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Windscribe VPN Review

Windscribe VPN Review 2023: Is It Legit? Is It a Scam?

Published on: June 18, 2023
Last Updated: June 18, 2023

Windscribe VPN Review 2023: Is It Legit? Is It a Scam?

Published on: June 18, 2023
Last Updated: June 18, 2023

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Windscribe VPN Review 2023: Summary

Windscribe

The developers of Windscribe believe that their VPN is one of the most intriguing on the market since it packs many features without becoming cumbersome to use, has affordable premium offerings, and offers a remarkably comprehensive free plan.

But the reality might be otherwise. Let’s find out. 

It’s a sizable network with locations in 110 towns spanning 63 nations.

Unlike “some companies who have the majority of their systems in U.S. and Europe, and just spoof the location with phony IP WHOIS data to create it look that it’s somewhere,” Windscribe says its servers are actually located in these areas.

The biggest problem for everyone is that Windscribe does not have the fastest speeds or the quickest assistance.

It’s not easy to try the company for yourself because it’s not a great VPN with plenty of features, attractive and strong apps, and a substantial free plan.

Read our Windscribe VPN review if you want to learn more about our results.

Pros
  • Access to 32 additional Netflix libraries 
  • Many servers support file-sharing protocols, including P2P and torrenting
  • The logging policy protects users’ privacy.
  • Works produced in China and other banned locales
Cons
  • Long-distance servers are sluggish
  • There is no live human chat available
  • There has been no third-party audit
  • It is based in Canada (Five Eyes nation)
  • Not all VPN servers support Smart DNS.

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Windscribe VPN Review 2023: In-depth

Speed

The most effective virtual private networks (VPNs) prioritize speed and security. You can trust that these services will keep your data safe online without sacrificing speed.

However, this issue may become more severe if you have a sluggish internet connection and attempt to communicate with far-flung servers.

We regularly update our rankings based on our test of VPN server speeds. It lets us observe how the VPN performs as ping values approach the hundreds.

Before using a VPN, we look at how quickly we can transfer data. We then compare these data to those obtained from other servers to understand the general slowdowns.

Additionally, we monitor daily changes, as many service providers reduce bandwidth when servers are overloaded.

Here are the key takeaways from our Windscribe VPN review:

  • It retains some of the flow speed; however, it is frequently unstable.
  • Daily use resulted in some noticeable fluctuations for us.
  • If you are looking for an excellent speed, then Nord VPN is the best option.

Setup And Basic Use

Besides Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, Windscribe is compatible with various other platforms, such as Linux and Amazon Fire T.V. devices.

You can even operate the VPN without leaving your browser due to add-ons available for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.

We gave the Windows software a go and weren’t really impressed.

The interface is unlike anything we’ve seen before; it has a strange, irregular form, and buttons and labels are strewn about in what appear to be random locations. 

If you click the Locations drop-down or the Configuration page, the window will resize and form itself accordingly.

Maybe you’ll appreciate the throwback, futuristic aesthetic, but we found it utterly unusable.

Nonetheless, the list of locations is simple to navigate.

It lists every country and city where servers are located and includes a latency indicator in the form of a horizontal bar next to every server.

You can either manually select a server from the list, add it to a “favorites” list, or have the application pick the quickest one for you.

The company claims that the Settings menu is easy to navigate once you’ve figured out what each item means on the sidebar. The “R.O.  B.E.R.T.” function may be activated to prevent advertisements, spyware, and other potentially harmful information from being accessed. 

At the same time, the VPN is active, split tunneling can be configured, and you can choose between the default IKEv2 and WireGuard as your VPN protocol.

Privacy And Logging

Windscribe

Windscribe advertises that it has some unique safety options.

In terms of encryption, Windscribe employs military-grade AES-256 encrypted data with SHA512 verification, and in consideration of private keys, it operates 4096-bit R.S.A. with a one-time use guarantee for each key.

In addition, Windscribe is dedicated to preventing leaks of your data and employs multiple methods.

You may restrict IPv6 traffic and route DNS queries through the VPN, and there’s even a kill switch in case the connection stops. 

