Net Neutrality has become a thorny discussion as more ISPs like Windstream try to control how their customers access content. It’s reached a point where VPNs are the only recourse, with ExpressVPN being the best VPN for Windstream.
It counters speed throttling by hiding your activities from Windstream, maintains fast connection speeds for streaming and downloading what you want without restrictions, and offers shared IPs that make it hard for you to be singled out.
But it’s not the only VPN I tested.
You can use CyberGhost (the largest server network), NordVPN (reliable privacy), Surfshark (affordable price plans), and Private Internet Access (best anonymity).
So, if you’re tired of Windstream interfering with how you use your internet and other related services, you’re in the right place.
Top 3 VPNs for Windstream (March, 2025)
CyberGhost offers the largest global server network with 1300+ US servers. It has IP leak protection and military-grade encryption and can bypass speed throttling and other network restrictions from Windstream. It’s compatible with all common devices.
ExpressVPN offers fast and stable connections, automatic obfuscation, IP leak protection, AES 256-bit encryption, and over 25 US servers for bypassing Windstream throttling. It’s compatible with Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.
NordVPN offers DoubleVPN for extra privacy and has the largest US server network with 2000+. There’s IP leak protection, encryption, and stable and fast connection speeds, and it can handle any speed throttling from Windstream. NordVPN works on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
You may notice sudden drops in connection speeds when streaming or downloading with Windstream. That may not be by accident; Windstream could be throttling your speeds to force you to use DIRECTV Stream rather than direct competitors like Netflix.
That’s illegal.
This is what Net Neutrality tries to address, and I covered some of it in this article. However, if you’re in the US and want to bypass Windstream throttles and do what you want with the internet you pay for, then read this to the end.
Tired of Speed Throttling and Interference From Windstream? Here Are 5 VPNs to Set Things Right
I know how frustrating it is dealing with an underhanded internet service provider, but here is a quick look at the VPNs that can help you regain your freedom.
- ExpressVPN – Best Overall With Fastest Speeds
- CyberGhost – Largest Server Network With Shared IP Addresses
- NordVPN – The Best Privacy for Windstream Users
- Surfshark – Most Affordable + Unlimited Simultaneous Connections
- Private Internet Access – Reliable MultiHop Feature for Extra Anonymity
I used base internet speeds of 30 Mbps for all the speed tests, which is enough for 4K streaming. The tests are for demonstration purposes to show you what to expect depending on your speeds.
The 5 Best VPNs for Windstream
The tests for the best VPNs for Windstream involved over 20 VPNs.
The key factors influencing my final selection include connection stability and speeds, user privacy, availability of shared IPs, and device compatibility.
This is how the VPNs fared.
ExpressVPN - Best Overall With Fastest Speeds
| Location | US Servers | Connections | Average Test Speeds | Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Virgin Islands | 25 + | 5 | 29 Mbps | Show Offer |
Maintaining Connection Speeds
ExpressVPN was the fastest VPN during the tests, with stable connections that support streaming and downloading without interference from Windstream.
I averaged 29 Mbps, enough to stream content from Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.
ExpressVPN doesn’t have bandwidth limitations and no data caps. Windstream can’t slow your speeds because they can’t see your actual IP address. To get the best experience, switch to the Lightway UDP protocol that offers the best speeds and industry-leading security in one package.
You’ll kill two birds with one stone, keeping Windstream out of your business while streaming anything you want without buffering.
Complete User Privacy
For Windstream to tinkle with your internet connection, they need to know your IP address, among other things. ExpressVPN stops this by giving you a virtual IP that can’t be tracked. This is possible through 25+ US servers.
It’s a little short of what NordVPN, CyberGhost, and Surfshark offer, but it will get you what you need.
There’s also a dependable Network Lock Kill Switch that disconnects your internet anytime your VPN connection drops. That small window of vulnerability can give Windstream a peek into what you’re really up to.
The kill switch ensures you don’t access the internet until the VPN connection is restored.
Like all the other premium alternatives, ExpressVPN has military-grade encryption that stops all external parties, including Windstream.
With this, you can safely connect to a public Windstream network, and no one can snoop on your traffic. Breaching the encryption without the deciphering keys is an impossible task.
