Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
ExpressVPN and Windscribe have different strengths. ExpressVPN, with a rating of 77.9%, offers a wider server network across more countries, 24/7 live chat support, and is based in a jurisdiction with better privacy laws. Windscribe, rated at 57.5%, has a lower price point, allows for unlimited simultaneous connections, and provides a double VPN feature for enhanced security. Considering these factors, ExpressVPN may be the better choice for users prioritizing privacy, server availability, and customer support, while Windscribe could be preferable for those seeking cost-effectiveness and extensive device connectivity.
About Our VPN Rating Systems
Our reviews delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Ratings are based on our comprehensive research of 96 VPN companies. Out of 96 VPNs we reviewed, only 11 surpass the 75% threshold in our evaluation, while half of the reviewed services score below average (54.1%).
Why Read Our VPN Guide?
- Our VPN reviews are unbiased and data-driven. We are not affiliated to any of the VPN companies listed on this website.
- Our rating system covers diverse user needs. We delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Specifications: ExpressVPN vs Windscribe
| VPN Company | ExpressVPN | Windscribe |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | British Virgin Islands (BVI) | Canada |
| Cheapest Price | $6.67/mo over 15-month subscription | $5.75/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.95 | $9.00 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 3 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256, and ChaCha20 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and Lightway | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec |
| Servers | 3,000 | 120 |
| Servers Countries | 94 | 69 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 devices | Unlimited devices |
| Works in China? | Partially | Unlikely |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | No | Yes |
| Ads Blocking | No | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Cure53 | – |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat | Email, and Chatbot |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: Windscribe Better
Windscribe presents an appealing price point at $5.75/mo, while ExpressVPN opts for a premium pricing strategy, starting at $6.67/mo for their 15-month subscription plan. This leads to an intriguing evaluation of the additional value ExpressVPN offers. Boasting military-grade encryption (AES-256, and ChaCha20), 24×7 live chat support, and a global network of 3,000 servers in more than 90 countries, ExpressVPN aims to justify its higher cost.
Yet, when compared to the offerings of Windscribe, the question remains: do these enhanced features of ExpressVPN align with the specific needs and preferences of users seeking a premium VPN experience? This is something you’ll need to consider when comparing the two.
Jurisdiction: ExpressVPN Better
When it comes to privacy, the jurisdiction of a VPN provider is key. ExpressVPN’s location in British Virgin Islands (BVI), free from mandatory data retention laws, offers a significant privacy advantage over Windscribe, based in the 14-Eye Alliance country of Canada. This alliance, including the US, UK, and several European nations, is known for its extensive surveillance and data-sharing practices, potentially impacting user privacy.
In brief, for those dealing with sensitive data or in strict online environments, ExpressVPN represents a safer choice. Its non-14-Eyes location reduces the risk of surveillance and involuntary data sharing, making it a preferable option for privacy-conscious users.
Comparing the two, ExpressVPN’s BVI base generally offers a higher level of privacy protection. However, it’s important to consider other factors such as the VPN’s own privacy policy, encryption standards, and track record in handling user data. Both VPNs have their own merits, but for strict privacy considerations, being based in BVI gives ExpressVPN an edge.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: ExpressVPN Better
The server fleet size of ExpressVPN and Windscribe is a critical aspect where these two VPN providers diverge significantly. ExpressVPN stands out with its impressive network, hosting over 3,000 servers worldwide. This extensive coverage ensures that users almost anywhere can find a reliable and fast server connection.
In contrast, Windscribe maintains a more modest server presence, with only 120 servers across 69 countries. If you live in regions with fewer servers from Windscribe, this might translate to slower speeds and potentially less stable connections. The vast server network of ExpressVPN not only provides broader geographic reach but also typically allows for better performance and lower latency.
Money Back Guarantee: ExpressVPN Better
ExpressVPN offers a substantial sense of security to its users through a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. This affords new users plenty of time to comprehensively evaluate its services.
Conversely, Windscribe proposes a shorter duration for its money-back guarantee. Although this briefer period still presents a chance to test the service, it could be a factor for those users who favor an extended trial to thoroughly ascertain the VPN’s suitability for their specific requirements.
Simultaneous Connections: Windscribe Better
An important aspect to consider when comparing ExpressVPN and Windscribe is the number of simultaneous connections each service allows.
ExpressVPN, while providing a robust and reliable VPN service, permits users to connect up to 8 devices at the same time. This is generally sufficient for individual users or small families – ensuring that multiple devices can be secured under one account. In contrast, Windscribe takes this a step further by offering unlimited simultaneous connections. This feature is particularly advantageous for larger households or businesses where numerous devices require VPN protection. It allows for a more flexible approach to securing online activity, without the need to prioritize which devices are protected.
For users with extensive connectivity needs, this difference in simultaneous connection capabilities might be a deciding factor in choosing Windscribe over ExpressVPN.
Double VPN Feature: Windscribe Better
Windscribe stands out with its double VPN feature, something ExpressVPN lacks. If staying completely anonymous online is your top priority, then Windscribe is the better choice for you.
Double VPN is a special security feature not often seen in VPNs. Of the 96 VPNs we looked at, only 26 have it. Usually, data goes through just one VPN server. But with double VPN, your data travels through two servers, adding more security and keeping you more anonymous. This means it’s much harder for hackers to get to your data, as it’s encrypted twice.
Bottomline
ExpressVPN and Windscribe both offer robust VPN services, each with their unique strengths. Based on our comprehensive evaluation, ExpressVPN, with its larger server network, superior privacy jurisdiction, and longer money-back guarantee, slightly edges out Windscribe, which shines in areas like pricing, simultaneous connections, and the double VPN feature.
Pick What You Need
Our VPN recommendations and ratings are just a general guide and may not match your personal needs. Know what you need and pick a VPN that fits. It’s crucial to assess your personal requirements, whether it’s enhanced security, better privacy, faster speeds, or access to specific content. Use our ExpressVPN and Windscribe comparison as a starting point, but ultimately, select a VPN that aligns with your unique needs. This approach ensures you get the most out of your VPN service.
About ExpressVPN & Windscribe
Windscribe
Windscribe is a cross-platform, commercial VPN provider based in Canada. The company was founded by Yegor Sak and Alex Paguis in 2016. It offers unlimited, simultaneous connections, and its privacy policy promotes the service as a no-log VPN. Windscribe is known for its exceptional commitment to social responsibility, particularly around issues of censorship in authoritarian regimes. For example, it provided expanded bandwidth free accounts to everyone affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Windscribe has also offered free and unlimited service to all journalists in the region, and subsequently combatting Russian blocks that aimed to render these efforts fruitless. The company has also offered expanded free accounts in Iran during the Mahsa Amini protests.
To learn more, read our Windscribe review.
ExpressVPN
Founded in 2009 by Peter Burchhardt and Dan Pomerantz, ExpressVPN stands out for its speed and extensive server network, with over 3,000 servers across 94 countries. It uses TrustedServer technology for enhanced security and supports AES-256 encryption. ExpressVPN offers wide device compatibility, including routers and smart TVs, and provides 24/7 customer support. The company is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands.
To learn more, read our ExpressVPN review.