Windscribbles

Service Improvement: OpenVPN DCO on Windows!

Kailash "QAizen" Z. — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 19:44:35 GMT

Windscribe’s OpenVPN speeds on Windows have received a boost with OpenVPN’s Data Channel Offload feature!

With OpenVPN’s Data Channel Offload feature, the data channel encryption and decryption are offloaded to kernel-space, letting the kernel do the work instead of dealing with it in user-space. This saves on copy operations from kernel to user-space and back and uses multi-threading.

Windscribe app users on Windows 10 20H2 and newer using Windscribe’s app version 2.12.x or newer (released September 2024 as Guinea Pig builds and November 2024 as stable build) benefit from OpenVPN DCO’s speeds by default when using “UDP”, “TCP”*, “Stealth”, and “WStunnel” protocols in-app. The “UDP” option is recommended for best speeds.

Users on older versions of Windows will continue to use Wintun.

These are the kind of speeds our users were able to achieve using OpenVPN DCO:

wow such speed

A hat-tip to our community members “Database” and “Webenezer Scrooge” for their feedback regarding our OpenVPN DCO implementation.

*A note for those using the 'Circumvent Censorship' feature. It does not currently work when using the TCP protocol due to missing functionality in the OpenVPN DCO driver. If you require use of the TCP protocol and this feature, you can add `ws-use-openvpn-wintun` to the Advanced Parameters setting to force the use of the wintun driver.

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Give VPNs to Those in Need With GiveScribe

Rebecca Rosenberg — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 20:44:11 GMT

The internet can be a restrictive place, full of government overreach, surveillance, and censorship. That’s where GiveScribe comes in. It’s our way of letting you gift secure, uncensored internet access to those who need it most.

Whether it’s journalists, activists, students, nonprofits, or just regular folks stuck behind digital iron curtains, GiveScribe helps folks get back online, no strings attached.

Why GiveScribe?

Because some people live in places where the internet is a restricted mess. News is filtered, social media is blocked, and privacy is nonexistent. GiveScribe is our way of fighting back. It lets supporters directly sponsor a year of Windscribe Pro VPN for those who need it—ensuring they can browse freely, securely, and without government or corporate snooping.

And because we like to keep things extra spicy, for every VPN purchased through GiveScribe, we’ll match it 2X—meaning we’ll fund two additional one-year subscriptions for others in need. That’s triple the impact for the same price.

How It Works

We’ve made this simple. Here’s how you can take part:

Need a VPN? (Recipient)

Submit a Request: Go to GiveScribe.com and share your situation—why you need secure internet access and how it will help you.
Get Visibility: Your request will be immediately posted on the platform, where donors can see and support it. No approval process—just post and get noticed.
Boost Your Request: Other users can upvote your request, helping it get more visibility. The more upvotes, the more likely it is to attract a supporter.
Receive Your VPN: When someone funds your request, you’ll receive a one-year Windscribe Pro VPN subscription, providing you with secure, private, and unrestricted internet access to protect your digital rights.

Want to Help? (Supporter)

Pick Someone to Support: Browse requests from people in need and filter by country to support causes closest to your heart, including nonprofits and journalists fighting for internet freedom.
Fund a VPN: Purchase a one-year Windscribe Pro VPN subscription for them.
Make Triple the Impact: Thanks to our 2X match, your purchase funds three VPN subscriptions—one for your chosen recipient and two for others in need.

Why Secure Internet Access Matters

Access to the open internet is not just about convenience—it’s about freedom, security, and digital rights. Nonprofits, journalists, activists, and everyday people living under restrictive regimes all rely on VPNs to bypass censorship, protect their privacy, and access the information they need. Whether it's staying in touch with loved ones, accessing unbiased news, or simply reclaiming their right to a free internet, a VPN is a crucial tool for many.

GiveScribe ensures that those who need it most can stay connected, informed, and safe. Learn more about our commitment to online freedom by visiting our Ethics & Philosophy page.—it’s about freedom, security, and digital rights.

Join the Movement

GiveScribe isn’t just another donation platform—it’s a community-driven fight for internet freedom. Whether you need access or want to provide it, you can be part of the solution.

Head over to GiveScribe.com to apply for access or support someone today. Let’s make the internet suck less for those who need it most.

55 VPN Statistics & Industry Trends (2023 - 2025)

Ozzy H — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 02:49:04 GMT

VPN Usage Statistics

Global VPN Users : There are approximately 1.5 billion VPN users worldwide as of 2023, representing about 31% of all internet users. This reflects the mainstream growth of VPNs from a niche tool to a common privacy and access solution.

Global vs. U.S. VPN Adoption Rates: Around 22.9% of internet users worldwide use VPN services, but adoption is much higher in some countries. For example, about 42% of Americans (nearly 105 million people) use a VPN – almost double the global average. VPN usage in the U.S. rose sharply from ~39% in 2022 to 46% in 2023, parallel to growing public awareness (95% of American adults were familiar with VPNs by 2023, up from 72% in 2020).

User Demographics: VPN usage skews toward younger and male users. An estimated 62% of VPN users are male. Additionally, about 39% of global VPN users are aged 16–24 (Gen Z), indicating that young digital natives are a large segment of the VPN-using population.

Usage Frequency: VPNs are not just installed but are actively used regularly. 36% of VPN users use a VPN every day, and another 41% use one at least once a week. This means over three-quarters of users turn on their VPN weekly or more, underscoring how routine VPN use has become for many.

Platforms for VPN Use: VPN usage spans multiple device types. Around 72% of VPN users use VPNs on desktop or laptop computers, while 69% use VPNs on mobile devices. Many users utilize VPNs across both platforms. (Mobile VPN use is popular for on-the-go privacy on public Wi-Fi, whereas desktops at home may be used without VPN for non-sensitive tasks.)

Try Windscribe VPN for Free

Global Download Trends: There were about 328 million VPN app downloads in 2023 across the world. This was 15 million fewer downloads than in 2022, and less than half the downloads seen at the pandemic peak in 2021 (when ~785 million VPN apps were downloaded). The 2020–2021 period saw an unprecedented surge due to remote work and security needs, which has since normalized.

Market Size and Growth: The global VPN market has grown rapidly alongside usage. It was valued around $44–50 billion in 2022–2023 and is projected to continue rising. Estimates put the market at $75–88 billion by 2027 and $137 billion by 2030 – roughly 15–17% annual growth (CAGR). This growth is driven by increasing cybersecurity awareness, privacy concerns, and remote work adoption.

Projected New Users: VPN adoption is still growing in 2024, with one analysis suggesting 10 million additional people may start using VPNs in 2024 alone. This continued rise reflects the ongoing emphasis on online privacy and security globally.

Adoption Barriers: Among internet users who don’t use VPNs, the main reasons are a lack of perceived need (59% of non-users), followed by cost concerns (22% say VPNs are too expensive) and lack of understanding of benefits (20%). This indicates that while VPN awareness is high, converting non-users requires demonstrating clear value and affordability.

Free vs. Paid Usage: A significant portion of VPN users opt for free services despite limitations. About 2 in 5 personal VPN users use a free VPN service. However, free VPNs often come with performance and security issues – over 60% of free VPN users report problems like slow speeds (39%), excessive ads (13%), or inability to stream content (12%). (These issues drive many users to eventually consider paid VPN options for better quality.)

Popular VPN Services: The VPN market is fragmented with dozens of providers, but a few brands lead in popularity. ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Windscribe, and Surfshark are consistently ranked among the most popular consumer VPNs worldwide. In the U.S., recent surveys found NordVPN, Proton VPN, and Google’s VPN (via Google One/Pixel devices) to be the most commonly used services.

VPN Security Concerns

Organizations Attacked via VPNs: More than half (56%) of organizations have been targets of cyberattacks that exploited VPN vulnerabilities in the past year. These incidents include attackers leveraging flaws in VPN servers or clients to breach corporate networks, highlighting VPNs as a potential weak link in enterprise security.

Security Fears Among Professionals: 91% of cybersecurity professionals express concern that VPNs, if compromised, could lead to a serious security breach in their IT infrastructure. In other words, virtually all security teams recognize that VPN connections can be a “weak entry point” if not properly secured. This has prompted many firms to re-evaluate traditional VPNs in favor of more zero-trust approaches.

Common VPN Exploits: The most common attacks abusing VPN weaknesses are ransomware (cited by 42% of organizations), other malware infections (35%), and DDoS attacks (30%) delivered through VPN pathways. Once inside via a VPN vulnerability, attackers often attempt lateral movement; this risk is a top concern for most enterprises that experience VPN-related breaches.

Rising VPN Vulnerabilities: VPN software vulnerabilities are on the rise. In 2023, there were 133 VPN vulnerabilities disclosed, a 43% increase compared to 2022. Over the 2021–2023 period, VPN flaws surged significantly, with many rated high or critical severity (11% critical, 57% high). Notably, at least 7 of the VPN bugs discovered in 2023 were actively exploited by attackers in the wild (per CISA reports), underscoring the real-world danger of unpatched VPN systems.

Notorious VPN Breaches: VPN-related breaches have exposed sensitive data of millions. In May 2023, a breach of a free VPN service left an unsecured database of 360 million records publicly exposed. The 133 GB of data included user email addresses, original IP addresses, VPN servers used, app usage logs, and even websites visited – a startling privacy failure. Incidents like this fuel worries that some VPNs (especially free ones) may actually increase security risks if they are not properly managed.

Free VPN Malware Trap: Cybercriminals have exploited the popularity of free VPNs by distributing malicious fake VPN apps. In 2024, detections of malware-laden fake VPN apps jumped 2.5× in Q3 compared to the previous quarter. In fact, in May 2024 U.S. authorities dismantled a large botnet that was built from networks of computers infected via at least 18 bogus free VPN apps. This illustrates how downloading unverified VPN software can directly lead to device compromise.

VPNs as Attack Targets: Around 3 in 4 cybersecurity leaders are specifically worried about the security risks surrounding VPNs. 94% of organizations acknowledge that their VPNs could be targeted by cyberattacks, and 19% are “very concerned” about VPN-related breaches.

Enterprise Challenges with VPNs: From a corporate IT perspective, the biggest challenge in using VPNs is lack of visibility into user activity (reported by 24% of IT professionals). The second-biggest headache is the high cost of maintaining VPN security and infrastructure (23% of respondents). These challenges indicate that while VPNs provide secure access, they can hinder monitoring and incur significant upkeep costs for businesses.

Shifting to Zero Trust: In response to these concerns, organizations are rapidly adopting alternative security models. 78% of organizations plan to implement a Zero Trust strategy in the next 12 months as a way to reduce reliance on vulnerable VPNs.

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solutions can let companies authenticate users and devices without granting full network access as VPNs do, thereby mitigating the risk from VPN exploits. Recent high-profile VPN vulnerabilities (such as critical flaws in Ivanti and Palo Alto Networks VPN products) even prompted U.S. CISA to issue emergency directives, accelerating this shift away from traditional VPNs.

Privacy Benefits and User Motivation

Privacy as a Primary Motivator: Online privacy is a major driver for VPN adoption. In a 2023 U.S. survey, 63% of VPN users said they use VPNs for general online privacy – up from 50% the year before. Hiding one’s internet activity from prying eyes (whether governments, ISPs, or hackers) is a core appeal. Likewise, nearly 1 in 3 users (31%) globally use VPNs specifically for anonymous browsing with no digital trail.

