Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
SwitchVPN and Windscribe are two VPNs with different strengths and weaknesses. In terms of plans and pricing, SwitchVPN offers more affordable options, charging $6.99/mo for month-to-month contracts and $3.99/mo for long-term subscriptions, while Windscribe sets its price higher at $12/mo for monthly subscribers and $3.99/mo for 12-month contracts. However, both VPNs are based in 14-Eye Alliance countries, which means they may be obligated to retain and share user data with government bodies. When it comes to server count and geographical coverage, both VPNs have relatively small fleets of servers, which could result in slower speeds and less stable connections. SwitchVPN offers a better money-back guarantee of 30 days, compared to Windscribe’s shorter 3-day guarantee. Windscribe has the advantage of a double VPN feature, providing an extra layer of security and anonymity, while SwitchVPN lacks this feature. Windscribe also incorporates an ad-blocking function, enhancing the user’s browsing experience, whereas SwitchVPN does not offer ad blocking. Ultimately, the choice between the two VPNs depends on the user’s specific needs and preferences.
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 SwitchVPN
| VPN Company | Windscirbe | SwitchVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Canada | United States |
| Cheapest Price | $5.75/mo over 12-month subscription | $3.99/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.00 | $6.99 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | No |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, SSTP, and PPTP and L2TP/IPsec |
| Servers | 120 | 250 |
| Servers Countries | 69 | 43 |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited devices | 3 devices |
| Works in China? | Unlikely | Likely |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes (on OpenVPN) |
| 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 | Live chat, and submit online form |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: SwitchVPN Better
SwitchVPN positions itself as an affordable option. The VPN charges $6.99/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.
SwitchVPN Plans
Windscribe Plans
Jurisdiction: Tie (Equally Bad)
Both Windscribe and SwitchVPN 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 SwitchVPN operate from relative small fleet of servers. Windscribe operates from 120 servers in 69 countries; similarly, SwitchVPN offers 250 servers spread over 43 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: SwitchVPN Better
SwitchVPN 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.
Double VPN Feature: Windscribe Better
Windscribe stands out with its double VPN feature, somethingSwitchVPN 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, SwitchVPN 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
Ultimately, when choosing between Windscribe and SwitchVPN, it all comes down to what you prioritize and need in a VPN. If you’re looking for affordability and a longer money-back guarantee, SwitchVPN might be the better option for you. However, if features like double VPN and ad blocking are important to you, Windscribe provides a more comprehensive package. Take the time to evaluate your individual requirements and select the VPN that best fits your needs.
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 SwitchVPN 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 & SwitchVPN
SwitchVPN
Symlex VPN is an industry-leading virtual private network company that offers safe and secure internet connections worldwide. Established in 2019, Symlex VPN is based in the Dhaka, Bangladesh and was founded by a team of cybersecurity and networking experts.
To learn more, read our SwitchVPN 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.