Of note is ExpressVPN’s automatic obfuscation, which works with all protocols and servers without slowing speeds. Obfuscation in other alternatives only works with the OpenVPN protocol, which isn’t big on speed.
Since ExpressVPN is located in the British Virgin Islands, your user data won’t fall into the wrong hands since BVI doesn’t have to honor any surveillance laws. The strict no-log policy means your online footprint is wiped clean after every session.
The best counter to monitoring by Windstream is regular shared IPs.
Anyone trying to single you out from a crowd of other users would be doing a fool’s errand. Add that ExpressVPN only offers 25 servers in the US; you could have thousands of users on one server alone.
Even with all the time in the world, Windstream will have to stretch its workforce very thin to deal with just one user.
Device Compatibility
You can use ExpressVPN on Android, iOS, macOS, or Windows for streaming, downloading, or regular internet browsing. Furthermore, the VPN allows up to 5 simultaneous connections, the smallest number on this list but enough for someone with multiple devices that rely on Windstream internet.
The only thing that may make you think twice about ExpressVPN is the price tag, as it’s the most expensive VPN here. Fortunately, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
And we offer these amazing discounts to help you offset that price tag.
Pros
- Fast and stable connection speeds
- Shared IPs for extra anonymity
- Kill switch for IP protection
- Solid encryption for external interferences
- Automatic obfuscation
Cons
- Expensive
- Only 25 US servers
| Location | US Servers | Connections | Average Speeds | Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Romania | 1300+ | 7 | 24 Mbps | Show Offer |
Maintaining Connection Speeds
CyberGhost has streaming and dedicated torrenting servers, giving it an edge over ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and PIA. I averaged speeds of 26 Mbps which is perfect for 4K streaming on any platform, whether affiliated with Windstream or not.
The connection was also stable without speed throttling despite running heavy downloads and streaming side by side. CyberGhost beats Windstream’s speed throttling through its huge US server network of 1300+ servers, the second largest after NordVPN.
With these many servers, there’s no risk of overcrowding, and neither is it easy for Windstream to pinpoint your location.
CyberGhost uses WireGuard and IKEv2, its fastest protocols.
The VPN also constantly upgrades its servers to meet its users’ growing needs.
Complete User Privacy
CyberGhost has AES 256-bit encryption that ensures your traffic is useless to anyone trying to keep tabs on your online activities.
ISPs like Windstream can see the sites you visit, but not with CyberGhost active. It turns your traffic into indecipherable text.
In addition, a kill switch prevents your real IP from leaking to Windstream when the VPN connection drops. It shuts down the internet until the VPN connection is restored, effectively keeping Windstream in the dark.
CyberGhost doesn’t store user information, thanks to its strict no-log policy. Being located in Romania further boosts that claim since the country isn’t part of any surveillance alliance. Windstream can’t force them to give up your information.
Besides the specialty servers, every other regular CyberGhost server is shared, giving you the anonymity you need to do whatever you want with your internet. Windstream will first have to figure out your virtual IP, then find you from a sea of thousands of other users, which is almost impossible, even for the CIA.
Device Compatibility
CyberGhost has native apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS, all common devices used by most Windstream users. So you can beat ISP interference from any device. The VPN also allows a maximum of 7 simultaneous device connections, more than NordVPN and ExpressVPN, and is perfect for a small group of friends and family who want to beat Windstream at their own game.
Unlike ExpressVPN, CyberGhost is cheap and the only option on this list with a 45-day money-back guarantee for long-term plans.
Want to get a big smile on your face? Then take advantage of these exclusive discounts before they run out.
Pros
- Fast and stable connection speeds
- 1300+ US servers + shared IPs for extra anonymity
- Kill switch for IP protection
- AES 256-bit encryption
- A strict no-log policy
Cons
- Slower than ExpressVPN
NordVPN - The Best Privacy for Windstream Users
| Location | US Servers | Connections | Average Speeds | Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panama | 2000+ | 6 | 27 Mbps | Show Offer |
Maintaining Connection Speeds
NordVPN was the second fastest after ExpressVPN, with 27 Mbps, due to two factors. First is the NordLynx protocol, the latest addition by NordVPN, which offers the best speeds and foolproof encryption, perfect for beating Windstream’s speed throttling and snooping.
