⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: AdGuard VPN starts at $2.40/month (2 Years) vs Windscribe at $5.75/month (Yearly Plan).
- Best for: AdGuard VPN for budget privacy and ad blocking. Windscribe for streaming and free data.
- Key difference: AdGuard VPN runs a proprietary protocol. Windscribe supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2.
- Our pick: AdGuard VPN for budget buyers — cheaper long plans, 10 devices, 30-day refund.
The VPN with less free data can still win this matchup.
Windscribe gives you 10GB of data free each month.
AdGuard VPN gives you just 3 GB.
Yet AdGuard VPN costs less on a long plan and has a longer refund window.
Windscribe fights back with faster speeds and better streaming.
Here’s how these two VPN services really compare.
Overview
This Windscribe vs AdGuard VPN comparison covers pricing, speed, privacy, and streaming.
We reviewed documentation, pricing pages, and public speed tests for both tools.
Our writers also spent hands-on time with each VPN app.
Those notes appear in the “What Our Team Noticed” sections below.
By the end, you’ll know which VPN provider fits your budget and habits.
What is AdGuard VPN?
AdGuard VPN is a VPN service from AdGuard Software Limited.
The same company makes the popular AdGuard ad blocker.
It encrypts your traffic and hides your real location and IP address.
That keeps you safer on public Wi Fi networks.
The company is based in Cyprus, outside the 5/9/14 Eyes alliances.
It runs 800+ servers in 65+ locations across 53 countries.
Our full AdGuard VPN review covers setup in more detail.
Want to see how AdGuard VPN works in practice? This short video walks through it.
🏆 Winner: AdGuard VPN
A light VPN from an ad blocker company. Ten devices per paid plan. Backed by a 30-day refund on long plans.
AdGuard VPN Pricing
Here’s what an AdGuard VPN subscription costs in 2026. All three plans unlock the same features.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | $11.99/month | Short trips or testing |
| 1 Year | $3.99/month | Everyday use on one account |
| 2 Years | $2.40/month | Lowest long-term cost |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Free plan: AdGuard offers a free plan with 3 GB of data every month. The free version caps speeds at 20 Mbps.
Money-back guarantee: A 30-day money back guarantee covers the 1 Year and 2 Years plans. The monthly plan is not included.
📌 Note: Every paid plan unlocks all the features and unlimited data. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or cryptocurrencies.
⚠️ Warning: The monthly plan is the priciest way to pay. Price check: some sites list the 2-year plan at $119, about $2.99/month. Confirm the final price at checkout before you buy AdGuard VPN.
Key Benefits of AdGuard VPN
Here’s what makes AdGuard VPN worth a look:
- Ad blocking roots: AdGuard puts ad blocking first. Pair the VPN with the AdGuard ad blocker in integrated mode for system-wide filtering.
- Ten devices at once: Paid plans allow up to 10 simultaneous connections. That covers laptops, mobile devices, and a TV.
- AdGuard DNS: Pick DNS servers that block ads and trackers. Filtering happens before a page loads.
- Stealthy protocol: The proprietary protocol masks VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic. That makes the connection harder to detect.
- Privacy-first base: Cyprus sits outside the 5/9/14 Eyes and follows GDPR. The company says it never shares user data with third parties.
- Wide app support: Apps cover Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV, and Linux. Browser extensions work in Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer created an AdGuard account and tried the app on a Windows PC. Here’s what stood out from that hands-on time:
AdGuard VPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Free plan with 3 GB of data every month
- 10 simultaneous connections on every paid plan
- Based in Cyprus, outside the 5/9/14 Eyes alliances
- 30-day refund on yearly and 2-year plans
- Pairs with AdGuard DNS to block ads and trackers
❌ Cons
- No OpenVPN or WireGuard, only a proprietary protocol
- No third-party audit of its privacy claims
- Slow speeds reported, with drops to around 10 Mbps
- No 24/7 customer support
What is Windscribe?
Windscribe is a VPN service based in Ontario, Canada.
