⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: Windscribe starts at $5.75/month on the Yearly Plan. FastestVPN starts at $0.83/mo.
- Best for: Windscribe suits free users and busy households. FastestVPN suits buyers who want to pay once.
- Key difference: Windscribe allows unlimited devices and has a free plan. FastestVPN caps you at 10 devices but sells a $40 lifetime plan.
- Our pick: Windscribe for most users. Its published speeds, streaming results, and extra tools are stronger.
The cheaper VPN is not always the better deal.
FastestVPN costs less than a dollar a month on its two-year offer.
Windscribe costs more, but it gives you a free plan and unlimited devices.
And despite its name, FastestVPN is not the fastest VPN in this matchup.
Here’s where each VPN service wins, and where it falls short.
Overview
We reviewed pricing pages, documentation, and third-party speed tests for both VPN services.
Our writers also spent hands-on time with each VPN app.
Those notes appear in the “What Our Team Noticed” sections below.
We compare speed, privacy, streaming, support, and value in Windscribe vs FastestVPN.
What is Windscribe?
Windscribe is a Canadian VPN service that encrypts traffic and hides your IP address.
Windscribe VPN has desktop and mobile apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux.
Windscribe servers sit in over 110 cities across 66 countries.
Its generous free plan gives you 10GB of data each month with an email.
Paid Windscribe Pro plans unlock unlimited data and all 110 locations.
Reviewers often describe it as flexible and open about how it works.
Here’s a quick walkthrough of the app.
Windscribe
Unlimited devices on every plan, even the free one. A custom ad blocker called R.O.B.E.R.T. is built in. Start free, then upgrade if you need more.
Windscribe Pricing
Here are the Windscribe subscription options in 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Build A Plan | Custom | People who need only a few server locations |
| Yearly Plan | $5.75/month | Regular users who want every feature |
| Monthly Plan | $9.00/month | Short trips or month-to-month flexibility |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Free trial: There’s no classic trial. The free version gives you 10GB monthly with an email, or 2GB without one.
Money-back guarantee: Windscribe’s money back guarantee lasts only three days. It applies only if you used less than 10GB.
📌 Note: The Yearly Plan is billed at $69, which works out to $5.75 per month. Build A Plan costs $1 per location, with a two-location minimum. Each location adds 10GB of monthly data. You can pay by card, PayPal, Bitcoin, other crypto, or gift cards.
⚠️ Warning: Three days is a short refund window. Test the free plan first. Also watch for Windscribe deals during big holiday sales.
Key Benefits of Windscribe
Here’s what makes Windscribe worth a look:
- Unlimited devices: Windscribe allows unlimited simultaneous connections on free and paid plans. One account covers every phone, laptop, and TV.
- A free plan that works: You get 10GB of data per month after confirming your email. Few free VPN tools match that.
- R.O.B.E.R.T. blocker: This DNS and IP level filter can block ads, trackers, and malware. You decide which lists stay on.
- Fast WireGuard speeds: Published tests hit 950Mbps+ on WireGuard. That put it among the top five fastest VPNs, next to NordVPN and Hotspot Shield.
- Pay per location: Build A Plan lets you pay only for the regions you use. Light users can keep costs very low.
- Anonymous sign-up: Since late 2025, you can sign up with a random hash. No email or password is needed.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer spent time testing Windscribe on desktop and mobile. Here’s what stood out from that hands-on time:
Windscribe Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections on every plan
- 10GB of free data each month with email sign-up
- R.O.B.E.R.T. blocks ads, trackers, and malware
- WireGuard reached 950Mbps+ in published speed tests
❌ Cons
- Refund window is only three days
- Around 500 servers, far fewer than NordVPN
- Canadian base sits inside the Five Eyes alliance
What is FastestVPN?
FastestVPN is a budget VPN company based in the Cayman Islands.
That country has no mandatory data retention laws.
It also sits outside the big international surveillance alliances.
It hides your real location behind a VPN IP address.
FastestVPN runs around 800 servers in 49 countries.
Its biggest hook is price, including a rare $40 lifetime plan.
Apps cover Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux.
This video shows the main features in action.
FastestVPN
Pay $40 once and keep your VPN for life. You get an audited no-logs policy and 24/7 live chat. Every plan has a 31-day refund window.
FastestVPN Pricing
Here’s what a FastestVPN subscription costs right now.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Year + 1 Year Free | $0.83/mo | Most people who want long-term savings |
| 1 Month Plan | $5/mo | Testing it for a single trip |
| Exclusive Lifetime Plan | $40 | Buyers who want to pay once |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Free trial: There’s no free plan. The refund window works as your risk-free trial.
Money-back guarantee: Every plan comes with a 31-day money back guarantee.
