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Windscribe vs Private Internet Access

Windscribe logo

Windscribe

Software

VPN and firewall service with a generous free data tier and a customizable Build-A-Plan option

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Private Internet Access logo

Private Internet Access

Software

Long-standing VPN service with a large server network and flexible multi-year plans

From
$11.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Windscribe has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Windscribe free tier's 10GB cap still requires email confirmation and social sharing to unlock, unlike some no-strings-attached competitors.; Private Internet Access monthly plan is priced noticeably higher than the discounted multi-year commitments, penalizing short-term users.
  • They diverge on capability: Windscribe covers Firewall / default block, Private Internet Access covers Split tunneling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Windscribe and Private Internet Access actually diverge.

Attributes where Windscribe and Private Internet Access differ
AttributeWindscribePrivate Internet Access
Starting priceFree$11.99/month
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierYesNo
Platformswindows, mac, linux, ios, android, webwindows, mac, linux, ios, android

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Windscribe

  • Firewall / default block
  • Unlimited simultaneous devices
  • Build-A-Plan
  • R.O.B.E.R.T. content blocker
  • Static IP and port forwarding add-ons

Only in Private Internet Access

  • Split tunneling
  • Kill switch
  • Ad and tracker blocking
  • Dedicated IP add-on
  • Bundled antivirus add-on

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Windscribe

  • Running a free VPN across unlimited personal devicesnot Private Internet Access
  • Buying access to just a few specific server locations cheaplynot Private Internet Access
  • Blocking ads and trackers at the DNS level while browsingnot Private Internet Access
  • Preventing IP leaks with a default-block firewall rulenot Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access

  • Encrypting traffic on public Wi-Fi with a kill switchnot Windscribe
  • Blocking ads and trackers network-wide via MACEnot Windscribe
  • Maintaining a consistent connection identity with a dedicated IP add-onnot Windscribe
  • Committing to a long-term plan for a lower effective monthly ratenot Windscribe

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Windscribe

  • Free tier's 10GB cap still requires email confirmation and social sharing to unlock, unlike some no-strings-attached competitors.
  • Build-A-Plan's low cost only covers selected locations, so broad global coverage still requires the full Pro plan.
  • Server speeds and streaming reliability are inconsistent compared to larger premium VPN providers.
  • Customer support is primarily ticket/community-based rather than live chat for lower tiers.

Private Internet Access

  • Monthly plan is priced noticeably higher than the discounted multi-year commitments, penalizing short-term users.
  • Dedicated IP and antivirus are paid add-ons rather than included features.
  • Headquartered in a jurisdiction whose privacy reputation some competitors market against, despite audited no-logs claims.
  • App interface is less streamlined than some higher-priced premium VPN competitors.

Pricing, plan by plan

Windscribe

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 10GB of data per month with confirmed email
    • 10 server countries
    • Unlimited devices
  • Build-A-Plan$3/month
    • Pay per selected server location ($1/location)
    • $3 minimum purchase
    • Unlimited data on selected locations
  • Pro$9/month
    • Unlimited data
    • 69+ countries
    • $69/year on annual billing

Private Internet Access

$11.99/month
  • Monthly$11.99/month
    • Billed month to month
    • Full server network access
    • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • 1-Year$3.1/month
    • Billed annually at $37.19
    • Full server network access
  • 2-Year$2.19/month
    • Lowest advertised rate, billed every 2 years
    • Full server network access

Which should you pick?

Choose Windscribe if

  • You need firewall / default block.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on windows, mac, linux, ios, android, web.
  • You also want unlimited simultaneous devices.
Windscribe review

Choose Private Internet Access if

  • You need split tunneling.
  • You work on windows, mac, linux, ios, android.
  • You also want kill switch.
Private Internet Access review

Questions people ask

Is Windscribe or Private Internet Access better?
Neither clearly leads. Windscribe starts at Free and Private Internet Access at $11.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Windscribe or Private Internet Access?
Windscribe has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Windscribe and $11.99/month for Private Internet Access.
Does Windscribe or Private Internet Access run on more platforms?
Windscribe runs on windows, mac, linux, ios, android, web. Private Internet Access runs on windows, mac, linux, ios, android.
Can I use Windscribe for free?
Yes. Windscribe has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Private Internet Access starts at $11.99/month.
What is Windscribe best used for?
Windscribe is most often used for running a free vpn across unlimited personal devices, buying access to just a few specific server locations cheaply, blocking ads and trackers at the dns level while browsing, preventing ip leaks with a default-block firewall rule. Of those, running a free vpn across unlimited personal devices and buying access to just a few specific server locations cheaply are not what Private Internet Access is typically brought in for.
What can Windscribe do that Private Internet Access cannot?
Windscribe covers Firewall / default block, Unlimited simultaneous devices, Build-A-Plan, R.O.B.E.R.T. content blocker. Private Internet Access covers Split tunneling, Kill switch, Ad and tracker blocking, Dedicated IP add-on.
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