It secures your internet connection by encrypting data and masking your IP address.
The generous free plan gives you 10GB of data per month with an email.
Skip the email and you get 2GB instead.
Paid users unlock unlimited data and all 110+ locations in 66 countries.
Windscribe apps run on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV.
Our full Windscribe VPN review goes deeper on each setting.
Here’s a quick video tour of the Windscribe apps before we get into numbers.
🥈 Runner Up: Windscribe
A fast VPN with a real free tier. Unlimited devices on every plan. Strong streaming access on paid servers.
Windscribe Pricing
Here are the Windscribe subscription options for 2026. Two fixed plans, plus one flexible option.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Build A Plan | Custom | Users who need only a few locations |
| Yearly Plan | $5.75/month | Full access at the best rate |
| Monthly Plan | $9.00/month | Short-term or casual use |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Free plan: Windscribe’s free service is permanent. You get 10GB monthly with an email, or 2GB without.
Money-back guarantee: Windscribe’s money back guarantee lasts just three days. It only applies if you’ve used less than 10GB.
📌 Note: Build A Plan costs $1 per location, with a two-location minimum. Each location adds 10GB of data per month. The yearly plan is billed at $69. Windscribe accepts cards, PayPal, Bitcoin, other crypto, and gift cards.
⚠️ Warning: Windscribe deals come and go, but the three-day refund window stays tight. Test the free version first before paying for Windscribe Pro.
Key Benefits of Windscribe
Here’s what makes Windscribe worth considering:
- Generous free plan: 10GB of data every month is more than three times AdGuard VPN’s allowance. No credit card needed.
- Unlimited devices: Unlimited simultaneous connections apply to free and paid users alike. One account covers the whole house.
- R.O.B.E.R.T.: A customizable DNS and IP-level blocker for ads, trackers, and malware. It also runs inside Windscribe’s browser extensions.
- Fast protocols: WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN are all supported. WireGuard posted the top results in public speed tests.
- Flexible pricing: Build A Plan lets you pay only for the server locations you need. It suits someone who just wants a US server.
- Anonymous signup: Since late 2025, you can create an account with a randomly generated hash. No email or password needed.
- Power-user extras: Static IP addresses and port forwarding are available on Windscribe Pro. The Windows version can share the VPN as a Wi Fi hotspot.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for Windscribe and used the desktop app and browser extension. Here’s what stood out:
Windscribe Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- 10GB of data free each month with an email
- Unlimited simultaneous connections, free or paid
- WireGuard speeds measured above 950Mbps
- Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney Plus
- Build A Plan pricing at $1 per location
❌ Cons
- Headquartered in Canada, a Five Eyes member
- Refund window is only three days
- Around 500 servers, far fewer than NordVPN
- No human live chat support
Feature Comparison
Ready for a closer look at Windscribe vs AdGuard VPN? We compare ten areas that matter most when you pick a VPN.
| Feature | AdGuard VPN | Windscribe |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $2.40/month (2 Years) | $5.75/month (Yearly Plan) |
| Free Plan | ✅ 3 GB/month | ✅ 10GB/month |
| Server Network | 800+ servers, 53 countries | ~500 servers, 66 countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 | Unlimited |
| WireGuard / OpenVPN | ❌ Proprietary protocol | ✅ |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | ✅ (Firewall) |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ad Blocker | ✅ AdGuard DNS | ✅ R.O.B.E.R.T. |
| Money-Back Window | 30 days | 3 days |
| Best For | Budget privacy and ad blocking | Streaming and speed |
1. Server Network & Server Locations
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN operates over 800 servers in 65+ locations across 53 countries. That is a small network next to premium VPNs from larger VPN providers. Some regions offer only a few server locations to pick a VPN server from.
Windscribe: Windscribe runs around 500 VPN servers in 110+ cities across 66 countries. NordVPN, by contrast, runs over 8,800 servers. Still, Windscribe servers reach more countries than AdGuard VPN. The app also shows live server load.
