Windscribe VPN, a relatively newer player in the market, has been making waves with its unique features and claimed advantages. As someone who's always on the lookout for solid online protection, I decided to test Windscribe to see if it lives up to the hype.

In this thorough Windscribe VPN review, I'll examine every aspect of the service, from its performance and security features to its user-friendliness and compatibility. Whether you're a privacy enthusiast, a frequent traveler, or just someone looking to enhance their online security, this review will help you determine if Windscribe is the right VPN for you.

Here's what you'll learn in this article:

  • How Windscribe VPN performs in terms of speed and security
  • Its effectiveness in bypassing geo-restrictions and content blocks
  • The ease of installation and use across different devices
  • Whether it significantly impacts your internet connection speed
  • If Windscribe VPN is as trustworthy as it claims to be

Let's jump right in and see what Windscribe VPN has to offer!

In a Hurry? Here's a Quick Summary

For those of you short on time, here's a quick overview of my findings for this Windscribe VPN review:

What You'll Like:

  • User-friendly interface with a clean design
  • Strong security features, including the unique R.O.B.E.R.T. system
  • Flexible pricing options, including a build-a-plan feature
  • Good streaming capabilities for major platforms
  • Supports P2P activities on all servers

What You May Not Like:

  • Smaller server network compared to some top-tier VPNs
  • Inconsistent speeds on some distant servers
  • Limited advanced customization options
  • No dedicated servers for specific activities like gaming or streaming

What Makes This Windscribe VPN Review Different?

Unlike many VPN reviews you'll find online, this one is based on my personal, hands-on experience with Windscribe VPN. I've spent considerable time testing every feature, connecting to various servers, and putting the service through real-world scenarios. My goal is to provide you with an honest, unbiased evaluation that goes beyond marketing claims.

For this Windscribe VPN review, I used a Dell XPS laptop running Windows 11, equipped with an Intel i7-1065G7 CPU and 16 GB of RAM. My network setup utilized Wi-Fi 5 with a theoretical speed of 866 Mbps. I also tested the VPN on a MacBook Pro and a Samsung Galaxy S20 FE to ensure a comprehensive evaluation across different platforms.

Over a period of two weeks, I meticulously examined Windscribe's performance, capturing numerous screenshots to illustrate my findings. This review includes over 10 detailed screenshots, giving you a visual tour of the VPN's interface and features.

My approach focuses on practical, real-world usage rather than just technical specifications. I'll share my experiences using Windscribe for everyday tasks like streaming, browsing, and downloading, as well as more demanding activities like gaming and torrenting.

So, let's examine the details and see how Windscribe VPN performs in various aspects of VPN usage.

Buying Windscribe VPN

Windscribe provides a variety of options to suit different needs and budgets. After comparing all the available versions and subscriptions, I decided to go for the monthly plan. Why? Well, I wanted to thoroughly test all the features without committing to a longer subscription, and a month seemed just right for my purposes.

Windscribe offers three main types of plans: monthly, yearly, and a unique "Build-a-Plan" option. The yearly plan comes with a tempting 36% discount, which is quite attractive if you're looking for a long-term VPN solution. However, if you're after maximum flexibility, the Build-a-Plan subscription might catch your eye. It starts at just $1, depending on what features you choose to include.

Here's a breakdown of what you get with the Build-a-Plan option:

  • You can choose specific server locations to access
  • Unlimited bandwidth is only available if you purchase the Unlimited Bandwidth and R.O.B.E.R.T. add-on
  • You can only generate IKEv2, OpenVPN, and WireGuard credentials for the locations you've purchased
  • No access to Ephemeral Port Forwarding

The purchasing process was simple, although it differed slightly from what I'm used to with other VPN services. After selecting my preferred plan, I was directed to create an account before completing the purchase. This is a bit unusual, as most VPNs let you buy first and create an account later. Once I created my account, I received an email confirming my purchase and providing download links and instructions.

One aspect I particularly appreciated was Windscribe's humorous approach to their instructional videos. They have a visual style reminiscent of Rick and Morty, which adds a fun touch to the learning process.

