ProtonVPN vs Windscribe (2026)
We test both VPNs across speed, privacy, streaming, and pricing so you can pick the right one without guessing.
Best Free
ProtonVPN
★★★★4.5/5
The best VPN for privacy — with a genuine free tier
Free / $3.99/mo
Get ProtonVPNFeature
ProtonVPN
Windscribe
Servers
6,500+
500+
Countries
112
69
Simultaneous Devices
10
Unlimited
Protocol
WireGuard / OpenVPN
WireGuard / IKEv2
Logs Policy
No logs (audited, open-source)
Minimal (connection timestamps only)
Money-Back Guarantee
30-day
3-day
Our Verdict
Both ProtonVPN and Windscribe are strong choices, but they suit different users. ProtonVPN is better rated overall (4.5/5) and is our top recommendation if you want privacy. Windscribe wins on free and is priced at Free / $4.08/mo. Check our full reviews below for the detailed breakdown.
ProtonVPN vs Windscribe: Common Questions
Which is cheaper, ProtonVPN or Windscribe?▼
ProtonVPN is the cheaper option. ProtonVPN is priced at Free / $3.99/mo while Windscribe is priced at Free / $4.08/mo. Prices shown are for the best long-term plan.
Which has more servers, ProtonVPN or Windscribe?▼
ProtonVPN has the larger server network. ProtonVPN has 6,500+ servers and Windscribe has 500+ servers.
Which is better for streaming, ProtonVPN or Windscribe?▼
Neither ProtonVPN nor Windscribe is our top recommendation for streaming. Consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN if streaming is your main use case.
What is the main difference between ProtonVPN and Windscribe?▼
ProtonVPN positions itself as "the best vpn for privacy — with a genuine free tier". Windscribe takes a different focus: "generous free plan and built-in ad blocker". The right choice depends on which of these priorities matters most to you.