6 Best VPNs for Microsoft Edge in 2023 | Comparitech (2024)

Do you want to bypass your workplace’s firewall or watch Netflix abroad? Would you like to browse safely when using the Edge Android or iOS apps on a public network? Perhaps you just want to stop Microsoft from tracking your browsing history. Whatever the case, you can protect yourself by connecting to a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when using Microsoft Edge.

VPNs work by routing your network traffic through an encrypted tunnel. This stops any outside observers from reading your data. This includes your Internet Service Provider (ISP), hackers, and any network administrators. By connecting to a VPN, you can even spoof your location and gain access to geo-blocked websites.

We go into some detail on each of the VPNs below, but if you only have time for a summary, below is our list of the best VPNs for Microsoft Edge.

Best VPNs for Microsoft Edge

1. NordVPN Our top choice for Microsoft Edge. Extremely fast and very reliable. Strong security features like the kill-switch which disables browser traffic if the VPN connection is lost. Includes 30-day money back guarantee.
2. Surfshark Best budget pick. A versatile service with powerful security and privacy protections.
3. ExpressVPN Fast servers that can unblock just about any restricted or geo-blocked service or site. Tight privacy and easy-to-use apps.
4. CyberGhost Best budget VPN. Easy to use for non-expert users that need maximum privacy. Speeds are great for streaming and downloading.
5. PrivateVPNHandles multiple connections well so is great for families that connect multiple devices. Solid privacy features.
6. VyprVPNImpressive speeds, security, and privacy features but a little pricey.

How to set up a VPN for Microsoft Edge

To use any of the VPNs on this list, it will first need to be set up to work with Microsoft Edge. Read our step-by-step instructions on how to do this below. Don’t worry, it’s a quick and easy process.

Here’s how to set up a VPN for Microsoft Edge:

1. Choose a suitable VPN for Microsoft Edge, we particularly recommend NordVPN. Sign up and enter your payment details.
2. Download the VPN app for your specific device
3. Clear your cookies and cache and restart the device
4. Open the app and connect to a server in your preferred location
5. Begin safely browsing the internet using Microsoft Edge

1. NordVPN

Dec 2023 Works With MS EdgeTested Dec 2023

NordVPN is our first choice for an Edge VPN. One neat feature is its in-built kill switch. This enables you to block Microsoft Edge’s traffic when the VPN connection is lost.

That’s just the beginning of NordVPN’s security features. This provider keeps no logs and uses 256-bit AES encryption. It also accepts cryptocurrency payments, allowing you to remain completely anonymous. With up to six simultaneous connections allowed, you can protect your desktop PC, your cellphone, and any other devices you might have. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Manual installation is also possible for certain routers.

NordVPN is capable of granting secure access to nearly all popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, or ITV Hub. It has thousands of high-speed servers spread across 60+ countries. This means that it’s a great choice for those looking to access geo-blocked platforms from abroad. NordVPN is also a great option for casual day-to-day browsing.

BEST VPN FOR EDGE:NordVPN is our top pick. It’s a great choice for security and privacy and unblocks most popular streaming platforms. Also works well in China. Strong security features and accommodates up to 6 devices. Includes 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

Works With MS EdgeTested Dec 2023

Surfshark is a budget-friendly provider that has more than 1,700 servers in 60+ countries, which means it’s easy to obtain a high-speed, low-latency connection from almost anywhere. Looking to stream? No problem: this VPN gives secure access to all kinds of platforms including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Better still, it lets you connect as many devices as you like, so you’ll never have to browse unprotected again.

One of the best things about Surfshark is its wide range of security features. These include a kill switch, 256-bit AES encryption, and protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. There’s even a NoBorders mode that bypasses country-wide internet censorship. You can pay in Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Ripple. Support is available 24/7 via live chat and email.

Surfshark provides iOS, Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux apps. Select wireless routers are also supported, although a manual configuration is required. That’s not all: with no connection limit, you’ll be able to browse securely wherever you are, whichever device you’re using. As if that wasn’t enough, this service comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

is great value. Protect the entire family with unlimited simultaneous connections and best-in-class security. User-friendly apps on all devices.

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

3. ExpressVPN

Works With MS EdgeTested Dec 2023

ExpressVPN offers servers in more than 90 countries and unblocks platforms including Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. As such, it’s excellent for both day-to-day internet usage and streaming. Microsoft Edge isn’t the fastest browser around, so it’s important to have a VPN that doesn’t slow things down even further.

ExpressVPN takes your security seriously. It uses 256-bit AES encryption and offers perfect forward secrecy, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch that halts web traffic when the VPN connection is lost. This provider is based in the British Virgin Islands which means it isn’t bound by the same data retention laws that many other VPNs are. As a result, ExpressVPN is completely log-free.

Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. You can also manually install it on Linux and some wireless routers.

SECURITY-FIRST VPN:ExpressVPN is a fast and reliable choice which unblocks all major streaming services including Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Great privacy features and keeps no logs. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

Works With MS EdgeTested Dec 2023

CyberGhost removes the need to install dedicated anti-malware and ad-blocking extensions in Microsoft Edge. You can select a specific server or choose from a list of services that include “Unblock Streaming” and “Surf Anonymously”. This makes CyberGhost accessible, even if you aren’t an experienced VPN user. With seven simultaneous connections permitted, a single account could well protect all of your household’s devices at once.

CyberGhost features 256-bit encryption, forced HTTPS redirection, and a kill switch. It doesn’t log any personally identifiable information. The network comprises more than 5,700 servers across 90+ countries, some of which are protected against DDoS attacks.

Apps are available for macOS, iOS, Windows, Linux, and Android. It can be manually configured to work with some wireless routers.

GOOD FOR BEGINNERS:CyberGhost is very easy to use. Good on privacy with zero logs and DNS leak protection. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

5. PrivateVPN

Works With MS EdgeTested Dec 2023

PrivateVPN is a very fast VPN service that’s perfect for protecting an entire household. It permits six simultaneous connections and good multi-platform support. It has minimal impact on page load time which is particularly important when using a browser like Microsoft Edge since it integrates additional features like Cortana.

PrivateVPN has fewer servers than some of its rivals but offers above-average speeds. It protects your network traffic with 256-bit encryption and doesn’t log any personally identifiable information. DNS and IPv6 leak protection is built-in, as is a kill switch. There’s also a live chat for support in case you run into problems, but response times are usually slightly longer outside of office hours.

PrivateVPN unblocks numerous streaming sites including Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Youtube, among others. Its exceptional speed means videos should play with minimal buffering, as long as your internet connection is fast enough.

Apps are available for Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS. It can be installed on Linux and specific routers but manual configuration is required.

Great Speed:PrivateVPN allows up to 6 devices on the same account. Has a small network of servers but fast connections. Gets around geo-blocking but can struggle with some popular streaming sites. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

6. VyprVPN

Works With MS EdgeTested Dec 2023

VyprVPN has more than 700 high-speed servers, clustered primarily in the US, Europe, and Asia. This makes it a strong choice for people looking to stream content, whether it’s in-app or through a browser like Microsoft Edge.

This provider offers end-to-end, 256-bit encryption and a scrambling system that claims to prevent ISP bandwidth throttling. DNS leak protection is built-in and users can activate a kill switch if they choose. VyprVPN does log its users’ IP addresses, connection times, and the volume of data transferred, but this is only kept for 30 days and is used for troubleshooting network issues.

VPN plans include access to 5GB of secure cloud storage and an encrypted messaging app called Cypher (although this is only available for Android and iOS) at no extra cost.

VyprVPN has apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Manual configuration is required for Linux and wireless routers. Please note that VyprVPN is the only provider on this list that does not allow torrenting on its network.

INDEPENDENT NETWORK:VyprVPN is easy to use. Stores no logs, offers great security and unblocks most streaming services. Not the cheapest option. 30-day money back guarantee.

Read our full review of VyprVPN.

