Windscribe is a Canadian-based VPN provider that has made a name for itself by offering both free and paid plans. One of its more interesting bells and whistles is its open source software, which it says reflects its dedication to security and openness. Then there’s the fact that Windscribe isn’t just a VPN: as well as a built-in VPN blocker, it also offers a firewall, which all adds up to making it a versatile tool for using the internet safely and privately.
Pricing and plans
Windscribe offers simple and flexible pricing plans, including a yearly plan, a monthly plan, and a unique "Build a Plan" option where you can pay just $1 per month for access to a single server (location).
Additionally, Windscribe provides free plans. You can get up to 10 GB of free data per month by providing your email, or 2 GB if you don’t. A key benefit of Windscribe’s free plans is that they don’t limit your speed – you enjoy the same performance and features as paid users.
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Key features
1. Robust security and privacy
Security is a strong point, with the company using AES-256-bit encryption to protect your internet connection. It's capable of handling numerous VPN protocols, such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, and the relatively new WireGuard protocol, offering plenty of flexibility and security at the same time.
- No-Logs Policy: Windscribe has no-logs policy, which means that the provider does not log any user activity, connection timestamps, IP addresses, or session history. That being said, because Windscribe is headquartered in Canada while it is a member of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, some people out there may still be worried about jurisdiction.
- Double Hop: Windscribe includes a “Double Hop” option, where users can connect to two VPN servers in order to ensure their data is passed even more securely and cannot be backward-traced to its original source. This is a nice gesture for anyone really trying to add another level of anonymity.
2. Generous free plan
Windscribe is known for its generous free plan, which offers 10 GB of monthly data. This is significantly higher than what most free VPNs provide, making it a suitable option for casual users. Users can increase their data limit by an additional 5 GB by tweeting about the service, showcasing Windscribe's unique approach to rewarding its free users.
3. R.O.B.E.R.T.: Customizable AD and malware blocker
One of Windscribe's standout features is R.O.B.E.R.T., an integrated tool that blocks ads, trackers, malware, and even social media widgets. R.O.B.E.R.T. is customizable, allowing users to create custom block lists or whitelist specific websites.
4. Unlimited devices
Windscribe also offers an account that you can connect however many devices to as you want. That puts it ahead of most other VPNs, which impose a cap on how many devices you can use at the same time (meaning Windscribe is an optimal solution for households, too.)
5. Split tunneling and advanced features
Windscribe offers split tunneling, allowing users to select which applications use the VPN connection and which connect to the internet directly. This is especially useful for accessing local services while still protecting other activities through the VPN.
Other advanced features include:
- Kill switch: Automatically disconnects your internet connection if the VPN drops, preventing data leaks.
- Port forwarding: Available for Pro users, enabling them to access internal network resources securely.
- Static IP: Allows users to obtain a dedicated IP address in specific locations, which can be useful for accessing certain services.
- Open-source software: One of Windscribe’s key strengths is its open-source software, which allows any user to inspect the code and verify its security and transparency.
Windscribe is perfect for anyone in the market for a free version or a decent VPN with open-source software. If you have tried out Windscribe yourself, we’d love to hear your thoughts – good or bad, so write a review below and help other users make an informed decision about who they go with as their VPN provider!
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