Too Close to Call
Score Comparison
Criteria
Private Internet Access
Windscribe
Overall Score
8.3
8.2
Security
9.0
8.5
Speed
8.0
8.0
Features
8.5
8.5
Pricing/Value
8.5
8.5
Ease of Use
7.5
8.0
Pricing & Features
Specification
Private Internet Access
Windscribe
Starting Price
$2.19/mo
Free / $5.75/mo
Free Tier
Pricing Model
Subscription
Freemium
Making Your Decision
When to Choose Private Internet Access
Privacy purists and tech-savvy users who want proven no-logs protection
Private Internet Access offers court-proven privacy with unlimited connections and open-source transparency, though its US jurisdiction and dated interface may concern some users.
Strengths
- Proven no-logs policy verified in court cases
- Unlimited device connections
- Open-source apps for transparency
- Highly configurable with advanced settings
Limitations
- US-based company (Five Eyes jurisdiction)
- Interface is less polished than competitors
- Streaming support is inconsistent
When to Choose Windscribe
Users who want a feature-rich free tier or flexible build-a-plan pricing
Windscribe offers one of the most generous free VPN tiers with its unique build-a-plan option, making it perfect for users who want flexibility without committing to a full subscription.
Strengths
- Generous free tier with 10GB/month and 10+ server locations
- Build-a-plan option for custom pricing
- R.O.B.E.R.T. feature blocks ads, malware, and trackers
- Unlimited simultaneous connections on paid plans
Limitations
- Speeds can be slow during peak times
- Smaller company with limited resources
- Customer support is email-only (no live chat)