Windscribe vs VyprVPN: Battle of the VPNs
The main difference between Windscribe and VyprVPN are pricing and privacy features. Windscribe is cheaper, and includes more privacy preserving features like ad-blocking and malware protection.
VyprVPN does not offer any ad blocking tools in their feature set, instead focusing on more basic functionalities that any reputable VPN should have like DNS leak protection and split tunneling. The company has also been involved in some controversies, as well as a recent change up in ownership.
- Despite claiming to be Swiss, they are now owned by a company from Texas called Certida
- Found to be installing risky certificates on user devices
- An audit found that they had exposed identifiable user data in their backend
We'll look past those huge red flags for a minute, to give you some more insight into how Windscribe compares to VyprVPN. We'll be looking at Pricing, Privacy Tools/Features, User Experience, & Reviews
Windscribe vs VyprVPN: Feature Comparison Table
Windscribe vs VyprVPN: Pricing
Windscribe offers one of the most flexible pricing models in the VPN space. Its "Build-a-Plan" feature is especially popular because it allows users to select specific server locations for just $1 per month per location, creating a highly customizable plan. The full pro plan is priced at $9 per month or $69 annually, which offers access to all server locations and features on unlimited devices. Windscribe also stands out by offering a free tier with a generous 10GB monthly data limit for users who sign up with their email, with the option to earn more data by referring a friend.
VyprVPN follows a more traditional pricing structure, but at slightly higher monthly rates than Windscribe. A monthly plan starts at $10, while the annual plan is priced at $60. VyprVPN does not offer a free plan, but it has a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to try the service risk-free.
Privacy Tools
Windscribe places a heavy emphasis on privacy and offers a wide range of tools to protect users’ data. This includes a kill switch, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, and split tunneling on select platforms. The service also includes R.O.B.E.R.T, a highly customizable tool that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites. For users in countries with strict internet censorship, Windscribe offers 2 features that will help you connect to your internet without worries: "Stealth Mode" and "Circumvent Censorship."
VyprVPN is also committed to privacy, and its standout feature is the proprietary Chameleon protocol, which scrambles OpenVPN metadata to prevent deep packet inspection (DPI) from recognizing it as VPN traffic, similar to the Circumvent Censorship feature on Windscribe. VyprVPN has also undergone an independent audit to verify its no-logs policy, although auditors did find that they were able to see exposed user data.
User Experience
Windscribe delivers a polished and user-friendly experience across all platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, browser extensions, and even certain Smart TVs. Notable features include Network Options, which automatically connects or disconnects the VPN to the protocol of your choice on certain Wi-Fi networks you’ve set, and split tunneling, which lets users decide which apps go through the VPN and which don’t.
VyprVPN also offers a clean and intuitive interface but lacks some of the advanced customization options that Windscribe offers. They compensate for this with simplicity and ease of use, but the app is also available on less platforms
Speed
Windscribe provides reliable speeds, especially when using nearby servers or when connected via the WireGuard protocol, which offers a good balance between speed and security. Windscribe’s performance is generally fast enough for streaming, torrenting, and general browsing, though it may occasionally encounters blocks from certain streaming services.
VyprVPN is known for its fast and consistent speeds, particularly when using its Chameleon protocol. Like Windscribe, VyprVPN also has a global network of servers that are optimized for speed.
Reviews
Windscribe enjoys largely positive reviews from both users and industry experts. Many users appreciate its flexible pricing model, robust privacy features, and the fun, approachable branding. Windscribe’s free tier is often highlighted as one of the best in the market, making it popular among users who want to try out a VPN without committing to a paid plan.
Some criticisms focus on occasional speed issues on distant servers and the fact that it may not always unblock all geo-restricted content reliably. However, its combination of privacy tools and user-friendly features makes it a well-regarded option.
VyprVPN also receives strong reviews, especially for its privacy features and fast speeds. Users and experts alike praise the Chameleon protocol’s ability to bypass censorship, however, some users find VyprVPN’s interface a bit too simplistic compared to competitors that offer more advanced customization options, while others are concerned about past mistakes.
Conclusion
For privacy-conscious users looking for flexibility and customization, Windscribe is your go-to choice. You'll be hard pressed to find a competitor that offers the same suite of privacy features at such an affordable price.