Surfshark vs Windscribe
Surfshark and Windscribe both offer powerful VPNs protecting unlimited devices. The choice comes down to integrated security features versus customization. Surfshark excels with identity protection bundles, while Windscribe offers unmatched pricing flexibility and specific leak defense.
Robust Security Suite for Unlimited Devices
We find Surfshark offers extensive value, combining a high-speed VPN with crucial identity protection tools like Incogni and Antivirus coverage for all your gadgets. External feedback confirms users appreciate the seamless multi-device coverage and consistently highlight the exceptional speed and patience of the customer support team. Overall, Surfshark stands out as a leading choice for users prioritizing extensive coverage and robust security features backed by excellent human assistance.
Pros
- Protects an unlimited number of simultaneous devices.
- Customer support is exceptionally fast, professional, and helpful.
- Comprehensive cybersecurity bundles (Surfshark One) available.
- Easy to install and simple user experience across multiple platforms.
Cons
- Users occasionally report VPN connection dropouts.
- Some third-party applications may conflict, requiring exclusion lists.
- Setup can be complex with non-standard logins (e.g., Amazon ID) or specific devices (e.g., Fire Stick).
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.
AboutSurfshark
Surfshark offers a complete toolkit for defending your digital life. The core service is a robust VPN that secures your connection and works tirelessly wherever you go. This intuitive design means you will master it quickly. 💡
Beyond the VPN, Surfshark shields your entire device with Antivirus. This real-time defense works in the backstage, scanning files before you open them to keep malicious threats out. It even includes webcam protection. Finally, identity tools like Incogni and Alternative ID help guard your personal information. Incogni removes your data from the lists of data brokers. Alternative ID gives you a virtual phone number and email address to use for online registrations instead of your private details. It’s an easy-to-use app you can download on all your devices.
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.
Pricing Model
Windscribe offers a superior free option and highly flexible custom pricing.
Surfshark uses two main bundles: VPN only and the Surfshark One suite. They back all purchases with a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee. Windscribe offers a generous 10GB free plan and can be customized with their "Build A Plan." Users pay only $1 per location, maximizing cost savings. Windscribe is much better for budget-conscious or specific-location users. Surfshark offers simpler, comprehensive value bundles instead. If you only need VPN access for two specific countries, Windscribe's custom plan saves significant money. If you need a full security suite, Surfshark is simpler and covers more bases.
Device Coverage
Both VPNs offer industry-leading unlimited simultaneous connections.
Surfshark's single subscription protects an unlimited number of devices concurrently. This is fantastic for securing a large family or household easily. The unlimited model ensures security management is simplified across all gadgets. Windscribe also supports unlimited simultaneous connections for all users, including Pro and Free plans. Users don't need to manually track connections or limit usage easily. Since both products offer unlimited device support, this feature is essentially a perfect tie for value. The value proposition for multi-device households is high for both Windscribe and Surfshark.
Integrated Identity Tools
Surfshark bundles critical identity theft protection tools; Windscribe focuses purely on network security.
Surfshark includes Alert for data breach detection and Incogni for automated data removal. Incogni contacts data brokers to permanently scrub your personal data. Surfshark also offers Alternative ID for proxy emails and phone numbers. Windscribe does not offer these comprehensive identity or antivirus features whatsoever. Its focus is strictly on network privacy and providing superior leak protection. Surfshark provides a true all-in-one cybersecurity package with dedicated identity tools. Windscribe requires separate services for breach detection or data removal needs. If reclaiming your personal data from brokers is a priority, Surfshark One is the indisputable choice.
Server Network Size
Surfshark has a much larger global reach with servers in over 100 countries.
Surfshark boasts an extensive global network of over 3200+ RAM-only servers. These reliable servers are spread across more than 100 different countries globally. This huge spread offers better geo-restriction bypassing ability. Windscribe has a solid network covering 69 countries and 134 cities globally. They specifically emphasize using real physical server locations over virtual ones. Surfshark offers connections in a greater number of unique countries (100+ vs 69). If maximum geographical choice matters, Surfshark wins easily. Users needing access to niche or unique locations will find Surfshark's network more comprehensive.
Leak and Killswitch Protection
Windscribe's advanced Firewall offers superior protection against all types of data leaks.
Surfshark offers advanced connection routing via Nexus technology. This includes Dynamic MultiHop and the IP Rotator for high anonymity. Windscribe features an advanced Firewall that goes beyond a standard killswitch easily. It specializes in blocking all leaks (DNS, IPv6, traffic) during connection drops. Windscribe’s explicit focus on superior, multi-faceted leak protection gives it a powerful security edge. Surfshark focuses more on connection anonymity and speed. For users prioritizing data integrity during unstable networks, Windscribe’s Firewall provides maximum assurance.
