Windscribe VPN Review

Streaming Platform	Windscribe Pro	Windscribe Free
Amazon Prime Video	Yes	Yes
BBC iPlayer	Yes	Yes
Channel 4	Yes	Yes
Disney+	Yes	Yes
Hotstar India	Yes	No
Hulu	Yes	Yes
ITVX	Yes	Yes
Max	Yes	Yes
Netflix US	Yes	No

Unblocks 32 Netflix Regions:

Windscribe Pro excels in unblocking more Netflix libraries than any other VPN, successfully accessing 32 international Netflix libraries, including those from the US, UK, and Japan. This performance is the best we have observed, allowing access to three times more Netflix regions compared to other leading VPNs such as ExpressVPN and Proton VPN.

However, it is important to note that video loading times occasionally exceeded 10 seconds, and streaming in HD was not consistently achievable. These issues can be attributed to Windscribe’s limited number of VPN servers in various international locations, with only one server available in India. To enhance user experience, Windscribe should consider expanding its server options in additional locations.

Free Version No Longer Streams US Netflix

Windscribe Free was previously our top-rated free VPN for accessing Netflix. However, as of May 2022, the free version no longer provides access to the American Netflix library.

Despite this limitation, Windscribe remains a viable option for other regions. Recent tests have demonstrated its ability to unblock six Netflix regions, including the UK, France, and Germany. Additionally, its free Canadian VPN servers successfully access the Canadian Netflix library.

Both Versions Compatible with All US Streaming Platforms

Windscribe is recognized as one of the leading VPNs for accessing US streaming services from abroad. Both the Pro and Free versions consistently perform well with popular platforms such as Hulu and HBO Max in our tests.

Unlike the challenges encountered with international Netflix libraries, we did not experience any buffering, thanks to Windscribe’s extensive network of 45 server locations in the US.

Windscribe’s UK Servers Enable Streaming on BBC iPlayer

When connected to any of Windscribe’s five server locations in the UK, users can seamlessly stream geo-blocked content from BBC iPlayer. The London – Custard server delivered the highest streaming quality, thanks to its impressive 10Gbps bandwidth.

Windscribe Free stands out as the only complimentary VPN consistently capable of accessing BBC iPlayer. In contrast, other free VPNs tested, such as PrivadoVPN and Hotspot Shield, often prove unreliable or fail to connect altogether.

Additionally, both Windscribe’s free and paid UK servers successfully access various other UK streaming services. Users reported no difficulties in accessing Sky Go, ITVX, and All 4. Furthermore, Windscribe is recognized as the best free VPN option for obtaining a French IP address.

Torrenting Support

Torrenting Availability on All Servers

Torrenting Rating: 8.5/10

Both the free and paid versions of Windscribe offer secure options for torrenting. The applications feature a kill switch to safeguard against IP address leaks, and the company has a policy of never forwarding DMCA requests to its users. While the Pro version includes support for port forwarding, its download speeds are comparatively slower than those of competing services.

Ranked #14 out of 62 VPNs for Torrenting

Below is a summary of Windscribe’s performance in our torrenting tests:

Torrenting Attribute	Windscribe Pro	Windscribe Free
Average Download Bitrate	7.2MiB/s	6.3MiB/s
No. of P2P Servers	120+	11
Logging Policy	No Identifying Data	No Identifying Data
Kill Switch	Yes	Yes
Port Forwarding	Yes	No

You can rely on Windscribe to conceal your torrenting activities from your Internet Service Provider (ISP). The service does not retain any personally identifiable logs and encrypts network traffic using AES-256 encryption, ensuring that third parties cannot access the torrent files you are downloading.

We are pleased to note that Windscribe has enhanced its support for torrenting over time, now allowing users to connect to any server location for peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing. Previously, the VPN imposed restrictions on torrenting traffic for specific servers, including those in India and Lithuania; however, these limitations have now been removed.

