Our data puts NordVPN at 4.6/5 and Windscribe at 3.8/5. On paper, NordVPN wins. In practice, the better choice depends on whether you care more about privacy vs streaming.
| Criteria | NordVPN | Windscribe |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 4.6/5 ★ | 3.8/5 |
| Jurisdiction | Panama | Canada |
| 14-Eyes / 5-Eyes | No | Five |
| No-logs policy | Audited 5/5 ★ | 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 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| RAM-only servers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Encryption score | 5/5 ★ | 3/5 |
| Security subtotal | 5.0/5 ★ | 3.4/5 |
| Trust subtotal | 4.7/5 ★ | 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) | $83.43/yr | N/A |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes, 60 days | Yes, 3 days |
| Pricing score | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
Where NordVPN wins
NordVPN’s strongest argument is privacy and security (5.0/5 vs 3.4/5). It also scores higher on streaming (5/5 vs 3.5/5) and transparency and trust (4.7/5 vs 3.7/5).
Where Windscribe wins
Windscribe does not outscore NordVPN on individual criteria. At 3.8/5, it remains a solid option with consistent performance.
Who should pick what
Go with NordVPN for streaming, and Windscribe for speed. NordVPN is the safer default for most users.
Want to compare all VPNs side by side? Check our full VPN comparison table with scores across 18 criteria.
Pick NordVPN. It scores 4.6/5 vs 3.8/5 for Windscribe, with a clear edge on privacy. Windscribe is not a bad VPN, but NordVPN wins this matchup. See NordVPN's current deal.
For more context, check our full VPN comparison table or the best VPN for streaming guide. Read our full NordVPN review for a complete breakdown. See our Windscribe review for more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
NordVPN is the better streaming option, with a 5/5 streaming score. Both VPNs support Netflix, Disney+ and BBC iPlayer.
NordVPN scores higher on security (5.0/5). NordVPN is based in Panama (Audited), Windscribe in Canada (Not audited).
Our pricing score gives NordVPN 4.0/5 and Windscribe 4.0/5. NordVPN is $12.99/mo monthly or $59.88/yr per year. Windscribe is $9.00/mo monthly or $69.00/yr per year. Both include a money-back guarantee.