Last Updated on 2025年11月21日 by wallzhihu
As we move deeper into 2025, internet privacy, security, and unrestricted access have become essential for both work and everyday digital life. While mobile VPN apps have grown extremely popular, many users still prefer the power, convenience, and larger displays of desktop and laptop computers. This makes choosing the right VPN for PC more important than ever.
This article focuses on helping PC users—whether on Windows, macOS, or Linux—find the best and most reliable VPN services tailored for computer use.
What This Guide Covers
- The top-performing VPNs for PC in 2025, ranked by speed, stability, and privacy
- A comparison between free VPNs vs. paid VPNs, including performance trade-offs
- A full value-for-money analysis to help you find the best deal
- VPN services that are not recommended, along with common risks users should avoid
- Important notes on the limitations of self-hosted VPNs and why they may not be suitable for most users
Latest Privacy & VPN Trends
Global digital policies have continued to evolve, with major platforms tightening their security standards. As a result, many outdated VPN tools have become unreliable or have shut down entirely. Popular legacy apps—once widely used—are no longer maintained or simply fail to perform in 2025’s internet landscape.
My Testing & Current Recommendations
After extensive testing across multiple regions and devices, the VPNs that consistently delivered strong performance in 2025 are:
- StrongVPN – Outstanding speed-to-price ratio and excellent stability
- ExpressVPN – Premium performance with superb global server coverage
- Surfshark – Unlimited device connections at one of the best prices available
For users who prefer simpler UI or alternative pricing models, FlowVPN remains a viable option in certain use cases.
As the digital landscape keeps evolving, selecting a reliable PC VPN has become essential for maintaining speed, privacy, and unrestricted access.
This article provides an updated 2025 evaluation, performance tests, and practical recommendations to help you confidently choose the best VPN for your computer.
Let’s dive in and find the PC VPN that fits your needs.
Are Free Computer VPNs Worth Using?
Many users search for free VPNs for their computers and often come across software claiming to offer premium VPN features at no cost. But realistically, running a VPN service requires maintaining overseas servers, paying for bandwidth, and hiring engineers. No company can operate all of that for free without making money somewhere else.
That’s why most free VPNs come with serious trade-offs:
- Some limit you to just a 1-day trial before asking you to upgrade.
- Others allow unlimited use but secretly collect data, including emails, browsing activity, or even login credentials.
- Free services don’t have the budget to maintain servers, so speeds slow down, nodes break, and issues go unfixed.
Even if a free VPN works briefly, its lifespan is usually short because there’s no funding to keep servers updated or secure.
Free VPNs also come with risks such as:
- Excessive ads
- Tracking
- Weak or nonexistent encryption
- Selling user data
- Malware hidden in the installer
If you want strong security, reliability, and performance, a reputable paid VPN is almost always the safer and longer-lasting option. For more details, you can check out our guide on the dangers of free VPNs.
How to Choose the Right PC VPN?
Ultimate VPN Guide: Features to Look for in 2025 – Updated September
In the quest for online privacy and security, selecting the right VPN service is paramount. As we navigate the digital landscape, the need for robust protection against cyber threats and the desire for unrestricted internet access has never been more critical. This comprehensive roundup, updated for March 2024, highlights essential VPN features that cater to the savvy netizen's demands:
- Advanced Encryption: Top-tier VPNs deploy state-of-the-art encryption standards, such as 256-bit AES, to shield your data during transmission from hackers and cyber threats.
- Simultaneous Connections: Enjoy the flexibility of connecting multiple devices under one VPN service. Whether it’s smartphones, computers, or tablets, secure them all at once.
- No-logs Policy: A steadfast commitment to not track any of your online activities, including browsing history and real IP address, safeguarding your privacy rights.
- Global Server Network: With servers strategically located worldwide, you’re guaranteed optimal connection speeds and unrestricted internet access anytime.
- Ad-blocking & Malware Protection: Surf with an added layer of security thanks to built-in ad blockers and malware protection, ensuring a safer and cleaner browsing experience.
