Proton VPN vs Windscribe
Head-to-head comparison based on real testing data — February 2026
Winner: Proton VPN wins in 5 out of 7 categories
Category-by-Category
| Category | Proton VPN | Windscribe | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | 9.3 | vs | 8.3 |
| Privacy | 9.8 | vs | 8.6 |
| Streaming | 8.8 | vs | 8.8 |
| Security | 9.6 | vs | 8.2 |
| Price | $4.49/mo | vs | $5.75/mo |
| Servers | 9,500+ | vs | 480+ |
| Devices | 10 | vs | Unlimited |
Speed Comparison
Proton VPN has a -8% speed drop while Windscribe shows -11%. Proton VPN takes this category with faster real-world performance. Speed data is based on independent benchmarks across multiple protocols and server locations.
Privacy Comparison
Proton VPN is based in Switzerland while Windscribe operates from Canada. Proton VPN 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.
Streaming Comparison
Proton VPN unblocks 4 streaming services while Windscribe unblocks 5. Both VPNs provide equally strong streaming support. Streaming compatibility is evaluated across multiple platforms and server locations.
Security Comparison
Both Proton VPN and Windscribe offer AES-256 encryption and kill switch protection. Proton VPN 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.
Full Specification Comparison
| Feature | Proton VPN | Windscribe |
|---|---|---|
| Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN, Stealth | WireGuard, OpenVPN, Stealth, WStunnel |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-hop | Yes | No |
| Ad Blocker | Yes | Yes |
| Jurisdiction | Switzerland | Canada |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 | Unlimited |
| Server Count | 9,500+ | 480+ |
| Country Count | 117 | 69 |
| Speed Drop | -8% | -11% |
| Lowest Price | $4.49/mo | $5.75/mo |
| Plan Length | 2yr plan | annual |
| Streaming Services | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Peacock | Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime |