Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Based on our ratings, PureVPN is the better choice from a user’s perspective. PureVPN has a higher overall rating of 67.1% compared to Windscribe’s rating of 57.5%. When comparing crucial features, PureVPN offers better plans and pricing, with a much cheaper long-term subscription option of $1.97/mo. PureVPN also has a better jurisdiction, being based in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands, while Windscribe is located in Canada. In terms of server count and geographical coverage, PureVPN has over 5,000 servers in 78 countries, providing a more reliable and faster connection. PureVPN also offers a longer money-back guarantee of 30 days, compared to Windscribe’s 3-day guarantee. However, Windscribe does have the advantage of allowing unlimited simultaneous connections, while PureVPN allows up to 10 devices. Windscribe also offers a double VPN feature for enhanced security and an ad-blocking feature, which PureVPN lacks. Ultimately, users should consider their specific needs and preferences when choosing between PureVPN and Windscribe.
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 PureVPN
| VPN Company | Windscirbe | PureVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Canada | British Virgin Islands |
| Cheapest Price | $5.75/mo over 12-month subscription | $1.97/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.00 | $12.45 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 31 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec | IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN, and WireGuard |
| Servers | 120 | 6,500 |
| Servers Countries | 69 | 78 |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited devices | 10 devices |
| Works in China? | Unlikely | Unlikely |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | Yes | No |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | – | 0 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat & Email | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | HBO |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: PureVPN Better
PureVPN positions itself as an affordable option. The VPN charges $12.45/mo for month-to-month contract and a much cheaper $1.97/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 $1.97/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.
PureVPN Plans
Windscribe Plans
Jurisdiction: PureVPN 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 British Virgin Islands, PureVPN 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: PureVPN 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, PureVPN 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 PureVPN not only provides broader geographic reach but also typically allows for better performance and lower latency.
Money Back Guarantee: PureVPN Better
PureVPN 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
PureVPN permits users to connect up to 10 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 PureVPN.
Double VPN Feature: Windscribe Better
Windscribe stands out with its double VPN feature, somethingPureVPN 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, PureVPN 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, when it comes to plans and pricing, PureVPN offers a more affordable option compared to Windscribe. However, if you prioritize simultaneous connections and double VPN feature, Windscribe might be the better choice for you. Ultimately, it is important to assess your personal needs and select a VPN that aligns with your unique requirements to ensure you get the most out of your VPN service.
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 PureVPN 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 & PureVPN
PureVPN
Founded in 2007, PureVPN is headquartered in British Virgin Islands. The service emphasizes robust security features, including 256-bit encryption, and has a global network of over 2,000 servers. PureVPN supports a wide array of platforms such as Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux, and offers features like Internet Kill Switch and Split Tunneling.
To learn more, read our PureVPN 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.