Windscribe Review

Server Locations

Windscribe VPN offers 480+ servers across 69+ countries, which may sound less when compared to giants like ExpressVPN or NordVPN. But don't let the numbers fool you; the diversity counts here.

Europe takes the lion's share with about 35 countries. Asia and North America are well-represented, too. However, you might find the options limited if you're in Africa or South America.

All servers are physical, meaning no virtual servers. But take this with a grain of salt; they claim to have a server in Antarctica named “Fake Antarctica – Troll Station.”

Pro Tip: Your VPN speed will improve with servers closer to your location. You can also monitor server status—like current usage and availability—directly on Windscribe's official page.

Does Windscribe Work in China?

Yes, but only the paid version can bypass the Great Firewall of China. The free version won't cut it. Also, be cautious around dates of national significance as the government amps up its blocking efforts.

Speed Performance: How Fast is Windscribe VPN?

We ran a speed test using the WireGuard tunneling protocol to see how well Windscribe performs.

Download speeds were close to our baseline, especially in the UK and Canada. The US lagged a bit but still performed well. Upload speeds were different—only the US server had decent upload speeds.

Comparison with Other Providers

• Windscribe: 80% of baseline speed
• NordVPN: 83% of baseline speed 🏆
• PIA: 54% of baseline speed

Streaming: Windscribe and Netflix

Windscribe is decent for streaming but won't top any lists. It successfully unblocks a variety of platforms:

• Netflix: Available in 14 countries, including the US, the UK, and Australia
• BBC iPlayer: ✅
• HBO Max: ✅
• Hulu: ✅
• Youtube TV: ❌

Windflix servers, optimized for streaming, are available in the US, Canada, the UK, and Japan. These servers work well for Netflix, HBO Max, and Hulu.

Torrenting: Is Windscribe Up for It?

Most of Windscribe's servers support torrenting. Look for servers without a crossed-out P2P icon.

Speed vs Security: Windscribe offers a free SOCKS5 proxy to boost torrenting speeds. However, this comes at the cost of lesser security.

Real-world Test: We tried downloading a 4GB Ubuntu file. The speed started at about 1.5 Mb/s but plummeted to around 64 KB/s, making the download time a whopping 14 hours. Even switching to IKEv2 didn’t help much.

Key Takeaways

• Server Diversity: Good, but limited in Africa and South America
• China: Only the paid version works
• Speed: Excellent download speeds, mediocre upload speeds
• Streaming: Good, especially with Windflix servers
• Torrenting: Supported but slow

Sorry, no 24/7 live chat here. But, you're not left in the dark.

• Garry the Chatbot: Instant automated answers for common queries.
• Ticket System/Email: ✔️
• Phone Line: ❌
• Knowledge Base: ✔️
• FAQs: ✔️
• Reddit: ✔️

Key Takeaways:

1. Garry, the Chatbot, is your go-to for quick answers.
2. you’ll need to open a support ticket for complex issues.
3. Check their active subreddit for community advice and troubleshooting tips.

Windscribe VPN packs a punch with an arsenal of features that go beyond the usual offerings in the VPN market. From the essentials like split tunneling to unique perks like timezone spoofing, it's got a lot to keep you secure and anonymous online.

Firewall: Beyond the Kill Switch

Forget about the typical kill switch; Windscribe opts for a Firewall instead. It's designed to be a sturdier and more reliable alternative. This Firewall ensures that all external connections are blocked unless they pass through the VPN tunnel, effectively preventing DNS, IPv6, WebRTC, and other types of leaks.

🔧 Customization Modes:

• Automatic: Activates the firewall as you connect to Windscribe, mimicking a kill switch by dropping your connection if the VPN disconnects.
• Manual: Let you decide when to turn the firewall on or off.
• Always On: Keeps the firewall active, allowing internet access only when connected to the VPN.

Split Tunneling: Your Choice, Your Control

On Windows, macOS, and Android, Split Tunneling allows you to choose which apps bypass the VPN. It's beneficial for conserving bandwidth or accessing sites that need your actual location. However, picking apps can be tricky, as the list includes various themes and low-level services.

