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.

  • NordVPN Our top choice VPN 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.
  • Surfshark Best budget VPN pick for Microsoft Edge. A versatile service with powerful security and privacy protections. Allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
  • ExpressVPN Fast servers that can unblock just about any restricted or geo-blocked service or site. Tight privacy and easy-to-use apps.
  • CyberGhost Easy to use VPN for non-expert users that need maximum privacy while using Microsoft Edge. Speeds are great for streaming and downloading.
  • IPVanish One of the fastest VPNs on the market. 2,000+ servers and an unlimited connection allowance. Secure with 256-bit AES encryption.
  • PrivateVPN Handles multiple connections well so is great for families that connect multiple devices. Solid privacy features. Works well with Microsoft Edge.
  • Private Internet Access Servers in 80+ countries. Fast enough for HD streaming. Connect up to 10 devices. Privacy protection with its no-logs policy.

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.

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

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

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

Best VPNs for Microsoft Edge – at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Microsoft Edge.

Best VPNs for Microsoft Edge

There are plenty of VPNs on the market, but they don’t all offer the same level of service. We’ve taken the guesswork out of it for you by compiling this list of quality, reliable provers.

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Microsoft Edge

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Works With MS EdgeTested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our first choice for a Microsoft 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.

BEST VPN FOR EDGE:NordVPN is our top pick. It’s a great choice for security and privacy and unblocks the 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.

Pros:

  • Incredibly fast and reliable downloading and streaming speeds
  • Offers secure, encrypted connections at all times
  • Vast global server network comprising of over 5,400 servers easily gets around VoIP blocks
  • Enjoy a high degree of anonymity with no logs and cryptocurrency payments
  • Customer service available via 24/7 live chat
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

  • Apps let you select server locations, but not individual servers

Our score:

Read our full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

Works With MS EdgeTested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

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.

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

  • Servers in over 100 countries

  • Powerful security features and a no-logs policy

  • Unblocks all but the most stubborn services

  • No connection limit

  • 24/7 chat available

  • Some servers are much slower than others

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

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.

  • Top-notch encryption, security, and privacy features are the default

  • High-grade security features and a no logs policy protect your privacy

  • Fast and reliable choice, works flawlessly

  • Operates over 3,000 servers in 94+ countries

  • 24/7 live chat support

  • Only 5 connections are permitted at once

  • More expensive than other VPN options

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

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 9,00 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.

  • Vast network of over 9,000 global servers

  • Keeps no user activity logs and provides strong encryption to bypass activity detection

  • Some of the fastest streaming servers we’ve tested

  • Reliable and knowledgeable 24/7 live chat support

  • Easy-to-use apps make this great for getting started

  • Doesn’t work in China

  • Lack of advanced features for power users

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

5. IPVanish

works with Microsoft edgeTested Jan 2023

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish now ranks among our fastest VPNs. It averaged 488 Mbps in our latest tests. As such, this VPN is highly suitable for use with Microsoft Edge because you’ll easily be able to carry out more bandwidth-intensive activities, be it streaming or playing online games. IPVanish has a network of more than 2,000 servers and 40,000+ IP addresses, so there’s certainly plenty of choice available.

Most VPNs allow up to a handful of simultaneous connections, but IPVanish lets you connect an unlimited number of devices at once. This makes it a great option for sharing with family. All internet traffic is routed through a 256-bit AES encrypted tunnel while there’s also DNS leak protection and a kill switch feature. IPVanish is a no-logs service and provides 24-hour support via live chat and email.

VERY FAST SPEEDS:IPVanish has implemented the WireGuard protocol and is very fast as a result. Unlimited simultaneous connections per account. Variety of apps that are compatible with Microsoft Edge. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • One of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested

  • Plenty of servers for you to choose from (2,000+)

  • Connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously

  • Strong security with encryption and a kill switch

  • No browser extensions available

  • Doesn’t support any anonymous payment methods

Read our full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN is a very fast VPN service that’s perfect for protecting an entire household. It permits ten 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.

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.

  • Privacy and security are top-notch

  • Fast and reliable servers provide consistent connections

  • Easy-to-use apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android

  • Small number of servers to choose from

  • Needs manual tweaking to work in China (default apps don’t work there)

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

7. Private Internet Access

works with microsoft edgeTested Jan 2023

Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

Private Internet Access provides servers in more than 80 countries which is great if you regularly travel abroad. That’s because it works with a wide range of geo-restricted content, including streaming services like Netflix US and BBC iPlayer. Fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth makes for stress-free browsing and streaming. What’s more, you can connect 10 devices at once via just one PIA account.

Another reason to consider PIA is that it doesn’t keep any logs — not even connection logs. Security comes in the form of 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. The antivirus premium add-on allows for even safer browsing on Microsoft Edge. If you need any help, know that PIA provides live chat and email support around the clock to make things easier.

SERVERS WORLDWIDE:Private Internet Access provides good speedsand has servers in over 80 countries. It also works with Netflix. No-logs VPN with 24/7 support. Up to 10 devices allowed per account. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Servers are available in over 80 countries

  • Secure up to 10 of your devices at the same time

  • Provides the option of a Windows antivirus for extra security

  • Doesn’t work in China

  • Mobile apps can feel a little cluttered

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

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 determine 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.

Because free VPNs can’t profit directly from their users, they have to find other ways to make money. Methods range from displaying ads on the pages you visit to tracking you over extended periods of time using cookies. They may use the data themselves or sell the profile they’ve built to unknown third parties.

This isn’t just conjecture. In the past, there have been widely publicized cases of free VPNs installing malware, being intentionally vague about the details they log, and even selling their users’ bandwidth for use in botnets. Although this case was a while ago, free VPNs still pose a risk. Rather than trusting these companies with your personal information, we recommend using a reputable VPN service with a clear commitment to privacy.