Jurisdiction: Canada | Audit: No | Apps for: Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, Linux, Fire TV, Nvidia Shield, Kodi | Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Browser Extensions: Chrome, Firefox, Opera | Advanced Features: Firewall, R.O.B.E.R.T. ad blocker, Multi Hop, Static IP and many more
Total servers: Servers in 63 countries | Servers in New Zealand: Yes | Servers in Australia: Yes
Windscribe has many pros and cons, like any other VPN. Before you use Windscribe in NZ or while traveling, you should consider some of the advantages and disadvantages. That way, you can decide if it’s the right VPN for you.
Pros
Cons
Windscribe NZ Review
Whether you prefer to watch Netflix at home after work, or you want to be a digital nomad and work from anywhere, you should consider how safe you are online. Many third parties can access your information with browser cookies and other tools. But you don’t have to succumb to those privacy concerns.
In this Windscribe NZ review, we’ll look at the free VPN and explore the pros and cons and its features. If you’re trying to decide on the right VPN for you, consider Windscribe. Keep reading to learn more about the program, and if you should use it.
About Windscribe
Windscribe is a VPN (virtual private network) based in the Toronto area in Ontario, Canada. The VPN works in New Zealand and worldwide, and it shares many features with other VPNs. You can use it to access your favorite websites and stream media.
Windscribe has over 28 million users worldwide, and the VPN offers servers in multiple countries. Their website has a handy page where you can see the current usage for each of the servers, so you can choose one with room for you.
The company offers a desktop application as well as a browser extension, so you can choose how to connect. Whether you’re looking to use Windscribe in New Zealand or on international travels, you can find some way to connect to the internet through the VPN.
Third-Party Audit
A third-party audit can help VPNs prove that their product lives up to their claim about safety and security. Unfortunately, the Windscribe website does not mention a recent third-party audit. While online forums and pages have stated the company had a third-party audit in 2018, the report was not easily made available.
The lack of a report is something to consider before signing up. Windscribe NZ claims it won’t store your data, and they use encryption to secure your information.
Based in Canada, Windscribe has to follow Canadian data privacy laws. Fortunately, Canada has multiple privacy protection laws that keep organizations from using consumer data for certain things. If you use Windscribe in NZ or another country, you can benefit from those Canadian laws.
Features
When considering a VPN like the Windscribe VPN, you should know what features it offers. The VPN offers many similar features and benefits to more popular VPNs. But it does have some unique tools you can use to stay safe and secure when browsing online.
Here is a list of features you should find in any good Windscribe NZ review.
R.O.B.E.R.T.
R.O.B.E.R.T. is a server-side tool you can use to block domains and IP addresses. You can use it to block ads and ad trackers that follow you around the internet, so you can get rid of those pesky advertisements. It also allows you to block risky websites that might have viruses that can infect your computer.
Blocking websites and ads can increase the Windscribe NZ speed since you don’t have to load ads or similar content. If there are things you want to allow, you can add them to your whitelist. This is useful if you need to view particular websites for your work or your own personal use.
If you have a paid account with Windscribe, you can customize R.O.B.E.R.T. even more. You can use all of the blocklists, and you can set 10 to 100 access rules. Any changes you make to your settings will take immediate effect, so you can reduce the chances of getting a computer virus.
Encryption
Windscribe offers fantastic encryption when using the desktop app and the browser extension. The desktop app uses AES-256 cipher with SHA512 auth, which is the highest level of encryption available. It also utilizes a 4096-bit RSA key for even more secrecy when you browse online.
When using the browser extension, you will get the protection of TLS 1.2, ECDHE_RSA with P-256 key exchange. That creates a secret key exchange even to protect you, even on an unsecured network. The extension also uses the AES_128_GCM cipher. All of this means your data will stay safe as you use the internet with Windscribe in NZ.
Config Generator
If you purchase a Pro account with Windscribe, you have access to Config Generator. The feature lets you adjust your connection for protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2.
IKEv2, for example, is faster than OpenVPN because it uses less CPU. It’s also good at reconnecting, so it’s useful on mobile devices where you might lose your VPN connection. However, OpenVPN is very customizable, and you can use it to bypass most firewalls.
You can use the Config Generator tool when you don’t want to use the Windscribe app. It also works well if you want to use a VPN on a device that doesn’t support Windscribe. You can configure the protocols for your desktop and mobile devices, so you can get the same protection when using the internet.
ScribeForce
ScribeForce is perfect for any small or large business that needs a VPN. You can create VPN accounts for you and your employees, and you can manage them all in the same place. You’ll get access to the same features as a Windscribe Pro account, but you can combine all members on one bill.
The plan will also cost a lot less than if you bought individual Pro accounts for all of your team members. You can also use your management account to add and remove users as your team changes.
And if you don’t have a business, ScribeForce can be a great option for families or other groups. You can all save money with one VPN plan, but you don’t have to worry about the limitations of a free VPN, like a limit on the number of possible connections.
Dedicated (Static) IPs
Dedicated or Static IPs are another great feature from Windscribe. You can connect to the same IP every time you log onto the VPN. A static IP will stay the same from session to session, so you can maintain control. You can use it for a more consistent browsing experience, and it can keep you from having to log into your various online accounts each time.
A Static IP is also useful for avoiding blocked IP addresses. When you share IP addresses, you don’t control what others do, and that can mean some IP addresses won’t be able to access much. A Static IP address is also great for streaming media online, and you can keep track of your streaming and browsing history.
You can choose between a residential IP address, which looks like a home IP, or a data-center IP, which is just like Windscribe servers. A residential IP address works well for personal use, but you may want a data-center IP if you use Windscribe New Zealand for work.
Port Forwarding
The next Windscribe NZ feature you should know about is Port Forwarding. It lets you remotely access your home network or computer through Windscribe. You can use it to review your home security camera or visit a web server.
Using Port Forwarding keeps you protected with Windscribe, and you can access whatever you need from anywhere. You don’t need to worry about using the IP address from your internet service provider, and you can keep the same IP address for a long period.
Port Forwarding also helps with torrenting speeds, so you can upload and download files more quickly. The feature also offers free DDoS protection to protect you from cyberattacks. If you don’t want to wait for sites to load, Port Forwarding is a great add-on feature for your VPN.
Split Tunneling
While a VPN can protect you online, it can be a little too protective. If you need to access sites that Windscribe NZ won’t allow, you can use Split Tunneling to access those web pages. You can split those websites off from your main VPN “tunnel” so that you can visit the sites you need to.
But you won’t have to disconnect from the Windscribe NZ VPN just for a few websites. Then, you can still have the protection you need on other websites, and you don’t have to worry about remembering to reconnect.
Split Tunneling is useful for online banking sites and apps, but you can use the feature for almost anything. If there’s a site that the Windscribe VPN NZ servers won’t allow, split tunneling lets you bypass those restrictions.
Simultaneous Connections
One of the biggest downsides to many VPNs is a limitation on the number of connections you can have. But Windscribe is the best free VPN in NZ for unlimited connections. Even with a free plan, you can have as many connections as you need, and you can use servers in over ten countries.
Unfortunately, you will need to pay for a plan to access NZ servers. But the plans are very affordable, and you can build your own plan to access those servers for even less.
No matter what plan you choose, you can use the VPN on your computer, tablet, and phone. The free plan does cap you at 10 GB of data per month, so you may want to upgrade for more data.
Desktop App Features
Along with the general features, you can use some elements that are available specifically with the desktop Windscribe app. You can use Windscribe on any computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux. Here are some of the unique benefits of Windscribe for your desktop.
Firewall
If you have a Windows or Mac computer, you can use the Firewall feature to block connectivity outside of the VPN tunnel. That can prevent leaks and reduce or eliminate the chance of someone hacking into your VPN.
Many VPNs offer a kill switch that disconnects you from the internet when the VPN detects a threat. But a kill switch isn’t as proactive as Firewall because it takes an attack for the switch to activate.
If you want to make sure nothing gets through, the Windscribe VPN in NZ offers that extra layer of security. You can browse the web, and you don’t have to worry about your VPN interrupting your connection or having to spend time reconnecting.
Secure Hotspot
Windows users can take advantage of Secure Hotspot to turn the computer into a WiFi router. If you want to connect another computer to the internet, you can use the hotspot feature like any other hotspot.
You can use the feature to grant other access to your VPN connection. That can be useful if you need to share files with one another securely. You don’t both have to have a VPN, and your other device doesn’t need to be a Windows computer for the feature to work.
You’ll set up your computer hotspot like it was a cell phone, and it will act as a portable router. Whenever you want to share your VPN with someone, you can let them connect to your hotspot.
Unfortunately, you can’t use this feature on a Mac or Linux computer. But if you have a Windows computer, it can be an excellent tool to have.
Proxy Gateway
If you use Windows or Mac, you can use Proxy Gateway to create a secure proxy server. A proxy server allows you to connect various devices to your Windscribe connection through your computer.
