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Windscribe is a virtual private network (VPN) service provider. With Windscribe, users can navigate the internet privately, without being exposed to inconvenient advertisements, but there’s much more to Windscribe than this. In this Windscribe review, we will narrow down the pros, cons, features, pricing, and alternatives of this VPN service.
Our Verdict
Windscribe is a VPN service provider that allows users to browse the internet freely. It blocks inconvenient ads and trackers while also enabling access to content only available in certain locations. For instance, it unlocks access to 69 countries and 112 cities, enabling users to access content from different locations around the globe that are not available in their country.
For that matter, Windscribe is the perfect fit for users that want more privacy and fewer ad interruptions while browsing the web. It is also the ideal service for those who want to access websites restricted to certain locations. For instance, with Windscribe, a Netflix subscriber can watch a TV series or movie only available in a determined country from a completely different location.
On the other hand, Windscribe has its drawbacks. It is based in Canada, a five eyes country, meaning users’ data can be shared with other countries in certain situations. Moreover, users have reported speed issues at times. The company has also faced a concerning server security issue recently: At least two servers in Ukraine were left unencrypted, and Ukrainian authorities were able to seize the VPN services as they obtained access to Windscribe’s private key.
While these cons can be important aspects to consider when choosing a VPN service, Windscribe still offers a comprehensive set of features for an affordable price and can be a good option for users looking for a bit more privacy when using the internet.
- Offers a free version with 10GB of data
- Offers ad blockers (R.O.B.E.R.T)
- Provides an autopilot browser extension
- Based in a Five Eyes Country
- Speed issues have been reported at times
- Server security issues have been reported
Windscribe at a Glance
Windscribe offers a comprehensive set of features to protect users’ privacy and data while navigating the internet. One of its main benefits is it offers a free version with 10GB of data, meaning users can have a test run before committing to a plan. And, if they do need an upgrade, it won’t cost much – pricing starts at only $4.08 a month – and users can also build a plan according to their needs.
Windscribe effectively blocks unwanted advertisements with R.O.B.E.R.T, a customizable server-side domain, and IP blocking tool. It also provides an autopilot browser extension that automatically picks the best location for users browsing the web. The service supports multiple operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Who Windscribe is Best For
Windscribe can be used virtually by any person that is looking for more privacy while navigating the internet. It is also an excellent service for users that want to access content from another location. Windscribe offers a user-friendly interface and a free version with up to 10GB of data, making it a great option for first-time VPN users that are looking for access to basic services.
Pricing
Windscribe offers a free version for users using up to 10GB of data. But, its yearly plan costs $49 a year – or $4.08 a month. The VPN service also offers the possibility to build a plan, making it more cost-effective for certain users, depending on their needs.
Plans
Free plan
Monthly plan
Yearly plan
Build a plan
Price
$0
$9 per month, billed monthly
$4.08 per month, $49 billed yearly
$1 per month, per location
R.O.B.E.R.T
Unlimited Data
All Locations Available
Config Generator
All the Windscribe plans offer R.O.B.E.R.T, a customizable server-side domain, and IP blocking tool. Yet, the free plan is limited to malware and ads, while the pro plans offer a more comprehensive set of features.
Free users also have a limited 10GB of data and do not have full access to all available locations. In the built plan, users can choose the locations of their preference and will be charged accordingly at a $1 rate per month, per location. In addition, the pro plans also enable users to generate configuration files and profiles for OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols.
Windscribe Features
Windscribe offers a wide set of features – and its free version offers a proper set of basic resources. Let’s check them out.
R.O.B.E.R.T
R.O.B.E.R.T is a customizable server-side domain and IP blocking tool. It blocks ads and trackers, providing a smooth web browsing experience even for free users.
In its pro versions, R.O.B.E.R.T also prevents infections by blocking access to evil domains. It also provides custom access rules: users can block lists of domains or IPs of their choice and whitelist the domains they want to access.
Unlimited data
Pro versions, including the built plan, offer unlimited data and infinite protection. However, the free version is limited to 10GB of data, provided users share their e-mail addresses when creating an account. If users decide not to share their e-mail, they can still have access to 2GB.
All locations are available
The pro versions offer access to all the supported Windscribe locations – consisting of a list of 69 countries and 112 cities. In the free version, however, Windscribe is limited to 10 countries.