Slower Torrenting Speeds, Even with Port Forwarding

While Windscribe Pro offers support for port forwarding, we found that its torrenting speeds are comparatively slower than those of other leading VPN services. Additionally, setting up port forwarding with Windscribe can be complicated, requiring configuration through its website. This process took us over 10 minutes to complete, whereas with other VPNs, such as Proton VPN, it only took a few seconds by simply checking a box in the app.

The following is a comparison of the time it took to download a 20GB torrent file using both the free and paid versions of Windscribe, alongside other VPN services:

VPN Service	Download Bitrate	Time to Download 20GB Torrent File
No VPN	10MiB/s	32 minutes
Windscribe Pro	7.2MiB/s	44 minutes
Private Internet Access	9.6MiB/s	33 minutes
Windscribe Free	6.3MiB/s	50 minutes
PrivadoVPN Free	5.7MiB/s	56 minutes

Windscribe may not match the speed of the fastest torrenting VPNs, but it still allows for efficient downloading of torrent files. For optimal performance, we recommend connecting to a 10Gbps server located in the same country, as our research indicated this configuration yields the best speeds.

Server Locations

IP Addresses from 69 Countries

Server Locations Rating : 8.9/10

While Windscribe Pro offers servers in fewer locations compared to many leading VPN services, it provides access to over 120 locations across 69 countries. In contrast, alternatives such as Surfshark and Private Internet Access (PIA) offer IP addresses from up to 31 additional countries.

Ranked #13 out of 62 VPNs for Server Locations

• 69 Countries
• 120 Cities
• 120+ IP Addresses

Windscribe maintains servers in the following regions:

Continent	Windscribe Pro Countries	Windscribe Free Countries
Europe	37	7
Asia	16	2
South America	6	0
North America	4	2
Africa	3	0
Oceania	2	0
Antarctica	1	0

As observed, the majority of Windscribe Pro’s servers are primarily located in Europe. Instead of including novelty locations like “Troll Antarctica,” we would prefer to see the addition of servers in high-demand regions, such as Egypt and the UAE.

Windscribe Free distinguishes itself by providing access to a greater number of countries compared to other leading free VPNs. It offers servers in 11 countries, whereas competitors like Atlas VPN and Proton VPN provide access to only two and three countries, respectively.

Notably, many of these locations, such as the UK and Turkey, are typically available only through a paid subscription. We also appreciate that Windscribe provides free servers in Hong Kong, which offers a reliable option for users connecting from China.

Unfortunately, despite our inquiries, Windscribe has declined to disclose the total number of individual VPN servers it operates. Additionally, the company has not specified how many of these servers are rented, raising concerns about the potential reliance on third parties for data security.

The Windscribe website features an impressive page that offers real-time updates on server status and capacity. This tool is beneficial for users seeking to quickly identify a suitable server or troubleshoot connection issues; however, it would be advantageous to integrate this feature into the Windscribe app for enhanced user experience.

Static & Residential IP Addresses

Windscribe allows users to obtain a static IP address from 13 different locations. A static IP connects users to the same IP address each time they connect, which can reduce the likelihood of being blacklisted by websites.

Moreover, Windscribe is among the few VPN providers that offer residential IP addresses. Although this feature incurs an additional cost of $96.00 per year, the US residential IP we acquired has consistently performed well for streaming during our extensive testing over the years.

Bypassing Web Censorship

Bypassing Censorship Rating: 9.6/10

Windscribe consistently ranks among the top VPNs for circumventing internet censorship, achieving a success rate of 86% over the past year in restrictive regions such as China, Russia, and Iran. Notably, Windscribe Free stands out as one of the few free VPNs capable of functioning effectively in heavily censored countries, often outperforming many paid alternatives.

Ranked #2 Out of 62 VPNs for Bypassing Web Censorship

To combat web censorship, many VPNs, including Windscribe, utilize advanced obfuscation technologies that make it more challenging for authorities to detect VPN traffic.

Windscribe employs a unique “Stealth Protocol” designed to prevent detection by censorship mechanisms. This protocol utilizes the open-source Stunnel algorithm to route OpenVPN traffic through an additional TLS tunnel, effectively concealing the use of a VPN.