Preventing Tracking: VPNs are commonly used to thwart tracking and surveillance. Nearly 40% of VPN users report that a key reason for using a VPN is to prevent tracking by search engines and social media platforms. By masking IP addresses and encrypting traffic, VPNs help disrupt the profiling and data collection by big tech and advertisers. Similarly, 35% use VPNs to hide their browsing activity from their Internet Service Provider (ISP), adding another layer of privacy from entities that can monitor internet usage.

Protecting Personal Data: VPNs significantly enhance personal data protection. In one global survey, 66% of VPN users said they use VPNs to protect personal information (such as passwords or private communications) from hackers or data collectors. A VPN’s encryption prevents eavesdropping, which is especially important when using unsecured networks. It essentially creates a private tunnel for one’s data.

Security on Public Wi-Fi: Half of VPN users cite safer use of public Wi‑Fi as a top reason. 50% of users use VPNs on public Wi‑Fi networks (e.g. cafes, airports) to secure their connection. Public hotspots are notorious for snooping and attacks; a VPN shields data in these environments. This is a practical privacy benefit – the user’s traffic becomes unreadable to any would-be sniffer on the same network.

Bypassing Censorship & Content Blocks: Access to restricted content is a huge incentive for VPN use. Half of all VPN users globally (50%) say they use VPNs to get better access to entertainment content. Streaming services and websites often geo-block content, and a VPN allows users to circumvent regional restrictions by tunneling through servers in other countries. In fact, this is the #1 non-work reason people use VPNs. Other common purposes include accessing blocked social media or websites – 34% use VPNs to access social networks where they might be censored.

VPNs for Streaming: Drilling down specifically on entertainment, 46% of VPN users (who use VPNs for personal reasons) use them to access streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+. Additionally, 26% use VPNs to reach region-locked content (for example, accessing another country’s Netflix library or a blocked website), and 16% use VPNs for safer torrenting of media. This underscores that content access is a key benefit alongside privacy. Many consumers see VPNs as a tool to enjoy the open internet without borders.

VPN Use Among Netflix Subscribers: Illustrating the above point, approximately 2 out of every 5 Netflix subscribers worldwide use a VPN to watch Netflix. Many Netflix customers turn to VPNs to bypass geo-restrictions on content, since Netflix offers different libraries in different countries. This statistic shows how common VPNs have become even for everyday streaming entertainment.

Dark Web Access: VPNs are also used for more clandestine browsing. Over 1 in 10 internet users (roughly 11%) have used a VPN to access the dark web at least once. The dark web, being reachable only through specialized browsers (like Tor) and often associated with anonymity, attracts users who also layer a VPN on top for added privacy and to hide such activity from their ISP or authorities.

User Trust in VPN Privacy: VPNs are highly trusted by their users to safeguard privacy. Only 16% of VPN users doubt their anonymity when using a VPN, meaning 84% feel confident that their VPN keeps them anonymous. This high confidence level indicates that, despite some risks, most users believe a reputable VPN effectively shields their identity and data online.

Primary Reasons for Using VPNs: Surveys on VPN user motivations show that while privacy is important, security and content access often rank even higher as immediate reasons. For example, in one post-purchase survey of VPN users, the most common primary reason was improving security (43% of respondents), followed by accessing streaming or entertainment content (26%), and then general privacy/secrecy (12%). Other reasons included accessing content while traveling (9%), avoiding surveillance while gaming (3%), and work purposes (3%). (Notably, many users differentiate security – protecting data from hackers – from privacy – hiding activities from monitoring. VPNs tend to satisfy both.)
Summary of Common VPN Uses: The table below summarizes the top reasons people report for As shown, personal security and privacy (safety from hackers, protecting data) together drive the majority of VPN use, while content access (streaming and bypassing censorship) is another major factor. Work requirements and other niche uses comprise a smaller share of motivations.

Common reasons for using a VPN. Security, privacy, and content access are the dominant motivations.

Regional VPN Adoption

Highest-Use Countries: VPN usage rates vary greatly by country. The countries with the highest VPN penetration (per % of population) tend to be those with restrictive internet environments. Indonesia has the world’s highest VPN usage rate at about 55% of internet users. Other nations with very high VPN usage include India (43%) and several Middle Eastern & Asian countries around 38% usage – for example, the United Arab Emirates (36–38%), Thailand (~38%), and Malaysia (~38%) of their populations use VPNs.

Global Download Leaders (2023): Looking at recent data, Singapore led the world in VPN adoption in early 2023. In just the first half of 2023, Singapore (population ~5.85 million) saw over 1.1 million VPN downloads, giving it an adoption index of 19.3% (downloads per population) – the highest in any country for that period. Other high-download regions were the Middle East: the UAE had a 16.9% adoption index in H1 2023, and Qatar 15.3%, indicating very strong demand for VPNs.
Global VPN Penetration Leaders: Countries with extensive content filtering or censorship (Indonesia, UAE, etc.) tend to have the most VPN usage, as citizens turn to VPNs to circumvent internet censorship and access blocked content. The table below shows the top five countries by VPN usage rate among internet users:

Countries with the highest VPN adoption rates.

Middle East Usage: Saudi Arabia is also among the top VPN markets, with an 11.0% VPN adoption rate in H1 2023. The consistently high VPN penetration in Gulf countries (UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia) is largely driven by strict internet censorship and content restrictions in those nations. Citizens rely on VPNs to reach social media, VoIP services, and websites that are otherwise blocked.

VPN Growth in Europe: In Europe, VPN usage is climbing year over year. For example, the Netherlands reached a 10.4% VPN adoption rate in early 2023 – indicating a well-informed public that values online security. The UK saw about 7.2% of its population using VPNs in H1 2023, and Luxembourg (7.1%) and France (6.9%) had similar adoption levels with continued growth. European usage, while lower than Asia, is steadily rising as privacy awareness grows.

North America and Latin America: North America has a moderate VPN user penetration (around 25% of internet users by some estimates), while Latin America is slightly higher (~31%). For instance, in 2023 about one-third of internet users in countries like Brazil or Mexico use VPNs regularly (Latin America has seen VPN growth for accessing content and privacy). The United States’ ~42% usage rate for VPNs is among the highest in the West, likely boosted by both privacy concerns and a large remote workforce.

Regional Revenue Leaders: North America leads in VPN revenue share globally, even if raw user numbers are higher in Asia. The U.S. market alone was estimated at $19.2 billion in 2023, reflecting strong enterprise spending on VPN solutions. India, despite its large user base, also represents a huge market by value – at roughly $11.6 billion, it’s the single largest country market for VPNs by revenue. China’s VPN market is around $9.9B (though VPN use there is officially restricted).

Fastest Growing Markets: The Asia-Pacific region is the fastest-growing VPN market, projected to expand ~16% annually through 2027. For example, China’s VPN market is expected to grow ~17.7% CAGR, reaching about $21.5B by 2030 despite regulatory challenges. Emerging markets with rising internet penetration – like India, Indonesia, and countries in the Middle East & Africa – are seeing the steepest growth in VPN adoption.
Impact of Geopolitical Events: Political events and conflicts can spark sudden spikes in VPN usage. During the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, VPN demand in Russia surged by 1,906% in a single week as Russians rushed to access uncensored news and blocked services. In 2022, Russians downloaded 33.5 million VPN apps (almost 10% of all global VPN downloads that year). Similarly, events like the 2022 anti-censorship protests in Iran also led to huge increases in VPN use in those regions.

Restrictions on VPN Use: Not all regions welcome VPNs. Approximately 45% of internet users worldwide – about 2.4 billion people – live in countries where VPN usage is restricted by the government in some manner. VPNs are outright illegal in at least 5 countries (including North Korea, Turkmenistan, Iraq, Belarus, and Oman) and heavily restricted in ~8–10 others (e.g. China, Russia, UAE, Iran, Turkey). Users in these countries risk penalties for using non-approved VPNs, yet many still do so clandestinely to obtain free access to information.

Corporate vs. Personal VPN Use

Business Adoption: VPNs are now standard infrastructure in companies. 93% of organizations use VPNs for work to secure connections for employees and offices. This could include corporate VPNs for remote worker access or site-to-site VPNs linking office networks. VPNs have been a cornerstone of enterprise network security for decades, and virtually every large company has some VPN solution in place.

Multiple VPN Gateways: Many enterprises deploy VPN at scale. 41% of companies have 3 or more VPN gateways globally (multiple VPN servers or endpoints) to support their distributed workforce and branch offices. This indicates organizations often manage multiple VPN entry points for redundancy and to handle traffic load, especially those operating internationally.

Remote Work Driving VPN Use: The COVID-19 pandemic forced a massive shift to remote work, boosting business VPN usage to new heights. 71% of companies had to scale up VPN capacity during 2020 to accommodate the surge in remote employees. Over two-thirds of firms upgraded their VPN hardware, added licenses, or increased bandwidth. Notably, 20% of companies increased their VPN capacity by at least 76% (nearly doubling it) during the pandemic to meet demand.

Long-Term Remote Work Trends: Even post-pandemic, remote work remains prevalent. 88% of companies worldwide encouraged or required remote work at the start of the pandemic, and many have kept those policies. As of 2023, 72% of organizations plan to make remote/hybrid work permanent for at least part of their staff. This suggests that elevated VPN usage for business is here to stay, as employees continue to need secure access from home.

VPN Use by Remote Employees: Among individual employees, roughly 43% of remote workers use a VPN for work purposes (when working from home). Interestingly, 38% of remote workers said they do not use a VPN, and another 19% were “not sure” if they use one or not. (This could imply some employees may be using corporate VPNs without realizing it, or that their companies have moved to alternate solutions.)

Personal vs. Work Use: VPNs are used both for personal browsing and business connectivity, sometimes by the same people. Overall, 77% of VPN users use VPNs for personal/private purposes, whereas 50% use them for business/work purposes. (These figures sum to over 100% because many individuals use VPNs in both contexts.)

A survey further found 43.6% of people use VPNs exclusively for personal reasons, 33.3% use them only for business, and 23.1% use VPNs for both work and personal needs. In other words, about one-quarter of VPN users straddle both worlds, using VPNs to protect personal privacy and to access work networks.
Work Requirements: Despite the prevalence of corporate VPNs, relatively few people use a VPN only because their employer mandates it. Only 16% of users said they use a VPN because it’s required by their employer, and an even smaller 6% use one primarily to protect employer data. This suggests that most employees who use a work VPN likely also see personal value in VPN use, or conversely, many employees aren’t using a VPN unless they choose to for their own reasons.
VPN Usage by Purpose (Personal vs Work): The following table breaks down VPN usage by purpose, based on a global survey:

Proportion of VPN users by usage type.

Nearly two-thirds of VPN users use VPNs for at least some personal purposes, while roughly half use them for work (with overlap between those groups).

Corporate VPN vs. Emerging Solutions: With the rise of Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), some companies are looking beyond traditional VPNs. However, as of 2023, VPNs remain entrenched in business.

