⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: Surfshark starts at $1.99/mo (2-year plan) vs Windscribe at $5.75/mo (yearly plan)
- Best for: Surfshark for streaming and multiple devices, Windscribe for free VPN access and custom plans
- Key difference: Surfshark has 3,200+ servers in 100 countries while Windscribe has around 500 servers in 66 countries
- Our pick: Surfshark for most users — bigger server network, cheaper long-term pricing, and stronger streaming support
Surfshark and Windscribe both protect your online privacy.
But they target very different users.
Surfshark is a premium VPN with unlimited devices and fast speeds.
Windscribe offers a generous free plan with 10GB of data each month.
This comparison breaks down pricing, features, and performance.
By the end, you’ll know which VPN service fits your needs.
Overview
This SurfsharkVPN vs Windscribe comparison covers pricing, server locations, and security features.
We also break down who each VPN provider works best for.
Our sources include published specs, documentation, and user reviews.
We tested Surfshark and Windscribe by signing up and exploring each app.
This Surfshark VPN review also covers how both tools handle streaming and privacy.
What is Surfshark?
Surfshark is a premium VPN service based in the Netherlands.
It encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address.
The Surfshark app works on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux.
It allows unlimited simultaneous connections on all your devices.
Most users choose it for fast download speeds and streaming access.
Surfshark
Surfshark VPN protects unlimited devices with one subscription. It has 3,200+ VPN servers in 100 countries for fast, private browsing.
Surfshark Pricing
Here’s what a Surfshark subscription costs in 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 24 Months +3 Extra | $1.99/month | Best value for long-term users |
| 12 Months +3 Extra | $3.19/month | Annual commitment with savings |
| 1 Month | $15.45/month | Short-term or testing the service |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Free trial: Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial for Android and iOS users. No credit card is needed for the mobile trial.
Money-back guarantee: All plans include a 30-day money back guarantee. You can cancel within 30 days for a full refund.
📌 Note: Students registered with Student Beans can get a 15% discount on Surfshark pricing. The 2-year plan offers the best per-month rate at $1.99. Surfshark accepts credit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, and cryptocurrency. The Surfshark app also works on Apple TV through Smart DNS setup.
⚠️ Warning: Surfshark’s prices typically increase after the first subscription term. Check the renewal rate before committing to a long plan.
Key Benefits of Surfshark
Here’s what makes Surfshark worth considering:
- Unlimited Devices: Connect every device you own with a single Surfshark subscription. No device limits at all.
- Large Server Network: Access 3,200+ servers across 100 countries. More server locations mean better speed and access.
- Audited No-Logs Policy: Deloitte and Cure53 have independently confirmed Surfshark’s no logs policy. Your browsing history stays private.
- MultiHop Security: Route your VPN traffic through two VPN servers for extra privacy. Dynamic MultiHop lets you pick custom server pairings.
- CleanWeb Protection: Block ads, trackers, and malware while connected. Works across all Surfshark apps.
- Alternative ID: Create a fake online identity for signups. Protect your real IP address and personal info from web traffic tracking.
- Streaming Access: Surfshark can unblock Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ without issues. Buffer-free streaming across multiple servers.
- Dedicated IP Option: Add static IP addresses for consistent access. Surfshark security features also include Camouflage Mode for obfuscated servers and an IP rotator for rotating your virtual IP address.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for Surfshark and spent several days exploring the platform. Here’s what stood out from that hands-on time:
Surfshark Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Unlimited device connections on every plan
- 3,200+ servers in 100 countries for fast speeds
- Independently audited no-logs policy by Deloitte
- Strong streaming support for Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+
- Affordable 2-year plan at $1.99/month
❌ Cons
- Based in the Netherlands (Nine Eyes alliance member)
- Prices increase after the first subscription term
- Monthly plan is expensive at $15.45/month
- Connection times can be inconsistent on certain servers
What is Windscribe?
Windscribe is a VPN service based in Ontario, Canada.
It offers both a free plan and paid subscriptions for online privacy.
The free version gives you 10GB of data per month across limited servers.
Windscribe apps are available on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux.
Its Build-A-Plan option lets you pay only for the locations you need. This Windscribe VPN review covers how it compares to Surfshark across every major feature.
Windscribe
Windscribe VPN provides a generous free plan with 10GB of data monthly. The premium plan adds unlimited data and 500+ servers across 66 countries.
Windscribe Pricing
Here’s what Windscribe costs in 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Build A Plan | Custom ($1/location/mo) | Users who need only a few locations |
| Yearly Plan | $5.75/month | Best value for full access |
| Monthly Plan | $9.00/month | Short-term or casual users |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Free plan: Windscribe offers a free VPN plan with 10GB of data per month. Register with an email to get the full 10GB. Without email, you get 2GB.
Money-back guarantee: Windscribe’s money back guarantee lasts only three days. It applies only if you’ve used less than 10GB of data.
📌 Note: The Build-A-Plan option charges $1 per server location per month. Each location adds 10GB of data. Add unlimited data for $1 more per month.
⚠️ Warning: Windscribe’s money-back window is only three days with a 10GB cap. Test the free version first before paying for the premium VPN.
Key Benefits of Windscribe
Here’s what makes Windscribe worth considering:
- Generous Free Plan: Get 10GB of data monthly with access to servers in 10+ countries. No credit card needed to start.
- Build-A-Plan Flexibility: Pay only for the server locations you need at $1 per location. Great for budget-focused users.
- R.O.B.E.R.T. Ad Blocker: A customizable DNS-level ad and malware blocker that stops trackers before they load.
- Unlimited Connections: Connect all your devices with no limits. Even the free plan supports unlimited simultaneous connections.
- RAM-Only Servers: All data is stored in RAM and wiped on reboot. This was proven when servers were seized with zero user data found.
- Anonymous Signup: Create an account without providing an email address. Windscribe uses randomly generated hashes instead.
- Port Forwarding: Windscribe Pro supports port forwarding on select servers. This helps with P2P sharing and remote access.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for Windscribe and tested the desktop app along with browser extensions. Here’s what stood out:
Windscribe Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Generous free plan with 10GB monthly data
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections on all plans
- Build-A-Plan pricing for custom needs starting at $2/month
- R.O.B.E.R.T. blocks ads and malware at the DNS level
- No email required for signup
❌ Cons
- Based in Canada (Five Eyes alliance member)
- Smaller server network with around 500 servers in 66 countries
- Only three-day money-back guarantee
- No live chat support available
Feature Comparison
Let’s compare Surfshark VPN and Windscribe across 10 key features. This breakdown covers everything from VPN protocols to split tunneling support.
| Feature | Surfshark | Windscribe |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $1.99/month | $5.75/month |
| Free Plan | ❌ (7-day mobile trial) | ✅ (10GB/month) |
| Server Count | 3,200+ in 100 countries | 500+ in 66 countries |
| Unlimited Connections | ✅ | ✅ |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | ✅ (Firewall) |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ (Whitelister) | ✅ |
| Ad Blocker | ✅ (CleanWeb) | ✅ (R.O.B.E.R.T.) |
| No-Logs Audit | ✅ (Deloitte & Cure53) | ❌ (No formal audit) |
| Double VPN | ✅ (MultiHop) | ✅ (Double Hop) |
| Best For | Streaming & multiple devices | Free VPN & custom plans |
1. Server Network
Surfshark: Surfshark has over 3,200 VPN servers spread across 100 countries. This gives you access to a wide range of server locations for unblocking content and finding fast connections. More servers mean less crowding and better download speeds during peak hours.
Windscribe: Windscribe operates around 500 servers in over 66 countries. The free version limits you to about 10–15 server locations. The premium plan unlocks access to all 110+ city locations. Windscribe also shows live server load, so you can pick the least crowded option.