You can use it to connect devices like smart TVs or game consoles to your Windscribe NZ connection, and you can enjoy the same level of security. It doesn’t matter if Windscribe supports those other devices, and with unlimited connections, you can use your VPN however you like.
You can choose between an HTTP or SOCKS5 proxy, and you can enable the server in your Windscribe settings. Then, you can connect to the other device and use the internet safely.
Flexible Connectivity
Windscribe wants to make it very easy for users to connect, so it offers a wide array of connection options. This flexible connectivity means you can choose the protocol and port available for your network.
Port availability can be important if your computer doesn’t support a ton of ports. The same is true if your device only works with one or two types of VPN protocols. And if you buy a new computer in the future, you can continue to use Windscribe in NZ.
Windscribe supports protocols, including IKEv2, OpenVPN TCP, OpenVPN UDP, WireGuard, Websocket Stealth, and Stealth. You can use a ton of different ports, including but not limited to:
- 21
- 22
- 53
- 80
- 8443
- 65142
Many of the ports that Windscribe allows are common enough that you should be able to access the internet with them. The VPN offers over a dozen total port connections, so you should be able to use one compatible port.
Browser Extension Features
While the desktop application offers many features, you may also want to use the browser extension. With it, you get access to even more features with the Windscribe New Zealand VPN. These include:
WebRTC Slayer
WebRTC allows users to figure out your real IP address. When you use an extension for your VPN, it can be easy to access that information by bypassing the VPN tunnel and proxy. However, Windscribe’s WebRTC Slayer is the solution to this issue.
The feature disables WebRTC, which allows real-time communication in your browser. WebRTC lets your browser share information between websites, and blocking it can keep your information secret as you use the internet. If you don’t have the desktop app, that can be very useful.
Location Warp
One reason many people look for the best free VPN is to hide their location. Whether you want to keep your privacy or access foreign media, you can use the Location Warp feature. Some browser APIs can bypass the VPN or proxy, just like WebRTC.
When that happens, the browser can track your physical location and use that information for ads and other services. But the Location Warp feature will provide a fake location to the API. It will give different GPS coordinates, so you can browse the web without worrying about someone learning your location.
Split Personality
When you browse the web without a VPN, the browser user agent can track your operating system and browser version. The browser can transmit that information to every website you go to, and that can create a digital fingerprint.
The Split Personality feature changes your user agent between a few common ones, and it rotates at random intervals. That can reduce the chances of a browser creating a fingerprint for you, and it can make your activity harder to track.
Unfortunately, it won’t protect against advanced fingerprinting techniques. But the browser extension can protect you from basic fingerprinting, so it can keep your activity more private.
Cookie Monster
Websites use cookies to track your activity, and that can have some benefits. It means you can see more relevant ads across websites, and you can remain logged into certain websites. But cookie tracking can go too far, and Cookie Monster can prevent that.
When you use the Windscribe extension, you can set the feature to delete cookies when you close a tab. You can set it to delete first-party or third-party cookies, so you can keep your browser from tracking your data.
If you ever need to use the internet without a VPN, you can do so without worrying about cookies. Having cookies when you use the same browser with and without a VPN can compromise your security and make your VPN less effective.
Time Warp
If you want to connect to a server in another country, you can use Time Warp to adjust your computer’s clock. The feature ensures your computer’s clock matches the local time for your chosen server.
So if you want to use an American server while in New Zealand, it can adjust for the major time difference. And it can make sure your time is set to the correct American time zone based on the server you select.
Time Warp isn’t a huge deal if you only ever use New Zealand servers when you’re in NZ. But it can help if you want to travel internationally or access foreign servers. That way, it can give websites the correct local time and keep them from recognizing that you’re using a VPN.
Ad Blocking
The Windscribe browser extension has a similar feature to the general R.O.B.E.R.T. in the form of an ad blocker. When using the extension, you can remove ads from all websites to improve your browsing experience.
Getting rid of ads can also help Windscribe NZ speed up your browsing. You won’t have to wait as long for websites to load, and you don’t have to worry about buffering when streaming media. The feature also blocks social media “likes” and other features that can track your browsing history.
All of that means you have control over your browsing, and you can maintain your privacy. While it does make some social networks harder to use, it can help when browsing other parts of the internet.
Double Hop (Double VPN)
Some VPNs let you connect to multiple servers at once, and Double Hop is how you do that with Windscribe. You can connect to one server through the desktop app and another through the browser extension for more security.
