ExpressVPN vs Windscribe
In recent years, ExpressVPN and Windscribe have gained popularity in the market, but they haven’t been free of controversy and security concerns. Choosing the right VPN is crucial to ensure safe and private browsing while avoiding blocks and restrictions. So, do they really deliver on their promises, or are there better options out there?
In this in-depth comparison, we’ll analyze not only their key features, but also their performance in critical areas: streaming, torrents, gaming, and remote working. We’ll also look at how well they protect your privacy, their ease of use, their customer support, and their ability to circumvent restrictions and censorship. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Key Points
- ExpressVPN is known for its speed and reliability, though its high cost is a common complaint among users.
- Windscribe stands out for its free version, but its inconsistent performance has drawn criticism.
- While both services offer solid features, they also come with trade-offs that may leave some users looking for a more balanced alternative.
Quick Comparison: ExpressVPN vs. Windscribe
| Feature | ExpressVPN | Windscribe |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Very fast (Lightway protocol) | Good but less consistent |
| Security | AES-256 encryption, RAM-only servers, kill switch | AES-256, built-in firewall, ad blocker |
| Privacy | Strict no-logs policy | Stores some metadata in the free version |
| Streaming | Works with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ | Works with some services but not all |
| Server Count | 3,000+ in 94 countries | ~110 in 60 countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 devices | Unlimited |
| Price | From $6.67/month | From $5.75/month (or free with 10GB/month) |
ExpressVPN offers impressive speed, strong security, and a large server network, but it comes at a higher price and limits the number of simultaneous connections.
Windscribe, on the other hand, offers unlimited connections and a free plan, but its server network is smaller, and its privacy policy raises some concerns due to metadata collection.
As an alternative to both, Express VPN and Windscribe, Shellfire VPN (even in its free version) is built for security-conscious users who want premium protection without the hefty price tag. With AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy, it’s a smart choice for safe and private browsing.
Security and Privacy
| VPN | Does it keep logs? | Additional Protection |
|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | No (RAM-only servers) | Kill switch, DNS/IP leak protection |
| Windscribe | Some metadata in the free version | Firewall, ad blocker |
When it comes to security and privacy, ExpressVPN stands out with its strict no-logs policy, RAM-only servers, and kill switch to ensure your online activities remain private.
While Windscribe has useful security features like a firewall and ad blocker, it does collect some metadata in its free version, which may be a concern for users who value complete anonymity.
Streaming and Content Unblocking
| VPN | Works with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+? | Reliability |
|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | Yes | Excellent |
| Windscribe | Sometimes | Variable |
If your priority is unrestricted access to platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+, ExpressVPN is the best choice due to its high reliability and consistent ability to bypass geo-blocks.
Windscribe doesn’t always successfully circumvent streaming service restrictions and has inconsistent performance in this area.
Pricing and Value for Money
| VPN | Monthly Price | Free Version |
|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | From $6.67/month | No |
| Windscribe | From $5.75/month | Yes, with 10GB/month |
ExpressVPN offers a premium service with strong security and performance, but at a significantly higher price compared to other options on the market.
Windscribe, meanwhile, entices users with its free version, but its paid plan is still on the expensive side, especially considering its streaming and server availability limitations.
Technical Support and Ease of Use
| VPN | Customer Support | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | 24/7 live chat, tickets, guides | Very easy, clean interface |
| Windscribe | Ticket system, user forum | More technical, less user-friendly |
ExpressVPN provides excellent customer support with 24/7 live chat and detailed guides, making it one of the easiest VPNs to use.
Windscribe, in contrast, has a more technical approach, relying on a ticketing system and user forum for support. This may be less convenient for users who prefer real-time assistance or a simpler interface.
If you are looking for an extra simpel option, especially when you want to protect multiple devices at the same time, Shellfire VPN is designed for a hassle-free experience, and thus an excellent alternative to ExpressVPN or Windscribe. With an intuitive setup and responsive customer support, it ensures that even beginners can secure their connection without complications.
