Windscribe VPN

Windscribe VPN, launched in April 2016 in Toronto, Canada, is dedicated to offering a comprehensive security solution. With its extensive list of unique features, it distinguishes itself from other VPN service providers. Windscribe claims to be self-funded and relies on its customers as investors, maintaining a strong ethics policy. You can review their ethics policy in detail. In this comprehensive review, we will cover all the features provided by Windscribe.

Privacy

Windscribe VPN, headquartered in Canada—a member of the 5 Eyes Alliance, may not be considered the safest location for user data privacy. Canadian law enforcement authorities could potentially compel a service provider to disclose details of users’ online activities. While Windscribe takes extensive measures to protect user data and privacy, and there have been no reported instances of data sharing with authorities, some users may prefer VPNs headquartered in countries with stronger privacy protections.

Windscribe collects specific data when you visit their website but does not employ any third-party tracking or analytics services. Instead, it uses the open-source Piwik web analytics platform hosted on their servers to monitor website interactions. This data encompasses your browser user-agent, language, screen resolution, referring website, and a subset of your IP address (the first 3 octets). One of Windscribe’s standout features is its optional email requirement during sign-up, enhancing user anonymity. When you connect to a Windscribe VPN server, it temporarily stores your username, connection time, and data transfer volume for the duration of the connection. This information is kept in the server’s memory and is immediately erased upon disconnection, ensuring robust user privacy. Windscribe VPN does not keep any connection logs, IP timestamps, session logs, or other records that can identify you.

However, some concerns arise when using Windscribe VPN, such as the aggregate logs it maintains to track total data downloaded/uploaded over 30 days and the timestamp of your last activity. Windscribe’s rationale for retaining these logs includes setting limitations for its free tier plan, monitoring the number of simultaneous VPN connections to prevent abuse and account sharing, and managing inactive accounts to maintain service quality. While these reasons sound reasonable, users seeking additional reassurance may appreciate a strict no-log policy and an independent VPN audit report. For a detailed understanding of Windscribe VPN’s privacy policy, you can click this link.

Security

Windscribe’s desktop application employs AES-256 cipher with SHA512 authentication and a 4096-bit RSA key for robust security. It also incorporates Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS), a critical security feature in VPN and encryption protocols. PFS ensures that even if an attacker somehow compromises the encryption key for a specific session, they cannot use that key to decrypt past or future sessions. Essentially, PFS provides forward secrecy by generating unique session keys for each session, significantly enhancing security. Windscribe utilizes three popular, free, and open-source encryption protocols—IKEv2, OpenVPN, and WireGuard—ensuring top-notch security for its users.

Speed and Performance

Windscribe delivers decent speed when connected to their VPN servers. In my testing, while the download speed proved to be satisfactory, the upload speeds fell slightly short of expectations. I selected servers in Germany, United States, and United Kingdom for the test. You can refer to the chart below for detailed speed metrics.

* Tested on 100 Mbps optical fibre connection.

In terms of performance, Windscribe VPN does not disappoint and excels in maintaining a high-quality connection to its servers. I have tested Windscribe VPN on both desktop and smartphone, and the software on both devices proved to be quick and smooth. It automatically selects the best connections to the servers using the preferred protocol. If any issues arise during the connection process, it prompts you to retry with a different protocol, which performs exceptionally well. Additionally, there are options to manually select the protocol and port numbers when connecting to servers, providing users with customizable choices and the ability to optimize performance on their devices. If you are tired of encountering frequent Google reCAPTCHA challenges, you can switch to the Stealth protocol. This protocol disguises your traffic as HTTPS with TLS, but it may result in slightly slower speeds.

No DNS Leak

Windscribe VPN does not show any kind of DNS leaks when tested. I have tested for DNS leaks on servers in Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom using bash.ws, dnsleaktest.org and dnsleaktest.com and found no DNS leaks ensuring maximum user privacy.

Server Network Coverage

Windscribe VPN boasts servers in over 63 countries and 110 locations. Windscribe states that all these servers are physically located in those countries, with multiple data centres in various cities available for connection. To enhance privacy, server details are not exposed to users, which is a remarkable security measure. For users with free and pro plans, these servers are further segregated from each other. While the servers perform well, there is room for improvement with the addition of servers optimized for gaming, torrenting, and streaming purposes in more countries.

User Interface

Windscribe VPN employs a minimalistic and sophisticated user interface across its devices. During my testing on a smartphone, all essential information regarding the VPN connections, such as VPN location, VPN IP address, VPN protocol, and port number used for the connection, is conveniently displayed on the main screen. This user-friendly design eliminates the need for unnecessary navigation. The only missing feature is displaying the connection uptime to servers, which would help users gauge server reliability. Furthermore, you have the option to add custom VPN configurations directly from the main screen, a feature I found particularly appealing. I appreciate the minimalist approach employed for an intuitive user interface.