We manually disconnected from the VPN while browsing to test the kill switch (called Firewall in Windscribe lingo).

The swap performed flawlessly, and our online access was immediately severed.

Although we were not informed when the connection was lost, we were told upon reconnecting that no data was lost during the time the link was down.

R.O.B.E.R.T. is an additional system security measure. This powerful virus and tracker filtering program also improves browsing speed by blocking unwanted domains and I.P. addresses.

As a result, they only record the total amount of bandwidth you’ve utilized in a month and the date and time of your last login to filter out fake accounts.

Login, VPN server, time, speed, and the number of available devices are all momentarily saved in RAM but are erased after the session ends.

A visibility report confirms the service’s high privacy standards, stating that “zero requests were assembled owing to lack of relevant information” regarding DMCA and law authorities’ engagement.

However, a public audit would be appreciated for the additional security it would provide.

Split Tunneling

Windscribe VPN’s Windows, Mac, and Android clients now support split tunneling.

Since split tunneling lets you pick which apps operate outside of the VPN’s protection zone, its implementation is highly desirable.

This is useful if you need to reduce your data transfer or visit a location-restricted website.

Unfortunately, picking which apps are allowed to operate outside of the VPN’s protection might be a bit of a hassle.

That’s because it’s hard to zero in on the right app in a list that also includes skins, gestures, and entry-level services.

Double Hop

Windscribe

With Double Hop, you can establish a connection with not one but two servers.

That is to say, instead of connecting directly to the destination, you will connect via two intermediate nodes, thus masking your true I.P. address. 

A second location will be visible to the websites you browse, further protecting your privacy. Windscribe VPN claims to offer this service but fails to provide it on all the servers.

To use this function, you’ll need a P.C. app and a browser add-on for Chrome, Firefox, or Opera. It is because the extension incorporates a new location.

Auto Pilot

Only the Windscribe browser plugins have this capability. It’s easy; just indicate to Auto Pilot which location you want to choose, and it’ll select the spot with the fastest internet connection.

In fact, if you try to access a website that is prohibited in your country, Auto Pilot will automatically establish a connection with the server you need to bypass the restriction.

What this means is that using this function will greatly simplify your browsing experience.

Mobile Apps

Windscribe

The layout of the mobile apps is identical to that of the computer program. As a result, you won’t have any trouble using the mobile apps if you’re familiar with the desktop version.

The layout and appearance of the Android app are identical to those of the Windows software.

Even yet, there are a few functional distinctions. For instance, split tunneling on Android is app-only (no URL or hostname split tunneling).

Android doesn’t have a built-in firewall, but it includes an “always-on VPN” capability that can be configured to prevent data breaches with extra work.

Although Windscribe disabled support for Windflix servers from its desktop apps, the iOS, and Android apps always provide them.

We assume this is due to the icons haven’t been updated yet.

IKEv2 Is Default Protocol

The company claims that another cool feature of Windscribe is that its VPN clients preset to using the IKEv2 protocol.

Although IPSec/IKEv2 has a good security reputation, it has a few major flaws.

First of all, unlike OpenVPN, IKEv2 is not freely available and has not been subjected to a comprehensive auditing process. 

OpenVPN gets near-universal acclaim as the premier VPN protocol among privacy and security experts.

If you take a look at the settings for the Windscribe VPN client, you’ll notice that IKEv2 is selected by default.

Most likely, Windscribe chose IKEv2 as the default since it is faster than OpenVPN. However, there is a compromise in security.

Thus, OpenVPN ought to be the default. Making the change to a more secure network is simple. To select the protocol you intend to use, just go to the settings and click “Manual.”

Based In Canada (Five Eyes)

Another problem is that Windscribe is headquartered in Canada, which is not a particularly secure country.

Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand are all members of the Five Eyes surveillance collaboration.

Acts of violence in surveillance and obligatory data retention legislation are also problems in Canada.

Choosing a VPN is complicated because its jurisdiction dictates the laws and guidelines under which the VPN must function.

Jurisdictional issues also include copyright infringement legislation.

