Windscribe
Windscribe is used a lot as a mix of VPN app and browser extension, with a strong focus on blocking ads and trackers. It suits people who want privacy tools that work during normal browsing, not just when they remember to connect.
Updated:January 5, 2026
Overview
Windscribe is built for day-to-day browsing where you want fewer trackers and less noise. Many users run the browser extension alongside the main VPN app to cover both web pages and other apps.
It tends to appeal to people who like having control without digging through long menus. You can choose when to tunnel only certain apps, or keep everything on the VPN during work and travel.
On restrictive networks, Windscribe is often used to get around blocks and VPN filtering. It includes options meant to blend in better on tough Wi-Fi, so the connection is more likely to stay up.
Privacy features show up in practical ways, like a kill switch style firewall and DNS leak protection. Support for modern protocols like WireGuard is there when you want a faster, simpler setup.
Features
Streaming Support
- HBO Max
- Unblock netflix
- Disney+
- Android TV
- Apple TV
- Smart TVs
- Kodi
- Fire TV
- Hulu
Browser Extensions
- Microsoft Edge extension
- Chrome extension
- Opera extension
- Firefox extension
Pricing & Payments
- Freemium
- Free
- Subscription
- Cryptocurrency
Network & Advanced Features
- Split TunnelingA versatile networking feature that lets you choose which specific apps use the VPN and which stay on your local internet connection. This allows you to secure your sensitive banking data while simultaneously streaming local content or gaming at maximum speeds.
- Port ForwardingThis feature allows incoming connections from the internet to pass through the VPN firewall to a specific device on your local network. It is vital for users who need to host game servers, access remote desktops, or maximize speeds for P2P file sharing and torrenting.
- RAM only serversHigh-security servers that run entirely on volatile RAM rather than traditional hard drives. Since RAM requires power to store data, every bit of information on the server is permanently wiped during every reboot, ensuring no data can ever be physically seized.
- Custom DNSAn advanced networking feature that allows you to manually set your preferred DNS provider (like Cloudflare, Google, or NextDNS) directly within the VPN app. This gives you granular control over your connection, enabling you to improve website resolution speeds, bypass ISP-level DNS filtering, and add extra layers of security like custom ad and malware blocking at the DNS level.
- Proxy supportAllows you to configure a proxy (like SOCKS5 or HTTP) directly within the app, either as an alternative to the VPN or as an additional layer. It is perfect for users who need a lightweight way to change their IP for a specific app or task without the encryption overhead of a full VPN, offering faster speeds for data gathering, location testing, and high-speed streaming.
- Obfuscation / Stealth ModeAdvanced technology that disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS web browsing to bypass deep packet inspection. This is the best way to use a VPN in highly censored countries like China or on restrictive networks like schools and workplaces.
- Multi-Hop (Double VPN)A powerful privacy feature that chains your connection through two separate VPN servers in different countries. By encrypting your data twice, it makes it virtually impossible for anyone to trace your online activity back to your original location. However, the downside is slower speeds.
Device & Platform Support
- Mac
- Windows
- iPhone / iOS
- Linux
- Android
VPN Protocols
- ShadowsocksAn encrypted proxy protocol specifically designed to help users bypass the Great Firewall and other forms of strict internet censorship. It is lightweight, fast, and highly effective at making VPN traffic look like ordinary web activity.
- OpenVPNThe industry’s most trusted and versatile protocol, known for its incredible security and ability to bypass even the toughest firewalls. Because it is open-source, it is constantly being audited and improved by security experts worldwide.
- IKEv2A high-speed VPN protocol known for its exceptional stability and ability to reconnect instantly when switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data. It is the preferred choice for mobile users who need a secure connection that doesn't drop while they are on the move.
- WireGuardThe newest and most efficient VPN protocol, built with high-speed performance and state-of-the-art cryptography in mind. It offers significantly faster connection times and better battery life for mobile devices compared to older, legacy protocols.
Privacy & Security
- Kill SwitchAn essential fail-safe that automatically disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops. This prevents your unencrypted data and real IP address from being exposed to the public web for even a single second.
- Open SourceThe software’s code is public and can be inspected by anyone for security flaws. This transparency ensures there are no hidden "backdoors" or malicious features.
- Ad & Tracker BlockingAn integrated security tool that stops intrusive advertisements and malicious tracking scripts from loading on your web pages. It not only enhances your privacy but also speeds up your browsing experience by reducing data consumption.
- AES-256 EncryptionThis is the highest level of data encryption available, utilizing a 256-bit key to scramble your internet traffic. It is the gold standard used by security experts and government agencies to ensure your private data remains unreadable to hackers and ISPs.
- IPv6 Leak ProtectionA critical safety feature that prevents your device from accidentally revealing its real location through the modern IPv6 protocol. It forces all traffic through the encrypted VPN tunnel, closing a common loophole used by websites to track users.
- No-Logs PolicyA strict privacy guarantee that the VPN provider does not track, record, or store any information about your online activities. This ensures that even if authorities request data, there is absolutely no browsing history or connection timestamps to provide. This is often mentioned in VPN provider's Term of Service.
- DNS Leak ProtectionThis security feature ensures all your website requests are routed through the VPN's private DNS servers rather than your ISP's. It prevents your browsing habits from being exposed, maintaining total online anonymity even if a connection error occurs.
Support & Trust
- Quick Setup
Windscribe Alternatives
Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access is a privacy-focused VPN with a long-running reputation among power users. It stands out for open-source apps and lots of connection controls, like split tunneling and a kill switch.
Hide.me
Hide.me is built for people who want strong privacy controls without a noisy app experience. It keeps the focus on no-logs use, modern VPN protocols, and tools that help prevent leaks during everyday browsing.
gizlenVPN
gizlenVPN is a simple, location-based VPN service tied to the Gizlen.net site. It is mainly used when you need a quick server choice across many countries on desktop or mobile.
IPVanish
IPVanish is a VPN service many people use on several devices at once, without juggling connection limits. It is often picked for day-to-day privacy plus steady access to apps and streaming while traveling.
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