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5 Best VPNs for Laptops in 2024

Laptops are great for work and travel, but connecting to a public Wi-Fi hotspot in a hotel, café, or elsewhere could expose your data to hackers. Using a VPN on your laptop keeps you secure and ensures your data is private whether at home or on a public network. A VPN also gives you online freedom by letting you unblock content unavailable where you are.

In this guide, we take a look at the best VPNs for laptops and give you some tips on how you can unblock more and stay secure online.

What are the best VPNs for laptops?

Below you can take a quick look at the best VPNs for laptops. Our recommendations have resource-friendly apps for Mac and Windows – to ensure it will run on your laptop without concerns. For more info about each VPN, scroll down for in-depth summaries that will help you pick.

  1. ExpressVPN - The best VPN for laptops. Offers lightning-fast servers, great software for Windows, Mac, and Linux, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. TIP

    In our testing we checked that all ExpressVPN plans work for Netflix. The one year plan is the best value: three months free and a 30 day risk-free trial.

  3. NordVPN - An easy-to-use VPN that offers plenty of customization. You get great value for money thanks to its advanced features and impressive speeds.
  4. Surfshark - An all-around VPN for laptops. Mac and Windows software are packed with features and it offers unlimited simultaneous connections.
  5. Private Internet Access - The most private VPN for your laptop. Great Mac, Linux, and Windows apps and privacy features, and a strict zero-logs policy.
  6. PrivateVPN - The cheapest VPN for Mac and Windows on this list. You get up to 10 simultaneous connections, great performance, and slick apps.

EXPLORE EXPRESSVPN: 30 DAYS RISK-FREE

ExpressVPN is extending a complete 30-day trial for those who register here. Delve into the best-in-class privacy VPN with zero restrictions for a month, ideal for those eager to use the best VPN for Laptops.

Straightforward policies—get in touch within 30 days if you choose to opt-out and claim a full refund. Start your ExpressVPN trial now. 

To get the most out of a laptop VPN, it must have the following important features:

TEST WINNER ExpressVPN NordVPN Surfshark Private Internet Access PrivateVPN
Website ExpressVPN NordVPN Surfshark Private Internet Access PrivateVPN
Ranking for Laptop 1 2 3 4 5
Performance 10
9
9
8
7
Reliability 9
8
8
8
7
Free trial
Total servers 3000
6200
3200
3386
200
Payment PayPal
Visa/MasterCard
Amex
Cryptocurrency
PayPal
Visa/MasterCard
Amex
Cryptocurrency
PayPal
Visa/MasterCard
Amex
Cryptocurrency
PayPal
Visa/MasterCard
Amex
Cryptocurrency
PayPal
Visa/MasterCard
Amex
Cryptocurrency
Unblocks: Netflix
iPlayer
Disney+
Amazon Prime
Hulu
Netflix
iPlayer
Disney+
Amazon Prime
Hulu
Netflix
iPlayer
Disney+
Amazon Prime
Hulu
Netflix
iPlayer
Disney+
Amazon Prime
Hulu
Netflix
iPlayer
Disney+
Amazon Prime
Hulu
Supported platforms Windows
macOS
iOS
Android
Windows
macOS
iOS
Android
Windows
macOS
iOS
Android
Windows
macOS
iOS
Android
Windows
macOS
iOS
Android

The Best Laptop VPNs - in-depth analysis

We recommend that you use the following VPN services on your Laptop in 2024.

1. ExpressVPN
Editor's Choice | November 2024

ExpressVPN is the best VPN to use on a laptop – Mac or Windows, and even Linux. It's a well-known and trusted service that's consistently fast. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Pricing

    • 12 months + 3 months FREE + Backblaze backup: $6.67/mth
      49% OFF
    • 6 months: $9.99/mth
    • 1 month: $12.95/mth
  • Pros

    • Super fast, suitable for the most demanding online activities on your laptop
    • Thousands of servers in 94 countries worldwide
    • Mac client includes OpenVPN protocol
    • Beginner-friendly, easy to use
    • Audited zero-logs policy and advanced features for even greater privacy
  • Cons

    • IPv6 WebRTC leaks (fixed by browser extension)
    • Only five simultaneous connections
    • More expensive than other VPNs on this list, but you get premium service
  • Available on

    • Windows
    • macOS
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux
  • Unblocks

    • Netflix
    • iPlayer
    • Amazon Prime
    • Hulu
  • Website

ExpressVPN Demo

ExpressVPN Demo ExpressVPN Demo


ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs in the world. It is an established service based in the British Virgin Islands, that is known to provide an extremely reliable platform – perfect for accessing censored or geo-restricted content. On top of that, ExpressVPN has some of the best VPN software we have ever encountered, with apps available for all the most popular platforms. What's more, this VPN lets you install and use the VPN software on up to five devices simultaneously.


