Software Alternatives & Startups

SoftEther VS Windscribe

Compare SoftEther VS Windscribe and see what are their differences

SoftEther

SoftEther VPN ("SoftEther" means "Software Ethernet") is one of the world's most powerful and easy-to-use multi-protocol VPN software. It runs on Windows, Linux, Mac, FreeBSD and Solaris.

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
Windscribe

Windscribe is a desktop application and browser extension that work together to block ads and trackers, restore access to blocked content and help you safeguard your privacy online.

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Windscribe seems to be a lot more popular than SoftEther. While we know about 140 links to Windscribe, we've tracked only 2 mentions of SoftEther.

social mentions
2 vs 140
Security & Privacy popularity
17% vs 83%
alternatives listed
169 vs 240+

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

SoftEther
Windscribe
Website softether.org windscribe.com
Pricing
Open source
Open source Official pricing
Company Startup from Canada
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

SoftEther 5 features
Windscribe 5 features
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    SoftEther VPN is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Linux, Mac, FreeBSD, and Solaris, providing flexibility for users across different platforms.
  • Multi-Protocol Support
    It supports multiple VPN protocols such as SSL-VPN, L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN, and Microsoft SSTP, offering users various options for connectivity depending on their needs and configurations.
  • High Performance
    Optimized for fast network throughput, SoftEther VPN can handle high-speed internet connections efficiently, which is ideal for transferring large volumes of data.
  • Free and Open Source
    As a free and open-source software, SoftEther VPN allows users to access and modify the source code, fostering customization and transparency.
  • Strong Security Features
    It provides robust security features including AES encryption and RSA certificate authentication, ensuring secure data transmission over the network.

Possible disadvantages

  • Complex Setup for Beginners
    Although powerful, SoftEther VPN may have a steep learning curve for users who are not familiar with network configurations, potentially causing difficulty in initial setup.
  • Limited Native Client Support
    While SoftEther VPN supports a range of protocols, it lacks native clients across all platforms, which may require third-party software for full functionality.
  • Dependency on System Resources
    Running SoftEther VPN, especially on detailed configurations, may require significant system resources, which could impact performance on lower-end devices.
  • Community Support
    Being an open-source project, support primarily comes from community forums, which might result in slower response times for troubleshooting critical issues.
  • Generous Free Plan
    Windscribe offers a free plan with up to 10GB of data per month, with additional bandwidth available through various promotions.
  • Strong Security and Privacy
    The service provides strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and various secure protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard).
  • Wide Range of Features
    Includes features such as R.O.B.E.R.T. (ad and malware blocker), multiple hop connections, and a secure hotspot.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    Windscribe has applications for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.
  • Unlimited Devices
    Allows usage on an unlimited number of devices with a single account.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Server Network
    Compared to some competitors, Windscribe has a smaller network with servers in fewer countries.
  • Medium Speed Performance
    While generally reliable, Windscribe's speed may not be as fast as some top-tier VPN providers, especially on long-distance connections.
  • Free Plan Limitations
    The free plan has limitations on server locations and features, pushing users towards upgrading to a paid plan.
  • Inconsistent Customer Support
    Customer support is primarily via email and ticket system, with no live chat available, which may lead to slower response times.
  • Geoblocking Issues
    Some users report difficulty accessing certain geo-restricted content, such as streaming services from specific countries.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

SoftEther
Windscribe

No analysis of SoftEther yet.

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Windscribe is a solid VPN option that balances usability, affordability, and a strong privacy stance. It is particularly noted for its free plan and flexible pricing options, though some users report that the speeds can be variable depending on the server location. Despite this, its comprehensive feature set makes it a worthwhile consideration for privacy-conscious users.

Why this product is good

  • Windscribe is considered a good choice for a VPN due to its strong emphasis on privacy and security features, such as robust encryption and a strict no-logs policy. It also offers a feature-rich free tier, which is relatively generous compared to other VPN services. Windscribe provides a wide range of server locations and allows for unlimited simultaneous connections, which is appealing for users with multiple devices. Additionally, it offers compatibility with various platforms and devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, browsers, and routers.

Recommended for

  • Users looking for a privacy-focused VPN with robust security features
  • Individuals who need a VPN with a generous free tier to test before committing
  • People requiring a VPN that supports multiple simultaneous connections
  • Travelers who need access to a wide range of server locations globally
  • Users who want a VPN with a simple user interface and multi-platform support

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

SoftEther 2 videos + Add
Windscribe 3 videos + Add

SoftEther VPN short review and testing (2018) FREE!

More videos

  • - SoftEther VPN Server Review and Tutorial

100% HONEST Windscribe Review 2020 ?

More videos

  • - WindScribe Review - HONEST VPN REVIEW 2019!
  • - Windscribe VPN | A Full Comprehensive Review

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
SoftEther
Windscribe
17% 17%
83% 83%
9% 9%
VPN
91% 91%
8% 8%
92% 92%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using SoftEther and Windscribe. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

SoftEther no reviews yet
Windscribe no reviews yet

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Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

SoftEther 2 mentions
Windscribe 140 mentions
  • Best VPN hardware device for small size team?
    You can try softether.org, you just need to set it up on a computer in the office that is always running. Source: about 3 years ago
  • I need help.
    I recommend SoftEther. simple, fast and doesn't take much space, the download site is softether.org Ghost clients are the clients that have amazing bypasses for huge servers such as mineplex and hypixel, most free ghost clients are... Source: over 4 years ago
  • How to Make an Argentina Steam Account in 2023 – Tried and Tested
    Windscribe (offers a free plan, with the option to purchase Argentina servers). Source: about 3 years ago
  • So Windscribe's Android app is being recommended as a secure client against the TunnelCrack exploit.
    "In case you use OpenVPN servers and profiles, then you can use the open-source Windscribe client and load your OpenVPN profile in Windscribe. You will then be able to use Windscribe with your own server. At the time of disclosure, the... Source: about 3 years ago
  • Windscribe Voucher 2023 - Free 1GB of VPN Data - Use this link https://windscribe.com/yo/inae8osm - New Customers Only
    And here’s a non-referral link too: https://windscribe.com/. Source: about 3 years ago

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Alternatives to SoftEther and Windscribe

When comparing SoftEther and Windscribe, you can also consider the following products.