ExpressVPN scores 3.7/5 overall in our tests, against 3.8/5 for Windscribe. The scores are close, so the right pick comes down to priorities.
| Criteria | ExpressVPN | Windscribe |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 3.7/5 | 3.8/5 ★ |
| Jurisdiction | British Virgin Islands | Canada |
| 14-Eyes / 5-Eyes | No | Five |
| No-logs policy | Audited 3/5 ★ | Not audited 2/5 |
| Speed score | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Protocols score | 5/5 ★ | 4/5 |
| Streaming score | 5/5 ★ | 3.5/5 |
| Leak protection | 1/5 | 5/5 ★ |
| RAM-only servers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Encryption score | 5/5 ★ | 3/5 |
| Security subtotal | 3.8/5 ★ | 3.4/5 |
| Trust subtotal | 2.7/5 | 3.7/5 ★ |
| Price (monthly) | $12.99/mo | $9.00/mo |
| Price (1-year total) | $59.88/yr | $69.00/yr |
| Price (2-year total) | $83.76/yr | N/A |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes, 30 days | Yes, 3 days |
| Pricing score | 3.5/5 | 4.0/5 ★ |
Where ExpressVPN wins
ExpressVPN leads on privacy and security (3.8/5 vs 3.4/5), streaming (5/5 vs 3.5/5).
Where Windscribe wins
Where Windscribe has an edge: value for money (4.0/5 vs 3.5/5), transparency and trust (3.7/5 vs 2.7/5), features (3.7/5 vs 3.4/5). If these are your priorities, Windscribe is the better fit.
Who should pick what
The simplest rule: Windscribe is the default recommendation based on overall scores. The only reason to choose ExpressVPN instead is if streaming is critical for your use case.
Want to compare all VPNs side by side? Check our full VPN comparison table with scores across 18 criteria.
Windscribe wins this comparison (3.8/5 vs 3.7/5). It leads on transparency and offers strong value overall. ExpressVPN is worth considering if streaming is your priority. Try Windscribe with their money-back guarantee.
For more context, check our full VPN comparison table or the best VPN for streaming guide. Read our full ExpressVPN review for a complete breakdown. See our Windscribe review for more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our 2026 data: Windscribe (3.8/5) outscores ExpressVPN (3.7/5) overall. Choose Windscribe for speed, or ExpressVPN if you need streaming. Still unsure? Take our [VPN quiz](/) for a personalised recommendation.
ExpressVPN: Audited no-logs policy (score: 3/5). Windscribe: Not audited no-logs policy (score: 2/5). See our [comparison table](/compare) for full audit details.
Obfuscation support and firewall conditions change frequently. Check our [best VPN for China guide](/blog/best-vpn-china-2026/) for up-to-date information on which VPNs reliably bypass the Great Firewall.