We tested Surfshark (4.1/5) and Windscribe (3.8/5) across speed, privacy, streaming, and price. Here is where each earns its score and where it falls short.
| Criteria | Surfshark | Windscribe |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 4.1/5 ★ | 3.8/5 |
| Jurisdiction | Netherlands | Canada |
| 14-Eyes / 5-Eyes | Nine | Five |
| No-logs policy | Audited 5/5 ★ | Not audited 2/5 |
| Speed score | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Protocols score | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Streaming score | 4.5/5 ★ | 3.5/5 |
| Leak protection | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| RAM-only servers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Encryption score | 5/5 ★ | 3/5 |
| Security subtotal | 4.8/5 ★ | 3.4/5 |
| Trust subtotal | 3.0/5 | 3.7/5 ★ |
| Price (monthly) | $15.45/mo | $9.00/mo |
| Price (1-year total) | $38.28/yr | $69.00/yr |
| Price (2-year total) | $47.76/yr | N/A |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes, 30 days | Yes, 3 days |
| Pricing score | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
Where Surfshark wins
On privacy and security (4.8/5 vs 3.4/5), Surfshark outperforms Windscribe. The same pattern holds for streaming (4.5/5 vs 3.5/5).
Where Windscribe wins
Windscribe outscores Surfshark on transparency and trust (3.7/5 vs 3.0/5). For users who care about that factor, Windscribe is worth considering.
Who should pick what
Pick Surfshark if speed matters most. Pick Windscribe if speed is the priority. On a pure score basis, Surfshark is the safer default.
Want to compare all VPNs side by side? Check our full VPN comparison table with scores across 18 criteria.
Pick Surfshark. It scores 4.1/5 vs 3.8/5 for Windscribe, with a clear edge on privacy. Windscribe is not a bad VPN, but Surfshark wins this matchup. See Surfshark's current deal.
For more context, check our full VPN comparison table or the best VPN for streaming guide. Read our full Surfshark review for a complete breakdown. See our Windscribe review for more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Surfshark is the better streaming option, with a 4.5/5 streaming score. Both VPNs support Netflix, Disney+ and BBC iPlayer.
Surfshark scores higher on security (4.8/5). Surfshark is based in Netherlands (Audited), Windscribe in Canada (Not audited).
Our pricing score gives Surfshark 4.0/5 and Windscribe 4.0/5. Surfshark is $15.45/mo monthly or $38.28/yr per year. Windscribe is $9.00/mo monthly or $69.00/yr per year. Both include a money-back guarantee.