Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
IVPN outperforms Windscribe in our comparative analysis, scoring higher with a rating of 71.0% against Windscribe’s 57.5%. IVPN’s jurisdiction in Gibraltar, a country with no mandatory data retention laws, offers greater user privacy than Windscribe, which is headquartered in Canada, a member of the 14-Eyes surveillance alliance. IVPN also provides a more cost-effective service, charging $6.00 monthly and $3.89 for long-term subscriptions, compared to Windscribe’s higher rates of $12.00 and $5.75 respectively. Both VPNs fall short in server count and geographical coverage, with Windscribe operating 120 servers in 69 countries and IVPN running 89 servers in 37 countries. However, Windscribe allows unlimited simultaneous connections, a clear advantage over IVPN’s limit of seven. Despite these differences, the final choice should align with the user’s unique needs.
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 IVPN
| VPN Company | Windscirbe | IVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Canada | Gibraltar |
| Cheapest Price | $5.75/mo over 12-month subscription | $3.89/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.00 | $6.00 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec | IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, Open VPN, and WireGuard |
| Servers | 120 | 89 |
| Servers Countries | 69 | 37 |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited devices | 7 devices |
| Works in China? | Unlikely | Unlikely |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | No |
| Double VPN | Yes | Yes |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | – | Cure53 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat & Email | Live chat, and Email |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Netflix |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: IVPN Better
IVPN positions itself as an affordable option. The VPN charges $6.00/mo for month-to-month contract and a much cheaper $3.89/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 $3.89/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.
IVPN Plans
Windscribe Plans
Jurisdiction: IVPN 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 Gibraltar, IVPN 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 IVPN operate from relative small fleet of servers. Windscribe operates from 120 servers in 69 countries; similarly, IVPN offers 89 servers spread over 37 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: IVPN Better
IVPN offers a substantial sense of security to its users through a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. This affords new users plenty of time to comprehensively evaluate its services.
Conversely, Windscribe proposes a shorter duration (just 3 days!) for its money-back guarantee. Although this briefer period still presents a chance to test the service, it could be a factor for those users who favor an extended trial to thoroughly ascertain the VPN’s suitability for their specific requirements.
* According to our market study, the average money-back guarantee period in the industry is approximately 25.68 days.
Simultaneous Connections: Windscribe Better
IVPN permits users to connect up to 7 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 IVPN.
Bottomline
In conclusion, IVPN offers better affordability, a more privacy-friendly jurisdiction, and a generous money-back guarantee, making it a suitable choice for budget-conscious users who prioritize privacy and trial duration. Windscribe, on the other hand, shines with unlimited simultaneous connections and a broader server distribution, making it ideal for users with extensive connectivity needs and those seeking a wider geographical coverage.
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 IVPN 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 & IVPN
IVPN
IVPN, established in 2009, is headquartered in Gibraltar. The service focuses on privacy and security, offering features like multi-hop VPN and a strong anti-logging policy. IVPN supports various encryption protocols and is compatible with multiple platforms such as Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux.
To learn more, read our IVPN 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.