Using multiple devices necessitates a robust VPN to safeguard your privacy across computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Surfshark and Windscribe, both offering unlimited simultaneous connections, stand out as compelling options. This comparison explores their features, pricing, and performance to determine the ultimate winner.
Specs Comparison
| Feature | Surfshark | Windscribe |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Devices | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Support | 24/7 Live Chat | |
| Free Version | No | Yes |
Pricing and Subscription Tiers
Surfshark's pricing plans
While Surfshark’s monthly plan is $15.45, significant savings are available with longer subscriptions. The annual plan costs $48 (plus four bonus months for new subscribers), effectively reducing the monthly cost. The two-year plan costs $56 initially and renews at $60 annually. A seven-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee provide risk-free testing.
Windscribe's pricing plans
Windscribe offers a flexible “Build-A-Plan” option starting at $3/month for 30GB of data and three server locations. Additional locations and data can be added for $1 each. Unlimited data costs an extra $1, bringing the total to $4/month. The full-featured annual plan is $69. A free version with a 2GB data cap (expandable to 15GB) and access to 10 server locations is also available. Proton Free offers a compelling alternative for those seeking completely free VPN services.
Feature Breakdown: Speed and Performance
Surfshark speed test results
Surfshark consistently delivered impressive speeds, achieving 728Mbps on a US server (81% of the baseline Ethernet speed), 579Mbps in Europe, and 306Mbps in Australia. Its fast connection times and performance make it an excellent choice for streaming.
Windscribe speed test results
Windscribe offers a sleek, gamer-friendly interface and stable connections to servers in 69 countries. Speeds reached 451Mbps on a US server, 190Mbps in Europe, and 136Mbps in Australia. While not as fast as Surfshark, it offers a solid and reliable connection.
Surfshark's settings options
Both VPNs support obfuscation, making them suitable for bypassing network restrictions, such as those found in schools.
Customer Support
Surfshark's support interface
Surfshark excels with 24/7 live chat support, initially handled by an AI chatbot and seamlessly transitioning to a human agent for personalized assistance. Windscribe offers a chatbot and email support, which can take up to 24 hours for a response. Both services provide online support centers for self-service solutions.
Privacy and Security Measures
Both Surfshark and Windscribe prioritize user privacy, collecting minimal data. Windscribe, being open-source, allows for code scrutiny to verify its no-log claims. Both services have undergone independent audits to confirm their security practices and data protection measures.
The Verdict: Which Unlimited Device VPN Reigns Supreme?
Both Surfshark and Windscribe offer unlimited device connections, making them ideal for families and individuals with multiple devices. While Windscribe’s “Build-A-Plan” offers flexibility, the unlimited data option effectively raises the price. Surfshark’s annual plan, with its bonus months, offers better value and superior speeds. Combined with its 24/7 support, robust feature set, and strong privacy measures, Surfshark emerges as the winner for users seeking a high-performance, unlimited device VPN.
