5 Best VPNs for Windows – 2014 Edition
18 Feb 2014 | Pete Zaborszky
The need for VPNs is universally acknowledged given the amount of snooping by governmental agencies around the world. For users of Windows operating system, the most prevalent in the world, a VPN is vital.
Introduced in 1985, Microsoft quickly took over dominance over the marketplace from Mac. It soon had more than 90% share of the market. And while competitors have eaten into this market share, it is still the preeminent player and has expanded into other areas such as mobile devices. As of October, 2013 the most recent versions of Windows for personal computers, mobile devices, servers and embedded devices are respectively Windows 8.1, Windows phone 8, Windows server 2012 R2 and Windows embedded 8.
With this kind of market penetration and dominance it is critical for users of the systems to have protection. Below is our review of 5 VPN providers. We have striven to give the most unbiased, unvarnished, in depth treatment of the providers covering all aspects of their service including price and presentation.
Open VPN is very secure against the likes of the NSA and its ilk especially when combined with a strong cipher. The fact that it is an open source protocol, and thus its code is open to public examination, helps to ensure that no backdoors or other nasty surprises are hidden within it. We strongly recommend that unless you have reason to do otherwise, Windows users should always use Open VPN.
It is common though for VPN providers to build custom Open VPN (or multi-protocol) clients for Windows. They range from simply making set up easier, to providing extra functionality such as an internet kill switch, per-program shutdown, DNS leak protection, Ipv6 leak protection, port forwarding, advanced encryption options and more. For the most part we favor companies who provide fully featured software. Because some of code in such custom clients is proprietary, they cannot be considered as secure as the open source option. But we don’t have too much of a problem with this as VPN providers can see your internet traffic anyway.
In spite of the advances made by OSX and Linux and mobile phone and tablet platforms iOS and Android, Windows remains the most popular global Operating System. As a result it is by far the best supported platform by VPN providers, who invariably supply full Windows set guides for PPTP, L2TP, and SSTP.
Discussed in detail in this article, PPTP is insecure. L2TP is more secure but has very likely been compromised by the NSA. SSTP is considered secure but its proprietary nature and ongoing suspicions about Microsoft collaboration with the NSA means it should preferably be avoided. It is not supported by most VPN providers anyway.
So with the technicalities out of the way, let’s look at our pick of VPNs for Windows. Note that we also have full set up guides for most VPN protocols forWindows 7 and Windows 8.
Summary
| RANK | PROVIDER | STARTING PRICE | REVIEW | LINK |
1 |  | $8.32/mo | 9.9 | |
2 |  | $6.67/mo | 9.6 | |
3 |  | $9.00/mo | 9.4 | |
4 |  | $7.00/mo | 9.3 | |
5 |  | $6.95/mo | 9.2 |
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Winner – ExpressVPN
Positives: Fast speed, 256 and 128 bit encryption, servers in 39 countries, iOS and Android apps, 24/7 customer service, 30 day money back guarantee.
Negatives: A bit pricey, US based, keeps generic logs though only related to access times not user activity.
ExpressVPN is a large, popular and reliable service with an impressive suite of apps and fast connection speed which makes it ideal for mainstream VPN users. It is based in the US. With 50 servers located in 39 countries it is well situated to afford great speed performance wherever you are. The custom multi-protocol Windows client emphasizes simplicity , but it is effective (as are the iOS and Android apps for when you are away from your PC).
All ExpressVPN apps are straight forward and easy to install and feature an industry-leading user interface that makes it simple to connect to your chosen VPN server location with a single click. Users are not limited either to the number of devices that can be established to use the same account. And unlike other providers, a single ExpressVPN account will support simultaneous connections from both a computer and a mobile device.
Security wise, ExpressVPN uses 256 bit or 128 bit security. And while 256 bit seems better the 128 is still pretty secure (see the ultimate guide). But if you are overly concerned, use the 256 bit protocol. VPN clients were easy to establish and worked flawlessly; dedicated Android and iOS apps and clear instructions for setting up on other devices were obvious. We like that Open VPN is standard.
Their price is not the lowest but this means they can well afford to invest in infrastructure, quality and customer service. Hence the medium level pricing is justified.
Their price is not the lowest but this means they can well afford to invest in infrastructure, quality and customer service. Hence the medium level pricing is justified.
Try Out the Best VPN for Windows Today!
30 day moneyback guarantee
2. VyprVPN
Positives: based in Switzerland, 700+ servers, fast, 256 bit encryption (premier only), Android and iOS app, 3 day No Risk Free Trial, 24/7 support
Negatives: Keeps logs for 30 days
VyprVPN has been around since 1994. Gold Frog, the company behind VyprVpn operates its own private server clusters based in North America, Europe and Asia. They also own the networks to these centers which allows them to achieve impressive speeds- a most important part of a VPN.
Based in Switzerland, all customer data is kept there which puts them outside the reach of the NSA and EU and their harsh data retention laws.
Windows users needing a more global solution, particularly those in the Far East, Australia, and New Zealand, will find servers in over 36 countries. This is perfect for their needs and is available with the VyprVPN’s pro package. Note that the basic plan uses PPTP and is not recommended as PPTP has known security flaws. The Premier priced package offers 256 bit Open VPN encryption along with 50GB of online storage.
Overall, VyprVPN is a great service which is why we rate in number 2 at this time. They have excellent speeds, support and software.
3. AirVPN
Positives: No logs; accepts Bitcoins; 256 bit AES encryption, dynamic port forwarding, uses shared Ips, real time user and server statistics, support for for Tor, over VPN and VPN through SSL and SSH tunnels, good speeds, 3 day free trial, P2P: yes, based in Italy where DRD does not apply to VPNs.
Negatives: 0 simultaneous connection by default (but more can be purchased), mainly North America and Europe servers (plus some in Singapore)
Established in 2010 in Italy by hacktavists, AirVPN now maintains 40 servers in 10 countries- mainly in Europe, but also in the US and Singapore. This is a company we are fairly certain hasn’t been compromised by the NSA. AirVPN offers a host of features uncommon elsewhere. These include transparency of service, acceptance of Bitcoin payments, VPN over Tor and VPN through SHH and SSL tunnels. Their dedication to maintaining user anonymity is impressive and admirable. Additionally, this is supported by technological muscle which provides a simple but effective core service. And while support can’t compete with the 24/7 live chat of the larger VPNs, it is more than adequate.
AirVPN supports network transparency with detailed server information and allows P2P downloading. Although only one simultaneous connection is allowed by default, more can be added for less than $2 per month.
4. Mullvad
Positives: located in Sweden where DRD does not apply to VPNs, accepts Bitcoins, no logs, cheap, client features internet kill switch and DNS leak protection, uses shared Ips, P2P: yes
Negatives: Some complaints about potential security lapses and performance, encryption could be better. Customer support is what might be expected of a small company experiencing growing pains.
Mullvad is a small Swedish VPN company where VPN is exempted from the EU Data Retention Directive. Their stance on internet censorship and government eavesdropping is commendable. They support this philosophy with concrete actions such a solid encryption and a client that boasts robust features. These include DNS leak protection and blocking of internet connections in the event of a disconnection from the VPN server. In addition to Bitcoin payment, they also accept cash payments by post.
Although we would prefer stronger OpenVPN encryption to the 128 bit Blowfish it uses other aspects of the company appeal to us. And while Windows OpenVPN could be more attractive it does support DNS leak protection, Ipv6 leak protection, port forwarding and an internet kill switch. Up to three devices can also be connected at once and P2P downloading is not problematic.
5. Private Internet Access
Positives: Accepts Bitcoins, no logs, fast, up to 256-bit OpenVPN encryption, uses shared IPs, client features port forwarding, VPN kill switch and DNS leak protection, P2P: yes, 3 simultaneous connections, Android app
Negatives: No free trial, US based, so it is likely compromised by the NSA
PIA is a fairly no frills VPN service but it deftly delivers on the things which matter most to a VPN provider. It offers anonymity, ease of use and speed. Private Internet Access has a great reputation for maintaining users privacy as it promises to keep no logs and uses shared IPs. This makes individual identification of users all but impossible. It also accepts anonymous Bitcoin payments. PIA also has a newly implemented effective OpenVPN encryption. This features up to 256-bit AES Open VPN with SHA-256 hash authentication and 4096-bit RSA handshake encryption. Additionally it offers a Windows client with DNS leak protection, Ipv6 leak protection, port forwarding and an internet kill switch. It is satisfied with P2P downloading and allows up to five devices to connect at once. This is ideal for using with its excellent Android app. PIA offers about the most comprehensive service available but, despite protestations otherwise, we feel it might be compromised by the NSA being that it is a US company.
Conclusion
As a Windows user you have the maximum possible choices of VPN providers in terms of services, features and software. While there is no thing as a perfect provider, the companies reviewed give you some excellent options. Even the best have a downside or two but all reviewed are excellent. It all depends on what you are looking for in a VPN service.
No comments:
Post a Comment