Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Windscribe and GnuVPN are two VPN services that differ significantly in their offerings. Windscribe, with a 57.5% rating, outperforms GnuVPN’s 44.2% rating. Windscribe, based in Canada, offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, supports AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption, and provides a multitude of protocols. It has 120 servers in 69 countries and allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Windscribe also offers a browser extension, double VPN, ad blocking, and split tunneling. GnuVPN, on the other hand, is based in Portugal and offers a 14-day money-back guarantee. It supports AES-256 encryption and fewer protocols than Windscribe. GnuVPN does not disclose its server count, but it operates in 25 countries and allows up to 5 simultaneous connections. It does not offer a browser extension, double VPN, ad blocking, or split tunneling. From a user’s perspective, Windscribe is the better choice due to its higher rating and more comprehensive feature set.
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 GnuVPN
| VPN Company | Windscirbe | GnuVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Canada | Portugal |
| Cheapest Price | $5.75/mo over 12-month subscription | $6.00/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.00 | $10.00 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 14 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec | OpenVPN, and SoftEther |
| Servers | 120 | (not stated) |
| Servers Countries | 69 | 25 |
| 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 | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Netflix |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: GnuVPN Better
GnuVPN positions itself as an affordable option. The VPN charges $10.00/mo for month-to-month contract and a much cheaper $6.00/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 $6.00/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.
GnuVPN Plans
Windscribe Plans
Jurisdiction: GnuVPN 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 Portugal, GnuVPN 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: GnuVPN Better
The size of a VPN’s server fleet plays a crucial role in determining user experience. A larger fleet generally provides faster speeds, greater reliability, wider geographical coverage, lower latency, and potentially enhanced privacy. On the other hand, a smaller server fleet might lead to slower speeds, higher latency, limited content access, and potential privacy concerns.
In term of server counts, GnuVPN stands out with its impressive network, hosting over 5,000 servers worldwide. This extensive coverage ensures that users almost anywhere can find a reliable and fast server connection.
In comparison, 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 GnuVPN not only provides broader geographic reach but also typically allows for better performance and lower latency.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
Sadly, both GnuVPN 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
GnuVPN 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 GnuVPN.
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, GnuVPN does not offer a kill switch. This could be a significant drawback for users who require an assurance of continuous privacy protection. While GnuVPN compensates with other features such as (not stated) servers spread across 25 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, somethingGnuVPN 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, GnuVPN 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’s extensive features, including a kill switch, double VPN, ad blocking, and unlimited simultaneous connections, make it an ideal choice for users prioritizing security and flexibility. However, those seeking a more cost-effective solution with a privacy-friendly jurisdiction and a wider server network may find GnuVPN a better fit.
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 GnuVPN 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 & GnuVPN
GnuVPN
GNU VPN, established in 2020, is a newcomer in the VPN market. The service focuses on providing strong privacy features and unrestricted internet access. GNU VPN offers AES-256 encryption and supports multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. The company’s headquarter is based in Portugal.
To learn more, read our GnuVPN 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.