Windscribe VPN stands out as a strong contender among numerous VPN services available today, with its focus on bypassing geographic restrictions and offering unlimited device connectivity. With flexible licensing, including a free option, it has a lot to offer. In this in-depth review, we will take a closer look at the various features and performance aspects of Windscribe VPN to help you make an informed decision.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unlimited devices | Wayward interface, especially on Windows |
| Good at unblocking streaming services | Limited customer support |
| Flexible licensing, including free option |
Contents
- More than 60 Countries to Choose From: The Expansive Server Network
- Native Client Applications for a Variety of Platforms: Setup and Basic Use
- Privacy and Security: A No-Logs Policy with Some Caveats
- Fast Performance Across Devices: Speed Testing
- Unblocking Streaming Services with Ease: Streaming Capabilities
- Customer Support: Fast Email Responses but No Live Chat
- Verdict: A Fast VPN with Some Drawbacks
More than 60 Countries to Choose From: The Expansive Server Network
Windscribe VPN boasts a network of secure servers spread across over 60 countries, providing paying customers with a plethora of choices for routing their network traffic. The encrypted server connections protect your online privacy and enable access to geo-restricted websites and services. Windscribe also offers a basic free service with 10GB of monthly data, catering to occasional secure browsing needs.
The subscription pricing for the full range of servers is competitive, with discounts for annual commitments. Additionally, Windscribe offers a unique “build your own plan” option for customized server access, ensuring that you only pay for what you need.
Native Client Applications for a Variety of Platforms: Setup and Basic Use
Windscribe provides native applications for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, with additional support for platforms like Linux and Amazon Fire TV devices. Browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera make managing the VPN even more convenient.
The Windows client has an unconventional interface, which may not be to everyone’s liking, but it offers easy navigation through location lists and server latency indicators. The settings interface allows for the configuration of split tunneling, VPN protocols, and the “R.O.B.E.R.T.” feature for blocking undesirable content.
The Android client features a more conventional interface with similar functionality, including split tunneling, though it lacks a firewall equivalent.
Privacy and Security: A No-Logs Policy with Some Caveats
Windscribe VPN ensures no DNS lookups or other information leaks, and offers the option of multi-hop routes for added anonymity. However, being based in Canada – one of the “Five Eyes” nations – may be a cause for concern for some users. Nonetheless, Windscribe’s “no-logs” policy and the option to pay in Bitcoin help protect user privacy.
Fast Performance Across Devices: Speed Testing
Windscribe VPN provides above-average speeds for both Windows and Android devices, with minimal speed reduction on local connections and decent performance over long distances. While not the fastest VPN service available, Windscribe’s speeds are sufficient for most user needs.
Unblocking Streaming Services with Ease: Streaming Capabilities
Windscribe VPN has retired its “Windflix” servers, but now all servers have the ability to unblock popular streaming services. The Windows client successfully unblocked US Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu, as well as UK-based BBC iPlayer, BritBox, and Now TV. Android results were mixed, with UK streaming services working perfectly, but US services proving inconsistent.
Customer Support: Fast Email Responses but No Live Chat
Windscribe VPN’s customer support is limited to email and an AI chatbot called Garry, with no live chat option. However, email support is relatively fast, and an online knowledge base and subreddit provide additional assistance.
Verdict: A Fast VPN with Some Drawbacks
Windscribe VPN offers a fast service with excellent streaming capabilities, but it has some drawbacks, such as the unconventional interface design and lack of 24/7 technical support. Additionally, the fact that the service is based in Canada, which is not the most privacy-friendly jurisdiction, may be a concern for some users.
However, if these issues are not deal-breakers for you, Windscribe VPN has plenty to offer. Its flexible licensing options and unlimited device connections make it a cost-effective choice, particularly for households with multiple users and devices. In summary, Windscribe VPN is a solid choice for those seeking a fast VPN that excels at unblocking streaming services, as long as you’re willing to accept some of its limitations.
