In the world of VPNs, the debate of Windscribe vs Kaspersky VPN often surfaces. Both are reputable providers, each boasting unique features and strengths. In this article, we delve deep to unravel what sets these two apart, aiming to help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.
Overview
Dive into our in-depth comparison of Windscribe and Kaspersky VPN, two formidable contenders in the world of online security. We’ll dissect their privacy protocols, evaluate their speed performance, and assess their commitment to no-logging policies. Whether you’re a novice user or a seasoned tech-head, our exclusive review will give you a clear insight into which VPN takes the crown for ultimate internet security and privacy. Let’s get started!
Windscribe
Price: From $5.75/month
Trustpilot Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Refund Policy: Windscribe offers a 3-day money back guarantee.
Official website: www.windscribe.com
Windscribe is best for individuals and businesses who want to protect their online privacy and access geo-restricted content with a secure and reliable VPN service.
Kaspersky VPN
Price: From $4.99/month
Trustpilot Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars
Refund Policy: Kaspersky VPN provides a 30-day money back guarantee.
Official website: www.kaspersky.com/vpn
Kaspersky VPN is best for individuals and businesses who want to ensure their online activities are secure and private, especially when using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.
Windscribe stands tall with its feature-rich environment offering a secure and fast browsing experience. The R.O.B.E.R.T feature has been particularly impressive, blocking malware and ads effectively. It is a service characterized by innovation and reliability, justifying a top score of 5 stars! – Fernando P.
Kaspersky VPN leverages its rich heritage in cybersecurity to offer a VPN service that is both secure and reliable. Its focus on user privacy and security is notable, providing a safe haven for online activities. Its consistent performance and strong commitment to user privacy make it a solid choice, earning it a well-deserved 5-star rating. – Yuki H.
Windscribe brings a fresh and modern approach to the VPN space, offering flexible configurations and a robust free tier. While it performs admirably, it would benefit from more consistent speeds across all servers. Nonetheless, a solid choice that warrants a 4-star rating. – Yuna Kim
Kaspersky VPN carries the legacy of Kaspersky’s security solutions into the VPN space, presenting a solid choice for online privacy. While the basics are covered well, a broader server network would add value to its offerings. A reliable option that holds a 4-star review. – Carlos
Pros & Cons
This chapter examines the benefits and drawbacks of these two VPN solutions.
Winner is:
Windscribe has a clear edge over Kaspersky VPN, offering unlimited device connections, more server locations, and a built-in ad blocker. Its privacy policy is robust with a strict no-logs promise. Kaspersky, while reliable, has fewer features and its privacy policy is a little unclear. However, Kaspersky excels in antivirus integration. Despite this, Windscribe's comprehensive offerings make it the overall winner.
Windscribe
Pros:
- Unblocks streaming services: Windscribe can unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.
- Allows torrenting: Windscribe allows torrenting on most of its servers.
- Has a free plan: Windscribe offers a free plan that includes 10GB of monthly data and access to 11 server locations.
- Has a generous data allowance: The paid plans of Windscribe offer a generous data allowance, starting at 100GB per month.
- Is highly configurable: Windscribe is highly configurable, allowing you to customize settings like the encryption protocol, the port, and the DNS servers.
- Has a no-logs policy: Windscribe has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not store any data about your online activity.
- Is user-friendly: Windscribe is easy to use and has apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Cons:
- Speeds can be slow: Windscribe's speeds can be slow, especially on long-distance connections.
- Is based in Canada: Windscribe is based in Canada, which is a member of the Five Eyes alliance. This means that the Canadian government could potentially force Windscribe to hand over user data.
- Has a small server network: Windscribe has a smaller server network than some other VPN providers. This can mean that you may have to connect to a server that is far away, which can slow down your connection.
Kaspersky VPN
Pros:
- Secure: Kaspersky VPN uses strong encryption to protect your data prying eyes.
- Fast: Kaspersky VPN has fast speeds, so you can stream videos, download files, and browse the web without lag.
- Affordable: Kaspersky VPN is very affordable, especially for the annual plan.
