Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Windscribe and Banana VPN both offer VPN services, but with different strengths and weaknesses. Windscribe, based in Canada, has a higher overall rating of 57.5% compared to Banana VPN’s 39.9%. Despite being more expensive, Windscribe provides superior features like a kill switch, double VPN, and ad blocking. It also offers unlimited simultaneous connections and stronger encryption. However, Banana VPN, based in Cyprus, has a jurisdiction advantage due to stronger privacy laws. It also offers cheaper pricing options. Although both services have a relatively small number of servers, Windscribe has a wider geographical coverage with servers in 69 countries. Ultimately, Windscribe’s advanced features and stronger performance make it the better choice from a user’s perspective.
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 Banana VPN
| VPN Company | Windscirbe | Banana VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Canada | Cyprus |
| Cheapest Price | $5.75/mo over 12-month subscription | $4.17/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.00 | $8.00 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 3 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | No |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-128 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec | OpenVPN, PPTP, IKEv2/IPSec, and L2TP/IPSec |
| Servers | 120 | 15 |
| Servers Countries | 69 | 7 |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited devices | 3 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 | Hulu |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: Banana VPN Better
Banana VPN positions itself as an affordable option. The VPN charges $8.00/mo for month-to-month contract and a much cheaper $4.17/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 $4.17/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: Banana VPN 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 Cyprus, Banana VPN 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 Banana VPN operate from relative small fleet of servers. Windscribe operates from 120 servers in 69 countries; similarly, Banana VPN offers 15 servers spread over 7 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 Banana VPN 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.
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, Banana VPN does not offer a kill switch. This could be a significant drawback for users who require an assurance of continuous privacy protection. While Banana VPN compensates with other features such as 15 servers spread across 7 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, somethingBanana VPN 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, Banana VPN 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 and Banana VPN each have their unique strengths and cater to different user needs. Users prioritizing affordability and jurisdictional privacy should consider Banana VPN, while those seeking advanced features like a kill switch, double VPN, and ad-blocking should opt for Windscribe.
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 Banana VPN 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 & Banana VPN
Banana VPN
Banana VPN, a service by Kattouf Internet Services Ltd. based in Cyprus, has been offering anonymous and secure VPN accounts worldwide since 2007. The company operates servers in the USA, UK, Germany, Canada, and Hong Kong, emphasizing legal operation and intolerance of illegal activities on its network.
To learn more, read our Banana VPN 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.