To prosecute piracy (copyright infringement) cases, Canada has some stringent anti-copyright legislation and practices data retention.

Compatibility

Windscribe

It does not work on multiple platforms is a major drawback. It works on modern versions of Windows, macOS, and Linux.

According to this Windscribe VPN review, the company’s own apps for iOS and Android are both feature-rich and easy to use, making them ideal for the service’s paying customers.

Further, it provides a specialized add-on for Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browsers, allowing users to bypass censorship for thousands of websites with a single mouse click.

Kill Switch

Additionally, a firewall and improved kill switch capabilities are provided by this VPN service.

The firewall prevents leaks such as DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC from reaching the outside world by blocking access to the Internet.

When comparing Windscribe with industry leader, NordVPN, NordVPN comes out on top since its kill switch is more reliable.

Parallel Connections

According to numerous evaluations, unlimited connections at once is another feature that sets Windscribe apart from other VPNs.

This does not imply that anyone in the area can use your Windscribe VPN account without paying. No, sir.

Algorithms keep tabs on bandwidth usage; if they catch you, a real human will decide if you’ve been good or bad.

Only the subscriber’s wife, siblings, and cousins (in no particular order) are allowed to use the software. In-laws? It depends on how well you interact with them.

Port Forwarding

Through a subscription to Windscribe and port forwarding, you can access local services on your P.C. or home network from anywhere in the world.

Multiple layers of security, a concealed external I.P. address, and respectable Torrent upload rates are just a few of the advantages.

A premium Windscribe VPN account or the optionally purchased static I.P. address is required to use this feature.

Windscribe offers a feature called ScribeForce for setting up group accounts if you intend to use a VPN service together.

From now on, you can handle all of your team’s online presence with just one piece of hardware.

Pricing And Payment Methods

Windscribe Pricing

Windscribe’s software is free and paid “Pro” versions. In terms of bandwidth and server availability, the “free” service falls short.

If you subscribe to Pro, you’ll gain access to a wider selection of servers, unlimited data, and a few other features.

Starting at $9 per month, their yearly plan drops to $4 per month. They also include a few customizable choices, including a “create your plan” feature and group plans.

In my opinion, one of Windscribe’s best features is the 40% off annual student discount they provide for their subscription options.

They acknowledge the usual suspects in payment so that you can use bitcoin, PayPal, any major credit card (such as Visa and Mastercard), or even Paymentwall.

In Summary, the best VPNs in 2023 are;

Review Verdict

This Windscribe VPN review offers a variety of details, such as a rundown of the service’s key benefits and how to set it up.

There are a few issues, including a lack of round-the-clock assistance, no security audit, and slow speeds.

NordVPN is a fantastic alternative program to try if you require a fix. Something Reliable and Trustworthy NordVPN is Among the Best Virtual Private Networks. 

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Access to limitless bandwidth, complete anonymity, and a no-logs guarantee, all validated by an independent third party, are just some of the perks this VPN offers its customers.

Even though NordVPN’s apps are jam-packed with cutting-edge features, they don’t get in the way of their users’ experience thanks to unnecessary complexity.

Windscribe VPN Review 2023: Is It Legit? Is It a Scam? - EarthWeb
Windscribe

In this article, we will give a solid Windscribe VPN review and cover all the aspects, including its features, pros and cons, benefits, operation, and much more.

Price: $9

Price Currency: USD

Operating System: Windows, Mac, Android & iOS

Application Category: VPN

Editor's Rating:
2.7

Pros

  • Access to 32 additional Netflix libraries
  • Many servers support file-sharing protocols, including P2P and torrenting
  • The logging policy protects users’ privacy.
  • Works produced in China and other banned locales

Cons

  • Long-distance servers are sluggish
  • There is no live human chat available
  • There has been no third-party audit
  • It is based in Canada (Five Eyes nation)
  • Not all VPN servers support Smart DNS.

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Written by Trevor Cooke

Trevor Cooke is an accomplished technology writer with a particular focus on privacy and security. He specializes in topics such as VPNs, encryption, and online anonymity. His articles have been published in a variety of respected technology publications, and he is known for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and accessible manner.

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