4 Best VPNs for Laptops in 2021
Mobile and convenient, laptops can go with you when you travel, keep you connected at work even if you’re not in the office, and give you access to endless entertainment.
Unfortunately, with that convenience comes a significant danger – the potential to expose all your data on an unsecured public Wi-Fi connection.
As around 12 million US pupils who don’t have broadband internet gather in parking lots of schools, public libraries, coffee shops, and restaurants trying to access their virtual lessons, so that risk increases.
Although there is now an HTTPS encryption on the web which has helped to fix the main security issue with public Wi-Fi, there are still numerous dangers, from Man-in-the-Middle attacks to the distribution of malware.
It’s vital to protect your laptop everywhere you go with one of the best VPNs for laptops in 2021.
Best VPNs for Laptops at a Glance
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Great for online security with a geographically diverse server network that protects your privacy and anonymity Visit Site Read Our Review > -
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Our Top Picks for Best Laptop VPNs
#1 ExpressVPN – the fastest and most secure VPN for laptops
Platforms Supported: Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Routers, Chrome, Firefox | Compatible Devices: Chromecast, Apple TV, PlayStation, Nintendo, Raspberry Pi, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Xbox, Chrome, Firefox | Unblocks Netflix: Yes | Also unblocks: Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Hulu, DisneyPlus and BBC iPlayer | 3,000+ Servers | 95 Server Country Locations |
ExpressVPN is unbeatable in terms of both speed and security. It’s also versatile, with apps available for all major operating systems, and has an unbeatable reputation for protecting user privacy.
Based in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN uses zero-knowledge architecture and TrustedServer technology to safeguard its users and protect their data.
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for a laptop, whether you’re using it to work, play, learn, or socialize. For more details, check out our in-depth ExpressVPN review.
Cost: Starting at $6.67/month
#2 NordVPN – serious security and safe streaming
Platforms Supported: Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Routers, Chrome, Firefox | Compatible Devices: Android TV, Nintendo, Raspberry Pi, Amazon Fire TV, Chrome, Roku, Firefox | Unblocks Netflix: Yes | Also unblocks: Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer | 5,498 Servers | 59 Server Country Locations |
NordVPN was one of the first to introduce AES 256-bit encryption and now its new security protocol – NordLynx – has boosted its speeds to make it one of the best VPNs for laptops. Take a look at our comprehensive NordVPN review for more information.
NordVPN also has a couple of advanced tricks up its sleeve:
- Double VPN gives you extra security
- Onion over VPN enables you to covertly enter the anonymous Tor browser
- Built-in malware blocker to protect you against unwanted infections.
Cost: Starting at $3.71/month
#3 CyberGhost – user-friendly laptop security
Platforms Supported: Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Routers, Chrome, Firefox | Compatible Devices: Chromecast, Apple TV, Android TV, PlayStation, Nintendo, Raspberry Pi, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Xbox, Chrome, Firefox | Unblocks Netflix: Yes | Also unblocks: Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Hulu, DisneyPlus and BBC iPlayer | 6,200+ Servers | 90 Server Country Locations |
This user-friendly VPN has a handy auto-connect function for public Wi-Fi networks, making it a great VPN for laptops.
CyberGhost has optimized all its servers to provide the best possible protection on public Wi-Fi while maintaining consistent speeds and reliable connections.
Not only is CyberGhost easy to use, but it’s also affordable and is one of the few reputable VPNs for laptops that still offers a free trial, even if it is only 24 hours. Find out more about CyberGhost by reading our full review.
Cost: Starting at $2.25/month
#4 Surfshark – affordable protection for unlimited devices
Platforms Supported: Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Routers, Chrome, Firefox | Compatible Devices: Chromecast, Apple TV, PlayStation, Nintendo, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox, Chrome, Firefox | Unblocks Netflix: Yes | Also unblocks: Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Hulu, DisneyPlus and BBC iPlayer | 1,700+ Servers | 63 Server Country Locations |
Although Surfshark’s server network is comparatively limited, it still manages to produce secure, high-speed connections.
Like ExpressVPN, Surfshark is based in the British Virgin Islands and operates under a strict no-logging regime that prioritizes user privacy. Find out more about Surfshark here.
