Best VPNs for Laptops 2026
Secure your connection on the go.
NordVPN
#1 FOR LAPTOP SECURITY
Laptops are the ultimate tool for remote work, but they are most vulnerable when connected to public Wi-Fi networks in coffee shops, airports, and hotels. A solid VPN for your laptop needs to be more than just secure; it must be lightweight to preserve battery life and smart enough to auto-connect when you join an unknown network.
TOP VPNs FOR LAPTOPS RANKED
NordVPN: The Best All-Rounder
NordVPN takes the top spot for laptops due to its unique 'Meshnet' feature, which allows you to access files on your home PC directly from your laptop while travelling. Combined with its Threat Protection capability that blocks malware downloads before they finish, it is the perfect companion for Windows and Mac users alike.
Why it works:
- Threat Protection: Acts like a lightweight antivirus, scanning downloads for malware without slowing down your system.
- Meshnet: Securely route traffic through your home device or share files between laptops without using the cloud.
- Battery Friendly: The NordLynx protocol is significantly lighter on resources than OpenVPN, saving precious battery life.
Surfshark: Unlimited Devices
If you carry a laptop, a tablet, and a phone, or if you want to secure every computer in your household, Surfshark is the most economical choice. It offers unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning one subscription covers every gadget you own without compromise.
Why it works:
- CleanWeb: Blocks adverts and trackers at the network level, which speeds up browsing and saves data on metered hotspots.
- Whitelister: Allows banking apps or specific websites to bypass the VPN, essential for accessing services that block VPN IPs.
- Camouflage Mode: Makes your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic, useful in restrictive networks like universities.
ExpressVPN: The Premium Choice
ExpressVPN is renowned for its stability. While it carries a higher price tag, its custom-built Lightway protocol ensures that your connection re-establishes instantly when your laptop wakes from sleep—a common pain point with cheaper VPNs.
Why it works:
- Instant Connection: Lightway connects in a fraction of a second, ensuring you are protected the moment you open your laptop lid.
- Browser Extensions: Excellent extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge that control the main app directly.
- Shortcuts: The app allows you to add shortcuts to your most-used apps and sites right on the connection screen.
Mullvad: The Privacy Specialist
For users who want pure privacy without the bells and whistles, Mullvad is the answer. It requires no email address to sign up—you simply generate an account number. Its desktop app is incredibly lightweight and transparent, perfect for older laptops or privacy purists.
Why it works:
- No Registration: No personal data is ever collected. You can even pay via cash in the post or cryptocurrency.
- Open Source: The app code is public, meaning security experts can verify that it does exactly what it claims to do.
- Simplicity: The interface is clean and functional, with no upselling or confusing menus.
CyberGhost: The Automator
CyberGhost stands out with its "Smart Rules" panel on Windows. You can configure the VPN to automatically connect to a specific server the moment you launch your browser or open a torrent client, taking the manual effort out of staying secure.
Why it works:
- Smart Rules: Define exactly how the VPN behaves on startup or when joining new Wi-Fi networks.
- Wi-Fi Protection: Can be set to automatically launch and connect whenever an unsecured public network is detected.
- Specialised Servers: Clearly labelled servers for streaming, gaming, and torrenting make selection easy.
Laptop VPNs Compared
| VPN Service | Battery Impact | Best Feature | Verdict | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Low (NordLynx) | Threat Protection | #1 Overall | |
| Surfshark | Medium | Unlimited Devices | Best Value | |
| ExpressVPN | Low (Lightway) | Instant Connect | Reliable | |
| Mullvad | Very Low | Anonymity | Private | |
| CyberGhost | Medium | Smart Rules | Automated | |
| IPVanish | High | Configurability | Techy | |
| Hide.me | Low | Stealth Guard | Advanced | |
| PureVPN | Medium | Audit History | Option | |
| PrivadoVPN | Medium | Free Tier | Freemium | |
| ZoogVPN | Low | Pricing | Cheap | |
| iTop VPN | High | Easy UI | Basic |
Public Wi-Fi Security Dangers
The Reality: When you connect your laptop to public Wi-Fi—whether at a local café, library, or airport lounge—you are often entering an unsecured network. Hackers can use "packet sniffing" software to intercept unencrypted data, potentially stealing login credentials or sensitive work documents.
The Solution: Using a VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your laptop and the internet. Even if a hacker intercepts the data stream, it will appear as gibberish. For frequent travellers, features like "Auto-Connect on Unsecured Wi-Fi" (found in NordVPN and CyberGhost) are essential for maintaining constant protection without having to remember to click a button.
Battery Life & Performance
One common concern for laptop users is whether a VPN will drain their battery. The answer depends heavily on the encryption protocol used:
- WireGuard / NordLynx / Lightway: These are modern, lightweight protocols with minimal code. They are highly efficient and have a negligible impact on battery life.
- OpenVPN (UDP/TCP): While secure, this older protocol is heavier and requires more processing power, which can drain your battery faster.
Pro Tip: For the best battery life on a MacBook or Windows laptop, ensure your VPN app is set to use WireGuard or its proprietary equivalent (like Lightway for ExpressVPN).
Setup Guide: Securing Your Laptop
Follow these steps to ensure your laptop is secure from the moment you boot up:
- Download the App: Always download the official client from the provider's website, not from third-party download sites.
- Enable Kill Switch: Go to settings and ensure the "Internet Kill Switch" is on. This cuts your internet if the VPN drops, preventing data leaks.
- Configure Auto-Connect: Set the VPN to launch on startup and automatically connect. This ensures you never accidentally browse unprotected.
- Test for Leaks: Visit a site like "DNSLeakTest" to confirm your real IP address is hidden.
Using VPNs at Work or University
If you are using a laptop provided by your employer or connecting to a university network, be aware of the following:
- IT Policies: Many corporate networks block personal VPN connections. Bypassing these restrictions may violate your acceptable use policy.
- Monitoring: While a VPN hides your traffic from the network admin, it does not hide the fact that you are using a VPN.
- Device Management: If your employer has installed MDM (Mobile Device Management) software on your laptop, a VPN will not hide your activity from the device itself.
FAQs for Laptop VPNs
Does a VPN drain my laptop battery?
It can, but modern VPNs are efficient. Using the WireGuard protocol (or NordLynx/Lightway) minimises processor usage, meaning the impact on your battery life is often negligible compared to screen brightness or background apps.
Can I use a free VPN on my laptop?
Free VPNs often come with data caps, slower speeds, and potential privacy risks. For a laptop that contains sensitive personal or work data, we strongly recommend a premium service or a reputable freemium option like PrivadoVPN or Proton VPN.
Do I need a VPN if I have a Mac?
Yes. While macOS is generally secure against malware, it does not encrypt your internet traffic on public Wi-Fi. A VPN protects your data in transit, regardless of the operating system you are using.
