Quick verdict
If you want a VPN to use every day on one device without worrying about data, choose Proton VPN. If you need protection on several devices or a choice of more countries, and about 10 GB a month is enough, Windscribe is the better fit. Both are free: you can run Proton VPN on your laptop and Windscribe on your phone.
Pick Proton VPN if…
- You use a VPN every day and don’t want to keep checking how much data you have left.
- Protecting one device at a time is enough for you.
- You prefer a Swiss company with open source apps.
- You already use other Proton services, such as Proton Mail.
Pick Windscribe if…
- You want to use the VPN on several devices at once.
- You need a choice of more countries.
- About 10 GB a month is enough for you.
- You want basic ad and tracker blocking included.
Proton VPN vs Windscribe: point by point
| Feature | Proton VPN | Windscribe |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Freemium | Freemium |
| Platforms | WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOS | WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOS |
| Use | Online | Online |
| Data on the free plan | Unlimited | 10 GB a month if you confirm your email (2 GB without) |
| Free countries | 5 | About 10 |
| Devices at once | 1 | Unlimited |
| Ads in the app | No | No |
| Ad and tracker blocking | Paid plans only | Basic blocking included |
| Company headquarters | Switzerland | Canada |
| Account | Proton account, with email | Can be created without email, with less data |
Key differences
Data or variety
This is the big difference. Proton VPN doesn’t limit data or time, but its free plan has servers in only a few countries. Windscribe offers more countries, with a monthly data cap that runs out quickly if you watch videos or download a lot.
Devices
Proton VPN’s free plan only allows one connected device at a time. Windscribe doesn’t limit devices, so you can use it on your phone, laptop and tablet with the same account.
Privacy
Both have a no-logs policy. Proton is based in Switzerland and publishes the code of its apps; Windscribe is based in Canada and lets you create an account without giving your email, although the data limit is then lower.
Extras
Windscribe’s free plan includes basic ad and tracker blocking. With Proton VPN, the NetShield blocker and access to more countries are paid features.
What they have in common
- Both have a free plan with no expiry date and no ads in the app.
- Both run on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS.
- Both encrypt your connection on public Wi-Fi, such as at the library or a café.
- Both offer optional paid plans in case you ever need more.
Try them for free
Step-by-step guide: how to switch from NordVPN to Proton VPN
Not convinced by either? See every free alternative to NordVPN
Frequently asked questions
Which one is faster?
It depends on the server and your connection, and free plans are usually slower than paid ones. The best approach is to try both at home, since they are free.
Can I use them to watch content from other countries?
Free plans aren’t designed for that: they have few countries and don’t guarantee access to streaming platforms. For protecting your connection on public Wi-Fi, though, they do the job well.
Is it safe to use a free VPN?
With these two, yes: they are well-known companies with no-logs policies. Be wary of unknown free VPNs, as some fund themselves by selling their users’ data.
Independent: we have no commercial relationship, sponsorship or affiliation with NordVPN or with these alternatives, and nobody pays us to recommend them. Links go to their official websites and are not affiliate links; the site is funded only by Google AdSense ads, which don't influence the selection. Learn more.
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