notanothertool

Private Internet Access vs Windscribe

Private Internet Access is Long-established VPN provider with open-source apps and a proven no-logs policy, while Windscribe is VPN with a generous free tier and build-your-own-plan pricing. Private Internet Access comes in cheaper, but price alone does not tell the full story. Private Internet Access is built for privacy-focused users who want a proven no-logs vpn with open-source transparency, whereas Windscribe targets users who want a solid free vpn or a customizable paid plan.

FeaturePrivate Internet AccessWindscribe
Free tier available
Open source
35000+ servers
Ad blocker
Build-a-plan
Free tier
No-logs
Open source
Unlimited connections
VPN

Pricing: Private Internet Access starts at $2.03/mo. Windscribe starts at $5.75/mo. Private Internet Access is the more affordable option.

Feature gaps: Private Internet Access offers 35000+ servers, Open source and Unlimited connections that Windscribe lacks. Windscribe brings Ad blocker, Build-a-plan and Free tier that Private Internet Access does not have. Both share No-logs and VPN.

Open source: Private Internet Access is open source, meaning you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in. Windscribe is proprietary — you are trusting the vendor with your data and uptime.

Where each tool shines: Private Internet Access's biggest strengths are: no-logs policy proven in court — twice. all apps are open source for transparency. Windscribe's biggest strengths are: generous free tier — 10gb/month with 10+ locations. build-a-plan lets you pay only for locations you need.

Watch out for: With Private Internet Access, users commonly note that owned by kape technologies (formerly crossrider) — controversial parent company. With Windscribe, the main complaint is that free tier has 10gb data cap — not enough for streaming.

choose Private Internet Access if

  • You need a tool built for privacy-focused users who want a proven no-logs vpn with open-source transparency
  • You want to save on per-user costs — Private Internet Access is $3.72/user/mo cheaper
  • You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
  • You specifically need 35000+ servers and Open source
  • You care about all apps are open source for transparency

choose Windscribe if

  • You need a tool built for users who want a solid free vpn or a customizable paid plan
  • You specifically need Ad blocker and Build-a-plan
  • You care about build-a-plan lets you pay only for locations you need
  • The free tier works for you: free: 10gb/month, 10+ locations

frequently asked

What is the difference between Private Internet Access and Windscribe?

Private Internet Access is Long-established VPN provider with open-source apps and a proven no-logs policy, while Windscribe is VPN with a generous free tier and build-your-own-plan pricing. Private Internet Access comes in cheaper, but price alone does not tell the full story. Private Internet Access is built for privacy-focused users who want a proven no-logs vpn with open-source transparency, whereas Windscribe targets users who want a solid free vpn or a customizable paid plan.

Should I use Private Internet Access or Windscribe?

Private Internet Access gives you open source and self-hosting; Windscribe is a managed service. Which trade-off works for you?

When should I choose Private Internet Access over Windscribe?

Choose Private Internet Access if You need a tool built for privacy-focused users who want a proven no-logs vpn with open-source transparency; You want to save on per-user costs — Private Internet Access is $3.72/user/mo cheaper; You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code; You specifically need 35000+ servers and Open source; You care about all apps are open source for transparency.

When should I choose Windscribe over Private Internet Access?

Choose Windscribe if You need a tool built for users who want a solid free vpn or a customizable paid plan; You specifically need Ad blocker and Build-a-plan; You care about build-a-plan lets you pay only for locations you need; The free tier works for you: free: 10gb/month, 10+ locations.

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