The main difference between Windscribe and NordVPN is that Windscribe has a free plan with a generous allocation of up to 15GB of bandwidth a month, with access to the same features as the paid version.
NordVPN, however, offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which means you can only use the service with a valid credit card (or crypto wallet) and receive a refund after going through the cancellation process. There’s no actual free tier for folks to sign up.
The process of cancelling and receiving a refund is also incredibly frustrating, leading to many complaints across Reddit and Twitter.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the significant comparison points between the two VPN companies. Our discussion is based on factors like pricing, features, user experience, customer support, and reviews of each service.
Windscribe vs NordVPN: Feature and Price Comparison
Let’s dive into what makes each VPN unique and how they compare.
Pricing
Windscribe shines in terms of pricing flexibility. The standout feature of Windscribe's pricing model is the "Build a Plan" option, allowing users to pay for exactly what they need. This starts at just $1 per location per month, with access to all Windscribe features, offering immense value to its audience.
Additionally, Windscribe offers a free plan that includes 10 GB of data per month (with the option to increase that by referring friends), which is ideal for light users. The full "Pro" plan is priced competitively at around $9 per month or $69 per year.
On the other hand, NordVPN positions itself as a more premium service with a single-tier pricing structure that starts at $11.99 per month or $59.88 per year (for the basic plan, which does not include an ad-blocker). NordVPN does not offer a free tier either, as mentioned earlier.
NordVPN’s rebilling practices have also been criticized for being deceptive, leading to a class action lawsuit against the company.
Privacy and Anonymity Tools
When it comes to privacy tools, both Windscribe and NordVPN offer industry-standard features.
Windscribe excels with privacy-focused tools like R.O.B.E.R.T., a custom DNS-based tool that blocks ads, trackers, malware, and social media buttons. Users can fine-tune the level of protection and customize filters, making it one of the most user-friendly yet powerful privacy tools on the market.
Windscribe also provides features like split tunnelling, which allows users to route specific apps through the VPN while keeping others on their regular internet connection, offering greater control over their privacy. Windscribe’s “no identifying logs policy” is another key strength, ensuring that user data is never tracked, stored, or sold.
What’s more, Windscribe has undergone independent audits to verify its claims, providing an extra layer of trust for its audience.
NordVPN, while similarly focused on privacy, offers security features such as Double VPN, which routes your traffic through two separate servers for an added layer of encryption.
Additionally, CyberSec is NordVPN's answer to ad and malware blocking, though it's less customizable than Windscribe's R.O.B.E.R.T.
Both VPN companies emphasize privacy and security, but we’ll give Windscribe the win here due to its high degree of transparency and a publicly available Ethics and Philosophy page.
TL;DR: Windscribe doesn’t pay for reviews, affiliates, or ads on social media. It retains no information on its users, or the ability to serve any personalized ads.
User Experience
Windscribe delivers an intuitive, easy-to-use experience that caters to both beginners and advanced users. Its minimalist interface makes connecting to a server, adjusting settings, or configuring privacy filters simple.
The app is available on a wide variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, AppleTV, FireTV, Android TV and even browser extensions. The dashboard provides clear information on connection status and data usage, with a no-frills approach that emphasizes ease of use.
NordVPN has a visually appealing and highly functional interface, too. With over 5,700 servers in 60 countries, its server map makes finding and connecting to a server incredibly simple. NordVPN also offers additional features like obfuscated servers for bypassing VPN blocks in restrictive countries, and the app supports a broad range of platforms.
Speed
Windscribe offers respectable speeds, especially on its paid plan, which provides access to unlimited data and all servers. However, the speed performance can vary depending on the server location and load. Windscribe is reliable for most tasks, including browsing, streaming, and downloading. Users can always chat with customer support to figure out the best server to connect to as well.
NordVPN, has a more extensive server network with a proprietary NordLynx VPN protocol. It consistently performs well in speed tests, making it an ideal choice for users who require high-speed internet for activities like gaming.
While Windscribe is no slouch, NordVPN is slightly faster. However, it costs quite a bit more than Windscribe, so users must take that into account.
Reviews
Both Windscribe and NordVPN receive high praise from users and critics alike, though their strengths are often highlighted differently.
Windscribe is frequently lauded for its free plan and privacy tools, with users praising its ad-blocking capabilities and customizable features. Reviews on platforms like Trustpilot and Reddit often point to Windscribe’s ease of use, flexibility, and commitment to privacy.
NordVPN, on the other hand, does pay for reviews and rankings, so the plaudits must be taken with a grain of salt. Nonetheless, its speed, security features, and server network are frequently highlighted as standout aspects, with many users appreciating the 24/7 customer support and the service’s reliability for streaming services like Netflix.
Conclusion
Both Windscribe and NordVPN are excellent VPN providers, but they cater to different types of users. Windscribe excels in flexibility, privacy tools, and customizable features, making it perfect for users looking for more control over their VPN experience or those who prefer more bang for their buck.
