“A user-friendly and privacy-focused service that offers both free and premium plans. It employs strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and a global server network, allowing users to secure their online activities, access geo-restricted content, and maintain anonymity.”
In today’s digitally connected world, privacy and security are of paramount importance. The internet, while offering immense opportunities, also poses various risks to our personal data, privacy, and online activities. This is where Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) come into play. A VPN is a technology that allows individuals and organizations to establish secure and encrypted connections over the internet, effectively creating a private network even when using public networks. The primary purposes of VPNs are to enhance online privacy, protect data, and enable secure remote access to networks.
Windscribe is a popular Virtual Private Network (VPN) service that provides online privacy and security solutions to users worldwide. This VPN is known for its user-friendly interface, robust features, and commitment to protecting users’ digital footprints. Windscribe offers both free and premium subscription options, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
One of Windscribe’s key features is its strong encryption, which ensures that your internet activity remains private and secure from potential eavesdroppers. The service also includes a firewall to block any unwanted incoming traffic and a no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t keep records of your online activities. Windscribe boasts servers in various locations globally, allowing users to access geo-restricted content and maintain fast internet speeds. Additionally, the VPN supports a range of devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and even offers browser extensions for added convenience. Whether you’re looking to safeguard your data while browsing the web or bypass regional content restrictions, Windscribe is a versatile VPN solution worth considering.
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| Bottom Line Windscribe is a great VPN for both beginners and experienced users. It offers a wide range of features, strong security, and a good value for the price. If you are looking for a free VPN, Windscribe is one of the best options available (Proton VPN is other decent option). If you need more features, such as unlimited data and access to all servers, Windscribe Pro is a good choice. |
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Initial Setup
- Safety and Privacy
- Streaming and Torrents
- Servers and Speed
- Apps
- Specifications
- Price
- Final Verdict
Initial Setup
Setting up Windscribe VPN on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS is a straightforward process. Upon visiting the Windscribe website and tapping the “Get Started” button, you’ll be directed to the Download page. Here, you can choose the client recommended for your platform – in our case, the Windows client and Chrome extension were suggested, but you’ll also find links for Mac, Android, iOS, as well as extensions for Firefox and Edge. Furthermore, there are comprehensive guides available for setting up Windscribe on various devices, including routers, Linux, Kodi, Amazon Fire TV, and others. If you need even more control, paying customers can access tools for building custom configuration files for OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2, which can be used to manually configure connections with third-party apps and routers.
The installation of the Windows app is straightforward; simply run the downloaded installer, create an account using your chosen username and password (providing your email grants you more data, 10GB per month to be precise), and you’re ready to connect to the VPN. The user-friendly dashboard in the Windows app allows you to select your preferred server location from a list and establish a secure VPN connection. Additional features like a firewall and kill switch can be configured through the app’s menu, providing extra layers of security. The Mac installation process is similar, with a Mac-specific client available. Like the Windows app, creating an account and selecting servers is easy. The same username and password setup with the option to add an email for more data applies, and the Mac app includes user-friendly server selection and configuration options.
For Android and iOS, you can simply download the Windscribe app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, respectively. Upon installation, open the app, create or log in to your account, and you’re ready to connect. The Android and iOS apps feature intuitive interfaces, typically offering a “Connect” button for quick VPN activation. These apps recommend the best server location for your needs, and their settings menus allow you to personalize your VPN experience by adjusting options like protocols and the firewall.
Safety and Privacy
Windscribe VPN is equipped with an array of robust security features designed to safeguard your online activities and data. These key security features are the foundation of its protective framework. Windscribe employs AES-256 encryption, an encryption standard trusted by government agencies and the military, ensuring your data is virtually impervious to unauthorized access. Additionally, Windscribe maintains a stringent no-logs policy, meaning they refrain from collecting or storing any information pertaining to your online endeavors, prioritizing user privacy and data confidentiality.