With a bundle of advanced tools, Surfshark is as versatile as it is safe and includes:
- Malware and advert blocker
- Kill switch
- Multi-Hop VPN
- Split-tunneling
- P2p-optimized servers
Cost: Starting at $2.21/month
How to Choose a VPN for Your Laptop
The most important aspect of any VPN for laptops is the ability to protect you, your device, and your data from potential cyberthreats. Those that detect public Wi-Fi networks and provide automatic protection are by far the best. Other important features to look out for include:
- AES 256-bit encryption
- No-logging policy
- Streaming-optimized servers
- P2P and torrenting support
- Large and geographically diverse server network
- Reliable high-speed connections
Some other nice touches include a choice of security protocols, built-in malware protection, and split-tunneling.
Using a Free VPN for Laptops
Although a free VPN will help to protect your device and allow you to hop to another geo-location, it will also limit your bandwidth, restrict your server choices, or regulate your speeds.
While you may be safe out there in cyberspace, you’ll also waste valuable time as your VPN buffers its way to your desired online destination. Streaming, torrenting, and gaming all require high-speed connections so, if you’re planning on doing any of these, you’d be better off investing in one of the best VPNs, rather than toiling away with a free VPN, as they will surely limit your speed and bandwidth significantly.
Some free VPNs are better than others, but some of them are severely lacking in security measures and should not be relied on to keep your data private. Because you aren’t paying for the service, these free VPN companies have to get their money somewhere. Many of them actually collected your data to be sold to the highest bidder (advertisers, the authorities, etc.).
Protect Yourself from Major Laptop Hacks
The global coronavirus pandemic has been haunted by a significant increase in cybercrimes and phishing attacks, making a VPN for laptops a vital security tool. With sophisticated threats that can take control over your webcam, steal the login details of your online accounts, and hijack your laptop’s microphone, some level of protection is essential.
It’s not just cybercriminals who are developing new tools to hack your laptop, however – government departments and official organizations are using the same tricks to gather information on individuals.
Intelligence agencies, like the UK’s Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) “can invade the privacy of anyone around the world with a few clicks”.
Invasive tools like Nosey Smurf, which hijacks your laptop’s microphone, Gumfish which commandeers your webcam, and Foggybottom which “records Internet browsing histories and collects login details”, can easily steal private data, unless you have the protection of the best VPN for laptops.
A VPN is not infallible, however, especially not on public Wi-Fi networks using a “captive portal” – i.e. a page that requests login information. According to Charl van der Walt, head of security research at Orange Cyberdefense, “A captive portal puts a laptop into a captive state, where the machine is connected to the LAN, but not the Internet. This means the VPN can’t establish a tunnel, and can’t enforce any protections”.
While the best VPNs for laptops will do much to boost your online security and privacy, we would still recommend using it in conjunction with a local firewall, the best antivirus protection, and a reliable password manager.
Using a VPN on Multiple Devices
Many VPNs will only protect one device at a time, so it’s important to check how many simultaneous connections you can run when choosing the best VPN for your laptop. For those of you with a house full of connected gadgets and devices, a subscription with Surfshark makes the most practical and financial sense, as they offer an unlimited number of device connections for less than $2 per month.
If, on the other hand, you want the best VPN for laptops to also protect your Roku device, you’d be better off with either ExpressVPN or NordVPN, both of which have dedicated Roku apps.
Before blithely signing up for the best VPN for laptops, do a quick survey of all your connected devices, and find a VPN that’s versatile enough to protect all of them with a single subscription.
Conclusion
Because laptops are easy to transport, we tend to take them with us wherever we go, using them to work, stay in touch, and access online entertainment. In the process, however, we continually expose them to potential cyber threats as we connect to public Wi-Fi networks in hotels, airports, and coffee shops.
Keep your data to yourself by investing in the best VPN for laptops which, by implementing the latest encryption and cybersecurity technology, can prevent common public Wi-Fi dangers, while pulling the virtual wool over prying eyes.
A VPN like ExpressVPN has a proven no-logging policy and will protect your identity and your data with the latest zero-knowledge architecture and cybersecurity technology. On the downside, ExpressVPN doesn’t include added extras like password managers and malware blockers which are becoming increasingly common.
CyberGhost has just launched an in-built password manager, while SurfShark includes a malware blocker on all its subscriptions and additional HackLock phishing protection and BlindSearch options for an extra $0.99 per month.
