Windscribe vs Proton VPN
The battle of the free plans. Ten gigabytes a month with extra features against unlimited data with restrictions.
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Windscribe
The most generous free VPN: ten gigabytes a month.
Proton VPN
Swiss privacy with a genuinely usable free plan.
Prices last checked on
| Feature | Windscribe | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 4.2 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Price | From $5.75/mo | From $2.99/mo |
| Free plan | ||
| Best for | Unlimited devices (Pro) | 10 devices at once |
| Category | Free options | Privacy-first |
| Provider | Windscribe Limited | Proton AG |
| Visit Windscribe | Visit Proton VPN |
Our verdict
This depends entirely on how you use it. Proton VPN Free is the only free VPN without a data cap, but limits you to one device and a handful of countries. Windscribe Free gives you ten gigabytes a month, with more locations, multiple devices, and a built-in ad blocker.
If you leave the VPN on all day, Proton VPN wins. For occasional protected browsing with more flexibility, Windscribe is the nicer free pick. Comparing the paid tiers, Proton VPN is the more complete service.
“The most generous free VPN we know, ad blocker included. Ten gigabytes a month covers light daily use. The paid version is flexible but not the cheapest.”Editorial team, on Windscribe
“The only serious free VPN without a data cap, and the paid Plus plan handles streaming just fine. Swiss, open source, and audited. Solid on every front.”Editorial team, on Proton VPN
Frequently asked questions
Is Proton VPN better than Windscribe?
On the paid tiers, yes. Proton VPN Plus is the more complete service and costs less: $2.99 a month on a two-year term against $5.75 a month for Windscribe Pro. Windscribe still wins on flexibility, with unlimited devices on Pro and a build-a-plan option that charges you only for the locations you actually use. On the free tiers the answer flips.
Which free plan gives me more, Windscribe or Proton VPN?
Proton VPN Free if you want the VPN on constantly, because it has no data cap at all. Windscribe Free stops at ten gigabytes a month, but gives you more than ten locations, a built-in ad blocker and use on more than one device, where Proton limits its free tier to a single device and a handful of countries.
What do the paid plans cost?
Proton VPN Plus is $2.99 a month on a two-year plan, $35.88 for a year. Windscribe Pro is billed annually at $5.75 a month, $69.00 a year (US dollars, prices last checked August 2026). Proton's figure is a two-year commitment rate, so weigh it against the term you actually want rather than against the headline alone.
Can I run a free VPN on all my devices?
Not on Proton VPN Free, which allows one device. Windscribe Free lets you use more than one, which is why it suits people who want basic protection on a phone and a laptop at the same time. Once you pay, both open up. That is ten devices at once on Proton VPN Plus, unlimited on Windscribe Pro.