Ad and Tracker Blocking
Windscribe's R.O.B.E.R.T. provides advanced network-level blocking functionality.
Surfshark actively blocks ads, trackers, and distracting cookie pop-ups during browsing. This basic functionality cleans up the user experience effectively. Windscribe uses R.O.B.E.R.T., a powerful network-level blocker. This system filters malicious content, ads, and trackers across the entire connection. Windscribe also has dedicated anti-fingerprinting browser extensions. R.O.B.E.R.T. is a more comprehensive and customizable content control tool than Surfshark's basic blocking. If you need maximum control over content filters and malware blocking, Windscribe is highly effective.
Customer Support
Surfshark provides highly praised 24/7 human live chat; Windscribe utilizes a leading AI assistant.
Surfshark offers 24/7 customer support via email or live chat with live human agents. User reviews consistently mention specific agents, praising their speed and helpfulness greatly. Windscribe offers support centered around the specialized 'Gary' AI assistant. Users describe Gary the robot as telepathic and effective at solving common issues rapidly. Users prefer the guaranteed personalized service from Surfshark's 24/7 human chat team. Surfshark wins for critical or unique troubleshooting needs. For complex subscription issues or unique device setups, a human agent (Surfshark) proves essential.
Specialized Utility Features
Windscribe offers unique networking utilities like Split Tunneling and Port Forwarding.
Surfshark provides unique anonymity tools like the IP Rotator, changing your IP every ten minutes. It also allows custom server pairing with Dynamic MultiHop. Windscribe includes Split Tunneling for selecting which applications use the VPN tunnel. It also supports Port Forwarding for secure remote home access. This offers high utility. Windscribe’s utility features offer greater control over network optimization needs. Surfshark provides specialized anti-tracking features instead. If you need to optimize speed or secure remote home access, Windscribe’s utility features are extremely valuable.
Our Verdict
Choosing between Surfshark and Windscribe depends entirely on your specific privacy needs. Both VPNs offer reliable protection and cover unlimited simultaneous devices. Surfshark provides high-level convenience and comprehensive security solutions for every gadget. Windscribe gives you unmatched user control and pricing flexibility. Surfshark's superpower is its integrated security ecosystem, Surfshark One. This bundle offers Antivirus, data breach detection, and Incogni for automated data removal. If you need a simple, single-source security suite protecting your whole digital identity, Surfshark is the winner. Their 24/7 human live chat support team is also highly reliable. Windscribe excels in highly technical security features and bespoke pricing. Its advanced Firewall prevents all data leaks better than a standard killswitch. R.O.B.E.R.T. provides powerful network-level ad and malware blocking functionality. The customizable "Build A Plan" lets you easily save money if you only need a few locations. The deciding factor is the pricing structure and extra features. Surfshark is better for bundled identity protection and a huge server count (100+ countries). Windscribe is perfect for budget users, offering a free tier and advanced networking tools like Port Forwarding. Pick Windscribe if you are a technically minded saver; pick Surfshark for seamless, all-in-one coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Windscribe or Surfshark offer a better pricing model?
Windscribe offers a generous free plan and the customizable Build A Plan. This allows for massive flexibility and cost savings easily. Surfshark offers fixed bundles but provides a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee. Windscribe is generally more budget-friendly and customizable for users.
Which VPN is better for accessing content from different regions?
Surfshark has more servers, boasting over 3200+ across 100+ countries. This gives Surfshark a broader global reach for accessing content easily. Windscribe secures locations in 69 countries and is effective at bypassing censorship. Surfshark wins with sheer connection volume.
Can Surfshark remove my personal data from data broker sites?
Yes, the Surfshark One bundle includes a tool called Incogni. Incogni automatically contacts data brokers asking them to remove your data permanently. Windscribe does not have an integrated feature for this specific identity removal service easily.
Which tool has better security features for preventing leaks?
Windscribe features an advanced Firewall that greatly surpasses a standard killswitch. It specializes in blocking all traffic, IPv6, and DNS leaks immediately. Surfshark offers advanced Nexus features but focuses more on connection anonymity.
Does Windscribe offer a truly free option like Surfshark does?
Windscribe offers a permanent Free Plan with up to 10GB of data monthly. This is a very generous offering. Surfshark does not offer a truly free plan or a traditional trial. Surfshark subscribers rely on their 30-day money-back window.
Who has better customer service: Surfshark or Windscribe?
Surfshark provides highly praised 24/7 human customer support via live chat. Windscribe relies on the highly effective 'Gary' AI assistant for rapid responses. For complex or personalized support, Surfshark's human agents are often preferred easily.
Ready to Choose?
Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.