# Windscribe

> Source: https://fuckyc.org/services/windscribe/
> Website: https://windscribe.com/
> Categories: VPN providers
> KYC: optional — Account-based VPN with email or Reddit signup. Free tier with 10GB/month. Identity is not verified.
> Status: active
> Jurisdiction: Canada (operator-disclosed)
> Fiat on-ramp: no
> Payment methods: crypto, card, paypal, voucher
> Founded: 2016
> Open source: yes
> Custodial: no
> Last verified: 2026-05-12

## Verdict

Windscribe is the Canadian account-based VPN with a real free tier and crypto payment. Less posture-pure than Mullvad or IVPN because of email-at-signup, but solid for users who want a generous free tier and don't mind the operator-trust binding. Same parent as ControlD DNS.

## Strengths

- Generous free tier (10GB/month) — useful for occasional use without payment binding.
- Open-source clients across every major platform.
- Per-server custom DNS and split-tunneling.
- Voucher payment path via the Windscribe shop for cash-equivalent purchase.

## Caveats

- Email at signup binds the account.
- Canadian operator subject to Canadian law-enforcement reach.
- Same operator as ControlD DNS — operator-trust transitive.

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## What Windscribe is

A commercial VPN with a free tier, open-source clients, and account-based signup.

## Threat-model fit

Convenience-leaning privacy VPN with a free tier.

## Sources

- [Windscribe features](https://windscribe.com/features) — accessed 2026-05-12
- [Windscribe source](https://github.com/Windscribe) — accessed 2026-05-12