ProtonVPN - Secure and Free VPN vs Windscribe
Side-by-side comparison of two open source alternatives
ProtonVPN - Secure and Free VPN
Proton VPN is the world's ONLY free VPN service that is safe to use and respects your privacy. Proton VPN is created by the CERN scientists behind Proton Mail - the world's largest encrypted email service. Proton’s VPN offers secure and encrypted internet access with advanced security features and access to blocked websites and streaming platforms. Used by millions worldwide, Proton’s secure no-logs VPN offers 24/7 private internet access, and does not record your browsing history, display ads, sell your data to third parties, or limit downloads. Free VPN features available to all users: • Unlimited data access with no bandwidth or speed restrictions • Strict no logs policy; your privacy is our priority • Bypass geo-restrictions: smart protocol selection automatically overcomes VPN bans and unblocks censored sites and content • Full disk encrypted servers protect your data privacy • Perfect forward secrecy: encrypted traffic cannot be captured and decrypted later • DNS leak protection: we encrypt DNS queries to ensure that your browsing activity cannot be exposed through DNS leaks • Always-on VPN/ kill switch offers protection against leaks caused by accidental disconnections Premium VPN features: • Access 3800+ high speed servers across 80+ countries worldwide • Fast VPN: high-speed server network with connections up to 10 Gbps • VPN Accelerator: unique technology increases Proton VPN's speeds by up to 400% for a faster browsing experience • Unblock access to blocked or censored content to get unlimited internet access • Connect up to 10 devices to the VPN at the same time • Ad blocker (NetShield): a DNS filtering feature that protects you from malware, blocks ads, and prevents website trackers from following you across the web • Stream films, sports events, and videos on any streaming service (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer etc) with our fast server network • File-sharing and P2P support • Secure Core servers protect against network-based attacks with multi-hop VPN • Tor over VPN provides automatic integration with the Tor anonymity network • Split tunneling support allows you to select which apps go through the VPN tunnel Why Proton VPN? • No personal data required to sign up • Proton VPN's Secure Core architecture allows our secure VPN service to defend against network-based attacks • Unique VPN Accelerator technology increases your VPN speeds by over 400% • Offers state-of-the-art security and performance using the WireGuard protocol • Independently audited by SEC Consult with all results published on our website • Physical data centres accessible only via biometric verification • Trusted open-source code that can be reviewed for security by anyone • Data protection using AES-256 and 4096 RSA encryption • Multi-platform support for use across Android, Linux, Windows, MacOS, iOS and more Join the privacy revolution Your support is important as it allows us to continue our mission to bring online freedom and the right to privacy to people around the globe. Get our private VPN free today and enjoy fast VPN connections and a secure internet, from anywhere. Experts’ opinion: Mozilla: “There are many VPN vendors out there, but not all of them are created equal. Proton VPN offers a secure, reliable, and easy-to-use VPN service and is operated by the makers of ProtonMail, a respected, privacy-oriented email service... As a company they have a track record of fighting for online privacy and they share our dedication to internet safety and security.” PCMag: “[Proton VPN’s] focus on exacting security at an affordable price tag makes it a compelling choice. Plus, its free version is the best we've tested so far.” Follow Proton VPN on social for all the latest news and offers: Facebook: /proton Twitter: @protonvpn Reddit: /protonvpn Instagram: /protonprivacy
Windscribe
Windscribe VPN is your all-in-one solution for privacy, security, and unrestricted internet access. Trusted by millions worldwide, recognized as a PCMag Editors’ Choice, and proven in court to protect your data, Windscribe is the best VPN to browse, stream, and connect without limits. We’re independently owned, open-source, and audited. Our no-logs policy is not just promised, it has been backed up in real legal cases. Whether you’re securing public Wi-Fi in New York City, bypassing geo-blocks to access global content, or streaming in 4K from your living room, Windscribe is built to keep you safe and connected. Everything Windscribe Can Do Windscribe delivers a full privacy and performance solution to every user, free or paid: • High-speed 10 Gbps servers for fast downloads, smooth streaming, and low-latency gaming. • Streaming access to Netflix, Disney+, AmazonPrime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, Peacock, Paramount+, ESPN+, Sling TV, BBC iPlayer, DAZN, FuboTV, and more, whether you are in the US or abroad. • P2P support for secure file sharing without throttling. • AES-256 encryption with Perfect Forward Secrecy to secure every packet. • 6 secure protocols: WireGuard®, OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), IKEv2, Stealth, and Wstunnel. You can adapt for speed, stability, or stealth. • Split tunnelling to route only the apps you choose through the VPN. • DNS leak protection to keep your browsing history private. • Firewall killswitch to block all traffic if your VPN connection drops. • Multi-platform support on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, browsers, smart TVs, tablets and routers. • Tracker & threat blocking to stop advertisers from profiling you and to filter out malicious or unwanted sites, keeping pages faster, cleaner, and safer. • One-tap Quick Connect for instant protection anywhere. Robust Free Plan – Try Before You Buy Every Windscribe user gets the full privacy and security stack above. Our free plan is perfect for trying Windscribe and securing essential browsing, with: • 10 GB monthly data allowance • Access to core global server locations Why Go Pro Upgrading to Pro unlocks the complete Windscribe experience: • Unlimited data and bandwidth, so you can browse, stream, and download without caps. • Access to all 69+ countries & locations: Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, UK, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States, Vietnam. • Port forwarding for hosting game servers or accessing devices remotely. Pro is ideal for heavy streamers, frequent travellers, and anyone who wants total access to the fastest servers and every location we offer. Why Americans Trust Windscribe • Recognized by PCMag Editors’ Choice for quality and performance. Court-proven privacy, not just marketing claims. • Open-source apps and third-party audits for total transparency. • Works seamlessly whether you need a US IP abroad or want to access global content from home. • Built and maintained by a team focused on privacy, not corporate shareholders. Download Windscribe VPN today. Start free to secure your connection instantly, or go Pro for unlimited access, all server locations, and the fastest VPN speeds available. Your internet, your rules — in the US and around the world.
| Feature | ProtonVPN - Secure and Free VPN | Windscribe |
|---|---|---|
| License | GPL-3.0-only | GPL-3.0-only |
| Install sources | F-DroidGitHub | F-DroidGitHub |
| Categories | VPNMessagingBrowser | Password ManagerVPNMessagingBrowser |
| Features | Ad-FreeOpen SourceNo Tracking | Ad-FreeOpen SourceNo Tracking |
| Platforms | Android | Android |
| Website | ||
| Source code |