Surfshark vs Windscribe
Between rising data breaches, growing censorship, and constant surveillance, a reliable VPN has become a key tool for anyone serious about security and freedom online. Surfshark and Windscribe are two well-established VPNs that consistently stand out for different reasons.
Whether you’re prioritizing speed, privacy, affordability, or ease of use, each offers specific advantages. This expert comparison breaks down how they perform in the real world—so you can make an informed, confident decision. If you’re a frequent streamer, a remote worker, a privacy advocate, or simply looking for strong protection on a budget, understanding the unique strengths of these VPNs will help you choose the right solution.
Table of Contents
Key Points
- Surfshark offers unlimited device connections, a broad global network, and advanced security tools, making it ideal for households and heavy users alike.
- Windscribe stands out with its generous free plan and powerful tools like R.O.B.E.R.T., catering to privacy-conscious users seeking essential protection without a subscription.
- Other VPN alternatives may appeal to specific needs, offering unique configurations, but this review focuses on how Surfshark and Windscribe address key user priorities.
Quick Comparison: Surfshark vs Windscribe
| Feature | Surfshark | Windscribe |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing (Monthly) | $1.99 (2-year plan) 1 | Free / $9.00 (Pro plan) |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Server Locations | 100+ countries | 69+ countries |
| Streaming Support | Excellent | Good |
| Free Plan | No | Yes (10 GB/month) |
| Ad Blocker | Yes (CleanWeb) | Yes (R.O.B.E.R.T.) |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| No-Logs Policy | Yes | Yes |
Both Surfshark and Windscribe cater to different user profiles. Surfshark offers exceptional value for those who need robust protection and wide geographic access, all wrapped in a user-friendly interface.
Windscribe, with its versatile free tier and efficient ad-blocking capabilities, is better suited for users who prioritize cost-efficiency and essential privacy.
For those looking for effortless, whole-home protection, you may want to look to our Shellfire Box. It provides plug-and-play VPN coverage for all devices—no manual configuration or app installations required.
Infrastructure & Global Coverage
| Metric | Surfshark | Windscribe |
|---|---|---|
| Server Count | 3200+ | Unknown |
| Countries Covered | 100+ | 69+ |
| City-Level Servers | Yes | Yes |
| 10 Gbps Servers | Yes | Yes (85 locations) |
With over 3,200 servers in more than 100 countries, Surfshark delivers impressive reach, ensuring fast, reliable connections regardless of your location.
Windscribe may not publicly disclose its server count, but its performance is bolstered by a growing network of 10 Gbps servers across 85 locations, making it a competent option for region-specific access and speed stability.
Speed & Performance
| Metric | Surfshark | Windscribe |
|---|---|---|
| Average Download Speed | 85 Mbps | 70 Mbps |
| Average Upload Speed | 75 Mbps | 65 Mbps |
| Latency | 50 ms | 60 ms |
| Speed Consistency | High | Moderate |
Surfshark consistently outpaces Windscribe in terms of download and upload speeds, offering lower latency and greater reliability—key advantages for streaming, gaming, and large file transfers.
While Windscribe is no slouch, speed fluctuations may occur, particularly during peak hours or when connected to distant servers.
Security & Privacy
| Feature | Surfshark | Windscribe |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Hop | Yes (Dynamic MultiHop) | Yes (Double Hop) |
| Ad/Malware Blocker | Yes (CleanWeb) | Yes (R.O.B.E.R.T.) |
| No-Logs Policy | Yes | Yes |
| Independent Audit | Yes | No |
Both Surfshark and Windscribe follow best practices in VPN security, with strong encryption, trusted protocols, and effective kill switches. Surfshark stands out with its independently audited no-logs policy and innovative Dynamic MultiHop feature, providing users with additional layers of privacy.
Windscribe counters with the highly customizable R.O.B.E.R.T. system, a versatile blocker that adds meaningful value, particularly for users managing privacy across multiple platforms.
For those comparing audit standards and privacy tools more broadly, this Surfshark vs NordVPN comparison offers a closer look at how top-tier providers approach transparency and user data protection.
Streaming Performance
| Platform | Surfshark | Windscribe |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Yes (Multiple regions) | Yes (Limited regions) |
| Disney+ | Yes | Yes |
| Hulu | Yes | Yes |
| BBC iPlayer | Yes | Yes |
| Amazon Prime Video | Yes | Yes |
Surfshark consistently excels at unblocking content across a wide array of streaming services and regions. Its support for Smart DNS ensures seamless access to geo-restricted content on devices that don’t typically support VPN apps, such as smart TVs and gaming consoles.
Windscribe also performs well, but its access is more limited in terms of available regions, which may affect users looking for specific international libraries.
Looking for reliable streaming access across all devices?
Our Shellfire Box is designed to provide consistent access to your favorite streaming platforms, which can be a helpful solution if you’re experiencing issues with other VPNs.
Platform Compatibility
| Platform | Surfshark | Windscribe |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Smart TVs | Yes (via Smart DNS) | Yes (manual setup) |
| Browser Extensions | Chrome, Firefox, Edge | Chrome, Firefox |
| Router Support | Yes | Yes (manual config) |
Both VPNs are compatible with the full spectrum of major operating systems and devices. Surfshark enhances ease of use through Smart DNS and pre-configured apps, while Windscribe leans toward users comfortable with manual setup.
Performance in Censorship-Heavy Countries
| Country | Surfshark Rating | Windscribe Rating |
|---|---|---|
| China | 8/10 (NoBorders mode) | 7/10 (Stealth mode) |
| Russia | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Iran | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| UAE | 8/10 | 6/10 |
| Turkey | 9/10 | 8/10 |
When it comes to navigating strict censorship, Surfshark holds a slight lead, offering NoBorders mode and obfuscated servers through Camouflage Mode. These features make it particularly effective in regions like China or the UAE.
Windscribe relies on its Stealth mode, which can also work well but may require manual tuning and may not be as consistent under aggressive blocking.
User Experience & Apps
| Feature | Surfshark | Windscribe |
|---|---|---|
| UI Design | Modern & Intuitive | Minimalist & Functional |
| Ease of Use | Very Easy | Moderate |
| Stability | High | Moderate |
| Advanced Settings | Accessible | Advanced-user friendly |
Surfshark impresses with a user-friendly, visually appealing interface that strikes a smart balance between simplicity and advanced controls. It’s well-suited for beginners and anyone who values a smooth, intuitive app experience.
Windscribe, on the other hand, caters more to technically inclined users, offering deeper customization and a clean, utilitarian layout. Those comfortable with hands-on configuration will appreciate its flexibility, while users seeking a truly hassle-free setup might prefer solutions like the Shellfire Box, which removes the complexity altogether. It offers instant, plug-and-play VPN coverage directly at the router level.
Customer Support
| Support Feature | Surfshark | Windscribe |
|---|---|---|
| Live Chat | Yes (24/7) | No |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes |
| Knowledge Base | Extensive | Moderate |
| Setup Guides | Yes | Yes |
| Response Time | < 1 hour (live chat) | 1–2 business days |
In terms of support, Surfshark takes the lead with round-the-clock live chat and a comprehensive help center, allowing users to resolve issues quickly.
Windscribe offers solid email support and good documentation, but the absence of live chat could be a drawback, especially for those needing fast solutions. This is particularly relevant in countries with tight internet restrictions or for users setting up on routers and unfamiliar devices.
Additional Features
| Feature | Surfshark | Windscribe |
|---|---|---|
| Split Tunneling | Yes (Bypasser) | Yes |
| Static IP | Yes (Paid) | Yes (Customizable) |
| Multi-Hop | Yes | Yes |
| Ad Blocker | Yes (CleanWeb) | Yes (R.O.B.E.R.T.) |
| Port Forwarding | No | Yes (Premium) |
| Browser Spoofing | No | Yes |
| DNS Customization | Yes | Yes |
Windscribe excels in advanced privacy features with options like customizable port forwarding and browser spoofing—features that are rarely seen in mainstream VPNs. These make it particularly attractive to users focused on anonymity and P2P optimization.
Surfshark, while missing port forwarding, offers Split Tunneling, DNS customization, and a very accessible interface for enabling privacy features. Its strength lies in how easily users can deploy its feature set, even if they’re less tech-savvy.
Alternatively, if you’re focused on convenience over granular control, Shellfire VPN simplifies secure browsing with core privacy protections.
VPN Use Cases: Best Options for Streaming, Gaming, Torrenting & More
| Use Case | Surfshark | Windscribe |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming | ✅ Supports all major platforms, multiple regions, Smart DNS | ✅ Supports major platforms, limited regional libraries |
| Torrenting / P2P | ✅ Fast speeds, no port forwarding | ✅ Includes port forwarding, customizable rules |
| Gaming | ✅ Low latency, stable performance, WireGuard support | ⚠️ Decent speeds, potential lag on distant servers |
| Remote Work | ✅ Stable, secure, great app UX for VoIP & file transfers | ✅ Secure, free tier available, slower support |
| Budget-Friendly | ✅ Excellent value at low long-term cost | ✅ Free plan and customizable pricing |
| Censorship Circumvention | ✅ NoBorders & Camouflage Mode, obfuscation built-in | ✅ Stealth protocol, manual configs required |
Best VPN for Streaming
Surfshark leads the pack for streaming thanks to its ability to bypass restrictions across a wide range of platforms. From Netflix and Disney+ to BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video, it reliably accesses multiple libraries with minimal buffering. Its Smart DNS support adds another layer of flexibility, enabling smooth playback on smart TVs, consoles, and other non-native VPN devices.