When it comes to privacy, ExpressVPN is watertight. Robust OpenVPN encryption protects your data from government snoops, local network administrators, and ISP tracking. In addition, this VPN has a zero-logs policy, stealth mode, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. ExpressVPN works seamlessly with Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Go, and BBC iPlayer. And, because it has servers in 105 countries , there is nothing that it can't unblock. It is also one of the fastest VPNs in the world.


While Express is a bit pricey, it really is true that you get what you pay for. It's a fantastic VPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee that is well worth paying for if you can afford it.

NordVPN is an outstanding option for Windows laptops thanks to its strong privacy and excellent geo-spoofing abilities. With a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it risk-free and decide.

  • Pricing

    • 24 months + 3 months FREE: $3.69/mth
      70% OFF
    • 12 months: $4.99/mth
      59% OFF
    • 1 month: $11.99/mth
  • Pros

    • Unblocks in-demand streaming platforms like Netflix and iPlayer with ease
    • Based in Panama, which is great for your privacy
    • You can choose dedicated IPs (at extra cost)
  • Cons

    • IPv6 leak in macOS IKEv2 app
    • Only 6 simultaneous connections
    • Command-line only for Linux
  • Available on

    • Windows
    • macOS
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux
  • Unblocks

    • Netflix
    • iPlayer
    • Amazon Prime
    • Hulu
  • Website

Nord Demo

Nord Demo Nord Demo


NordVPN is a provider based in Panama that is both excellent for privacy and for unblocking more content online. The VPN has a zero logs policy, which means that it never stores any data about what you do while connected to its servers. And, because it provides strong OpenVPN encryption you gain complete privacy from your ISP and the government.


NordVPN provides robust privacy and security features, including DNS leak protection, a killswitch to stop you leaking data if the VPN connection drops out, obfuscated servers, double hope encryption, and VPN into Tor. It also has apps for both Windows and Mac, which makes it perfect for any laptop or MacBook.


With NordVPN you get access to servers in over 111 countries and all those servers are lightning-fast for performing data-intensive tasks such as streaming in HD. And this VPN has servers that unblock popular services such as BBC iPlayer and Netflix US. I was impressed with how resource-light this VPN was on my laptop, and I found it to be a superb all-rounder for gaining privacy at home and on public Wi-Fi. You can try it thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Surfshark has fully-featured Mac and Windows apps and comes with premium features, such as an ad-blocker and smart DNS. A 30-day money back guarantee is also included.

  • Pricing

    • 24 Month Black Friday Special: VPN & Ad Blocker: $1.99/mth
      87% OFF
    • 24 Month Black Friday Special: One, Alert & Antivirus: $2.49/mth
      83% OFF
    • 24 months + 3 months FREE: $2.19/mth
      86% OFF
    • 12 months + 3 months FREE: $2.79/mth
      82% OFF
    • 1 month: $15.45/mth
  • Pros

    • OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 protocols supported
    • Unlimited simultaneous connections
    • Unblocks major streaming services
  • Cons

    • Single-month subscriptions run quite pricey
    • Less servers than Express and PIA
    • No dedicated IPs available
  • Available on

    • Windows
    • macOS
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux
  • Unblocks

    • Netflix
    • iPlayer
    • Amazon Prime
    • Hulu
  • Website

Surfshark Demo

Surfshark Demo Surfshark Demo


Based in the British Virgin Islands, Surfshark is a no-logs VPN service with great technical security, a bunch of useful features, and superb 24/7 support. Surfshark is a highly respected provider that has gained a huge amount of popularity with laptop users due to its ease of use and the overall quality of its offering.


When you load Surfshark on your laptop, you'll be protected by military-grade AES 256-bit encryption standards, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and a strict no-logging policy. On top of all that, you'll enjoy blazing-fast connection speeds for seamless streaming, gaming, and ding video calls. 