The best VPNs for laptops will only reduce your risk, not your speeds, and, unlike most free VPNs for laptops, will give you protection for numerous other devices as part of the same subscription.
Whether you use your laptop for work, studying, playing, or socializing, you need the best VPN for laptops to do it safely.
Why are some comments dated back to 2017?
The freshest is 5/1/2021
Do I need to be worried? Also only a few major ones are on reviewed here
Hi Jasmiena, we review the comments we get on a daily basis, and unfortunately the vast majority cannot be published as they violate our guidelines. We do want to create a healthy discussion, so sometimes less is more… Thank you for your comment 🙂
Nord is garbage. It used to be the best. No more. They actually have it set so their software will hijack your computer until you install their updates.
What kind of security system hijacks your system? None.
I have contacted them and they have no desire whatsoever to fix this.
thanks
ExpressVPN is an awesome VPN that is the best pick for laptops, with an excellent service that offers fast speeds, beautiful apps, and an impressive amount of server locations. Users also have the ability to share the VPN across three devices simultaneously, or even purchase a pre-configured VPN router to cover their whole house or office!
The details behind this VPN has been a bit intimidating, but ExpressVPN had me covered, with 24/7 customer service through live chat and email.
Hands down, ExpressVPN is the ideal VPN for laptops in my opinion.
I have no need for VPN except to access Skype to talk to my family. NordVPN is the best choice to me. I’ve had no issues or whatsoever with it. Thanks for the information.
Have ypu enjoyed their new trick of hijacking your computer until you install their updates.
Your article stated ExpressVPN as the best for laptops. I currently don’t have a VPN but I want to know if Express is only good for Windows laptops, or Macbooks as well? What about Chromebooks?
Hello! Thanks for the interesting question! We definitely recommend ExpressVPN as our top provider for Windows laptops thanks to its great features and extensive server locations. Moreover, the company has made a real effort to create a VPN that works for anyone, regardless of which device you’re on. As such, we recommend it as a top VPN for both MacBooks and Chromebooks. Let us know which VPN you choose in the end!
I’ve used PrivateVPN on all of my computers for about 5 years now. Started out on my desktop and then moved over to my laptop when I started traveling for business 2 years ago. I mostly am in the US and Canada but I have been all the way to Australia and have been able to unblock sites with it. It’s also solid for WiFi protection as I am on public WiFi a LOT.
For securing our data and maintain privacy I use express vpn it is great and provides better quality in terms of speed,accuracy etc but it is slightly expensive.
I have a slow laptop and I’m worried about my ability to get a fast connection. What are the average requirements for a laptop to run your recommended VPN’s? Don’t want to pay for something if I can’t get the full power out of it. Thanks.
Hi, and thanks for commenting! Generally, VPNs are built to not hog too many of your computer’s resources. Because they’re designed to operate in the background, your processing power should be fine–although if you’re concerned, most can be deactivated when not in use. Your connection speed may be slightly affected if your computer is not operating properly, but many VPNs are built to work with even older operating systems without becoming a resource drain.Â
Laptops are easy to carry and provides a lot of facilities than the old-schooled desktops. Even with moderate laptops, anyone can even play most of the modern games now! I really love my Dell Inspiron 11 with such robust power and performance. However, security is always a concern with every digital device, right? After reading this post, I decided to go with PrivateVPN. It’s been a really nice experience. Does PrivateVPN support affiliate program? How can I become an affiliate?
ExpressVPN has taken a very big space in my heart. Ever since I started using it I have never had any issue with restriction, and my internet speed moves faster than a moving Train.
Interesting post, I must say. Very nice VPN listed. Please are they the only VPN that can be used for PC?
Hi, and thank you for the great feedback! While these are the top VPN services we recommend after extensive testing, there are certainly other options on the market that could suit your needs. The VPNs listed here ranked at the top of all our trials, and offer the best combination of price, performance, and privacy. While there are other alternatives, we recommend giving these a test, as they offer great features and reliable security.
My system is 100% secure with ExpressVPN. I have been using it since 2015 and my user always stays anonymous. I recommend this VPN.
How good is Nord vpn. Been hearing about this for a while now from my friend. I want to know if it’s worth the subscription.
express vpn is a great VPN with good respect for privacy and enough servers to
accommodate most users. It is fast, all around a top notch service with excellent
support. great article.