Windscribe vs NordVPN: Why is PureVPN a Better Alternative?

Get ready for a VPN clash like no other: Windscribe vs NordVPN. But there is more to this duel – PureVPN steps into the spotlight.

In our in-depth evaluation of the three contenders, you will discover the strengths and weaknesses of each, helping you find the VPN service that aligns perfectly with your preferences.

Pricing – PureVPN Wins

	PureVPN	Windscribe	NordVPN
Monthly	Standard ($10.95), Plus ($16.95), Max ($20.95)	$9.00	Standard ($12.99), Plus ($13.99), Complete ($14.99)
1-year	Standard ($3.74/month), Plus ($5.82/month), Max ($6.24/month)	$5.75/month	Standard ($4.99/month), Plus ($5.99/month), Complete ($6.99/month)
2-year	Standard ($1.96/month), Plus ($3.21), Max ($3.85/month)	–	Standard ($3.49/month), Plus ($4.49/month), Complete ($5.49)

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.

NordVPN offers three tiers: Standard, Plus, and Complete. These tiers are available in monthly, 1-year, and 2-year plans, each of which give you access to unique features. The pricing varies based on the tier and duration chosen.

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 offers flexible plans and affordable pricing for its top-notch service. NordVPN takes second.

Speed – NordVPN Wins

Baseline speed: 1 Gbps

	PureVPN	Windscribe	NordVPN
Average download speeds	359 Mbps	289 Mbps	372 Mbps
Average upload speeds	314 Mbps	256 Mbps	334 Mbps

In a comprehensive speed test using the WireGuard protocol and servers in the US, UK, and Canada, NordVPN, PureVPN, and Windscribe were evaluated for download and upload speeds.

NordVPN emerged as the top performer in download speeds with an impressive average of 372 Mbps. PureVPN followed closely with an average download speed of 359 Mbps, and Windscribe achieved a notable average of 289 Mbps.

In upload speeds, NordVPN remained dominant with an outstanding average of 334 Mbps. PureVPN showcased a solid performance at 314 Mbps, while Windscribe maintained a commendable presence with an average upload speed of 256 Mbps.

Also Read: How to Optimize Internet Speed While Using PureVPN

Who tops this category? NordVPN is the fastest VPN based on our tests, followed by PureVPN.

Server Locations – PureVPN Wins

	PureVPN	Windscribe	NordVPN
Servers	6,000+	500+	5,700+
Total Countries	65	60	60

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.

NordVPN’s powerful network encompasses 5,700+ servers scattered across 60 countries, ensuring a formidable shield for online activities and granting users seamless access to content worldwide.

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, NordVPN second, and Windscribe third.

Security – Tie between PureVPN and NordVPN

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

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.

NordVPN provides strong security with its use of AES 256-bit encryption. Users can select from multiple protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and NordLynx (based on WireGuard), allowing flexibility. NordVPN also routes your DNS queries through its private DNS and relies on RAM-based servers, enhancing data protection.

PureVPN boasts robust security measures, offering AES 256-bit encryption. It gives you access to 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? NordVPN’s server infrastructure is RAM-based, while PureVPN is quantum-resistant. Both are tied for first.

Privacy – PureVPN Wins

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

Windscribe VPN is headquartered in Canada, a country affiliated with the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. The service claims to follow a strict no-log policy, but there is no independent audit to confirm this assertion.

NordVPN maintains a strong stance on privacy with its headquarters in Panama, a country not affiliated with the 5/9/14 eyes alliances. It offers a PWC-audited no-logs policy, providing assurance that it does not store user activity logs. 

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? The always-on audit structure followed by PureVPN is impressive and an industry-first, so it takes the first spot.

Netflix and streaming performance – PureVPN Wins

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

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+.

NordVPN offers reliable unblocking capabilities for streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. However, it fell short when it came to accessing Max during our tests.

PureVPN stands out with its impressive unblocking capabilities across the board. It successfully unlocks Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+, giving users seamless access to a wide range of content.

Who tops this category? PureVPN offers an unrivaled unblocking experience, giving users access to all popular streaming services.

