Choosing the right VPN can feel like trying to pick out the fastest car in a race.
They all promise to keep your online activity private and secure, but which one actually delivers?
Two of the biggest names in the game are ExpressVPN vs Windscribe.
Both offer strong features, but they have some key differences that might make one a better fit for you than the other.
In this post, we’ll break down those differences, comparing speed, security, and price.
ExpressVPN vs Windscribe: Overview
To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve spent weeks testing both ExpressVPN and Windscribe.
We’ve used them for everyday tasks like streaming and browsing, and we’ve run detailed speed and security tests.
This hands-on experience gives us a clear picture of how these VPNs perform in the real world.
Ready to experience Express VPN without limits? Enjoy blazing-fast speeds, top-notch security, and access to your favorite content.
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $8.33/month
Key Features:
- Split Tunneling
- Lightway Protocol
- TrustedServer Technology
Enhance your online experience with Windscribe and enjoy an ad-free internet with enhanced privacy.
Pricing: Free plan available. Premium Plan Starts at $5.75/month
Key Features:
- R.O.B.E.R.T. (malware and ad blocker)
- Secure Hotspot
- Strict no-logs policy
What is ExpressVPN?
Now, let’s talk about ExpressVPN. This one’s a real speed demon!
They’re known for having super-fast connections, perfect for streaming or downloading large files.
They also have servers in 94 countries, so you have many options for finding a server that meets your needs.
And don’t even get me started on their security features. They’re top-notch!
Experience the internet without limits. ExpressVPN offers a blazing-fast, secure, and private online experience with 94 country locations and a no-logs policy.
Key Benefits
- Blazing-fast speeds: Perfect for streaming and downloading.
- Extensive server network: Connect to servers in 94 countries.
- Best-in-class security: Features include AES-256 encryption and a kill switch.
- User-friendly apps: Easy to set up and use on all your devices.
Pricing
1 month: $12.95/month.
12 months: $8.33/month.
6 months: $9.99/month.
Pros
Cons
What is Windscribe?
Okay, now let’s talk about Windscribe. This VPN is all about online freedom and privacy.
They have a really cool feature called R.O.B.E.R.T. that blocks ads and trackers.
Plus, they have a free plan! It’s pretty awesome for those on a budget.
Enhance your online experience with Windscribe and enjoy an ad-free internet with enhanced privacy. Choose your plan and reclaim control over your digital life today!
Key Benefits
- Strong Privacy Focus: Windscribe has a strict no-logs policy. They don’t track your activity.
- R.O.B.E.R.T.: This powerful tool blocks ads, malware, and even social media trackers.
- Secure Hotspot: Turn your computer into a secure Wi-Fi router.
- Windflix: Specialized servers for unblocking streaming services like Netflix.
- Free Plan Available: Try Windscribe with limited features at no cost.
Pricing
Windscribe offers a variety of plans with different features:
- Monthly Plan: $9.00/month
- Yearly Plan: $5.75/month
- Build A Plan: $0.00/month
Pros
Cons
ExpressVPN vs Windscribe: Feature Comparison
To help you choose the best VPN, let’s compare these two VPN providers feature by feature and see how ExpressVPN vs Windscribe truly stack up.
This ExpressVPN vs Windscribe comparison will clarify whether ExpressVPN or Windscribe is the right VPN service for you.
Device Compatibility
- ExpressVPN and Windscribe both offer apps for all major platforms, ensuring you can use the VPN on nearly any device.
- ExpressVPN also has apps for routers and smart TVs, expanding your VPN connection to your entire home network.
Verdict: ExpressVPN offers wider device compatibility.
Server Locations
- ExpressVPN has a larger network than Windscribe, with VPN server locations in 94 countries. This gives you more options to connect to VPN servers worldwide.
- Windscribe has servers in 69 countries, offering a decent selection of server locations.
Verdict: ExpressVPN provides more server locations for a potentially faster and more reliable VPN connection.
Speed
- In our speed tests, ExpressVPN was faster than Windscribe, which is crucial for activities like streaming and downloading large files.
- While generally good, Windscribe’s speeds can be inconsistent, potentially causing buffering when you use the VPN.
Verdict: ExpressVPN takes the lead in the speed category.
Security
- ExpressVPN and Windscribe both offer strong security features like AES-256 encryption and a kill switch, ensuring your data is protected even if your VPN connection drops.