For those concerned about privacy right from the start, Windscribe does offer anonymous payment options, including cryptocurrency. This is a big plus for users who prioritize privacy.

During the purchase process, I noticed they were offering static IP addresses as an add-on. These can be useful if you need a dedicated IP instead of the dynamic ones typically provided by VPNs. I decided to give it a try, but keep in mind that this option is only available with a full year subscription – there's no monthly option for static IPs.

Overall, the buying process was smooth and user-friendly, with enough options to cater to different preferences and needs.

Installation

Installing Windscribe VPN was a breeze. I downloaded the installer directly from their official download page, which I always recommend for security reasons. The installation process was remarkably quick – it took less than 10 seconds from start to finish on my Windows laptop.

One thing I noticed was the absence of any choices during the installation. There were no options to select language or customize the installation path. However, this streamlined approach means less confusion for less tech-savvy users. Don't worry if you need to change the language later, as this can be done from within the app settings.

For those who might have started with the free version of Windscribe and later decided to upgrade, the process is equally simple. You can easily upgrade your existing free app to the premium version without needing to reinstall.

Overall, the installation process was one of the easiest I've encountered among VPNs. It's quick, simple, and doesn't require any technical knowledge, making it accessible for all types of users.

Interface

The user interface of Windscribe VPN strikes a good balance between simplicity and functionality. Let's take a closer look at what you'll see when you open the app.

Windscribe VPN InterfaceWindscribe VPN's main interface is compact and very easy to use.

The main screen is clean and uncluttered, featuring:

  1. A large connection button at the center, clearly showing your connection status
  2. Your current (or last selected) server location
  3. A dropdown menu for selecting different server locations
  4. A 'Firewall' toggle switch (Windscribe's version of a kill switch)
  5. A sidebar menu for accessing additional settings and features

This layout makes it easy for both VPN beginners and experienced users to quickly connect and start protecting their online activities.

One feature I particularly appreciate is the ability to customize the interface to your liking. Windscribe offers two themes and supports 20 different languages, which you can select from the general settings. This level of customization is not something you see in every VPN app.

The app also offers several interface customization options:

  • Start minimized: Launch the app in a minimized state
  • Docked: Pin Windscribe near the system tray or menu bar
  • Show location load: Display a location's usage load
  • Location Order: Arrange locations alphabetically, geographically, or by latency
  • Latency display: Show latency as signal strength bars or in milliseconds
  • Choose between the classic GUI or an alternative "earless" GUI
  • App background: Customize the background of the main app screen
General SettingsThe general settings allow you to enable launching on startup, starting minimized, enabling the tray icon, and more.

While these customization options are great, I did notice that the UI is only resizable vertically. The width remains fixed, which might be a minor inconvenience for some users who prefer full control over the app window size.

Overall, I found the Windscribe interface to be user-friendly and intuitive. The combination of a clean main screen with advanced customization options in the settings menu caters well to both newcomers and power users. The ability to tweak the interface to your liking is a nice touch that sets Windscribe apart from some of its competitors.

VPN Servers

When it comes to server coverage, Windscribe offers a decent network with 500+ servers in 112 city locations spread across 69 countries. While this isn't the largest server network I've seen, it provides good global coverage for most users' needs. Some top-tier VPN proviers with more servers include CyberGhost (12,000+) and Private Internet Access (10,000+).

However, it's important to note that Windscribe doesn't use virtual servers, unlike some of its competitors. This means all their servers are physically located in the countries they claim to be in, which can be a plus for users who prioritize transparency and predictable connection routing.

You can access the server list by expanding the compact user interface:

Interface_expandedThe interface can be expanded to reveal the server list.

One interesting tidbit I discovered is their "Fake Antarctica" location. It's more of a playful feature than a practical one – while the IPs are registered to Antarctica, the server is actually located in Toronto, Canada. It's a fun touch that shows Windscribe doesn't take itself too seriously.

Speaking of location, it's worth noting that Windscribe is based in Canada, which is part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. Some VPN users are wary of services based in Five Eyes countries due to potential data sharing concerns. However, Windscribe argues that their no-logs policy and security measures make this a non-issue. They even have a humorous take on this, stating "It Doesn't Matter How Many Eyes You Have."

