Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Based on our ratings, Surfshark is the better VPN option from a user’s perspective. Surfshark has a higher overall rating of 68.1% compared to Windscribe’s rating of 57.5%. When comparing crucial features, Surfshark offers better plans and pricing, with a much cheaper $1.99/mo for long-term subscriptions, while Windscribe charges $12/mo for monthly subscribers. Both VPNs are based in 14-Eye Alliance countries, so their jurisdiction is equally bad in terms of data privacy. However, Surfshark has a larger server fleet with over 5,000 servers in 100 countries, providing better geographical coverage and potentially faster speeds. Surfshark also offers a more generous 30-day money-back guarantee compared to Windscribe’s 3-day guarantee. Both VPNs allow for unlimited simultaneous connections. Ultimately, it’s important to choose a VPN that aligns with your specific needs and requirements, but based on our comparison, Surfshark offers more advantages for users.
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 Surfshark
| VPN Company | Windscirbe | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Canada | Netherlands |
| Cheapest Price | $5.75/mo over 12-month subscription | $1.99/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.00 | $13.99 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec |
| Servers | 120 | 3,200 |
| Servers Countries | 69 | 100 |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited devices | Unlimited devices |
| Works in China? | Unlikely | Partially |
| Smart DNS | No | Yes |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | Yes | Yes |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | – | Cure53 and Deloitte |
| 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 | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: Surfshark Better
Surfshark positions itself as an affordable option. The VPN charges $13.99/mo for month-to-month contract and a much cheaper $1.99/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 $1.99/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.
Surfshark Plans
Windscribe Plans
Jurisdiction: Tie (Equally Bad)
Both Windscribe and Surfshark 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: Surfshark 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, Surfshark 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 Surfshark not only provides broader geographic reach but also typically allows for better performance and lower latency.
Money Back Guarantee: Surfshark Better
Surfshark 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:Tie
Both Surfshark and Windscribe offer a respectable large number of simultaneous connections – which makes both VPNs particularly advantageous for larger households or businesses where numerous devices require VPN protection.
Bottomline
To sum up, Surfshark is the top choice when it comes to plans and pricing. Their long-term contracts are more affordable than Windscribe’s. Surfshark also has a larger server network, which means better coverage and potentially faster speeds. Remember to consider your own needs and priorities when selecting a VPN. Make sure the service you choose meets your requirements for improved security, privacy, 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 Surfshark 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 & Surfshark
Surfshark
Surfshark, established in 2018 by founder Vytautas Kaziukonis, is a notable VPN provider based in the Netherlands with additional offices in Lithuania and Poland. The company launched with an iOS VPN application and has since expanded its offerings. In 2022, Surfshark merged with Nord Security, the parent company of NordVPN, forming a significant entity in the cybersecurity space. Despite the merger, both brands continue to operate independently, maintaining their unique market presence and service offerings.
To learn more, read our Surfshark 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.