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Proton VPN vs Windscribe

Proton VPN leads Windscribe by 0.7 points overall (8.7 vs 8.0).

#1 in VPN services

Proton VPN

Privacy-minded users who want a trustworthy free tier.

8.7/10, Excellent

#7 in VPN services

Windscribe

Light users who want a capable free VPN.

8.0/10, Very good

Criterion by criterion

Where each one wins

  • Proton VPN9.5

    Four independent no-logs audits, open-source apps and Swiss jurisdiction.

    Privacy & audits

    30% weight

    Windscribe7.0

    Clear minimal-logging policy, but we could not confirm a recent independent no-logs audit.

  • Proton VPN9.0

    Secure Core multi-hop, WireGuard, kill switch and NetShield blocking.

    Security features

    20% weight

    Windscribe8.0

    WireGuard, firewall-style kill switch and built-in ad and tracker blocking.

  • Proton VPN8.0

    Unlimited-data free tier; paid plans are mid-priced.

    Value for money

    20% weight

    Windscribe8.5

    Usable free tier and flexible build-a-plan pricing.

  • Proton VPN8.5

    Open-source apps on all major platforms, including Linux.

    Apps & ease of use

    15% weight

    Windscribe8.0

    Apps on all major platforms and router support; interface is dense.

  • Proton VPN7.5

    Ten devices on paid plans, but only one on the free tier.

    Devices & flexibility

    15% weight

    Windscribe9.0

    Unlimited simultaneous devices, even on the free plan.

Published facts

Side by side

Proton VPN vs Windscribe: published facts
FactProton VPNWindscribe
Free planYesYes
Money-back window30 daysNot published
Simultaneous devices10 on paid plans; 1 on freeUnlimited
Independent audit publishedYesNot published
Company jurisdictionSwitzerlandCanada
Main platformsWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, routers

Verdict

Which should you pick?

Choose Proton VPN if…

You want something best for privacy-minded users who want a trustworthy free tier.

  • + Free tier with no data cap
  • + Four independent no-logs audits
  • + Open-source apps
Full Proton VPN scorecard

Choose Windscribe if…

You want something best for light users who want a capable free VPN.

  • + Free plan with unlimited devices
  • + Flexible build-your-own plan
  • + Built-in ad and tracker blocking
Full Windscribe scorecard

Checked 1 Nov 2026.

Questions

Proton VPN vs Windscribe: quick answers

Is Proton VPN better than Windscribe?

Proton VPN leads Windscribe by 0.7 points overall (8.7 vs 8.0). Proton VPN scores higher on privacy & audits, security features, apps & ease of use. Windscribe scores higher on value for money, devices & flexibility.

Who should choose Windscribe over Proton VPN?

Windscribe is best for light users who want a capable free VPN. Proton VPN is best for privacy-minded users who want a trustworthy free tier.

How were Proton VPN and Windscribe scored?

Both were scored on the same 5 weighted criteria for VPN services, using public information such as published plans and terms. We do not lab-test products.

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