Device Compatibility

Windscribe VPN is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, routers, and web browser extensions. This extensive support for various devices is highly beneficial for users with multiple devices seeking a reliable VPN. However, the addition of support for gaming consoles could further enhance the service, especially for users looking to improve gaming performance and reduce latency.

Simultaneous Connections

Windscribe’s standout feature is its ability to support unlimited simultaneous connections to devices. This means there are no restrictions, making it an excellent choice for users with multiple devices. However, there is an important caveat to note: Windscribe VPN prohibits account sharing outside of immediate family members. Windscribe logs the number of parallel connections at any given time to prevent widespread abuse and unauthorized account sharing. Consequently, your account may be blocked if it’s found to be involved in such activities.

Pricing

Windscribe VPN offers both a free and a pro version. The pro version comes with two straightforward pricing plans: $5.75 per month for an annual subscription and $9.00 per month for a monthly subscription. Additionally, users have the option to pay with cryptocurrency, adding an extra layer of privacy. It’s important to note that the refund policy offers a trial period of either 3 days or 10GB of usage if you wish to experience the benefits of the pro plan.

Additional Features

Windscribe VPN offers a wide range of essential and powerful features. Let’s take a closer look at them so you can decide if it meets your needs and makes your purchasing decision worthwhile.

R.O.B.E.R.T.

Windscribe VPN distinguishes itself from its competitors with its powerful R.O.B.E.R.T. feature. R.O.B.E.R.T. is a domain and IP blocking tool with extensive customization options. It can help you block ads, trackers, prevent malware, and enforce unique custom access rules to block specific hostnames or IP addresses. The customization is robust, offering various categories for blocking, including websites that promote malware, ads, trackers, social networking sites, adult content, gambling, fake news, and cryptocurrency-related sites and services. If you wish to block or whitelist a particular hostname or IP address, you can easily do so using custom rules.

During my testing with R.O.B.E.R.T., it successfully blocked all ads and trackers while browsing, as well as the websites included in predefined categories and custom rules. On smartphones, it provides systemwide ad blocking, eliminating ads and pop-ups not only in the browser but also within any application you use. This makes it an excellent choice for users who want both VPN and ad-blocking services in one package.

Config Generators

Windscribe offers an alternative method to connect to their VPN servers if you prefer not to use their application software. You can achieve this by utilizing their Config Generators, which assist in generating VPN configurations for IKEv2, OpenVPN, and WireGuard VPN protocols. These configurations can be copied to your smartphone or any device that may not support the Windscribe VPN software, allowing you to use Windscribe VPN without the need for software installation.

Static IP Address

Windscribe VPN provides it users the option to access the VPN service with the static IP address. What this means is that you will be assigned the same external IP address each time you try to connect to any server to use their VPN service. You get the option to get the static IP address from 13 different located servers. The advantages of using the static IP is to get away from the block listed IP address which mostly happens on VPN services and reCAPTCHA that search engine uses.

Please note that Windscribe VPN offers static IP addresses rather than dedicated IP addresses. The key difference is that a dedicated IP address is exclusively used by you, while a static IP may be shared with other users but remains the same each time you connect to the server. This choice makes sense from a privacy perspective. When you use a dedicated IP address, a connection log is generated, and the IP address is associated with your billing history. In the event of a law enforcement request for user information related to a dedicated IP address, which typically includes the IP address and a timestamp of the alleged user activity, the VPN provider is obligated to comply. This could lead to privacy concerns. To address this, Windscribe VPN offers static IP addresses to a limited number of users, ensuring that your online activities remain anonymous.

Port Forwarding

Windscribe VPN allows users to access the VPN not only within internal networks but also on remote or external networks while maintaining a connection to their VPN service. Port forwarding, in essence, is a networking technique that enables incoming internet traffic to reach a specific device or service within a private network. In the context of a VPN, port forwarding serves to allow users to access particular applications or services on their devices remotely, even if those devices are behind the VPN’s private network. This feature can be highly valuable for activities such as online gaming, file sharing, or running a web server, all while benefiting from the privacy and security provided by the VPN.

One significant advantage of using port forwarding with Windscribe VPN is that it keeps your connection secure, ensuring that your external IP remains protected. This means you don’t have to rely on your ISP-provided IP address when accessing services remotely, guarding against various network attacks.

Split Tunnelling

Windscribe VPN includes a split tunnelling feature, providing users with the flexibility to choose which applications, IP addresses, or hostnames should pass through their VPN servers, and which can directly access the internet. While Windows users have the option to include or exclude applications, IP addresses, or hostnames, smartphone users are limited to application inclusion/exclusion options. This may be considered a minor drawback as there’s no site-specific blocking option available via split tunnelling on smartphones. However, an alternative approach is to leverage R.O.B.E.R.T.’s custom rules to block or whitelist IP addresses or hostnames for smartphone devices. In my testing, the split tunnelling feature performed efficiently without any issues.

