Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Windscribe and GoTrusted are VPN services that offer different strengths. Windscribe, with a rating of 57.5%, outperforms GoTrusted, which has a rating of 34.8%. Windscribe is based in Canada and GoTrusted in the United States, both within the 14-Eye Alliance countries, raising potential privacy concerns. Windscribe’s pricing is higher, but it offers more features such as a double VPN, ad blocking, and unlimited simultaneous connections. GoTrusted is more affordable, but lacks these features. Both have a small number of servers, below the market average. Neither offers a long money-back guarantee period. From a user’s perspective, Windscribe, despite its higher price, provides better value due to its additional features and unlimited device connections.
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 GoTrusted
| VPN Company | Windscirbe | GoTrusted |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Canada | United States |
| Cheapest Price | $5.75/mo over 12-month subscription | $3.99/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.00 | $5.99 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 7 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | No |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec | L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN, and PPTP |
| Servers | 120 | 70 |
| Servers Countries | 69 | 12 |
| 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 | No |
| Third Party Audit | – | 0 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat & Email | Live chat, Email, and Phone call |
| Android App | Yes | No |
| 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: GoTrusted Better
GoTrusted positions itself as an affordable option. The VPN charges $5.99/mo for month-to-month contract and a much cheaper $3.99/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 $3.99/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 GoTrusted 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 GoTrusted operate from relative small fleet of servers. Windscribe operates from 120 servers in 69 countries; similarly, GoTrusted offers 70 servers spread over 12 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 GoTrusted 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
GoTrusted 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 GoTrusted.
Double VPN Feature: Windscribe Better
Windscribe stands out with its double VPN feature, somethingGoTrusted 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, GoTrusted 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
To summarize, Windscribe and GoTrusted serve different user needs and preferences. Windscribe provides a double VPN feature, ad blocking, and unlimited simultaneous connections. On the other hand, GoTrusted is a more cost-effective option, especially for long-term contracts. When choosing a VPN, users should consider their specific requirements for security, privacy, speed, and access to content.
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 GoTrusted 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 & GoTrusted
GoTrusted
Established in 2005, GoTrusted VPN is one of the older VPN services. It was founded by former Symantec executives with the goal of providing secure, easy-to-use internet security solutions. Headquartered in the United States, GoTrusted offers features like secure encryption, high-speed connections, and compatibility with multiple devices including Windows, Mac, and mobile platforms.
To learn more, read our GoTrusted 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.