Encrypt.me vs Windscribe

Encrypt.me, founded in 2011 and based in Seattle, Washington, was a security-focused VPN service designed to protect users on both private and public Wi-Fi networks. They offered strong encryption, Auto-Secure (kill switch), split tunneling for Android, and dedicated IP options for families and teams. Their unlimited device connections made them a flexible choice for individuals and businesses alike. While Encrypt.me was easy to use and had a transparent policy, it had some drawbacks. Being based in the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance also raised privacy concerns. Pricing was flexible, offering one-time passes (weekly, monthly, yearly) and recurring subscriptions (monthly or annual plans). They also provided family and team plans for multiple users. A 14-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee allowed users to test the service risk-free. In 2021, Encrypt.me merged with StrongVPN, discontinuing their standalone service. Users were transitioned to StrongVPN, which retained some of Encrypt.me’s features while expanding their global reach and security options.

Windscribe stands out for their commitment to privacy and security. They offer a freemium VPN service, providing a free plan with 10GB of data per month alongside premium options. Users benefit from AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and RAM-disk servers that wipe all data upon reboot. The R.O.B.E.R.T. tool adds an extra layer of security by blocking ads, trackers, and malware. Windscribe supports multiple protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, and allows unlimited simultaneous connections for personal use. With server locations in 69+ countries, the VPN offers flexibility but has received mixed feedback on speed and software stability. The Pro plan costs $9 per month or $69 annually, while the Build-a-Plan option lets users customize their VPN for $1 per location per month. Windscribe also includes advanced features like split tunneling, static IP addresses, port forwarding, and obfuscation technology to bypass censorship in restrictive regions. With strong encryption and robust privacy tools, Windscribe remains a compelling choice for users seeking a secure and customizable VPN solution.