In my search for the best VPN for IPTV, specifically a reliable free option, I decided to test out Windscribe VPN. If you’ve ever used Proton VPN, you know it sets a pretty high bar for free plans.
Surprisingly, Windscribe doesn’t just match that closely, it holds its own with some impressive perks. It offers one of the most generous free plans. And when I say generous, I actually mean it..
The free plan gives you up to 10 GB per month, unlimited device connections, and access to all of the features included in the premium plans.
The premium plan gets even better, you can unlock unlimited data for just $3/month. While it doesn’t quite match the performance offered by Surfshark or NordVPN, Windscribe still holds its ground.
I have uncovered even more interesting features about Windscribe VPN in this detailed review that make it worth a serious look. Let’s break it all down.
Quick Overview of Windscribe VPN
- Free Plan: Yes, with limited data.
- Price: Offers customizable plans starting at $3/mo.
- Server Network: 69+ countries and 134+ cities
- Device Compatibility: Windows, macOS, iOS, FireStick, Onn. Stream 4K Box, Apple TV, Android Phones, Linux, routers, and browsers.
- Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited device connections.
- Customer Support: 24/7 live chat & email support.
- Protocols Supported: WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, Stealth or WStunnel.
- Security Features: AES-256 encryption, no-logs policy, Double HOP, DNS leak protection, Firewall Mode.
- Streaming Features: Split Tunneling, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, & more with optimized “Windflix” servers.
- Privacy: No data logs, anonymous usage.
- Log Data: No
- Kill Switch: No (Has Firewall Mode)
- Split Tunneling: Yes
- 24/7 Live Chat Support: No
Windscribe VPN Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Offers up to 10GB Free Data usage. | Limited Server Network |
Unlimited device connections. | No 24/7 Live Chat Support |
No-logs policy, AES-256 encryption, and open-source apps. | Complex User Interface/Cluttered App |
R.O.B.E.R.T. for ad, tracker, and malware blocking. | Short Refund Policy |
Customizable plans available. | |
Bitcoins accepted |
Is Windscribe VPN Free?
Yes, Windscribe offers a free plan that gives access to servers in 10 countries. The free plan unblocks a full suite of features along with unlimited simultaneous device connections.
However, there is a data limit of up to 10 GB of data each month, but if you don’t confirm your email address, you’ll be limited to just 2 GB.
How to Install Windscribe VPN on Your Device
To install Windscribe VPN on your devices, you can follow either of these two methods:
1. Official App Stores
Windscribe VPN is available for download on the Amazon App Store, Google Play Store, and Apple App Store. You can visit their official website to find the latest version of the app for your preferred device.
2. The APK Method
If the Windscribe VPN app is unavailable in your region, you can sideload its APK using the Downloader app.
Enter the Windscribe VPN downloader code 5546232 in the search bar OR enter this URL bit.ly/43pEVWO and click Go.
Windscribe Android phone APK URL: tinyurl.com/ypxjtzne
Why is Windscribe VPN a great free IPTV VPN?
Finding the right VPN for IPTV can be tricky, but Windscribe VPN makes the decision easier with its premium features included in the free plan. Have a look:
1. It’s a 100% Free VPN!
Windscribe’s free VPN is easily one of the most generous no-cost options I’ve tested. You get 10GB/month just by confirming your email, and if needed, you can bump it up to unlimited bandwidth for only $3/month.
It supports unlimited devices and offers access to server locations in 10 countries, including the US, Canada, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and Germany.
All core features are included in the free plan, from the R.O.B.E.R.T. tool to advanced encryption protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN, Kill switch, etc. It doesn’t feel like a stripped-down demo; it feels like a fully functional VPN.
Speeds were mostly consistent, though I did notice some slowdown on US servers during peak hours. But for a free VPN, the overall performance and privacy are genuinely impressive.
When compared to Proton VPN’s free plan, Windscribe offers more server locations ability to select them, plus built-in ad blocking. However, Proton’s unlimited data and stronger security reputation might be a better pick for heavy streamers or privacy-focused users.