Double Hop: Double the Privacy

Double Hop enables you to route your connection through two different server locations, doubling your anonymity. You'll need both the desktop application and a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Opera to use this feature.

Secure Hotspot: Share the Safety

Create a secure Wi-Fi hotspot with Secure Hotspot from your Windows computer. However, this feature requires a compatible wireless adapter exclusive to Windows devices.

Auto Pilot: Smoother Browsing

Exclusive to browser extensions, Auto Pilot automatically selects the fastest server for you. If a site is geo-blocked, it will even switch you to a server that can access it, making your browsing experience hassle-free.

Time Warp: Fool the Clock

Available in browser extensions, Time Warp alters your timezone to match the VPN server you're connected to. This makes it harder for websites to detect VPN usage.

R.O.B.E.R.T.: One-Stop Security Suite

R.O.B.E.R.T. is Windscribe's in-built ad blocker that's way more than just that. It also blocks malicious domains and IPs. At the same time, the free version takes care of ads and trackers, and a paid subscription amps up security by protecting against malware-infested pages.

🔒 Paid Perks:

• Block or whitelist gambling sites, explicit content, and clickbait.

Encryption

Windscribe VPN locks down your data with AES-256 encryption, a top-of-the-line symmetric algorithm that's virtually uncrackable. Unlike rivals Surfshark or TorGuard, Windscribe doesn't let you swap out this cipher for lighter options like AES-128 or Blowfish. This could be a potential drawback for devices with less processing power, should the feature be added.

• AES-256 Cipher: Military-grade encryption that's never been broken.
• SHA-512 Algorithm: Used for user authentication, another high-security layer.
• 4096-bit RSA Key: Utilized for handshake methods, ensuring secure connections from the start.

Tunneling Protocols

With Windscribe, you get to pick from a smorgasbord of tunneling protocols. WireGuard takes the cake for both speed and security. Here's the breakdown:

• WireGuard: The golden standard, offering the best mix of speed and security. Supported all platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
• OpenVPN (TCP and UDP): Two flavors to choose from. TCP is your go-to for top-notch security, while UDP delivers quickly. Both options are available on all Windscribe apps.
• WStunnel and StealthVPNare your secret weapons for bypassing web restrictions in places like China. Both disguise your VPN traffic, but be warned that they can slow you down.
• IKEv2/IPsec: Pre-set as the default protocol, it's a reliable choice for steady speeds and robust security. However, it's more susceptible to being blocked.

Logging

Windscribe keeps it real about what data they collect. Their privacy policy isn't a labyrinth; it's straightforward. Here's what they do track:

• Transaction ID of your payment: Stored for 30 days.
• Monthly data usage: Keeps tabs on how much data you've transferred.
• Last activity timestamp: Records when you last used the VPN.

They don’t log your browsing activities or source IP. They even publish a transparency report detailing legal requests and DMCA complaints, which they still need to comply with due to their minimal data collection.

One potential red flag? Windscribe is based in Canada, a Five Eyes country. An independent audit to confirm their no-logs policy could go a long way in boosting user trust.

Key Takeaways

• Windscribe uses AES-256 encryption, setting it apart for robust security.
• Multiple tunneling protocols give you flexibility, with WireGuard leading in performance and safety.
• Their logging policy is transparent but could benefit from third-party verification, given their Five Eyes jurisdiction.
• Firewall is a robust alternative to a traditional kill switch.
• Split Tunneling is available but could be more accessible to configure.
• Double Hop offers enhanced privacy but needs desktop and browser extensions.
• Auto Pilot and Time Warp simplify your browsing experience but are browser extension exclusives.
• R.O.B.E.R.T. is an all-in-one ad blocker, available in a more potent form for paid users.