Config Generator
With the pro account, Windscribe uses can generate configuration files and profiles under the OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols. This is a handy feature for users who do not wish to use the Windscribe applications or those whose device does not support the apps in question, as they can manually configure the connections on their devices.
Alternatives to Windscribe
Unsure about Windscribe? We’ve gathered three of the best Windscribe alternatives for you.
Surfshark is one of the most popular VPN services for PC and mobile. Like Windscribe, it also blocks ads and malware. Nonetheless, Surfshark offers additional benefits: it can also block cookie pop-ups and offers 2-factor authentication, making it the ideal fit for users seeking more privacy and security.
Besides, users can also connect unlimited devices to their accounts.
On the other hand, Surfshark has P2P servers limited to a few locations and poor speed for torrenting. It also provides average OpenVPN speeds, making it unfit for users looking for a faster VPN solution. Some users have reported that Apple products are slightly weaker.
In comparison with Windscribe, Surfshark offers a limited set of features. But, it is more affordable than Windscribe, with prices starting at $2.49 and eligible for a 2-month free of charge usage and additional anti-virus for free.
- Affordable pricing
- Blocks cookie pop-ups
- Offers 2-factor authentication
- Limited P2P servers & poor speed
- Average OpenVPN speeds
- Apple products are slightly weaker
NordVPN is another popular VPN service provider. In addition to the features offered by most VPNs – like Windscribe –NordVPN is feature-rich, including multi-factor authentication, split tunneling support, and double protection. Another pro from NordVPN also offers a Business plan for companies looking to simplify secure access to their network. In other words, this VPN service is perfect for users looking for extra layers of security and privacy.
On the flip side, NordVPN has a few downsides: it installs additional programs that must be manually reinstalled, and users have reported installation issues on iOS. Also, setting up OpenVPN on the user’s router might not be a user-friendly experience.
Because it is a more robust VPN system than Windscribe, NordVPN is also pricier: if committing to a 2-year plan, monthly prices can get to $13.90 – significantly higher than other alternatives in the market.
- Multi-factor authentication
- Split tunneling support
- Offers a Business plan
- Pricier when compared to its competitors
- Unfriendly user experience when setting up OpenVPN to router
- Additional software may require manual reinstallation
ProtonVPN is another leading VPN service provider with a comprehensive set of features, even in its free version. This VPN service is located in Switzerland, where the right to privacy is granted under Federal laws – meaning that privacy and security are ProtonVPN’s core.
It offers strong encryption and protocols, enabling more security layers. And above all, ProtonVPN also offers acceptable speed, as opposed to other VPN service providers where speed is usually a common issue.
However, ProtonVPN only offers e-mail support, so don’t expect immediate responses if you face any issues. Another downside is its Pro plans are billed in Euros, meaning users outside of Europe will have to pay in a different currency and might face additional tax and processing fees. ProtonVPN offers limited P2P availability and supports torrenting in a few countries.
Compared to Windscribe’s free version, ProtonVPN offers fewer features: its over 100 servers are only available in three countries (US, NL, and JP). Free users also get only a medium VPN speed – as disclosed on their website – and access to a single VPN connection.
The Pro plan provides access to a comprehensive set of features and can reach €4.99 with the two-year plan.
- Located in Switzerland
- Strong encryption and protocols
- Acceptable speed
- E-mail support only
- Billed in Euros
- Limited P2P availability
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Windscribe Review
Unsure about Windscribe? We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions, so you can be sure about your VPN choice.
Bottom Line on Windscribe VPN Review
Windscribe is a feature-rich VPN service provider. Users can get 10GB of data every month at no cost — and, if they wish to upgrade, prices start as low as $4.08 a month, making it an affordable option.
Windscribe comes with R.O.B.E.R.T, which blocks IPs and domains of the user’s choice on all devices. It also provides an autopilot browser extension and selects the best location for users browsing the web.
On the other hand, Windscribe has a few downsides: it is based in Canada, a Five Eyes country, meaning the company may share users’ data with other countries in certain situations. On top of that, speed and security issues have been reported by some users.
Camila Santiago is a content writer and strategist specializing in health and wellness, but she also has a foot in technology. She’s an eclectic writer, so she’s written various articles across the financial technology realm and wellbeing. Besides, Camila is a yoga teacher, she’s been in 35+ countries and speaks 5 languages. She also has a background in Business and Marketing.