- Easy to use: Kaspersky VPN is easy to set up and use, even for beginners.
- P2P support: Kaspersky VPN allows P2P file sharing, so you can torrent safely and anonymously.
- 30-day money-back guarantee: You can try Kaspersky VPN for 30 days risk-free.
Cons:
- Limited server locations: Kaspersky VPN has a limited number of server locations, so you may not be able to connect to the server you want.
- Privacy concerns: Kaspersky VPN is owned by a Russian company, which some people may find concerning due to the country's history of government surveillance.
- Logging: Kaspersky VPN logs some user data, such as the IP addresses of the websites you visit.
- No kill switch: The free version of Kaspersky VPN does not have a kill switch, which can be a security risk.
Key Features
This section compares the overall features of Windscribe vs Kaspersky VPN.
Windscribe HQ and country of jurisdiction is Canada, and Windscribe supports Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and also offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. Additionally, it supports routers and TVs that can be configured to use OpenVPN.
Kaspersky VPN HQ and country of jurisdiction is Russia, and Kaspersky VPN supports Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.
Winner is:
Windscribe is a top-tier VPN with unlimited device connections, robust encryption, and a strict no-logs policy. It also offers dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting. While Kaspersky VPN has a reputable brand name, it lacks in several features including limited server selection and a questionable logging policy. Overall, for superior privacy, security, and flexibility, Windscribe outshines Kaspersky VPN. It's the clear winner in this comparison.
Windscribe
- Unblocks streaming services: Windscribe can unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.
- Allows torrenting: Windscribe allows torrenting on most of its servers.
- Has a free plan: Windscribe offers a free plan that includes 10GB of monthly data and access to 11 server locations.
- Has a generous data allowance: The paid plans of Windscribe offer a generous data allowance, starting at 100GB per month.
- Is highly configurable: Windscribe is highly configurable, allowing you to customize settings like the encryption protocol, the port, and the DNS servers.
- Has a no-logs policy: Windscribe has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not store any data about your online activity.
- Is user-friendly: Windscribe is easy to use and has apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
- Offers ad and malware blocking: Windscribe blocks ads and malware on all of its servers, which can help to improve your browsing experience and protect your device threats.
- Has a kill switch: A kill switch is a feature that will disconnect your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. This can help to prevent your real IP address being exposed.
- Allows split tunneling: Split tunneling is a feature that allows you to choose which apps or websites will use the VPN and which will use your regular internet connection. This can be useful for things like streaming or gaming, where you want to get the best possible performance.
Kaspersky VPN
- Strong encryption: Kaspersky VPN uses 256-bit AES encryption to protect your data prying eyes. This is the same encryption standard used by banks and government agencies.
- Fast speeds: Kaspersky VPN has fast speeds, so you can stream videos, download files, and browse the web without lag.
- Affordable: Kaspersky VPN is very affordable, especially for the annual plan.
- Easy to use: Kaspersky VPN is easy to set up and use, even for beginners.
- P2P support: Kaspersky VPN allows P2P file sharing, so you can torrent safely and anonymously.
- 30-day money-back guarantee: You can try Kaspersky VPN for 30 days risk-free.
Security Features
This section looks at important security features of Windscribe and Kaspersky VPN such as encryption methods, protocols, split tunneling, kill switch, and more.
Winner is:
Windscribe and Kaspersky VPN both offer robust security options. However, Windscribe stands out with features like ad-blocking and tracking protection, private DNS, and no logging policy. It also supports VPN protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and SOCKS5. Windscribe’s advanced options like split tunneling, kill switch, Onion Over VPN, obfuscated servers, and double VPN ensure superior protection against IP and DNS leaks. On the other hand, Kaspersky VPN lacks some of these advanced features and its logging policy is less clear. Therefore, for its comprehensive security measures, Windscribe is the winner.
Windscribe
- Strong encryption: Windscribe uses the AES-256 cipher with SHA512 authentication and a 4096-bit RSA key. This is the same encryption that is used by banks and governments.