Moreover, Windscribe boasts a global server network that spans multiple locations worldwide. Even though the total number of servers is less, these servers are spread out in over 69 countries. This expansive network empowers you to alter your virtual location, obscuring your actual IP address and granting access to geo-restricted content by connecting to servers in various countries. The user-friendly interface of Windscribe is intuitive, accommodating individuals of all skill levels. It extends support to a range of platforms, encompassing Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and browser extensions, guaranteeing that you can secure your online activities across all your devices effortlessly.
Furthermore, Windscribe incorporates a built-in firewall, serving as an additional layer of defense. This firewall can obstruct unwarranted incoming traffic, shielding your device from potential threats and breaches. The VPN’s kill switch is a pivotal safety feature that ensures your internet connection is instantly severed if the VPN connection experiences an abrupt interruption. This proactive measure prevents any unencrypted data from being exposed to the internet, preserving your privacy and overall security. Windscribe is a dependable choice for individuals engaged in peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing and torrenting, offering a secure and anonymous environment for these activities, assuring the confidentiality of your identity and data. For more advanced users, Windscribe provides the option to configure routers to operate seamlessly with the VPN, an invaluable choice for safeguarding all devices linked to your home network through a singular VPN connection.
Collectively, these security features establish Windscribe VPN as a comprehensive solution dedicated to preserving your online privacy and security. Whether your concerns pertain to data encryption, adherence to no-logs policies, or the ability to access restricted content from around the globe, Windscribe adeptly addresses these apprehensions, delivering a secure and anonymous online experience.
Streaming and Torrents
Windscribe VPN is a versatile solution for streaming and torrenting, offering users a reliable and secure way to access content and engage in P2P file sharing. When it comes to streaming, Windscribe excels at bypassing geo-restrictions, allowing users to access content that might be unavailable in their region. For example, users in the UK can use Windscribe to access BBC iPlayer, ITV, and Channel 4. Windscribe also unblocks US Disney Plus and other popular streaming platforms.
However, Windscribe faced a minor setback when attempting to access US Amazon Prime Video, as it detected VPN usage and restricted access. This is not uncommon, as many streaming providers are increasingly cracking down on VPN traffic. Nevertheless, Windscribe’s ability to unblock a wide range of other streaming platforms makes it a valuable tool for users who want to expand their viewing options.
Windscribe’s torrenting support is also top-notch. The company maintains a transparent list of servers that support P2P activity, and the apps clearly mark the locations where torrenting is not allowed. This makes it easy for users to find a server that meets their needs and ensures that they are not violating any terms of service.
To test Windscribe’s torrent support, we selected three P2P-approved servers for downloading torrents. The results were very positive, with smooth downloads and no apparent connection or performance issues. This suggests that Windscribe can provide a reliable and secure experience for users who want to download torrents.
Servers and Speed
Windscribe VPN boasts a global network of servers strategically positioned in over 112 cities across more than 69 countries. This extensive server infrastructure caters to a wide range of user needs, from privacy and security to accessing geo-restricted content. The server types offered by Windscribe are diverse and designed to accommodate various requirements. Regular servers serve as the foundation of the network, suitable for general internet browsing and secure data transmission. Additionally, Windscribe provides Double Hop servers, routing your connection through two VPN servers to enhance security and anonymity. Static IP servers offer dedicated, consistent IP addresses for specific applications or services.
One of the primary advantages of Windscribe’s server network is the ability to access geo-restricted content. Users can connect to servers in different countries, granting them access to streaming services, websites, and content that may be unavailable in their region. The network’s global distribution also contributes to improved speed and performance, allowing users to select servers closer to their physical location. By routing internet traffic through Windscribe’s servers, users can mask their real IP addresses, enhancing privacy and making it more challenging for websites and advertisers to track their online behavior.
Load balancing ensures that server traffic is evenly distributed, preventing overloading and maintaining optimal performance. Real-time server status information, including load and ping times, empowers users to make informed server selections. Windscribe designates specific servers for P2P file sharing and torrenting, optimizing these servers for secure and anonymous peer-to-peer activities. Windscribe remains committed to expanding and updating its server network to enhance the VPN experience, with a focus on adding new locations, infrastructure improvements, and increased capacity. For users in regions with VPN restrictions, obfuscation servers are available to help bypass such limitations by disguising VPN traffic as regular internet traffic. Windscribe’s applications further facilitate the server selection process, allowing users to search for servers by location and filter servers by specific attributes, such as P2P support or Double Hop capability.