Our firsthand experience using Windscribe on a test server in Shanghai revealed an impressive 85% success rate in bypassing China’s firewall over the past year. In comparison, many leading VPNs, such as NordVPN, reported a 0% success rate during the same timeframe.

Furthermore, Windscribe’s free version has also proven effective in China, with successful connections established through the Hong Kong > Victoria server.

EXPERT ADVICE: If you’re in a particularly high-risk situation, like a journalist operating from a censored country, enable Windscribe’s Decoy Traffic Mode. This will safeguard you from traffic correlation attacks. Windscribe is the only VPN with this feature.

Device and Operating System Compatibility

Applications Available for Various Devices; Smart DNS Requires Additional Payment

Device Compatibility

Windscribe supports installation on a diverse array of devices, including iOS, Android, PC, and Mac. While the Smart DNS feature is not included with the VPN subscription, users can install the VPN directly on routers for use with smart devices and gaming consoles. Notably, Windscribe allows unlimited simultaneous connections, which is a unique advantage among VPN providers.

Applications

Windscribe can be installed on the following devices:

• Windows
• Mac
• iOS
• Android
• Linux
• Router

While the applications are user-friendly across all platforms, it is important to note that not all features are accessible on every app. Below is a summary of the key differences among Windscribe applications:

Platform	Firewall	Auto Connect	Network Whitelist	Split Tunneling	Always On	Packet Size
Windows	✓	✓	✗	✓	✓	✗
macOS	✓	✓	✗	✗	✓	✗
iOS	✓	✓	✗	✗	✗	✗
Android	✗	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓

Game Consoles and Streaming Devices

Windscribe VPN is compatible with various devices when installed on a router, including:

• Apple TV
• Amazon Fire TV
• Android TV
• Chromecast
• Nintendo
• PlayStation
• Roku
• Smart TV
• Xbox

Additionally, Windscribe offers a separate DNS service known as Control D. While this service is available at a discounted rate for Windscribe subscribers, it does require an independent subscription. We believe it would be beneficial for this service to be included at no additional cost, as it would significantly expand the range of devices compatible with Windscribe.

Alternatively, users with a Windows computer can utilize Windscribe’s ‘Secure Hotspot’ feature. This functionality allows you to create a virtual router within the application, enabling you to share your VPN connection with other devices.

Browser Extensions

Windscribe provides browser extensions that can be downloaded for the following browsers:

• Chrome
• Microsoft Edge
• Firefox

It is important to note that, similar to most VPN browser extensions, Windscribe’s extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge only encrypt web traffic. Other activities outside of the browser, such as cloud syncing and video calls, will not be routed through the VPN tunnel.

Ease of Use

Intuitive Applications Across Multiple Platforms

Ease of Use Rating: 8.9/10

Windscribe’s applications boast a consistent and user-friendly interface. The straightforward layouts effectively balance usability with advanced settings, making them suitable for both novice and experienced users. Applications can be easily downloaded from the official website or through the respective app stores of your devices.

Ranked #12 out of 62 VPNs for Ease of Use

To initiate your experience with Windscribe, simply create an account on their website and click “Download Windscribe.” Users can typically begin utilizing the service in under 10 minutes.

All Windscribe applications share the same design, which received a significant update in March 2022. Prior to this update, the interface faced criticism for its simplicity and lack of informative displays, such as the selected protocol and port on the home screen.

Experience with Windscribe’s Various Applications:

Desktop & Laptop (Windows & Mac)

Windscribe’s applications for Windows and Mac are nearly identical in design and functionality, allowing for a seamless transition between platforms. All settings and buttons are consistently positioned, contributing to a well-organized and user-friendly experience.

However, a drawback of Windscribe’s desktop interface is the relatively small size of buttons and in-app text. Some team members found the explanatory text difficult to read, particularly on lower-resolution monitors. Additionally, the application window is considerably smaller compared to many other VPN services, measuring half the size of ExpressVPN and a quarter of NordVPN. While this is ultimately a matter of personal preference, a slight increase in app size to accommodate larger buttons and text would be appreciated.

Windscribe’s desktop applications include a country search bar, enhancing the ease of finding and selecting desired server locations, which is especially beneficial given Windscribe’s extensive server options.

The desktop apps offer ample customization options, allowing users to switch the latency display between a performance bar or specific measurement. Users can toggle the application between windowed and tray or menu bar modes, with a preference for windowed mode. Furthermore, customization options extend to notifications and the order of listed countries within the app.

Overall, Windscribe’s desktop applications successfully strike a balance between intuitiveness and customization, catering to both advanced and beginner users.

Mobile (iPhone & Android)

Windscribe’s applications for iOS and Android maintain the same user-friendly approach as their desktop counterparts. The layout features a prominent connect button in the top-right corner and a server list in the bottom half, positioning Windscribe among the best free VPNs for mobile devices.

The app also incorporates a network whitelisting option, enabling users to designate specific networks—such as home or other trusted networks—where Windscribe will remain inactive. This feature is particularly beneficial for mobile users who frequently transition between cellular networks.

A unique aspect of the mobile application is the inclusion of a dark/light mode toggle. While this is a welcome addition, an automatic adjustment feature to match the device’s settings would enhance usability, as users currently must manually change it multiple times a day.

Additionally, the app provides haptic feedback when scrolling through lists or clicking buttons. However, some users may find this feature distracting, and it may negatively impact battery life. The option to disable ‘Haptic Feedback’ can be found within the app settings, allowing users to tailor their experience to their preferences.

Linux GUI Application

Windscribe stands out as one of the few VPN services that offers a graphical user interface (GUI) application for Linux, significantly enhancing usability compared to other Linux VPN applications like ExpressVPN and NordVPN.

Notably, the application allows users to connect to non-Windscribe servers, enabling customization of connections. For instance, we successfully connected to a self-configured VPN server through the Windscribe app.

The application is compatible with all major Linux distributions. Our tests on Ubuntu revealed no operational issues.

Fire TV and Android TV Applications

Windscribe’s applications for Fire TV and Android TV present a different interface compared to its other applications, yet they maintain an equal level of simplicity. These apps are fully optimized for larger screens, facilitating ease of navigation to the currently selected button.

However, we would appreciate the introduction of a search bar, as users currently must scroll through an extensive list of flags using their device’s remote control.

Fortunately, the app features a thoughtfully designed split tunneling option, allowing users to configure specific applications to bypass the VPN tunnel. This eliminates the need to access the app each time users switch between streaming services.

While we do not recommend selecting Windscribe solely for this application—refer to our list of the best VPNs for Fire TV Stick instead—it remains a beneficial addition for those already inclined to use Windscribe.

Control D Smart DNS Feature

Windscribe provides a Smart DNS service known as Control D, available for $20.00 per year to existing Windscribe subscribers.

Control D enables access to geo-blocked streaming services on devices that do not support VPN applications, such as Smart TVs and gaming consoles, while remaining functional on all other devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

In our experience, Control D is the most user-friendly Smart DNS service we have tested. Unlike competing services, it allows users to select a different proxy server for each streaming platform without requiring reconnection. For example, users can configure a US server for HBO Max and Hulu while utilizing a UK server for BBC iPlayer and Sky Go.

Additionally, Control D supports secure DNS options, including DNS-over-HTTPS, which means that users do not need to share their IP addresses with Windscribe to utilize this feature.

In contrast to other Smart DNS solutions, such as ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer, which necessitate IP address updates on their website whenever changes occur, Control D’s functionality is significantly more straightforward. However, we would prefer if Control D were included with every Windscribe subscription.

Browser Extensions

Windscribe’s browser extensions are exceptional. They combine simplicity with a comprehensive array of features, including ad and malware blocking, advanced leak protection, and GPS spoofing.

