FastVPN vs Windscribe
This comparison is a showdown between extreme affordability and reliable, trust-based security. FastVPN offers massive introductory discounts, but severe user complaints exist. Windscribe provides exceptional transparency and features, standing out for advanced security and flexibility. Choosing between these demands careful attention to long-term costs and service reliability.
Major Trust Issues and Billing Warnings
We note FastVPN offers attractive introductory rates and claims a strong no-log policy supported by a wide server network. However, we cannot overlook the severe and recurring user complaints regarding unauthorized charges and accounts frozen shortly after payment. Overall, we urge extreme caution when considering this provider due to major risks related to service reliability and immediate financial transparency.
Pros
- Highly competitive introductory pricing rates advertised.
- Strict no-log policy guarantees user anonymity.
- Claimed access to a large network of 2700+ servers.
- Known for fast connection speeds, according to some reports.
Cons
- Frequent reports of severe unauthorized credit card charges.
- Accounts may be frozen shortly after paying for the subscription.
- Customer service allegedly ignores or refuses cancellation requests.
- Users report requests for government ID verification after purchase.
Flexible, secure, and highly transparent VPN.
We found Windscribe to be a feature-rich and highly customizable VPN solution that excels in transparency and expansive user control, driven by its unique pricing and unlimited device support. Overall, the combination of advanced security tools and proven, reliable performance makes this an extremely competitive service worth serious consideration.
Pros
- Supports usage across unlimited simultaneous devices.
- Highly flexible Build A Plan starts at just $3.00 per month.
- Advanced features like R.O.B.E.R.T. blocking and advanced Firewall for superior leak protection.
- Known for outstanding reliability and effectiveness in bypassing censorship.
Cons
- No traditional free trial or formal money-back guarantee (only a permanent Free Plan is offered).
- Some users reported initial technical issues or API errors after upgrading to paid plans.
- Speeds might require optimization after installation for best performance.
AboutFastVPN
FastVPN is a straightforward way to keep your online life private and secure. Getting started with the service is easier than you might think. Downloading the VPN is one of the simplest ways to protect your data privacy.
It works by ensuring all your Internet traffic is encrypted. This simple step protects your private data, especially when you shop safely on public Wi-Fi. It also gives you the freedom to browse anonymously. We love the strict no-log policy 💡, which guarantees that your online activity is never tracked or logged.
AboutWindscribe
Windscribe is a specialized VPN service that is actually more than just a VPN. It provides a comprehensive suite of security tools to protect your identity and unblock restricted parts of the internet. This powerful service uses strong AES256 encryption to secure your connection wherever you are.
They have committed to being completely transparent by being open source and sharing audit reports. Importantly, Windscribe’s RAM disk infrastructure ensures that they never store any identifying data about your online activity. This approach makes it ideal for anyone who deeply values digital freedom and concrete evidence of privacy. 💡 You can use this service across an unlimited number of devices.
Highlights
Feature Comparison
Features Overview
We highlight the main differences and pick a winner for each feature.
Device Limit
Windscribe supports unlimited devices; FastVPN’s simultaneous limit is unknown.
FastVPN does not provide specifics on how many devices you can use concurrently. This makes it hard to secure your whole family or office with FastVPN. Windscribe allows unlimited simultaneous connections across all major platforms. This is a massive value advantage for households with many different gadgets.
Pricing Transparency
Windscribe locks in your price forever; FastVPN has sharp, hidden renewal fee increases.
FastVPN offers tempting introductory rates as low as $1.00 per month initially. The annual plan renews much higher, jumping from $12.00 to $34.56 annually. Windscribe operates with honest billing practices and guarantees your sign-up price forever. Windscribe’s price stability creates predictable budgeting, unlike FastVPN's fluctuating costs.
Free Access
Windscribe offers a permanent Free Plan; FastVPN provides no free access.
FastVPN requires purchase first and then offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Users report difficulty actually getting those refunds, making the guarantee risky. Windscribe provides a functional Free Plan offering up to 10GB of data monthly. You can test all core features of Windscribe risk-free before committing to Pro plans.
Advanced Security
Windscribe uses RAM disks and Firewall; FastVPN only guarantees standard encryption.
FastVPN protects you with standard full encryption while using public Wi-Fi. FastVPN claims a strict no-log policy but lacks advanced technical verification. Windscribe uses RAM disk infrastructure, meaning no logs are physically stored long-term. Windscribe also includes an advanced Firewall that actively prevents DNS and IPv6 leaks.
Server Network
FastVPN claims more servers overall; Windscribe verifies real physical server locations.
