Windscribe Review

Windscribe VPN is good for streaming, as it can bypass geo-restrictions and provide a secure connection. Windscribe Free works with popular streaming services except for US Netflix.

Can Windscribe Access Netflix In Different Regions Than US?

Many VPNs, including Windscribe, use obfuscation technologies to counter web censorship, making it difficult for censors to identify VPN traffic. Windscribe uses a “Stealth protocol” that routes OpenVPN traffic through an additional TLS tunnel using the Stunnel algorithm. This hides the fact that you’re using a VPN, making it more difficult to detect.

We have been regularly testing it with Netflix in the server locations.  Here is the result that we recorded while running the test of Windscribe VPN:

It may be a little disappointing that Windscribe VPN does not work at all of the international Netflix libraries.

Check out our top picks for the best VPN for Netflix to choose the VPN according to your needs.

Windscribe VPN Unblocks 32 Netflix Regions

Windscribe Pro surpasses all other VPNs in terms of its compatibility with Netflix libraries. In our recent tests, Windscribe Pro successfully unblocked a remarkable 32 international Netflix libraries, including Netflix US, Netflix UK, and Netflix Japan.

This outcome stands out as the most outstanding achievement we have witnessed by far. With Windscribe Pro, we gained access to three times the number of Netflix regions compared to other leading VPNs such as ExpressVPN and Proton VPN.

However, it is worth noting that we encountered some delays and difficulties while streaming videos. It took over 10 seconds for our videos to load, and the streaming quality was not in high definition. This issue arose due to the limited number of VPN servers provided by Windscribe in various international locations, including only one server in India. To address this matter, Windscribe should take steps to enhance its service by expanding the availability of server options in more locations.

Windscribe VPN Free Version Doesn’t Stream US Netflix

In the past, Windscribe Free was considered our top recommendation for a free VPN that worked well with Netflix. However, starting from May 2022, the free VPN no longer supports access to American Netflix.

Nonetheless, it remains a reliable option for accessing Netflix content in other regions. In our most recent evaluations, Windscribe Free successfully unblocks 6 Netflix regions, including the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. Additionally, its free Canada VPN servers allowed users to access the Canadian Netflix library.

Both Versions Work With All US Streaming Platforms

When it comes to accessing US streaming services from overseas, Windscribe stands out as one of the top VPN options. Both the Pro and Free versions of Windscribe consistently perform well in our tests, providing reliable access to popular sites such as Hulu and HBO Max.

In contrast to our experiences with international Netflix libraries, we encountered no buffering issues while using Windscribe. This is due to the VPN’s impressive network of 45 server locations specifically within the United States.

Windscribe’s UK Servers Stream BBC iPlayer

By connecting to any of its five server locations in the UK, we were able to successfully stream geo-blocked content from BBC iPlayer. However, we found that the London – Custard server provided the highest quality streaming experience, thanks to its impressive 10 Gbps bandwidth.

It is important to note that Windscribe Free is the sole free VPN that consistently grants access to BBC iPlayer. In our tests, other free VPNs such as PrivadoVPN and Hotspot Shield proved to be either unreliable or completely ineffective in bypassing the restrictions imposed by BBC iPlayer.

The speed at which Windscribe VPN operates depends on various factors, including the user’s location, the server location they are connecting to, the type of device they are using, and the level of encryption they have selected. In general, when using Windscribe VPN, users can expect some decrease in their internet speed due to the added encryption and rerouting of traffic through the VPN server.

However, Windscribe VPN is known for providing fast and reliable connection speeds. They have a large server network spread across various locations, which helps to distribute the load and minimize overcrowding. Additionally, Windscribe VPN has a feature called “Windspeed” that helps to automatically connect users to the fastest available server in their chosen location.

To get a better idea of the actual speed performance of Windscribe VPN, we have run speed tests while connected to the VPN to give you an idea of the actual speed impact. Here is the speed test results:

Lag-Free Gaming

During our testing, we achieved an outstanding ping time of 6ms while connected to a nearby Windscribe server. This low latency allowed us to play fast-paced competitive games, such as Counter strike, without experiencing any noticeable lag. As a result, Windscribe proves itself as one of the top gaming VPNs, as all the best options typically exhibit local ping times of 10ms or less.

When it comes to using Windscribe Free for gaming, it remains a viable choice, as the ping is sufficiently low for a lag-free gaming experience, even on platforms like Minecraft.

However, it is worth noting that Windscribe performed poorly on long-distance servers. For instance, we recorded a ping time of 152ms when connected to servers in the United States and a significantly higher ping time of 450ms when connected to servers in Japan. As a result, Windscribe may not be the optimal choice for accessing gaming lobbies in these distant regions, where lower latency is crucial for smoother gameplay.

Windscribe VPN is a virtual private network that is designed to provide internet users with online privacy and security. The VPN service encrypts internet traffic and hides your IP address to prevent hackers, trackers, and cyber criminals from monitoring your online activities. 

Windscribe VPN has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not store any user data or browsing history. The VPN service only keeps track of the amount of bandwidth used and the timestamp of the last session. This information is used to manage the VPN network and improve service quality.

Here is a table summarizing all the information that Windscribe VPN Logs: 

The data logging policy for Windscribe VPN and Windscribe VPN Premium is the same. The only difference between the two versions is the number of server locations available and the amount of data that can be used per month.

It offers enhanced security features such as military grade encryption, range of protocols kike WireGuard, OpenVPN and much more. 

Here in the following table you can see the logging policy of Hide.me as compared to other leading VPN services:

Privacy Friendly: Windscribe’s Jurisdiction

Windscribe VPN is based in Canada, which is generally considered to have strong privacy protections for individuals. Canada is a member of the Five Eyes alliance, which is an intelligence alliance between five countries (the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand) that share intelligence information. However, Canada is known for its strong privacy laws and has legal protections in place for personal data.

In terms of data protection laws, Canada has the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), which governs the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information in the private sector

As we have already stated, Windscribe is a very safe and secure VPN service, however, it is never a bad idea to make changes with time. 

Windscribe VPN uses the  AES-256 cipher, which is considered one of the most secure encryption protocols available. The VPN service offers a range of protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. 

Unencrypted Ukrainian Servers

Windscribe, a highly-secure VPN, has recently faced a security breach, leading us to adjust its Security & Features rating.

In June 2021, the Ukrainian government seized two of Windscribe’s servers. Surprisingly, these servers were unencrypted because Windscribe had mistakenly overlooked Ukraine as a “high sensitivity region.”

Despite the concerns raised by various VPN review websites, there is no evidence suggesting that Windscribe user traffic was monitored during this incident.

To clarify, for traffic monitoring to occur, a user would have needed to connect to Ukraine manually using an OpenVPN configuration file and a legacy DNS resolver. Meeting all of these specific conditions is highly unlikely.

To prevent such incidents in the future, it is recommended that Windscribe undertake third-party security audits. 

Uses Secure Tunneling Protocols & Encryption

Windscribe, in both its free and paid versions, prioritizes industry-standard VPN protocols and encryption methods to ensure robust security for its users.

An important improvement in the Windscribe app is its automatic utilization of WireGuard, an open-sourced and reliable protocol. Previously, the default protocol was IKEv2, a closed-source option that we recommend only if security is not a primary concern.

To safeguard network traffic, Windscribe employs AES-256 encryption, known for its near-impenetrable strength in protecting sensitive web data.

We conducted thorough testing using Wireshark, a trusted packet-sniffing tool, and confirmed that Windscribe effectively encrypts web traffic, obfuscating all inbound and outbound network packets.

The encryption process in Windscribe, both in the free and premium versions, employs a secure SHA512 authentication key for the handshake. This choice demonstrates a commitment to enhanced security, as SHA512 is more robust than the commonly used SHA-256 by other VPN providers.

Furthermore, Windscribe implements Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS), a mechanism that ensures encryption keys are not reused across sessions. This means that even if someone were to obtain your private key, it would become useless as soon as you disconnect.

Regarding the incident of Ukrainian server seizures mentioned earlier, PFS played a critical role in preventing any unauthorized access to historical VPN user traffic.

Ultimately, Windscribe’s dedication to using reliable VPN protocols, strong encryption methods, and security measures such as Perfect Forward Secrecy highlights its commitment to safeguarding user data and ensuring a secure online experience.

Windscribe’s Unique Firewall Setting

During our comprehensive testing of Windscribe’s Windows and macOS software, we found their unique “Firewall” setting to be a standout feature. This feature functions similarly to a conventional kill switch but with enhanced effectiveness.

The Firewall feature in Windscribe ensures that all connections outside the VPN tunnel are blocked. In comparison, a typical kill switch relies on the VPN program to detect a drop in the VPN connection, leaving a small window where data packets could potentially leak.

