Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Windscribe and IronSocket VPN are both competent providers, but they cater to different user needs. Windscribe, based in Canada, scores higher overall with a rating of 57.5% compared to IronSocket VPN’s 43.7%. It offers more servers in more countries, unlimited device connections, and a wider range of protocols. Additionally, Windscribe stands out with its ad-blocking feature and double VPN for enhanced security. However, IronSocket VPN, headquartered in Hong Kong, offers a more affordable pricing plan and operates under more favorable privacy laws. Despite these advantages, it lacks in server count and the ability to unblock popular streaming platforms, unlike Windscribe. Therefore, from a user’s perspective, Windscribe is the better choice, offering more features and better performance, despite being slightly more expensive.
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 IronSocket VPN
| VPN Company | Windscirbe | IronSocket VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Canada | Hong Kong |
| Cheapest Price | $5.75/mo over 12-month subscription | $4.16/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.00 | $6.99 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 7 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | No |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec | OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, PPTP, and SSL VPN |
| Servers | 120 | 90 |
| Servers Countries | 69 | 38 |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited devices | 3 devices |
| Works in China? | Unlikely | Unlikely |
| Smart DNS | No | Yes |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | No |
| Double VPN | Yes | No |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | – | 0 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat & Email | Submit ticket |
| Android App | Yes | No |
| iOS App | Yes | No |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | – |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: IronSocket VPN Better
IronSocket VPN positions itself as an affordable option. The VPN charges $6.99/mo for month-to-month contract and a much cheaper $4.16/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 $4.16/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.
IronSocket VPN Plans
Windscribe Plans
Jurisdiction: IronSocket 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 Hong Kong, IronSocket 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 IronSocket VPN operate from relative small fleet of servers. Windscribe operates from 120 servers in 69 countries; similarly, IronSocket VPN offers 90 servers spread over 38 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 IronSocket 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.
Unblock Streaming Platforms: Windscribe Better
A significant point of divergence between Windscribe and IronSocket VPN is their ability to unblock popular streaming platforms. Windscribe excels in this area, consistently unblocking a wide range of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Conversely, based on our research, IronSocket VPN struggles in this regard. Despite its 90 servers in 38 countries, the VPN provider does not reliably unblock major streaming platforms.
This limitation is a crucial consideration for users who prioritize entertainment and seek a VPN service that can bypass geo-restrictions on streaming content.
Double VPN Feature: Windscribe Better
Windscribe stands out with its double VPN feature, somethingIronSocket 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, IronSocket 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, users prioritizing affordability and jurisdictional privacy may find IronSocket VPN an appropriate choice, given its lower cost and Hong Kong-based operations. However, for those seeking advanced features such as the ability to unblock streaming platforms, double VPN functionality, ad-blocking, and unlimited simultaneous connections, Windscribe, despite its higher cost, could be a more suitable option.
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 IronSocket 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 & IronSocket VPN
IronSocket VPN
IronSocket, originally established in 2005 as HideMyNet.com, rebranded to its current name in 2013. The details about its founders are not widely publicized. IronSocket is known for its emphasis on security and privacy, offering features such as strong encryption and support for various protocols like OpenVPN, L2TP, and PPTP. IronSocket is headquartered in Hong Kong.
To learn more, read our IronSocket 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.