It also works for unblocking Netflix US, iPlayer, Hulu, and anything else you can think of. A superb all-rounder that you can use on an unlimited number of devices with just one subscription. Try it for yourself with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Private Internet Access is the most private VPN on the list. It comes with a court-proven zero-logs policy, top-notch security features, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Pricing

    • 24 months + 2 months FREE: $2.19/mth
      82% OFF
    • 6 months: $7.5/mth
      38% OFF
    • 1 month: $11.95/mth
  • Pros

    • Cheaper than most VPNs of the same rank
    • Tens of thousands of serwers across the globe
    • Lots of encryption options (including OpenVPN and WireGuard)
  • Cons

    • No multi-hop VPN feature (yet)
    • Based in the US, not exactly a privacy heaven
    • Usually not the first choice of Apple users
  • Available on

    • Windows
    • macOS
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux
  • Unblocks

    • Netflix
    • iPlayer
    • Amazon Prime
    • Hulu
  • Website

PIA Demo

PIA Demo PIA Demo


Private Internet Access (PIA) is a US-based VPN provider that keeps zero logs, a claim it has proven in court multiple times. It is a trusted and reliable VPN that is particularly good for techier users who want to be able to customize the strength of the encryption And it is a service that is great for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. Plus it has advanced features like a kill-switch, DNS leak protection, and a SOCKS5 and Shadowsocks proxy. 


PIA VPN has servers in 84 countries , provides strong OpenVPN encryption, and is one of the most popular VPN services among Reddit users. It also has live chat support and gives you the power to unblock many of the most popular streaming services, including Netflix US. The VPN has reliable apps for all popular platforms, including apps for MacBooks and Windows laptops. You can try it for yourself by taking advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee.

PrivateVPN packs serious security features into a budget-friendly price tag – so you can take your privacy with you, wherever! It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee too.

  • Pricing

    • 36 months: $2/mth
      84% OFF
    • 3 months: $6/mth
      50% OFF
    • 1 month: $9.99/mth
      17% OFF
  • Pros

    • Cheap and easy-to-use apps for Mac and Windows
    • OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols available to Mac users
    • Speeds that support streaming, gaming, and downloads
  • Cons

    • Slower than ExpressVPN and NordVPN
    • Not independently audited (yet)
    • Less servers than some VPNs on this list
  • Available on

    • Windows
    • macOS
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux
  • Unblocks

    • Netflix
    • iPlayer
    • Amazon Prime
    • Hulu
  • Website

PrivateVPN Demo

PrivateVPN Demo PrivateVPN Demo


PrivateVPN is a rising star in the VPN sphere and a provider that we've been thoroughly impressed by, recently. Whether you're team Mac or Windows, PrivateVPN has an app for you, and they're incredibly easy to install and navigate. In fact, it's actually possible to have a technician remotely install the VPN on your device via TeamViewer! Another nice is bonus is the fact that PrivateVPN allows 6 simultaneous connections – not the biggest number, but still more than enough to cover all your most important gadgets, as well as your laptop.


For folks on the go, PrivateVPN's AES 256-bit encryption will keep your data out of the hands of snoopers anytime you connect to public Wi-Fi hotspots. Plus, the kill-switch will cut your internet connection if, for some reason, the VPN drops out. I like that this kill-switch (also referred to as the Connection Guard) is WFP based and can be set to kill your internet entirely, or just specific applications. If you fancy dabbling in some P2P activity, PrivateVPN permits it, and even offers port forwarding.


When it comes to unblocking regional content, PrivateVPN is one of the best in the biz. It has no trouble accessing various Netflix catalogues, and even other services like BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime, and you'll even be able to unblock YouTube videos that are restricted in your current location. With PrivateVPN, it's also possible to bypass any censorship measures preventing you from browsing social media sites, which comes in especially handy if you're travelling to somewhere with far stricter restrictions.

Why do I need a VPN for my laptop?

When you use the internet, all your data can be monitored by local network administrators and Internet Service Providers. This is massively harmful to your privacy because it means that everything you do online is being tracked.

If possible, public Wi-Fi hotspots will tie your habits to your name via your booking, and they will sell your habits to third parties for marketing and data brokerage purposes. 

In addition to this tracking, ISPs may have to cooperate with government data retention directives. That means that everything you do online is also being forwarded to government snoops and the police. 

If you want to stop government surveillance and surveillance capitalism that causes targeted advertising and other privacy-eroding repercussions, it is vital that you use a VPN to encrypt your data.

In addition, every time you visit online services and websites, those services can track your IP address. This lets those websites know when you visit their site so they can track you when you return. This also allows them to monitor what you buy on their site. A VPN conceals your IP address from the websites you visit so that they have no idea where you are when you visit the site (unless you log in and actually tell them directly who you are).

Concealing your IP address from websites also lets you access more content, giving you unprecedented levels of online freedom. By connecting to a VPN server in a different country, you can bypass local censorship imposed by the government. You can also bypass geo-restrictions to access content that is supposed to be unavailable where you live. 

Below, we have included a list of the types of things you can do with a VPN:

There are hundreds of VPNs on the market and not every VPN was created equally. Many VPNs have poor privacy policies that would not keep your online habits truly private. Other VPNs have badly implemented encryption, unreliable apps, or critical data leaks that make the VPN connection untrustworthy.