📌 Note: The two-year offer is billed at $19.95 upfront. Some sites list that as about $1.66 per month for one year. With the bonus year, it drops to $0.83. A dedicated IP address costs $1.49 per month extra. Extra device slots cost $4 each per month.
⚠️ Warning: A lifetime plan lasts as long as the company does. Treat it as a cheap multi-year deal, not a forever promise.
Key Benefits of FastestVPN
Here’s what FastestVPN offers for the money:
- Rock-bottom pricing: A one-time $40 payment covers you for life. Very few VPN providers sell anything like it.
- Audited privacy: Altius IT reviewed FastestVPN and confirmed its no logs policy holds up. Few budget VPNs pay for an audit.
- Cayman Islands base: No local law forces it to store user data. That’s a plus for privacy-focused buyers.
- 10 devices at once: One account covers up to 10 simultaneous connections. That’s enough for most families.
- Streaming tab: A dedicated tab in the app points you to the right server for each channel. Beginners don’t need to guess.
- Human support: Real people answer 24/7 live chat. Email support and a knowledge base are there too.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer tested FastestVPN on a Windows computer and a phone. Here’s what stood out:
FastestVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- $40 lifetime plan, rare among VPN providers
- No logs policy audited by Altius IT
- Cayman Islands base with no data retention laws
- 31-day refund window on every plan
❌ Cons
- Download speeds drop about 45% on average
- Reported DNS and IP leaks on Windows
- Streaming is inconsistent across Netflix libraries
Feature Comparison
Here’s how Windscribe and FastestVPN compare across 12 key areas. Each section shows how both handle core VPN features, from security features to support.
| Feature | Windscribe | FastestVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $5.75/month | $0.83/mo |
| Free Plan | ✅ 10GB/month | ❌ |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited | 10 |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ (plus smart tunneling) |
| Ad Blocker | ✅ R.O.B.E.R.T. | ✅ Basic |
| Kill Switch | ✅ Firewall | ✅ |
| Static / Dedicated IP | ✅ Static IP add-on | ✅ Dedicated IP add-on |
| Human Live Chat | ❌ | ✅ 24/7 |
| Audited No-Logs | ✅ | ✅ |
| Best For | Free users and big households | Lifetime budget buyers |
1. Apps and Device Support
Windscribe: Windscribe’s apps run on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. Browser extensions cover Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. Config generators build setup files for routers or an Amazon Fire TV.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN’s apps cover the same five platforms, and Apple TV setups are supported too. The interface is simple enough for first-timers. Android users get the most features. The Mac apps and FastestVPN iOS app trim a few extras. FastestVPN apps keep things simple, like most budget VPN apps.
💡 Pro Tip: Before you install FastestVPN on a TV or router, check its knowledge base guides. Setup steps differ by device.
2. Split Tunneling and Smart Tunneling
Windscribe: Split tunneling lets you choose which apps send VPN traffic through the VPN tunnel. It works on the Windows app, Mac, and Android app. Local network traffic, like a printer, can skip the VPN.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN offers split tunneling plus smart tunneling. Smart tunneling sends chosen websites through the VPN automatically. Security.org found split tunneling worked on Android, but not on iOS or macOS.
3. Simultaneous Connections
Windscribe: Windscribe allows unlimited simultaneous connections across devices, for free and paid users alike. That’s rare in this market. Your whole house fits on one login.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous device connections on one account. You can add more for $4 each per month. For most homes, 10 is plenty.
4. Ad Blocker and Malware Protection
Windscribe: R.O.B.E.R.T. is a customizable DNS and IP level blocker. It can block ads, trackers, and malware across every app. You switch lists on or off from your account.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN includes a built-in ad blocker and malware protection. It’s a simpler tool with fewer custom rules than R.O.B.E.R.T. FastestVPN’s ad blocker still catches common ad networks for everyday browsing.
Windscribe’s browser extensions also support R.O.B.E.R.T. inside the browser. That adds tracker blocking even when the desktop app is off.
5. DNS Leak Protection
Windscribe: Windscribe offers DNS and IP leak protection. You can also choose which DNS to use when the VPN is on or off. That control helps advanced users avoid DNS leaks.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN routes DNS requests through FastestVPN’s servers to keep DNS queries private. But reviews reported DNS and IP leaks on the Windows app. If you use a Windows computer, run DNS leak tests after connecting.
⚠️ Warning: Data leaks can expose your real IP address to your ISP. A quick leak test takes less than a minute.
6. Kill Switch and Local Network Controls
Windscribe: All Windscribe apps include a kill switch, which Windscribe calls “Firewall.” It blocks internet access if the VPN connection drops. You can also allow LAN access. That helps on a Wi Fi hotspot when you need to print.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN includes a kill switch and a NAT firewall. The NAT firewall blocks unwanted incoming traffic. Some reviews question how reliably the kill switch works, so test it once.
