They also have easy-to-use apps for all major platforms.
It also lets you filter certain content, which not a lot of VPNs offer.
RAM-only servers write your data on a volatile memory, which is wiped whenever the servers are turned on/off.
But only Windscribe provides full leak protection.
While Surfshark protects against DNS leaks, theres no built-in protection against WebRTC and IPv6 leaks.
That said, each VPN uses fast and secure VPN protocols: IKEv2, OpenVPN, and WireGuard.
This adds an extra layer of security to your VPN account.
Winner (Security): Its a tie
Both VPNs provide excellent security.
The VPNs also have obfuscation, which disguises VPN traffic as regular internet traffic for more privacy.
You get a great ad, tracker, and malicious site blocker with each VPN.
In my tests, both Surfsharks CleanWeb and Windscribes R.O.B.E.R.T.
did a good job of stopping most ads from loading on ad-heavy social media sites.
But I like R.O.B.E.R.T.
Each VPN supports Tor traffic on all of their servers, too.
Both providers have split-tunneling, obfuscation, and an ad, tracker, and malware blocker.
However, only Surfsharks no-logs policy has undergone an independent audit.
This makes it easier to trust Surfshark compared to Windscribe.
Winner (Privacy):Surfshark
Surfshark beats Windscribe in privacy.
Both Surfshark and Windscribe have strict no-logs policies and both accept cryptocurrency payments.
But only Surfsharks no-logs policy has undergone an independent audit.
Servers Both VPNs Have Great Server Networks
Both providers have good server networks.
Surfshark has servers in 100 countries, and Windscribe has servers in 69 countries.
Surfshark is the only one that uses virtual servers.
The only difference is that theyre physically located in a different country.
Both VPNs have a limited P2P internet.
Surfshark supports torrenting in 49+ countries while Windscribe supports P2P traffic in 58 countries.
You also get obfuscation on all servers with each VPN.
Plus, they each have double VPN support.
Surfshark and Windscribe both offer dedicated IP addresses for a small fee.
Both VPNs have dedicated IP addresses in 10+ locations.
Surfshark has servers in 100 countries, and Windscribe has servers in 69 countries.
Speeds Surfshark Is Slightly Faster
Surfshark and Windscribe are fast on nearby servers.
Surfshark maintains slightly better speeds on distant servers, though theres a noticeable slowdown with each.
Downloading the same 20 GB file took 2527 minutes.
So if you plan on connecting to distant servers frequently, Surfshark is the better choice.
Streaming Surfshark Is Better for Streaming
Surfshark has slightly better streaming support.
It works with 50+ streaming services, whereas Windscribe only works with 10+.
Winner (Streaming):Surfshark
Surfshark is the better overall pick.
Torrenting Both Providers Are Good for Torrenting
Surfshark and Windscribe are great for torrenting.
Surfshark allows torrenting on servers in 49+ countries, whereas Windscribe allows torrenting on its servers in 58 countries.
Each provider also works with all major torrent clients, including uTorrent, qBitorrent, Vuze, and Transmission.
That said, only Surfsharks no-logs policy has undergone an independent audit.
Windscribe is the only one of the two to offer port forwarding.
This lets you connect to more peers for faster download speeds.
Winner (Torrenting): Its a tie
Both have good P2P support.
However, only Windscribe offers port forwarding.
I had low ping and 0 lag when I played a fewDota 2matches while connected to a nearby server.
But when I connected to distant servers, there was some minor lag.
That said, neither provider has support for cloud gaming platforms.
They still might work with them, but theres no guarantee.
But only Surfsharks servers are equipped with anti-DDoS protection.
Winner (Gaming):Surfshark
The difference isnt huge, but Surfshark is better for gaming.
Bypassing Censorship I Dont Recommend Either Provider
Neither VPN is good for bypassing censorship in restrictive countries.
Winner (Bypassing Censorship): None
I dont recommend either Surfshark or Windscribe for restrictive countries.
If this is a feature you need, try ExpressVPN instead.
you’re free to also manually set both up on routers.
I like the mobile apps of both providers.
Neither provider has split-tunneling on their macOS app but very few VPNs do.
All subscriptions come with every VPN feature, and you get unlimited simultaneous connections.
Windscribe has paid monthly and yearly plans, which start at IDR50,870 / month.
ad blocker, and streaming and torrenting support (which is pretty rare for a free VPN plan).
Windscribe is one of the few VPNs that allow you to build your own custom plan.
Both providers accept payment via credit/debit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrencies.
Surfshark accepts payment via Google Pay and Amazon Pay, too, and Windscribe also accepts payment via Paymentwall.
Both VPNs offer a money-back guarantee, but I prefer Surfsharks.
Windscribe only has a 7-day money-back guarantee, which is really short compared to most other providers.
Surfshark backs all subscriptions with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
But Windscribes money-back guarantee only lasts 7 days, while Surfshark has a standard 30-day money-back guarantee.
They also offer very good email support.
The answers they provided were also accurate and easy to understand.
However, only Surfshark has live chat support.
Additionally, the support reps I spoke to were all friendly and knowledgeable.
Winner (Customer Support):Surfshark
Surfshark has better support options than Windscribe.
Both VPNs are really good, but I prefer Surfshark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surfshark better than Windscribe?
Yes,Surfshark is slightly better than Windscribe.
Its premium plans also provide better value, and it has more customer support options.
That said, Windscribe has a great free plan and a flexible build-a-plan option.
Which is better for streaming Surfshark or Windscribe?
Surfshark is better for streaming.
Are Surfshark and Windscribe good for torrenting?
Yes,both VPNs are good for torrenting.
Additionally, both providers have strong privacy tools to keep your online activities anonymous.
However, only Windscribe supports port forwarding.
Are Surfshark and Windscribe trustworthy?
Read more about the best VPNs in 2025