To verify the functionality of Windscribe’s firewall, we utilized our dedicated kill switch testing tool. This tool scans for IP address leaks when the internet connection is disrupted.

The robust kill switch feature adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that your online activities remain protected even in the event of a VPN connection drop. Windscribe’s commitment to maintaining user privacy and preventing any potential data leaks is commendable.

Windscribe Effectively Blocks Many Ads & Trackers

Windscribe’s integrated ad and malware blocker, known as “ROBERT,” operates at the DNS level within their VPN apps, providing an effective solution to combat unwanted advertisements and malicious content.

During our rigorous testing, ROBERT showcased exceptional performance. Our data revealed that it successfully blocked 80% of ads and eliminated 100% of analytic trackers. With ROBERT enabled, we were able to navigate popular websites like YouTube and Google without encountering intrusive advertisements.

In terms of ad-blocking capabilities, only a few other VPNs, namely IVPN and TunnelBear, surpassed Windscribe’s results. However, when considering the overall features and performance, Windscribe emerged as the superior choice.

Extra Technical Features

Windscribe VPN offers a range of advanced technical features that elevate its capabilities and enhance user privacy and security.

• Utilization Of Diskless VPN Servers

These servers operate without storing any data on physical drives, ensuring that no user information or activity logs are retained, thus bolstering the protection of user data.

• Availability Of Multi-hop Servers

By routing user traffic through multiple server locations, Windscribe adds an extra layer of anonymity and makes it significantly more challenging for anyone to trace back the user’s online activities.

• GPS Spoofing To Manipulate Their Location Data

This feature proves beneficial in scenarios where privacy or access to location-restricted content is desired, effectively masking the user’s true geographic location.

• Desktop Apps Are Open-Sourced

This means that the source code of these applications is publicly available for inspection, ensuring transparency and allowing security experts to verify the software’s integrity.

With these advanced technical features, Windscribe goes beyond basic VPN functionality, providing users with additional tools to safeguard their online presence and maintain anonymity.

ROBERT: How Good Is It At Its Job?

ROBERT, Windscribe VPN’s data tracker, is generally considered to be effective at its job of blocking malware, ads, and other online threats. The tool uses a combination of DNS and IP blocking to prevent malicious content from loading on a user’s device.

In independent tests, ROBERT has been shown to effectively block a wide range of malicious websites and online threats. However, it’s important to note that no tool is 100% effective, and some malicious content may still slip through the cracks. Users should always practice safe browsing habits and be cautious when clicking on links or downloading files from unknown sources.

Overall, ROBERT is a useful tool for enhancing a user’s privacy and security online, but it should be used in conjunction with other security measures, such as anti-virus software and firewalls, for maximum protection.

Technical Features That We’d Like To See In Windscribe VPN

Windscribe VPN already offers a wide range of technical features to enhance online privacy and security, such as strong encryption, automatic kill switch, and split tunneling. Here are some technical features that some users may like to see in Windscribe VPN:

• Split tunneling: 

This feature allows users to route some of their internet traffic through the VPN while allowing other traffic to bypass it. This can be useful for accessing local network devices or services that may not work properly when using a VPN.

• WireGuard protocol support: 

WireGuard is a newer VPN protocol that is faster and more efficient than older protocols like OpenVPN. Adding support for WireGuard would improve the speed and performance of Windscribe VPN.

• Multi-hop VPN connections: 

This feature allows users to route their internet traffic through multiple VPN servers, providing an extra layer of security and privacy.

• Port forwarding: 

Port forwarding allows users to access services or devices on their home network from a remote location. This can be useful for accessing files, media, or other resources that are only available on the home network.

• IPv6 support: 

While most internet traffic still uses IPv4, support for the newer IPv6 protocol would future-proof Windscribe VPN and ensure that it continues to work properly as more devices and services transition to IPv6.

Windscribe offers different subscription plans with various features, depending on your needs. You can choose to pay monthly, yearly, or even create your own plan. Here’s a breakdown of Windscribe’s subscription plans:

Free Plan:

If you are looking for a free VPN solution, Windscribe offers a limited free plan that includes up to 10GB of data per month. You can register for this plan by installing the mobile app or browser extension and creating a free account.

