Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Windscribe and AzireVPN are two VPN services, with Windscribe outperforming AzireVPN in several key areas. Windscribe scored 57.5% in our ratings, while AzireVPN only scored 24.2%. Windscribe offers a wider range of features, including a kill switch, double VPN, and ad blocking, which AzireVPN lacks. Both services are based in 14-Eyes Alliance countries, potentially posing a risk to data privacy. Windscribe also provides unlimited simultaneous connections, compared to AzireVPN’s five. Although AzireVPN has a slightly lower monthly price, Windscribe’s broader range of features and higher overall rating make 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 AzireVPN
| VPN Company | Windscirbe | AzireVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Canada | Sweden |
| Cheapest Price | $5.75/mo over 12-month subscription | $5.47/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.00 | $10.95 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 7 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec | OpenVPN, and WireGuard |
| Servers | 120 | 78 |
| Servers Countries | 69 | 14 |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited devices | 5 devices |
| Works in China? | Unlikely | Unlikely |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | No |
| Browser Extension | Yes | No |
| Double VPN | Yes | No |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | No |
| Third Party Audit | – | 0 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat & Email | |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Disney+, and Netflix |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: AzireVPN Better
AzireVPN positions itself as an affordable option. The VPN charges $10.95/mo for month-to-month contract and a much cheaper $5.47/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 $5.47/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.
Jurisdiction: Tie (Equally Bad)
Both Windscribe and AzireVPN 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 AzireVPN operate from relative small fleet of servers. Windscribe operates from 120 servers in 69 countries; similarly, AzireVPN offers 78 servers spread over 14 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: Tie
Sadly, both AzireVPN and Windscribe offer a very short trial period. While this shorter timeframe does offer a window for service evaluation, it might be a point to consider for users who are looking for a longer duration to thoroughly test the VPN’s fit with their needs. In comparison, based on our market study, VPN companies usually offer 25 – 30 days in their money-back guarantee period.
Simultaneous Connections: Windscribe Better
AzireVPN 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 AzireVPN.
Kill Switch Feature: Windscribe Better
The presence of a kill switch in a VPN service is a critical factor for many users. Windscribe includes this feature, which automatically cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops, preventing data leaks. In contrast, AzireVPN does not offer a kill switch. This could be a significant drawback for users who require an assurance of continuous privacy protection. While AzireVPN compensates with other features such as 78 servers spread across 14 countries and various support options like Email, the lack of a kill switch might deter users who prioritize uninterrupted security in their VPN service.
Double VPN Feature: Windscribe Better
Windscribe stands out with its double VPN feature, somethingAzireVPN 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, AzireVPN 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, Windscribe, with its higher rating, wider range of features including a kill switch, double VPN, and ad blocking, and its ability to support unlimited simultaneous connections, is a more comprehensive VPN solution, especially for those prioritizing security and anonymity. AzireVPN, although lacking in certain features, offers a cheaper option for those seeking a basic VPN service and is worth considering for users with more limited needs and budget.
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 AzireVPN 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 & AzireVPN
AzireVPN
Established in 2012 and headquartered in Sweden, AzireVPN was founded with the mission to provide a market-leading VPN service focusing on avoiding censorship and interception on the Internet. The service, owned and maintained by Netbouncer AB, has evolved to keep up with the latest technologies and VPN protocols, including the release of the first WireGuard powered VPN servers in 2017. AzireVPN is operated by a dedicated team with extensive experience in network and security areas.
To learn more, read our AzireVPN 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.