- Unlimited Data & Bandwidth: Experience consistent network performance with unlimited data and bandwidth, making throttling a thing of the past.
- Multi-platform Support: Whether you’re on a desktop or mobile device, enjoy a seamless VPN experience across all platforms.
- P2P Support: Optimized for P2P connections, catering to the needs of users who engage in P2P file sharing.
- High-speed Connections: Benefit from high-speed and stable connections globally, balancing security without compromising on user experience.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Access round-the-clock customer support to address any technical queries you might have.
Choosing the Right VPN: What Else to Consider
- Pricing: Select a VPN service that fits your budget and meets your needs.
- Money-back Guarantee: Opt for providers offering a money-back guarantee for peace of mind.
- Free Trials: Choose services that offer free trials, allowing you to test before you commit.
Armed with this knowledge, you're now ready to select the VPN service that best aligns with your requirements, ensuring your online activities remain private and unrestricted.
Overall PC VPN Performance & Value Overview (StrongVPN Takes the Lead in Our Tests)
VPN Value-for-Money Comparison – November 2025 (Updated)
When choosing a VPN, most users care about four things: security, connection stability, speed, and overall value for money.
There are many exaggerated claims online, but the recommendations here are based on real-world tests that I personally performed. My goal is to give you clear, practical information without unnecessary filler.
Why You Can Trust My Testing
- I evaluate every VPN using an objective and unbiased criteria.
- All tests are performed under real everyday usage, not theoretical lab conditions.
- Even though my home connection has limits, I ensure every VPN tested can handle
HD streaming, video calls, online gaming, and secure downloads without issues.
Value-for-Money Analysis
To make comparison easier, I prepared a chart where:
- The horizontal axis represents the plan duration.
- The vertical axis represents the monthly price (in USD).
Based on these metrics:
🔹 Annual Plan → StrongVPN is the most affordable
StrongVPN costs around $3 per month on its yearly plan, making it the best one-year value.
🔹 Two-Year Plan or Longer → Surfshark offers the best deal
Surfshark’s 24-month plan comes out to about $2 per month, giving it the best long-term value.
🔹 Monthly Plan → FlowVPN is the cheapest
FlowVPN offers the lowest monthly price at around $6 per month, ideal for casual or short-term use.
⭐ Personal Recommendation
- If you’re planning to subscribe for one year, StrongVPN offers the best balance of price, performance, and features.
- If you intend to subscribe for two years or more, Surfshark provides the strongest long-term value.
Over the long run, these two services deliver the best combination of affordability and reliable performance.
VPN Pricing Comparison – November 2025
VPN Speed Comparison by Country – Updated November 2025
This year, we performed extensive speed tests using StrongVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, FlowVPN, and other leading providers.
Tests were conducted from multiple regions and across different international servers to provide real-world, data-driven results.
Our goal: help you choose the VPN that offers the best speed for your location and usage needs.
United States Server Tests (West Coast, California)
When connecting to U.S. West Coast servers, ExpressVPN delivered slightly faster speeds than StrongVPN.
This makes ExpressVPN a strong choice for:
- Streaming Netflix U.S.
- Gaming on American servers
- Low-latency, high-bandwidth activities
ExpressVPN’s broad U.S. infrastructure gives it a measurable edge in this region.
Europe Server Tests
Both StrongVPN and ExpressVPN performed well throughout Europe, but:
- ExpressVPN has more server locations across European countries
- This results in better stability, more routing options, and more consistent performance across peak hours
For users who travel frequently or access European content regularly, ExpressVPN has the advantage.
Asia & Latin America Server Tests
Asia (Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore)
StrongVPN performed exceptionally well on long-distance routes to Asia.
It delivered:
- Lower ping
- Faster download speeds
- More stable connections to Japan and Hong Kong
This makes StrongVPN ideal for gamers or users accessing Asian streaming libraries.
Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Argentina)
Speed differences between the two weren’t as large.
However:
- ExpressVPN offers more server locations in the region
- This can lead to better stability depending on routing
Overall performance here is mixed but competitive.
⭐ Overall Conclusions
ExpressVPN
Best for:
- Fastest speeds to the United States
- More server options and stability in Europe
- Consistent global streaming performance
StrongVPN
Best for:
- Superior speeds to Asia (Japan, Hong Kong)
- Best price-to-performance ratio on annual plans
- Lower latency on long-distance connections
Regional Performance Summary
Additional Comparison Reports (Available Sections)
| Region | Winner |
|---|---|
| North America | ExpressVPN |
| Europe | ExpressVPN |
| Asia | StrongVPN |
| Latin America | Tie (ExpressVPN offers more locations) |
1 Global Speed Comparison – October 2025: Includes results for North America, Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, Oceania, and Canada.
2 2. European & Latin American Speed Tests – October 2025 Includes Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Mexico, and Chile.
3 VPN Successful Connection Rates by Continent – October 2025。Each VPN tested 1,000 times with random nodes using a 95% confidence interval.
4 Netflix Connection Success Rate
A detailed comparison of how well ExpressVPN, FlowVPN, Surfshark, and StrongVPN unblock Netflix across different continents.
This chart shows:
- Horizontal axis: Continents (Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Oceania, Africa)
- Vertical axis: % Netflix connection success
- All four VPNs perform best in Europe, North America, and Oceania
- Lower success rates appear in some South American and African regions
These differences are influenced by:
- Regional network infrastructure
- Number of available VPN servers
- Specific local restrictions and censorship policies
Overall, this visual breakdown helps users choose the VPN that performs best in the region they care about most.
Top PC VPN Recommendations with Step-by-Step Installation Guides
Based on the characteristics mentioned above, we have narrowed down the selection to ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and StrongVPN. All three of these VPN services are compatible with computers and possess the aforementioned features. Below we introduce them one by one.
Detailed Recommendations for the Best VPNs
2025 VPN Recommendation – StrongVPN
| Free Trial | 24/7 Support | 5 devices | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Competitive pricing, excellent performance, and reliable security
StrongVPN is a rapidly growing VPN provider with infrastructure across the United States and Europe. Compared to market leaders like ExpressVPN, StrongVPN offers significantly more affordable plans, starting at just $3.50 per month on its annual subscription (about $43.99 total). ExpressVPN, by contrast, costs nearly $6 per month on similar terms.
Despite its lower price, StrongVPN maintains a dedicated technical team that continuously upgrades its servers to ensure fast, stable performance. Whether you're browsing, streaming Netflix or YouTube, gaming, or accessing social media securely, StrongVPN is a highly reliable choice.
The company promotes itself as “the best VPN for streaming media”, offering full compatibility with Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more.
StrongVPN also supports a wide range of devices, including:
- Windows
- macOS
- iOS
- Android
- Amazon Fire TV
- Chrome and Firefox extensions
- Manual setup guides for routers, Fire TV, and Kodi
The service currently operates over 950 P2P-friendly servers across 35+ countries and 46 cities.
StrongVPN supports multiple secure VPN protocols:
OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP, SSTP, and the modern WireGuard protocol.
Users benefit from 24/7 customer support (live chat + email) and a no-question 30-day money-back guarantee.
StrongVPN Test Results — November 2025
In addition to our own internal evaluations, we include real screenshots of speed test results—including tests on distant servers such as Japan—to provide transparent and verifiable data. This ensures our review avoids exaggerated or unfounded claims often found on other VPN comparison sites.
Key Features of StrongVPN:
- Wide platform support across computers, mobile devices, smart TVs, and routers
- Allows up to 12 simultaneous connections—ideal for families or multiple devices
- Unblocks major streaming platforms (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, HBO)
- Includes 250 GB of SugarSync cloud storage with annual plans
- More than 950 P2P-friendly servers in 35+ countries
- Supports modern, secure protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP, SSTP
- 30-day money-back guarantee, no hassle
- 24/7 customer support via live chat and email
- Strict no-logs policy—your browsing data is never tracked or stored
- Highly competitive pricing, cheaper than ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and many EU/US providers
- Outperformed ExpressVPN in recent speed and server availability tests
- Strong connection stability, even over long distances
- Annual plan starts at just $4/month (around $48 for 12 months)
Recommendation #2: ExpressVPN – Get 12 Months + 3 Months Free
ExpressVPN is one of the world’s leading VPN services, known for its massive infrastructure, consistently high speeds, and rapid server updates. With over 3,000 servers in 94 countries and 160+ locations, it provides fast, secure, and highly reliable connections. It’s ideal for unblocking Netflix and other streaming platforms, and it fully supports torrenting with a strict no-logs policy.
Its interface is user-friendly, making it suitable for beginners and advanced users alike.
While ExpressVPN is more expensive than many competitors, the premium performance and global reliability justify the cost.
⚡Performance:
In speed tests conducted in October 2025, ExpressVPN ranked as one of the fastest and most stable VPNs available, offering consistently high performance across long-distance and local connections.
⭐ Key Features of ExpressVPN
- 3,000+ servers in 94 countries and 160+ global locations
- Massive worldwide user base and strong industry reputation
- Fast server recovery and updates when firewalls or blocks are detected
- 30-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked
- 24/7 customer support via live chat and email
- Apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and more
- Compatible with Apple TV, Fire TV, PlayStation, Chromebook, Kindle, etc.
- Supports various payment methods, including Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies
- Enterprise-grade encryption for maximum security and privacy
- Constant optimization to bypass firewalls and maintain stable, unrestricted access
🔀 Detailed Explanation: VPN Split Tunneling (How It Works)
VPN split tunneling is a feature that lets you use your VPN connection and your regular local internet connection at the same time. This means you can control which traffic is protected through the VPN and which traffic goes directly through your local network.
With split tunneling, you can:
- Route sensitive apps (browser, streaming, downloads) through the VPN
- Keep local resources (printers, LAN devices, internal servers) outside the VPN for faster access
This provides greater flexibility, improved performance, and more efficient bandwidth usage.
⚙️ How Does It Work Technically?
Split tunneling is implemented by modifying your device’s routing tables, assigning specific traffic to the encrypted VPN tunnel and the rest to your local network.
This separation allows your device to maintain two simultaneous paths:
one encrypted (VPN) and one direct (local).
⚠️ Precautions
While split tunneling is useful, it also has security considerations:
- Traffic routed outside the VPN is not encrypted
- Sensitive data may be exposed if incorrectly configured
- Local network vulnerabilities can affect unprotected traffic
Therefore, it’s important to evaluate which apps truly need protection and ensure your VPN provider offers strong security protocols, leak protection, and robust privacy policies before enabling split tunneling.
Recommendation #3: Surfshark— Protect Unlimited Devices
Surfshark is one of the newer VPN providers on the market, but it has quickly become extremely popular thanks to its competitive pricing and one standout feature almost no other service offers: unlimited simultaneous connections.
This means you can protect every device you own — and even share your account with family members — without paying extra.
If you want to save money while still getting secure browsing, smooth streaming, and reliable performance, Surfshark is an excellent value.
⚡ Fast Speeds — Surfshark Review (Tested October 2025)
Below is a complete overview of Surfshark’s core features, based on our hands-on testing.
Key Features of Surfshark VPN
- 🔐Advanced Encryption: Uses AES-256 encryption and secure protocols such as OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and WireGuard to ensure top-tier data protection.
- 🌍 Large Server Network: Over 3,200 servers in 65 countries, ideal for faster connections and accessing global content.
- 🚀 Speed & Stability: Consistent high speeds for HD streaming, downloading, gaming, and everyday browsing.
- 🛡️ Strict No-Logs Policy: Does not store your browsing history, IP address, or online activity.
- 📱 Unlimited Device Connections: Protect as many devices as you want — no limits, no restrictions.
- 💻 Cross-Platform Compatibility: Apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, plus browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
- 🧹 CleanWeb Feature: Blocks ads, trackers, malware, and phishing sites automatically.
- 👨💻 24/7 Customer Support: Live chat, email support, and a detailed knowledge base with guides and tutorials.
- 💰 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee: Try it risk-free for an entire month.
💵 Pricing & Plans
Surfshark’s best value is its 24-month plan, costing roughly $2.30 per month.
Payment methods include credit/debit cards, PayPal, cryptocurrencies, Amazon Pay, and Google Pay.
⭐ Final Verdict: Surfshark is a young but powerful VPN with excellent value for the price, advanced security features, and the rare advantage of unlimited device connections. It’s an ideal choice for anyone who wants strong privacy protection and unrestricted access to the internet across all their devices.
⭐ Recommendation #4: Flow VPN— 2-Day Free Trial + Bonus OpenAI Image Generator
| method | 2 days free trial | 24/7 Support | 5 devices | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSR | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
FlowVPN has gained traction in recent years as a reliable and budget-friendly VPN solution, especially as many traditional VPN services struggle to keep up with evolving network blocks and filtering technologies. Based on our hands-on testing, FlowVPN delivers solid speed, stable performance, and dependable daily use.
FlowVPN allows up to five simultaneous device connections, supports a wide range of servers across multiple regions, and includes 24/7 customer support with Spanish-language assistance available. Its two-day free trial makes it easy to test the service without any commitment.
This provider has become popular among students and budget-conscious users thanks to its low-cost plans, ease of use, and functional performance, making it an excellent choice for everyday browsing, streaming, and privacy protection.
⭐ Key Features of FlowVPN
- 2-day free trial with full access
- Unlimited server switching
- Supports up to 5 devices simultaneously
- 24/7 customer support, including Spanish-language assistance
- User-friendly interface, ideal for beginners
- Affordable plans, perfect for students and light users
- Stable speed and performance (tested October 2025)
- Money-back guarantee
- Wide compatibility with major platforms
Precio y planes ajustados a las necesidades individuales. Es una opción económica y práctica, recomendada especialmente para estudiantes y usuarios con presupuesto limitado.
🎨 Bonus Feature: Built-In OpenAI Image Generation
FlowVPN offers a unique extra feature not found in most VPN services:
built-in access to AI image generation powered by OpenAI.
Simply enter a text description and generate original images instantly.
This is especially useful for:
- Content creators
- Students
- Designers
- Social media users
- Anyone experimenting with AI tools
💵 Pricing & Plans
FlowVPN offers flexible, low-cost plans designed to fit individual needs.
Its pricing is especially attractive for:
- Students
- Casual users
- Anyone looking for a budget-friendly VPN with reliable performance
FlowVPN remains one of the best low-cost options on the market.
📺 FlowVPN for Apple TV (tvOS 17 Support)
FlowVPN is the first VPN app specifically designed for Apple TV, taking full advantage of Apple’s new VPN support introduced in tvOS 17.
You can now enjoy secure, private streaming on Apple TV with access to servers in 60+ countries — perfect for watching international content or protecting your home network.
FlowVPN has released its first Apple TV version through Apple’s TestFlight beta program.
How to Install FlowVPN on Apple TV (TestFlight Beta)
- Open TestFlight on your Apple TV and install FlowVPN.
- If you don’t have a FlowVPN account yet, create one and start your free trial.
- Download TestFlight on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- Join the FlowVPN Apple TV beta through the invitation link.
- Install TestFlight from the App Store on your Apple TV running tvOS 17 beta.
FlowVPN’s early support for Apple TV makes it one of the easiest and most flexible VPNs for streaming on large screens.
Common Issues With Computer VPNs (Troubleshooting Guide)
1 Why do many computer VPNs perform poorly?
Not all VPN services are built the same. Many low-quality or outdated VPNs struggle to maintain stable connections, especially as internet infrastructure and security standards evolve. If you’re experiencing repeated failures, it may be due to overloaded servers, poor routing, or the provider simply not updating its network.
2 What should I do if my VPN is connected but I still can’t access websites?
Here are several effective troubleshooting steps:
- Contact customer support: They can verify whether the server you’re using is currently experiencing issues or maintenance.
- Check your device’s firewall settings: Sometimes Windows Defender Firewall or third-party security software blocks VPN traffic.
- Avoid running multiple VPNs at once: Two or more VPN apps can conflict, causing encryption errors or blocking your connection.
- Try switching locations: If one server doesn’t work, try another region such as Japan, the U.S., or a nearby country. If multiple servers fail, contact your provider for assistance.
3 Which server locations usually provide the fastest speeds?
In general, the closer the server, the faster the connection. Shorter physical distance means lower latency and higher stability.
Choose servers in nearby regions for the best performance.
4 Can I use the same VPN on other devices like phones and tablets?
Yes. The top VPNs support multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux.
Most services provide dedicated apps for each platform, and your subscription typically allows multi-device use at the same time.
5 Can I use a VPN on my PC and smartphone simultaneously?
Absolutely. Most reputable VPNs allow at least 5 simultaneous device connections, and some providers even offer unlimited devices.
You can use one account across your PC, phone, tablet, and more.
6 Why does my Wi-Fi slow down when I turn on a VPN?
A speed drop is normal.
A VPN encrypts your data and routes it through a secure server, which naturally adds extra processing time. Long-distance connections may also increase latency.
If you don’t need to access international content, it’s perfectly fine to turn the VPN off to maximize your local speed.
Why You Should Avoid Setting Up Your Own VPN
Setting up your own VPN may seem like a cost-saving solution, but in reality it comes with several major drawbacks. Self-hosted VPNs lack the advanced security protocols, regular updates, and network optimizations that reputable VPN companies provide. Even users with strong technical skills struggle to match the security standards of established services such as StrongVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark.
Maintaining a self-built VPN is also expensive and time-consuming. You’ll need to rent an overseas server, manage configuration updates, monitor for vulnerabilities, and continually adjust settings as internet restrictions and network technologies evolve. Most users underestimate how frequently these updates are required.
Finally, performance is often inferior. Without professionally optimized servers, self-hosted VPNs typically suffer from slower speeds, unstable connections, and weak encryption.
When you consider the overall cost, time investment, and security risks, setting up your own VPN is rarely worth it. A trusted VPN provider delivers stronger privacy protection, better speed, and ongoing updates — all at a fraction of the effort.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Computer VPN (PC VPN)
After going through this guide, you should now have a clearer understanding of how computer VPNs work and what separates a reliable service from an unreliable one. As online privacy tools continue to evolve, many older or unmaintained VPNs no longer perform well or fail to connect entirely. Based on extensive personal testing, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and StrongVPN stand out as the most dependable PC VPNs available today. They offer strong security, fast speeds, and responsive customer support.
It’s important to remember that free VPNs often come with significant risks. Many are loaded with intrusive ads, may sell user data, or include hidden scripts that harm performance or compromise your privacy. Free tools rarely have the infrastructure required to deliver safe, fast, or long-term service, so proceed with extreme caution.
As for self-hosted VPNs, while they may seem appealing to advanced users, the reality is costly and complex. Maintaining a private server, keeping up with security patches, and ensuring compatibility with modern protocols requires continuous work. For most users, the time, expense, and technical overhead simply outweigh the benefits. Professionally managed VPN services remain the far more practical choice.
All the VPNs recommended in this article have been personally tested—speed, stability, and usability—and each comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it easy to try them risk-free. If you’re comparing pricing or value, refer back to the breakdown included earlier in this guide.
A more detailed collection of VPN reviews and performance tests will also be available in our upcoming Complete Guide to VPN Software.
If you have questions, suggestions, or personal experiences to share, feel free to leave a comment. Your feedback helps us improve future guides and recommendations.