7. Protocols and Speed
Windscribe: Windscribe’s VPN protocols include WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN UDP or TCP. Published tests showed 270-330Mbps on OpenVPN and 950Mbps+ on WireGuard. Another test peaked at 700Mbps. Speeds fell 19% on nearby servers and 31% on distant ones.
Platform matters too. One test showed only a 20% download drop on Mac. On the Windows client, the drop was 43%. If the Windows app stalls, resetting its network adapter usually helps. Free servers ran about 15% slower than paid ones. Connections finish in a few seconds, often in 1-2. The app also shows connection details like protocol and port.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN supports the WireGuard protocol and OpenVPN TCP. Nearby WireGuard tests averaged around 730Mbps. But download speeds fell about 45% on average and up to 55% on long-distance servers.
Upload slowed about 22% on one test machine, while ping rose 33% on another. Uploads get worse on far-away servers. Your base internet connection also caps results. Crowding can cause slow speeds at peak times.
💡 Pro Tip: FastestVPN is decent for local connections. For long-distance browsing or gaming, Windscribe holds its connection speeds better.
8. Encryption and Privacy
Windscribe: Windscribe uses AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy. The only relevant data it keeps is total bandwidth and a last-activity timestamp. That data sits in RAM and clears after each session. It also deletes inactive accounts.
Audits of Windscribe found no major issues. Its privacy policy says it never logs your browsing history. The Canadian headquarters sits in the Five Eyes alliance, which worries some people. The desktop app can also spoof your MAC address on public Wi-Fi.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN also uses AES-256 encryption. FastestVPN claims it keeps no activity logs or connection timestamps. Altius IT audited that claim. Being based in the Cayman Islands means no local data retention rules apply.
9. Streaming and Server Network
Windscribe: Windscribe unblocks US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus. It worked on every Netflix library tested, including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and Japan. It also scored full marks on ITV and Channel 4.
Streaming ran without major buffering in published tests. The free version lasts about 7 hours of video before you hit the data limit. The network has about 500 servers, versus NordVPN’s 8,800+.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN has streaming servers for Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Hotstar, Hulu, and Prime Video. They unblocked US, UK, Japan, and Sweden libraries. The Australian library failed, and US Netflix loaded slowly for some users.
Bandwidth is unlimited, and torrenting is allowed on all FastestVPN servers. Torrent speeds are reported as slow, though. A small server network means a short server list, and some locations use virtual servers. With so few servers, peak hours can feel crowded.
10. Static IPs, Dedicated IPs, and Extras
Windscribe: Windscribe sells static IP addresses as add-ons. A static IP helps with remote access, CAPTCHAs, and port forwarding. Its extension can rotate your user agent. It acts as a proxy server that only proxies browser traffic, not your whole device.
FastestVPN: A dedicated IP address costs $1.49 per month. FastestVPN also lists double VPN servers, which route traffic through two locations. Plans include a free password manager, though neither tool replaces antivirus software.
11. Customer Support
Windscribe: Windscribe has no human live chat. Help comes through email tickets, a knowledge base, and an AI assistant called Garry. Trustpilot reviews often praise Garry for quick fixes.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN offers 24/7 live chat support from real people, plus email. Replies come fast, but answers can feel generic. Its knowledge base has setup guides, though the search can miss things.
💡 Pro Tip: Customer support reviews are mixed. Some people get quick fixes, while others find the help unhelpful.
12. Pricing & Cost
Here are both price lists side by side.
| Plan Type | Windscribe | FastestVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free | 10GB/month (with email) | ❌ |
| Monthly | Monthly Plan: $9.00/month | 1 Month Plan: $5/mo |
| Long-term | Yearly Plan: $5.75/month | 1 Year + 1 Year Free: $0.83/mo |
| Flexible / One-time | Build A Plan: Custom | Exclusive Lifetime Plan: $40 |
Windscribe: You pay more, but you get unlimited devices and a free tier to start. Build A Plan can cut costs if you only need two or three locations.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN is cheaper on every plan. The lifetime deal beats a year of most monthly plans. Just watch add-ons, since dedicated IPs and extra slots raise the bill.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The lowest long-term cost | FastestVPN | $40 lifetime plan |
| A free VPN | Windscribe | 10GB free every month |
| Many devices | Windscribe | Unlimited connections |
| Human live chat | FastestVPN | 24/7 real agents |
| Wide streaming access | Windscribe | Unblocked every Netflix library tested |
| A non-Five Eyes base | FastestVPN | Cayman Islands jurisdiction |
| Faster long-distance speeds | Windscribe | Smaller drop on distant servers |
💰 Your Budget
If you want to pay once and forget it, FastestVPN wins. If you want to pay nothing, Windscribe’s free service is the better start.
