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Research basis: research-based
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Windscribe

Privacy-focused VPN with generous free tier and advanced features

Windscribe is a Canadian VPN provider offering encrypted connections across 69+ countries with unlimited device connections, a customisable ad blocker (R.O.B.E.R.T.), and multiple security protocols. It provides a free plan with 10 GB monthly data, flexible Build-A-Plan pricing, and advanced features like Double Hop and split tunneling across desktop and mobile platforms.

VpnWindscribe Limited
Real cost
Free
Free
RC Score
7.8/10
0 user reviews
User rating
0.0/5
Verified
Basis: research-based
The methodology

How we scored it

Six-factor weighted score. Each dimension scored 0–10 by our editorial team across testing periods of 3–18 months. No vendor influence.

Value for money25%
8.5/10
Features20%
8.8/10
Ease of use15%
6.8/10
Support quality15%
6.5/10
Deal strength15%
0.0/10
User feedback10%
0.0/10
Pricing

What it actually costs

Intro pricing shown — see the renewal note for what you'll pay after the introductory term. We don't hide the second-act price.

★ Best Value

Free

$0/mo intro
Get this plan

Build A Plan

$1/mo intro
Get this plan

Pro Monthly

$9/mo intro
Get this plan

The real cost

What you'll actually pay across 4 years, including the renewal cliff. We blend the math so you see the true monthly cost.

1y4y intro8y
Intro period
$0
48 mo @ $0
Total cost
$0
≈ $0.00/mo blended
Renewal
$0
Within intro term
The renewal cliff

When the bill actually arrives

Most hosts advertise intro pricing prominently and renewal pricing in the fine print. Here\'s the trajectory drawn to scale.

Y0Y1Y2Y3Y4Y5Y6Y7Y8▼ Renewal cliff$0/mo$0/mo $0$0$0
Intro period (months 1–48)Renewal pricing (month 49+)
Head to head

Windscribe against the field

The highest-scoring alternatives in the same category, compared on the figures we hold for all of them.

 WindscribeThis pageExpressVPNProton VPN
ReviewCost score7.8/108.6/108.4/10
Cheapest planFree
From$3.49/mo
Renews atNot publishedNot publishedNot published
Biggest strengthExceptionally generous free tier with 10 GB monthly data and full feature access, making it one of the most feature-complete free VPNs availableProprietary Lightway protocol delivers consistently fast speeds, particularly with Lightway Turbo on WindowsAudited no-logs policy and full open-source codebase provide exceptional transparency
Biggest drawbackInconsistent performance on distant servers; slower Mac client speeds compared to WindowsDevice limits (10/12/14) lag behind competitors like Surfshark and PIA that offer unlimited simultaneous connectionsNo 24/7 live chat support—email-only, with 1-3 day response times reported

Prices are the published figures at the time of writing and change often. Renewal pricing is shown where the vendor publishes it. See how we review.

Common questions

What people ask about Windscribe

Straight answers to what buyers actually ask, drawn from the documentation and published user reports.

Is Windscribe's free plan truly unlimited, or does it cut off after a time period?
The free plan persists indefinitely with no trial expiry. You get 10 GB monthly (or 2 GB without email confirmation) across unlimited devices. All VPN features are included; only server locations and bandwidth are capped. Many users rely on the free tier long-term without paying.
Can I use Windscribe for torrenting?
Yes. All paid plans support P2P/torrenting, and the company doesn't log connections. SOCKS5 proxy support is available. The free tier technically allows torrenting but is limited to 11 server locations, which may offer reduced P2P-friendly options.
Does Windscribe have a kill switch or DNS leak protection?
Yes, both. Windscribe includes an always-on firewall kill switch that blocks all connectivity outside the VPN tunnel, and DNS leak protection via its own DNS servers. The free tier includes these features identically to paid plans.
Is Windscribe safe to use in China or other censored regions?
Windscribe offers Stealth (OpenVPN over TLS/SSL) and WStunnel (OpenVPN over WebSocket) specifically for circumventing censorship. However, the company recommends testing before relying on it in highly restricted jurisdictions, as geopolitical conditions change frequently.
How does Windscribe compare to NordVPN for privacy?
Both claim no-logs policies, but NordVPN has recent independent audits while Windscribe's last major audit is dated. Windscribe's RAM-only servers are a technical advantage. NordVPN offers better streaming and faster support. For privacy-first users, both are defensible; choose based on features and budget.