This suite of privacy and security tools is user-friendly, supported by a lightweight and intuitive interface. The extension resembles a compact version of the desktop application, eliminating any learning curve.

Limited integration with the desktop application is also available, allowing users to view, but not modify, their device-wide VPN status. We look forward to future enhancements that may lead to more seamless integration.

Customer Support

Lack of Live Chat and Delayed Email Responses

Customer Support Rating: 8.0/10

Windscribe’s customer support is an area where it lags behind competitors. Notably, it is the only service among our top 15 rated VPNs that does not offer a live chat feature. Users are required to rely on an automated chatbot or endure a wait time of over 24 hours for email responses.

Customer Support Ranking: 23rd out of 62 VPNs

Windscribe provides several avenues for contacting its customer support team, including:

Customer Support	Available in Windscribe VPN
24/7 Email Support	No
24/7 Live Chat Support	No
Chatbot	Yes
Email	Yes
Email Support via Online Form	Yes
Live Chat Support	No
Online Resources	Yes
Tutorial Videos	No

The most effective way to address basic issues with Windscribe is through the automated chatbot, Garry. While Garry is capable of answering straightforward queries, it falls short in resolving a significant portion of the questions posed.

Additionally, some of the information provided by Garry is outdated. For example, it does not reflect Windscribe’s expansion to include servers in 69 countries, as illustrated in the screenshot below.

It is also worth noting that Garry exclusively understands English. When queried in Spanish, it responded in English, indicating an inability to address the question.

In future updates, we recommend that Windscribe consider incorporating live chat functionality for paid subscribers to enhance customer support and remain competitive with alternative VPN services.

Pricing and Value

Paid Subscriptions Are Relatively High

Price & Value Rating: 7.5/10

Windscribe Pro ranks as the ninth most expensive VPN we have evaluated. While it offers sufficient features to justify its cost, several other VPN services deliver better value. Moreover, the refund period for Windscribe Pro is only three days, which is considerably shorter than the industry standard of 30 days. However, it is important to note that the free version does not require any payment details and stands out as one of the best free VPNs available.

Windscribe ranks #12 out of 62 VPNs for Price & Value.

Windscribe Pro Pricing Plans : 

Pricing Plans

Monthly Subscription

• Price: $9.00/month
• Billing: $9.00 charged every month

Annual Subscription

• Price: $5.75/month
• Billing: $69.00 charged every 12 months

While the monthly fee of $9.00 is competitive compared to similar VPN services, the annual subscription rate of $5.75 may be perceived as relatively high. We recommend that Windscribe consider adjusting these prices to better align with market standards. For instance, some highly-rated VPNs, such as Private Internet Access, offer plans that are 65% less expensive than Windscribe’s.

Windscribe also features a “Build-a-Plan” option, allowing users to purchase access to individual Windscribe server locations for $1.00 each per month. This option is beneficial for users who require access to only one or two VPN servers, potentially reducing their monthly expenses to just a few dollars. We appreciate that Windscribe provides such customizable options.

Payment and Refund Options

Windscribe accepts a variety of payment methods for subscriptions, including:

• American Express
• Bitcoin
• Mastercard
• PayPal
• Visa

Windscribe Free Plan

Windscribe’s free plan is one of the most effective options we’ve encountered, providing a valuable opportunity to test the service before committing to a subscription. However, it is important to note that the free plan has notable limitations compared to the paid version.

The free plan offers a monthly data cap of 10GB, which is generous for an ad-free, no-cost VPN, although it falls short of our top-ranked free VPN, Proton VPN Free, which has no data cap.

Additionally, there is a significant difference in speed. During testing, the free version achieved speeds of 54 Mbps, while Windscribe Pro reached 94 Mbps. Consequently, users may experience longer loading times and occasional buffering while streaming.

Depending on individual needs, some users may find the Windscribe Free plan sufficient for long-term use. However, most users are likely to prefer upgrading to the paid subscription to enjoy faster speeds, unlimited data, and access to all of Windscribe’s advanced features.