Windscribe is a viable choice for casual streamers, particularly those looking to access mainstream services without paying for a premium plan. While it performs adequately, the experience may vary depending on the server and specific region, especially with its more limited optimized nodes.
Best VPN for Torrenting / P2P
Windscribe shines in torrenting use cases, offering port forwarding and advanced customization for P2P traffic. It supports torrenting on most servers and provides solid speeds paired with a strict no-logs policy. Users looking to fine-tune their privacy will appreciate browser spoofing and granular control settings.
Surfshark supports torrenting on all servers and delivers strong performance and stability. While it lacks port forwarding, its secure infrastructure and fast speeds still make it a compelling option, especially for users who prefer a smoother, app-driven experience without the need for advanced configuration.
If you’re evaluating Windscribe specifically for torrenting and want to compare it against premium alternatives, our ExpressVPN vs Windscribe comparison provides additional insight into how these services handle P2P optimization and privacy features.
Surfshark supports torrenting on all servers and delivers strong performance and stability. While it lacks port forwarding, its secure infrastructure and fast speeds still make it a compelling option, especially for users who prefer a smoother, app-driven experience without the need for advanced configuration.
Best VPN for Gaming
Surfshark is well-suited for gamers thanks to its wide server coverage and low latency. The WireGuard protocol offers excellent speed and stability, while unlimited device support allows for simultaneous protection of gaming consoles, PCs, and smartphones without bandwidth compromise.
Windscribe performs decently on high-capacity servers, but latency can spike with long-distance connections. For casual gaming, it’s a decent solution, though competitive players might prefer Surfshark for its superior responsiveness and lower ping times.
Best VPN for Remote Work
Surfshark offers a streamlined and secure environment for remote professionals. Features like CleanWeb improve productivity by blocking ads and malware, and its compatibility with file sharing and VoIP tools enhances daily workflow. Support for routers and smart devices ensures comprehensive coverage across all work devices.
Windscribe appeals to freelancers or part-time remote workers, especially due to its flexible pricing and capable free plan. However, the lack of immediate customer support might pose challenges during time-sensitive tasks or troubleshooting situations.
Best VPN for Budget-Conscious Users
Windscribe is a standout for those on a tight budget. Its free plan includes 10 GB/month and core features like R.O.B.E.R.T. ad blocking. Additionally, its build-your-own-plan option lets users tailor their VPN experience to specific regions or needs, offering a level of affordability and customization rarely seen.
Surfshark, although not free, delivers a robust feature set for a very competitive price, particularly when subscribing to long-term plans. Unlimited connections and top-tier performance make it a great deal for families or individuals looking to maximize value without compromising security.
Best VPN for Censorship-Heavy Countries
Surfshark is highly effective in restrictive environments, thanks to features like NoBorders and Camouflage Mode, which disguise VPN traffic. It also regularly updates server IPs, ensuring reliable access in countries like China and the UAE—an essential capability for travelers and residents in censored regions.
Windscribe holds its ground with a stealth protocol that can bypass many blocks, but requires more manual setup. This may deter users who lack technical expertise or need fast, consistent access. Still, it remains a powerful option for those willing to tweak settings for optimal results.
Conclusion
Both Surfshark and Windscribe are excellent VPNs, but they appeal to different types of users. Surfshark is ideal for users seeking an all-in-one VPN with strong streaming performance, great speeds, and intuitive design. It’s especially well-suited to households and users who need to secure many devices without hassle.
Windscribe excels as a cost-effective, privacy-focused VPN. Its free plan is one of the best in the market, and its advanced features cater to those who want more control over their online privacy. However, the absence of live chat support and potential limitations in speed or regional availability might make it less appealing to users needing consistent performance across the board.
That said, if simplicity and ease of use are your top priorities—especially for multi-device households—you may also find both Shellfire VPN and the Shellfire Box to be strong alternatives. Offering secure plug-and-play protection with no manual configuration, we provide a streamlined VPN solution for users who want reliable encryption with minimal technical setup.
