- Pick it if you are:
- Privacy-focused users and journalists; People who need a free VPN
- Top complaint:
- Why does Proton VPN renewal cost so much more?
- Price:
- Free plan, paid from $9.99/mo
- Pick it if you are:
- Casual users who need occasional VPN; Households with many devices
- Top complaint:
- Windscribe not connecting or stuck on connecting
- Price:
- Free plan, paid from $3/mo
Score Comparison
Signals Comparison
Proton VPN
- Why does Proton VPN renewal cost so much more?(7/10)
- Why is Proton VPN so expensive month to month?(5/10)
Windscribe
- Windscribe refund policy is short and strict(6/10)
- Unexpected Windscribe renewal charges(6/10)
- Windscribe free plan data cap (2 GB or 10 GB)(5/10)
Proton VPN
- Proton VPN free servers slow at peak times(6/10)
- Why is Proton VPN so slow with Secure Core?(4/10)
Windscribe
- Why is Windscribe so slow on some servers?(5/10)
Proton VPN
- Proton VPN free plan limits: one device, no country choice(5/10)
- Proton VPN causes constant Google CAPTCHAs(5/10)
Windscribe
- Windscribe split tunneling and local network access broke(5/10)
- Windscribe interface feels cluttered(3/10)
Proton VPN
- Proton VPN not connecting or stuck on Connecting(7/10)
- Proton VPN not working with Netflix (proxy error)(5/10)
- Proton VPN Stealth not working in restrictive countries(6/10)
Windscribe
- Windscribe not working with Netflix and streaming(5/10)
- Windscribe not connecting or stuck on connecting(7/10)
- No internet after closing Windscribe (firewall)(7/10)
- Windscribe in China and restricted countries(6/10)
Proton VPN
- Proton VPN refund taking too long(6/10)
- Proton VPN has no 24/7 live chat(5/10)
Windscribe
- Windscribe support is a chatbot called Garry(6/10)
- Windscribe account hacked or banned(6/10)
Proton VPN
- Proton VPN port forwarding changes every reconnect(5/10)
Windscribe
- Windscribe P2P limits and router WireGuard setup(4/10)
Proton VPN
- Proton VPN keeps disconnecting on Android(6/10)
Windscribe
No signals
Proton VPN
- Is Proton leaving Switzerland? Surveillance law uncertainty(5/10)
- Proton CEO political post backlash(3/10)
Windscribe
- Windscribe no-logs claims lack a formal audit(5/10)
Pricing Comparison
Proton VPN
Users: 1.0
Limits: 1 device only, no country or server choice (random server with a Change server cooldown), no streaming-optimised servers, no P2P/torrenting, no Secure Core, no port forwarding, medium speed, no live chat support
Users: 10.0
Limits: Proton Pass, Drive and Mail stay on their free tiers
Users: 10.0
Limits: Proton Pass, Drive and Mail stay on their free tiers
Users: 10.0
Storage: 500 GB
Users: 10.0
Storage: 500 GB
Windscribe
Users: Unlimited devices
Storage: 2 GB/month without email, 10 GB/month with confirmed email
Limits: Monthly data cap, fewer server locations than Pro, slower speeds reported on free servers, no static IP or port forwarding
Users: Unlimited devices
Storage: Unlimited data
Limits: Static IP and permanent port forwarding cost extra
Users: Unlimited devices
Storage: Unlimited data
Limits: Same refund limits as monthly
Users: Unlimited devices
Storage: 10 GB per selected location, optional unlimited data
Limits: Only chosen locations are available
Limits: Price not verified
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Proton VPN | Windscribe |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Free plan with unlimited data 1 device, random server in about 10 countries | ||
| Protocols | ||
| WireGuard protocol | ||
| OpenVPN, IKEv2, Stealth, WStunnel | ||
| Core | ||
| 10 simultaneous devices Paid plans | ||
| Smart Protocol Cycles through WireGuard, OpenVPN and Stealth automatically | ||
| Security | ||
| Secure Core multi-hop Paid plans; about 35% slower in tests | ||
| Kill switch (Firewall) Firewall modes: Automatic, Manual, Always On | ||
| Stealth protocol Anti-censorship; Settings > Protocol | ||
| Kill switch and advanced kill switch Advanced mode blocks internet whenever the VPN is off | ||
| NetShield ad and malware blocker Paid plans | ||
| Independent no-logs audit App and infrastructure audits only | ||
| Privacy | ||
| Split tunneling Not on iOS | ||
| Ad and tracker blocking (R.O.B.E.R.T.) | ||
| Plans | ||
| Unlimited devices Including free plan | ||
| Free plan 2 GB / 10 GB per month | ||
| P2P | ||
| Port forwarding P2P servers on Windows, macOS (early access) and Linux only | ||
| Networking | ||
| Static IP Paid add-on | ||
| Performance | ||
| VPN Accelerator On by default | ||
| Streaming | ||
| Smart DNS for TVs and consoles Not offered per security.org | ||
| Platforms | ||
| Router and Linux support | ||
| Support | ||
| 24/7 live chat Live chat about 9 AM-midnight CET, paid users only | ||
| Live chat with humans AI chatbot first, tickets for humans | ||
| Billing | ||
| Money-back guarantee over 7 days 7 days (some sources say 3), under 10 GB | ||
Need a custom web app or internal tool? Our small team builds it, on your domain or hosted by us. Price agreed together.
Get a quote