Two choices come to mind when considering inexpensive yet dependable VPNs: Windscribe and Surfshark.
Both Windscribe and Surfshark VPN are inexpensive VPNs that offer an unlimited number of connections. To choose one VPN service over another, you would need to look past their shared features and consider how they differ.
VPNs are a necessary evil when it comes to protecting your privacy and security online, but with so many to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you?
In this comparison, we’ll take a look at two of the most popular VPN providers: Surfshark and Windscribe. We’ll compare their features, pricing, and overall performance to help you decide which one is best for you. So, let’s get started!
Surfshark vs Windscribe – A Face-Off!
Before we dig into our detailed Surfshark vs Windscribe comparison, here is a quick features summary to help you figure out which is better:
| Factors | Surfshark | Windscribe |
| Trustpilot Rating: | 4.2 | 4.8 |
| Servers: | Offers 3,200+ servers in 95 countries | Offers servers in 69 countries |
| Logs policy: | No logs | No logs |
| Pricing: | Starts from $2.30/month | Starts from $4.08/month |
| VPN protocols: | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec, Shadowsocks | OpenVPN, IKEv2 and WireGuard. |
| Streaming Compatibility: | Can unblock multiple geo-locked streaming services such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video | Can unblock some geo-restricted streaming services. Takes several attempts to unblock Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer |
| Platforms: | Firefox, Windows, macOS, Linux, Edge, Chrome, iOS, and Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, iOS, Android, Blackberry, FireTV, Nvidia Shield, and more |
| Simultaneous connections: | Unlimited devices | Unlimited devices |
| Support: | FAQs, knowledge base, 24/7 live chat, email support | knowledge base, setup guides, FAQs, Bot-based live chat |
Speed Comparison: Surfshark vs Windscribe
Both VPNs provide speeds quick enough for HD streaming. However, Surfshark takes the top spot in this category, outpacing Windscribe’s average speeds.
With servers located in 63 nations and 110 cities, Windscribe doesn’t have a strong VPN infrastructure when compared to Surfshark. Surfshark offers way more servers (3200+) all over the world. As a result, their servers are less crowded – offering faster speeds.
Needless to say, you should have little latency and a fast connection with Surfshark, which will allow you to stream and browse uninterrupted. For what it’s worth, Windscribe gives remarkable speeds, albeit theoretically, it might struggle to offer decent speeds during peak hours.
Here is brief speed test table covering the speeds of both VPNs:
| Server Locations | Surfshark | Windscribe |
| US | 87.5 Mbps/100 Mbps | 57.7 Mbps/100 Mbps |
| UK | 81.51 Mbps/100 Mbps | 71.91 Mbps/100 Mbps |
| Canada | 76.65 Mbps/100 Mbps | 74.23 Mbps/100 Mbps |
| Australia | 78.97 Mbps/100 Mbps | 65.17 Mbps/100 Mbps |
| Germany | 77.98 Mbps/100 Mbps | 69.32 Mbps/100 Mbps |
Final Result: Surfshark is the winner!
Surfshark vs Windscribe Streaming Capabilities: Which One Unblocks More?
Despite not having the fastest download speeds, Surfshark made it onto our list of the best VPNs for streaming, but Windscribe didn’t, and it’s clear why.
With Surfshark, you can instantly access all the major streaming services, including Disney Plus, HBO Max, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video.
In contrast to Surfshark, Windscribe’s streaming quality is inconsistent. While it managed to unblock Disney Plus immediately during testing, it took several tries to unblock Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer and ABC.
Here’s a table covering the streaming and unblocking capabilities of both Surfshark and Windscribe:
| Streaming Services & Channels | Surfshark | Windscribe |
| Netflix | Multiple libraries, including UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Korea | Multiple libraries, including Canada, India, Australia, Ireland, and Malaysia |
| Amazon Prime
Video |
Yes | Yes, but after multiple attempts |
| CBS | Yes | Yes, but after multiple attempts |
| Hulu | Yes | Yes, but after multiple attempts |
| BBC iPlayer | Yes | Yes, but after multiple attempts |
| Disney Plus | Yes | Yes, but after multiple attempts |
| Hotstar | Yes | Yes |
| HBO Max | Yes | Yes, but after multiple attempts |
| ABC | Yes | No |
| Channel 4 | Yes | Yes |
| DAZN | Yes | Yes |
| NBC | Yes | No |
Final Result: Surfshark is the winner!