- ExpressVPN supports a wider range of VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and its own Lightway protocol. Windscribe uses the WireGuard VPN protocol.
Verdict: Both VPNs are secure, but ExpressVPN offers more protocol options.
Privacy
- ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, a location with strong privacy laws. ExpressVPN doesn’t keep any logs of your activity, so even if authorities request data when you’re not using a VPN, they have nothing to provide.
- Windscribe is based in Canada, a Five Eyes alliance member; however, Windscribe doesn’t keep any logs either, protecting your privacy.
Verdict: Due to its location, ExpressVPN is the better choice for privacy.
Streaming
- ExpressVPN is fantastic for streaming and can unblock services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. We confirmed that ExpressVPN works seamlessly with these platforms.
- Windscribe can unblock some streaming services, but it’s not as reliable as ExpressVPN.
Verdict: For streaming, ExpressVPN is the better VPN.
Ease of Use
- Both VPNs offer user-friendly apps, making it simple to connect to the VPN.
- Windscribe offers more granular control over their VPN connection with features like port forwarding, which can be helpful for advanced users who want to bypass the VPN for specific applications.
Verdict: Both VPNs are easy to use, but Windscribe offers more advanced options.
Overall:
In this ExpressVPN vs Windscribe showdown, ExpressVPN is the overall better VPN service. It’s faster, has more server locations, and is a better option for streaming.
However, Windscribe is more affordable than ExpressVPN and offers a free version, making it a better choice for budget-conscious users.
Windscribe is also a good option if you need a free VPN.
Ultimately, the best VPN for you depends on your individual needs and budget.
Consider what features are most important to you and choose a VPN that offers those features.
What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?
- Consider your needs: Why do you need a VPN? Is it for streaming, torrenting, online gaming, or simply enhancing your online privacy? Different VPNs excel in other areas.
- Check for advanced features. Look for features like split tunneling (routing some of your traffic through the VPN and the rest through your regular internet connection), a kill switch (cutting your internet connection if the VPN drops), and obfuscation (disguises your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic).
- Read independent reviews: Don’t rely on the VPN provider’s website. Check out reviews from reputable sources like PCMag, TechRadar, and CNET to get an unbiased opinion.
- Pay attention to customer support. A good VPN provider should offer responsive and helpful customer support if you encounter any issues.
- Consider a more extended subscription plan, as it often provides significant savings compared to monthly plans.
Final Verdict (Our Pick)
So, which one is best in this Windscribe vs ExpressVPN showdown? While both Windscribe and ExpressVPN are strong contenders in the VPN industry, ExpressVPN is better overall.
It offers better speeds and has a much larger server network, making it a top choice for streaming and a reliable VPN for streaming services like Netflix.
ExpressVPN is also incredibly user-friendly, with intuitive apps for all your devices.
Although ExpressVPN doesn’t offer a free plan, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you ample time to test its features.
ExpressVPN is one of the premium VPN services available and often has deals where you can get three months for free.
However, Windscribe has its own strengths. Windscribe is the better choice for budget-conscious users, as Windscribe offers a free plan with a decent set of features.
Windscribe is also very secure and the Windscribe app offers advanced features like port forwarding, giving you more control over their VPN tunnel.
You can even use the Windscribe app on another device to remotely control your VPN connection.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your needs. Do you need a VPN for streaming? Is a free plan important?
Compare Windscribe and ExpressVPN carefully and see how ExpressVPN and Windscribe measure up to your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Windscribe VPN safe?
Yes, Windscribe is safe. It uses strong encryption and doesn’t keep logs of your activity. Windscribe also has a kill switch to protect your data if your VPN connection drops.
Does ExpressVPN or Windscribe offer a free trial?
ExpressVPN doesn’t have a free version, but it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Windscribe offers a free version with limited features.
Which VPN is better for streaming, ExpressVPN or Windscribe?
ExpressVPN offers better streaming performance. It has a much larger server network and can unblock more streaming services than Windscribe. ExpressVPN is the clear winner for streaming.
Which VPN has more servers, ExpressVPN vs Windscribe VPN?
ExpressVPN has a much larger server network than Windscribe. This means you have more options for connecting to a server and are more likely to find a fast connection.
Where are ExpressVPN and Windscribe located?
ExpressVPN is located in the British Virgin Islands, which has strong privacy laws. Windscribe is based in Canada. For privacy-conscious users, ExpressVPN has a slight edge due to its location.