2. Speed and Performance
Surfshark: Surfshark uses the WireGuard protocol for fast VPN connections. Speed tests show it delivers high download speeds with minimal slowdown. The large server network helps maintain consistent performance even on distant connections.
Windscribe: Windscribe supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 VPN protocols. With WireGuard, connection speeds can reach well above 700Mbps. Windscribe apps connect quickly, usually in just a few seconds. Free servers are about 15% slower than paid ones on average.
3. Privacy and Security
Surfshark: Surfshark uses AES-256 encryption to protect your internet connection. All data sent through Surfshark servers is Surfshark encrypted end-to-end. Its no logs policy has been independently audited by both Deloitte and Cure53. Surfshark’s privacy policy states it does not log your browsing history, session info, or network traffic. It only stores IP addresses for a maximum of 15 minutes after disconnecting.
Windscribe: Windscribe also uses AES-256 encryption for all VPN connections. It has a strict no-logs policy and stores minimal data in RAM only. When Windscribe servers were seized by authorities, exactly zero requests for user data could be fulfilled. However, this VPN company has not undergone a formal independent audit of its privacy claims.
⚠️ Warning: Surfshark is based in the Netherlands (Nine Eyes). Windscribe is in Canada (Five Eyes). Both fall under international surveillance alliances, though neither has been shown to share VPN user data.
4. Streaming and Unblocking
Surfshark: Surfshark can unblock Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. Users report buffer-free streaming across multiple servers. The large server network gives you more options for finding working connections to geo-restricted content.
Windscribe: Windscribe Pro can access US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. The free version has limited streaming access due to the data limit. With only 10GB of data per month on the free plan, you can stream for about 7 hours at most before hitting the cap. The Windows client and desktop app both handle streaming well on Windscribe Pro.
5. Kill Switch
Surfshark: Surfshark includes a kill switch that blocks internet access if the VPN connection drops. This prevents your real IP address from leaking during brief disconnects. It works across all Surfshark apps including the Windows app and mobile apps.
Windscribe: Windscribe calls its kill switch “Firewall.” When enabled, it blocks all internet access if the VPN connection drops. It also blocks local network traffic outside the VPN tunnel. This protects against DNS leaks and accidental exposure of your IP address.
6. Split Tunneling
Surfshark: Surfshark’s split tunneling feature (called Whitelister) lets you choose which apps bypass the VPN tunnel. You can route banking apps through your regular internet connection while keeping everything else encrypted. This is available on the Android app and Surfshark’s Windows app.
Windscribe: Windscribe also offers a split tunneling feature on its desktop app. You can select which apps use the VPN and which connect directly. The Windows client and Android app both support this feature for flexible VPN configuration.
7. Ad and Malware Blocking
Surfshark: Surfshark includes CleanWeb, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware while you browse. It works at the DNS level across all connected devices. CleanWeb is included with every Surfshark subscription at no extra cost.
Windscribe: Windscribe’s R.O.B.E.R.T. is a customizable DNS and IP-level ad blocker. You can fine-tune what gets blocked, from ads and trackers to malware and social media widgets. R.O.B.E.R.T. also works through Windscribe’s browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.
8. Browser Extensions
Surfshark: Surfshark offers browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. These encrypt only your browser traffic while leaving other apps unaffected. The extensions include CleanWeb ad blocking and work as a lightweight proxy for quick protection.
Windscribe: Windscribe’s browser extensions are available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. They act as a proxy server for browser traffic and include R.O.B.E.R.T. ad blocking. The extensions can also spoof your user agent and time zone for extra privacy.
9. Free Plan and Trials
Surfshark: Surfshark does not have a free plan. It offers a 7-day free trial for iOS and Android users only. All paid plans come with a 30-day money back guarantee for risk-free testing.
Windscribe: Windscribe’s free plan is its strongest advantage. You get 10GB of data per month with access to servers in 10+ countries. No credit card is needed. The free service includes unlimited simultaneous connections, which is rare among free VPN providers.