During my Windscribe VPN review testing, I found connecting to servers to be generally smooth, although I did encounter occasional issues where the connection failed with a "something went wrong" message. These instances were rare and usually resolved by trying again or switching to a different server.

One thing to note is that Windscribe doesn't offer servers optimized for specific activities like gaming, torrenting, or streaming. While this might disappoint users looking for specialized servers, I found that the general-purpose servers performed well for most activities.

Overall, while Windscribe's server network might not be the largest, its coverage is sufficient for most users' needs. The commitment to using only physical servers (except for the playful Antarctica location) is commendable and adds a layer of transparency that some users will appreciate.

Dedicated IPs

Windscribe offers a Dedicated IP feature, which they call Static IPs. This service allows you to connect to the same external IP address every time you use the VPN, which can be particularly useful for certain applications or services that require consistent IP recognition.

Here's what you need to know about Windscribe's Static IPs:

  1. Datacenter IPs: These are available in 10 locations across the US, Canada, and Europe. They're typically faster but might be more easily identified as VPN IPs.
  2. Residential IPs: These appear as though they're from a home IP address, which can be useful for bypassing stricter VPN detection systems.
  3. Permanent Port Forwarding: With a Static IP, you can reserve ports for your exclusive use for as long as your subscription lasts. Only ports above 1024 are allowed.
  4. Reduced CAPTCHAs and Security Checks: Using a static IP can lead to fewer CAPTCHAs, two-factor authentication checks, and other "security measures" on websites you frequently visit.
  5. Lower Chance of IP Blacklisting: Since fewer people use each Static IP (usually less than 10), there's a reduced risk of the IP being blacklisted due to someone else's actions.

I decided to try out a Static IP for myself, opting for a datacenter IP. The process was straightforward, but I noticed that it's only available as a yearly add-on – there's no monthly option for Static IPs.

In my experience, the Static IP worked well. I noticed fewer CAPTCHAs and security checks on websites I frequently use, which was a nice quality-of-life improvement. The consistent IP also proved useful for accessing certain services that are sensitive to IP changes.

One thing that sets Windscribe's Static IP feature apart is the option for residential IPs. This can be particularly valuable for users trying to access services with strict VPN detection systems, as residential IPs are less likely to be flagged as VPN connections.

Overall, while the Static IP is an additional cost, it can be a worthwhile investment if you need a consistent IP address or want to reduce the friction of frequent IP changes. Just keep in mind that you'll need to commit to a full year to take advantage of this feature.

Gaming

As far as gaming goes, Windscribe VPN isn't specifically optimized for this purpose, but it can still offer some benefits to gamers. The company doesn't advertise specialized gaming servers or features, but they do suggest that using their VPN can potentially improve your gaming experience in certain scenarios.

Here's what I found when testing Windscribe for gaming:

  1. Ping and Response Time: Generally, using a VPN can increase your ping due to the additional routing. However, Windscribe suggests that in some cases, their VPN might actually help reduce ping. This can happen if the routing between you and the game server is less than ideal, and Windscribe's servers provide a more efficient route.
  2. Security: Like any VPN, Windscribe adds a layer of security to your gaming sessions, protecting you from potential DDoS attacks or other online threats.
  3. Unlocking Regional Content: Windscribe can help you access games or servers that might be region-locked or play with friends in different geographical locations.

During my testing for this Windscribe VPN review, I played World of Warcraft while connected to Windscribe. The experience was generally good, with decent ping times. While the ping wasn't as low as my non-VPN connection, it was certainly playable. I didn't notice any significant lag or disconnections during my gaming sessions.

Windscribe does recommend using their VPN for gaming, highlighting benefits like improved security and potential access to region-locked content. However, your experience may vary depending on your location, the game server's location, and your internet connection.

Overall, while Windscribe isn't specifically designed for gaming, it can be a useful tool for gamers looking for added security or the ability to unlock regional content. Just keep in mind that you might experience a slight increase in ping, which could be noticeable in fast-paced competitive games.