Many companies now supplement VPNs with additional security (like identity-based access and multifactor authentication) to mitigate VPN risks rather than eliminate VPNs entirely. Still, the trend is clear: the heavy corporate reliance on VPNs (93% adoption) may decline in coming years if zero-trust architectures prove more secure and flexible.

Popular Enterprise VPN Solutions: In the enterprise space, a few VPN solutions dominate. For instance, Cisco’s AnyConnect VPN holds about 28.6% of the market share among enterprise VPN technologies – the single largest share for any one VPN platform. Other major players include Palo Alto Networks’ GlobalProtect and Fortinet’s VPN. Many businesses stick with these well-known solutions for their perceived reliability and vendor support, though this can create attractive common targets for attackers when vulnerabilities are found (as happened with the 2023 Cisco/Fortinet VPN vulnerabilities).

Post-2020 Security Posture: The experience of the pandemic has changed how companies handle remote access. VPN user counts skyrocketed (one report suggested 68% of U.S. adults were using VPNs in 2020, equivalent to ~142 million users, when remote work was at its peak).

While that statistic may include personal use, it highlights how VPN usage became nearly ubiquitous for a time. Moving forward, companies are auditing which employees truly need full network VPN access and which can use cloud apps through secure web gateways, etc., to reduce unnecessary VPN exposure.

Growth in Work and Home VPN Usage: Between 2019 and 2022, there was a massive uptick in both work and personal VPN use in the U.S. VPN use “at work” grew 47.7% and VPN use “at home” grew 56.1% over those three years. This reflects both the shift to remote work (work VPN usage nearly doubled) and greater consumer awareness (more people using VPNs at home for personal privacy). Similarly, the share of people using VPNs in both contexts (home & work) grew 45% in that period, showing that many who started using VPN for work also adopted it for personal use (or vice versa).

Security for Remote Work: VPNs remain a critical security layer for remote and hybrid work. They encrypt sensitive business data as it travels over home networks and public internet.

However, companies are increasingly pairing VPNs with other measures (like endpoint security, cloud authentication, and device management) to bolster overall security for remote users. The goal is to prevent scenarios where a compromised home device or leaked VPN credential could lead to a major breach – a concern clearly on the minds of CISOs, given the statistics above.
Continued Importance of VPNs: In summary, VPN usage – whether for individual privacy, content access, or corporate connectivity – has become an integral part of the modern internet landscape. The statistics from 2023 onward show robust growth in adoption globally, tempered by new security challenges.

Users and organizations alike see substantial benefits in using VPNs (from protecting personal data to enabling remote work), even as they remain aware of the risks and limitations. With nearly one-third of all internet users now using VPNs, VPN technology will likely continue evolving (e.g. more secure protocols, zero-knowledge architectures) to address the twin demands of privacy and security in an increasingly connected world.

5 Best Alternatives to NordVPN in 2025 [Free + Paid]

Ozzy H — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 21:33:00 GMT

NordVPN is like the Starbucks of VPNs: well-known, everywhere, but not everyone’s cup of coffee. Sure, it’s got speed and a massive server network, but dig a little deeper, and you’ll find it’s not all smooth sailing. Over the years, users have aired their grievances, and they’re not trivial.

Security Concerns: In 2019, NordVPN had a security breach that shook its reputation. While they’ve tightened up since, the incident left a lot of users side-eyeing their trustworthiness.
Pricing Upsells: NordVPN loves a good upsell. Their pricing isn’t exactly budget-friendly unless you’re locking in for the long haul, and their frequent attempts to push add-ons can feel, well, pushy.
Customer Support Struggles: NordVPN’s 24/7 support sounds great, but results vary. Some users get quick fixes, while others end up in a frustrating loop of canned responses.
Clunky Interface: The app is functional but can feel like trying to navigate a spaceship when all you want is to find the "connect" button.

For those seeking NordVPN alternatives that tackle these common pain points, here’s a rundown of the top free and paid options, each with a unique angle that might suit your needs better.

New NordVPN Controversy: It's Asking for Your Data

A number of comments on Reddit say that NordVPN is now asking users to consent for their data to be tracked and sold to third-party advertisers.

This is not a drill

If that's not reason enough to switch away from NordVPN, we honestly don't know what is.

Best Alternatives to NordVPN

1. Windscribe

Did you really think we’d leave ourselves off this list? Not a chance! Unlike NordVPN, we’re upfront, straightforward, and all about giving you what you need without the fluff. Let’s break it down:

Generous Free Plan

NordVPN’s free trial? Sure, it exists, but it requires a credit card, and good luck getting a refund if you decide to cancel. With Windscribe, you get 10GB of data per month for free—no credit card, no hassle. Want more data? Just tweet about us or refer a friend. Oh, and you don’t even need an email address to start using our service. Yeah, we’re that chill.

"The 30 day refund is just a hoax."

🧑‍🤝‍🧑

If 15GB per month still isn’t enough, you can get even more data through Windscribe's Refer-a-Friend program. Learn more about it here. The only limit is how many friends you have!

R.O.B.E.R.T: Your Digital Bodyguard

Our ad and malware blocker R.O.B.E.R.T, is available on all plans—even the free one. Block ads, trackers, gambling sites, social media trackers, and even fake news with just a click. It’s like having a personal bouncer for your internet.

👉

Read our head to head comparison of Nord's Threat Blocker vs R.O.B.E.R.T

Unlimited Device Connections

NordVPN limits the number of devices you can connect. With Windscribe? Bring your laptop, phone, tablet, smart fridge, and grandma’s iPad—we’ve got you covered.

Take Windscribe for a Spin

Transparent Pricing (No Surprise Bills!)

NordVPN’s pricing looks okay upfront, but when it’s time to renew, surprise! The cost magically increases. With Windscribe, what you see is what you get. Our plans renew at the same price you signed up for—no sneaky rebills.

Annual plans with access to all servers? Just $5.75/month.
Want a custom plan? Pay $1 per location and build it exactly how you want. NordVPN could never.

Umm...okay?

These deceptive rebilling tactics and complex cancellation flows are also the subject of a class action lawsuit against the company.

NordVPN Cancellation Difficulties Investigation — WMP Law

If you are or were previously a NordVPN customer and experienced difficulty trying to cancel your membership, you are not alone! We urge you to contact a class action attorney at WMP for a free case evaluation.

WMP LawEthan Roman

Reliable Apps on Every Platform

We’ve got apps for literally everything: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, AppleTV, FireTV, Chrome, and more. Our split tunneling feature lets you decide which apps go through the VPN and which don’t, so you get flexibility without compromise.

Customer Support That Actually Helps

Our support team isn’t here to upsell you or give you the runaround. Whether you need help configuring R.O.B.E.R.T or just have a question about servers, we’re here to help. Plus, our AI chatbot is smarter than most tech bros, so you’re always in good hands.

The Verdict? Windscribe Wins, Hands Down

If you’re tired of upsells, vague pricing, and clunky apps, give Windscribe a try. Whether you stick with our feature-packed free plan or go Pro, you’ll get a VPN that’s transparent, reliable, and refreshingly no-nonsense. Oh, and did we mention we’re fun too? Yeah, that’s a thing.

👉

Read our comparison of NordVPN vs Windscribe

2. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is a well-regarded, privacy-focused VPN created by the team behind ProtonMail. Here’s why it occupies a place on our list:

110 Countries: With an expansive server network, ProtonVPN has an option for users from across the world.
10 Devices: ProtonVPN allows simultaneous connections on up to 10 devices which is generous and above the industry standard.
Privacy and Security: Based in Switzerland, ProtonVPN benefits from strict privacy laws. The free plan includes strong encryption and a no-logs policy, making it a solid choice for privacy-conscious users.

While ProtonVPN’s plans are on the pricier side, its commitment to security and privacy make it a worthy investment.

3. Mullvad

Mullvad is a favorite among privacy enthusiasts and offers robust privacy features.

No Personal Info Needed:
Mullvad doesn’t ask for personal information—only a randomly generated account number, which you can even pay for with cash via mail for ultimate privacy.
Simple Pricing:
Mullvad has a straightforward, flat-rate pricing structure without complicated plans or upsells, making it one of the most transparent options available.
Focused, Minimal Interface:
Mullvad’s app is designed solely for privacy and security, which may not be the most user-friendly for beginners but is highly effective for experienced users.

4. AirVPN

AirVPN is known for its strong focus on transparency and customization, making it ideal for power users.

Transparency and Control:
AirVPN offers detailed server information and allows users to customize settings, making it appealing to advanced users who want control over their VPN.
Open-Source Client (Eddie):
AirVPN’s app, Eddie, is open-source and includes unique options like VPN over Tor, giving privacy enthusiasts even more options.
Small Server Network:
While effective, AirVPN’s smaller network may limit options for users needing a wide range of server locations.

For those who value transparency and customization, AirVPN offers a level of control not often seen in other VPNs.

5. IVPN: Privacy Without the Fuss

IVPN is a no-nonsense alternative to NordVPN, offering robust privacy features and ethical practices that outshine its larger competitor in key areas.

Anonymous Sign-Up: Unlike NordVPN, which requires an email and payment details, IVPN lets you create an account anonymously. Want to stay completely off the grid? You can even pay with cash.
Transparent Ownership: IVPN is based in Gibraltar, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, and its ownership is fully disclosed.
Advanced Privacy Features: With multi-hop connections, DNS leak protection, and a focus on robust security, IVPN delivers advanced privacy tools.
Simplicity Meets Functionality: While NordVPN’s interface can feel cluttered and overly commercial, IVPN strikes a balance with a clean, intuitive design that doesn’t sacrifice usability or control.

IVPN is ideal for users who value privacy over marketing hype, offering a more transparent and polished alternative.

Conclusion

Ultimately, finding the right alternative to NordVPN depends on your personal needs. From Windscribe’s user-friendly free plan to Mullvad’s no-nonsense approach to privacy, there’s an option here for everyone.

Try Windscribe for Free

Where Has TikTok Been Banned? A Global Look at the App’s Forbidden Zones

Rebecca Rosenberg — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 21:42:38 GMT

TikTok, the app that brought us viral dances, niche humor, and endless scrolling, has not only captured our attention but also stirred up significant controversy around the world. While millions of users continue to enjoy the platform, some countries have outright banned TikTok, citing reasons ranging from national security concerns to cultural issues.

Let’s take a tour of where TikTok has been banned, why these bans happened, and their impacts on both users and creators.

India: The First Domino to Fall

Ban Date: June 2020

Reason: National security concerns and geopolitical tensions

India was the first major country to implement a full ban on TikTok. In June 2020, amidst heightened tensions with China, the Indian government banned 59 Chinese apps, including TikTok. The government cited national security concerns, claiming that these apps were "engaged in activities... prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India."

Impact:

Creators: Indian influencers, many of whom had built substantial followings on TikTok, were forced to migrate to alternative platforms like Instagram Reels and homegrown apps like Chingari and Moj.
Economy: ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, reportedly lost billions in potential revenue due to the ban. It also laid off hundreds of employees in India.
Cultural Shift: The ban created a vacuum in the short-form video market, paving the way for domestic alternatives to flourish.

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Learn how to unblock TikTok using a VPN.

