Windscribe vs ProtonVPN — Full Comparison 2026
Last updated: February 2026 · Based on hands-on testing
Our Pick
🏆 ProtonVPN Wins
ProtonVPN wins with unlimited bandwidth on its free tier and superior privacy credentials. Windscribe offers more server locations for free users but caps data at 10GB monthly.
Windscribe
ProtonVPN
| Feature | Windscribe | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Monthly Price | $9.00/mo | $9.99/mo |
| 2-Year Price | $5.75/mo | $4.99/mo |
| Download Speed | 780 Mbps | 870 Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 320 Mbps | 380 Mbps |
| Latency | 36ms | 30ms |
| Servers | 480+ | 4,600+ |
| Countries | 69 | 91 |
| Simultaneous Devices | Unlimited | 10 |
| Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, Stealth | WireGuard, OpenVPN, Stealth |
| Streaming | Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime | Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer |
Speed Comparison
In our speed tests, Windscribe achieved download speeds of 780 Mbps while ProtonVPN reached 870 Mbps. Both VPNs were tested on a 1 Gbps connection from multiple locations. ProtonVPN had the edge in raw throughput, though both services deliver speeds that are more than adequate for streaming, gaming, and everyday browsing.
Latency is equally important, especially for gaming and video calls. Windscribe averaged 36ms while ProtonVPN came in at 30ms. Lower latency means more responsive connections, which matters for real-time applications.
Security & Privacy
Both Windscribe and ProtonVPN offer strong security foundations with AES-256 encryption and no-logs policies. Windscribe supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, Stealth, while ProtonVPN offers WireGuard, OpenVPN, Stealth. Both include essential security features like kill switches and DNS leak protection.
Where they differ is in the extras. Windscribe offers features like Generous Free Tier (10GB/mo), R.O.B.E.R.T. Ad Blocker, Build-A-Plan Pricing, while ProtonVPN counters with Free Tier Available, Secure Core (Multi-Hop), NetShield Ad Blocker. These additional features can be the deciding factor depending on your specific needs.
Streaming
Streaming capability is a major differentiator between VPNs. Windscribe successfully unblocked Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime in our testing. ProtonVPN worked with Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime. Both are solid choices for streaming, though ProtonVPN was slightly more consistent across platforms.
Pricing & Value
Windscribe starts at $5.75/mo on the 2-year plan ($9.00/mo monthly), while ProtonVPN costs $4.99/mo for 2 years ($9.99/mo monthly). Both offer 30-day money-back guarantees, so you can try either risk-free.
Our Verdict
ProtonVPN wins with unlimited bandwidth on its free tier and superior privacy credentials. Windscribe offers more server locations for free users but caps data at 10GB monthly.
Ultimately, both Windscribe and ProtonVPN are excellent VPN services. Your choice should depend on which features matter most to you. If speed and server coverage are priorities, check the numbers above. If price is the deciding factor, compare the long-term plan costs. Either way, you're getting a quality VPN.