10. Pricing & Cost
| Plan Type | Surfshark | Windscribe |
|---|---|---|
| Free | ❌ (7-day mobile trial) | ✅ (10GB/month) |
| Monthly | $15.45/month | $9.00/month |
| Annual | $3.19/month | $5.75/month |
| Best Deal | $1.99/month (2-year) | Build-A-Plan from $2/month |
Surfshark: The 2-year plan at $1.99/month makes Surfshark cheaper than Windscribe’s yearly plan. However, the monthly rate of $15.45 is much higher than Windscribe’s $9. You need to commit long-term to get the best Surfshark pricing.
Windscribe: Windscribe’s Build-A-Plan starts at just $2/month for two locations. The yearly plan at $5.75/month gives full access to all servers. Windscribe also accepts Bitcoin and gift cards for anonymous payment. The three-day money-back guarantee is shorter than Surfshark’s 30 days.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A free VPN option | Windscribe | 10GB free monthly data |
| Cheapest long-term price | Surfshark | $1.99/month on 2-year plan |
| Streaming Netflix and Hulu | Surfshark | Larger server network |
| Custom pricing flexibility | Windscribe | Build-A-Plan at $1/location |
| Most server locations | Surfshark | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries |
| Privacy without email signup | Windscribe | Anonymous account creation |
💰 Your Budget
If you want a free VPN, Windscribe is the clear choice with 10GB monthly. If you can commit for two years, Surfshark’s $1.99/month is cheaper than any Windscribe paid plan.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Both VPN services work on all major platforms. Windscribe has better browser extension support with Chrome, Firefox, and Edge coverage. Surfshark works with Apple TV and smart TV setups through its wider app support. You can also share a Surfshark connection via a Wi-Fi hotspot from your phone.
📺 Your Streaming Needs
Surfshark offers better streaming with its larger server network and consistent unblocking of Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. Windscribe Pro handles streaming well too, but the free version is limited by its data cap.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Both VPN providers are beginner-friendly. Surfshark’s app is clean and simple. Windscribe has a slightly more technical interface but offers more control over VPN configuration.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Windscribe’s free plan is permanent — not a trial. Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial on mobile apps and a 30-day money back guarantee on all plans.
🛟 Support Options
Surfshark offers 24/7 live chat support for quick help. Windscribe only provides email ticket support with responses that can take up to 20 hours. If fast support matters, Surfshark wins here.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these VPN services? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Surfshark to Windscribe?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- A free plan option with 10GB of data monthly
- Build-A-Plan pricing to pay only for locations you need
- R.O.B.E.R.T. customizable ad blocker with fine-grained controls
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Access to 3,200+ servers (Windscribe has around 500)
- Independently audited no-logs policy (Windscribe has no formal audit)
- 30-day money-back guarantee (Windscribe offers only 3 days)
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Surfshark subscription and request a refund if within 30 days
- Create a free Windscribe account (no email needed)
- Install Windscribe apps on your devices and connect to a VPN server
🔄 Switching from Windscribe to Surfshark?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- 3,200+ servers in 100 countries for faster and wider access
- Deloitte-audited no-logs policy for verified privacy
- Better streaming support across Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Free plan access (Surfshark has no free tier)
- Build-A-Plan custom pricing flexibility
- R.O.B.E.R.T. customizable DNS-level blocking
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Windscribe subscription before the next billing cycle
- Sign up for Surfshark using the 2-year plan for the best price
- Install Surfshark on all your devices and connect to the nearest server
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on individual users and small households. We didn’t test enterprise features, custom API access, or router-level VPN configuration. We also didn’t cover Surfshark’s IP rotator feature in depth, or test obfuscated servers in censored countries. Wi-Fi hotspot sharing, Mac address spoofing, and Amazon Fire TV app performance were outside scope. Our observations are based on the May 2026 versions of both apps. Heavy torrent users and users in heavily censored countries may have different results than what we’ve described here.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing (Long-Term) | Surfshark |
| 🆓 Free Plan | Windscribe |
| 🚀 Server Network | Surfshark |
| ⚡ Speed & Performance | Tie |
| 🔒 Privacy & Audits | Surfshark |
| 📺 Streaming | Surfshark |
| 🛡️ Ad Blocking | Windscribe |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Surfshark |
🏆 WINNER: Surfshark
Surfshark wins 4 out of 7 categories.
Best for: Streaming access, households with multiple devices, and long-term VPN subscriptions
Surfshark and Windscribe serve different types of VPN users. Surfshark delivers a bigger server network, audited privacy, and strong streaming support at a lower long-term price. Windscribe shines with its free plan, Build-A-Plan flexibility, and R.O.B.E.R.T. ad blocker.
If you need a good VPN without paying anything, start with Windscribe. If you want full-featured VPN protection for all your devices, Surfshark is the better pick.
More of Surfshark Compared
Here’s how Surfshark stacks up against other VPN providers:
Surfshark vs NordVPN
Surfshark wins on: Unlimited device connections, lower 2-year pricing, Alternative ID feature
NordVPN wins on: Larger server network with 6,400+ servers, faster raw speeds, dedicated IP addresses included
Surfshark vs ExpressVPN
Surfshark wins on: Much cheaper pricing across all plans, unlimited connections vs 8 devices, CleanWeb ad blocker included
ExpressVPN wins on: Wider device compatibility including routers, more consistent connection stability, slightly better for censored regions
Surfshark vs CyberGhost
Surfshark wins on: Faster WireGuard speeds, MultiHop double VPN, Alternative ID for anonymous signups
CyberGhost wins on: Larger server count at 11,000+ locations, dedicated streaming servers, longer 45-day refund window
Surfshark vs Proton VPN
Surfshark wins on: More server locations across 100 countries, cheaper 2-year plan, built-in Surfshark Search and Alert tools
Proton VPN wins on: Swiss-based privacy jurisdiction outside surveillance alliances, open-source apps, free plan with unlimited data
More of Windscribe Compared
Here’s how Windscribe stacks up against other VPN providers:
Windscribe vs NordVPN
Windscribe wins on: Free plan with 10GB monthly data, Build-A-Plan custom pricing, R.O.B.E.R.T. customizable blocking
NordVPN wins on: Much larger server network at 6,400+, independently audited no-logs policy, faster average speeds
Windscribe vs ExpressVPN
Windscribe wins on: Free VPN tier available, significantly lower paid pricing, unlimited device connections
ExpressVPN wins on: More consistent high speeds worldwide, better for bypassing censorship, 24/7 live chat support
Windscribe vs Private Internet Access
Windscribe wins on: Generous free plan, anonymous signup without email, better browser extension features
PIA wins on: Larger server network, lower long-term pricing on multi-year plans, open-source apps
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surfshark VPN trustworthy?
Yes. Surfshark has been independently audited by Deloitte and Cure53. Both audits confirmed that the VPN does not store user activity logs. The company is based in the Netherlands and uses AES-256 encryption. Read our full Surfshark review for a deeper look at Surfshark security features.
Is Windscribe VPN really free?
Yes. Windscribe offers a permanent free plan with 10GB of data per month. You can register without an email address. The free version includes access to servers in 10+ countries and supports unlimited connections.
How much does a Surfshark subscription cost?
The cheapest plan is $1.99/month on a 2-year commitment. A 1-year plan costs $3.19/month. The monthly option is $15.45. All plans include a 30-day money back guarantee.
Is Windscribe VPN better than NordVPN?
For free VPN access and custom pricing, Windscribe is the better option. NordVPN has a much larger server network, faster speeds, and independently audited privacy. Most paid users would prefer NordVPN.
Can you be tracked with Surfshark?
Surfshark encrypts your data with AES-256 and hides your real IP address. The audited no-logs policy means no browsing history is stored. However, no VPN makes you completely anonymous online.
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