FastVPN claims access to a vast network of over 2700 servers globally. This network is spread across more than 100 different worldwide locations. Windscribe offers servers across 69 countries and 134 cities internationally. Windscribe specifies these are real physical servers, ensuring reliability and accuracy in location spoofing.
Anti-Tracking Tools
Windscribe includes R.O.B.E.R.T. and anti-fingerprinting; FastVPN offers zero tracking prevention.
FastVPN focuses primarily on streaming access and basic connection encryption. It does not mention mechanisms to block ads, trackers, or malware system-wide. Windscribe deploys R.O.B.E.R.T., a network-level content blocker for ads and malware. Windscribe also uses browser extensions to fight digital fingerprinting by spoofing user agents.
Customization
Windscribe offers a 'Build A Plan' option; FastVPN only provides fixed plan subscriptions.
FastVPN sells only fixed 1-month or 1-year discounted subscription tiers. This structure provides little flexibility if you only need short-term access or limited features. Windscribe’s 'Build A Plan' starts at $3.00, letting you choose specific locations. This allows users to tailor the service exactly to their needs, optimizing the monthly cost.
Reliability & Trust
Windscribe has outstanding trust ratings; FastVPN is crippled by reports of billing fraud.
Windscribe is open source and shares transparency reports about its operations. This commitment has helped Windscribe earn excellent ratings and user confidence. FastVPN faces recurring user protests citing unauthorized credit card charges. Multiple users report their accounts were frozen and refunds were systematically denied by customer service.
Our Verdict
If you are comparing FastVPN and Windscribe strictly on trust and security, Windscribe is the hands-down winner. FastVPN’s attractive introductory pricing masks overwhelming long-term financial risks reported by users. We strongly advise selecting Windscribe for reliable, proven protection from a transparent provider. FastVPN’s greatest strength is its sheer network size, claiming over 2700 servers in 100+ locations. If maximizing server choice for geo-unblocking is your single goal, FastVPN *might* appeal initially. However, the reported account freezes make relying on FastVPN highly problematic for any critical task. Windscribe’s superpower lies in its security infrastructure, transparency, and value proposition. It offers unlimited simultaneous devices and uses RAM disk servers for zero log retention. Windscribe also features R.O.B.E.R.T. and an advanced Firewall, giving it a significant technological edge over FastVPN. The deciding factor is the massive difference in consumer confidence and billing practices. Windscribe locks in your price forever, offering great value and peace of mind. FastVPN users face unauthorized credit card charges and difficulty obtaining necessary refunds. Choose Windscribe if you value stability, superior anti-tracking features, and unlimited devices across your home. Avoid FastVPN until its documented, serious billing and service stability issues are resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for securing a family's devices: FastVPN or Windscribe?
Windscribe is vastly better for multi-device security; it allows unlimited simultaneous connections. FastVPN does not specify its device limit, usually meaning you must buy additional subscriptions. Windscribe’s unlimited connections make it the superior choice for securing all devices in a household.
Is the introductory price for FastVPN accurate, and does Windscribe offer a cheaper alternative?
Yes, FastVPN’s initial discounted price is very low, starting at $0.99 for the first month. However, the price renews at roughly 8x higher ($7.88/month). Windscribe offers a permanent Free Plan and custom plan flexibility starting at an honest $3/month.
How reliable is the money-back guarantee offered by FastVPN?
User reports suggest the 30-day guarantee from FastVPN is unreliable and difficult to process. Many users claim customer service ignored refund requests or froze accounts. Windscribe does not offer an MBG but provides a reliable Free Plan for service evaluation.
Does Windscribe have a built-in ad blocker like FastVPN?
Windscribe features the advanced R.O.B.E.R.T. network tool to block ads, trackers, and malware system-wide. FastVPN does not advertise any equivalent ad-blocking or tracker-prevention features. Windscribe provides a much cleaner, faster browsing experience.
Which service is more transparent about its security practices?
Windscribe is far more transparent, operating on an open-source basis and using RAM disk servers. FastVPN relies only on its no-logs promise, which is often overshadowed by severe user complaints regarding financial practices. Windscribe offers verifiable, audited security integrity.
Can I use Windscribe or FastVPN to bypass heavy internet censorship?
Windscribe is highly effective for bypassing heavy censorship and includes a dedicated anti-censorship mode. FastVPN’s focus is on general streaming access, and its ability to bypass major state surveillance is unproven. For high-restriction countries, Windscribe is the safer, proven choice.
Ready to Choose?
Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.