Surfshark vs Windscribe VPN 2024

Kennedy Otieno

Senior Writer

Surfshark and Windscribe are very similar on the surface, so it’s initially tricky to choose between them. Both Surfshark and Windscribe are reliable, secure and allow unlimited simultaneous connections. However, if you look deeper, there are some significant (and important) differences between them.

I tested each VPN to find its strengths and shortfalls. My side-by-side feature comparison shows how Surfshark and Windscribe perform regarding streaming, gaming, and torrenting. I also found out which of the two VPNs provides the best security features, privacy protection, and customer support.

Surfshark is my top recommendation as it offers better value for money. It has impressive speeds and broader server coverage to easily access your favorite content. Both VPNs provide ample online security, but Surfshark is more pocket-friendly and does a better job of keeping your data private.

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Short on Time? Here Are My Key Findings

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Streaming and Netflix Access — Surfshark Makes it Easier (and Cheaper) to Stream Netflix on the Big Screen

Both Surfshark and Windscribe proved reliable for bypassing geoblocks. Both VPNs generally worked well with popular streaming services — I could access most on the first try. However, Windscribe could not unblock Sky streaming services whatsoever, while Surfshark had no issues doing so.

Surfshark did well with Netflix, which is convenient if you’re frequently traveling so that you don’t miss your favorite shows. I could access most of the popular libraries across Europe, North America, and Asia.  Windscribe’s regular servers could access a similar number of Netflix libraries without issues, too.

Interestingly, only Surfshark offers a free SmartDNS service. This is one of the few methods that lets you bypass geoblocks on devices that don’t natively support VPNs, like most Smart TVs and gaming consoles. While Windscribe does offer a SmartDNS, named ControlD, it must be purchased for an additional ongoing subscription.

Winner

Surfshark is more reliable at bypassing geoblocks and comes with a free SmartDNS to easily watch your favorite shows on the big screen.

Server Network — Surfshark Has Better Global Coverage

Surfshark’s network is several times bigger than Windscribe and covers more countries. This gives you many more options for bypassing global geoblocks in regions like the Americas (including 22 US locations), Europe, and the Asia Pacific.

Also, Surfshark’s Static Servers in 6 countries provide you with the same IP address every time you connect. This lets you avoid repeat user verification online. Some servers, like India, are virtual (marked with V).

Although Windscribe’s 134 servers are only a fraction of what Surfshark offers, it still has almost the same presence across Africa and the Asia Pacific. Windscribe can even provide you an Antarctica IP via a virtual server if you can manage to find a use for it. It also offers dedicated IP addresses, but only for an added fee.

Nicely, both Surfshark and Windscribe offer P2P support on all of their servers. You can choose to torrent on whatever server works best for your needs.

Winner

Surfshark easily wins this category thanks to its vast number of servers and geographic locations. Windscribe has decent network coverage but too few servers to compete.

Speed — Surfshark Provides Faster Speeds on Long-Distance Servers

There isn't much difference in terms of speed between Surfshark and Windscribe over short distances — they both were consistently fast in my tests, ideal for torrenting and high-quality streaming. However, huge differences emerged when I used distant servers, with Surfshark performing much better.

Notably, both VPNs have generally great download and upload speeds in many locations. You can stream high-quality YouTube videos with either (UHD streaming requires only 25Mbps). However, Surfshark did better than Windscribe on Japan, Hong Kong, and Australia servers.

It’s also worth noting that Surfshark and Windscribe offer unlimited data, meaning that you’re able to stream and torrent as much as you like.

I used WireGuard during my tests since both VPNs provide it. The protocol is known industry-wide for fast speeds and good security. My base download speed was 125.02Mbps, and my base upload speed was 19.08Mbps.

Winner

Surfshark wins this round. Its speeds are consistently fast on most servers, whereas Windscribe commonly experiences huge dips on long-distance connections.

Gaming — Surfshark Offers a Smoother Experience

Surfshark is more reliable for online gaming than Windscribe. This is because Surfshark servers have comparatively low ping and fast speeds. A playable online gaming experience requires ping of less than 100ms and 10Mbps/1Mbps download/upload speeds, respectively. My test results for both VPNs are as follows:

When I connected to a closeby UK server with Surfshark to play Roblox, I didn’t experience any lag. Even the long-distance New York server offered a playable experience with only a small increase in lag. While Windscribe offered similarly low ping from closeby servers, long-distance connections were considerably more laggy.

Connect to a low ping server for a better online gaming experience

Winner

Surfshark had a lower ping than Windscribe on most servers during my tests. I experienced less lag, and could play online even on long-distance servers without much choppiness. 

Security — Surfshark Offers Slightly Stronger Security Across Most Devices

It’s hard to choose the winner here since both Surfshark and Windscribe offer robust security features. They encrypt traffic using military-grade AES 256-bit encryption (with Perfect Forward Secrecy key exchange). This makes it virtually impossible for anyone to snoop on your connection. Surfshark also offers an antivirus tool, but it requires an extra fee.

Evidently, these two have a lot of similarities. Besides the VPN essentials like AES 256-bit encryption and secure protocols, both also have obfuscation tools to disguise your VPN traffic, a selection of secure VPN protocols, and malware/tracker blockers. The list goes on, including leak protection, split tunneling (app, URL, and IP), and multihop functionality.

However, Windscribe offers a kill switch only on Windows and Mac, whereas Surfshark includes an automatic kill switch for every supported device.

Surfshark lets you toggle on and off all of its security features

Thankfully, both VPNs keep your IP address hidden. I ran several IP, DNS, and WebRTC leak tests on multiple servers, and my actual location was never revealed with either VPN.

It’s safe to browse websites with Windscribe VPN

Winner

Both Surfshark and Windscribe compare toe-to-toe on most security parameters. However, Surfshark’s kill switch offers a last line of defense with most devices that simply isn’t present with Windscribe.

Privacy — Surfshark’s Policy Is More Trustworthy

I found Surfshark the easier to trust of the two, thanks to its audited no-logs policy. This means it doesn’t store any data that can be linked to you, like an IP address, location, and browser searches. An independent third-party found that Surfshark was 100% compliant with this policy during an audit.

Windscribe too has a no-logs policy, but no third party has been invited to check it for transparency. Worryingly, its free service collects info to monitor usage data, like bandwidth and connection stamps.

Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, a member of the 9 Eyes Alliance (an international intelligence network that surveils and shares pdata). Windscribe is also located within the Alliance as it’s Canada-based. However, your sensitive data should be safe since both VPNs use RAM-based servers that automatically delete your data with every server reboot. You can also sign up anonymously using a throwaway email address, which I recommend.

Winner

Surfshark has verified claims that it doesn’t collect user data, which makes it more trustworthy than Windscribe.

Works in China — Surfshark and Windscribe Can Be Used in China

Both VPNs claim to be working in China, but with a reservation that there might be some issues. For example, Windscrbe says: “The answer is not really straightforward. Lots of factors go into VPN blocking, so in actuality, while Windscribe might work for some people in a restricted country, other people might not be able to use it.”

The VPNs integrate special obfuscation features to bypass restrictive blocks. Surfshark has both Camouflage Mode and NoBorders Mode, which disguise your VPN connection as normal traffic, helping you bypass VPN-blocking firewalls. You can also get instructions on how to set up the service to work in China.

Windscribe also boasts of 2 specialized protocols, Stealth VPN and WSTunnel, which also achieve the disguising of VPN traffic. Keep in mind that not every server and protocol might work in China, and choosing a working one can take some time.

Remember, we do not condone the breaking of the law, so please check the local laws of your current country before using a VPN. While there has never been a case of a tourist being penalized by the Chinese government for using a VPN, non-government approved VPNs are still illegal by local law.

Winner - draw

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Both offer multiple strong tools to get around restrictive VPN-blocking firewalls.

Installation & Ease of Use — Both Have Easy-To-Use Apps

Surfshark and Windscribe come with user-friendly apps. You'll find them appealing even if you haven’t used a VPN before. I installed both VPNs in under 5 minutes and used their Quick/Smart Location features to find the best servers for my location.

Whether you’re using Surfshark or Windscribe, you can easily access the server list from your app’s home screen. It’s also possible to save the servers you frequently use in the “Favorites” list for easy access later. Both VPNs also offer plenty of customizable settings to fine-tune your experience.

There are high chances that most of your devices are compatible with both VPNs. Each offers native apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux PCs, as well as Android and iOS smartphones. They also work on routers and Smart TVs.

Winner - draw

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It's hassle-free to use Surfshark and Windscribe apps. They’re straightforward to navigate and connecting to a VPN server is quick and easy.

Reliability & Support  — Surfshark’s Support Team Responds Better

Surfshark’s 24/7 live chat support is more reliable. That's because a team of human reps is behind it to answer your questions. I was instantly connected to an agent when I wanted to configure my app’s settings.

Windscribe uses a chatbot called Garry to generate answers, which can be annoying if you need quick assistance with a complex issue. The response is fast but not as accurate as talking to a human agent. Still, you can speak to the team by submitting a support ticket, though it might take up to 24 hours to get a response.

Winner

Surfsharks’ support is much more helpful since you can interact with real people via the responsive live chat, alongside other channels like email and phone.

Tips on Choosing Between Surfshark and Windscribe

Everyone has their own preferences when selecting a VPN, but there are some very essential features to consider no matter what your main intent is. This list can help you decide when choosing between Surfshark and Windscribe.

• Bypassing geoblocks — Pick a VPN that’s effective at bypassing geo-restrictions. This allows you to easily access your local accounts and services (like Netflix) from anywhere, especially if you’re fond of traveling overseas.
• Fast speeds — Choosing a VPN that won’t significantly compromise connection speeds means that you will be able to stream in high-quality and game online with minimal lag. Only 3Mbps is needed for standard streaming, but UHD requires 25Mbps.
• Server networks — A VPN with many worldwide servers gives you more options for bypassing geoblocks. You’re also less likely to experience slow speeds due to server congestion.
• Robust security features — AES 256-bit encryption is a must, but also look out for features like a kill switch, leak protection, and safe tunneling protocols.
• Respectable privacy practices — The VPN shouldn’t log records of your online activities, and the privacy policy must be clean and verifiable.
• Easy to use — The app interfaces have to be straightforward whether you’re using the VPN on a PC or a smartphone. It’s convenient when support is easily reachable on live chat too.
• Trustworthy money-back guarantee — There should be a way to test the service risk-free before committing for the long term.