- No logs policy: Windscribe has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not store any data about your online activity. This includes your IP address, browsing history, and traffic data.
- Kill switch: Windscribe has a kill switch that will disconnect your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. This can help to prevent your real IP address being exposed.
- Double VPN: Windscribe's Double VPN feature routes your traffic through two VPN servers, which can help to improve your security and privacy.
- Obfuscation: Windscribe's obfuscation feature hides the fact that you are using a VPN, which can help to bypass censorship and firewalls.
- Split tunneling: Windscribe's split tunneling feature allows you to choose which apps or websites will use the VPN and which will use your regular internet connection. This can be useful for things like streaming or gaming, where you want to get the best possible performance.
- AES-256 cipher: This is a strong encryption cipher that is used by banks and governments. It uses a 256-bit key to encrypt your traffic, which is very difficult to crack.
- SHA512 authentication: This is a secure hash function that is used to verify the integrity of your traffic. It ensures that your traffic has not been tampered with while it was in transit.
- 4096-bit RSA key: This is a large key that is used to establish a secure connection between your device and the VPN server. It helps to prevent hackers eavesdropping on your traffic.
Kaspersky VPN
- 256-bit AES encryption: This is the strongest encryption standard available, and it is used by banks and government agencies to protect their sensitive data.
- Kill switch: This feature automatically disconnects your internet connection if the VPN connection drops, which can help to protect your privacy.
- DNS leak protection: This feature helps to prevent your real IP address leaking, even if the VPN connection drops.
- Split tunneling: This allows you to choose which apps and websites use the VPN and which ones use your regular internet connection.
- No logs policy: Kaspersky VPN does not store any logs of your online activity, so your privacy is protected.
- Secure payment options: Kaspersky VPN accepts a variety of secure payment options, so you can be confident that your financial information is safe.
- 256-bit AES encryption: This is the strongest encryption standard available, and it is used by banks and government agencies to protect their sensitive data. Kaspersky VPN uses this encryption to protect all of your data, including your traffic, IP address, and browsing history.
- Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS): This feature ensures that even if the encryption keys are compromised, your data will still be safe. PFS generates new encryption keys for each session, so even if one key is compromised, it will not affect your previous or future sessions.
- Double VPN: This feature encrypts your data twice, once through the VPN server and again through a second server. This provides an extra layer of security and makes it even more difficult for anyone to intercept your data.
- Obfuscated servers: These servers are designed to hide the fact that you are using a VPN. This can be useful if you are in a country where VPNs are blocked or if you want to keep your VPN use private.
Privacy Features
This section looks at the privacy features of Kaspersky VPN vs Windscribe in terms of country of jurisdiction (five-eyes surveillance) no-logging policy, independent auditing, and more.
Winner is:
Windscribe and Kaspersky Secure Connection both offer strong VPN privacy features. Windscribe operates under a strict no-log policy, has undergone independent auditing, is based in Canada (a Five Eyes country), and supports crypto payments. Kaspersky also has a no-log policy, but lacks independent auditing, is based in Russia (not a Five Eyes country), and doesn't support crypto payments. Both offer private browsing. However, given Windscribe's transparency through independent auditing and crypto payment support, it's the superior choice for privacy-conscious users.
Windscribe
- No logs policy: Windscribe has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not store any data about your online activity. This includes your IP address, browsing history, and traffic data.
- Kill switch: Windscribe has a kill switch that will disconnect your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. This can help to prevent your real IP address being exposed.
- Double VPN: Windscribe's Double VPN feature routes your traffic through two VPN servers, which can help to improve your security and privacy.
- Obfuscation: Windscribe's obfuscation feature hides the fact that you are using a VPN, which can help to bypass censorship and firewalls.
- Split tunneling: Windscribe's split tunneling feature allows you to choose which apps or websites will use the VPN and which will use your regular internet connection. This can be useful for things like streaming or gaming, where you want to get the best possible performance.
- No connection logs: Windscribe does not store any data about your VPN connections, including your IP address, browsing history, or traffic data.
- No session logs: Windscribe does not store any data about your VPN sessions, including the time and duration of your connection.
- No DNS logs: Windscribe does not store any data about your DNS queries, which are the requests your device makes to resolve domain names into IP addresses.
- No payment logs: Windscribe does not store any data about your payment information, such as your credit card number or PayPal account.
Kaspersky VPN
- No logs policy: Kaspersky VPN does not store any logs of your online activity, including your IP address, browsing history, or traffic data. This means that your privacy is protected, and no one can track what you do online.
- Kill switch: This feature automatically disconnects your internet connection if the VPN connection drops, which can help to protect your privacy. If the VPN connection drops, your real IP address will be exposed, which could allow someone to track your online activity. The kill switch will automatically disconnect your internet connection if the VPN connection drops, which will prevent your real IP address being exposed.
- DNS leak protection: This feature helps to prevent your real IP address leaking, even if the VPN connection drops. DNS leaks can occur when your device uses your ISP's DNS servers instead of the VPN's DNS servers. This can expose your real IP address, which could allow someone to track your online activity. DNS leak protection helps to prevent this by routing all DNS requests through the VPN's servers.
- Split tunneling: This feature allows you to choose which apps and websites use the VPN and which ones use your regular internet connection. This can be useful if you want to use the VPN for some activities, such as torrenting, but not for others, such as streaming videos.
- Obfuscated servers: These servers are designed to hide the fact that you are using a VPN. This can be useful if you are in a country where VPNs are blocked or if you want to keep your VPN use private.
- No IP logs: Kaspersky VPN does not log your IP address, which is the unique identifier that is used to track your online activity. This means that no one can see where you are connecting or what websites you are visiting.
- No traffic logs: Kaspersky VPN does not log your traffic data, which is the information about the websites you visit and the files you download. This means that no one can see what you are doing online.
- No DNS logs: Kaspersky VPN does not log your DNS requests, which are the queries that your device sends to the DNS servers to translate domain names into IP addresses. This means that no one can see the websites you are trying to visit.
- No session logs: Kaspersky VPN does not log any information about your VPN sessions, such as the start and end times of your sessions or the servers you connected to. This means that no one can track your online activity over time.
Speed Features
This section explores the speed features of Windscribe and Kaspersky VPN when it comes to server technology for download/upload speeds for streaming and torrenting.
Winner is:
Windscribe and Kaspersky Secure Connection both offer decent speed features. However, third-party speed tests indicate that Windscribe generally outperforms Kaspersky in terms of download and upload speeds. Windscribe's server speed is also found to be more consistent, leading to smoother streaming and torrenting experiences. While Kaspersky can also access streaming sites and support torrenting, its speeds can be less reliable. Therefore, considering these factors, Windscribe emerges as the overall winner in terms of speed features.
Windscribe
- Large server network: Windscribe has a large server network, with servers in over 63 countries and 110 cities. This means that you should be able to find a server that is close to your location, which can help to improve your speeds.
- Multiple protocols: Windscribe supports multiple protocols, including OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, and Shadowsocks. This gives you flexibility in choosing the protocol that best suits your needs.
- Configurable settings: Windscribe allows you to configure a variety of settings, such as the encryption protocol, the port, and the DNS servers. This allows you to customize your VPN connection to your liking.
- No-logs policy: Windscribe has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not store any data about your VPN activity. This helps to protect your privacy and security.
- Kill switch: Windscribe has a kill switch that will disconnect your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. This helps to prevent your real IP address being exposed.
- Double VPN: Windscribe's Double VPN feature routes your traffic through two VPN servers, which can help to improve your security and privacy.
- Split tunneling: Windscribe's split tunneling feature allows you to choose which apps or websites will use the VPN and which will use your regular internet connection. This can be useful for things like streaming or gaming, where you want to get the best possible performance.
- WireGuard: Windscribe uses the WireGuard protocol, which is a newer and more efficient protocol than OpenVPN. This can help to improve your speeds.
- Automatic protocol selection: Windscribe automatically selects the best protocol for your connection, which can also help to improve your speeds.
