An In-Depth Windscribe VPN Review—How Secure Is It?
Cybercrime is a severe global issue projected to cause damages of up to $15.6 trillion by 2029 [1]. From data breaches to phishing attacks, cybercriminals continue to find new ways to exploit software vulnerabilities and steal sensitive information. As a result, individuals and businesses are turning to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to increase the security of their online activities.
Boasting over 72 million registered users[2], Windscribe VPN aims to provide a secure and private internet experience to a broad user base.
In this Windscribe VPN review, you'll learn about the VPN's key security features, performance, and pricing plans. We'll also cover an additional method to extend your online security and protect your sensitive data when making online payments.
Disclaimer: Information in this guide is valid as of May 2024. For the most recent information, visit the official Windscribe VPN website.
Windscribe VPN Key Features
We'll evaluate Windscribe by dividing its features into six areas:
- Privacy and security
- Speed and performance
- Server network
- Compatibility and support
- User experience and customer support
- Plans and pricing
Privacy and Security
Windscribe VPN operates on a strict no-identifying-logs policy [3]. It does not collect or store data such as IP addresses, timestamps, or browsing history that could potentially identify its users.
The following table details key privacy and security features Windscribe VPN offers:
Speed and Performance
Because VPNs encrypt traffic and route it through remote servers, some speed reductions can be expected. In a recent test[10], Windscribe showed great speeds when used with the WireGuard protocol, maxing the test at 950 Mbps. With the OpenVPN protocol, the connection speed reached 240 Mbps.
The connection speed VPN users can experience depends on various factors, including:
- Physical distance from the server
- Server congestion
- The protocol they use
- Their base internet connection speed
Server Network
Windscribe VPN offers servers in 69 countries and 134 cities worldwide[11]. The company does not provide a concrete number of servers available, claiming that the number fluctuates depending on demand and performance.
Windscribe maintains that it doesn't use virtual servers, which means that all of its servers are physically present in the listed countries. The company also employs RAM disk servers, which delete all information on every reboot.
Users who require servers in more countries may prefer other VPN services, such as HideMyAss VPN, which has servers in 210+ countries, or Hola VPN, which allows users to connect to servers in 200+ countries.
Compatibility and Support
Windscribe VPN is compatible with a wide range of devices and platforms[12][13], including the following:
- Desktop computers (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Mobile phones (Android, iPhone, Huawei)
- TVs (AmazonFire TV, AndroidTV/Nvidia Shield, KODI)
- Routers (DD-WRT, Tomato, Asus)
- Browser extensions (Chrome, Firefox, MS Edge)
- NAS (Synology, QNAP)
- F-Droid
The VPN offers unlimited simultaneous connections so users can securely access the internet on as many devices as they have.
User Experience and Customer Support
The Windscribe VPN application has an intuitive minimalist interface that is easy to navigate. Once the app is installed, users can connect to the VPN with a single click. The application is also available in over 12 languages to cater to a global audience.
Winscribe VPN offers customer support through various channels[14], including:
- Comprehensive knowledge base
- Chatbot
- Ticketing system
- Email support
Plans and Pricing
Windscribe operates on a freemium model, meaning that it offers a free plan that includes all security features. The plan allows access to servers in ten countries and gives users up to 10GB of data per month[15].
For users needing higher data limits and access to more servers, Windscribe offers one paid plan charged monthly or annually[16]. The monthly subscription costs $9. With the annual subscription, the cost of Windscribe VPN comes down to $5.75 per month, paid annually at $69.
Windscribe also offers a Build A Plan option, which allows users to customize their plan by selecting specific locations and features they need. The price is calculated based on their choices.
Users who want to test out other VPNs with a free plan can try one of the following services:
Is Windscribe VPN Enough To Keep You Safe Online?
While Windscribe VPN offers robust encryption and security features, it shouldn't be your only defense against cyber threats. VPNs are designed to protect against specific threats, but some security risks remain:
- Phishing attacks—VPNs do not protect against phishing attacks, where scammers attempt to trick users into giving away sensitive information.
- Suspicious sites—Even with a VPN, you're still vulnerable to malicious content on fraudulent websites, which can infect your devices with malware.
- Data breaches—VPNs encrypt your data in transit, but they do not protect against data breaches of servers where your data is stored. In case of a data breach, your sensitive information may be exposed.
To increase your online security, consider adopting other security practices that complement a VPN's protection. For example, two-factor authentication adds security to online accounts by requiring an additional code to log in, usually sent to your phone number or email. Installing an antimalware program and keeping your software up to date can also increase your cybersecurity.
To reduce the risk of your payment card details being stolen from merchants' servers, consider using virtual cards. These cards work just like regular cards when making online payments, but they shield your real details from potential hackers. If you get them from a dedicated card provider like Privacy, you will get additional security and convenience features.
Privacy Virtual Cards Save the Day
Privacy Virtual Cards come with a 16-digit card number, expiration date, and CVV code you can use to shield your actual payment card numbers. Even if an online store you used the card with suffers a data breach, a potential hacker will only gain access to your virtual card numbers.
As a BBB®-accredited and PCI DSS-compliant company, Privacy employs stringent security measures that match those of banks, such as 2FA, transaction alerts, and regular audits to ensure the safety of your data. Privacy will also help you in case of potential fraud by investigating the case and issuing a chargeback claim against the merchant on your behalf.
Privacy Card Types and Features
Privacy offers three types of virtual cards:
All Privacy Cards come with two types of spending controls you can use at any time:
- Spending limit—You can set a spending limit on your card, and Privacy will decline any charge attempt above it. This feature can help you limit overcharging and hidden fees.
- Card pausing/closing—You can pause or close your virtual card, and Privacy will decline any further charges. This feature provides protection against potentially unauthorized or accidental charges.
Privacy Convenience Features
Privacy also offers features that make using Privacy Cards easy and seamless:
- Privacy Browser Extension—Available for Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Edge, and Safari for iOS, it lets you create and manage cards from your browser and autofill card numbers at checkout.
- Privacy App—Available for iOS and Android, the app lets you create, pause, and close cards on the go.
- 1Password integration—You can create and use Privacy Cards from 1Password's browser extension.
- Shared Cards—Privacy lets you share your virtual cards with friends and family without providing them with your financial information.
- Card Notes—You can create useful notes, helping you track where you use each card or when the next payment is due.
How To Get a Privacy Virtual Card
Take the following four steps to get a Privacy Virtual Card:
- Access the sign-up page
- Enter the details required to verify your identity
- Provide a funding source (bank account or debit card)
- Request and generate your first Privacy Virtual Card
You can use these cards at most vendors and websites that accept Visa® or Mastercard®. Privacy currently offers four monthly plans, as outlined in the table below:
