browsing time. It includes good encryption, although the free version has ads and you can't choose the server location.
- Windscribe Free: It offers 10 GB of free data per month, a built-in firewall, ad blocking, and 11 server locations. It doesn't store logs and you can register without email (to get all the data, they do require an email address).
- ProtonVPN Free: One of the few free VPNs that doesn't limit monthly traffic. It only allows one device at a time, blocks P2P, and limits location selection to three countries, but it's very secure and doesn't require a login for basic use. Its advanced features (such as a permanent kill switch on Windows) are industry-leading.
- PrivateVPN: An increasingly popular service, with 10 countries in the free version, P2P support, and 10 GB of monthly browsing. Available on Windows 11, Mac, mobile devices, and select smart TVs.
- speedify: 2GB of monthly data, good streaming options, and privacy-conscious (no logging). For one device only, and reduced speed for free users.
- Hide.me Free: For those seeking maximum privacy, it doesn't store logs or display ads. It offers 2 GB per month, unlimited speed on the free plan, and apps for all systems. It only allows five locations and a single device.
- TunnelBear Free: Simple and very easy to use on Windows 11 and other devices, although its major limitation is that it only offers 500 MB per month. It's ideal for occasional or emergency connections.
Recommendations and warnings about using free VPNs
If you decide to install a free VPN, it is essential that you carefully review its Privacy Policy to prevent the use or resale of your personal data. Avoid little-known services or those full of intrusive ads and, whenever possible, prioritize those VPNs that They make it clear that they do not keep logs and use strong encryption. Remember that traffic, speed, or server count limitations may mean that, if you're using the VPN daily or for work, worth investing in a premium plan.
Don't forget to also check that the VPN allows you to use it on all your main devices and that it integrates with your PC's operating system, especially if you're using recent versions of Windows 11 and want maximum compatibility.
What differentiates free VPNs from paid ones?
Paid VPNs They usually offer faster servers, a greater variety of locations, simultaneous connections, direct technical support, and above all, a most guaranteed privacy policy. Also are ad-free, have no data limit and offer additional features such as split tunneling, malware blocking, protection on public Wi-Fi networks, and even integration with password managers.
The Free VPN They're useful for testing or occasional use, but they often come with limitations such as restricted traffic, slower speeds, fewer locations, and the inclusion of ads. For activities that involve transferring sensitive information or continuous protection, opting for a paid version is best.
Advanced features and extra functions of the best VPNs for Windows 11
Some VPNs offer truly useful features that can make a difference in your daily use. Among the most popular are:
- Kill Switch: If your VPN connection drops, the app automatically disconnects from the internet so your real IP address is never exposed. ProtonVPN, for example, even has a permanent blocking mode.
- Double encryption: Add an extra layer of security by encrypting data twice before sending it.
- Tracker and ad blocker: Feature found in NordVPN, Windscribe, and others to prevent websites and advertisers from collecting information about you.
- Protection against malware and network threats: Some services like BitDefender VPN or NordVPN offer active protection against suspicious downloads or leaks.
- P2P support and optimized streaming: For those who need to download files from P2P networks or access streaming service catalogs from other countries.
- Split tunnel: Choose which apps or websites go through the VPN and which don't (available with Private Internet Access, Norton Secure VPN, and others).
- Static or shared IP: There are services that allow you to always have the same IP or change it every time you connect for greater privacy.