Windscribe

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Written by: Updated on: 25/08/2025
Our Rating: 3.9/5 (How we rate)
   Performance:  501 - 1,000 Mbps    Latency:  50 ms    Server count:  500 plus
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The Best VPN In The Universe?

Why Windscribe Still Stands Out

Meet Windscribe, your no nonsense, quirky VPN pal. It is packed with clever tools, generous allowances, and a “we are not trying to trick you” vibe. Built for those who want privacy without getting bogged down in technical jargon, it feels like the smart friend who talks straight with a dash of lovable sarcasm. Windscribe has always leaned into being different from the polished corporate look of the bigger VPN players. That is part of its charm. Instead of corporate buzzwords, you get honest explanations and a bit of fun, while still holding onto serious security features. For many users, this makes the service feel more approachable and less intimidating.

Privacy, Logs, and Transparency

Windscribe stores almost nothing, just brief logs like data amounts and the timestamp of your last connection. This is just enough to keep things running smoothly without recording anything sensitive about what you actually do online. No activity tracking and no browsing history are collected. Transparency is also a big focus. Their apps are open source, they publish regular transparency reports, and their infrastructure is built on RAM only servers which wipe clean every time they reboot. That means even if someone wanted to dig into the machines, there would be nothing to find. For those who value honesty, this is refreshing. The combination of minimal data collection, technical design choices, and willingness to explain it all in simple language makes their privacy stance easy to trust.

Protocols to Pick From

Windscribe gives you plenty of options for how you connect. You get up to six protocols to choose from:

  • WireGuard, the fastest option, often close to your full line speed.
  • IKEv2, reliable and quick, particularly strong on mobile devices.
  • OpenVPN (UDP and TCP), the old faithful, slower but universally supported.
  • Stealth and WStunnel, designed for bypassing restrictions in countries where VPNs are heavily blocked.

No matter which one you pick, traffic is encrypted with strong standards like AES 256 or ChaCha20 with Poly1305. All protocols include perfect forward secrecy, which means even if one session key was ever compromised, past sessions would remain secure. This is one of those technical details that really matters but is often hidden in fine print elsewhere. Here, it is built in by default.

Speeds and Everyday Performance

Windscribe is not always the flashiest when it comes to speed tests, but it holds its own. Using WireGuard, you often get close to baseline speeds, especially if you are near a major server hub. In North America and Western Europe, performance is usually solid for browsing, HD streaming, or gaming. In more distant regions, speeds can vary. If you are on macOS, performance may sometimes lag behind Windows. That is worth testing if you are an Apple user, because latency can creep higher on certain servers. Overall though, the service is quick enough for most daily tasks and only serious power users will notice inconsistencies.

Privacy Extras and Browser Tools

Windscribe likes to go beyond the basics. Here are some of the tools that stand out:

  • R.O.B.E.R.T., their DNS based blocker that stops ads, trackers, and malware before they load.
  • Split Tunneling, which lets you send some apps through the VPN while leaving others on your normal connection. Perfect for mixing streaming with online banking without confusion.
  • Port Forwarding and SOCKS5, for those who use remote access or want to optimize torrenting performance.
  • MAC Address Spoofing and Encrypted Client Hello, technical add ons that help reduce tracking and get around restrictive networks.

These extras make Windscribe feel more like a privacy toolkit than just a simple VPN app. You can run it plain and simple or dig into advanced features if that is your style.

Streaming and Torrenting

Windscribe has special “Windflix” servers that are tuned for unblocking streaming platforms. Netflix libraries in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia all work well, and BBC iPlayer and Hulu are usually smooth too. Disney+ is supported, while Amazon Prime Video can sometimes be more stubborn. The nice part is that Windflix servers are clearly marked, so you know which ones to use. For torrenting, the picture is equally friendly. Most servers allow peer to peer traffic and those that do not are clearly marked in the app. You also get free SOCKS5 proxy access for added flexibility, though keep in mind it is less private than a full VPN tunnel.

The Free Plan That is Actually Useful

Unlike most free VPNs that give you next to nothing, Windscribe’s free plan is surprisingly generous. You get 10 GB per month, access to around 10 countries, and unlimited devices. That last bit is rare. Free users still get WireGuard support, access to R.O.B.E.R.T., split tunneling, and even the firewall feature. Streaming works on the free plan too, which is impressive, but the 10 GB cap means it is only really good for light viewing. Still, it is one of the best free VPN offers around and gives you a very real taste of the service before upgrading.

What Could Be Better

  • User Interface, while functional, can feel a bit overwhelming because there are so many options.
  • Speeds vary, sometimes you will hit a fast server, other times you will need to hop around.
  • No 24 7 live chat, support is ticket based with a chatbot. It works, but it is not instant.
  • No independent audit yet, while transparency is strong, a third party audit would add an extra layer of confidence.

Casey’s Take

Windscribe is that witty friend who knows their stuff, explains it simply, and gives you a ton of value. The free plan is genuinely useful, the extras like R.O.B.E.R.T. make a difference, and the range of protocols means you are covered in almost any situation. It does not have the polish or consistency of the biggest providers, but it makes up for it with honesty, flexibility, and a playful personality. For people who like to tinker, trust openness, and do not want to feel locked into a boring corporate service, Windscribe is a standout pick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Windscribe offer a kill switch?

Windscribe does not label it as a kill switch, but its firewall feature acts the same way. It blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, which keeps your data from leaking onto the open network.

Which protocol should I pick?

If you are not sure, just leave it on automatic. WireGuard is the fastest and usually the best choice. If it cannot connect, IKEv2 is a strong fallback. OpenVPN is slower but reliable. Stealth and WStunnel are the go to choices if you are in a restricted country where VPNs are normally blocked.

Can I stream while using the free plan?

Yes, Windscribe’s free plan does work with major streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. The only limitation is the 10 GB monthly data cap, so it is more suited to casual use than binge watching.

Player Testimonials

  • "A great free VPN, 2gb free or if you hand over your email address, no increase in spam noted, that goes to 10G. This done me for two years on my phone until i got back into PCs, and i found out more would be better."
    - Dave
  • "I have been using Windscribe for years as a free user when my father recommended them to me back in the day when they still had lifetime subscription plans. Sadly I decided I wanted one too late, but the company gracefully offered me something almost as good a few years back recognizing my years of use. I haven't looked back, and in the rare instances where I've needed help their Discord as well as Gary have been SUPER helpful and I cannot recommend them enough."
    - Matthew
  • "One of the best for sure! And the existing best vpn for for they allocate starting big allowance of data to test how good is their service! That is a great and impressive performance!"
    - Chid
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About The Author: Alex

Alia Simon (Alex) is a transatlantic tech writer and digital privacy advocate, known for blending sharp analysis with an approachable, conversational style. Whether reviewing a new VPN service, breaking down the fine print in privacy policies, or explaining the latest cybersecurity developments, Alia’s work is clear, engaging, and rooted in first-hand testing.

Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Alia grew up splitting his time between writing stories and tinkering with computers. His first taste of publishing came in high school, where he created a small tech-focused zine covering software reviews, security tips, and internet trends, a passion project that laid the foundation for his career. After earning a BA in Communications from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Iowa, Alia developed a unique style that combines investigative depth with reader-friendly clarity.

He began his professional journey as a copywriter in Chicago, working with technology and gaming brands to produce content on everything from user experience design to online safety. Eventually, he shifted to full-time writing, contributing long-form guides, tutorials, and security explainers to leading tech and digital lifestyle publications. His work is distinguished by its focus on the end user, helping readers cut through jargon to understand how tools and policies affect them directly.

In 2014, Alia relocated to Berlin, Germany, immersing himself in Europe’s fast-evolving tech and online privacy scene. He worked as a content strategist for VPN providers and cybersecurity firms, producing bilingual resources in English and German. His ability to bridge the cultural and technical gap between US and European audiences has made his insights valuable to both consumers and industry insiders.

Since 2025, Alia has been part of the editorial team at VPNOnline.co.uk, where he tests VPN performance, evaluates privacy features, and keeps track of global digital rights legislation. Passionate about transparency and online safety, he actively promotes responsible internet use, regularly speaking at community events about secure browsing habits and emerging online threats.

Today, Alia lives in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district with his partner, Leonie, and their cat, Pixel. When he’s not running VPN speed tests or analysing encryption protocols, you’ll find him cycling along the Spree, exploring Berlin’s tech meetups, or hosting strategy board game nights for friends. For Alia, every review is more than just a score, it’s an opportunity to help readers protect their privacy and make smarter digital choices.

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