Second, NordVPN has P2P servers like CyberGhost that are optimized for speeds. This means you can torrent without being hit with DMCA notices after Windstream snitches on you, and they will if you don’t cover your tracks.
But this isn’t to say that the other regular servers are duds; you can still use them!
Complete User Privacy
Privacy is NordVPN’s strength. You can use Double VPN servers to encrypt your traffic twice, making it impossible for Windstream to do anything to your traffic, as they won’t know where you are.
The only downside is that your speeds will take a huge hit, so they won’t be ideal for streaming or downloading. But you can browse sites you wouldn’t want anyone to catch you browsing.
You also get a kill switch (two for Windows) that prevents IP leaks when your VPN connection drops. This happened to me once during a blackout.
The kill switch terminates your internet, effectively closing that small window that may finally allow Windstream to see your real location.
Finally, the military-grade encryption, standard in all premium VPNs on this list, will keep Windstream and other unauthorized parties out of your business. This includes hackers (if you’re on unsecured public Wi-Fi) or government agencies that love to keep tabs on citizens without their knowledge.
Every NordVPN server is shared (unless you’re on Dedicated IP).
So you can hide among other users to make life more difficult for Windstream. Although the 2000+ servers may thin out users, I don’t think finding one with many people is hard. For instance, I love letting the VPN choose the most reliable server on launch. You can try that, too, and see where it lands you.
Device Compatibility
NordVPN is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS while allowing up to 6 simultaneous device connections, just one more than ExpressVPN. This can meet your needs if you have several devices that use Windstream services.
On affordability, NordVPN falls between Surfshark and ExpressVPN, neither cheap nor too expensive, but it may be too much for people on a tight budget. But you get a 30-day money-back guarantee plus our amazing deals.
Pros
- Fast and stable connection speeds
- 2000+ US servers + shared IPs for extra anonymity
- Kill switch for IP protection
- Double VPN servers
- A strict no-log policy
Cons
- Slower than ExpressVPN
- Obfuscation slows speeds even more
Surfshark - Most Affordable + Unlimited Simultaneous Connections
| Location | US Servers | Connections | Average Speeds | Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Netherlands | 600+ | Unlimited | 27 Mbps | Show Offer |
Maintaining Connection Speeds
Fourth on the list is Surfshark, another fast VPN that will get you around Windstream throttling while giving you a stable connection without unnecessary drops. A significant advantage Surfshark has over ExpressVPN is the number of US servers – 600+.
That’s still short of what NordVPN and CyberGhost offer but sufficient for you to dance around Windstream. I got average speeds of 27 Mbps, like NordVPN.
Like CyberGhost, Surfshark relies on WireGuard and IKEv2 protocols for all its speed needs. The two also offer unbreachable encryption that will keep Windstream and anyone else out, more on that in the next section.
Besides fast protocols, Surfshark’s constant server upgrades have given it quite the boost to support as many people as possible without affecting speeds. According to the official website, the slowest servers run on 1 Gbps ports, most upgraded to 10 Gbps. This explains how the VPN provider can maintain fast speeds despite having an inferior server network to CyberGhost.
Complete User Privacy
First, you get a kill switch for IP leak protection. Android users are lucky enough to get two; the working mechanism is the same as the other options. The kill switch shuts down the internet when the VPN connection drops.
Besides the kill switch, Surfshark is equipped with AES 256-bit encryption that secures both ends of your traffic flow, encrypting everything in between. Anyone who gets this information will only see the gibberish text they can’t use. Breaching is impossible, to begin with, even with the fastest computers, so Windstream doesn’t stand a chance.
The VPN also has a strict no-logging policy that puts the user’s safety first. Every website you visit with an active Surfshark connection will never see the light of day. Your digital footprint is erased when you close the session.
All Surfshark servers offer shared IPs, including Static servers.
So at any given time, each Surfshark server has several users providing the perfect cover for you if you want to thwart any tracking attempts by Windstream. Having to go through each server individually and crosscheck each user inside cannot be pulled off easily.
Device Compatibility
Surfshark is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
It’s also the only VPN on this list that allows unlimited simultaneous device connections. This covers all the devices you may have and leaves enough slots for all your friends and family members.
In addition, Surfshark has the cheapest price plans on this list, complete with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Grab your discounted subscription before the offer runs out.
Pros
- Fast and stable connection speeds
- 600+ US servers + shared IPs for extra anonymity
- Kill switch for IP protection
- Affordable
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
Cons
- Slower than ExpressVPN
Private Internet Access - Reliable MultiHop Feature for Extra Anonymity
| Location | Servers | Connections | Average Speeds | Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Unknown | 10 | 22 Mbps | Show Offer |
Maintaining Connection Speeds
Private Internet Access registered average speeds of 25 Mbps, the slowest on the list but enough to stream, download, and open all kinds of websites without dropping connections. The exact number of servers is unknown, but regarding dealing with Windstream speed throttles, PIA was up to the task.
PIA has two protocols; OpenVPN and WireGuard, which is the fastest.
Like Surfshark, PIA is upgrading its next-generation servers, optimizing them for 10 Gbps speeds to reduce intentional buffering, freezing, or lagging when you stream content on platforms that Windstream may not like.
The VPN provider doesn’t impose bandwidth restrictions or data caps either, and these are the reasons that make it the perfect counter against ISP interferences.
Complete User Privacy
PIA is the only VPN on this list with the closest thing to ExpressVPN’s automatic obfuscation; Multi-Hop. This feature adds an extra layer of encryption by rerouting your VPN traffic through a proxy while obfuscating your connection. So you get better anonymity while hiding that you’re using a VPN from Windstream, bypassing any blocks the ISP may set up.
There’s also a kill switch (two on macOS and Windows) that prevents potential IP and DNS leaks when the VPN connection drops.
Furthermore, a solid AES 256-bit encryption makes your traffic unreadable to any snooping party unless they have the deciphering keys.
So Windstream, government censors, or network administrators will be met by an impenetrable wall when they try to keep track of your online activities.
Unless you’re using a Dedicated IP address (which I advise against if you want to ghost Windstream), every other Private Internet Access server offers shared IP addresses. So you can camouflage yourself among other users and make it impossible for Windstream to find you. This adds an extra layer of anonymity that will come in handy if you’re a heavy bandwidth user.
Device Compatibility
Like all the alternatives I’ve covered, PIA is compatible with Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows with up to 10 simultaneous device connections.
That puts it second after Surfshark, ideal for large groups of Windstream subscribers.
The price plans aren’t costly either, and it also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If the VPN fits your bill, grab a subscription using these unbeatable offers to save some extra money.
Pros
- Fast and stable connection speeds
- Shared IPs for extra anonymity
- Kill switch for IP protection
- MultiHop + obfuscation
Cons
- Slowest VPN
- The exact server size is unknown
How to Use a VPN to Hide From Windstream Snooping?
You can counter snooping from Windstream using ExpressVPN in the following steps.
- Subscribe to and download ExpressVPN on any compatible device.
- Launch the VPN and connect to a server.
- Enjoy secure and anonymous internet browsing.
FAQ
Can I Use a Free VPN for Windstream?
You can use a free VPN for Windstream, but a few limitations will negatively impact your experience. Free VPNs are very slow, so you may get connection drops and heavy buffering when you try streaming. Most free VPNs aren’t immune to speed throttling since Windstream can see exactly where you are.
For these reasons, I recommend using premium VPN services like Surfshark or CyberGhost, which are cheap and have all the features you need to keep Windstream in check.
Will a VPN Slow Windstream Speeds?
A VPN may or may not slow Windstream speeds. For example, your speeds will reduce significantly if you activate obfuscation which requires OpenVPN protocol (the slowest protocol because it optimizes security over speed). ExpressVPN is the exception to this rule.
Your speeds may also take a hit if you use an overcrowded server or slow server.
To ensure optimum speeds, choose protocols optimized for speeds and combine them with servers closest to your physical location.
Conclusion
Dealing with ISPs like Windstream is becoming harder as they gain more control over what users consume. A VPN is one of the few weapons that stands between that and total control now that Net Neutrality is under assault. ExpressVPN remains my number 1 VPN for Windstream.
It’s fast with stable connections, automatic obfuscation, IP leak protection, reliable encryption, and compatible with all commonly used devices. Everything you need under one roof.
If you share the same, grab your ExpressVPN subscription before the offers run out.
