Windscribe is a user-friendly VPN that prioritizes ad-blocking and privacy. This review explores its features, performance, security, and pricing, examining whether it’s a worthwhile choice for both beginners and experienced users.
Windscribe stands out for its comprehensive free plan, but in recent years, it has also focused on expanding its paid services to compete in the premium VPN market. While it may not yet rival the industry giants, it offers a compelling set of features and capabilities.
Key Features of Windscribe Pro
- P2P allowed: Yes, but not on all servers
- Simultaneous device connections: Unlimited
- Business location: Ontario, Canada
- Number of servers: 112
- Number of country locations: 69
- Cost: $9 per month or $69 per year
Features and Services In-Depth
Windscribe boasts wide platform compatibility, with desktop clients for Windows, macOS, and Linux, mobile apps for iOS, Android, and Blackberry OS, and browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. It even supports certain smart TVs and router configurations. This review primarily focuses on the Windows client and browser extensions.
With servers in 112 cities across 69 countries, Windscribe provides a broad reach. A standout feature is its unlimited simultaneous device connections. P2P file sharing is permitted on most servers, with exceptions in countries where it’s legally restricted (India, Lithuania, Russia, South Africa, and Bosnia).
Windscribe VPN
Windscribe’s interface is compact, featuring a prominent connect button, current IP address, and country selection dropdown. Expanding the window reveals a wealth of customization options for power users.
Windscribe VPN
Key features include auto-connect, split tunneling, a kill switch (“Firewall Mode”), and R.O.B.E.R.T., a customizable DNS and IP blocker for ads, trackers, malware, and unwanted websites. Advanced features like port-forwarding, a config generator, and optional static IP addresses are also available.
Windscribe VPN
The browser extensions complement the desktop client, enhancing ad and tracker blocking and optimizing connection speeds. Users can customize blocking preferences and whitelist specific websites.
Pricing and Plans
Windscribe VPN
Windscribe’s free plan offers limited server locations and 2GB of bandwidth per month (upgradable to 10GB with email verification). Windscribe Pro provides unlimited bandwidth and access to all server locations for $9 monthly or $69 annually. A “Build-a-Plan” option allows users to customize their plan by selecting specific server locations and data allowances.
Performance Analysis
Windscribe delivered impressive speeds in our tests, retaining 64% of the base download speed and 70% of the base upload speed. This places it among the fastest VPNs, comparable to NordVPN and Hotspot Shield. While performance varied slightly across different protocols, WireGuard consistently provided the best results.
Streaming performance was generally good, with successful access to platforms like Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Disney Plus. However, Netflix unblocking was inconsistent, working reliably in the US and UK but encountering issues in other regions.
Security and Privacy
Windscribe VPN
Windscribe employs robust AES-256 encryption and supports various protocols, including WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN (UDP and TCP), stealth mode, and WStunnel. DNS leak tests revealed no vulnerabilities, and the kill switch functioned effectively.
Windscribe’s privacy policy outlines its data collection practices, which are limited to bandwidth usage (for free plan management) and last activity timestamps. The company asserts that it doesn’t log connection details, IP addresses, timestamps, or browsing history, supported by its transparency reports. However, an independent audit would further strengthen user trust.
Conclusion
Windscribe offers a compelling combination of ad-blocking, strong performance, and a generous free plan. While streaming unblocking can be inconsistent and an independent audit is desirable, its speed, customization options, and privacy features make it a viable VPN solution. The free version provides a convenient entry point, allowing users to upgrade to Pro if needed.