2. VPN Protocols & Connection Speeds
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN skips OpenVPN and WireGuard entirely. The AdGuard VPN protocol is proprietary and built for speed. But it has not been independently audited, which limits transparency.
Windscribe: Windscribe supports WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN. Reviewers testing Windscribe recorded OpenVPN UDP speeds of 270–330Mbps, and WireGuard pushed past 950Mbps. Its apps connect in a few seconds, often in 1–2.
💡 Speed Test Notes: Reviewers who tested AdGuard VPN saw drops from 65 Mbps to about 10 Mbps. The paid tier averaged 58.73 Mbps. AdGuard VPN’s performance held up best on nearby servers, with about 20% loss. Windscribe lost 19% on nearby servers and 31% on distant ones. One test saw Windscribe’s download speeds fall 20% on Mac, 43% on the Windows client. Free Windscribe servers ran about 15% slower than paid ones. One review ranked Windscribe top five for speed, beside NordVPN and Hotspot Shield.
3. Encryption, Privacy & Logging
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN uses AES-256 encryption and a strict no logs policy. It doesn’t record IP addresses, browsing history, or connection timestamps. It collects minimal usage info to fix technical issues. No third party has audited these security measures.
Windscribe: Windscribe also uses AES-256 and does not log user activity. It keeps only relevant data, like total bandwidth and last activity time, in RAM. No connection details survive after the session ends. Windscribe has passed audits of its privacy practices with no major issues found.
⚠️ Warning: Windscribe is headquartered in Canada, a Five Eyes member. AdGuard VPN is based in Cyprus, outside the 5/9/14 Eyes and bound by GDPR. If jurisdiction matters most to you, AdGuard VPN has the edge.
4. Kill Switch, Split Tunneling & Local Network
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN includes a kill switch that stops data leaks if the VPN connection drops. Split tunneling lets you pick which apps or certain websites skip the VPN tunnel. Some reviewers noted random disconnects, so keep the kill switch on.
Windscribe: Windscribe calls its kill switch Firewall. It cuts all internet access if the connection fails. Split tunneling works by app on the desktop app and Android app. You can also allow local network traffic, so printers keep working.
The LAN setting sits in the connection menu of the desktop client.
5. Streaming & Unblocking
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN can unblock Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. It struggles with Amazon Prime and Peacock. Some streaming platforms show buffering and longer load times.
Windscribe: Windscribe unblocked US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, and Hulu. It opened every Netflix library tested, including the UK, Australia, Canada, and Japan. It also scored full marks on ITV and Channel 4. On the free plan, the data limit allows about 7 hours of streaming.
💡 Pro Tip: For HD streaming, skip both free plans. AdGuard VPN’s free tier caps speeds at 20 Mbps. Windscribe’s free data runs out fast.
6. Ad & Tracker Blocking
AdGuard VPN: Does AdGuard VPN block ads on its own? Partly. You can choose DNS servers that filter ads and trackers. For full coverage, run the AdGuard ad blocker beside it in integrated mode.
Windscribe: Windscribe’s R.O.B.E.R.T. blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS and IP level. You toggle each blocklist on or off. It works in the apps and in the browser extensions.
A separate tracker filter adds one more layer on top of R.O.B.E.R.T.
7. DNS & Leak Protection
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard DNS is the standout here. You can pick a DNS server that blocks ads before pages load. It is the same DNS service AdGuard offers as a standalone product.
Windscribe: Windscribe includes DNS and IP leak protection. You choose which DNS to use when the VPN is connected or disconnected. Run a leak test after setup to confirm there are no DNS leaks.
8. Static IP & Extra Tools
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN has no static IP option. Instead, AdGuard products add Temp Mail for throwaway inboxes and AdGuard Assistant for browser controls.
AdGuard Assistant handles quick blocking choices right inside your browser.
Windscribe: Windscribe sells a static IP add-on for Windscribe Pro users. That helps with banking logins and remote work portals. The Windows app adds port forwarding and MAC address spoofing. It routes traffic through its own virtual network adapter.
9. Apps, Devices & Support
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN’s apps cover Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV, and Linux. Extensions run in Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. Paid plans allow 10 simultaneous device connections. The mobile apps mirror the desktop apps closely. Help comes through a ticketing system, with no 24/7 support.
Windscribe: Windscribe’s apps add Linux and Amazon Fire TV to the usual list. Windscribe’s browser extensions work in Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. The extension acts as a proxy server and only proxies browser traffic. It can also rotate your user agent. There is no human live chat, just tickets and a help bot.
⚠️ Warning: AdGuard VPN struggles to get past China’s Great Firewall. If you travel there, test carefully before you rely on it.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the plans side by side.
| Tier | AdGuard VPN | Windscribe |
|---|---|---|
| Free | 3 GB/month | 10GB/month (2GB without email) |
| Monthly | 1 Month — $11.99/month | Monthly Plan — $9.00/month |
| Yearly | 1 Year — $3.99/month | Yearly Plan — $5.75/month |
| Long-term / Custom | 2 Years — $2.40/month | Build A Plan — Custom |
| Refund Window | 30 days (yearly and 2-year) | 3 days (under 10GB used) |
AdGuard VPN: The 2 Years plan is the cheapest paid option in this matchup. The monthly plan is the priciest. The 30-day refund makes a long plan close to risk free.
Windscribe: Windscribe’s monthly plan costs almost $3 less than AdGuard VPN’s. Its yearly plan costs more than both AdGuard long plans. Build A Plan suits users who need just two or three locations.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest long-term price | AdGuard VPN | Cheapest 2-year rate |
| Most free data | Windscribe | 10GB vs 3 GB monthly |
| Streaming Netflix and BBC iPlayer | Windscribe | Wider library access |
| A base outside the Five Eyes | AdGuard VPN | Cyprus, GDPR rules |
| Unlimited devices | Windscribe | No connection cap |
| Longer refund window | AdGuard VPN | 30 days vs 3 days |
| Ad blocking focus | AdGuard VPN | Built by an ad blocker company |
💰 Your Budget
Commit for two years and AdGuard VPN is the cheaper paid VPN. Pay monthly and Windscribe costs less.
🔌 Your Devices
Windscribe has no device cap, which helps big households. AdGuard VPN’s 10 slots still cover most homes.
📺 Your Streaming Habits
Windscribe stays faster for data intensive tasks like online gaming and video calls. AdGuard VPN handles browsing fine but misses Amazon Prime and Peacock.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Both ship easy to use apps with one-click connect. Windscribe adds more advanced features, like config generators and port forwarding.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Both free plans never expire, so test each one before paying. Windscribe’s bigger allowance gives a better feel for real use.
🛟 Support Options
Neither offers round-the-clock human chat. The AdGuard support team uses tickets, while Windscribe pairs tickets with a help bot.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from AdGuard VPN to Windscribe?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections instead of 10
- WireGuard and OpenVPN support with faster speeds
- Stronger streaming access, including Amazon Prime Video
❌ What you’ll lose:
- A 30-day refund window (Windscribe gives three days)
- A company base outside the 5/9/14 Eyes
- The lower 2-year price
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your AdGuard VPN plan before it renews
- Create a free Windscribe account, with or without email
- Install Windscribe apps and turn on Firewall
🔄 Switching from Windscribe to AdGuard VPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- A 30-day money back guarantee on long plans
- AdGuard DNS filtering and ad blocker integration
- Cheaper long-term pricing
❌ What you’ll lose:
- The 10GB free allowance (it drops to 3 GB)
- Static IP and port forwarding options
- WireGuard speeds and wider Netflix access
📋 How to switch:
- Turn off auto-renew in your Windscribe account
- Sign up for an AdGuard account and test the free plan
- Install the AdGuard VPN app and enable the kill switch
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on individual users and small households. We didn’t test router setups, business licensing, or long-term use inside China. We didn’t measure upload speed separately. We also didn’t check how either provider handles inactive accounts. Speed figures come from third-party speed tests, so your results will vary by location. Our notes reflect the September 2026 versions of both apps.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Long-Term Pricing | AdGuard VPN |
| 🔒 Privacy Jurisdiction | AdGuard VPN |
| 🛡️ Refund Policy | AdGuard VPN |
| 🚫 Ad Blocking | AdGuard VPN |
| ⚡ Speed & Protocols | Windscribe |
| 📺 Streaming | Windscribe |
| 🆓 Free Plan | Windscribe |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | AdGuard VPN |
🏆 WINNER: ADGUARD VPN
AdGuard VPN wins 4 out of 7 categories.
Best for: Long-term budget plans, ad blocking, and privacy outside the Five Eyes
Windscribe and AdGuard VPN are closer than the scorecard suggests. AdGuard VPN wins on price, jurisdiction, refunds, and ad blocking. Windscribe wins on raw speed, streaming, and free data.
We recommend Windscribe if you stream a lot or want the fastest connections. Its WireGuard speeds and library access are hard to match at this price.
AdGuard VPN is the better pick for most budget buyers. You get ten devices, a 30-day safety net, and network-level ad filtering for less. There’s no single best VPN for everyone, so match the tool to your habits.
More of AdGuard VPN Compared
Here’s how AdGuard VPN stacks up against other names on most shortlists:
AdGuard VPN wins on: a free monthly data allowance, cheaper two-year billing, and 10 device slots
NordVPN wins on: an audited no-logs policy, a network of over 8,800 servers, and WireGuard-based speeds
AdGuard VPN wins on: a Cyprus base outside the Nine Eyes, DNS-level ad filtering, and website-level split tunneling
Surfshark wins on: unlimited devices, published independent audits, and WireGuard plus OpenVPN support
AdGuard VPN wins on: bundled ad blocking tools, a lower two-year rate, and an HTTPS-masking protocol
ProtonVPN wins on: a free plan with no data cap, open-source apps, and faster average throughput
AdGuard VPN vs Private Internet Access
AdGuard VPN wins on: a permanent free tier, GDPR-bound jurisdiction, and simpler apps for beginners
Private Internet Access wins on: a far larger server network, open-source clients, and unlimited connections with port forwarding
More of Windscribe Compared
Here’s how Windscribe measures up against other popular picks:
Windscribe wins on: a 10GB free tier, unlimited device connections, and pay-per-location pricing
NordVPN wins on: a network over 17 times larger, a Panama base outside the Five Eyes, and 24/7 live chat
Windscribe wins on: a free plan, a lower monthly price, and no cap on devices
ExpressVPN wins on: broader third-party audits, a dedicated router app, and round-the-clock human support
Windscribe vs Private Internet Access
Windscribe wins on: hash-based anonymous signup, granular R.O.B.E.R.T. blocklists, and a free option
Private Internet Access wins on: a much bigger server count, open-source clients, and cheaper multi-year plans
Windscribe wins on: a permanent free plan, Build A Plan flexibility, and config generators for routers
Surfshark wins on: servers in far more countries, an audited no-logs policy, and a 30-day refund
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Windscribe VPN really free?
Yes. The free plan gives you 10GB of data monthly with an email, or 2GB without. Paid plans add unlimited data and every server location.
Is AdGuard VPN safe to use?
Yes, for everyday privacy. It uses AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and a strict no logs policy. No third party has audited those claims yet.
What is the downside of AdGuard?
Its proprietary protocol replaces OpenVPN and WireGuard. Speeds drop on distant servers and the network is small. There is no 24/7 customer support.
Can Windscribe be tracked?
Not easily. It keeps no activity logs and stores minimal session data in RAM. Your ISP sees only encrypted traffic, but sites you log into still know you.
How much does Windscribe cost?
The Monthly Plan costs $9.00/month and the Yearly Plan costs $5.75/month. Build A Plan charges $1 per location, with a two-location minimum.
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