Windscribe Free VPN review – a fast, but clunky, free VPN solution

Windscribe Free: A Decent Free VPN with Some Quirks

In the crowded world of free VPNs, Windscribe Free stands out as a solid option for those looking to dip their toes into the world of virtual private networks without spending a dime. While it’s not without its flaws, Windscribe Free offers a compelling package of features and performance that make it worth considering for casual users.

Features (7/10)
One of the most attractive aspects of Windscribe Free is its generous data allowance. With 10GB of monthly data, it outpaces many competitors in the free VPN space. This should be more than enough for general browsing, email checking, and even some light streaming. The option to earn an additional 5GB by tweeting about the service is a clever marketing ploy that benefits both Windscribe and users looking for more data.

Unlimited simultaneous connections are another standout feature. This allows you to protect all your devices without worrying about hitting a connection limit. It’s a feature often reserved for premium plans, making Windscribe Free even more appealing.

The inclusion of a kill switch (called Firewall), split tunneling, and the R.O.B.E.R.T. ad and malware blocker further enhance the security and functionality of the service. These features are often absent or limited in free VPN offerings, so their presence here is a significant plus.

However, it’s worth noting that while Windscribe claims no features are hidden behind a paywall, there are some limitations. Port forwarding and access to the full server network are reserved for paid users. Additionally, some advanced features of R.O.B.E.R.T. are only available with a subscription.

Server Network (4/10)
Windscribe Free’s server network is decent for a free service, offering servers in 10 countries across 13 locations. This includes servers in the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Switzerland, and Hong Kong. The Hong Kong server is a nice touch, as many VPNs avoid this region due to its proximity to China.

However, the distribution is heavily skewed towards Europe, which may be inconvenient for users in other parts of the world. The lack of servers in Asia, Africa, and South America is a notable gap.

It’s also worth mentioning that Windscribe Free doesn’t use virtual servers, meaning all servers are physically located in the countries they claim to be. This is a positive for users who need to access geo-restricted content from specific locations.

Apps (7/10)
Windscribe Free offers apps for all major platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. The Linux GUI is particularly impressive, offering a user experience comparable to the other desktop apps.

The apps are functional and relatively easy to navigate, but they lack the polish and intuitiveness of some competitors. The installation process is straightforward, and the interface is clean, but some design choices can be confusing for new users.

One notable issue is the unclear labeling of clickable elements, such as the protocol selection. This could lead to confusion for less tech-savvy users. Additionally, the settings menu could be better organized to improve user experience.

Ease of Use (6/10)
While Windscribe Free’s apps are serviceable, they’re not the most user-friendly on the market. The interface is functional but lacks the intuitive design found in top-tier VPN apps. New users might find themselves scratching their heads over some of the UI choices.

The app’s small tile-like interface, similar to ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access, is a matter of personal preference. Some users might appreciate its compactness, while others might find it less convenient than a full-window interface.

Speed and Performance (6/10)
Windscribe Free impressed us with its speed during testing. We recorded respectable speeds of 496 Mbps using the WireGuard protocol, which is among the best we’ve seen from a free VPN. This translates to a smooth browsing experience that doesn’t feel hindered by the VPN.

The consistency of performance across different server locations is commendable. Whether connected to a local UK server or a transatlantic US server, we experienced reliable speeds that were more than adequate for most online activities.

However, it’s worth noting that the initial server connection took over five seconds, which is slower than some competitors. Subsequent connections were much faster, but this initial delay could be frustrating for some users.

Unblocking (7/10)
For a free VPN, Windscribe Free’s unblocking capabilities are impressive. It successfully accessed Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ without any issues. We were able to browse through multiple regional libraries, including UK, US, and Canada.

The service also worked well with smaller regional services like BBC iPlayer, ITV, Channel 4, and YouTube. The high-quality picture and lack of buffering or stuttering during streaming sessions are testaments to Windscribe Free’s solid performance.

However, the 10GB monthly data cap might limit extensive streaming, especially in HD or 4K. For heavy streamers, a paid plan would be more suitable.

Privacy and Security (7/10)
Windscribe Free supports multiple VPN protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, all with strong encryption. The inclusion of WSTunnel and Stealth protocols for bypassing VPN detection is a nice touch.

The R.O.B.E.R.T. tool is effective at blocking ads and malware, though it’s not as customizable for free users as it is for paid subscribers. The ability to pay with cryptocurrency and the option to sign up without an email address are privacy-friendly features that give users more control over their data.

Windscribe Free’s preparation for post-quantum cryptography is forward-thinking, though it remains to be seen how this will play out in the future.

Track Record (6/10)
Windscribe’s no-logs policy is clear and easy to understand, which is a positive. However, the company’s history includes a server seizure by Ukrainian authorities in 2021, which raises some concerns.

The delayed third-party audit of the service’s infrastructure is also a point of contention. While the audit was eventually completed in 2024, the long wait time is not ideal for a service that prides itself on transparency and security.

Customer Support (6/10)
Windscribe Free offers various customer support options, including live chat, email ticketing, and a knowledge base. The AI chatbot, Garry, is helpful in directing users to relevant articles and resources.

However, the response time for free users can be up to 24 hours, which is slower than some competitors. The availability of community support through Reddit and Discord is a nice touch for users who prefer peer-to-peer assistance.

Pricing and Plans (4/10)
While Windscribe Free itself is, well, free, the pricing for paid plans is on the higher end of the spectrum. The monthly plan at $9.00 and the yearly plan at $5.75 per month are more expensive than many competitors.

The option to create a custom plan at $1.00 per location per month is interesting but may not offer the best value for most users.

Should You Use Windscribe Free?
Windscribe Free is a solid choice for those looking for a no-cost VPN solution. Its generous data allowance, good performance, and decent unblocking capabilities make it a strong contender in the free VPN market.

However, its clunky interface and the limitations on some features might be deal-breakers for some users. If you’re a VPN newbie looking for the best user experience, you might want to consider alternatives like Proton VPN or PrivadoVPN.

For casual users who need a VPN for basic browsing, email checking, and occasional streaming, Windscribe Free is a capable option. Just be aware of its limitations and consider upgrading to a paid plan if you need more features or higher data allowances.

Overall Score: 60/100

Windscribe Free Alternatives
– Proton VPN Free
– PrivadoVPN Free
– TunnelBear Free
– Hotspot Shield Free
– Hide.me Free

Windscribe Free FAQs
Where is Windscribe based?
Windscribe is headquartered in Canada, which raises privacy concerns due to the country’s involvement in the Five Eyes Alliance. However, both free and paid plans adhere to a no-logs policy.

How to get free Windscribe data?
Windscribe Free provides 10GB of data per month. Users can earn an additional 5GB by posting about the service on X (formerly Twitter).

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Windscribe Free offers a compelling package for users seeking a no-cost VPN solution. With its generous data allowance, solid performance, and decent unblocking capabilities, it stands out in the crowded free VPN market. However, its clunky interface and some feature limitations may deter some users. For casual browsing and light streaming, Windscribe Free is a strong contender, but those seeking a more polished experience might want to explore alternatives. Ultimately, Windscribe Free proves that you don’t always need to pay for quality VPN service, but be prepared for some trade-offs in user experience and advanced features.,