Firewall

The Windscribe Firewall, also known as the Kill Switch feature, is exclusively available for Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms. Its primary function is to block internet access entirely in case of interruption or disconnection detected by Windscribe VPN, safeguarding user data from exposure on unsecured or public Wi-Fi networks. For smartphones, Windscribe takes advantage of the built-in ‘Always On’ functionality. When enabled, it immediately blocks internet traffic upon detecting any issues with the internet connection. This ensures that your device remains protected, and data packets do not become vulnerable to interception by your ISP gateway during a VPN disconnection. During my thorough testing, I found that the Firewall, also known as the Kill Switch, performs exceptionally well.

Secure Hotspot

The Windscribe Secure Hotspot feature is exclusively available on Windows devices. With this feature, you can create a secure Wi-Fi hotspot directly on your computer and share it with other devices. This allows those devices to utilize a private, secure, and reliable VPN connection without the need to install the Windscribe VPN application on them. One of the key advantages of the Secure Hotspot feature is its compatibility with devices like certain TVs and gaming consoles, for which the Windscribe VPN application may not be available.

Proxy Gateway

Windscribe VPN enables users to create their own secure HTTP or SOCKS5 proxy server on their Windows or Mac devices, which is exclusively usable on LAN (Local Area Network). Similar to the Secure Hotspot feature, this functionality can be employed on devices that do not support VPN protocols or for which the Windscribe VPN application is not yet available. This broadens Windscribe VPN’s compatibility, allowing both compatible and non-compatible devices to benefit from VPN services, thereby enhancing privacy and security on a wider scale.

Flexible connections

Windscribe VPN offers a variety of VPN protocols and port numbers for connecting to their VPN servers. In addition to the popular and open-source encryption protocols, namely IKEv2, OpenVPN, and WireGuard, which Windscribe VPN uses by default, it provides users with the flexibility to choose from two additional protocols to suit their specific needs:

1. Stealth Protocol: The Stealth protocol is essentially an OpenVPN tunnel that’s disguised as HTTPS traffic. This feature is particularly useful on networks with restrictions that employ special tools to detect VPN tunnels, potentially jeopardizing user privacy and security. Windscribe utilizes the Stealth protocol, which employs Stunnel, an open-source library, to wrap the regular VPN connection within a layer of SSL encryption/TLS. As a result, the VPN connection appears as regular web traffic, making it more challenging to block. However, it’s worth noting that because encryption and decryption processes are involved, this may lead to a slight reduction in internet speed and performance.
2. WStunnel: Short for WebSocket tunnel, WStunnel combines WebSocket and OpenVPN concepts. It encapsulates OpenVPN traffic within WebSocket connections. When a user establishes a VPN connection using WStunnel, Windscribe VPN and the server communicate over a WebSocket connection. Instead of using the standard OpenVPN port and protocol, WStunnel operates via the WebSocket protocol, often on port 443. This is significant because many networks and firewalls allow traffic on port 443 to pass through, even if they block other ports. Within the WebSocket connection, OpenVPN traffic is securely tunnelled, encrypted, and protected just like a traditional OpenVPN connection, ensuring the user’s data remains confidential and secure. The advantage of using WStunnel is its ability to bypass network restrictions that might otherwise block standard OpenVPN connections. Because it operates over port 443, it can mimic regular HTTPS traffic, making it more challenging to detect or block.

Windscribe VPN also provides the option to choose from various port numbers to connect to the VPN servers, which can be particularly useful in regions with highly restrictive networks.

GPS Spoofing

Windscribe VPN offers a powerful feature that allows you to spoof your GPS location. This feature is particularly advantageous because advertising companies often utilize location APIs, potentially exposing your real location and compromising your privacy. With GPS spoofing, you can disguise your GPS location, displaying the coordinates of the VPN server you’re connected to. I tested this feature using Google Maps while connected to a US server, and it effectively spoofed my location to match the connection server in real time.

Customer Support

Windscribe VPN offers excellent customer support for resolving various queries, whether they are technical, sales-related, or account-related. The technical team is highly knowledgeable and capable of understanding user inquiries, providing prompt and personalized responses, rather than relying on pre-written, generic messages as some other VPN service providers do. I conducted tests to assess the efficiency of Windscribe’s customer support team in resolving complaints and queries, as well as to examine their refund policy. I was not disappointed with the results; both aspects worked out well. I even claimed a refund, and the process was quick and hassle-free. What stood out the most was their ‘no questions asked’ refund policy, which I found highly favourable. If you’re considering trying the Pro version to explore all of its features and benefits, you can confidently do so, knowing that you can claim a refund according to their policy, which is available within either 3 days or upon reaching 10GB of usage.

Final Verdict

Windscribe VPN is a comprehensive solution for anyone seeking robust online privacy and security. Its combination of top-tier performance, an impressive array of protocols, and an arsenal of features makes it a worthy contender in the VPN arena. While they do collect some data on their website, Windscribe VPN’s commitment to user privacy is unwavering. So, if you’re on the hunt for a VPN service that goes the distance in protecting your digital life, Windscribe VPN is a name you should seriously consider.

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