Privacy Impact in Censorship-Heavy Countries
| VPN | Works in China/Russia? | Anti-Censorship Technology |
|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | Yes | Obfuscated servers |
| Windscribe | Not always | No dedicated obfuscated servers |
For users in highly censored countries like China or Russia, ExpressVPN is one of the best choices, thanks to its use of obfuscated servers designed to bypass restrictive firewalls.
Windscribe, on the other hand, does not work consistently in these regions due to the lack of dedicated anti-censorship technology.
Resource Consumption and Device Performance
| VPN | Battery Impact | CPU/RAM Usage |
|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | Low | Optimized for performance |
| Windscribe | Medium | Can consume more resources on heavy servers |
ExpressVPN is well optimized for performance, ensuring minimal impact on battery and system resources. However, it may still use more resources than some lighter VPN options on certain devices.
Windscribe, however, can be more CPU and RAM intensive, especially on highly loaded machines, and can impact overall device performance.
VPN Use Case Showdown: Best Picks for Streaming, Gaming, Torrenting & More
Looking for the ideal VPN for your specific needs? Different activities demand different VPN strengths. ExpressVPN might excel for streaming enthusiasts, while Windscribe could better serve casual users.
Let’s examine how these VPNs perform across key activities—streaming, torrenting, gaming, and remote work—to match you with the perfect VPN for your digital priorities.
Best VPN for Streaming
If your primary concern is unrestricted access to platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+, ExpressVPN is a top choice because it consistently unblocks content with excellent speed and reliability.
Windscribe has more variable performance because not all of its servers work reliably with streaming platforms. Users may need to test multiple servers before finding one that works.
| VPN | Supported Streaming Services | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer | Excellent, fast, and unblockable |
| Windscribe | Netflix (some servers), Hulu, Disney+ (inconsistent) | Good, but may require testing multiple servers |
Hint: Our Shellfire Box is the perfect streaming companion. It provides seamless access to geo-restricted content across all your devices, so you can enjoy your favorite shows without interruptions or complicated setups.
Best VPN for Torrents/P2P
If you need a reliable VPN for safe torrenting, ExpressVPN is a good choice, as it allows P2P traffic on all of its servers at excellent speeds.
Windscribe also supports P2P, but restricts it in its free version, meaning users need a premium plan to access torrent-friendly servers. This can be a drawback for those looking for free or more flexible options.
| VPN | P2P Support | Download Speed |
|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | Yes, on all servers | Very fast and stable |
| Windscribe | Yes, but not on free servers | Good on premium servers |
Best VPN for Gaming
If you require a VPN to enhance your gaming experience, ExpressVPN offers great stability and low latency, making it ideal for minimizing lag.
Windscribe has a more variable connection, which can affect game performance, especially for fast-paced online games where stability is critical.
| VPN | Average Latency | Stability |
|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | 10-30 ms on nearby servers | Very stable |
| Windscribe | 20-50 ms on premium servers | Variable |
Best VPN for Remote Work
If your main priority is an efficient VPN for video calling and corporate network access, ExpressVPN is a strong choice due to its high compatibility with corporate networks and stable connections across all regions.
Windscribe does support remote working, but can be more server-dependent, which can lead to occasional inconsistencies in performance.
| VPN | Uninterrupted Video Calls | Corporate Network Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | Yes, in all regions | High |
| Windscribe | Yes, but server-dependent | Medium |
Conclusion
When choosing a VPN service, your specific requirements should guide your decision. ExpressVPN delivers exceptional speed, robust security, and consistent reliability—making it ideal for users who prioritize performance and are comfortable with premium pricing. Windscribe offers advantages with its free tier and unlimited connections, but potential users should consider its privacy limitations and variable streaming performance before committing.
If you’re looking for a solution that balances affordability with comprehensive device protection, we’d like to introduce you to our own Shellfire VPN. Our Shellfire Box provides a unique hardware solution that protects all your devices—including smart TVs and gaming consoles—without requiring technical configuration. We believe this addresses a key pain point many VPN users experience.
Ultimately, the best VPN is one that aligns with your priorities—whether that’s streaming content, securing sensitive information, gaming, or remote work. We invite you to consider Shellfire VPN if these features match your needs, though we encourage comparing all options to find your ideal solution.