Torrenting

Windscribe takes a positive position on P2P file sharing, allowing torrenting on all their servers. This is positive, as some VPNs restrict P2P activities to specific servers or don't support it at all.

Here's what Windscribe offers for torrenting:

  1. Full Encryption: When connected to the VPN, all your traffic is encrypted. This means your ISP can only see encrypted data being transmitted to and from Windscribe, not the content of your downloads.
  2. Always-On Firewall: This feature essentially forces all your traffic through the VPN tunnel. If the VPN disconnects, you won't have internet access, ensuring your real IP is never exposed during torrenting.
  3. No Logs Policy: Windscribe claims not to keep any logs of your online activities, which is crucial for privacy-conscious users engaged in P2P sharing.

In my testing, I found that torrenting worked efficiently with Windscribe. Download speeds were good, and I didn't experience any unexpected disconnections or IP leaks. The combination of the VPN tunnel and the Always-On Firewall feature provided a secure environment for P2P activities.

However, Windscribe, like all reputable VPNs, emphasizes that their service should not be used for illegal activities. Always ensure you're only downloading content that you have the right to access.

Overall, Windscribe proves to be a solid choice for users who frequently engage in P2P file sharing. The ability to use any server for torrenting, combined with strong security features, makes it a flexible option for this purpose.

Streaming

Windscribe claims to be able to unlock geo-restricted content from various streaming services. During my testing, I found this claim to be mostly true, although with some limitations.

Here's what I discovered about Windscribe's streaming capabilities:

  1. Netflix: Windscribe was able to unblock Netflix libraries from several countries. However, it wasn't 100% consistent. For example, while I could access Netflix US without issues, I couldn't unlock Netflix UK content from my location in Romania.
  2. Other Streaming Services: Windscribe also worked with other popular streaming platforms, although again, results varied depending on the specific service and server location.
  3. Server Selection: To access geo-restricted content, you simply need to connect to a VPN server in the country whose content you want to access, refresh your streaming app, and check the available content.
  4. Dedicated Streaming Servers: Unlike some VPN providers, Windscribe doesn't offer servers specifically optimized for streaming. This means you might need to try a few different servers to find one that works well with your preferred streaming service.
  5. Speed for Streaming: In my Windscribe VPN review tests, when I could successfully connect to a streaming service, the speeds were generally good enough for HD streaming without significant buffering.

Streaming services are in a constant cat-and-mouse game with VPNs, regularly trying to block VPN IP addresses. This means that a server that works for Netflix today might not work tomorrow. Windscribe acknowledges this, stating that their service will not always work because Netflix and other streaming services regularly ban certain IPs from VPN providers.

Overall, while Windscribe can unlock geo-restricted streaming content, it's not the most consistent performer in this area. If streaming is your primary reason for using a VPN, you might want to consider a service that offers dedicated streaming servers or more reliable access to specific streaming platforms.

VPN Speed and Performance

To test Windscribe's speed and performance, I conducted a series of speed tests using Ookla's Speed Test tool. I chose to use the WireGuard protocol for these tests, as it's known for being the fastest and most modern VPN protocol.

Here are my results:

  • No VPN (Romania): 492 Mbps download, 490 Mbps upload, 14 ms latency
  • Boston, USA: 235 Mbps download, 281 Mbps upload, 133 ms latency
  • Dallas, USA: 260 Mbps download, 213 Mbps upload, 167 ms latency
  • Seattle, USA: 179 Mbps download, 80 Mbps upload, 195 ms latency
  • Germany: 24 Mbps download, 292 Mbps upload, 59 ms latency
  • France: 323 Mbps download, 152 Mbps upload, 46 ms latency
  • Spain: 295 Mbps download, 410 Mbps upload, 73 ms latency
  • Italy: 291 Mbps download, 311 Mbps upload, 44 ms latency
  • UK: 244 Mbps download, 184 Mbps upload, 52 ms latency
  • Brazil: 234 Mbps download, 16 Mbps upload, 253 ms latency
  • India: 212 Mbps download, 164 Mbps upload, 189 ms latency

Looking at these results, we can draw a few conclusions:

  1. Speed Reduction: As expected, connecting to the VPN did result in some speed loss compared to my base connection. However, the extent of this reduction varied significantly depending on the server location.
  2. Nearby Servers: Servers in Europe generally performed well, with speeds often above 200 Mbps. The French server, in particular, delivered excellent performance.
  3. Distant Servers: Connections to more distant servers like those in the USA, Brazil, and India showed more significant speed reductions, but still maintained speeds suitable for most online activities.
  4. Inconsistency: Some servers showed unexpected results. For instance, the German server had surprisingly low download speeds despite its relatively close proximity.
  5. Latency: As expected, latency increased with distance from my location. However, for most servers, it remained within acceptable ranges for general browsing and streaming.

Overall, Windscribe's performance was generally good, especially on nearby servers. While there were some inconsistencies (like the German server), most locations provided speeds suitable for streaming, browsing, and even gaming.

It's worth noting that VPN speeds can fluctuate based on various factors including time of day, server load, and your base internet speed. Your experience may differ depending on your location and internet service provider.

VPN Privacy Features

This part of the VPN review explores its privacy features, including encryption, secure protocols, and no-logs policies, to determine if it’s a strong choice for online security.

VPN Protocols

Windscribe offers a variety of VPN protocols to cater to different needs and scenarios. Each protocol has its own strengths and potential use cases. Let's take a look at the options:

Windscribe VPN ProtocolsWindscribe provides various protocols, such as Stealth, WireGuard, and UDP.
  1. WireGuard: This is the newest and most efficient protocol, offering a good balance of speed and security. It's generally the best choice for most users.
  2. IKEv2: Known for its stability and security, IKEv2 is particularly good for mobile devices as it handles network changes well.
  3. OpenVPN (UDP/TCP): OpenVPN is a well-established and secure protocol. UDP is faster but less stable, while TCP is more reliable but potentially slower.
  4. Stealth: This protocol disguises VPN traffic to look like regular HTTPS traffic, making it useful for bypassing strict firewalls or VPN blocks.
  5. WStunnel: Similar to Stealth, WStunnel wraps your traffic in web sockets for enhanced stealth. It's available only on Windows and macOS.

You can change protocols easily by clicking the protocols button in the main window. Windscribe's inclusion of the WStunnel protocol is somewhat unique, providing an additional option for users in heavily restricted network environments.

In my testing for this Windscribe VPN, I found WireGuard to offer the best combination of speed and security for most situations. However, the availability of other protocols is valuable for specific scenarios, such as using Stealth or WStunnel in countries with heavy internet censorship.

Strong Encryption

Windscribe employs robust encryption to ensure the security of your data. The specific encryption method varies depending on the protocol you're using:

  1. OpenVPN: Uses AES-256-GCM cipher with SHA512 auth and a 4096-bit RSA key. Perfect forward secrecy is supported.
  2. IKEv2: Utilizes AES-256-GCM for encryption and SHA-256 for integrity checks. The desktop and Android apps use ECP384 for Diffie-Hellman key negotiation, while iOS uses ECP521.
  3. WireGuard: Employs ChaCha20 for symmetric encryption (authenticated with Poly1305), Curve25519 for ECDH, BLAKE2s for hashing, and HKDF for key derivation.
  4. Browser Extensions: Use TLS 1.3 with ECDHE_RSA and X25519 key exchange, along with the TLS_AES_256_GCM_SHA384 cipher.

This level of encryption is on par with or exceeds industry standards, ensuring that your data remains secure as it travels through Windscribe's servers.

No-Logs Policy and Transparency

Windscribe takes a strong stance on user privacy with its no-logs policy. Here are the key points:

  1. No Personal Data: They don't keep connection logs, IP timestamps, or session logs. Email addresses are optional at sign-up.
  2. No Activity Monitoring: Windscribe states they have no way of seeing what sites you visit or monitoring your activity.
  3. Limited Data Collection: They only store the total amount of data used in a 30-day period (to enforce free account limitations) and the timestamp of your last activity on Windscribe.
  4. Transparency Report: Windscribe maintains a real-time transparency report tracking data requests from copyright and law enforcement agencies. As of my review, they claim to have complied with zero requests due to lack of relevant data.
  5. Privacy Policy: Their privacy policy is written in clear, easy-to-understand language, detailing exactly what they do and don't store.
  6. Jurisdiction: Windscribe operates out of Canada. While Canada is part of the Five Eyes alliance, Canadian laws don't mandate VPN providers to log data.