We have a 300Mbps ISP Plan. Without VPN, we tried a speed test by connecting to our ISP server and speeds were 292Mbps download and 285Mbps upload respectively. After connecting to Windscribe VPN and speed testing with the same ISP server, we got 242Mbps download and 170Mbps.
Apps
Windscribe VPN offers applications for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. The interface on the Windows app is more information-dense than some competitors, with a lot of text, icons, and buttons packed into a relatively small space. However, this design is well-considered and balances functionality well. For example, hovering over an icon displays a tooltip that explains its purpose. This user-friendly approach improves the overall usability of the application, ensuring that users can quickly understand and access features even in the compact design.
The main dashboard is where you can connect to the VPN, displaying essential information like server location, IP addresses, and connection status. Server selection allows you to choose from a range of server types, including regular, Double Hop, or P2P servers. The settings menu enables customization of your VPN preferences, including connection, privacy, and security settings. Additionally, Windscribe’s firewall and R.O.B.E.R.T. (ad and malware blocking) features can be configured to suit your needs. The kill switch option adds an extra layer of security by disconnecting your internet if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
While the Android and iOS apps maintain a simplified design to suit mobile devices, they still include the fundamental elements like server selection, settings, firewall, and account information. Whether you’re using Windscribe on your computer or mobile device, the user-friendly interface and consistent feature set make it accessible to users on various platforms.
Windscribe offers browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, providing a quick and easy way to connect to a VPN directly from your web browser. These extensions are simple proxies that encrypt your browser traffic, but they do not offer the same level of protection as a full VPN client. However, if you only need to secure your web browsing, the Windscribe browser extensions are a convenient and straightforward solution. The Windscribe browser extensions are especially useful when you want to secure your web browsing without the need to install a full VPN client. This can be useful if you are using a public computer or if you have limited storage space on your device. The extensions are also very easy to use. Simply install the extension and click the Windscribe icon in your browser toolbar to connect to a VPN server.
Specifications
| Name | Windscribe VPN |
| Encryption | AES-256 |
| VPN Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN |
| Servers | 100+ |
| Countries | 69+ |
| Free Trial | Yes. Data Limited Free Version |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30-Days |
| No. of Devices | Virtually Unlimited |
| Supported Devices | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Features | No Log Policy, Kill Switch, Malware Protection, Ad Blocker, Tracker Blocker, Split Tunneling (not on iOS and Mac) |
Price
Windscribe VPN offers a free plan that provides users with limited access to its services. Windscribe’s free plan includes 10 GB of data usage per month (only if you register with your e-mail ID, if not, the data limit is only 2GB). This data allowance can be used for all your online activities, such as web browsing, streaming, and file downloads.
While the free plan is a great way to try out Windscribe, it comes with certain limitations and this where the “Pro” comes into play. The monthly plan costs $9 while the yearly plan costs $5.75 per month.
Windscribe offers a unique “Build a Plan” option that allows users to customize their subscription. You can choose the number of server locations you want access to, the amount of data you need, and other features. This flexibility lets you tailor the plan to your specific requirements.
Final Verdict
Windscribe VPN stands out as a versatile and user-friendly solution in the crowded field of VPN services. Its commitment to privacy and security is evident through features like robust encryption and a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your online activities remain confidential and protected from prying eyes. Windscribe’s extensive global server network, including specialized options like Double Hop and Static IP servers, enables users to access geo-restricted content, enhance their online privacy, and enjoy improved connection speeds.
Whether you’re a casual user seeking an intuitive VPN experience or a tech-savvy individual looking for customization and configurability, Windscribe caters to a wide range of needs. Additionally, their transparent approach, support for torrenting, and flexibility in subscription plans make Windscribe a compelling choice for users in search of a comprehensive and reliable VPN service.