Pakistan: A Flip-Flopping Approach

Ban Dates: Multiple, starting in October 2020

Reason: Immoral and indecent content

Pakistan’s TikTok ban saga is like a revolving door. The app has been banned and unbanned multiple times due to concerns over "immoral and indecent content." The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has demanded better moderation practices from TikTok, leading to temporary bans whenever complaints surge.

Impact:

Censorship Concerns: Critics argue that the bans are part of a broader crackdown on freedom of expression in Pakistan.
Compliance: TikTok has repeatedly promised to improve its moderation efforts to comply with local laws.

Indonesia: Cultural and Religious Concerns

Ban Date: July 2018 (temporary)

Reason: Content deemed inappropriate for Indonesian culture

In 2018, Indonesia temporarily banned TikTok, accusing the app of hosting content that violated cultural norms and religious values. The ban was lifted after TikTok agreed to remove problematic content and enhance moderation.

Impact:

Content Moderation: TikTok introduced stricter guidelines tailored to Indonesian laws.
User Growth: Despite the initial setback, TikTok’s popularity in Indonesia has since skyrocketed, with millions of active users.

Try Windscribe for Free

Bangladesh: A Stand Against Obscenity

Ban Date: November 2018 (temporary)

Reason: Obscene and objectionable content

Bangladesh briefly banned TikTok in 2018, aligning with its strict stance against online obscenity. The government later reinstated the app after TikTok pledged to implement better content controls.

Impact:

Policy Changes: TikTok’s commitment to moderation helped restore its presence in the country.
Continued Scrutiny: The app remains under close watch by Bangladeshi authorities.

United States: A Ban That Never Quite Happened (Yet)

Proposed Ban Dates: 2020, 2023, possibly 2025

Reason: National security concerns over data privacy

The U.S. has flirted with banning TikTok multiple times. Under the Trump administration, executive orders aimed to ban the app unless ByteDance sold its U.S. operations. These efforts were blocked by court rulings. The Biden administration has since introduced its own scrutiny, with state-level bans on government devices and ongoing discussions about a federal ban. As of January 2025, new legislative efforts are aiming to bring the ban into effect by Jan 19, 2025, unless significant changes are made to TikTok’s operations.

Impact:

Creators: Many U.S. influencers began diversifying their platforms, fearing a potential ban.
Policy Debates: The TikTok saga has fueled debates about data privacy and foreign influence in tech.

❌

Want to dig into the history of the TikTok ban in the US? Read more here.

European Union: Stricter Regulations, Not a Full Ban

While the EU has not banned TikTok outright, it has imposed significant restrictions and fines due to concerns over data privacy and child protection. The app has been scrutinized for allegedly violating the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Key Actions:

In 2023, TikTok was fined millions of euros for mishandling minors' data.
Several EU member states have considered restricting TikTok on government devices.

Impact:

Compliance: TikTok has introduced changes to its platform, including increased transparency and stricter privacy settings for young users.
Debate: The EU’s approach highlights a preference for regulation over outright bans, aiming to hold platforms accountable while preserving user access.

Australia: Ban Discussions on the Rise

Australia has not banned TikTok but has engaged in heated debates about its potential risks. The country’s intelligence agencies have raised alarms about data security, particularly concerning government and military personnel.

Current Status:

TikTok is banned on government-issued devices in some Australian states.
A full ban remains under consideration, with no definitive action taken yet.

Impact:

Public Discourse: The discussions have heightened awareness of data privacy among Australians.
Corporate Response: TikTok has actively engaged with Australian regulators to address concerns.

Canada: Caution Without a Ban

Canada has not banned TikTok but has expressed concerns over the app’s data practices. In 2023, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau mentioned that his government was monitoring TikTok closely and wouldn’t hesitate to act if necessary.

Current Actions:

TikTok is banned on government devices in several provinces.
Federal-level discussions about a potential ban remain ongoing.

Impact:

Public Sentiment: Canadians are increasingly aware of the risks associated with data privacy.
Policy Evolution: Canada’s approach may align with the EU’s preference for regulation over outright bans.

Afghanistan: Banned Under Taliban Rule

Ban Date: April 2022

Reason: Protection of younger generations from inappropriate content

After taking control of Afghanistan, the Taliban banned TikTok, labeling it as a source of moral corruption. They argued that the app was not aligned with Islamic values and posed a threat to the moral fabric of society.

Impact:

Limited Access: Given Afghanistan’s limited digital infrastructure, the ban had a smaller impact compared to other countries.

Final Thoughts: The Domino Effect

TikTok’s bans across various countries highlight a global trend of increasing scrutiny on foreign-owned tech platforms. The reasons for these bans vary, from cultural preservation to geopolitical tensions, but the impacts are universal: creators adapt, companies lose revenue, and debates over digital sovereignty intensify.

ℹ️

Concerned about a future TikTok ban in your country? Take a look at how to prepare here.

How To Access TikTok Without Restrictions

Ozzy H — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 21:41:39 GMT

Ever heard of TikTok? It’s a global phenomenon beloved by 170 million folks in the U.S. alone. Trouble is, an impending crackdown may kick American users off if ByteDance, TikTok’s parent, refuses to sell.

People understandably fret about losing access to their daily dose of lip-syncs and dance reels. Curious how to keep in touch with top creators? Luckily, there are a handful of solutions on deck, including employing a VPN optimized for TikTok. Yes, you’ve still got ways to keep scrolling.

Why is TikTok on the U.S. Chopping Block?

Stateside officials worry that ByteDance might cough up your personal info to China or meddle with your For You page. TikTok’s tried to ease suspicions—storing American data locally, vowing more openness—but the powers that be remain on edge over privacy lapses and offshore control. Sound dramatic? That’s Washington for you. Brace yourself for some more legislative fireworks.

Implementation of a Nationwide TikTok Crackdown

Under the ominous-sounding Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, distributing TikTok through any U.S. app store is forbidden. If this sanction takes hold, say goodbye to fresh installs or updates after January 19, as Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store will yank it from their listings. No updates means the platform’s performance might nosedive, leaving unsuspecting users vulnerable to hacking horrors or random glitches over time.

On top of that, these rules could extend to internet providers, meaning Americans might get stonewalled from TikTok via standard web browsers. Still, if you already snagged the app, you’re free to roam as usual—at least until outdated software inevitably conks out. Enjoy it while you can, because once those updates stop rolling, your beloved dance challenges might vanish.

Tricks for Staying on TikTok Despite a Ban

Grab the app before January 19, 2025

Once that fateful day hits, TikTok gets nuked from U.S. app stores. Swoop in now, and you’ll preserve your access for the foreseeable future, provided you don’t ditch your device. Getting it early ensures you can scroll away without worrying about an official crackdown, at least until you decide it’s time to upgrade.

Be warned: if the ban is triggered, updating TikTok through U.S. platforms becomes impossible. Translation? No bug fixes, no fancy features, no safety patches—zilch. Over time, missing updates could morph into compatibility headaches, gradually rendering your beloved short-form entertainment app totally useless. One day it’ll just stop working, plain and simple.

Change your store settings

Blocking new downloads in the U.S. means exactly that: if your phone’s app store is set to America, you can kiss official TikTok installations and updates goodbye. Everyone else outside the U.S. keeps bopping along as if nothing happened. Translation? If your Apple ID or Google Play account is linked to a non-banned region, you’ll still get TikTok served up piping hot.

Thinking about shifting your account to another country? There are complications—like needing a local billing address and payment method—so proceed with caution. You might also lose apps you already paid for.

Still want to jump ship? Switching your digital storefront can indeed dodge the U.S. blockade and funnel those sweet, sweet updates right to your device. Just remember, you’ll be messing around with your account’s region, which can sabotage some of your preexisting content. If that’s cool with you, go ahead and make the switch. If not, consider other methods. Sure, it’s a bit of a hassle, but hey, that’s the price of hanging on to your beloved lip-sync battles. Ready to do a little region-hopping for the cause? You got this.

Try a browser workaround

If internet providers clamp down on TikTok website access, just use a VPN to slip past the restrictions. By connecting to a VPN server in a region where TikTok remains free and clear, you’ll appear to be chilling in that country. Granted, the desktop or mobile browser interface isn’t as smooth as the app, but it’s a quick fix if you’re desperate.

👉

Here's where TikTok is banned globally

Unblocking TikTok With Windscribe

Keep using the app on U.S. soil

For now, there’s no official block preventing people from launching TikTok in the U.S. If you already have it on your device, you should be good—at least until new laws fully drop the hammer. Meanwhile, if you’re stuck on a public network (like at school or work) that bans TikTok, a VPN can slip you past that firewall. By masking your IP address and encrypting your traffic, you fool the network into thinking you’re somewhere else. Problem solved.

Switch store regions via Windscribe

Changing your store location with Windscribe is one of the best ways to skirt a potential TikTok ban:

Sign up for Windscribe—it’s the go-to VPN for TikTok.
Download Windscribe and connect to a server where TikTok stays legal. Keep in mind you’ll need valid payment details for that country, which might require some creative thinking.
Tweak your store region (Apple or Google) following official instructions. You might have to cancel certain subscriptions first—sorry, them’s the breaks.
Reopen the store in your new region, install TikTok, and scroll away!

We’re Coming for Your TikTok, Baby: The TikTok Ban in the U.S.

Rebecca Rosenberg — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 21:33:28 GMT

Welcome to the latest episode of "The Internet vs. Governments," where data privacy, geopolitics, and viral dances collide in a TikTok saga juicier than your favorite drama series. If you've been doom-scrolling through headlines, you’ve probably seen whispers (and shouts) about TikTok’s potential ban in the U.S. Here’s the TL;DR: TikTok, the app that turned your 12-year-old cousin into a content creator, is under fire—again.

So, why is TikTok the star of this dystopian drama? And what does this mean for you, the user who just wants to watch oddly satisfying videos at 2 a.m.? Let’s unpack everything, Windscribe-style: no fluff, just facts, and a bit of snark.

The Backstory: A Love-Hate Relationship

Let’s rewind to 2020, the year that felt like a bad fever dream. TikTok was first thrust into the spotlight as a national security risk. Back then, former President Donald Trump issued executive orders to ban the app, citing concerns over data privacy and potential Chinese government influence (TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is based in China).

The proposed solution? Force ByteDance to sell its U.S. operations to an American company. Microsoft, Oracle, and Walmart were thrown into the mix as potential buyers because apparently, nothing screams "data security" like a retailer best known for rollback prices.

The ban didn’t stick, thanks to legal challenges and a lack of follow-through. TikTok’s Gen Z fans breathed a collective sigh of relief and went back to their trending dances. But the story didn’t end there—it’s just been simmering on the back burner.

Fast Forward to 2025: TikTok’s Back in the Hot Seat

Fast-forward to today, and TikTok’s back on Capitol Hill’s naughty list. Lawmakers are more concerned than ever about TikTok’s potential to hoard data like a dragon hoards gold. U.S. officials claim TikTok could provide user data to the Chinese government, a scenario that’s about as comforting as a glitchy VPN during a live stream. Here are the main reasons why TikTok’s in trouble:

Data Privacy: Critics argue that TikTok’s collection of user data—from browsing history to location data—poses a national security threat. Imagine the Chinese government knowing how often you binge-watch cleaning hacks; it’s unsettling.
Algorithmic Influence: TikTok’s algorithm is a mystery wrapped in an enigma. Lawmakers worry that it could be used to spread propaganda or manipulate public opinion. That’s right, your For You Page could theoretically be weaponized.
China’s National Intelligence Law: This law requires Chinese companies to cooperate with government intelligence efforts. While TikTok insists U.S. data is stored on American soil and independent from ByteDance, skeptics aren’t buying it.