🔌 Your Devices
Windscribe has no device cap at all. FastestVPN covers 10 devices, which suits most families.
📺 Your Streaming Habits
Windscribe unlocked more Netflix libraries in published tests. FastestVPN works for most streaming sites, but some libraries fail.
🎓 Your Experience Level
FastestVPN’s app is simpler for first-timers. Windscribe has more advanced features, so it rewards people who like settings.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Try Windscribe’s free plan for as long as you like. FastestVPN gives you 31 days to ask for a refund.
🛟 Support Options
Need a human fast? FastestVPN’s live chat is the answer. Windscribe relies on tickets and its AI helper.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Windscribe to FastestVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- 24/7 live chat with real people
- A $40 lifetime payment option
- A 31-day refund window
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- The free 10GB plan
- Custom R.O.B.E.R.T. block lists
📋 How to switch:
- Note your Windscribe settings and any static IP details.
- Buy a FastestVPN plan and install the apps.
- Run a DNS leak test, then use the streaming tab.
🔄 Switching from FastestVPN to Windscribe?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Unlimited devices on one account
- Faster published WireGuard speeds
- Static IPs and config generators
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Human live chat
- Lifetime pricing
- The 31-day refund window
📋 How to switch:
- Sign up for Windscribe’s free plan first.
- Upgrade to a Yearly Plan or Build A Plan.
- Turn on R.O.B.E.R.T. and the Firewall.
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on individual users and families. Our notes from testing FastestVPN and Windscribe cover consumer apps only. We didn’t test router firmware setups or business team plans. Speed and streaming results come from published tests and may change by location. Both apps update often, so features may differ after September 2026.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | FastestVPN |
| ⚡ Speed | Windscribe |
| 🔒 Privacy & Security | Windscribe |
| 📺 Streaming | Windscribe |
| 📱 Device Connections | Windscribe |
| 🛟 Customer Support | FastestVPN |
| 🆓 Free Option | Windscribe |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Windscribe |
🏆 WINNER: WINDSCRIBE
Windscribe wins 5 out of 7 categories.
Best for: Free VPN users, multi-device homes, streamers
Windscribe is the more complete premium VPN. It pairs fast published speeds with unlimited devices and a custom ad blocker. The free plan also lets you try it with zero risk.
FastestVPN is a strong pick for pure value. The lifetime plan, Cayman Islands base, and live chat are real advantages. But slower speeds and leak reports hold it back.
If budget is everything, FastestVPN makes sense. For almost everyone else, we recommend Windscribe.
More of Windscribe Compared
Here’s how Windscribe stacks up against other popular options:
Windscribe wins on: a usable 10GB free tier, no device limit, and pay-per-location pricing
NordVPN wins on: a far bigger network of 8,800+ servers, human live chat, and a longer refund period
Windscribe vs Private Internet Access
Windscribe wins on: a free plan, tunable R.O.B.E.R.T. filters, and handy config generators
Private Internet Access wins on: open-source apps, lower long-term prices, and a 30-day refund window
Windscribe wins on: unlimited connections, static IP add-ons, and Build A Plan flexibility
ProtonVPN wins on: Swiss privacy laws, a free plan with no data cap, and open-source apps
More of FastestVPN Compared
Here’s how FastestVPN measures up against other rivals:
FastestVPN wins on: a one-time lifetime price, a much lower monthly cost, and a 31-day refund window
ExpressVPN wins on: servers in 105 countries, split tunneling on more platforms, and steadier streaming
FastestVPN wins on: a lifetime deal, a Cayman Islands base, and smart tunneling for websites
Surfshark wins on: unlimited devices, a larger network, and audits by Deloitte and Cure53
FastestVPN wins on: a cheaper two-year deal, a lifetime option, and a simpler interface
PureVPN wins on: 6,000+ servers, more countries, and dedicated IPs built for business users
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Windscribe a good VPN?
Yes. It offers AES-256 encryption, unlimited simultaneous connections, and fast WireGuard speeds. The main drawbacks are a three-day refund window and a smaller server network.
How to get 10GB free on Windscribe?
Download the app and create a free account. Then confirm your email address. That raises your allowance from 2GB to 10GB every month.
Is FastestVPN safe?
Mostly. It uses AES-256 encryption and an audited no-logs policy from the Cayman Islands. Reports of Windows DNS leaks mean you should run a leak test after connecting.
Does FastestVPN work with Netflix?
Yes, for most libraries. Its streaming servers unblocked US, UK, Japan, and Sweden Netflix. The Australian library failed, and US loads can be slow.
How much does Windscribe cost?
The Monthly Plan is $9.00/month, and the Yearly Plan is $5.75/month. Build A Plan uses custom pricing at $1 per location. The free plan costs nothing.
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