Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Based on our ratings, VPN.AC emerges as the better choice for users. With a score of 71.5%, it surpasses Windscribe’s score of 57.5%. When comparing crucial features, VPN.AC offers more affordable pricing with a monthly cost of $9.00 compared to Windscribe’s $12.00. Additionally, VPN.AC is based in Romania, a country with strong privacy laws, while Windscribe operates from Canada, which is part of the 14 Eyes surveillance alliance. Both VPNs have a limited number of servers, but VPN.AC has a slight edge with 130 servers in 26 countries compared to Windscribe’s 120 servers in 69 countries. However, Windscribe does offer unlimited simultaneous connections, making it a better choice for users with extensive connectivity needs. Ultimately, users should consider their specific requirements and choose the VPN that aligns with their 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 VPN.AC
| VPN Company | Windscirbe | VPN.AC |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Canada | Romania |
| Cheapest Price | $5.75/mo over 12-month subscription | $3.75/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.00 | $9.00 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 7 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | No |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-128, and AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec | IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN, PPTP, and WireGuard |
| Servers | 120 | 130 |
| Servers Countries | 69 | 26 |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited devices | 12 devices |
| Works in China? | Unlikely | Likely |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | Yes | Yes |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | No |
| Third Party Audit | – | 0 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat & 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: VPN.AC Better
VPN.AC positions itself as an affordable option. The VPN charges $9.00/mo for month-to-month contract and a much cheaper $3.75/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 $3.75/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.
VPN.AC Plans
Windscribe Plans
Jurisdiction: VPN.AC 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 Romania, VPN.AC 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 VPN.AC operate from relative small fleet of servers. Windscribe operates from 120 servers in 69 countries; similarly, VPN.AC offers 130 servers spread over 26 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 VPN.AC 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.
Simultaneous Connections: Windscribe Better
VPN.AC permits users to connect up to 12 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 VPN.AC.
Bottomline
To sum up, if you care about privacy and want a VPN that focuses on security, VPN.AC is the best choice. Based in Romania and with a strict no-logging policy, VPN.AC gives you more confidence in protecting your privacy and data. On the other hand, if you need unlimited simultaneous connections and value a VPN provider that is socially responsible, Windscribe is a good option. Ultimately, it’s crucial to evaluate your specific needs and choose a VPN that meets them.
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 VPN.AC 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 & VPN.AC
VPN.AC
VPN.ac, established in 2012, is operated by Netsec Interactive Solutions, an IT security company. This service is noted for its strong emphasis on security and privacy, with features like secure DNS and multiple encryption protocols. VPN.ac is based in Romania, a country with strong privacy laws.
To learn more, read our VPN.AC 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.