Pro Plans

Windscribe offers two Pro plans – monthly or yearly – that come with unlimited data and access to all of their servers and R.O.B.E.R.T. blocklists. The only things not included are static IPs and static IP port forwarding. The cost of the yearly plan is $5.75 per month for 12 months, while the monthly plan costs $9.0 per month.

Build A Plan

They also offer Build A Plan, which lets you choose any location with a Pro server for just $1 per country per month. Each location you add gives you an extra 10GB of monthly bandwidth. The minimum cost for this plan is $2 per month, but for $1 more, you can get unlimited bandwidth and full access to their server-side domain blocking feature R.O.B.E.R.T. You can change your plan anytime, adding or removing locations with no extra charges – you’ll only pay for the locations you choose.

When it comes to torrenting, Windscribe is a good option as it allows P2P file sharing on its network. However, there are some limitations to be aware of. First, Windscribe only allows torrenting on specific servers that are labeled as “P2P” in the server selection menu. This means that you will need to connect to one of these servers to use Windscribe for torrenting.

Another limitation is that Windscribe only allows torrenting on its paid plans. The free plan does not allow P2P file sharing, so if you want to use Windscribe for torrenting, you will need to upgrade to a paid plan. The good news is that Windscribe offers affordable pricing, with plans starting at just $5.75 per month.

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a VPN for torrenting is speed. Slow download speeds can be frustrating and can impact the overall experience. Windscribe offers fast download speeds on its network, with the ability to stream and download large files quickly. However, it’s worth noting that the speed may vary depending on the server you choose and the location you are in.

Fast P2P File Transfer

In addition to standard VPN features like encryption and IP masking, Windscribe also offers a Fast P2P and File Transfer service.

Fast P2P and File Transfer is a feature of Windscribe VPN that allows users to securely share large files with others. This feature is particularly useful for people who need to share large files like videos, music, or images over the internet.

Windscribe VPN has servers in 60+ countries, 10 of which are accessible to free users. Talking about the number of servers, there is no concrete number, as it fluctuates with the demand.

Countries – 60+ Countries 

Cities – 110 Cities

IP Address – Not Disclosed

Servers – Not Confirmed

As you can see, Windscribe VPN has plenty of servers across the globe. With servers located in around 60+ locations across the world. It is an excellent VPN that allows the users to bypass geo-restrictions and access content that may be blocked in their region.

Windscribe is an excellent VPN service that’s great for beating internet censorship. It has worked perfectly in China, Russia, and Iran throughout the last year, making it a reliable choice for users in these countries. Even Windscribe Free is one of the few free VPNs that still works in censored countries and is more reliable than some paid VPNs.

Many VPNs, including Windscribe, use obfuscation technologies to counter web censorship, making it difficult for censors to identify VPN traffic. Windscribe uses a “Stealth protocol” that routes OpenVPN traffic through an additional TLS tunnel using the Stunnel algorithm. This hides the fact that you’re using a VPN, making it more difficult to detect.

In China, Windscribe bypassed the country’s firewall 90% of the time over the past year, making it one of the most reliable VPNs for users in China. Even top VPNs like NordVPN only worked 44% of the time during the same period. Windscribe’s free software also worked in China by connecting to the Hong Kong > Victoria server.

Windscribe VPN is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, making it accessible to users on various devices. In addition, it allows unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can protect all your devices with just one account. Windscribe VPN offers easy-to-use applications for desktop and mobile devices, as well as browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.

Windscribe VPN also offers manual setup guides for routers that support DD-WRT, Tomato, or ASUSWRT firmware, making it possible to protect your entire network with VPN. Windscribe VPN’s compatibility with a wide range of devices and operating systems makes it a versatile VPN solution for different users’ needs.

Here is a list of the different operating systems that Windscribe VPN is compatible with:

• Devices: 

Windscribe VPN is compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems. Here is the list of them:

• Windows (7, 8, 10)
• macOS (10.11 or newer)
• Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, CentOS)
• Android (4.2 or newer)

iOS (9.0 or newer)

• Game Consoles & Streaming Devices:

Windscribe VPN is compatible with the following game consoles and streaming devices, however they require some assistance through router or Smart DNS feature.

Let’s have a look: 

• Amazon Fire TV, 
• NVIDIA SHIELD, 
• Kodi

•  Windscribe Browser Extension:

The VPN is mostly compatible with all the major operating systems, allowing the users to keep a protective layer on their data on a wide range of devices. 

• Chrome
• Firefox
• MS Edge
• Opera

Windscribe VPN is designed to be easy to use, even for beginners. The user-friendly interface and intuitive features make it a popular choice for those looking for a simple and straightforward VPN solution. 

During our testing, we encountered several bugs and errors that prevented us from fully endorsing it. However, it must be acknowledged that Windscribe is simple and easy to use.

Desktop & Laptop (Windows & Mac) 

Yes, Windscribe VPN is designed to be easy to use on desktop and laptop computers running Windows and macOS. Here are the basic steps to use Windscribe VPN on these platforms:

• Visit the Windscribe website and sign up for an account.
• Download and install the Windscribe VPN app for your operating system.
• Launch the app and sign in to your account.
• Select a VPN server location from the available options.
• Click the Connect button to establish a VPN connection.

Windscribe also offers browser extensions for Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Opera, which can be installed to enable VPN protection for web browsing.

Mobile (iPhone & Android)

Windscribe’s mobile apps for iOS and Android offer the same user-friendly experience as their desktop clients. The layout is consistent, featuring a prominent connect button in the top-right corner and a server list at the bottom.

Most importantly, the app is network whitelisting, allowing users to exclude specific networks, such as their home or trusted networks, from activating Windscribe. This is particularly useful for mobile devices that frequently switch between cellular networks.

Additionally, Windscribe offers a dark/light mode toggle specifically for mobile. However, it would be more convenient if the app automatically adjusted to match the device’s setting. Currently, users need to manually switch between modes when their device switches between dark and light mode.

On the downside, the app’s vibrating feedback when scrolling through lists or clicking buttons can be more distracting than helpful. Moreover, it may slightly impact the device’s battery life. Fortunately, users can disable this feature by turning off the ‘Haptic Feedback’ setting in the app.

Linux GUI App

Windscribe stands out as one of the few VPN services offering a graphical user interface (GUI) app specifically designed for Linux. Compared to competitors like ExpressVPN and NordVPN, Windscribe’s Linux app provides a significantly more user-friendly experience.

Its one primary feature is the flexibility of the app to connect to non-Windscribe servers. Users can configure the app to connect to their own self-setup VPN servers directly within the Windscribe app, showcasing its impressive versatility.

Moreover, Windscribe’s Linux app is compatible with all major Linux distributions. During our testing on Ubuntu, we encountered no issues, highlighting its seamless performance across different Linux environments.

Fire TV & Android TV Apps

Windscribe’s Fire TV and Android TV apps provide a different visual experience compared to their other apps, but they remain user-friendly and intuitive. These apps have been specifically optimized for larger TV screens, ensuring that the selected buttons are easily visible.

The absence of a search bar can be a slight inconvenience. Also, users are required to navigate through a lengthy list of flags using their TV remote control to find their desired location.

However, Windscribe’s Fire TV app offers a well-designed split tunneling feature. This allows users to configure specific apps to bypass the VPN tunnel, eliminating the need to access the app every time they switch between streaming services.

Control D Smart DNS Feature

Windscribe offers a convenient Smart DNS service called Control D, designed specifically for existing Windscribe subscribers. For just $20 a year, Control D enables access to geo-blocked streaming services on devices that do not support VPN apps, such as Smart TVs and gaming consoles. However, it is compatible with all other devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

Its user-friendly interface makes it a simple Smart DNS service. Unlike other services, Control D allows you to effortlessly select a different proxy server for each streaming platform without the need to reconnect. For instance, you can configure it to use a US server for HBO Max and Hulu, while opting for a UK server for BBC iPlayer and Sky Go.

Moreover, Control D offers additional security features, including support for secure DNS options like DNS-over-HTTPS. This means that you can utilize the feature without ever disclosing your IP address to Windscribe.

As a VPN user, it’s important to have access to reliable customer support in case you encounter any issues with the service. Windscribe VPN understands this, which is why they offer a range of customer support options to assist their users.

You can contact Windscribe customer support team in the following ways:

Windscribe’s customer support options are robust and varied, providing users with the help they need, when they need it. Whether you prefer to chat with a human agent or browse through a knowledge base, Windscribe has a support option that will work for you.

Yes, Windscribe VPN is worth investing in if you prioritize strong security features and a decent-sized server network. Windscribe offers AES-256 encryption, a no-logs policy, and a built-in ad and tracker blocker. It also has servers in over 60 countries. However, if you need a VPN with servers in more obscure locations, Windscribe may not be the best option for you.