What’s the Latest with the TikTok Bans?

The Biden administration hasn’t been any friendlier to TikTok. Lawmakers from both parties have introduced bills to restrict or outright ban the app, making this one of the few bipartisan issues in an otherwise divided Congress. Key developments include:

State Bans: Several states have already banned TikTok from government-issued devices. That means no lip-syncing during your lunch break if you’re a public employee.
FEDERAL Ban?: There’s growing momentum for a nationwide ban. Some lawmakers are pushing for TikTok to either sell its U.S. operations or face the digital guillotine.
Project Texas: TikTok has launched "Project Texas," an initiative aimed at storing U.S. data on domestic servers managed by Oracle. But critics argue it’s too little, too late.

TikTok Around the World: The Global Context

Before you start chanting "Free TikTok!" in the streets, let’s zoom out. The U.S. isn’t the only country grappling with TikTok-related headaches:

India: TikTok has been banned in India since 2020 over similar security concerns. The ban hasn’t been lifted, and the app’s absence paved the way for homegrown alternatives.
European Union: The EU has also raised concerns about TikTok’s data practices. Some member states have implemented restrictions, and the company faces hefty fines if it fails to comply with stricter regulations.

Additionally, platforms like Huawei and WeChat have faced scrutiny or bans, showcasing a pattern of mistrust toward Chinese tech giants. This highlights an ongoing global trend of app bans as governments grapple with the digital sovereignty vs. data privacy debate.

👉

For a deeper dive on worldwide TikTok bans, check out our blog post here.

What Does the TikTok Ban Mean for You?

If TikTok gets the boot, it’ll leave a gaping void in the social media landscape. Sure, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts might step in, but let’s be honest—it’s just not the same. For creators, a ban could mean losing audiences and revenue streams. For users, it’ll mean fewer oddly specific niche videos that make you wonder, “How did TikTok know I needed this?”

For now, TikTok’s fate hangs in the balance. If you’re worried, here’s what you can do:

Download Your Data: TikTok lets you export your account data. Use it while you still can.
Diversify Your Platforms: If you’re a creator, start building an audience on other apps. Remember, Vine walked so TikTok could run.
Get a VPN: In case of a ban, a VPN might help you access TikTok, though we’re not suggesting you break any laws (wink, wink). With Windscribe, it’s easy to set up a VPN on both Android and iOS:

🆘

Need help on how to bypass the block? Check out our blog post for step-by-step instructions.

The Bigger Picture: Data Privacy Matters

Whether TikTok stays or goes, the debate highlights a broader issue: how tech companies handle your data. Spoiler alert: not great. TikTok’s saga should make you think twice about what you’re sharing online. Luckily, this problem doesn’t apply to Windscribe users. We don’t store your personal data—period. Your browsing history, IP address, and personal details remain yours and yours alone.

This commitment to privacy sets us apart from platforms that monetize your information. So while TikTok’s data drama unfolds, rest assured that Windscribe has your back.

Transparency at Windscribe

From customer data to law enforcement requests to open-sourcing our app codebase, here are some of the ways transparency is embodied at Windscribe.

WindscribblesGraham C

Is the TikTok Ban Racist?

The potential TikTok ban has sparked debates about whether it’s rooted in legitimate concerns or xenophobia. Critics argue that targeting a Chinese-owned app while turning a blind eye to data practices of U.S.-based companies like Facebook and Google reeks of a double standard. Others point to the broader context of anti-China sentiment in U.S. politics, which has intensified in recent years.

Meanwhile, proponents of the ban insist it’s not about race but about protecting national security. Whatever the case, the conversation highlights the fine line between safeguarding interests and perpetuating bias.

"TikTok has never shared, or received a request to share, U.S. user data with the Chinese government. Nor would we honor such a request if ever made." - TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew

Final Thoughts: Is This the End of TikTok?

While TikTok’s future in the U.S. looks uncertain, it’s clear the app has left an indelible mark on culture. From viral challenges to educational content, TikTok has changed the way we consume media. Whether it survives or not, one thing’s for sure: the conversation about data privacy and tech regulation is far from over.

And if history has taught us anything, platforms rise and fall—but the internet always finds a way. So, grab your popcorn, open your favorite encrypted browser, and stay tuned. This show’s just getting started.

Our Holiday Sale Has Ended...

Simon Phoenix — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 17:26:32 GMT

Our Holiday Sale is over - but you can still get Windscribe for $69/year!

👉

Stay informed of current Windscribe promotions and sales

What's the holiday season without gifts? Garbaggio, that's what. Sure, family time is nice, but can it compare to three Sega Dreamcasts taped together and a used copy of Blade Trinity? Exactly. Gifts are life, and giving them is almost as good as getting them. So here's your chance to make everyone's holiday awesome with the gift of privacy. Plus a little something-something for you too!

Offer 1: Windscribe Pro for yourself — only $39! That's $30 off. Tell Big Brother and nosy ISP's to f*&! themselves! Treat yourself to privacy—you deserve it, you big beauty!

GET WINDSCRIBE FOR $39/YR

Offer 2: Windscribe Gift Cards for $39! Share online freedom with friends and family. Let little Greta know that her Windscribe Pro membership is safe for the environment as it is powered by meth-loving hamsters on hamster-wheel generators. Tell your brother-in-law that he can finally sign up for Ashley Madison without ruining his family's trust in him, but preface it with "they'll still find out, because you used your real name and credit card, you idiot.” The options are endless!

GIVE WINDSCRIBE FOR $39/YR

Windscribe makes a great stocking stuffer for everyone (including yourself if you like stuffing your own stockings), because literally everyone deserves privacy from ISPs, marketing companies, and governments. Plus Windscribe makes a unique gift, unlike the Armani Aqua Di Gio cologne you receive every year. Let's face it, it smells like New Jersey and looks like pee. Not Windscribe though, we don't smell like anything. The jury is still out on whether we look like pee, though.

We love you, and wish we could be there to get hammy-shammered with you all during the holidays, but we can't. We never drink, because when we drink, people get pregnant. Suuuper pregnant. And you know what they say about drinking and pregnancy... it could lead to children that grow up to write emails for VPN companies.

Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones, may all of your wishes come true.

Fat smoochies,
Team Windscribe

Windscribe is the Best, and So Humble, Wow: A Year in Review

Simon Phoenix — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 22:36:11 GMT

Check out ol' Musk waxing poetic about Windscribe's banner year. Plus, a secret code is tucked in there.

What a year it has been - 2024 has been filled with more action than Bill Clinton’s pants. Take a look back with us, have a taste of the success we’ve been basted in - after all, we couldn’t have done it without you. Highlights include shipping apps to new platforms, publishing a highly anticipated audit, and winning a PC Mag Editor’s Choice Award. That’s Personal Computer Magazine, not Politically Correct Magazine - who refused to even speak with us after reading our marketing emails. As this wild-ass year comes to an end we wanted to take a deep dive into the coolest stuff we have done. We also missed you, your delicate scent, the sound of your aristocratic laugh as it echoes through the East Wing of your castle, tee-hee, tee-hee. So join us on a journey of Wind-lightenment and behold the excellence that lays before you...

A Year of Windscribe Usage

First, let’s look over the most used servers in our lil’ server gang. Apparently y'all love Dallas, which peaked out at 65,538 connections. Other favorite hang outs are:

London - Crumpets
Paris - Jardin
Lisbon - Bairro
Atlanta - Mountain

This year, over 875 Petabytes of data were transferred across the entire Windscribe network. That's enough storage to stream Netflix nonstop in HD for 83,000 years—assuming you never sleep, eat, or get tired of cliffhangers

You also had over 111,000 conversations with our boy Garry! Combine that with the 45k tickets our support team smashed, and we’re talking big numbers, like “women who want to sleep with Luigi Mangione” numbers.

Windscribe’s Top 5

After an intense round of internal debates, a slap fight contest and a thumbwrestling match, we’ve narrowed down our Top 5 Windscribe Achievements of 2024:

Apple TV
- Everyone wanted an Apple TV app. They screamed, they wept, they shook their fists and yelled to the gods, and we answered their call. Just search for 'Windscribe' on the App Store on your Apple TV! Go get it now and witness its exquisiteness!
A Freshscribe and an Audit
- We’ve completely revamped and upgraded our VPN stack, and subsequently had it audited by Packetlabs. Don’t wanna read the 26 page audit on our blog? Then just read this sexy quote that sums it all up:

🤌

TL;DR for those that don't have time to read 26 pages...

"Overall, the penetration test against the Windscribe stack yielded minimal security concerns."

"During the retest, all findings that posed any potential risk were promptly remediated."

"Based on the changes deployed during the retest and the source-code reviewed during the original penetration test, it's evident that notable development work has been implemented as a part of the Windscribe
microservice stack to reduce, and/or prevent the disclosure of end user information."

(Concluding Statements - PacketLabs Audit Report - Page 17)

69+ 10 Gbps Locations
- Our backends are now powered by the fancy pantsy new Freshscribe stack. This means we can ramp up server speeds to 10Gbps so you can finish your downloads even faster. That’s almost as fast as we finish passionate lovemaking sessions! And guess what, go ahead, guess… we now have more than 69 (hehe… nice) server locations offering 10Gbps (85, to be exact).
MV3 Compliant Extension
- Google, or as we affectionately refer to them as, Poo-gle, has made some big changes to the Chrome Extension Ecosystem. Obviously, we've made sweeping adjustments to Windscribe in response - with a lil’ glow up to the extension as well.
Open Source for Me, Open Source for Thee
- We’re so transparent we may as well be naked. We’ve always been that way, digital nudists… wait. You know what we mean. It should also come as no surprise that our apps are all open source. This is just how we do things ‘round these here parts. If you’re into that sort of thing and like looking beneath the surface, look no further than our Gitbub repo!

Other Things You May Have Missed

Just because we had some major wins this year doesn’t mean we don’t also have minor ones. We are constantly grinding, intensely focused, sharp and determined, to bring you the juiciest upgrades and improvements:

We now officially contribute to the desecration of the global attention span. That’s right babies, we created a ton of hilarious Youtube Shorts! Go check them out and behold the sheer brilliance of our creative minds.
Your favorite chatbot got a brain transplant! Garry 2.0 landed and is taking the world by storm… Do us a favor and don’t fall in love with him. We’re trying to keep him humble.
PC Mag thinks we’re cool. We didn’t even pay them to write that either…unlike some of our competition.
Are you a Linux user? You are?! Well lets just say you will be pleased to know we have done some serious work on the CLI and GUI applications.
As always, we have been providing our users in actively censored areas of the world like Turkey, Pakistan and Venezuela with extra gigs of bandwidth so they can stay connected during the shitty times. F!&% governments, love people - that's our motto. If you find yourself in a region where your access is being denied by your government, hit is up on Twitter and let us know!

Give The Gift of Windscribe

Everyone loves gifts. People love getting them, people love giving them. Well, Windscribe has finally come to the brilliant conclusion that allowing people to buy Pro for other people is something you all want. It only took us 8 years. Shhh. All you have to do is go to the Windscribe Gifting Page, enter in the email address of someone you like, love, or want to impress (or choose to deliver the voucher yourself if you want to stuff some stockings), pay, and BOOM! Windscribe as a gift.

Windscribe Gift Cards: Give Your Friends the Gift of Privacy

Here’s how to purchase a Windscribe gift card for your friends and family. Follow our step-by-step instructions to get started.

WindscribblesRebecca Rosenberg

2025 is Gonna be Awesome

We have been going hard on Youtube with a choice selection of content that will both educate and entertain you. They say laughter is the best medicine… realistically, medicine is the best medicine, but whatever. Really though, who came up with that saying? Laughter can’t cure the clap. Anyways, our videos are chock full of delectable updates and information, and will make you laugh too. Subscribe, watch, watch again, find hidden codes… you can do it all on the Windscribe YouTube Channel.

Keep an eye out on Windscribe channels for big things in 2025, like a revamped TV app, IP pinning, and improved anti-censorship mechanisms.

And that's a wrap for 2024! As always, we'll continue to inform you beauties about new updates and features that we're adding as we journey towards VPN-lightenment. For feature requests, comments, questions, or concerns, email us at hello@windscribe.com. Seriously, we read all of them. Thanks again for choosing Windscribe, without you we would be so bored. And poor. Bored and poor. The worst.

Later Gators, baters, and haters,

Team Windscribe

Windscribe Gift Cards: Give Your Friends the Gift of Privacy

Rebecca Rosenberg — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 23:17:02 GMT

Hold onto your keyboards, folks, because we’ve got some BIG news! For the first time ever, Windscribe is launching a gifting program that lets you send the gift of privacy, security, and ad-free browsing to your favorite internet aficionados. Yes, you read that right. You can now be the hero who upgrades someone’s online life with a 1-year Windscribe Pro account.

No strings attached. No renewals. No refunds. Just a full year of awesomeness.

What’s in the Gift?

When you gift a Windscribe Pro account, you’re giving more than just a upgrade. You’re bestowing the magical powers of:

Secure Browsing: Say goodbye to hackers, trackers, and nosy neighbors peeking at your Wi-Fi habits.
Global Access: Unblock content from around the world faster than you can say “geo-restrictions.”
Ad-Free Streaming: Forget annoying ads. Your recipient will stream like royalty.
Unlimited Devices: Because who uses just one device anymore?
All This, with Zero Commitment: It’s a one-and-done deal. No auto-renewals, no surprise charges, and no “Oops, I forgot to cancel” moments.

How Does It Work?

It’s as easy as pie (and way less messy). Here’s the breakdown:

Buy the Gift: Head to our Gifting Page and purchase a 1-year Pro account. You will need to be logged in to your account to purchase.
Send It: Enter the lucky recipient’s email address, and we’ll deliver the gift faster than you can say “VPN.”
They Redeem: The recipient will get instructions to activate their Pro account with a voucher code. They can redeem it whether they’re a Windscribe newbie or a seasoned user.
Done and Dusted: You’re officially the coolest person they know. Fireworks optional.

Give the Gift of Windscribe

Why Should You Gift Windscribe?

We’re glad you asked! Think about it:

It’s Perfect for Any Occasion: Birthdays, holidays, graduations, or even “just because you’re awesome” moments.
It’s Thoughtful AND Practical: Flowers wither, and chocolates disappear (we’re looking at you, midnight snackers). But a Windscribe Pro account? That’s useful every single day for an entire year.
It’s an Easy Win: No need to guess shoe sizes or risk getting them something they’ll never use. Everybody uses the internet, and everybody deserves to do it safely.

👉 Keep an eye out for the latest Windscribe promo codes and deals

What’s the Catch?

Honestly? There isn’t one. But, because we’re sticklers for details, here’s what you should know:

The gift is non-refundable and non-renewing (that’s code for “one-and-done”).
It’s valid for one whole year, and when it’s over, the recipient can decide if they’d like to continue being part of the Windscribe family.

Let’s Make Gifting Great Again

This holiday season (or any season), skip the boring, clichéd presents and give something truly meaningful: the gift of internet freedom. Whether it’s for your best friend, your tech-savvy sibling, or that one co-worker who’s always on public Wi-Fi, Windscribe Pro is the gift that keeps on giving (for a year, anyway).

Already purchased a gift card? Here's how to redeem it.

Cheers to making the internet a better, safer place—one gift at a time.

Buy a Windscribe Gift Card

Windscribe Server Upgrades: 85 Locations Support 10 Gbps

Kailash "QAizen" Z. — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 16:59:42 GMT

Windscribe has been steadily working on upgrading our server network to meet the growing demands of our users. Over the past year, we've undertaken an ambitious project to improve server capacity and performance.

We're thrilled to announce that we now have 85 server locations upgraded to 10 Gbps, a significant leap from just 23 locations in 2023. These upgrades represent our commitment to providing faster, more reliable, and future-proof VPN services for our global community. With this expansion, we’re not just adding numbers—we’re ensuring quality and innovation that meet the needs of both casual users and power users alike.

Click here to skip to our complete list of recent upgrades, including new server locations.

What is 10 Gbps?

The term "10 Gbps" stands for 10 gigabits per second, a measure of data transfer speed. To put this into perspective, it means a server can handle up to 10 billion bits of data every second. For the average person, this translates to smoother, faster, and more reliable connections when using the internet.

For instance:

Streaming: Imagine uploading a 1GB video to YouTube. With a 10 Gbps connection, the upload could take mere seconds compared to minutes on a slower connection. This ensures you spend less time waiting and more time creating.
Downloading: Need to download a large file? A 10 Gbps server can handle massive data transfers without breaking a sweat, whether it's a high-definition movie or a full software suite.
Gaming: For online gamers, the low latency and high speeds mean seamless gameplay, faster updates, and reduced lag. Competitive gamers especially will appreciate the improved responsiveness during matches.

Compared to typical home broadband speeds, which often range from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps is a quantum leap forward. It’s not just faster—it’s a level of speed designed for the future of digital consumption.

Why 10 Gbps VPN Servers Will Transform Your Experience

With Windscribe’s new 10 Gbps server locations, users can expect:

Faster Speeds: Whether you’re streaming in 4K, downloading large files, or browsing multiple tabs, 10 Gbps server locations ensure your experience is smooth and uninterrupted.
Better Stability: High-capacity servers handle more simultaneous users without congestion, ensuring your connection remains fast and reliable, even during peak times.
Improved Experienced for All: These servers come with much stronger processors and more RAM - All good stuff, we promise!

Can a 10 Gbps VPN Make Your Internet Faster?

While 10 Gbps VPN server locations bring a host of benefits, they cannot make your internet connection faster than what your Internet Service Provider (ISP) allows. Here’s why:

ISP Speed Limit: If your ISP plan provides, for example, 100 Mbps, that’s the maximum speed you can achieve—even when connected to a 10 Gbps VPN server location.
VPN’s Role: The 10 Gbps server locations ensure that it won’t be a bottleneck for your speed. Older or slower servers might struggle under heavy loads, causing speed drops. A 10 Gbps server location can handle much more traffic, ensuring you experience the full potential of your ISP speed.

Even if your internet speed is below 10 Gbps, using a high-capacity VPN server location like Windscribe’s upgraded server locations still offers significant advantages:

No Congestion: The server can handle large volumes of traffic without slowing down, ensuring consistent speeds.
More Stable Connections: Gaming, streaming, and video conferencing can feel smoother due to faster data processing on the server. Less spikes and jitters = good for you!
Future-Proofing: If you upgrade your ISP to gigabit internet in the future, the VPN server is ready to support those speeds.

In short, while a VPN can’t exceed your ISP’s speed cap, a 10 Gbps server location ensures your connection is as fast, reliable, and secure as possible.

Why Upgraded Servers Are Better Than More Servers

Adding more server locations isn’t always the best way to improve a network. Here’s why our upgraded 10 Gbps server locations are a game-changer:

Quality Over Quantity: A single 10 Gbps server location can outperform multiple older servers, handling more traffic with better speed and reliability.
Centralized Performance: With fewer but more powerful server locations, our network can focus on delivering consistently high-quality performance without spreading resources too thin.
Forward-Thinking: Upgraded server locations are ready to handle tomorrow’s demands, ensuring Windscribe remains ahead of the curve as internet speeds and user needs continue to evolve.

For example, while other providers might tout sheer numbers of server locations, they often fail to address the importance of speed and stability. Upgraded server locations ensure that Windscribe delivers where it matters most—performance you can rely on.

How to Connect to 10 Gbps Server Locations

Getting started with our upgraded servers is simple:

Update Your Windscribe App: Make sure you’re running the latest version of the Windscribe app to access all new features and locations.
Select a 10 Gbps Location: In the server list, look for the upgraded locations marked with 10 Gbps speeds. They’ll be easy to spot.
Enjoy the Benefits: Connect to the server location and experience faster, more reliable VPN performance.

Look for the 10 Gbps badge!

New to Windscribe? Try for Free

Troubleshooting and Tips

If you experience slow speeds: Ensure you’re using a wired Ethernet connection or a high-quality Wi-Fi router that supports high-speed connections.
Check your ISP speeds: Sometimes, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) may limit speeds, so check if your local connection supports higher speeds.
Reach out for support: Our team is always ready to assist with optimizing your setup.

A Growing Network for a Growing Community

In 2023, Windscribe offered just 23 server locations that supported 10 Gbps. Today, we’re proud to announce that we’ve expanded to 85 10 Gbps locations, with over 130 locations total—a massive leap forward in our commitment to providing the best VPN experience possible.

This upgrade reflects our dedication to keeping pace with the ever-evolving needs of our users. From streaming 4K videos without buffering to downloading entire libraries in moments, our 10 Gbps server locations are built for speed and reliability. But it’s not just about numbers—we’re also focused on maintaining the privacy and security that Windscribe is known for.

As part of this update, we’re including a full list of brand new server locations, our recently upgraded server locations, and server locations with new upstream vendors for improved performance:

Brand New Windscribe Server Locations:

🇦🇱 Tirana - Fergese
🇺🇸 Houston - Space City (10 Gbps)
🇮🇹 Palermo - Sicilicious (10 Gbps)
🇪🇸 Madrid - Plaza Mayor (10 Gbps)
🇩🇰 Copenhagen - Hyggenhagen (10 Gbps)
🇷🇴 Bucharest - Noctropolis (10 Gbps)
🇧🇪 Brussels - Funfrites (10 Gbps)
🇨🇾 Limassol - Amathusia
🇳🇴 Oslo - Rakfisk (10 Gbps)
🇳🇬 Lagos - Lekki (10 Gbps)

Upgraded 10 Gbps Server Locations:

🇦🇱 Tirana - Besa
🇸🇬 Singapore - SMRT
🇦🇺 Perth - Kings Park
🇮🇱 Ashdod - Yam Park

Locations with New Upstream Vendors for Improved Performance:

🇵🇭 Manila - Pasig (EstNoc to Zenlayer)
🇱🇻 Riga - Daugava (Serveria to DataClub)
🇬🇷 Athens - Odeon (Aweb to Datapacket) [now 10 Gbps]
🇧🇷 Sao Paulo - Pinacoteca (Latitude to Datapacket) [10 Gbps earlier and 10 Gbps now, but has better routing]
🇵🇹 Lisbon - Bairro (Ptisp to Datapacket) [now 10 Gbps]
🇮🇸 Reykjavik - Fuzzy Pony (OrangeWebite to EstNoc)
🇭🇰 Hong Kong - Victoria (Pacswitch to M247) [now 10 Gbps]
🇭🇷 Zagreb - Tkalciceva (Croweb to Datapacket) [now 10 Gbps]
🇨🇴 Bogota - Rololandia (IPXON to Datapacket) [now 10 Gbps]
🇨🇱 Santiago - Cueca (IPXON to Datapacket) [now 10 Gbps]
🇵🇪 Lima - Amaru (IPXON to Datapacket) [now 10 Gbps]
🇲🇽 Mexico - Cojones was replaced by Queretaro (IPXON to Datapacket) [now 10 Gbps]
🇺🇸 San Jose - Santana (Performive to Datapacket) [now 10 Gbps]
🇺🇸 Denver - Barley (Tzulo to Datapacket) [now 10 Gbps]
🇨🇦 Vancouver - Granville (eSecureData to Datapacket) [now 10 Gbps]
🇺🇸 Seattle - Hendrix, Atlanta - Piedmont, Chicago - Wrigley, Washington DC - Precedent, Miami - Florida Man (Leaseweb to Datapacket) [now 10 Gbps]

Front Page nNews: Florida Man is Upgraded

🇺🇸 Seattle - Cobain, Dallas - Ranch, Atlanta - Mountain (Quadranet to Tzulo) [now 10 Gbps for Pro users only]
🇱🇻 Riga - Saeima (Veesp to EstNoc) [now 10 Gbps]
🇺🇸 Chicago - Cub, Phoenix - Floatie (Leaseweb to Tzulo) [now 10 Gbps]
🇰🇷 Seoul - Hangang (EstNoc to LGU+)
🇺🇸 Los Angeles - Cube (ColoCrossing to Tzulo) [now 10 Gbps]
🇸🇰 Bratislava - Devin Castle (M247 to Datapacket) [10 Gbps earlier and 10 Gbps now, but has better routing]

For a full list of all server locations, check out our Windscribe Status page.

👉

P.S.: Updates regarding new server locations are announced in real-time on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/vpn

9 Reasons Why Windscribe Is The Best White Label VPN

Ozzy H — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 18:47:38 GMT

Creating a VPN from scratch is a Herculean task involving countless hours of coding, endless legal headaches, and enough server maintenance to make even the most caffeinated IT pro cry.

The Windscribe white label VPN program is the hassle-free way to slap your brand on our cutting-edge VPN technology, claim the glory, and keep your customers happy.

1. Customization Options: Your Brand, Our Brains

Windscribe gives you the keys to the VPN kingdom—minus the blood, sweat, and tech tears. With our white label program, you’ll have fully branded apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android that look and feel like you built them from the ground up.

What You Get:

Custom logos, color schemes, and app icons to match your unique aesthetic.
Fully rebranded user interfaces, so your customers see your identity—not ours.
Tailored onboarding flows to ensure your users feel right at home.

Your brand should be front and center. With Windscribe, your customers won’t even know we exist—until they realize their VPN never lets them down. Then they’ll just think you’re a tech genius.

2. A Global Server Network That’s Ready for Action

Nobody wants a VPN that slows them down. Windscribe’s white label program hooks you up with our extensive server network, spanning over 69 countries and hundreds of cities. That means blazing-fast speeds and reliable connections wherever your customers roam.

What You Get:

Worldwide Coverage: Servers in key locations to meet global and regional demands.
Optimized for Speed: Low-latency servers for buffer-free browsing, streaming, and downloading.
Reliability You Can Trust: Uptime so solid it’ll make you forget the concept of downtime.

VPN performance isn’t just a checkbox—it’s the whole checklist. When your customers experience seamless browsing and streaming, they’ll never even think about switching.

3. Top-Tier Security and Privacy Features

Let’s get one thing straight: Windscribe doesn’t mess around with security. Your white label VPN will inherit our best-in-class privacy features, making it a fortress for your users’ data.

What You Get:

Support for modern VPN protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2.
Multiple layers of firewall penetrating capabilities that ensure the app works in the most hostile environments
A strict no-logs policy because what happens on the VPN stays on the VPN.
Built-in malware and ad blocking tools that other VPNs offer as upgrades

Trust is everything in the privacy business. With Windscribe, your customers know their data is in good hands—yours.

4. Easy Integration with Your Existing Systems

You don’t need a Ph.D. in computer science to integrate Windscribe’s white label solution into your business. Whether you’re looking to offer VPN as a standalone service or as part of a larger product suite, our program plays nice with your existing systems.

What You Get:

Custom built apps based on designs
Custom API for instrumentation, data syncing and optional postbacks
Seamless integration with your apps, websites, or platforms.
Hands-on technical support to get you up and running without hiccups.
Around the clock developer support

Flexibility is key. Whether you’re starting small or going all-in, Windscribe’s tools adapt to your needs.

👉

Windscribe is no stranger to a white label VPN program. We’ve partnered with one of the biggest antivirus solutions companies to offer a VPN for their audience. Curious to learn more? Email hello@windscribe.com for a complimentary strategy call.

5. Lightning-Fast Market Entry

Time is money, and Windscribe’s white label program gets you to market faster than you can say “encryption.” Forget months (or years) of development—your VPN can launch in weeks.

What You Get:

A pre-built infrastructure ready for immediate deployment.
Access to a proven technology stack that scales with your business.
Guidance from our experts to ensure a smooth launch.

Get your product in front of customers before the competition even knows you’re there.

6. Transparent Pricing with No Nonsense

Let’s keep this simple: Windscribe’s white label program is designed to be cost-effective, with clear pricing that ensures you can grow your business without worrying about hidden fees.

What You Get:

Straightforward pricing models tailored to your needs.
No surprise charges or “gotcha” clauses.
A predictable ROI that scales as your customer base grows.
No multi-year lock-ins

Clarity is key when investing in a new service. With Windscribe, what you see is what you get—and what you get is a killer VPN product.

7. Scalability That Grows With Your Business

Start small or go big—Windscribe’s infrastructure is built to scale with you. Whether you’re catering to a local audience or going global, we’ve got you covered.

What You Get:

Infrastructure capable of handling thousands (or millions) of users.
Nothing to do when your customer base expands - we take care of everything
A roadmap for growth, supported by Windscribe’s expertise.

Your business isn’t static, and neither is Windscribe. As you grow, so does your VPN.

8. Support That Actually Helps

Need help? Windscribe’s team doesn’t just talk tech—they live it. Our white label program has dedicated support to ensure your VPN runs smoothly from day one.

What You Get:

Technical support for troubleshooting and maintenance for all your staff.
Training sessions to get your team up to speed.
Regular updates to keep your VPN cutting-edge.

Great support isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. With Windscribe, you’re never left hanging.

9. Built-In Trust and Credibility

Windscribe isn’t just another VPN provider—we’re a trusted name in the industry with years of experience and a proven track record. When you partner with us, you inherit that credibility.

A rock-solid reputation for security and privacy.
The confidence of partnering with a brand that knows its stuff.
Happy customers who stay loyal because your VPN works flawlessly.

Why Windscribe’s White Label Program Stands Out

Windscribe’s white label program isn’t just another cookie-cutter solution. It’s a partnership. We do the heavy lifting, so you can focus on what you do best: building your brand and delighting your customers.

With over 81 million registered users and 230,000 concurrent users, we understand scale:

Big numbers, much wow

In a Nutshell:

Fully customizable to match your brand.
Backed by a global network with top-tier security.
Fast, reliable, and ridiculously easy to manage.
Supported by a team that genuinely cares about your success.

Ready to take the plunge? Windscribe’s white label VPN program is your chance to enter the VPN market with confidence, style, and zero headaches. Because who has time for headaches, anyway?

👉

Email hello@windscribe.com to get started on building your whitelabel VPN solution.

Fuchsia Friday Has Ended

Rebecca Rosenberg — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 11:00:32 GMT

Our Fuchsia Friday Sale has ended - but you can still get Windscribe for $69/year!

👉

Stay informed of current Windscribe promotions and sales

Black Friday, HAH! Standing in lineups? For $99 knock off "Playstayshuns"? A sale for peasants! Windscribe doesn't play that shit, we know our users are aristocrats by nature - and so we created Fuchsia Friday instead. You know what they say, the harder the sale is to spell, the better the sale. Okay, no one says that, but now you can start to, because we've picked an arbitrary color that is spelled so stupidly that the resulting sale must be stupidly good. And it is...

When you spell "fuchsia" correctly on the first try

In fact, this deal is so insanely good and the savings are so incredibly massive, that making it possible meant huge sacrifices on our end. That company laser tag retreat? Canceled. The heaters in the office that keep everyone from freezing during the Canadian winter? Canceled. The Steven Segal DVDs given out as year end bonuses? Canceled faster than Netflix axes second seasons of great shows. All to save you as much money as possible. We even artificially raised our prices to $1500 a year, just so we could reduce our prices even more! That's 98% off our regular price to only $29 a year for Pro!

Don't let our engineers suffer in vain, grab this savory promo while it's still fresh out the oven and piping hot. Burn the roof of your mouth with these savings... because giving them to you means Team Windscribe won't be having pizza parties for a really long time.

But fear not, our staff are of such pure hearts that they will sustain themselves knowing you got a great price on Windscribe Pro. Bless them, the sweet geniuses!

Love,

Team Windscribe

Is Librewolf the Best Privacy Browser?

Graham C — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 21:44:07 GMT

Librewolf is an increasingly popular browser in the privacy-conscious community, often cited as a safer alternative to mainstream browsers. Sometimes it even gets compared to what many consider to be the best privacy focused mainstream browser: Brave. But that begs the question, is Librewolf truly better than the rest and worth switching to? Let’s explore.

Librewolf At A Glance

What is Librewolf?

Librewolf is an open-source, privacy-focused web browser based on Mozilla Firefox. Unlike Firefox, which comes with some telemetry and tracking features enabled by default, Librewolf eliminates these elements to prioritize user privacy. It is independently maintained by a community of developers who ensure that the browser adheres to strict privacy standards.

Librewolf incorporates built-in tools for enhanced security, such as uBlock Origin for ad and tracker blocking, and is configured to operate without connecting to Mozilla servers. It also disables WebRTC by default to prevent IP leaks, making it a favored choice for those using VPNs. Additionally, it doesn’t require users to create an account or log in, further reinforcing its privacy-first approach.

While Librewolf offers fewer features than mainstream browsers, this simplicity aligns with its goal of minimizing attack surfaces and tracking risks. Its open-source nature ensures transparency, allowing users to review and verify its code.

