<top10vpns>

Private Internet Access vs Windscribe

Head-to-head comparison based on real testing data — February 2026

Winner: Private Internet Access wins in 5 out of 7 categories

WinnerPrivate Internet Access logo
Private Internet Access
8.9/10
Great
$2.03/mo
3yr plan
VS
Windscribe logo
Windscribe
8.2/10
Good
$5.75/mo
annual
// BREAKDOWN

Category-by-Category

CategoryPrivate Internet AccessWindscribe
Speed8.8vs8.3
Privacy9.2vs8.6
Streaming8.5vs8.8
Security9.0vs8.2
Price$2.03/movs$5.75/mo
Servers35,000+vs480+
DevicesUnlimitedvsUnlimited
Private Internet Access5
Windscribe1
Ties1
// PERFORMANCE

Speed Comparison

Private Internet Access8.8
Windscribe8.3

Private Internet Access has a -12% speed drop while Windscribe shows -11%. Private Internet Access takes this category with faster real-world performance. Speed data is based on independent benchmarks across multiple protocols and server locations.

SPEED Winner: Private Internet Access
// PRIVACY

Privacy Comparison

Private Internet Access9.2
Windscribe8.6

Private Internet Access is based in USA while Windscribe operates from Canada. Private Internet Access edges ahead in privacy with a stronger overall privacy profile. Scores are based on no-logs policies, audit history, jurisdiction, encryption standards, and leak protection.

PRIVACY Winner: Private Internet Access
// STREAMING

Streaming Comparison

Private Internet Access8.5
Windscribe8.8

Private Internet Access unblocks 4 streaming services while Windscribe unblocks 5. Windscribe wins this category with more reliable streaming access across platforms. Streaming compatibility is evaluated across multiple platforms and server locations.

STREAMING Winner: Windscribe
// SECURITY

Security Comparison

Private Internet Access9.0
Windscribe8.2

Both Private Internet Access and Windscribe offer AES-256 encryption and kill switch protection. Private Internet Access scores higher in security due to additional features and infrastructure hardening. Security scores are based on encryption, protocol implementation, DNS/IP leak protection, kill switch reliability, and server infrastructure.

SECURITY Winner: Private Internet Access
// SPECS

Full Specification Comparison

FeaturePrivate Internet AccessWindscribe
ProtocolsWireGuard, OpenVPNWireGuard, OpenVPN, Stealth, WStunnel
EncryptionAES-256AES-256
Kill SwitchYesYes
Split TunnelingYesYes
Multi-hopNoNo
Ad BlockerYesYes
JurisdictionUSACanada
Simultaneous ConnectionsUnlimitedUnlimited
Server Count35,000+480+
Country Count9169
Speed Drop-12%-11%
Lowest Price$2.03/mo$5.75/mo
Plan Length3yr planannual
Streaming ServicesNetflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon PrimeNetflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime