Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Windscribe and Astrill are both high-end VPNs, with Windscribe scoring slightly higher in our ratings (57.5% vs 47.5%). Windscribe, based in Canada, offers a cheaper price ($5.75/mo over a 12-month subscription) compared to Astrill’s $8.29/mo. It also provides unlimited simultaneous connections, a no-logging policy, and a double VPN feature for enhanced security. Astrill, on the other hand, is based in Seychelles, a country with no mandatory data retention laws, offering a significant privacy advantage. However, it allows only 5 simultaneous connections and lacks a double VPN feature. Windscribe’s offering of unlimited device connections and enhanced security features makes it the better choice for users with extensive connectivity needs and high security priorities.
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 Astrill
| VPN Company | Windscirbe | Astrill |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Canada | Seychelles |
| Cheapest Price | $5.75/mo over 12-month subscription | $8.29/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.00 | $30.00 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | – days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | No |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec | OpenVPN, StealthVPN, OpenWeb, Wireguard, and Proprietary |
| Servers | 120 | 115 |
| Servers Countries | 69 | 57 |
| 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 | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | – | 0 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat & Email | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Disney+, Netflix, and Hulu |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: Tie
Both Windscribe and Astrill positions themselves in the higher-end segment of the VPN market. Astrill’s cheapest 24-month plan starts at $8.29/mo; while Windscribe charges $5.75/mo and requires a 12-month commitment.
In contrast, 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 Astrill and ExpressVPN justify this higher cost, especially when comparing it to other available options that might offer similar services at a more economical rate.
Astrill Plans
Windscribe Plans
Jurisdiction: Astrill Better
The headquarters location of a VPN company is not just a geographical factor but a pivotal aspect that defines the legal framework within which a VPN operates.
Different countries have varying regulations regarding data retention, surveillance, and the extent to which government authorities can demand access to user data. For instance, companies based in countries that are part of the 14 Eyes surveillance alliance might be legally obligated to collect and share user data with government agencies. Conversely, a VPN company headquartered in a country with strong privacy laws and no mandatory data retention requirements can offer greater assurances of user privacy and data security.
Based in Seychelles, Astrill offers a significant privacy edge over Windscribe. The country’s absence of mandatory data retention laws provides a stark contrast to the more invasive surveillance and data-sharing practices prevalent in the 14-Eyes countries (such as Canada – Windscribe’s HQ location).
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: Tie (Equally Bad)
Both Windscribe and Astrill operate from relative small fleet of servers. Windscribe operates from 120 servers in 69 countries; similarly, Astrill offers 115 servers spread over 57 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: Astrill Better
Astrill 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
Astrill 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 Astrill.
Double VPN Feature: Windscribe Better
Windscribe stands out with its double VPN feature, somethingAstrill 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.
Bottomline
Given the comprehensive comparison, Windscribe, with its unlimited simultaneous connections and double VPN feature, is a better choice for larger households or businesses and those prioritizing high-level online anonymity. However, Astrill, with its generous 30-day money-back guarantee and favorable jurisdiction, might be more suitable for users seeking a longer trial period and greater privacy assurance.
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 Astrill 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 & Astrill
Astrill
Astrill VPN was established in 2009, focusing on providing VPN services for home users and travelers. It’s a registered company in Liechtenstein, designed to offer encrypted and unrestricted Internet access.
To learn more, read our Astrill 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.