Is Librewolf a Safe Browser?

Yes, Librewolf is generally considered a safe browser, particularly for privacy-conscious users. However, safety is multifaceted, involving elements like privacy protection, resistance to cyberattacks, and secure browsing practices.

By disabling telemetry and blocking trackers, Librewolf significantly reduces the risk of data collection. Its pre-installed privacy tools, like HTTPS-Only Mode, ensure encrypted connections to websites, further safeguarding user data. Additionally, its compatibility with VPNs and proxy settings enhances security by masking your IP address and encrypting your online activity.

However, no browser is completely immune to vulnerabilities. Librewolf relies on Mozilla’s Firefox engine, so any security flaws in Firefox could potentially affect Librewolf. Regular updates from the Librewolf team mitigate this risk, but users must ensure they keep the browser up-to-date.

Librewolf also lacks certain features like sandboxing and site isolation found in some other browsers, which could affect its resilience against advanced threats. Thus, while it excels in privacy, its security framework isn’t invincible.

How a Secure Browser Works

A secure browser protects users from online threats while maintaining a high level of privacy. Core functionalities include blocking trackers, encrypting communications, and defending against malware and phishing attempts.

Key features of a secure browser include:

Tracker and Ad Blocking: By preventing third-party scripts from running, secure browsers protect users from invasive tracking and reduce the risk of malicious advertisements.
Encrypted Connections: HTTPS-Only Mode ensures all communication between the browser and websites is encrypted, safeguarding sensitive data like passwords and credit card information.
Sandboxing: Isolating browser processes from the operating system prevents malicious sites from accessing sensitive system data.
Regular Updates: Frequent updates patch vulnerabilities and strengthen defense mechanisms.

Secure browsing also depends on user behavior, such as avoiding suspicious links and keeping plugins and extensions minimal to reduce attack surfaces.

Security and Privacy are Two Sides of the Same Coin

While security and privacy are interrelated, they are not identical. Privacy concerns protecting user data from being collected, tracked, or shared, while security focuses on protecting systems from unauthorized access and cyber threats.

For example, a browser might encrypt your online activity to enhance security but still collect your data for advertising purposes, which compromises privacy. Conversely, a privacy-focused browser might block trackers but lack robust defenses against malware.

Librewolf emphasizes privacy by disabling telemetry and removing unnecessary data collection features. While it offers decent security measures, users seeking comprehensive protection must combine it with tools like antivirus software and a reliable VPN.

Try Windscribe for Free

How Does Librewolf Compare to Other Secure Browsers?

Since you’re probably going to be using a web browser almost daily if not everyday, you must consider all the options available to you. The browser landscape isn't an outright monopoly, but Google wields significant influence due to its dominance over the Chromium web engine.

Although Chromium is open source, most major browsers—except Firefox—rely on it as their foundation. This reliance ties these browsers to Google’s standards, including the new Manifest V3 (MV3) framework for web extensions. MV3 introduces restrictions that, while framed as security enhancements, also limit the effectiveness of ad blockers and privacy tools. This shift ultimately benefits Google by ensuring more ads and trackers make their way into your browsing experience, thereby increasing their ad revenue.

Librewolf vs Google Chrome

Google Chrome dominates the browser market but falls short in privacy compared to Librewolf. Chrome collects vast amounts of user data, including browsing history and personal preferences, to fuel Google’s advertising algorithms.

Librewolf, by contrast, disables all forms of tracking and telemetry, ensuring that user data remains private. It also comes with pre-installed privacy tools, while Chrome requires users to manually add extensions like uBlock Origin or Privacy Badger.

From a security perspective, Chrome is robust, offering advanced features like sandboxing and frequent updates. However, its privacy trade-offs make it unsuitable for those prioritizing anonymity.

Librewolf vs Brave

Brave is another popular privacy-focused browser, often compared to Librewolf. While both prioritize user privacy, their approaches differ.

Brave integrates privacy tools like a built-in ad blocker and shields against fingerprinting. However, it also includes features like Brave Rewards, which some criticize as undermining its privacy-first stance since it can be linked back to your account. Brave is also partially funded by cryptocurrency initiatives, which might not appeal to all users.

Librewolf avoids these complexities by sticking to its minimalist, telemetry-free design. It doesn’t include optional features that could potentially introduce vulnerabilities or confuse users.

In terms of security, Brave’s integration of HTTPS Everywhere and frequent updates make it a strong contender, but Librewolf’s simplicity and transparency give it an edge for users who value straightforward, uncompromising privacy.

Librewolf vs Firefox

Since Librewolf is based on Firefox, the two browsers share many similarities. However, Librewolf is essentially a privacy-enhanced version of Firefox, with telemetry disabled and privacy settings preconfigured.

Firefox, while privacy-conscious compared to browsers like Chrome, still collects some data by default. Users can adjust its settings to enhance privacy, but this requires manual effort. Librewolf removes this burden by offering a secure configuration out of the box.

In terms of features, Firefox supports a broader ecosystem of extensions and customization options, while Librewolf intentionally limits certain functionalities to reduce attack surfaces.

Librewolf vs Safari

Safari, Apple’s default browser, is known for its strong privacy features, including Intelligent Tracking Prevention. However, its reliance on Apple’s ecosystem limits its compatibility with non-Apple devices.

Librewolf surpasses Safari in transparency, as it is open-source and doesn’t tie users to a specific platform. Safari collects some user data for Apple’s services, which might deter privacy enthusiasts. Moreover, Librewolf’s built-in tracker blocking is more aggressive than Safari’s.

Safari benefits from Apple’s robust security infrastructure, including sandboxing and protection against malicious websites. Librewolf, while solid in privacy, may not match Safari’s overall security measures.

Librewolf vs Tor

The Tor browser is the gold standard for anonymity, using the Tor network to encrypt traffic and route it through multiple nodes. Librewolf, while privacy-focused, does not offer the same level of anonymity.

For general browsing, Librewolf is faster and less resource-intensive than Tor. It’s also more user-friendly, making it suitable for everyday use. However, for activities requiring maximum anonymity, such as accessing the dark web, Tor is unmatched.

Librewolf vs Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge, based on Chromium, offers improved privacy features compared to its predecessor, Internet Explorer. However, like Chrome, it collects significant user data for Microsoft services.

Librewolf, with its anti-tracking tools and telemetry-free design, is a clear winner in privacy. Edge’s integration with Microsoft’s ecosystem might be convenient for some users, but it’s a drawback for those prioritizing independence and transparency.

Key Considerations Before Using Librewolf

While Librewolf is an excellent choice for privacy enthusiasts, it is not without its limitations:

Performance: Some users report slower performance compared to mainstream browsers, especially on resource-heavy websites.
Limited Features: By stripping down Firefox, Librewolf sacrifices some functionality, which may frustrate users who rely on advanced features.
Dependency on Firefox: As Librewolf is based on Firefox, it inherits any vulnerabilities or flaws present in Mozilla’s codebase.
Niche Audience: Librewolf’s focus on privacy might not appeal to casual users, and its smaller community means fewer extensions and less support compared to browsers like Chrome or Firefox.
Design Vulnerabilities: While LibreWolf prioritizes user privacy, there are still some weaknesses to be aware of:
1. Browser fingerprinting protection is not enabled, unlike Tor Browser's resistance techniques.
2. LibreWolf relies on central authorities for TLS certificates, which may leave room for improvement in anti-tracking and traffic analysis protections.

Who Should Use LibreWolf?

LibreWolf is ideal for users who prioritize security and privacy above all else. However, it requires a willingness to make some compromises in terms of convenience:

Technical Inclination: LibreWolf requires technical expertise to configure site permissions and toggle protection settings. Things will likely not work out of the box as seamlessly as they do with Firefox or Chrome.
Casual Users May Struggle: For those who value seamless browsing experiences without configuration, LibreWolf may be frustrating at times.

Lock Down Your Connection With A VPN

By first connecting to Windscribe VPN, and then to Librewolf, you're already ahead of the game. Adding Windscribe as an intermediary layer to your connection means your data is encrypted before you even open up the browser.

Try Windscribe With Librewolf

Final Considerations Before Choosing LibreWolf

Before deciding on LibreWolf, reflect on the following. You may find this may make or break your decision process:

Frequent Updates: LibreWolf receives updates less frequently than mainstream browsers like Firefox. This might cause issues for users relying on the latest web technologies and standards.
Support: While there is a community of users and contributors supporting LibreWolf, it may not offer the same level of support as more widely used browsers.

Conclusion: Librewolf + Windscribe Is The Way

Librewolf is a safe and privacy-respecting browser ideal for users seeking a secure alternative to mainstream options. While it has limitations, its minimalist and transparent approach to privacy makes it a standout choice for the privacy-conscious community. For comprehensive security, pairing Librewolf with other privacy tools like Windscribe is a wise choice.

Windscribbles

Service Improvement: OpenVPN DCO on Windows!

Give VPNs to Those in Need With GiveScribe

Why GiveScribe?

How It Works

Need a VPN? (Recipient)

Want to Help? (Supporter)

Why Secure Internet Access Matters

Join the Movement

Popular Dark Web Links & Websites

The Best Tor and Onion Links

Tor Taxi

Hidden Wiki

Just Another Library

Archive Today

SecureDrop

The Guardian

New York Times

ZeroBin

SimplyTranslate

ProPublica

Deutsche Welle

The Tor Times

Piss Mail

Proton Mail

The CIA

Dutch National Police

Vorm Web Search Engine

Shoot Web Search Engine

Feather Crypto Wallet

BBC Tor Mirror

Imperial Library

Hidden Answers

Tor Metrics

Bonus: A Few More Dark Web Websites

Wasabi Wallet

Sci-Hub

Ahmia

Deep Web vs Dark Web

What are Onion sites?

Are Onion Sites Dangerous?

How Do I Access Onion Sites?

How do I Stay Safe While Using the Dark Web?

Is Using Tor Safe?

Is It Legal to Browse the Dark Web?

Can I be tracked on the dark web?

How do I Use a VPN with Tor?

55 VPN Statistics & Industry Trends (2023 - 2025)

VPN Usage Statistics

VPN Security Concerns

Privacy Benefits and User Motivation

Regional VPN Adoption

Corporate vs. Personal VPN Use

5 Best Alternatives to NordVPN in 2025 [Free + Paid]

New NordVPN Controversy: It's Asking for Your Data

Best Alternatives to NordVPN

1. Windscribe

Generous Free Plan

R.O.B.E.R.T: Your Digital Bodyguard

Unlimited Device Connections

Transparent Pricing (No Surprise Bills!)

Reliable Apps on Every Platform

Customer Support That Actually Helps

The Verdict? Windscribe Wins, Hands Down

2. ProtonVPN

3. Mullvad

4. AirVPN

5. IVPN: Privacy Without the Fuss

Conclusion

Where Has TikTok Been Banned? A Global Look at the App’s Forbidden Zones

India: The First Domino to Fall

Impact:

Pakistan: A Flip-Flopping Approach

Impact:

Indonesia: Cultural and Religious Concerns

Impact:

Bangladesh: A Stand Against Obscenity

Impact:

United States: A Ban That Never Quite Happened (Yet)

Impact: