The main difference between Windscribe and AirVPN is that Windscribe provides an ample free plan with up to 15 GB free data per month and access to the same features as its paid users.
AirVPN does not offer free plans to their users; however, their paid plans are priced competitively.
Choosing the right VPN often involves evaluating several key factors like Pricing, Privacy Tools, User Experience, Speed, Reviews, and Customer Support. In this comparison, we’ll explore how Windscribe and AirVPN stack up against each other across these critical areas to help you determine which VPN is the best fit for your needs.
Before we dig into it, we would like to start by saying that both VPN services prioritize privacy and transparency. Windscribe, like AirVPN, remains independently-owned and self-funded.
Windscribe vs. AirVPN: A Complete Breakdown
Let’s explore some key differentiators together:
Pricing
Windscribe stands out for its flexible pricing options, offering a free plan that gives users access to servers in 9 countries with a monthly data limit of 10GB (if you confirm your email) and up to 15 GB (if you post on X). For those looking for more, Windscribe’s Pro plan offers unlimited data and access to its full range of server locations. Windscribe also allows users to “Build a Plan” by choosing individual server locations for just $1 per month per location. This pricing model is ideal for users who don’t need access to the entire server network but still want premium performance.
AirVPN, on the other hand, does not offer a free tier but provides competitive pricing for its full-featured service. AirVPN’s pricing is straightforward, with multiple subscription options that range from three-day access to yearly plans. The monthly plan is priced around the industry average, but it becomes more affordable with long-term subscriptions. While AirVPN doesn’t offer the customization of Windscribe’s “Build a Plan” feature, it provides consistent access to all servers and unlimited bandwidth in all pricing tiers.
Privacy Tools
Both Windscribe and AirVPN are privacy-focused VPNs, but they cater to different user needs.
Windscribe offers robust privacy tools, including its highly customizable R.O.B.E.R.T. system, which blocks ads, malware, and trackers at the DNS level. It allows users to fine-tune what types of content they want to block, making it a standout feature for those who prioritize privacy. Windscribe also offers a standalone browser extension packed with advanced privacy and anti-fingerprinting features, such as:
- Location Warp: Spoofs your GPS to make it appear as though you're browsing from a different country.
- Cookie Monster: Automatically deletes first- and third-party cookies when you close the tab.
- WebRTC Slayer: Prevents your IP address from leaking during browsing sessions.
- Language and Time Warp: Adjusts your browser's language and time settings to match the VPN location.
- Split Personality: Randomly rotates your user agent, making it appear as if you are using a different browser each time.
With the browser extension, you can Double Hop, which allows users to route their traffic through two VPN servers for an extra layer of privacy
Additionally, Windscribe is open source, supports a range of VPN protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, and it adheres to a strict no-logs policy, which has been independently audited, ensuring that user data is neither tracked nor store.
AirVPN, is also known for its strong focus on transparency and open-source ethos. It operates entirely on OpenVPN, a highly secure and open-source protocol, and provides detailed technical information to users about how the service is configured. Additionally, AirVPN is one of the few VPNs that supports VPN over Tor, allowing users to further anonymize their online activity by routing traffic through the Tor network.
User Experience
Windscribe is known for its user-friendly interface that caters to both beginners and more advanced users. The app is simple to navigate, with a clean and intuitive design that makes connecting to servers or configuring settings easy. Windscribe is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, AndroidTV, FireTV, Apple TV, routers and browser extensions. It also provides extra features like Network Whitelisting, which allows users to set trusted networks, and Secure Hotspot, which turns your device into a VPN-protected Wi-Fi hotspot.
AirVPN, while highly respected for its performance and security, tends to have a more technical interface that may be daunting for VPN beginners. The app, Eddie, is designed for advanced users who want full control over their VPN settings. While this makes AirVPN highly configurable, it’s less intuitive for users who just want a simple, quick connection. AirVPN supports the major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and routers, but lacks the range of devices, ease of use and beginner-friendly features that Windscribe offers.
Speed
Both Windscribe and AirVPN offer respectable speeds, but there are some differences in performance.
Windscribe provides solid speeds, especially when using its WireGuard protocol, which is optimized for faster and more efficient connections. While speeds can vary depending on server load and location, Windscribe generally performs well for streaming, gaming, and P2P, especially on the paid plan.
AirVPN is known for its consistent speed, particularly because it uses only OpenVPN, which is highly secure but not always the fastest. However, AirVPN compensates for this with its dedicated servers and emphasis on performance. AirVPN’s network tends to be less congested, resulting in faster speeds, especially for users looking to stream high-definition content.
Reviews
Windscribe is frequently praised for its free plan and flexible features. Users appreciate the R.O.B.E.R.T. tool, as well as Windscribe’s transparency and commitment to privacy. Many reviews highlight Windscribe’s user-friendly design and customizable pricing as standout features.
AirVPN is well-regarded within the privacy community for its transparency, security, and no-logs policy. It consistently receives positive feedback for its support for VPN over Tor. While AirVPN’s interface is often described as complex, users who value full control over their VPN configuration tend to leave highly favorable reviews. Some reviews do point out that the service is not as beginner-friendly as other VPNs, which could be a drawback for those new to VPN technology.
Customer Support
Windscribe offers ticket-based support and a super-brained chatbot named Garry, which handles complex technical inquiries. For additional support, users can submit a ticket or engage with the active Reddit and Discord communities, where many issues are resolved by fellow users. Windscribe also has an extensive knowledge base and FAQs, which are great for users who prefer self-help solutions.
AirVPN provides email-based support and has an active community forum where users and developers interact regularly. AirVPN’s forum is highly technical, offering deep discussions on VPN configuration, security, and network performance. This makes it a great resource for advanced users but may be overwhelming for beginners. Unlike Windscribe, AirVPN does not have live chat support, relying more on community-driven help.
Conclusion
Both Windscribe and AirVPN are excellent VPNs, but they cater to different types of users.
Windscribe excels in flexibility, privacy tools, and user-friendliness, making it ideal for both the casual and super user. AirVPN, on the other hand, is perfect for advanced users who value technical control.
