Windscribe vs Proton VPN
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 | Windscribe | Proton VPN | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | 8.3 | vs | 9.3 |
| Privacy | 8.6 | vs | 9.8 |
| Streaming | 8.8 | vs | 8.8 |
| Security | 8.2 | vs | 9.6 |
| Price | $5.75/mo | vs | $4.49/mo |
| Servers | 480+ | vs | 9,500+ |
| Devices | Unlimited | vs | 10 |
Speed Comparison
Windscribe has a -11% speed drop while Proton VPN shows -8%. 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
Windscribe is based in Canada while Proton VPN operates from Switzerland. 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
Windscribe unblocks 5 streaming services while Proton VPN unblocks 4. Both VPNs provide equally strong streaming support. Streaming compatibility is evaluated across multiple platforms and server locations.
Security Comparison
Both Windscribe and Proton VPN 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 | Windscribe | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN, Stealth, WStunnel | WireGuard, OpenVPN, Stealth |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-hop | No | Yes |
| Ad Blocker | Yes | Yes |
| Jurisdiction | Canada | Switzerland |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited | 10 |
| Server Count | 480+ | 9,500+ |
| Country Count | 69 | 117 |
| Speed Drop | -11% | -8% |
| Lowest Price | $5.75/mo | $4.49/mo |
| Plan Length | annual | 2yr plan |
| Streaming Services | Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Peacock |