- Closest server: Windscribe recommends connecting to the closest server to your location, which can also help to improve your speeds.
- Limit bandwidth: You can limit the bandwidth that is used by the VPN, which can help to improve the speeds of your other connections.
- Disable kill switch: The kill switch is a feature that disconnects your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. Disabling this feature can help to improve your speeds.
Kaspersky VPN
- 2000+ servers in 100+ locations: Kaspersky VPN has a large network of servers located in over 100 countries. This gives you the flexibility to connect to a server that is close to your location or to a server in a specific country.
- P2P-friendly servers: Kaspersky VPN has dedicated servers for P2P file sharing. This means that you can torrent safely and anonymously without affecting the performance of other users on the server.
- Streaming-optimized servers: Kaspersky VPN has dedicated servers for streaming video and audio. This means that you can stream your favorite shows and movies without buffering or lag.
- Obfuscated servers: Kaspersky VPN has obfuscated servers that can be used to hide the fact that you are using a VPN. This can be useful if you are in a country where VPNs are blocked or if you want to keep your VPN use private.
- Kill switch: Kaspersky VPN has a kill switch that automatically disconnects your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. This can help to protect your privacy by preventing your real IP address being exposed.
- Fast speeds: Kaspersky VPN claims to have fast speeds, so you can stream videos, download files, and browse the web without lag. However, some users have reported that the speeds can be slow, especially when connecting to servers in faraway locations.
- Unlimited bandwidth: Kaspersky VPN offers unlimited bandwidth, so you can use as much data as you want without any restrictions.
- No throttling: Kaspersky VPN does not throttle your speeds, which means that you will always get the fastest possible speeds.
- Multiple protocols: Kaspersky VPN supports multiple protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. This allows you to choose the protocol that offers the best speeds for your needs.
- Obfuscated servers: Kaspersky VPN offers obfuscated servers, which can be useful if you are in a country where VPNs are blocked or if you want to keep your VPN use private.
Streaming & Torrenting Features
This section compares the streaming and torrenting features and capabilities provided by Windscribe versus Kaspersky VPN.
Popular Streaming Services
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime
- Disney+
- HBO Max
- Paramount+
- Hulu
- Apple TV
- Starz
- ESPN+
- Peacock
- Canal Plus
- Discovery Plus
Winner is:
Windscribe is superior for unblocking streaming services as it successfully bypasses geo-restrictions on platforms like Netflix, Hulu and BBC iPlayer. While Kaspersky VPN also has this feature, its performance is less consistent. In terms of torrenting, Windscribe supports P2P sharing on most servers, whereas Kaspersky discourages it. Though both offer robust security features, Windscribe's versatility in streaming and torrenting makes it the clear winner.
Windscribe
- Unblocks streaming services: Windscribe can unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. This is because Windscribe has servers in many different countries, so you can connect to a server in a country where the streaming service is available.
- Supports multiple protocols: Windscribe supports multiple protocols, including OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, and Shadowsocks. This gives you flexibility in choosing the protocol that best suits your streaming needs.
- Configurable settings: Windscribe allows you to configure a variety of settings, such as the encryption protocol, the port, and the DNS servers. This allows you to customize your VPN connection to your liking.
- No-logs policy: Windscribe has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not store any data about your VPN activity. This helps to protect your privacy and security.
- Kill switch: Windscribe has a kill switch that will disconnect your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. This helps to prevent your real IP address being exposed.
- Allows torrenting on most servers: Windscribe allows torrenting on most of its servers. However, there are a few servers that are not allowed to be used for torrenting. These servers are marked as "No P2P" in the app.
- No bandwidth caps: Windscribe does not have any bandwidth caps for torrenting. This means that you can download as much as you want without worrying about hitting a limit.
- Strong encryption: Windscribe uses strong encryption to protect your torrent traffic. This helps to prevent your ISP or other third parties seeing what you are downloading.
- No logs policy: Windscribe has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not store any data about your torrent activity. This helps to protect your privacy.
- Kill switch: Windscribe has a kill switch that will disconnect your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. This helps to prevent your real IP address being exposed.
Kaspersky VPN
- Streaming-optimized servers: Kaspersky VPN has dedicated servers for streaming video and audio. This means that you can stream your favorite shows and movies without buffering or lag.
- Unblocks geo-restricted content: Kaspersky VPN can unblock geo-restricted content, so you can watch your favorite shows and movies anywhere in the world.
- Fast speeds: Kaspersky VPN claims to have fast speeds, so you can stream videos, download files, and browse the web without lag. However, some users have reported that the speeds can be slow, especially when connecting to servers in faraway locations.
- No throttling: Kaspersky VPN does not throttle your speeds, which means that you will always get the fastest possible speeds.
- No support for P2P file sharing: Kaspersky VPN does not support P2P file sharing (torrenting).
- No dedicated torrenting servers: Kaspersky VPN does not have any dedicated torrenting servers.
- No port forwarding: Port forwarding is a feature that can improve the speeds of torrent downloads. However, Kaspersky VPN does not support port forwarding.
- No kill switch: A kill switch is a feature that can protect your privacy by disconnecting your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. However, Kaspersky VPN does not have a kill switch.
Support Features
This section looks at what kind of customer support you can expect from Kaspersky VPN versus Windscribe.
Winner is:
Windscribe offers a wide range of customer support options, including live chat, email support, and a comprehensive FAQ section. On the other hand, Kaspersky VPN provides support via email and forums, but lacks live chat. Good customer support is crucial for a VPN service because users may face technical issues or have queries about their privacy. In this comparison, Windscribe emerges as the winner due to its broader range of customer support options, including the highly responsive live chat feature.
Windscribe
- Live chat: Windscribe offers live chat support, which is available 24/7. This is the quickest way to get help a Windscribe representative.
- Email support: Windscribe also offers email support, which is available during business hours. This is a good option if you need to provide more detailed information about your issue.
- Knowledge base: Windscribe has a comprehensive knowledge base that covers a wide range of topics. This is a good place to start if you are having a problem and you want to try to troubleshoot it yourself.
- Social media: Windscribe is also active on social media, such as Twitter and Reddit. This can be a good way to get help other Windscribe users or to get the attention of a Windscribe representative.
Kaspersky VPN
- 24/7 live chat: Kaspersky VPN offers 24/7 live chat support. This means that you can get help a customer support representative at any time of day or night.
- Email support: Kaspersky VPN also offers email support. You can submit a ticket and a customer support representative will get back to you as soon as possible.
- Knowledge base: Kaspersky VPN has a knowledge base that contains articles and tutorials on how to use the VPN. This can be a helpful resource if you are having trouble with the VPN.
- Social media: Kaspersky VPN is also active on social media, such as Facebook and Twitter. You can contact them through social media if you have a question or need help.
Check out how Windscribe and Kaspersky VPN stack up against other popular VPN services on the market.
- Hide.me vs Kaspersky VPN
- PrivateVPN vs Windscribe
- Windscribe vs Speedify
- Private Internet Access vs Kaspersky VPN
- Windscribe vs StrongVPN
- VPN Unlimited vs Windscribe
- Kaspersky VPN vs Namecheap VPN
- Windscribe vs Hide.me
- VyprVPN vs Kaspersky VPN
- Goose VPN vs Kaspersky VPN
- Bitdefender VPN vs Kaspersky VPN
- Windscribe vs Hola
- Ivacy vs Kaspersky VPN
- Ivacy vs Windscribe
- CyberGhost vs Kaspersky VPN
- Windscribe vs PureVPN
- Kaspersky VPN vs McAfee VPN
- FastestVPN vs Windscribe
- Kaspersky VPN vs Malwarebytes VPN
- Surfshark vs Windscribe
- Windscribe vs Hide My Ass
- Kaspersky VPN vs Hola
- Kaspersky VPN vs IVPN
- Kaspersky VPN vs Norton Secure VPN
- Private Internet Access vs Windscribe