⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: Windscribe starts at $5.75/month vs PureVPN at $2.15/month on a 2-year plan.
- Best for: Windscribe for budget users who want a free vpn and unlimited simultaneous connections. PureVPN for streaming and dedicated IP add-ons.
- Key difference: Windscribe offers a generous free plan with 10GB of data per month. PureVPN does not have a free version but has a much larger server network.
- Our pick: Windscribe for most users — better speed test results, free service tier, and unlimited connections.
Picking between PureVPN vs Windscribe comes down to one core question.
Do you want a generous free vpn or a cheap long-term subscription?
Both vpn services protect your internet traffic with strong encryption.
But they take very different paths to get there.
Windscribe leans on flexibility, transparency, and a free service.
PureVPN focuses on a huge server network and dedicated streaming features.
Overview
This comparison covers pricing, vpn features, speed, and ease of use.
We also break down who each vpn service works best for.
Our sources include published specs, third-party speed tests, and user reviews.
Our writers also spent hands-on time with both vpn providers.
By the end, you’ll know which vpn service fits your needs.
What is Windscribe?
Windscribe is a virtual private network service from Canada.
It encrypts your internet connection and hides your real ip address.
The vpn provider is known for flexibility and transparency.
Windscribe servers cover over 110 cities across 66 countries.
The free plan gives you 10GB of data each month with email signup.
Paid users get unlimited data and access to all server locations.
Windscribe
A flexible vpn service with a generous free plan. Get 10GB of data per month free. This windscribe vpn review highlights the location-based pricing model and unlimited connections.
Windscribe Pricing
Here is what Windscribe costs in 2026. Let’s break it down.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0/month | Light users with 10GB data limit |
| Build A Plan | Custom (from $1/location) | Users who only need specific server locations |
| Yearly Plan | $5.75/month | Most users wanting full access |
| Monthly Plan | $9.00/month | Short-term users testing the service |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Free trial: No traditional free trial, but the free version offers 10GB per month forever. No credit card required.
Money-back guarantee: Windscribe’s money back guarantee lasts only 3 days. It applies only if you have used less than 10GB of data.
📌 Note: The Build A Plan option lets you pay $1 per server location with a 2-location minimum. Each location adds 10GB to your monthly data allowance.
⚠️ Warning: The 3-day refund window is much shorter than the industry standard 30-day money back guarantee. Test the free version before committing to a paid plan.
Key Benefits of Windscribe
Here is what makes Windscribe worth considering:
- Generous Free Plan: Get 10GB of data per month with email signup. The free service drops to 2GB without an email.
- Unlimited Simultaneous Connections: Connect as many devices as you want on a single account. Most vpn services cap this at 5-10 devices.
- R.O.B.E.R.T. Ad Blocker: A customizable DNS and IP-level blocker stops ads, trackers, and malware. It works across all your apps and browser traffic.
- Build A Plan Pricing: Pay $1 per location instead of buying a full subscription. Great for users who only need 2-3 specific server locations.
- Strong Speed Tests: Windscribe’s WireGuard speeds reached 950Mbps+ in some performance tests. That puts it among the fastest vpn providers tested.
- Anonymous Account Option: You can create accounts with randomly generated hashes instead of an email address. This adds an extra layer of privacy.
- Static IP Addresses: Static ip addresses are available as paid add-ons. Useful for accessing services that block shared vpn ip addresses.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for Windscribe and tested the windscribe apps across Windows, Android, and the browser extension. Here is what stood out from that hands-on time:
Windscribe Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Free plan offers 10GB of data per month with email signup
- Unlimited simultaneous connections across all devices
- R.O.B.E.R.T. customizable ad blocker built in
- Fast WireGuard speeds in independent speed tests
- Build A Plan custom pricing for budget-conscious users
❌ Cons
- Smaller server network than NordVPN or ExpressVPN
- Money-back guarantee is only 3 days long
- Based in Canada, part of the Five Eyes Alliance
- Free version data limit blocks heavy streaming use
What is PureVPN?
PureVPN is one of the oldest virtual private network providers.
The vpn service launched in 2007 and is now based in the British Virgin Islands.
PureVPN servers cover more than 6,500 locations across 140 countries.
The vpn provider supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols.
It includes a kill switch, dns leak protection, and split tunneling.
The vpn service has been audited by KPMG to verify its no-logs claims.
Most pure vpn users sign up for the streaming service support and the long-term price.
PureVPN
A long-running vpn provider with 6,500+ servers in 140 countries. PureVPN features include a built-in password manager and dark web monitoring on top tiers. KPMG-audited no-logs policy.
PureVPN Pricing
Here is what PureVPN costs in 2026. Here is the breakdown of purevpn pricing.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $2.15/month | Basic vpn protection on a budget |
| Plus | $3.15/month | Users wanting password manager add-on |
| Max | $3.55/month | Full-featured with dark web monitoring |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Free trial: A 7-day trial is available for $0.99. The vpn service does not offer a fully free version.
Money-back guarantee: PureVPN offers a 31-day money back guarantee. You can request a refund within 31 days if you are not satisfied with the vpn service.
📌 Note: Long-term plans renew at higher rates. The annual plan costs $44.95 first year, then $54.95 yearly. The 2-year plan jumps from $54.95 to $69.95 yearly after the first term.
⚠️ Warning: Add-ons cost extra each month. A dedicated IP costs $2.49/month and port forwarding adds $1.49/month. PureVPN accepts payments via credit card, Bitcoin, and PayPal.
Key Benefits of PureVPN
Here is what makes PureVPN worth a look:
- Massive Server Network: Over 6,500 vpn servers in 140+ countries. That includes physical servers and virtual servers in places where local data laws are strict.
- KPMG-Audited No-Logs Policy: Independent audits by KPMG verify the no-logs claims. PureVPN also offers an Always-On Audit feature for surprise checks.
- Quantum-Resistant Servers: Specific purevpn servers use encryption keys generated through a quantum process. This guards against future cryptographic attacks.
- Built-in Security Features: Get an internet kill switch, dns leak protection, and split tunneling on all plans. The Max plan adds a password manager and dark web monitoring.
- Streaming Support: The vpn supports unblocking Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. A dedicated app for android tv and Apple TV makes streaming on big screens easy.
- Privacy-Friendly Jurisdiction: PureVPN is based in the british virgin islands. The location has no mandatory data retention laws.
- 10 Simultaneous Connections: A single account covers 10 devices. That is enough for most households or small teams.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer purchased a PureVPN subscription and tested the desktop apps and mobile apps over several days. Here is what stood out:
PureVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- 6,500+ vpn servers across 140 countries
- KPMG-audited no-logs policy with always-on audits
- 10 simultaneous connections allowed per account
- 31-day money back guarantee for refunds
- Strong streaming support including Netflix and BBC iPlayer
❌ Cons
- Past privacy controversy from a 2017 FBI logs incident
- Inconsistent speed tests on distant server locations
- Windows app of PureVPN can feel cluttered with upsells
- Renewal pricing is much higher than the introductory rate
Feature Comparison
Ready to dive into a detailed comparison of PureVPN vs Windscribe? We will explore 10 key features to help you decide which vpn service fits best.
| Feature | Windscribe | PureVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $5.75/month (yearly) | $2.15/month (2-year) |
| Free Plan | ✅ 10GB/month | ❌ |
| Server Network | ~500 servers, 110+ cities, 66 countries | 6,500+ servers, 140+ countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ 10 devices |
| WireGuard Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| Kill Switch | ✅ (Firewall) | ✅ Internet Kill Switch |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ad/Malware Blocker | ✅ R.O.B.E.R.T. | ❌ |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 3 days (under 10GB used) | 31 days |
| Best For | Free users, multiple devices | Streaming, large server choice |
1. Speed and Performance
Windscribe: Independent speed tests show strong results. OpenVPN speeds reached 270-330Mbps. Switching to WireGuard pushed download speeds past 950Mbps in some tests. Windscribe’s free servers ran about 15% slower than paid servers on average. Our writer testing windscribe saw connection times of a few seconds on nearby servers.
PureVPN: Speed tests show mixed performance. PureVPN reduced download speeds by just 7.61% in one set of tests. But upload speed dropped 11% on Windows and 48% on Mac in another. Performance can be inconsistent on distant servers, with some international connections losing up to 99% of base speed. Reviewers who tested purevpn over weeks report stable speeds on nearby servers.
⚠️ Warning: Internet speeds vary based on your physical location, server location, and tunneling protocol. Always run your own speed tests during the trial period.
2. Server Network and Locations
Windscribe: Around 500 windscribe servers across 110+ cities in 66 countries. The server list is smaller than industry leaders like NordVPN. But windscribe’s apps connect quickly, usually in less than 6 seconds. Static ip addresses are available as paid add-ons.
PureVPN: Over 6,500 vpn servers in more than 140 countries. The mix includes physical servers and virtual locations. PureVPN’s server list is far larger than Windscribe’s, giving you more options for niche locations like hong kong or smaller markets. A dedicated ip is available as an add-on.
3. Security Features
Windscribe: Uses AES-256 encryption with WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN UDP support. The kill switch (called Firewall) blocks all internet access if the vpn connection drops. Split tunneling lets you choose which apps use vpn traffic. R.O.B.E.R.T. blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level, including blocking dns leaks and unwanted dns queries to ad networks.
PureVPN: Also uses AES-256 encryption. Includes purevpn’s kill switch, dns leak protection, and split tunneling. Some purevpn servers use quantum-resistant encryption keys for future-proof security. The Max plan adds a password manager and dark web monitoring.
4. Privacy and Logging Policy
Windscribe: Has a strict no-logs policy. The vpn provider collects only total bandwidth used and a timestamp of last activity. That data sits in RAM and is deleted after the session ends. Windscribe is based in Canada, part of the Five Eyes Alliance, which raises some privacy concerns. Independent audits have not flagged major issues. Windscribe does not log browsing history or store connection details after the session ends.
PureVPN: Has been audited by KPMG to verify its no-logs policy. The Always-On Audit feature lets KPMG conduct surprise audits any time. PureVPN also publishes a transparency report. There is a controversy with PureVPN from 2017, when it shared logs with the FBI. The company has since rebuilt its privacy infrastructure.
5. Streaming and Unblocking
Windscribe: Successfully unblocks US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus. Windscribe scored full marks for unblocking BBC iPlayer, ITV, and Channel 4 in the UK. Free version users can stream for about 7 hours before hitting the data cap on a typical streaming service.
PureVPN: Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video on most streaming sites. Some users report issues unblocking Netflix’s French and German libraries. The dedicated Apple TV and android tv apps make streaming easy. Streaming performance can vary depending on the chosen server location and vpn protocol.
6. Ease of Use and Apps
Windscribe: The Windows client and android app share a clean, friendly design. Connection times are quick, often 1-2 seconds. Browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge add R.O.B.E.R.T. ad blocking to your browser traffic. The interface skips upsell clutter that some other vpn services rely on. Windscribe deletes inactive accounts after a long period of dormancy and never associates your mac address with your account.
PureVPN: The PureVPN app is available for Windows, macOS, the android app, and iOS. Purevpn’s android app is the most feature-rich among its applications. Purevpn’s windows app is often criticized for being clunky and may crash on certain windows version updates. The interface can feel cluttered with upsell advertisements for additional features.
7. VPN Protocols Supported
Windscribe: Supports WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN UDP. The vpn protocol selection is straightforward inside the app. WireGuard is the best choice for the fastest connection speeds. Windscribe also offers config generators for manual router setups.
PureVPN: Supports OpenVPN, OpenVPN UDP, IKEv2, and WireGuard across most platforms. The vpn supports automatic protocol switching for the best balance of speed and stability. PureVPN’s performance with the WireGuard protocol retained around 67% of initial speeds on average.
8. Add-Ons and Extra Features
Windscribe: Static IPs are available as paid add-ons. The Build A Plan model lets you customize a plan by location. Each location adds 10GB of data. R.O.B.E.R.T. ad and malware blocking is built in at no extra cost.
PureVPN: Add-ons include a dedicated IP for $2.49/month and port forwarding for $1.49/month. Dedicated ips are useful for accessing restricted services. PureVPN offers extras like a password manager, dark web monitoring, and data brokers removal on its higher tiers.
9. Customer Support
Windscribe: Customer support runs via support tickets, a help center, and the active Discord community. There is no live chat support on the free service, which may slow down problem solving for free users. The documentation is detailed and well-organized.
PureVPN: Customer support for PureVPN includes 24/7 live chat. Users can submit a support ticket through the PureVPN app for non-urgent issues. The vpn provider also has a built-in troubleshooting feature inside the app. User feedback on refund requests is mixed.
10. Port Forwarding and Connection Features
Windscribe: Offers port forwarding through paid plans. The split tunneling feature lets you exclude apps from the vpn traffic, useful for local network traffic. You can define which DNS to use when the vpn is connected or disconnected. Browser extensions can rotate the user agent for extra privacy. Some windscribe extensions act as only proxies on browser traffic — essentially a proxy server for the browser — while the desktop app routes all internet traffic through the vpn tunnel.
PureVPN: Port forwarding is available as a paid add-on for $1.49/month. PureVPN claims it helps with P2P traffic and remote access setups. The vpn provider includes a same ip address feature with the dedicated IP add-on, useful for online banking that flags shifting ip addresses. Many vpn experts recommend purevpn for users who need a dedicated ip on top of the standard purevpn subscription.
Pricing and Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan Type | Windscribe | PureVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0/month (10GB cap) | ❌ ($0.99 for 7-day trial) |
| Cheapest Paid | Build A Plan from $1/location | Standard $2.15/month (2-yr) |
| Standard Paid Plan | $5.75/month (yearly) | $3.15/month (Plus) |
| Top Plan | $9.00/month (monthly) | $3.55/month (Max) |
| Refund Window | 3 days (under 10GB used) | 31 days |
Windscribe: The free vpn tier is the standout. Paid plans start at $5.75/month on the yearly plan. The Build A Plan option is great for users who only need 1-2 server locations. Windscribe accepts payments via credit card, PayPal, Bitcoin, and gift cards.
PureVPN: Long-term plans are very affordable upfront, with the Standard plan at $2.15/month on a 2-year subscription. Renewal pricing is much higher. The 31-day money back guarantee gives you more time to test than Windscribe’s 3-day window.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A free service | Windscribe | 10GB free per month |
| Cheapest long-term price | PureVPN | $2.15/mo on 2-year |
| Streaming on multiple platforms | PureVPN | Wider device support |
| Multiple device protection | Windscribe | Unlimited connections |
| Quick refund test | PureVPN | 31-day money back guarantee |
| Built-in ad blocker | Windscribe | R.O.B.E.R.T. included |
| Largest server list | PureVPN | 6,500+ vpn servers |
💰 Your Budget
If you have $0, Windscribe wins by default with its free version. If you can pay upfront for two years, PureVPN’s $2.15/month is the better deal — but watch the renewal price hike.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Both vpn services support Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android apps. PureVPN has a more developed Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV experience. Windscribe’s browser extensions for Microsoft Edge add R.O.B.E.R.T. to browser traffic only.
📺 Your Streaming Habits
For heavy streaming on android tv or Apple TV, PureVPN has the edge. For occasional streaming on a laptop, Windscribe Pro handles BBC iPlayer and US Netflix without issues.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Windscribe’s apps are friendlier for beginners. PureVPN packs in more advanced features but the upsells inside the app can confuse new vpn users.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Windscribe’s free plan is the only true free vpn here. PureVPN offers a 7-day trial for $0.99 plus a 31-day money back guarantee. The day money back guarantee window gives you breathing room to test purevpn fully.
🛟 Support Options
PureVPN offers 24/7 live chat support, which is faster than Windscribe’s email and Discord-based help. Submitting a support ticket on Windscribe usually gets a reply within hours. PureVPN also has a built-in app troubleshooter.
🔒 Data Privacy and Security
Both vpn companies have undergone audits. PureVPN’s KPMG audits and Always-On Audit are more thorough on paper. Windscribe stores almost no data and uses RAM-only logs. Pick PureVPN for verified audit history; pick Windscribe if you want minimal data collection by design.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here is what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Windscribe to PureVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- 13x more vpn servers (6,500+ vs ~500)
- 31-day money back guarantee instead of 3 days
- 24/7 live chat customer support
❌ What you’ll lose:
- The free vpn tier with 10GB monthly data
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- R.O.B.E.R.T. ad and malware blocker
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Windscribe subscription from the account dashboard
- Purchase PureVPN through the official site
- Install PureVPN on each device and sign in
🔄 Switching from PureVPN to Windscribe?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- A free version of the vpn service forever
- Built-in R.O.B.E.R.T. ad and tracker blocker
- Unlimited simultaneous connections per account
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Access to the larger purevpn server network
- The 31-day money back guarantee
- Built-in password manager and dark web monitoring
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your PureVPN subscription from the account portal
- Sign up for Windscribe with email (or use the free service first)
- Install Windscribe and choose your vpn protocol
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on individual vpn users and small households. We did not test enterprise deployments, advanced router setups, or large-team licensing. We also did not run extended performance tests over many weeks. Our observations are based on the May 2026 versions of both apps. If you are setting up a vpn for a business or on dozens of devices through a network adapter, your priorities may differ from what we covered here.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing (Free Tier) | Windscribe |
| 💵 Long-Term Cost | PureVPN |
| 🌐 Server Network | PureVPN |
| ⚡ Speed Tests | Windscribe |
| 🛡️ Security Features | Tie |
| 📺 Streaming | PureVPN |
| 📱 Devices Per Account | Windscribe |
| 👶 Ease of Use | Windscribe |
| 💸 Refund Window | PureVPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Windscribe |
🏆 WINNER: WINDSCRIBE
Windscribe wins 5 out of 9 categories.
Best for: Free vpn users, multiple-device households, and privacy-focused users who want unlimited connections.
PureVPN and Windscribe target different parts of the vpn market. Windscribe is built around flexibility — a free service, custom plans, and unlimited devices. PureVPN is built around reach — a massive server list, streaming muscle, and a longer refund window. Any honest purevpn review must note both strengths and the past controversy.
PureVPN is the better choice if you want a 2-year subscription at the lowest possible monthly rate. The 31-day money back guarantee gives you a real chance to test purevpn for streaming, gaming, or remote work. The vpn provider’s KPMG audits and quantum-resistant servers add real privacy depth. We recommend purevpn for users who need a quality vpn with a wide server reach and have already decided whether the past privacy issues are a deal breaker.
However, if you want a vpn service that does not lock you into a long-term contract or charges you nothing to start, Windscribe is the better choice. The free version covers basic browsing, public wi fi hotspot protection, and light streaming. The paid plans add unlimited data and access to all server locations. Independent speed tests put it among the fastest vpn services available. Most modern reviewers recommend windscribe over older premium VPN options for first-time vpn users. Watch for windscribe deals around Black Friday for discounts on the standard windscribe subscription options.
More of Windscribe Compared
Here is how Windscribe stacks up against other vpn providers worth considering:
Windscribe vs NordVPN
Windscribe wins on: Free 10GB plan, unlimited simultaneous connections, R.O.B.E.R.T. ad blocker built in
NordVPN wins on: 8,800+ vpn servers, dedicated obfuscated servers, longer 30-day money back guarantee
Windscribe vs ExpressVPN
Windscribe wins on: Free version, lower yearly price, build-a-plan custom pricing model
ExpressVPN wins on: Larger server network, stronger streaming track record, faster customer support response
Windscribe vs Private Internet Access
Windscribe wins on: Generous free plan, R.O.B.E.R.T. ad blocker, Build A Plan custom pricing
Private Internet Access wins on: Wider server count in more cities, longer money back guarantee, lower entry-level pricing
Windscribe vs SurfsharkVPN
Windscribe wins on: Free vpn tier, build-a-plan custom plans, R.O.B.E.R.T. dns level blocker
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Larger server list, stronger streaming-focused servers, longer 30-day money back window
More of PureVPN Compared
Looking at purevpn alternatives? Here is how PureVPN stacks up against other vpn providers in the market. We checked how each does their purevpn work compared to other tools.
PureVPN vs NordVPN
PureVPN wins on: Lower 2-year plan price, more server locations on paper, lower-cost dedicated ip add-on
NordVPN wins on: More consistent download speeds, better app stability, stronger reputation among recent vpn reviewers
PureVPN vs ExpressVPN
PureVPN wins on: Far cheaper subscription, optional password manager, included dark web monitoring on top tier
ExpressVPN wins on: More polished apps, more reliable speed across distant servers, smoother streaming on premium platforms
PureVPN wins on: Larger server count, dedicated ip add-on, KPMG always-on audit framework
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Unlimited simultaneous connections, cleaner app interface without upsells, broader streaming compatibility
PureVPN vs ProtonVPN
PureVPN wins on: Larger server count, lower 2-year plan price, broader streaming platform unblocking
ProtonVPN wins on: Free version with unlimited data, Switzerland-based privacy jurisdiction, stronger open-source app code
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Windscribe VPN better than PureVPN?
For most users in 2026, Windscribe is the better choice. It offers a free vpn tier, unlimited devices, and faster speed test results in independent benchmarks. PureVPN is still strong for streaming and long-term subscriptions on a tight budget.
Can PureVPN be trusted after the 2017 incident?
The vpn provider has rebuilt its privacy infrastructure and submitted to KPMG audits since then. The Always-On Audit feature lets KPMG run surprise checks. Whether you trust purevpn fully is your call, but the audit framework is more transparent than most vpn companies offer. For most legal use cases, PureVPN safe handling of user data is now in line with industry standards.
Is Windscribe really free, or are there hidden limits?
The free service is genuinely free. You get 10GB of data per month with email signup, or 2GB without an email. The free version has fewer server locations than the premium vpn but covers the basics for casual use.
Which vpn is better for streaming Netflix and BBC iPlayer?
Both work for streaming, but PureVPN has slightly broader unblocking on Hulu and Amazon Prime Video. Windscribe scored full marks for unblocking BBC iPlayer in recent tests. PureVPN can fail on niche Netflix libraries like the French and German ones.
How many devices can I use at once?
Windscribe allows unlimited simultaneous device connections on a single account. PureVPN allows 10 connections per account. For families or users with many devices, Windscribe wins this round easily. PureVPN does work well across multiple platforms but is capped at 10 active sessions, while Windscribe calls itself a true unlimited-connection vpn.
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