Windscribe VPN
Windscribe is a tool for secure data transmission and internet connection protection. Use of the program must comply with the laws of the Russian Federation, including Federal Law No. 149-FZ and Federal Law No. 276. The service does not provide access to prohibited resources. The user is responsible for the legitimacy of VPN application. The Russian infrastructure can be integrated with the FGIS if necessary and operates in accordance with the regulations of Roskomnadzor.
Windscribe VPN is a Canadian service providing 110 server locations in 63 countries and an easy way change IP address to protect data on public Wi-Fi networks, enable remote access to corporate resources, and other completely legal scenarios. In this review, we will break down the key features, compare Free and Pro plans, and answer frequently asked questions. This material is for informational purposes only; before installing, ensure that VPN use complies with the laws of your region.
What is Windscribe VPN and who is it for
The service was launched in 2016 and is managed by Windscribe Limited (Canada, a member of the 14-Eyes alliance). The provider focuses on a no-logspolicy, 256-bit AES encryption, and a built-in firewall (Kill Switch). Thanks to the unlimited number of simultaneous connections, Windscribe is equally convenient for home use, small businesses, and travelers who need to quickly "set up" protection for a laptop, smartphone, or router.
Key features
- A network of 110 locations in 63 countries with dedicated 10 Gbps nodes.
- Free traffic: 2 GB/month without registration or 10 GB/month after email confirmation.
- Unlimited number of devices per account.
- 256-bit AES encryption and modern protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2.
- Firewall (Kill Switch) + protection against DNS/WebRTC leaks.
- ROBERT — a customizable ad, tracker, and phishing blocker.
- Time Warp, Split Tunneling, Double Hop, and browser identity separation functions.
- Browser Windscribe extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros
- VPN without restrictions in terms of the number of devices and server switching.
- Flexible free version — up to 10 GB with email verification.
- No-logs policy and military-grade encryption.
- ROBERT blocks ads and malicious domains at the DNS level.
- Support for P2P and port forwarding on most nodes.
- Open-source desktop clients.
Minuses
- Canadian jurisdiction (14-Eyes) — important for ultra-private use cases.
- Money-back guarantee is only 3–7 days, depending on the payment method.
- No live chat; email support responds within 24 hours.
- Firewall is not available in mobile applications.
Free vs Pro tariffs
| Parameter | Free (without an account) | Free (email) | Pro Month | Pro Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Limit | 2 GB/month | 10 GB/month | Unlimited | |
| Server Locations | 10 | 10 | 110 / 63 countries | |
| ROBERT | Basic | Basic | Full | |
| Price | 0 $ | 0 $ | ≈ $9 /month | ≈ $4 /month |
How to install Windscribe on different devices
The easiest way is to download Windscribe from the official website. On a PC ("windscribe on PC"), installation takes two minutes: download the installer, log in or create an account, click "Best Location." For Android and iOS, clients are available in the app stores; the extension connects to the same servers but works as a proxy without encryption. The Linux version has a GUI, which is rare among VPN services. For routers, DD-WRT, Tomato, and ASUSWRT-Merlin firmware are supported; detailed guides are available in the Windscribe knowledge base.
Comparison with nearest competitors
In terms of the number of free gigabytes, Windscribe surpasses Proton VPN Free (0 restrictions) only in terms of speed: the limited network of 10 nodes provides a more stable channel. In terms of the number of servers (110/63), the service is inferior to NordVPN (~6,000/111) and Surfshark, but compensates for this with an unlimited number of devices. For those looking for "windscribe reviews," it's important that in the ratings, users note the convenience of ROBERT and the ability to "build" a plan for $1 /month for specific countries.
Legal aspects of VPN use in Russia
Federal Law No. 149-FZ permits VPN clients provided they are not used to access information prohibited by Roskomnadzor (Articles 15.1 and 15.3). The provider is obliged to block prohibited resources upon appropriate request. The user, in turn, is responsible for complying with the law. Windscribe provides the technology but does not advocate for bypassing blocks; the service is suitable for secure work on public networks, remote administration, and other legal tasks.
FAQ - popular questions
Is it legal to use a VPN in Russia?
Yes, provided that Federal Law No. 149-FZ is complied with and there is no intention to visit resources from the unified register of banned sites.
How does the Free plan differ from Pro?
Free gives up to 10 GB of traffic and 10 locations; Pro offers unlimited data, 110 locations, full ROBERT, and a static IP option.
Does Windscribe support a browser extension?
Yes, a free Windscribe extension is available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge; it provides easy region switching but does not fully encrypt traffic.
Is there 256-bit AES encryption?
Yes, traffic is protected by 256-bit AES with perfect forward secrecy, which meets banking standards.
Conclusions
Windscribe VPN combines a flexible free plan, a powerful feature set, and a simple interface. If you need access to a corporate network, secure online banking, or protection when connecting to café Wi-Fi without a device limit, Windscribe Pro is worth considering. For those who value a huge choice of countries or 24/7 live chat, it's better to consider NordVPN or Surfshark. Otherwise, Windscribe remains one of the most convenient and "honest" VPNs on the market.
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