While these policies are encouraging, note that Windscribe hasn't undergone an independent audit of its no-logs policy as of the time of writing this review. Such an audit could provide additional assurance to privacy-conscious users.

Firewall (Instead of Kill Switch)

Windscribe uses a feature called Firewall instead of the traditional kill switch found in many VPNs. Here's how it works:

  1. Comprehensive Protection: The Firewall blocks all connectivity outside the VPN tunnel, eliminating all types of leaks including traffic leaks, DNS leaks, and IPv6 leaks.
  2. Automatic Mode: This enables the firewall when you connect to a Windscribe location and disables it when you disconnect. It also keeps your connection secure if the application crashes or the VPN connection is interrupted.
  3. Manual Mode: This gives you full control over when the firewall is on or off. When enabled manually, you only get internet access when connected to the VPN.
  4. Availability: The Firewall is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux apps. On Android and iOS, you can use the built-in "Always On VPN" feature for similar protection.
FirewallYou can configure the Firewall Mode from the Connection settings.

In my testing for this Windscribe VPN review, the Firewall worked as expected, effectively cutting off internet access when the VPN connection dropped. This provides robust protection against accidental data leaks.

Windscribe argues that their Firewall is superior to a traditional kill switch because it's preventative rather than reactive. It prevents any packets from leaving your device outside the VPN tunnel, whereas a kill switch might allow some data to leak in the brief moment between a VPN disconnection and the kill switch activation.

You can easily enable or disable the Firewall using the switch in the main window of the app.

DNS and IP Leak Protection

Windscribe incorporates several features to protect against DNS and IP leaks:

  1. Built-in Protection: The Firewall feature blocks all types of leaks, including DNS and IPv6 leaks.
  2. Custom DNS: Windscribe allows you to set custom DNS servers, giving you more control over your DNS queries.

To verify Windscribe's leak protection, I conducted several tests:

  • IP Leak Tests: I used ipleak.net and perfect-privacy.com. Windscribe passed both tests, showing only the VPN IP address.
  • DNS Leak Test: Using ipleak.org's DNS leak test, Windscribe again passed, showing only DNS servers associated with the VPN.

These results indicate that Windscribe's leak protection is effective, successfully masking both my real IP address and DNS queries. This is crucial for maintaining privacy and preventing your ISP or other third parties from monitoring your online activities.

Wi-Fi Protection

Windscribe offers several features to enhance your security when using Wi-Fi networks, especially public hotspots:

  1. VPN Encryption: All your internet traffic is secured with high-grade encryption when connected to Windscribe, protecting you from potential eavesdroppers on the network.
  2. R.O.B.E.R.T. System: This feature preemptively blocks malicious domains, trackers, and ads before the data even reaches your device.
  3. Browser Extension: Windscribe's browser extension can remove ads, automatically delete cookies, and even spoof your browser user agent for additional privacy.

To configure Wi-Fi protection, you can access the network settings under Connection > Network Settings. Here, you can set Windscribe to automatically connect when you join unknown Wi-Fi networks, adding an extra layer of security.

While testing on public Wi-Fi networks, I found that Windscribe connected automatically and maintained a stable connection. The addition of R.O.B.E.R.T. for domain blocking adds an extra layer of protection against potential threats on public networks.

Overall, Windscribe's Wi-Fi protection features provide extensive security for users frequently connecting to public hotspots.

Split Tunneling

Windscribe offers a split tunneling feature, allowing you to control which apps use the VPN connection and which ones don't. This feature is available in the Windows and Android apps, and in a limited capacity on macOS (IP address and Hostname only).

Windscribe Split TunnelingThe Split Tunneling feature lets you choose the mode, apps and IP & Hostnames.