2. Server Network
Windscribe has servers in around 69 countries, covering key regions across North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of the Middle East and Africa.
While it doesn’t have thousands of servers like NordVPN or CyberGhost, the quality matters more here, all Windscribe servers are physically located (no virtual locations), which improves transparency and reliability.
For best speeds, look out for the 10 Gbps badge; these high-capacity servers deliver noticeably faster performance, especially useful for streaming or large downloads.
They even have a cheeky “Fake Antarctica” server labeled as such, just to drive home their honesty. In real-world use, most locations I tested performed well, especially in Europe and Canada.
Additionally, for streaming, Windscribe offers Windflix servers in the US, UK, Canada, and Japan, optimized for unblocking Netflix and other platforms.
3. R.O.B.E.R.T. Tool
Windscribe’s R.O.B.E.R.T. tool is a game-changer for cleaner, faster, and safer IPTV streaming.
It’s a DNS-level blocker that stops ads, trackers, malware, and even fake streaming pop-ups before they load, which means smoother performance and fewer interruptions while watching live TV or movies.
With customizable blocklists, you can block entire categories like gambling, clickbait, social media, or even other VPN domains, and whitelist trusted IPTV sites for uninterrupted access.
This isn’t just about privacy, it helps reduce buffering, uses less data, and speeds up IPTV app performance by cutting out background junk. All changes take effect instantly, no app restarts or reconnects needed.
4. Windscribe Firewall Mode
Unlike typical kill switches that react after a disconnect, Windscribe offers a Firewall Mode. It is a proactive system that blocks all traffic outside the VPN tunnel, with no leaks, no exceptions.
Whether you’re watching live sports, premium movies, or geo-restricted IPTV content, this feature ensures your real IP never slips through, even if the app crashes or the VPN drops unexpectedly.
It’s available on Windows, Mac, and Linux with three modes: Automatic (activates with VPN), Manual (you control it), and Always-On (internet is disabled unless connected to Windscribe).
For Android and iOS users, you get similar protection with the built-in Always-On VPN feature.
5. Encryption
Windscribe uses industry-standard AES-256 encryption to protect your data — the same level trusted by banks and militaries worldwide.
Combined with SHA-512 authentication and a 4096-bit RSA key for handshakes, your connection stays secure from hackers, ISPs, and surveillance.
Depending on the protocol you choose, WireGuard, OpenVPN, or IKEv2. Windscribe applies the most secure encryption for that method.
WireGuard uses the ultra-fast ChaCha20-Poly1305 suite, while OpenVPN sticks to AES-256-GCM. No matter the device or platform, Windscribe maintains top-level encryption to ensure your personal data, streaming habits, and browsing history remain hidden and safe.
6. Two-Factor Authentication
For added security of your account, they support Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). You can enable it from your account dashboard to add an extra layer of protection, so even if someone gets your password, they can’t access your account without the 2FA code.
7. Protocols
Windscribe offers a wide range of tunneling protocols, giving users the flexibility to balance speed, security, and accessibility depending on their needs.
- WireGuard is the standout choice, it’s fast, secure, and efficient. It’s supported across all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. For IPTV streaming, WireGuard delivers smooth performance with minimal buffering.
- OpenVPN comes in two modes: TCP for maximum security and UDP for better speed. It’s a solid all-rounder and is available on all Windscribe apps.
- IKEv2/IPsec is the default protocol on Windscribe apps. It provides stable speeds and reliable security, especially on mobile devices, though it can be blocked by some networks.
- WStunnel and StealthVPN are specialized protocols for bypassing censorship in restrictive regions like China or Iran. They disguise VPN traffic to look like regular HTTPS traffic but may slow down your connection, so they’re best used when other protocols are blocked.
8. Double Hop
Double Hop is Windscribe’s advanced privacy feature that routes your connection through two separate VPN servers instead of just one.
This adds an extra layer of anonymity by masking your real IP address even further; the websites you visit will only see the second server location, not your origin.
To enable Double Hop, you’ll need both the desktop app and a browser extension (Chrome, Firefox, or Opera). Your desktop app handles the first connection, while the extension adds the second hop.
