For the Microsoft loyal fan base, the appearance of Windows 10 was a breath of fresh air and a significant upgrade in comparison with Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows Vista. It has numerous features, it is far more secure, and it comes with a different, more attractive user interface, among other things.
However, Windows 10 also comes with some security vulnerabilities that may compromise their users’ privacy. And, to no one surprise, they use the excuse of “improving the customer experience” to keep logs of customers’ data along with third-party associates.
Microsoft, and every other operating system provider wants to know every step you take online. There are thousands of ways to make a profit on the Internet, and selling customers’ data logs to advertising companies and e-commerce sites is only one of them.
Windows 10: Microsoft’s newest calling card
Microsoft’s Windows 10 is the most recent version of the worldwide known operating system. It comes with continuous feature updates to improve user experience, security patches, and long-term support milestones. It is, nowadays, one of the best and most complete tools for file and digital assets organization, with the reliability of nearly all of Microsoft’s products.
The Windows 10 operating system has been around since 2015, and despite the evident privacy issues associated with more invasive practices and data logging, people have fallen in love with it, making it one of the most common OS.
Among the best developments that Windows 10 brought into our lives was the end of the Internet Explorer era. It was beautiful while it lasted, but it was time for a change. Now, Microsoft Edge has replaced with resounding success and excellent reviews.
The Windows 10 marked a transition towards a touchscreen approach, slowly saying goodbye to the mouse. It also features Cortana, a personal assistant to help users find documents, files, execute commands, and achieve more things in the Windows 10 interface.
Cortana, however, is also somewhat invasive because it collects every bit of data about you and your habits to provide a customized experience. To protect your privacy while using Windows 10, you need one of the best free VPNs in the industry. Well, it doesn’t have to be free, as paid ones are better.
VPN technology as a viable solution
If you want to protect your Windows 10 PC against a possible system and browser vulnerabilities, as well as prevent third-parties and Microsoft itself from logging every step you take in your online sessions, then VPN technology is the right fit for you.
Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, are online apps that have the ability to protect the users’ content by encrypting it and sending it, along with the IP address and every other connection detail, to remote servers away from the claws of the Internet Service Provider, privacy-invasive browser or search engines, and other potentially dangerous agents such as malware developers, hackers, crypto miners, surveillance agencies, online advertisers, and more.
VPN apps implement protocols to create a virtual tunnel with the intention of protecting the user’s digital assets and connection information – not to mention its identity and location – from all those agents. These services provide security and privacy, achieved via anonymous browsing.
Free or paid VPNs: which ones are better?
You can find free VPN apps on the web, but the best ones in the market are paid subscription services, for obvious reasons. What incentive does a free alternative have to provide a top-notch service if they aren’t even charging customers?
Paid VPN apps have safer encryption and privacy practices, not to mention broader server networks and no data limits whatsoever. You can often see free VPNs limiting your data transfer with a daily or monthly cap because there are not enough resources to offer free bandwidth for everyone.
If you want to find the best VPN for Windows 10, prioritize paid options over free ones. The latter can sell your data logs around the web without your permission or leak your IP address while you perform critical Internet activities. However, if you want to test your luck, we will help you nonetheless! Here is a list with some of the best free VPNs for Windows 10, as well as a couple of paid ones.
Click to check the best Paid VPN for Windows 10.
Best free VPNs for Windows 10
1.Betternet
Betternet is arguably the best free VPN for Windows 10 because it is not as most costless versions: it has OpenVPN protocols and implements the industry standard AES 256-bit encryption. It is compatible with Windows 10 and other platforms, but beware: it shows ads and videos, and that’s how they make their money.
While it was born and raised as a free service, it now has a Premium version. There are drawbacks to Betternet: it doesn’t work for Netflix or torrenting, and it isn’t particularly fast, but it does its encryption job and has a strict no logging policy at no cost.
Pros:
- OpenVPN protocol
- AES 256-bit encryption
- The customer support staff is friendly and responsive
- A free version and a Premium one with a free trial
Free plan limitations:
- It shows ads and videos
- No Netflix or Torrenting allowed
- It is slow
- It doesn’t have a kill switch
- The premium version offers access to dedicated servers
2. Avira Phantom VPN
There are two versions of Avira’s VPN: the Avira Phantom VPN and the Phantom VPN Pro. The former offers users the ability to enhance security and bypass blocking measures in numerous platforms, including Windows 10.
People prefer Avira’s excellent reputation in the online security and privacy industries to perform sensitive operations and tasks, such as financial transactions done on a shared network. It is also easy to install and use.
Pros:
- Simple and easy to install and use
- No registration required in the free account
- Unlimited devices available for connection
- Acceptable speeds
Free plan limitations:
- No Netflix streaming
- A 500 MB monthly data cap in the free version
- Features are lacking
- A monthly data cap of 500 MB
- No kill switch in the free plan
Best paid VPN for Windows 10 (Highly recommended)
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is arguably the best and most secure VPN app in the market, praised for its combination of blazing speeds, secure encryption, strict no logging policy, server network (more than 1,000 servers in 148 cities and 94 nations,) and customer service quality.
For Windows 10 users, ExpressVPN is fantastic because it prevents all DNS leaks, has a kill switch to deactivate your Internet in the case of a VPN connection loss, and protects your privacy at all times.
Pros:
- OpenVPN and a myriad of protocols available
- Secure AES 256-bit encryption
- DNS leak protection and a kill switch
- A broad server network
- Support for Netflix and other streaming networks, as well as torrenting
- Very fast
30-Days Money-Back Guarantee
2. CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost is among the priciest VPN providers, but with a broad server network and a myriad of features, it is worth the money. There are some questions and split opinions when it comes to performance, though.
Nevertheless, CyberGhost is one of the preferred VPNs for Windows 10 because it is secure, it has no leak problems, and its encryption power is robust. Its Romanian location is also a positive development.
Pros:
- No leak problems
- AES 256-bit encryption and OpenVPN
- Easy to use
- No logging policy
- Based in Romania
45-Days Money-Back Guarantee
Click to SAVE 83% of CyberGhost
Conclusion
In conclusion, you need one of the best free VPNs in the industry to protect your Windows 10 experience. However, you can also consider hiring one of the premium services, and your online security will surely thank you for that.