Windows

• Protocols Supported: WireGuard, OpenVPN UDP, OpenVPN TCP, IKEv2, Stealth, WStunnel
• User Experience: Cramped window, no map for location selection

The Windows app has protocol options from WireGuard to Stealth. But hold your horses—this app's got some design quirks. First off, the main window is tiny. Compared to NordVPN's interface, it's like using a magnifying glass. You won't find a map for location selection, and good luck spotting the settings menu right away.

• Odd Favorites System: You can favorite countries, but not specific servers. Have you got a preferred New York server? Too bad you can't bookmark it.
• Protocol Reliability: We hit a snag with IKEv2—it didn’t even connect. Stealth and WStunnel? Pathetic performance.

Silver Linings: WireGuard and OpenVPN UDP worked like a charm. Plus, you can dive into advanced settings to tweak ports and DNS configurations.

macOS

• Protocols Supported: WireGuard, OpenVPN UDP, OpenVPN TCP, IKEv2, Stealth, WStunnel
• User Experience: Mirrors the Windows app

The macOS version is a carbon copy of the Windows app, down to the firewall and security features. But there's good news: the macOS app didn't have the same protocol hiccups as the Windows version.

• Irritant Alert: It flashes a “connected” notification before connecting. Don't get fooled.

Linux

• Protocols Supported: WireGuard, OpenVPN UDP, OpenVPN TCP, Stealth
• User Experience: Geared for advanced users, confusing setup guide

For Linux users, options are cut down—you've got just four protocols to work with. The CLI apps are available for Debian and Red Hat, but the setup guide is a maze. We even had issues with virtual interface creation.

• Ray of Hope: Despite fewer protocols, Stealth is still on the table, especially useful for users in China.

Android

• Protocols Supported: WireGuard, OpenVPN UDP, OpenVPN TCP, IKEv2, Stealth
• User Experience: Modern design, feature-rich

The Android app is the life of the party—sleek, modern, and packed with features like GPS spoofing and split tunneling.

• Annoyance Alert: Tap anything, and your phone vibrates. Brace yourself.

App Highlights: The Android version trumps the desktop apps with a broader feature set and a snazzier UI.

iOS

• Protocols Supported: WireGuard, OpenVPN UDP, OpenVPN TCP, IKEv2
• User Experience: Nearly identical to Android, high app store rating

On iOS, you get almost everything you get on Android. It's even got a 4.7-star rating on the App Store.

• Downside: Some users report unstable VPN connections.

Browser Extensions

• Browsers Supported: Chrome, Firefox, Opera
• Unique Features: Smokewall, Ad Crusher, Tracker Eradicator, Malware Evader

Browser extensions are a different beast. They have features like Smokewall and Ad Crusher that you won't find in the main app.

• Glitch Alert: The Chrome extension failed to recognize the desktop app in our tests.

Key Takeaways

• Windows and macOS: Feature-rich but clunky interfaces.
• Linux: Advanced users only, with a sub-par setup guide.
• Android: Best in class, feature-rich, but has minor annoyances.
• iOS: Almost as good as Android but with stability issues.
• Browser Extensions: Unique features but inconsistent with the main app.

Windscribe VPN offers a range of pricing options that suit different needs.

• Free Plan: $0.00/month
  • Limited servers, 2GB or 10GB data (with email confirmation)
• 1-Month Plan: $9.00/month
  • Full access to all features
• 1-Year Plan: $5.75/month (billed annually)
  • Saves you almost 36% compared to the monthly plan
• Build-a-Plan: $1.00/month per server location
  • Customize your plan, but watch the cost!

Key Takeaways:

1. The 1-year plan at $5.75/month is the best value, saving you 36% over the monthly rate.
2. If you confirm your email, The free version offers a decent 10GB data cap.
3. "Build-a-Plan" can get expensive if you need multiple locations.

Free Version Features

Windscribe's free version is more than just a teaser. Confirm your email, and you get 10GB of data every month. Plus, you can connect as many devices as you like simultaneously. However, you're limited to servers in 10 countries like the US, Canada, and Germany.

Key Takeaways:

1. A 10GB data cap is generous for a free plan.
2. Multiple devices can connect simultaneously.
3. Server locations are limited but offer a good range for a free plan.