Surfshark vs. Windscribe – Torrenting
One of the most significant uses of a VPN is downloading torrents from P2P sites like PirateBay. When it comes to testing which VPN is better for torrenting, one needs to test its speeds and IP leaks.
So, first off, we tested both the VPNs for speeds. On a 100 Mbps internet connection, we downloaded a 3GB Linux test torrent file while using both VPN services. We anticipated Windscribe to outperform Surfshark due to its faster download speeds, however, our test results proved otherwise.
Check out the table below:
| VPN | Torrent download speed | Download time |
| Windscribe | 5 Mbit/s | 80 minutes |
| Surfshark | 12 Mbit/s | 33 minutes |
Surfshark’s download speed was quite constant throughout the testing process. It constantly downloaded torrent files faster than Windscribe. Hence, it earned a spot on our list of the best VPNs.
Final Result: Surfshark is the winner!
Features overview
With both VPNs, you can expect to get quality security features. Let’s check them out in detail below:
Kill switch
Both Surfshark and Windscribe come with a kill switch. In case of abrupt disconnection, both VPNs can automatically shut down your web traffic as a failsafe measure to protect your privacy.
Apps for different OSes & devices
Both VPNs offer excellent compatibility for popular OSes such as Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Additionally, they are both compatible with smart TVs, gaming consoles, and routers.
Split tunneling
Both VPNs also support split tunneling. They both allow app, IP, and URL-based split tunneling. But regrettably, Windscribe doesn’t allow split tunneling on macOS devices, and Surfshark doesn’t offer it in both iOS and macOS apps.
Encryption & MultiHop
Both VPNs use AES-256 for encryption and support multi-hop. This allows data packets to move through multiple servers for added privacy. Overall, both VPNs are equally secure on paper.
Ad blocker
Both VPN services also offer extra VPN features like ad blockers. Surfshark calls its ad blocker CleanWeb while Windscribe calls it R.O.B.E.R.T. Ad blockers protect your devices and speed up browsing by preventing malware, trackers, and advertising.
It prevents your browsers from loading files from websites that host malware, spyware, or other malicious software when it is turned on. On both VPNs, malware protection is turned on by default.
All in all, the two VPNs are comparable in terms of essential features. However, Surfshark has a slight advantage when cutting-edge features are taken into account.
In addition to offering an antivirus, it also has more sophisticated security features such as NoBorders mode, a feature provided by Surfshark which enables users to surf the internet without restriction in nations with harsh internet censorship.
Final Result: Surfshark is the winner!
Pricing Analysis
Given that Windscribe provides a free version, comparing the prices of these two VPNs can be a little confusing. However, Surfshark has the cheapest monthly price if we compare both VPN’s paid plans. We say this because while Surfshark’s 24-months plan costs $2.30/mo, Windscribe’s yearly plan costs $4.08/mo.
Another reason why we believe Surfshark is more affordable is that it offers 2-month’s worth of free subscriptions if you opt for its 24-months plan.
Here are the subscription plans of both VPNs:
| Monthly Cost By Term Length | Surfshark | Windscribe |
| Free VPN | 30-day free trial | 10 GB/mo data and comes with servers in 10 countries |
| 1 Month | $12.95 | $9 |
| 1 Year | n/a | $4.08 |
| 2 Years | $2.30 | n/a |
Both Surfshark and Windscribe offer customer-centric payment options. However, Surfshark supports more payment options than Windscribe.
You can use any of the following to purchase a Windscribe Pro subscription: Credit cards, Paypal, VISA/Mastercard debit cards, cryptocurrencies, mobile in-app purchases, and gift cards (via Paymentwall).