The split tunneling feature offers two modes:

  1. Exclusive Mode: Selected applications and/or hostnames and IP addresses are excluded from the VPN tunnel, using your ISP assigned IP.
  2. Inclusive Mode: Selected applications and/or hostnames and IP addresses are tunneled over the VPN. Everything else uses your ISP assigned IP.

You can configure split tunneling by going to Settings > Connection > Split Tunneling. Here, you can add specific apps, IP addresses, or hostnames to include or exclude from the VPN tunnel.

In my Windscribe VPN review testing, the split tunneling feature worked as expected across various apps, including Chrome. This feature can be particularly useful for activities that require local network access or for apps that don't work well with a VPN.

VPN Settings

Windscribe offers a range of advanced settings that allow users to customize their VPN experience. Let's take a closer look at some of these options:

Connection Settings

Connection SettingsThe Connection Settings include changing the packet size, connected DNS, and more.

In the Connection settings, you'll find options such as:

  1. Connection Mode: Choose between automatic protocol selection or manual override.
  2. Packet Size: Adjust the MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) for stable performance.
  3. Connected DNS: Select which DNS servers to use for VPN traffic.
  4. Allow LAN Traffic: Permit access to local network resources while connected to the VPN.
  5. MAC Spoofing: Mask your physical MAC address for enhanced privacy.
  6. Secure Hotspot: Share your VPN connection wirelessly.
  7. Proxy Gateway: Configure proxy servers for other devices.

These settings provide a good balance between ease of use and advanced customization. For instance, the ability to allow LAN traffic can be particularly useful if you need to access local network resources while connected to the VPN.

Advanced Options

Advanced OptionsThe Advanced Options allow you to enable/disable IPv6, ignoring SSL Errors, and other options.

The Advanced Options section includes:

  1. IPv6 Toggle: Enable or disable system-wide IPv6 connectivity.
  2. API Resolution: Choose between automatic or manual server API configuration.
  3. Ignore SSL Errors: Bypass certificate validation for testing purposes.
  4. Client-Side Keepalive: Prevent connection drops with periodic pings.
  5. App Internal DNS: Customize DNS settings (e.g., use Cloudflare DNS).
  6. App Preferences: Export and import app settings for quick configurations.

These advanced options cater well to more tech-savvy users who want detailed control over their VPN connection. For example, the ability to export and import app preferences can be a real time-saver when setting up Windscribe on multiple devices.

Overall, Windscribe's settings provide a good mix of basic and advanced options, allowing users to tailor the VPN to their specific needs. While some options might be complex for beginners, the default settings work well out of the box.

Threat Protection and Parental Controls (R.O.B.E.R.T.)

Windscribe's R.O.B.E.R.T. (Remote Omnidirectional Badware Eliminating Robotic Tool) is an advanced DNS and IP level blocker that works across all your devices, except browser extensions.

R.O.B.E.R.T. FeatureR.O.B.E.R.T. can be customized from the settings. 

R.O.B.E.R.T. offers several advantages:

  1. Ad and Tracker Blocking: Prevents ads and trackers from loading on all your devices.
  2. Malware Prevention: Blocks access to malicious domains, reducing the risk of infections.
  3. Custom Rules: Allows you to customize blocklists to your preferences.
  4. Faster Browsing: By blocking ads and trackers, websites load faster.
  5. Data Saving: Blocking unwanted content helps conserve your data usage.
R.O.B.E.R.T. SettingsYou can also change the R.O.B.E.R.T. settings via the Windscribe online dashboard.

You can configure R.O.B.E.R.T. by going to Settings > Connection. Here, you'll find toggles for blocking various categories such as malware, ads, trackers, gambling, social networks, and more. There's also an advanced option to manage custom rules.

In my testing, R.O.B.E.R.T. worked well for blocking most websites as expected. However, I noticed that some social media sites and gambling sites weren't blocked consistently. The malware blocking was also not perfect, as some test websites for malware blockers (such as threats from eicar.org) were able to get through. For improved protection, I recommend using a dedicated antivirus program, such as Norton or Bitdefender, alongside a VPN.

Despite these minor discrepancies, R.O.B.E.R.T. is a powerful feature that sets Windscribe apart from many other VPNs. It provides more extensive threat blocking capabilities than most VPNs, including the ability to block entire categories of websites like porn or gambling, which can be particularly useful for parental control.

