strongSwan VPN Client vs Windscribe
Side-by-side comparison of two open source alternatives
strongSwan VPN Client
Official Android port of the popular strongSwan VPN solution. # FEATURES AND LIMITATIONS # Uses the VpnService API featured by Android 4+. Devices by some manufacturers seem to lack support for this - strongSwan VPN Client won't work on these devices! Uses the IKEv2 key exchange protocol Uses IPsec for data traffic Full support for changed connectivity and mobility through MOBIKE (or reauthentication) Supports username/password EAP authentication (namely EAP-MSCHAPv2, EAP-MD5 and EAP-GTC) as well as RSA/ECDSA private key/certificate authentication to authenticate users, EAP-TLS with client certificates is also supported Combined RSA/ECDSA and EAP authentication is supported by using two authentication rounds as defined in RFC 4739 VPN server certificates are verified against the CA certificates pre-installed or installed by the user on the system. The CA or server certificates used to authenticate the server can also be imported directly into the app. IKEv2 fragmentation is supported if the VPN server supports it (strongSwan does so since 5.2.1) Split-tunneling allows sending only certain traffic through the VPN and/or excluding specific traffic from it Per-app VPN allows limiting the VPN connection to specific apps, or exclude them from using it The IPsec implementation currently supports the AES-CBC, AES-GCM, ChaCha20/Poly1305 and SHA1/SHA2 algorithms Passwords are currently stored as cleartext in the database (only if stored with a profile) VPN profiles may be imported from files Supports managed configurations via enterprise mobility management (EMM) Details and a changelog can be found in our documentation: https://docs.strongswan.org/docs/latest/os/androidVpnClient.html # PERMISSIONS # READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE: Allows importing VPN profiles and CA certificates from external storage on some Android versions QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES: Required on Android 11+ to select apps to ex-/include in VPN profiles and the optional EAP-TNC use case # EXAMPLE SERVER CONFIGURATION # Example server configurations may be found in our documentation: https://docs.strongswan.org/docs/latest/os/androidVpnClient.html#_server_configuration Please note that the host name (or IP address) configured with a VPN profile in the app *must be* contained in the server certificate as subjectAltName extension. # FEEDBACK # Please post bug reports and feature requests via GitHub: https://github.com/strongswan/strongswan/issues/new/choose If you do so, please include information about your device (manufacturer, model, OS version etc.). The log file written by the key exchange service can be sent directly from within the application.
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 | strongSwan VPN Client | Windscribe |
|---|---|---|
| License | GPL-2.0-or-later | GPL-3.0-only |
| Install sources | F-DroidGitHub | F-DroidGitHub |
| Categories | Password ManagerVPNMessagingBrowser | Password ManagerVPNMessagingBrowser |
| Features | Ad-FreeOpen SourceNo Tracking | Ad-FreeOpen SourceNo Tracking |
| Platforms | Android | Android |
| Website | ||
| Source code |