3 Best VPNs for Laptops — Secure, Fast, & Working In 2024

Using your laptop on public WiFi networks puts your data at risk. While VPNs protect your online privacy, many can significantly impact your laptop's performance. For example, a subpar VPN can slow down your connection by more than 50% or significantly reduce your battery life.

My team and I extensively tested 50+ VPNs to identify the most laptop-friendly options. We evaluated battery impact, resource usage, and security features across Windows, Mac, Linux, and ChromeOS laptops. Our testing revealed several standout performers that were easy to use, lightweight, and highly secure. With servers worldwide, safely accessing popular streaming platforms from anywhere via your laptop is also possible.

Overall, ExpressVPN delivered the best results for laptop use. Its efficient Lightway protocol minimized system impact while maintaining fast speeds and strong security for remote work and public WiFi. You can try ExpressVPN on your laptop risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Try ExpressVPN for Laptops >>

Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Laptops in 2024

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Best VPNs for Laptops — Full Analysis (Updated 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Fastest VPN With Low Battery Usage for Uninterrupted Streaming & Gaming on Your Laptop

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested December 2024

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol uses less code, making it faster and less resource-heavy on laptops. It’s also activated automatically on all servers. While testing different laptop models, ExpressVPN drained only 3% more battery life compared to no VPN connection. You can simultaneously use ExpressVPN on up to 8 devices without a noticeable performance drop.

Our speed tests also showed impressive results across various operating systems. We experienced just a 6% speed drop testing nearby servers. Even on long-distance connections, speeds were ideal for smooth UHD streaming, gaming, and large downloads from anywhere.

Smart Location connects you to the fastest server automatically

Split tunneling lets you customize protection while saving battery life. By enabling this feature, you can choose which apps use the VPN tunnel and which don’t. Limiting the VPN’s workload reduces power usage, helping your laptop last longer. Along with military-grade encryption to protect your data, Threat Manager blocks malicious sites and trackers without excessive resource usage.

A downside is its higher cost, starting at $4.99/month. However, ExpressVPN offers huge discounts of up to 61% and free months of service with its long-term plan. Plus, a reliable 30-day refund policy supports all subscriptions. While apps are easy to install and intuitive, support is available 24/7 via live chat for round-the-clock assistance.

Useful Features

• Privacy protection. ExpressVPN keeps your data private from accidental exposure with a kill switch and IP/DNS leak protection. It also follows a no-logs privacy policy verified by KPMG, PwC, and Cure53.
• Browser extensions. Lightweight alternatives to the full app that protect your browser traffic while using minimal system resources. Available for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and more.
• Device groups. When used on your router, you can create separate connection profiles for laptops and other devices with different security settings and server preferences.
• ARM architecture support. ExpressVPN offers a beta app for Windows 11 on ARM64 devices for compatibility and optimized performance on ARM-based laptops and tablets, such as the Microsoft Surface Pro X.
• Shortcuts. Add your most-used laptop websites to the VPN interface for quick access without navigating through menus.

2. CyberGhost — Automatically Launches to Keep Your Data Protected Using Laptops on Public Networks

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost’s Smart rules save you from having to auto-enable the VPN on untrusted networks like cafes, hotels, and airports. In our tests, CyberGhost automatically activated within 2 seconds of connecting to public networks. The VPN also lets you set how your app acts on launch. For example, I set it to always launch Chrome after I connect the VPN on my laptop.

You can adjust these settings for all new and saved WiFi networks

Its well-designed apps make establishing secure connections on all laptop operating systems easy. The apps open in a compact view with everything needed to connect, but you can expand it to access server lists and advanced features like split tunneling.

Our resource monitoring showed minimal impact on laptop and connection performance. We only experienced a 10% increased battery drain on laptops compared to browsing without a VPN. CyberGhost also reduced our average speeds by just 16% on nearby servers.

Unfortunately, its monthly plans are expensive and have a short refund period. However, if you commit to the longer subscription for just $2.19/month, you can test CyberGhost on your laptop for free using its generous 45-day money-back guarantee. Every plan also comes with 24/7 live support and can be used on up to 7 devices at once.

Useful Features

• Specialty servers. While all CyberGhost servers are RAM-only, upgrading to its NoSpy servers boosts security as they are exclusively owned and managed by CyberGhost’s team.
• Audited by Deloitte and QSCERT. These companies verified CyberGhost’s no-logs policy and confirmed that it doesn’t hold onto records of your online activity. Plus, it's based outside the intelligence sharing 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances.
• Top security. Like ExpressVPN, it uses AES 256-bit encryption, DNS/IP/WebRTC, and a kill switch to keep you safe online.
• Block content. When enabled, CyberGhost will block ads and online trackers, preventing background bandwidth consumption while protecting your privacy.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Tailor Settings to Balance Speed and Security On Laptops

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ FIFA+ Netflix

Disney+ APV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

With PIA, you can choose your encryption level and protocols to optimize your laptop connection. For example, selecting OpenVPN enables you to choose fewer layers of encryption, from AES 256-bit to 128-bit. Plus, I like how easy it was to toggle between WireGuard and OpenVPN while testing PIA. You can even change the MTU packet size to improve performance on unreliable networks.