Features – NordVPN Wins

	PureVPN	Winscribe	NordVPN
Kill Switch	Yes	No	Yes
Split Tunneling	Yes	Yes	Yes
Obfuscation	Yes	Yes	Yes
DNS Leak Protection	Yes	Yes	Yes
IPv6 Leak Protection	Yes	Yes	Yes

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.

NordVPN stands out with its diverse feature set, like SmartDNS for seamless streaming, Double VPN servers for added encryption layers, Onion over VPN for improved anonymity, and Threat Protection for safety against online threats. NordVPN also provides additional features such as a password manager, data breach scanner, and file encrypter, which can be added for an additional price.

PureVPN offers impressive features with its 20 Gbps servers, providing fast and reliable connections, and VPN over Tor enhancing online anonymity. Additionally, PureVPN offers 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? NordVPN is packed with all the features you need. PureVPN comes second.

Compatibility – Windscribe VPN Wins

	PureVPN	Windscribe	NordVPN
Available apps	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Huawei, Android TV, Fire Stick	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Fire Stick	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, Fire Stick
Browser extensions	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, Firefox, Edge
Multi logins	10	Unlimited	6

Windscribe VPN supports a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Additionally, it offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. But, what stands Windscribe VPN apart 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.

NordVPN is compatible with macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, and Fire Stick, covering a wide range of devices. It has one-click browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. With support for up to 6 multi-logins, users can secure multiple devices with a single NordVPN account.

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 multi-logins, PureVPN allows users to connect multiple devices simultaneously.

Who tops this category? Windscribe takes this one, as it offers unlimited simultaneous connections. 

Customer Support – Tie between PureVPN and NordVPN

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

All three VPNs offer email support, along with a knowledgebase. However, both PureVPN and NordVPN offer the convenience of 24/7 live chat and in-app support, while Windscribe  lacks both these features.

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

P2P File-Sharing – Tie between PureVPN and NordVPN

	PureVPN	Windscribe	NordVPN
P2P-Friendly	Yes	Yes	Yes
P2P Support	Specialized P2P servers	Most servers	Specialized P2P servers

Windscribe supports P2P traffic on most of its servers, with the exception of locations where the practice is either outright illegal or highly restricted, such as India, South Africa, Lithuania, and Russia. 

NordVPN allows users to engage in P2P activities by connecting to their dedicated P2P servers. These servers are designed to facilitate fast, secure, and throttle-free file sharing across all popular P2P platforms.

PureVPN offers specialized P2P servers, which are capable of handling large file transfers and ensure users enjoy fast speeds and robust security during their P2P sessions. However, the VPN service does not allow P2P where it is illegal.

Who tops this category? All three VPNs are great for P2P file-sharing. However, PureVPN and Windscribe are tied for first as they support port forwarding. NordVPN is second.

Windscribe vs NordVPN vs PureVPN – Which is the Best?

	PureVPN	NordVPN	Windscribe VPN
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	2nd	1st	3rd
Compatibility	2nd	3rd	1st
Customer Support	1st (Tie)	1st (Tie)	2nd

Grabbing the first spot in pricing, server locations, privacy, unblocking, and compatibility, PureVPN is a VPN worth checking out. NordVPN is another good option, doing great in most of the categories. Winscribe, though impressive, leaves much to be desired.

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FAQ

Is there a better VPN than NordVPN?

While NordVPN is highly regarded for its world-class security, other VPNs might offer specialized features, pricing, or performance that align more closely with specific user requirements. Therefore, it is essential to assess your needs and compare various VPN services to determine the best fit for you.

Can I trust Windscribe VPN?

Windscribe offers an independently audited no-logs policy and uses the latest encryption methods to secure your data. However, privacy-conscious users might not like that it is based in Canada, which is a part of the Five Eyes alliance. 

Which is better NordVPN or Windscribe?

NordVPN is better than Windscribe. It not only has more servers and better security but also comes with plenty of features that enhance your VPN experience. 

Is NordVPN or Windscribe better for streaming?

If you are into streaming, NordVPN is the better choice. It works with most of the streaming services and gives you access to a much larger server network. Furthermore, NordVPN also offers SmartDNS for easy configuration on devices that do not support VPNs.