Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Windscribe and AirVPN are both VPN services with unique strengths and weaknesses. Windscribe, with an overall rating of 57.5%, outperforms AirVPN, which scored 39.1%. Both are based in countries part of the 14-Eye Alliance, potentially compromising user data privacy. Windscribe is more expensive but offers unlimited simultaneous connections, a double VPN feature, and an ad-blocking function. AirVPN, while cheaper, only allows for five simultaneous connections and lacks both the double VPN and ad-blocking features. Both offer the same encryption and have a no-logging policy. However, Windscribe has more server countries (69 vs. 23) but fewer total servers (120 vs. 200). Considering these factors, Windscribe appears to provide a more comprehensive service, making it the better choice for most users.
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: Windscribe vs AirVPN
| VPN Company | Windscirbe | AirVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Canada | Italy |
| Cheapest Price | $5.75/mo over 12-month subscription | $1.96/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.00 | $7.66 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256, and ChaCha20 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec | Open VPN, WireGuard, and SSL VPN |
| Servers | 120 | 200 |
| Servers Countries | 69 | 23 |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited devices | 5 devices |
| Works in China? | Unlikely | Likely |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | No |
| Double VPN | Yes | No |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | – | 0 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat & Email | Email, and Ticketing |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Disney+, and Hulu |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: AirVPN Better
AirVPN positions itself as an affordable option. The VPN charges $7.66/mo for month-to-month contract and a much cheaper $1.96/mo for those who are willing to subscribe in long term.
In comparison, Windscribe sets its price higher at $12/mo for monthly subscribers and $1.96/mo for those who are willing to commit to a 12-month contract.
Based on our market research, the average cost of VPN is $3.56/mo with a commitment period of 21 months. You should consider whether the additional features and services offered by Windscribe justify the higher cost, especially when comparing it to other available options that might offer similar services at a more economical rate.
AirVPN Plans
Windscribe Plans
Jurisdiction: Tie (Equally Bad)
Both Windscribe and AirVPN are based in 14-Eye Alliance countries – which means the company may be obligated to retent your data and share them with gorvenment bodies. If you are handling sensitive information or require maximum data privacy – you should avoid both companies and look for VPNs in countries with a lower risk of government-led surveillance and data sharing
Understanding the 14-Eyes Alliance and Its Privacy Implications
The 14-Eyes Alliance, an expansion of the Five- and Nine-Eyes intelligence collaborations, includes countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and several European nations. These member states are known for their extensive surveillance activities, as highlighted by disclosures from figures like Edward Snowden (watch video below). Such surveillance extends to the sharing of collected data among member countries.
The presence of a VPN provider in a 14-Eyes country could mean legal obligations to surrender user data to government entities, with the potential for this data to circulate among the alliance members. This surveillance culture not only compromises personal privacy but also raises concerns about digital security, particularly with the push for encryption backdoors.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: Tie (Equally Bad)
Both Windscribe and AirVPN operate from relative small fleet of servers. Windscribe operates from 120 servers in 69 countries; similarly, AirVPN offers 200 servers spread over 23 countries. Both numbers are below market average of 1,679 servers according to our study. For users living in countries with limited servers, this might translate to slower speeds and potentially less stable connections.
Money Back Guarantee: AirVPN Better
AirVPN 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 (just 3 days!) 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.
* According to our market study, the average money-back guarantee period in the industry is approximately 25.68 days.
Simultaneous Connections: Windscribe Better
AirVPN permits users to connect up to 5 devices at the same time – which is a relative small number compare to market average. In contrast, Windscribe offers 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 Zoog over AirVPN.
Double VPN Feature: Windscribe Better
Windscribe stands out with its double VPN feature, somethingAirVPN 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 studied, 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.
Ad Blocking Feature: Windscribe Better
When comparing the two VPNs, ad blocking capabilities is a key distinction.Windscribe incorporates an ad blocker within its service, significantly improving the user’s browsing experience by filtering out intrusive advertisements and protecting against possible malware threats. Conversely, AirVPN lacks an ad blocking function – which is a potential disadvantage for users who value a streamlined and ad-free online experience. This difference is crucial for users to evaluate based on their preferences for online safety and browsing convenience.
Bottomline
In conclusion, both Windscribe and AirVPN have their strengths and weaknesses. Users seeking more features like double VPN and ad-blocking capabilities, and requiring unlimited simultaneous connections should opt for Windscribe, while those looking for a more economical choice with a longer money-back guarantee period might find AirVPN more suitable.
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 ourWindscribe and AirVPN 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 Windscribe & AirVPN
AirVPN
AirVPN, operated by activists committed to net neutrality, privacy, and anti-censorship, uses OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols. It offers strong encryption, no monitoring or logging of online activities, and circumvents censorship and georestrictions. AirVPN provides unlimited bandwidth and server switches, high-performance servers in multiple countries, and compliance with European Union privacy laws. Their service allows five simultaneous connections per account, and they offer port forwarding and optional block lists for enhanced security.
To learn more, read our AirVPN review.
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.
To learn more, read our Windscribe review.