When it comes to keeping your online activities private, a VPN is your best friend. It is a service, like an app of sorts, that encrypts your data and hides your IP address, creating a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. But what happens if that tunnel suddenly collapses? Without a safety net, your sensitive information could be exposed. That’s where a VPN kill switch steps in to save the day.
A VPN kill switch is like an emergency brake for your secure internet connection. The moment your VPN connection drops, the kill switch jumps into action, cutting off your internet access. This keeps your IP address and other sensitive data hidden. It’s a simple yet powerful feature that shields you from accidentally browsing the web without protection.
While most premium VPNs include a kill switch, not all kill switches are the same. Some are more reliable and easier to use, which is why it’s essential to choose a VPN that offers a top-notch kill switch.
Our #1 recommendation for the best VPN with a kill switch is NordVPN. It offers one for specific apps and one for your entire system, so you can tailor your protection to suit your needs, whether you’re torrenting, gaming, or just browsing. In this guide, we’ll break down what a VPN kill switch is, why you need it, and which VPNs do it best.
Why Do You Need a VPN Kill Switch?
When your VPN connection drops unexpectedly, your online activities can suddenly be exposed.
This is where a VPN kill switch becomes crucial. It acts as an emergency cut-off, instantly disconnecting you from the internet if your secure VPN connection fails. This keeps your real IP address, location, and any sensitive information hidden.
Protecting Your Privacy in Critical Moments
A VPN kill switch ensures that you never browse unprotected, even for a second. It’s a safeguard against accidental exposure, making it especially valuable if you’re accessing sensitive data or using public Wi-Fi.
Without a kill switch, a momentary lapse in connection can leave you vulnerable.
Avoiding Data Leaks
Even the best VPNs can sometimes drop their protection. When this happens, without a kill switch, your data could flow through an unsecured network, exposing your IP address and other personal information.
A kill switch prevents this by shutting down your internet until the secure connection is reestablished, keeping your data safe.
Types of Kill Switches
VPN kill switches come in different forms, each offering unique benefits:
- System-Level Kill Switch- This type shuts down all internet activity on your device if the VPN drops. It’s ideal for ensuring that no data leaks occur, especially when dealing with highly sensitive information.
- Application-Level Kill Switch- This allows you to specify which apps should be cut off if the VPN fails. It’s helpful if you want to continue browsing while ensuring that specific apps, like your torrent client or banking app, are fully protected.
- Manual vs. Automatic Kill Switches- Some VPNs require you to manually enable the kill switch, while others automatically activate it when the VPN connection drops. Automatic switches are generally preferred for their ease of use and reliable protection.
In short, a VPN kill switch is not just an optional feature that you can do without. It’s essential for maintaining your online privacy and security, especially in scenarios where even a brief exposure can have serious consequences.
Best VPNs with a Kill Switch in 2025
A VPN kill switch is a critical feature for anyone serious about online privacy. It ensures that your data remains protected even if your VPN connection drops. While many VPNs offer this feature, not all are created equal.
In this section, we’ll explore the best VPNs that provide reliable and customizable kill switches, starting with NordVPN.
7492 servers
118 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
10 simultaneous connections
9.4 /10
3000 servers
105 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
8 simultaneous connections
9.1 /10
27000 servers
91 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
Unlimited connections
9 /10
1. NordVPN
When it comes to safeguarding your online privacy, having a reliable kill switch is non-negotiable. NordVPN delivers as the best Kill Switch VPN to get in 2025, offering this feature with impressive flexibility. NordVPN’s kill switch is available across major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
It offers both system-level and application-level kill switches, giving you control over how your connection is protected. The system-level kill switch is particularly robust on Windows, where it can permanently block all traffic if the VPN connection drops, even if the VPN client is off. This ensures no accidental exposure of your IP address or data.
For those who prefer more tailored security, the application-level kill switch allows you to select specific apps that should be disconnected if the VPN fails, making it ideal for torrenting or secure transactions.
Beyond its kill switch, NordVPN uses top-tier encryption (AES-256) and the fast NordLynx protocol, ensuring your connection remains secure and swift. With over 6,400+ servers in 111 countries, you’ll have plenty of options for reliable connections and bypassing geo-restrictions.
Pricing starts at around $3 per month on long-term plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee, making NordVPN affordable and one of the most secure VPNs — ideal choice for those seeking comprehensive protection.
Pros
- Kill switch available on multiple platforms
- System-level and application-level kill switches
- Strong encryption and fast speeds
- Extensive server network
- Competitive pricing with long-term plans
Cons
- A permanent kill switch on Windows may be restrictive
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is another top choice for its reliable kill switch, known as the Network Lock. Available across platforms like Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, this kill switch is designed to block all internet traffic if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
The Network Lock kicks in automatically so that your IP address and online activity remain hidden until the VPN connection is restored. ExpressVPN uses AES-256 encryption combined with the Lightway protocol, providing both strong security and fast speeds. This makes ExpressVPN one of the most preferred VPNs with a kill switch.