When you visit a website, it will track the IP of your browser extension server. Using Double Hop can reduce the chances of a correlation attack on Windscribe servers to keep you and others on the VPN safer. You can also use Double Hop to make sure you don’t have any leaks when using the internet.
While one VPN server is usually enough, Double Hop is good when you may face security breaches. For example, if you choose to work from a public WiFi network, the second VPN can add more protection against hackers.
Apps Available
Next in this Windscribe review, let’s look at what devices can use the Windscribe app. Windscribe NZ is available on desktops, browsers, and mobile devices.
Desktop:
- Windows 7, 8, 10 (XP and Vista can use an old version of Windscribe)
- MacOS 10.11+ (10.9-10.10 work with an old version of Windscribe)
- Linux (including Unbuntu, Debian, Fedora, and CentOS)
Windscribe also works with DD-WRT and Tomato routers, or you can buy a router that works with the Windscribe VPN.
Mobile:
- Android (4.2.2+)
- iOS (10+)
- Windows Phone (require Pro account)
If you use your phone or tablet to browse the internet, you should download Windscribe. Since the extra connection doesn’t change the VPN price, it doesn’t make sense not to secure all of your devices.
But if you use the VPN on your desktop, you may also want a browser extension. Then, you can use features like Double Hop for more security.
Browsers:
- Chrome (39+)
- Firefox (57+)
- Microsoft Edge (79+)
- Opera (37+)
You also have access to Windscribe on various smart TVs. Then, you can connect to Netflix or Hulu without compromising your account information.
TV Apps:
- Amazon FireTV (Gen 2+)
- Nvidia Shield
- KODI
While Windscribe doesn’t have apps for other smart TVs or gaming consoles, you can use them with the Windscribe NZ VPN. You can use a proxy or the Secure Hotspot feature to connect to any device, whether or not it’s compatible with Windscribe.
Manual Setup Guides
When looking for a paid or free VPN NZ, you should consider how easy or difficult it will be. Luckily, Windscribe makes it easy to set up the VPN on your various devices with their manual setup guides.
Windscribe setup guides are available for desktop, mobile devices, TVs, and more. Let’s start by looking at the desktop apps with available guides.
Desktop:
- Windows
- Mac
- Linux (Ubuntu)
If you also want to use the browser extension, you can follow a different manual setup guide. Here are the browser extensions with instructions from Windscribe.
Browser Extensions:
- Chrome
- Firefox
- Opera
Unfortunately, Windscribe doesn’t have a guide for Microsoft Edge. However, you can follow similar steps to the other browser extensions or stick to using Chrome or Firefox.
Once you set up Windscribe on your computer, you can follow similar steps on your phone or tablet. But it can help to have unique setup guides for the different device operating systems.
Mobile:
- iPhone
- Android
- Windows Phone
Next, you can set up Windscribe to work on your router. That way, you can always have a secure connection to a VPN at home. If you don’t plan to use Windscribe NZ outside of your house, you can focus on this set of guides.
Routers:
- DD-WRT
- Tomato
- Asus
Windscribe also has setup guides for your TV. If you have a smart TV, these guides can help you connect to your free VPN account.
TVs:
- Amazon FireTV
- Nvidia
- KODI
Many people want the best free VPN for torrenting. If you use Windscribe, you can follow a setup guide to connect to the torrenting client of your choice.
Torrenting Clients:
- uTorrent
- Dulge
- qBittorrent
- VUZE
You may also want to use NAS (network-attached storage) with your Windscribe NZ VPN. In that case, you can use even more setup guides from Windscribe.
NAS:
- Synology NAS
- QNAP NAS
Once you follow the steps in each setup guide, you can browse the web and stream your favorite shows or movies. You don’t have to worry about leaks or other security issues.
Browser Extensions
Windscribe offers browser extensions for Google Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Microsoft Edge. You can connect to the extension as long as you have a new enough version of your chosen browser.
While you may want to use Windscribe on your desktop, the browser extension has some unique benefits. For one, you can use both methods (Double Hop) for even more security online.
But even if you don’t use the desktop app, the extension has other unique features, like a proxy gateway and a hotspot. You can use those features before you have a chance to set up Windscribe on your other devices.
Servers Network
Windscribe has over 100 data centers from Europe and Asia to the Americas. There are 9 centers in Windscribe’s home country of Canada, and the United States is home to 45 centers.
Other countries with Windscribe servers include:
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Ireland
- Mexico
- The Netherlands
- Romania
Windscribe also has four WINDFLIX libraries, one each in the US, the UK, Canada, and Japan. You can use WINDFLIX to access different Netflix libraries abroad, so you can watch new American or British shows and movies.
Servers in New Zealand
The two Windscribe NZ servers are both in Auckland, but you can access them anywhere in the country or the world. Neither of the servers have a huge usage ratio, so you can use them to browse fast.
If one server isn’t working well, you can see if the other is running smoothly and switch over. And if both aren’t running smoothly, you can switch to a foreign server to increase your internet speed.
Streaming
The Windscribe features all contribute to it being an excellent VPN for streaming. You can access local New Zealand media from any device on a Windscribe NZ server.
Windscribe can help you access restricted content, so you can also access international media from your home. If you want to watch Netflix, you can connect to WINDFLIX US or UK to watch international shows.
You can also switch to servers around the world for streaming. Finding a server with low usage can also help you maintain a fast connection to watch or listen to media.
Torrenting
Windscribe is the best free VPN for torrenting for multiple reasons. For one, it offers Port Forwarding to help you upload and download files fast. The VPN also offers multiple setup guides so that you can connect to a torrenting client.
And since Windscribe is more secure in general, you can hide your activity from your internet service provider. You don’t have to worry about an ISP restricting your internet access.
However, you can’t use P2P or torrent on the servers in India, Lithuania, Russia, or South Africa. But you can’t access those servers anyway unless you upgrade to a Pro plan.
Alternatives
Before you jump into using Windscribe NZ, you should consider a few other VPNs. Here are a couple of options to review.
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland and has over 1,100 servers in 54 countries. The VPN came from the initial service called ProtonMail, which aims to increase online privacy. Developing a VPN was the company’s logical next step.
It features a strict no-logs policy to protect your data and high-speed connections to help you browse the internet quickly and safely. The VPN has open-source apps, and they make sure the apps are audited for security and privacy.
ProtonVPN uses AES-256 encryption and 4096-bit key exchange. The cipher suites ensure that your traffic can’t be decrypted later on, and you only have access to OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols, which are stronger than other protocols.
While they offer free and paid plans, the free plan only allows one VPN connection. Even the highest tier only allows up to 10 connections on a single plan.
NordVPN
Another option to consider is NordVPN, which has headquarters in Panama. The VPN was founded in 2012 after a group of friends wanted to reduce censorship online. Over 14 million people use NordVPN, and the company has gained recognition from the tech industry.
They have almost 5500 servers in 58 countries around the world. The website has a recommendation tool so that you can choose the best server for your needs.
NordVPN has a no-logs policy, and you get unlimited bandwidth. Their servers are fast, and you can contact customer support for help at any time.
Unfortunately, NordVPN doesn’t offer a free version. However, they do offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it and get a refund if you don’t like it. If you decide to keep it, their plans cost about $4 to $12 per month.
Windscribe Free
If you want a free VPN, Windscribe NZ has you covered. Their free plan grants you access to servers in over 10 countries, and you get 10GB of data per month. You don’t have to give a credit card or any other payment method.
All you need to sign up for a free Windscribe account is an email address that you can access. Then, you can confirm your account and start using the VPN.
Free Trial & Pricing
Windscribe doesn’t offer a trial of their paid plans, but you can test the free version to see if you like it. Then, you can upgrade to one of their paid options for more features and servers.
Fortunately, all of the Windscribe plans are affordable. You can pay per year or month, and an annual plan will save you about half of the cost for the same features. Here’s how the prices compare:
Annual Plan
- $4.08 USD ($5.78 NZD) per month, billed yearly at $49 USD ($69.44 NZD)
Monthly Plan
- $9 USD ($12.75 NZD) per month, billed monthly
The monthly plan is a good option if you don’t want to commit to a full year. You can test out all of the servers and premium features for a month, and you can switch to the annual plan once you’re ready to commit to a longer term.
You can also build your own plan, which costs $1 USD ($1.42 NZD) per location per month. So you can access the NZ servers without paying for a full Pro account.
Summary
In this Windscribe NZ review, we looked at some amazing features from the free VPN. You can use the program on almost any device, and the proxy server lets you connect to devices that aren’t compatible with Windscribe.
When you’re looking for the best free VPN, you shouldn’t compromise on security or features just to save a buck. Luckily, Windscribe doesn’t force you to compromise.
We think Windscribe NZ is one of the best VPNs on the market. They may not be as popular as some VPNs, but that means you don’t have to worry about having full, bogged down servers. Whether you choose a free or paid option, Windscribe in NZ is worth a shot.
FAQ
While we’ve stated that Windscribe NZ is a fantastic VPN, you may still have some questions.