Surfshark vs Windscribe: Why PureVPN is a Better Alternative?

Prepare to uncover another gem in our comparison of Surfshark vs Windscribe. Beyond these two prominent players, there is a third contender worth checking out – PureVPN.

As we delve into the intricacies of all three options, you will gain a comprehensive perspective to guide your decision towards choosing the perfect VPN service for your needs:

Surfshark vs Windscribe vs PureVPN – Pricing

	PureVPN	Surfshark	Windscribe
Monthly	Standard ($10.95), Plus ($16.95), Max ($20.95)	Starter ($12.95), One ($17.95), One+ ($22.95)	$9.00
1-year	Standard ($3.74/month), Plus ($5.82/month), Max ($6.24/month)	Starter ($3.99/month), One ($4.49/month), One+ ($8.29/month)	$5.75/month
2-year	Standard ($1.96/month), Plus ($3.21), Max ($3.85/month)	Starter ($2.49/month), One ($3.49/month), One+ ($6.49/month)	–

Surfshark offers flexible pricing with three tiers that provide different capabilities: Starter, One, and One+. Customers can choose a plan according to their needs, whether it is monthly, 1-year, or 2-year.

The free version of Windscribe provides limited access, while the Pro plan includes all its features. Furthermore, Windscribe also lets you create your own plan, charging your $1 per location monthly.

PureVPN also follows a tier-based pricing structure. The tiers are categorized as Standard, Plus, and Max, having different features and pricing levels. Users can choose from monthly, 1-year, and 2-year plans within each tier.

Who tops this category? PureVPN’s affordable rates coupled with flexible plans means it takes the first spot. Surfshark is second.

Surfshark vs Windscribe vs PureVPN – Speed

Baseline speed: 1 Gbps

	PureVPN	Surfshark	Windscribe
Average download speeds	264 Mbps	289 Mbps	244 Mbps
Average upload speeds	237 Mbps	251 Mbps	225 Mbps

In our recent speed test, we opted for the efficient WireGuard protocol and established connections with servers across the US, UK, and Canada. Throughout this examination, we meticulously gauged both upload and download speeds of the three VPNs in question.

For download speeds, Surfshark emerged as the clear frontrunner, boasting an impressive average of 289 Mbps. Meanwhile, PureVPN maintained its reliability with a consistently robust average of 264 Mbps, while Windscribe secured a respectable 256 Mbps on average.

Related Read: How to Increase VPN Speed
In terms of upload speeds, Surfshark continued its strong performance, averaging a commendable 251 Mbps. PureVPN followed suit with a competitive 237 Mbps on average, and Windscribe remained in the race, offering an average upload speed of 225 Mbps.

Who tops this category? After a closely fought battle, Surfshark emerges as the fastest VPN, followed by PureVPN.

Surfshark vs Windscribe vs PureVPN – Server Locations 

	PureVPN	Surfshark	Windscribe
Servers	6,000+	3,200+	500+
Countries	65	100	60

Surfshark boasts a robust network of 3,200+ servers (some of which are virtual) spread across an astonishing 100 countries, providing users with a diverse array of server locations to cater to their every need. 

Windscribe VPN has a small but diverse network with 500+ in 60 countries worldwide. The free version chooses a server automatically for you.  With the paid version, you have the freedom to select any server from the list of available countries.

PureVPN stands strong with a staggering network of 6000+ servers spread across 65 countries, offering users a vast selection of global virtual locations for unmatched access to content and superior browsing speeds.

Who tops this category? PureVPN is first, Surfshark second, and Windscribe third.

Surfshark vs Windscribe vs PureVPN – Security 

	PureVPN	Surfshark	Windscribe
Encryption used	AES 256-bit	AES 256-bit	AES 256-bit
Protocol selection	OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, IPSec	OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, Stealth, Wstunnel
Private DNS	Yes	Yes	Yes
RAM-based servers	No	Yes	No
Quantum-resistant	Yes	No	No

Surfshark provides strong security by implementing strong encryption with AES 256-bit. It offers multiple protocols to choose from, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. Surfshark also utilizes private DNS servers to enhance privacy and operates RAM-based servers for added security. 

Windscribe employs AES-256-bit, ensuring protection against hackers and other threats. When it comes to protocol selection, there are multiple options available like WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, Stealth, and Wstunnel. Windscribe uses its own internal DNS, but lacks a RAM-only server infrastructure.

PureVPN boasts robust security measures, employing AES 256-bit encryption. It lets you choose from a diverse range of protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, and IPSec. While PureVPN uses its own network of DNS servers, it does not provide RAM-based servers. However, the VPN service is quantum-safe!

Who tops this category? Surfshark’s server infrastructure is RAM-based, while PureVPN offers the advantage of quantum-resistant encryption keys. It is a two-way tie!

Surfshark vs Windscribe vs PureVPN – Privacy

	PureVPN	Surfshark	Windscribe
Base of operation	British Virgin Islands	Netherlands	Canada
Audited no-logs policy	Yes	Yes	No
Always on-audit	Yes	No	No

Surfshark operates out of the Netherlands, a country that is part of the Nine Eyes alliance surveillance network. However, Surfshark has a Deloitte-audited no-logs policy, ensuring that it does not store any user data or activity.

Windscribe is headquartered in Canada, a country affiliated with the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. The service claims to follow a strict no-log policy. Windscribe has also completed a comprehensive overhaul of its VPN stack, code-named “FreshScribe,” aimed at improving platform reliability and security. The new architecture underwent a thorough third-party privacy and security audit, which included a code review, infrastructure assessment, and penetration testing.

PureVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, ensuring a favorable privacy environment. It follows a Well known audit firm-audited no-logs policy, affirming that it does not retain user activity logs. What distinguishes PureVPN is its implementation of an always-on audit mechanism, providing an additional layer of transparency and accountability.

Who tops this category? Unlike PureVPN, both Surfshark and Windscribe are based in countries with surveillance concerns. However, Surfshark is second due to its audited no-log policy. 

Surfshark vs Windscribe vs PureVPN – Unblocking

	PureVPN	Surfshark	Windscribe
Netflix	Yes	Yes	Yes
Hulu	Yes	No	Yes
Max	Yes	Yes	No
BBC iPlayer	Yes	Yes	No
Disney+	Yes	Yes	No

Surfshark makes streaming an enjoyable experience, unblocking Netflix, Max, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. While Hulu remains inaccessible, the rest of the options ensure you enjoy a wide variety of content.

Winscribe successfully accesses Netflix and Hulu, making it a good choice for streaming enthusiasts looking to explore these streaming services. However, it fails to unblock Max, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+.

PureVPN boasts impressive unblocking capabilities, ensuring seamless access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. With a wide range of supported platforms, PureVPN lets users enjoy their favorite content without any geo-restrictions.

Who tops this category? PureVPN is the best option when it comes to unblocking content from any corner of the world. 

Surfshark vs Windscribe vs PureVPN – Features

	PureVPN	Surfshark	Windscribe
Kill Switch	Yes	Yes	No
Split Tunneling	Yes	Yes	Yes
Obfuscation	Yes	Yes	Yes
DNS Leak Protection	Yes	Yes	Yes
IPv6 Leak Protection	Yes	No	Yes
Dedicated IP	Yes	Yes	No
Port Forwarding	Yes	No	Yes

Surfshark offers SmartDNS for instant access to geo-restricted content and multi-hop servers that let you connect to two VPN servers at the same time. Besides that, it comes with an antivirus, ad and pop-up blocker (aka CleanWeb 2.0), data breach detector, and a private search engine for an extra price.

Windscribe comes with different features like a firewall (acts like a kill switch, but better), Double Hop, and R.O.B.E.R.T (an ad and popup blocker). Furthermore, you have Auto Pilot, which makes browsing easier, and Time Warp that fakes your timezone when you connect to any VPN server.

PureVPN offers impressive features with its 20 Gbps servers, delivering fast and reliable connections, and VPN over Tor offering enhanced anonymity. Additionally, PureVPN also provides a range of bundled products like a password manager (PureKeep), file encrypter (PureEncrypt), and privacy auditor (PurePrivacy), which can be purchased alongside the VPN service.

Who tops this category? PureVPN not only offers a wide range of must-have VPN features, but also comes with additional products if you pay for them.

Surfshark vs Windscribe vs PureVPN – Compatibility 

	PureVPN	Surfshark	Windscribe
Available apps	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Huawei, Android TV, Fire Stick	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, Fire Stick	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Fire Stick
Browser extensions	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, Firefox, Edge
Multi-logins	10	Unlimited	Unlimited

Surfshark supports macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, and Fire Stick, along with browser extensions for Firefox, Chrome, and Edge. What sets Surfshark apart is the unlimited multi-logins feature, allowing you to connect as many devices as you want under one subscription.

Windscribe supports a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Additionally, it offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. What distinguishes Windscribe from other VPNs is its unique feature of unlimited multi-logins. This means it allows you to connect the VPN with as many devices as you want under one subscription.

PureVPN offers broad compatibility with easy-to-use apps for macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Huawei, Android TV, and Fire Stick. It also provides browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Supporting up to 10 simultaneous multi-logins, PureVPN allows users to connect multiple devices.

Who tops this category? Surfshark and Windscribe are tied for first because they offer unlimited simultaneous connections.

Surfshark vs Windscribe vs PureVPN – Customer Support

	PureVPN	Surfshark	Windscribe
Live chat	Yes	Yes	No
Email	Yes	Yes	Yes
Knowledgebase	Yes	Yes	Yes
In-app support	Yes	Yes	No

Surfshark provides exceptional customer support via a knowledgebase, email, as well as live chat. Users can also quickly access guidance within the app, ensuring a hassle-free support experience.

Windscribe offers customer support through email and a knowledgebase. However, it lacks in-app support and live chat, which gives users other means of seeking help and resolving issues quickly.

PureVPN’s robust customer support can be availed through live chat, email, and a knowledgebase. Plus, you can conveniently seek assistance from within the app, making it easier to resolve any queries or concerns.

Who tops this category? PureVPN and Surfshark are tied for first.

Surfshark vs Windscribe vs PureVPN – Which is the Best?

	PureVPN	Surfshark	Windscribe
Pricing	1st	2nd	3rd
Speed	2nd	1st	3rd
Server locations	1st	2nd	3rd
Security	1st (Tie)	1st (Tie)	2nd
Privacy	1st	2nd	3rd
Unblocking	1st	2nd	3rd
Features	1st	2nd	3rd
Compatibility	2nd	1st (Tie)	1st (Tie)
Customer support	1st (Tie)	1st (Tie)	2nd

PureVPN takes the first spot in most of the categories, making it the best overall VPN service. Surfshark is second, performing well in most areas. Windscribe is a great option if you want to connect unlimited devices, but falls short in other aspects. 

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