Device Compatibility

Windscribe offers impressive device compatibility, supporting a wide range of platforms and devices. You can use Windscribe on:

  1. Desktop: Windows, Mac, Linux
  2. Mobile: Android and iOS
  3. Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, and Edge extensions
  4. Other Devices: Amazon FireTV, Android TV, routers, and more

This broad compatibility ensures that you can protect your online activities across all your devices. The ability to install Windscribe on a router is particularly useful, as it allows you to protect all devices on your home network, including those that don't normally support VPN apps.

Browser Extensions

Windscribe offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. These extensions provide a quick and easy way to use Windscribe directly from your browser without installing the main application, saving both space and time.

Browser ExtensionWindscribe's browser extension proivides a compact menu where you can change servers.

The browser extensions connect to servers just as quickly as the desktop application. They offer many of the connection, privacy, and security features of the desktop app, along with most of its configuration settings.

One standout feature of the browser extensions is the ability to delete cookies when you close a tab, which adds an extra layer of privacy to your browsing sessions.

Overall, the browser extensions are a convenient option for users who primarily want VPN protection while browsing, offering a lightweight alternative to the full desktop application.

Windscribe VPN Review: Conclusion and Recommendations

After thoroughly testing Windscribe VPN, I can say it's a solid VPN service with some unique features that set it apart from the competition. Here are my main conclusions:

  1. Server Network: While not the largest, Windscribe's server network provides good coverage across 69 countries. The lack of virtual servers is a plus for transparency.
  2. Performance: Speeds were generally good, especially on nearby servers, though some distant servers (like Germany in my tests) showed inconsistent performance.
  3. Security Features: Windscribe offers strong security with its AES-256 encryption, various protocols including WireGuard, and the unique Firewall feature that effectively replaces a traditional kill switch.
  4. Privacy: The no-logs policy and R.O.B.E.R.T. system provide robust privacy protections, though an independent audit would further boost confidence.
  5. Streaming and P2P: While not specialized for these activities, Windscribe performs adequately for both streaming and torrenting.
  6. User Interface: The app is user-friendly with nice customization options, though some advanced users might wish for more detailed control.
  7. Additional Features: The R.O.B.E.R.T. system for threat protection and the flexible build-a-plan option are standout features.

Recommendations:

  • Make use of the R.O.B.E.R.T. system to enhance your online security and ad-blocking.
  • Experiment with different protocols, especially WireGuard, to find the best balance of speed and security for your needs.
  • Consider the Static IP option if you frequently access services that are sensitive to IP changes.
  • Use the split tunneling feature to optimize your connection for different apps and services.

Overall, Windscribe is a capable VPN that should meet the needs of most users. Its unique features and commitment to transparency make it stand out in a crowded market. While it may not be the fastest or have the largest server network, its combination of features, ease of use, and flexible pricing options make it a compelling choice for many users.

Not sure if this VPN product is right for you? ExpressVPN and NordVPN are great VPN alternatives. Check out our guide to the best VPNs for 2024.

FAQs

  1. Is Windscribe VPN free? Windscribe offers a free plan with limited data and server locations. Paid plans provide unlimited data and access to all servers.
  2. Can Windscribe unblock Netflix? Yes, Windscribe can unblock Netflix and other streaming services, though effectiveness may vary depending on the specific server and Netflix region.
  3. Is Windscribe safe to use? Yes, Windscribe uses strong encryption and has a no-logs policy. Its R.O.B.E.R.T. feature also provides additional protection against malware and ads.
  4. How many devices can I use with Windscribe? Windscribe allows unlimited simultaneous connections on a single account.
  5. Does Windscribe work in China? Windscribe can work in China, especially using the Stealth or WStunnel protocols, though effectiveness may vary due to ongoing efforts to block VPN traffic.
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Octav Fedor (Cybersecurity Editor)

Octav is a cybersecurity researcher and writer at AntivirusGuide. When he’s not publishing his honest opinions about security software online, he likes to learn about programming, watch astronomy documentaries, and participate in general knowledge competitions.

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