Surfshark on the other hand, in addition to supporting Paypal, VISA/Mastercard debit cards, and cryptocurrencies, also supports Google Pay and Amazon Pay.
Final Result: Surfshark is the winner!
China and countries with restricted internet access
As long as the appropriate configuration is used, Surfshark is among the finest VPNs that function in China. Simply enable the NoBorders feature in Surfshark’s Settings to browse anonymously and safely in China.
We conducted extensive study, but were unable to determine whether Windscribe is functional in China. Windscribe should function from everywhere, according to their customer support team, who we had to contact.
Final Result: Surfshark is the winner!
Server locations
Of the two, Surfshark has the largest server network. In 95 countries, it has over 3200 servers. This is a network the majority of its rivals are unable to match.
With servers located in 63 countries and 110 cities, Windscribe is now a provider that is somewhat in the middle of the pack when compared to Surfshark.
Final Result: Surfshark is the winner!
Surfshark vs. Windscribe device compatibility: Interface & Ease of Use
| Windscribe | Surfshark | |
| OS supported | Windows, Mac, iOS, Linux, and Android | Mac, Linux, Windows, iOS, and Android |
| Other devices and operating systems | Fire TVs, routers, & Android TVs | Fire TV devices, Kodi, and Android TVs |
| Browser extensions | Chrome & Firefox | Chrome & Firefox |
| Simultaneous connections | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Desktop apps
Both Surfshark and Windscribe perform brilliantly when it comes to user experience. However, Windscribe’s complicated interface might not be the best option for beginners.
There’s no need to fiddle about trying to navigate through the Surfshark desktop application.
You can skim through the servers or use the search bar to look up the server you wish to connect to. Additionally, for ease of access, each setting option has a clear label and is placed in a sensible location.
Whereas, Windscribe utilizes unclear menu icons that require you to linger over them in order to see what they do. In addition, while we value having all the information available at a glance, the cluttered nature of the app may be a turn off for new users.
Mobile apps
The mobile apps are equally user-friendly. For instance, Surfshark provides a feature-rich Android app with split tunnelling and a kill switch. Although the iOS app does not provide a split tunnelling function, it is just as simple to use.
Although Windscribe’s mobile apps have slightly better looks than its desktop counterparts, they omit some functions like firewall mode and have the same puzzling icons.
In the end, Surfshark excels in this category, thanks to its clear and simple user interface.
Final Result: Surfshark is the winner!
Customer support
Both VPNs take customer service seriously, making it simple for you to contact them and use their comprehensive, searchable knowledge base.
We discovered that Surfshark’s live help is available around-the-clock and replies to client questions quickly. If you are unable to access live chat support, for example if you are in China, you will quickly receive assistance via email support.
Windscribe provides live chat assistance through the chatbot Garry, that our testing revealed can reply in under a minute. In addition to a support ticketing system, you may access a knowledge base and FAQ section.
Final Result: It’s a Tie!
Surfshark vs. Windscribe – Which is Better?
In our Surfshark vs Windscribe comparison, Surfshark wins the battle. After thorough testing and examination, Windscribe received no points, compared to eight for Surfshark.
That’s because Surfshark offers a broader server network, lightning-fast speeds suited for streaming, and access to majority of well-known streaming services, including many that Windscribe is unable to access. Additionally, it performs superbly in countries like China.
FAQs
Which VPN is stronger than Windscribe?
Surfshark is a stronger VPN than Windscribe in terms of speeds, security, streaming, torrenting, and more.
Is Surfshark any good as a VPN?
Surfshark has been a top-notch VPN provider since years. In addition to offering rarely encountered split tunneling and MultiHop functionality, it boasts a generous unlimited devices policy that allows you to connect as many devices as you wish. The firm should also be commended for its open privacy policy and tamper-proof RAM-only servers.
Is Surfshark VPN better than ExpressVPN?
Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN are listed among our best 10 VPNs for 2022. ExpressVPN has a faster internet connection, but it is more expensive and only allows you to utilise five devices only. For a detailed review, check out our Surfshark vs ExpressVPN comparison.