If you’re on an unsecured network, use OpenVPN and AES 256-bit encryption

Its MACE feature effectively blocks ads and trackers without running resource-heavy processes. This feature operates at the DNS level, minimizing its impact on your laptop's performance. It’s one of the most successful ad blockers we tested, even blocking some YouTube ads.

One small con is that its advanced customization options might overwhelm beginners, but PIA comes pre-configured for most online activities. Just connect to a server, and you’re good to go.

It’s one of the more affordable VPNs for laptop users, with prices starting at just $2.19/month. You can test these features risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. Claiming a refund via the 24/7 live chat feature is straightforward. I got my money returned within 5 working days.

Useful Features

• Alternate Settings. When enabled, PIA will automatically try different settings to optimize your VPN connection on your laptop.
• Auto-connect rules. Set the VPN to automatically connect when joining new WiFi networks.
• Customizable interface. You can drag and drop as well as favorite elements in the PIA app interface to streamline the user experience for your needs.
• Unlimited connections. With a single account, you can install and use PIA on as many devices simultaneously as you want.

Quick Comparison Table: Laptop VPN Features

This comparison focuses on the features that matter most for laptop users. I've analyzed battery impact, resource usage, and performance metrics across different operating systems to help you choose the best VPN for your Windows, Mac, Chromebook, or Linux laptop.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs For Laptops

We measured each VPN's impact on laptop performance and battery life across different devices. Our testing included monitoring CPU usage, RAM consumption, and battery drain rates with and without the VPN active. We used benchmarking tools to record resource utilization metrics during common tasks like streaming, browsing, and file downloads.

Additionally, we evaluated each VPN's automatic WiFi protection features and cross-platform compatibility. This involved connecting to various public networks and measuring how quickly the VPNs responded to network changes. Testing covered Windows, Mac, Linux, and ChromeOS laptops to verify consistent platform performance.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

FAQs on VPNs for Laptops

Will a VPN drain my laptop battery faster?

Yes, but the impact should only be negligible with a premium VPN. Any app you run on your laptop uses processing power, increasing energy consumption. However, the best laptop VPNs use optimized coding practices so that they run more efficiently.

This is ideal for using a VPN when traveling and being unable to charge your battery for an undetermined time. You can try different settings to optimize your connection and resource usage. Activating different protocols, levels of encryption, or special features (like ad blocking) can all have an impact. Older protocols, like OpenVPN, may use slightly more battery than WireGuard and Lightway, usually causing less than a 5% extra drain over a few hours.

Will a VPN slow down my laptop?

Yes, but it’s unlikely that you’ll notice a significant difference when using a premium VPN. A VPN sends your traffic through its private server network, and encryption adds to the potential slowdown. However, the best VPNs won’t reduce your speed by more than 20% when connected to nearby servers.

Does my laptop need specific specifications to run a VPN?

Your laptop doesn’t require specific high-end specifications to run a VPN. They are pretty lightweight apps that will run on almost any laptop with a compatible operating system. All you need to do is download the app, install it, and connect to a server to browse securely on your laptop.

However, at a minimum you require:

• Windows. At least Windows 7 or higher
• Apple. macOS 10.11, 10.12, or later.
• Linux. Ubuntu, Fedora, or other common distributions
• ChromeOS and ARM-based devices. These, like Chromebooks or Apple M1/M2 Macs, are increasingly supported, but not universally. Some VPNs will require a manual configuration.

However, if you have a low-powered laptop, you’ll likely encounter performance issues if you have a processor smaller than 1GHz and less than 1GB of RAM.

Can I use one VPN across different laptop operating systems?

Yes, most VPNs offer apps for a variety of popular operating systems that you can access with a single account. The best VPNs for laptops support at least 7 simultaneous connections and various operating systems (including WIndows, Max, and Linux), so you can seamlessly use them on all your devices at the same time.

Will a VPN keep my laptop safe on public WiFi networks?

Yes, a VPN secures your laptop’s internet traffic using military-grade encryption and IP/DNS leak prevention. However, top services also offer features like automatic WiFi protection that launches the VPN as soon as you connect to public networks. So, you don’t have to remember to use the VPN manually or risk your traffic being exposed to hackers or snoops when using airport WiFi or other public hotspots.

A kill switch also automatically blocks internet traffic when the VPN disconnects, further reducing the risk of data exposure. At the very least, look for a VPN with 256-bit AES encryption as well as the OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols. Other advanced security tools, like an ad, malware, or tracker blocker, are also essential if you often access questionable sites on your laptop.

Can I use a laptop VPN on restrictive WiFi networks at work or school?

Yes, a VPN can help maintain secure internet access on work, school, airport, or hotel WiFi networks. Encrypting your traffic and concealing your IP address makes it harder for network administrators to block access to certain sites or services. Some VPNs, like ExpressVPN, also offer obfuscation to disguise VPN usage, allowing you to connect even on networks with VPN restrictions.

Get the Best VPN for Laptops

Many VPNs claim to offer robust security, but few are optimized for laptops. This leads to excessive battery drain, system slowdowns, and frustratingly slow connections. Our list of best laptop VPNs protects your online identity and activities without noticeably compromising battery life and speed.

ExpressVPN provides the best balance of security and efficiency for laptop users. Its Lightway protocol minimizes battery drain while maintaining strong protection and fast speeds. You can even test its laptop-optimized performance risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for laptops...

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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