The main difference between Windscribe and Express VPN is that Windscribe offers a free tier with up to 15 GB of bandwidth per month, while still accessing the full suite of features available in the paid version.
On the other hand, Express VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, similar to NordVPN. There's no free tier — you must have a valid credit card or crypto wallet to sign up. If unsatisfied, you can only get your money back after contacting support.
Express is a particularly notorious VPN service for several reasons, including:
- Complicated and opaque cancellation process
- Increasing your subscription price after signup (aka the "bait & switch")
- Being run by former spies
If you don't believe us, someone you may have heard of can tell you in their own words...
If you're an ExpressVPN customer, you shouldn't be. https://t.co/l8us92W0BQ
— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) September 16, 2021
Pricing
Windscribe offers a highly flexible pricing structure (one of the best features, no doubt). Your options include a generous free plan that comes with up to 15 GB of data per month, or the pro version which starts at around $9 per month. You also have the option “build a plan” by picking individual server locations for $1 per month per location, a uniquely flexible offering in the VPN world.
ExpressVPN, on the other hand, is on the pricier side. There is no free version, and its standard plan costs around $12.95 per month, with discounts available for long-term commitments (6 or 12 months).
Privacy Tools
Both VPNs perform above market standard in this regard. Windscribe is more than a VPN—it's a complete privacy suite. In addition to VPN connections, Windscribe comes with built-in ad-blocking, tracker-blocking, and malware protection features through its R.O.B.E.R.T. tool, alongside secure proxy browser extensions, double-hop capabilities, split tunneling, and firewall options to block all non-VPN traffic. Windscribe apps are also open-sourced if anyone wishes to inspect the source code (the code has also been audited).
ExpressVPN also offers a solid range of privacy features. It employs AES-256 encryption, one of the highest standards in the industry, and uses its proprietary Lightway protocol, which is designed for both speed and security. It includes DNS leak protection, a kill switch (Network Lock), and strict no-logs policies independently audited.
While both VPNs offer top-tier encryption, Windscribe provides more customizable privacy tools at a lower cost. An added bonus is their policy of transparency and ethics.
User Experience
Windscribe offers apps for a range of platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, browsers, and even smart TVs through extensions. The interface is simple, with users able to connect to the VPN with just one click. Windscribe’s extensive server network spans over 110 locations.
ExpressVPN is also known sleek, intuitive design and its apps are available on a similar range of devices. Like Windscribe, connecting is straightforward and hassle-free. ExpressVPN also offers a quick-connect feature that chooses the best server for you based on your location, like Windscribe's Autopilot.
While Express lacks some of the deeper customizations that Windscribe offers, ExpressVPN’s polished and user-friendly experience is tailored for people who prefer simplicity over customization and control.
Speed
Windscribe provides good speeds, especially considering the price, and it has servers optimized for streaming and torrenting. Considering that speed is usually determined by distance to the server, the free version can be limited in speed due to the smaller number of available server locations.
ExpressVPN consistently ranks among the fastest VPNs in the industry. Its proprietary Lightway protocol is designed specifically to deliver minimal latency and fast connections. Whether you're watching HD content, participating in video calls, or gaming, ExpressVPN tends to outperform most other VPNs. This speed comes at a cost, of course, as reflected in its pricing.
While Windscribe offers respectable performance for most users, ExpressVPN is likely the better option if speed is your primary concern, if you don't take price into consideration.
Reviews
Both VPNs have garnered solid reputations, but their user bases and reviews differ slightly. Express's reviews also carry less weight when you consider that their parent company owns and operates several popular review websites, along with affiliate programs galore with any influence that has a sizeable audience.
Windscribe is particularly beloved for its generous free plan and its innovative features like R.O.B.E.R.T. Many users appreciate its flexible pricing options, sense of humor, and commitment to privacy. However, some reviews have noted occasional speed issues and a smaller server network compared to the bigger players. On the whole, Windscribe’s community tends to focus on value for money and the ability to tailor the service.
ExpressVPN has a well-established reputation, but not without its asterisks. Many common complaint revolves around the price, which is significantly higher than many competitors. There has also been increased attention into the company's business practices, not excluding the hiring of a CEO with some sketchy origins.
Conclusion
Both Windscribe and ExpressVPN are excellent VPN providers. However, they cater to entirely different types of users and have very different approaches to business. Windscribe is best for those wanting flexibility, privacy, and customizable features (basically any user looking for more control over their VPN experience).
👉 Read why PC Mag gave Windscribe its Editor’s Choice award