This makes it an excellent option for streaming, gaming, or any activity where you need a stable and secure connection. With over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, ExpressVPN offers extensive global coverage, unblocks blocked websites and bypasses geo-restrictions, allowing you to access content from virtually anywhere.
While ExpressVPN’s pricing is on the higher side, starting at around $6 per month, its robust features, including the Network Lock, make it a worthy investment for those who need top-tier privacy protection.
Pros
- Reliable kill switch across multiple platforms
- Strong encryption with the Lightway protocol
- Fast and stable connections
- Extensive server network
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Higher cost compared to other VPNs
- Not as many advanced features as NordVPN
3. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) offers one of the most robust and customizable VPN kill switches available. PIA’s kill switch is available across all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
What makes PIA one of the best kill switch VPNs is the ability to choose between a standard kill switch and an advanced, permanent kill switch. While the standard one disconnects your internet when the VPN drops, the advanced mode blocks all traffic even when the VPN is off or the client is closed.
This advanced kill switch feature on Windows and macOS gives users on both platforms the highest level of security possible. The permanent kill switch assures that any potential IP leaks are eliminated, making it nearly impossible for your real IP address to be exposed.
Private Internet Access also uses top-tier encryption protocols, including AES-256, to keep your data secure. With over 29,000 servers in 91 countries, PIA provides extensive global coverage for a safe and fast connection from almost anywhere.
PIA’s pricing is also highly competitive, with plans starting at around $2 per month. This makes it one of the affordable VPNs with a kill switch that offers both security and flexibility.
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Pros
- Kill switch available on multiple platforms
- Standard and permanent kill switch options
- Strong encryption with customizable settings
- Affordable pricing with long-term plans
Cons
- A permanent kill switch may be overly restrictive
- Could be better for unblocking streaming services
How to Enable a VPN Kill Switch: Step-by-Step Tutorial
Enabling a VPN kill switch is straightforward, but the exact steps can vary depending on the VPN service you’re using. We’ll use NordVPN as an example to guide you through activating this crucial feature on a Windows 11 system.
Step 1: Download and Install NordVPN
If you haven’t already, download and install the NordVPN app on your device. NordVPN is available on various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Once installed, log in with your NordVPN credentials.
Step 2: Access the Settings Menu and Locate the Kill Switch
Open the NordVPN app and navigate to the settings menu. On Windows and macOS, you’ll typically find this by clicking the gear icon in the top-right corner of the app. On mobile devices, you might need to tap the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) to access the settings. In the settings menu, locate the “Kill Switch” option.
Step 3: Choose the Type of Kill Switch
NordVPN offers two types of kill switches: system-level and application-level. The Internet Kill Switch will block all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops.
To enable it, simply toggle the switch on. If you prefer to block internet access only for specific apps, select the App Kill Switch option and choose which apps should be cut off if the VPN disconnects.
Step 4: Save Your Settings
After selecting your preferred kill switch type, make sure to save your settings. NordVPN usually applies these settings automatically, but it’s always a good idea to double-check.
To confirm your kill switch is working correctly, you can conduct a simple test. Connect to a NordVPN server, then disconnect from the VPN by manually turning off the VPN connection or simulating a network drop. If you’ve set the kill switch to “manually,” your internet connection should be cut off immediately until the VPN reconnects.
Summary
When it comes to safeguarding your online privacy, having a VPN with a reliable kill switch is essential. But, as we have discussed, not all VPN kill switches are created equal in this regard.
NordVPN stands out as the best VPN with a kill switch if you want a highly customizable and effective solution. Its ability to offer both system-level and application-level kill switches across multiple platforms makes it a top choice.
While ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA) also provide effective kill switch features, they cater to slightly different needs.
FAQs
We’ve sifted through the most common questions about VPN kill switches and answered them for you down below.
Why do I need a VPN kill switch?
A VPN kill switch is crucial for ensuring your online privacy and security. Without it, if your VPN connection fails, your data could be transmitted over an unprotected network, leaving you vulnerable to hackers, ISPs, and other prying eyes.
Does the kill switch affect my internet speed?
The kill switch itself does not affect your internet speed. However, if the kill switch is triggered and your VPN connection drops, you will be disconnected from the internet until the VPN reconnects, which may temporarily interrupt your online activities.
Can I use the VPN kill switch on mobile devices?
Yes, most top VPNs, including NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and PIA, offer a kill switch feature on mobile devices, such as Android and iOS. This ensures your mobile data remains secure, even on the go.