Methodology: How we find the best Microsoft Edge VPNs

Staying safe online is important, and a VPN can help to protect you and your online activity. The very first step in evaluating a VPN for Microsoft Edge is ensuring that it works seamlessly with the browser. Once that is confirmed, we move on to other criteria that determines its suitability for Edge users. Below is an overview of our testing methodology:

• Worldwide server coverage: Geo-restrictions are common, especially if you’re using Netflix and other popular streaming services. We check that each VPN has a wide choice of servers in many different locations so that you can change your IP address and use it for various streaming services.
• Security and privacy: We look closely at how secure each VPN for Microsoft Edge is. They should include 256-bit AES encryption, a network kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy to ensure your privacy at all times. Such tools also help to prevent hacks and phishing scams.
• Speeds: Slow internet is incredibly frustrating. Whether you’re simply browsing the web, downloading files, or streaming, you should be able to rely on your connection. This is why we conduct speed tests to ensure that we are only recommending the fastest VPNs.
• Value: Value is much more than just the cost of a subscription. When assessing value, we also look at free trials, money-back guarantees, and customer service. We work to ensure that each user is getting the most for their money.

This is just a preview of our thorough VPN testing methodology. Each VPN needs to be approved through our evaluation process before being published on the Comparitech website.

Dedicated VPNs vs browser extensions

If you’re looking for a quick way to protect your internet traffic, you might be tempted to install a browser extension. However, you’re almost always better off installing a dedicated VPN application instead.

Using a proxy server extension routes your traffic through a server elsewhere in the world, similar to a VPN service, but there are key differences to consider. Firstly, the company that owns the proxy server might not have the same commitment to privacy that a VPN provider does. While they can’t see what you’re doing on a specific site, they can still tell which ones you visit and how long you spend there.

At best, browser extensions only encrypt your browser’s traffic. That means if you’re using P2P networks, email or messaging apps, or anything other than your browser that connects to the internet, your traffic is likely readily available for any observers to read. In contrast, a properly configured VPN app encrypts all network traffic from your device.

Using a VPN to bypass firewalls

If you’re looking to bypass your office or university’s firewalls, a VPN will work. However, some companies or institutions might have other methods of finding out what you’re doing online. For instance, some workplaces have tools that enable them to log keystrokes or view a computer screen in real time.

Further, while a network administrator might not be able to see what you’re doing whilst connecting to a VPN, they may be able to tell if you’re using one. Based on the amount of data you use, they may even be able to guess roughly what you’re doing online. Before you attempt to use a VPN, it’s worth reading your provider’s acceptable use policy to see if this is permitted.

Installing a VPN on Windows 10

Most VPNs offer easy-to-install applications that greatly simplify the setup process. However, depending on where you’re trying to access it from, you may not have the user privileges required to install additional programs. In this case, you can set up a VPN connection manually.

• Begin by clicking the Start button in the bottom-left of the screen
• Next, choose the following options: Settings > Network & Internet > VPN > Add a VPN connection

• Leave the VPN provider box as is (it should read “Windows (built in)”). Enter a name for your connection in the box below.
• Consult your VPN’s server list to find the address of the server you’d like to connect to. If you can’t find the list, try looking for your provider’s Linux setup guide since this step is required for those systems. Enter the address into the Server name or address box.

• Choose your preferred protocol in the VPN type list. If you choose L2PT/IPSec, you’ll need to enter a pre-shared key. You’ll find this in your VPN provider’s L2PT/IPSec setup guide.
• Enter your VPN login credentials in the User name and Password boxes. If you’re using a shared computer, leave the Remember my sign-in info box unchecked.
• Click Save. You should be able to see your VPN connection when you click the Network icon in the notification area on the right-hand side of the taskbar. Click it, then click Connect.

• Finally, visit an IP location website. If your real location shows, the VPN hasn’t been configured properly. We’d advise double-checking the server address and consulting your provider’s setup guides directly. If the website shows the location of the server you chose earlier, however, everything is working as intended.

Related: Best VPNs for Windows 10 (and the worst) plus our handy setup guide

Microsoft Edge VPN FAQ