9. No Logs Or Monitoring
When it comes to privacy, Windscribe goes above and beyond. It enforces a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t monitor or store your browsing activity, connection logs, or IP address.
The only data it keeps temporarily is bandwidth usage and the timestamp of your last session, both get wiped regularly. However, it never logs or monitors your browsing activity or source IP.
Windscribe is also one of the few VPNs to publish real-time Transparency Reports, openly showing how it handles legal requests (none are fulfilled due to the lack of data stored).
To reinforce user trust, Windscribe has undergone multiple independent audits and even made its apps open-source, so anyone can inspect the code.
With payment options like Bitcoin, gift cards, and PaymentWall, Windscribe keeps the process private, giving users control over their payment methods.
10. Split Tunneling
Split Tunneling on Windscribe gives you more control over your VPN usage by letting you choose which apps should use the VPN and which ones should connect directly to the internet.
It’s available on Windows, macOS, and Android, and is especially useful for saving bandwidth and improving speed. The app list can be cluttered with system services, making it a bit tricky to find what you need.
11. Unlimited Device Connections
With Windscribe, you can connect unlimited devices with one account, which is perfect if you’re running IPTV apps on multiple screens.
It supports all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Fire TV, Linux, Android, and iOS, plus browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. There’s even support for routers.
As for the user interface, it’s functional but not the sleekest. The desktop app offers tons of advanced features, but the layout can feel a bit cramped and less beginner-friendly.
On mobile, the app is cleaner and easier to navigate. If you’re a tech-savvy user, you’ll appreciate the customization. If you’re new to VPNs, it might take a few minutes to get comfortable.
Windscribe VPN Customer Support
Windscribe doesn’t offer live chat support. Instead, users get a chatbot named “Garry,” an extensive knowledge base, Reddit & Discord community support, and a ticketing system. While the chatbot can handle basic questions, complex issues may take up to 24-48 hours for a ticket response.
The lack of 24/7 live chat might be frustrating for less tech-savvy users, but the support quality is generally good once you reach a human.
Windscribe Pricing Breakdown
Windscribe starts at $9 per month for its monthly plan. Its annual subscription comes in at $69 per year, which breaks down to about $5.75/month.
There’s also a unique Build-A-Plan model starting at just $3/month, you can customize your subscription by adding one server location for just $1 each.
Windscribe accepts payments via credit card, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and even anonymous methods like Bitcoin and gift cards.
Windscribe VPN Supported Devices
Here are the supported devices:
Device Type | Supported Platforms |
---|---|
Desktop | Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS |
Mobile | Android, iPhone, Huawei |
Browser | Chrome, Firefox, MS Edge |
Streaming Devices | Apple TV, Fire TV |
Routers | Supports various router brands (Asus, Belkin, Linksys, etc.) |
F-Droid | Available for users who prefer open-source platforms |
Windscribe VPN Alternatives
Here are some of the great VPN alternatives that you can try:
FAQs
Does Windscribe block ads and trackers?
Yes, Windscribe includes a feature called R.O.B.E.R.T., which allows users to block ads, trackers, malware, and other unwanted content. This customizable tool enhances browsing privacy and security.
How can I stream content from a geo-restricted site using Windscribe?
To access geo-restricted content, connect to a Windscribe server located in the country where the content is available. For example, to watch UK-based content, connect to a UK server. Windscribe supports streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
Is Windscribe VPN Free Plan Worth Getting for IPTV Streaming?
Windscribe is a well-rounded VPN with a sharp focus on privacy. It offers transparent policies, strong encryption, and a generous free plan that makes it easy to try.
You will get all the advanced features, such as the R.O.B.E.R.T. tool, Firewall, and support for WireGuard, even with the free plan, adding real value for users who want control and protection, especially when streaming IPTV or browsing from multiple devices.
While it may not beat top-tier VPNs like ExpressVPN or Surfshark in speed or streaming access. Still, if you’re after privacy, performance, and fair pricing, Windscribe is a strong contender worth considering.