For a VPN to be suitable for your laptop, it must provide watertight security. It must also have specific VPN privacy features that not all VPN apps have. Below, we explain the features that we looked for when curating this list of the best laptop VPNs:

Can you use a free VPN for Laptops?

If you want to use a free VPN with your laptop, then you have to know how to see through the bad ones. Unfortunately, free VPNs that promise the world and offer unlimited speed and data usually have a more sinister ulterior motive. Using these sorts of VPNs could land you with:

  • Weak encryption: leaving you with no real security.
  • Limited server options: having few (if any servers) nearby.
  • Server congestion: lots of people queuing and fighting over the same server (and slowing you down significantly).
  • Awful privacy policies: harvesting and selling on your personal information at every opportunity.
  • Malware: infecting your device with adware and spyware.

The good news is that there are some fantastic free VPNs available. It's worth noting that the best free services tend to be stripped-back versions from premium providers.

A good VPN doesn't have to cost a fortune, and there are plenty of cheap VPN providers that offer top-tier services. Just be sure to do some digging on those providers to make sure they meet your VPN requirements.

If you want to get the most out of a VPN, then we recommend utilizing the money-back guarantees offered by the services listed above. You get to try the VPN service in its fullest, and at the end of it you get your money back – it's a win/win situation.

Laptop Webcam Hacking: A Real Threat

While the notion of laptop webcam hacking may seem like something from a conspiracy website or a Matt Damon movie, it is a real danger that can severely violate your privacy. Even more worrying is that Russian teenage hackers might not even be the biggest threat when it comes to this kind of hacking.

GCHQ (the UK's version of the NSA) has made headlines for the use of snooping tools such as Nosey Smurf and Gumfish.

These snooping methods further increase the distrust between governments and ordinary citizens. Just another reason to set a VPN up on your laptop today!

How to move a current VPN subscription onto a new laptop?

If you are already subscribing to a VPN service, chances are you are entitled to use your VPN on a number of devices simultaneously. So, If you have just purchased a new laptop, simply head over to your current VPN's website, log in using your credentials and download the VPN software you require. When it finishes downloading, install it, and enter your credentials. Now you are ready to start using your VPN on your new laptop. 

Remember that you can use your VPN on a laptop, desktop, mobile devices, and tablets - all at the same time - with a subscription to any of the VPNs in this guide.

Sharing your laptop VPN with other devices

If you own a laptop, chances are you probably own a smartphone, tablet, or PC as well. Using a high-quality VPN service, like the ones we've mentioned above, usually allows you to have the VPN active on multiple devices at the same time. This is great news if you want to secure multiple devices with one VPN subscription.

If you are using a laptop at home or in the office, you can also configure a VPN on your router and cover all of your devices under one VPN connection.

Conclusion

If you want to keep your laptop safe when you're connected to the internet, then a VPN is the best all-round tool for the job. Our chosen VPNs will give you the best possible service, and you can test each one with their lengthy money-back guarantees. Here's a quick reminder of the best VPNs for laptops:

From $6.67/month

The best VPN for laptops. Offers lightning-fast servers, great software for Windows, Mac, and Linux, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

ProPrivacy TrustScore:
10 out of 10
Simultaneous connections
8
Server locations
160
Free trial
No

From $3.69/month

An easy-to-use VPN that offers plenty of customization. You get great value for money thanks to its advanced features and impressive speeds.

ProPrivacy TrustScore:
9.9 out of 10
Simultaneous connections
10
Free trial
No
Server locations
135

From $1.99/month

An all-around VPN for laptops. Mac and Windows software are packed with features and it offers unlimited simultaneous connections.

ProPrivacy TrustScore:
9.8 out of 10
Simultaneous connections
Unlimited
Server locations
140
Free trial
Yes

From $2.19/month

The most private VPN for your laptop. Great Mac, Linux, and Windows apps and privacy features, and a strict zero-logs policy.

ProPrivacy TrustScore:
9.7 out of 10
Simultaneous connections
Unlimited
Server locations
84
Free trial
No

From $2.00/month

The cheapest VPN for Mac and Windows on this list. You get up to 10 simultaneous connections, great performance, and slick apps.

ProPrivacy TrustScore:
9.6 out of 10
Simultaneous connections
10
Server locations
200
Free trial
No

Best VPNs for laptops – FAQs

Written by: Ray Walsh

Digital privacy expert with 5 years experience testing and reviewing VPNs. He's been quoted in The Express, The Times, The Washington Post, The Register, CNET & many more. 

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