The main difference between Windscribe and Hide.me are the breadth of features Windscribe offers, such as its proprietary ad blocking tool, double hop connections, P2P optimized servers, and generous free plan.
Hide.me is based in Malaysia, a strange jurisdiction for a VPN company to operate from. What's more, it has not undergone an independent third-party audit to verify its claim of being a no-logs VPN service.
In this blog, we'll compare Windscribe to Hide.me based on considerations around pricing, server network, speed, privacy, user experience, and features.
Windscribe vs Hide.me: The Detailed Breakdown
Here's a comparison to help decide which is better for you:
1. Pricing and Plans
- Windscribe offers a free plan with up to 15 GB of data per month and the flexibility to build a custom plan by paying for specific server locations. It also has an affordable Pro plan priced at $5.75/month, with no hidden surprises or bait and switch tactics.
- Hide.me also has a free plan, but it’s limited to 10 GB per month and fewer server locations. For premium plans, you must commit to longer-term deals.
2. Privacy and Security
- Windscribe provides robust privacy features, including R.O.B.E.R.T., a customizable ad and tracker blocker, and support for protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN. It also has a clear no-logs policy and supports advanced features like double-hop connections.
- Hide.me supports encryption protocols such as WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, and SoftEther. However it hasn't conducted an independent audit of its no-logs claim, which raises questions.
3. Server Network and Speed
- Windscribe has servers in over 69 countries, and its servers are continually being upgraded with 10 Gbps locations, offering reliable speeds for streaming, browsing, and gaming.
- Hide.me has a smaller server network with over 75 locations, which can be a limiting factor for users who want more server options. While it offers decent speeds, Windscribe's server infrastructure tends to handle high-speed connections more effectively.
4. Streaming and Geo-Unblocking
- Windscribe is known for its ability to unblock a wide range of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, making it a favorite for users looking to bypass geo-restrictions.
- Hide.me is not as reliable for unblocking streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer compared to other VPNs. Users often report difficulties in bypassing geo-restrictions on these platforms, making it a less attractive option.
5. User Experience and Features
- Windscribe has a clean, user-friendly interface and powerful browser extensions with advanced features like location spoofing, WebRTC blocking, and cookie management. It also offers split tunneling and a firewall-based kill switch.
- Hide.me has a simpler interface with advanced security features like split tunneling and a kill switch, but it doesn’t offer the same level of customization or extras that Windscribe does, such as ad and tracker blocking with R.O.B.E.R.T.
6. Reviews
Windscribe users love the service for its premium features, affordable pricing, generous free plan, and advanced privacy and security features. Its audience praise the company for its commitment to transparency and accountability, while maintaining high service levels.
On the other hand, some Hide.me users have reported occasional connection drops or instability, particularly when switching between servers or using the VPN for extended periods. These issues can be disruptive, especially for activities that require a stable connection, such as video calls or gaming.
Conclusion
Windscribe comes out on top for users seeking a more flexible, feature-packed VPN, especially if you value privacy tools, customizable options, and the ability to unblock streaming services reliably.
Hide.me lags behind in server options, streaming performance, and pricing flexibility. If your priority is streaming, affordability, and extra privacy features, Windscribe is the better choice.
