Compare Proton VPN, Windscribe VPN, and Speedy Quark VPN: Which App is the Best?

Proton VPN is a premium privacy-focused VPN service with Swiss-based privacy protection, independent audits, and an excellent free tier that offers unlimited bandwidth with no ads.
Speedy Quark VPN is a fast free VPN with 50M+ downloads and 4.6/5 rating, offering global servers and 7-day free trial, though it has excessive advertising and limited free usage time.
Windscribe VPN is a privacy-focused VPN service with 10M+ downloads and 4.7/5 rating, offering a generous free tier with 10GB monthly data, strong security features, and court-proven privacy protection, though it has faced some recent connection issues and billing concerns.
Key Features
  • Swiss-Based Privacy Protection – Swiss privacy laws provide the strongest privacy protection available
  • Independent Security Audits – Third-party audits verify privacy claims and security practices
  • Unlimited Free Bandwidth – No data caps or speed restrictions on the free tier
  • No Ads or Tracking – Completely ad-free experience with no data collection
  • Advanced Encryption – AES-256 and 4096 RSA encryption for maximum security
  • Kill Switch Protection – Automatic protection against connection drops
  • Global server network – Servers in America, Europe, and Asia with expansion planned
  • Fast connection speeds – World's fastest and most secure free VPN proxy
  • Daily free traffic – Free access with daily traffic limits
  • 7-day free trial – Free unlimited traffic and fastest servers
  • Server selection – Click flag to change proxy server anytime
  • No registration required – Start using immediately without account creation
  • 10GB free monthly data – Generous free tier with no time limits
  • Court-proven privacy protection – No-logs policy backed up in real legal cases
  • Tracker & threat blocking – Block advertisers and filter malicious sites
  • Split tunneling – Route only selected apps through the VPN
  • Multiple VPN protocols – WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, Stealth, and Wstunnel
  • DNS leak protection – Keep your browsing history private
  • Firewall kill switch – Block all traffic if VPN connection drops
  • Multi-platform support – Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, browsers
  • Open-source and audited – Transparent security practices
Our Rating
8.3
6.3
7.9
Total users
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Total ratings
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Average rating
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Entry Level PriceFreeFreeFree
Android
Google Play Store
Downloads
Google Play Store
Downloads
Google Play Store
Downloads
iOS
Apple App Store
Apple App Store
Apple App Store
Features
9.0

Proton VPN delivers an exceptional set of features that prioritize privacy and security over flashy functionality. The app's feature set is comprehensive and focused on providing genuine privacy protection, which aligns perfectly with its target audience of privacy-conscious users.

Key features we found most valuable include:

  • Swiss-Based Privacy Protection: Swiss privacy laws provide the strongest privacy protection available
  • Independent Security Audits: Third-party audits verify privacy claims and security practices
  • Unlimited Free Bandwidth: No data caps or speed restrictions on the free tier
  • Advanced Encryption: AES-256 and 4096 RSA encryption for maximum security
  • Kill Switch Protection: Automatic protection against connection drops
  • NetShield Ad Blocker: DNS filtering that blocks ads and trackers
  • Secure Core Servers: Multi-hop VPN for maximum security
  • Split Tunneling: Route specific apps through the VPN tunnel

Proton VPN excels in providing advanced privacy features that are typically only available in premium VPNs. The free tier offers unlimited bandwidth with no ads, which is exceptional in the VPN market. The premium features are genuinely useful and not just cosmetic add-ons.

While the core features are excellent, some limitations affect the overall experience. The free tier has limited server locations, and some users report connection issues. However, these limitations are reasonable for a privacy-focused service.

For users who need advanced privacy features, Proton VPN offers the most comprehensive solution available. Alternatives like NordVPN provide more server locations, while Thunder VPN offers a more user-friendly free experience.

We rate features at 9.0 out of 10—excellent privacy-focused features with genuine value for privacy-conscious users.

7.0

Speedy Quark VPN offers a solid set of features that justify its speed-focused positioning. The service includes global server network, daily free traffic, and 7-day free trial. The service also includes advanced features like fast connection speeds and server selection, making it more than just a basic VPN.

What sets Speedy Quark VPN apart is its speed and global server network. The service also includes advanced features like 7-day free trial and unlimited traffic during trial, making it more than just a basic VPN. However, unlike Proton VPN, it lacks a kill switch and split tunneling.

However, the service lacks some advanced features found in dedicated VPN providers, such as specialized servers for specific use cases and some cutting-edge privacy features. The service also doesn't offer some advanced features like obfuscated servers or specialized streaming servers that some competitors provide.

Compared to other free VPNs like Proton VPN or Thunder VPN, Speedy Quark VPN offers good features, but the excessive advertising makes it difficult to recommend over more comprehensive alternatives. The service provides good value for users who need basic VPN features.

8.0

Windscribe VPN offers a comprehensive set of features that justify its privacy-focused positioning. The service includes military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and advanced security protocols. The generous free tier with 10GB monthly data, tracker blocking, and split tunneling provide comprehensive security options for different use cases.

What sets Windscribe VPN apart is its unique approach to free VPN services, offering 10GB of monthly data with no time limits and access to core global server locations. Unlike Turbo VPN with ads, Windscribe offers a cleaner 10GB free tier. The service also includes advanced features like tracker blocking, threat protection, and split tunneling for enhanced security and privacy protection.

However, the service lacks some advanced features found in newer VPN providers, such as specialized servers for specific use cases and some cutting-edge privacy features. The service also doesn't offer some advanced features like obfuscated servers or specialized streaming servers that some competitors provide.

Compared to other free VPNs like Proton VPN or Thunder VPN, Windscribe VPN offers significantly more features, but the connection stability issues make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives. The service provides good value for users who need comprehensive VPN features.

Performance
7.0

Proton VPN's performance presents a mixed picture that reflects the challenges of maintaining a privacy-focused VPN service. While the app can deliver good connections when working properly, some users report performance issues that impact the overall experience.

Performance strengths include:

  • Good Connection Speeds: When connected, users report decent speeds for browsing and streaming
  • Reliable Connections: The app generally maintains stable connections
  • Global Server Network: Access to servers worldwide provides good coverage
  • Lightweight App: The app itself is relatively small and doesn't consume excessive system resources
  • No Advertising: Completely ad-free experience improves perceived performance

However, some performance issues undermine the user experience:

  • Connection Issues: Some users report difficulty connecting to servers
  • Speed Limitations: Free tier users may experience slower speeds
  • Server Selection: Limited server locations on free tier
  • Connection Drops: Some users report occasional disconnections

User reviews reveal mixed experiences, with some users praising the app's performance while others report connection issues. The app's focus on privacy over performance may be impacting server quality and maintenance.

For users seeking reliable performance, alternatives like NordVPN offer more consistent performance with better server maintenance, while Thunder VPN provides more user-friendly performance.

We rate performance at 7.0 out of 10—good performance when working but some connection issues and speed limitations that impact the overall experience.

6.0

Speedy Quark VPN's performance is inconsistent, with good speeds when working but frequent connection issues that significantly impact usability. The service offers decent connection speeds and global server network, but the frequent disconnections and connection stability problems make it difficult to use reliably.

The service works well for basic VPN protection when connected, but many users report VPN connection failures and the need to manually reconnect multiple times. The connection issues are particularly concerning given the speed-focused positioning.

The service's performance issues are particularly concerning given the speed-focused positioning. Users expect reliability and performance from a free VPN service, but Speedy Quark VPN's connection problems make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives that offer similar features with better performance.

Compared to other free VPNs like Proton VPN or Thunder VPN, Speedy Quark VPN's performance is below average. The connection issues make it difficult to justify the speed-focused positioning, and users might find better value with alternatives that offer similar features with better reliability.

6.5

Windscribe VPN's performance is inconsistent, with good speeds when working but frequent connection issues that significantly impact usability. The service offers decent connection speeds and server coverage, but the frequent disconnections and connection problems make it difficult to use reliably.

The service works well for basic geo-blocking and content access when connected, but many users report frequent connection drops and the need to manually reconnect multiple times per day. The connection stability issues are particularly concerning given the privacy-focused positioning.

The service's performance issues are particularly concerning given the privacy-focused positioning. Users expect reliability and performance from a privacy-focused service, but Windscribe VPN's connection problems make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives that offer similar features with better performance.

Compared to other privacy-focused VPNs like Proton VPN or NordVPN, Windscribe VPN's performance is below average. The connection stability issues make it difficult to justify the privacy-focused positioning, and users might find better value with alternatives that offer similar features with better reliability.

Design
8.5

Proton VPN's design philosophy centers on functionality and privacy over flashy aesthetics, which works well for its target audience of privacy-conscious users. The interface is clean, professional, and focuses on providing clear information about privacy and security features.

Design strengths we observed include:

  • Clean Interface: The main screen features a simple, professional layout with clear privacy indicators
  • Clear Visual Feedback: Connection status and privacy features are clearly indicated
  • Professional Aesthetic: The design reflects the serious nature of privacy protection
  • Consistent Branding: The visual design maintains consistency across different screens
  • Privacy-Focused Design: The interface emphasizes privacy and security features
  • No Advertising: Completely ad-free experience with no visual distractions

The design experience is significantly better than competitors like Turbo VPN and Now VPN, with no advertising interruptions. Users consistently praise the app's clean interface and professional appearance, making it one of the most trustworthy-looking VPNs available.

While the core interface design is excellent, some users find the interface less intuitive than more user-friendly alternatives. However, this is a minor issue compared to the overall design quality.

For users who value a clean, professional interface, Proton VPN offers one of the best experiences available. Alternatives like Thunder VPN offer more user-friendly design, while NordVPN provides a more modern interface.

We rate design at 8.5 out of 10—excellent design principles with professional aesthetics that inspire trust and confidence.

6.5

Speedy Quark VPN's interface strikes a basic balance between functionality and user-friendliness. The main screen provides quick access to server selection, connection controls, and key settings. The interface is functional but not particularly polished, with basic attention to detail and user experience.

The app's design is functional and well-organized, with clear navigation between different features. The connection status is clearly displayed, and the settings menu is basic. The interface doesn't overwhelm users with complex options while still providing access to advanced features.

The interface is generally user-friendly and provides good visual feedback about connection status and app performance. The design reflects the speed-focused positioning of the service, making it suitable for users seeking fast VPN access.

Compared to other free VPNs like Proton VPN or Thunder VPN, Speedy Quark VPN's design is functional but not as polished. The interface is basic and functional, with adequate attention to detail for speed-focused users.

8.5

Windscribe VPN's interface strikes an excellent balance between functionality and user-friendliness. The main screen provides quick access to connection controls, server selection, and key settings. The server selection process is intuitive and visually appealing, making it easy to choose servers in different countries.

The app's design is clean and professional, with a modern interface that's easy on the eyes. The connection status is clearly displayed, and the kill switch toggle is easily accessible. The settings menu is well-organized, allowing users to customize their experience without feeling overwhelmed.

The interface is generally user-friendly and doesn't overwhelm users with complex options. The server selection process is straightforward, and the connection process is smooth and reliable. The app provides clear feedback about connection status and server performance.

Compared to other privacy-focused VPNs like Proton VPN or NordVPN, Windscribe VPN's design is competitive and well-polished. The interface is functional and professional, with good attention to detail and user experience. The design reflects the privacy-focused positioning of the service.

Value for Money
8.5

Proton VPN's value proposition is excellent for privacy-conscious users, offering a genuinely useful free service with no ads and comprehensive privacy protection. The app provides exceptional value for users who prioritize privacy over cost.

Value strengths include:

  • Exceptional Free Tier: Unlimited bandwidth with no ads and no tracking
  • No Upfront Costs: Users can start using the VPN immediately without payment
  • Unlimited Usage: No data caps or speed restrictions on the free tier
  • Privacy Protection: Swiss-based privacy protection with independent audits
  • No Registration Required: Start using the service immediately without providing personal information
  • Advanced Features: Kill switch, DNS leak protection, and other premium features

The free tier's value is exceptional, offering unlimited bandwidth with no ads and comprehensive privacy protection. However, some limitations affect the overall value:

  • Limited Server Locations: Free tier has limited server selection
  • Higher Premium Pricing: Premium subscription is more expensive than some competitors
  • Connection Issues: Some users report connection problems

The premium pricing is higher than some competitors, but the Swiss-based privacy protection and independent audits justify the cost for privacy-conscious users. Premium VPN services like NordVPN offer more comprehensive features for similar pricing, while Thunder VPN provides a more user-friendly free experience.

For users seeking genuine privacy protection, Proton VPN offers exceptional value. Alternatives like NordVPN provide more server locations, while Thunder VPN offers a more user-friendly free experience.

We rate value for money at 8.5 out of 10—excellent value for privacy-conscious users with exceptional free tier and premium features that justify the cost.

6.5

Speedy Quark VPN's value proposition is good for free users, with fast connection speeds and global server network. The service offers competitive pricing compared to other free VPNs, with the ability to get free access to global servers being a significant advantage.

The service's pricing is competitive with other free VPNs, and the fast connection speeds make it particularly attractive for users who want a fast free solution. The comprehensive features and privacy protection add value beyond basic VPN functionality.

However, the service's value is impacted by excessive advertising and limited free usage time. Many users report frequent disconnections and the need to watch ads for each action. The connection issues make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives.

Compared to other free VPNs like Proton VPN or Thunder VPN, Speedy Quark VPN offers good features but at a similar cost. The connection issues make it difficult to recommend over free alternatives that offer similar performance with better reliability.

8.0

Windscribe VPN's value proposition is strong, with a generous free tier and comprehensive security features for a competitive price. The service offers excellent value for money compared to other VPNs, with the ability to get 10GB of monthly data for free being a significant advantage.

The service's pricing is competitive with other VPNs, and the generous free tier makes it particularly attractive for users who want to try the service before committing to a paid plan. Unlike Turbo VPN with ads, Windscribe offers a cleaner 10GB free tier. The comprehensive security features and privacy protection add value beyond basic VPN functionality.

However, the service's value is impacted by recent connection stability issues and billing concerns. Many users report frequent disconnections and the need to manually reconnect multiple times per day. The connection stability issues make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives like Proton VPN.

Compared to other free VPNs like Proton VPN or Thunder VPN, Windscribe VPN offers more features but at a significantly higher cost. The connection stability issues make it difficult to recommend over free alternatives that offer similar performance with fewer limitations.

Ease of Use
7.5

Proton VPN provides good usability with its one-tap connection approach, though the interface is more complex than simpler alternatives. The core functionality is straightforward, but the advanced features require some technical knowledge to use effectively.

Usability strengths include:

  • One-Tap Connection: The primary action is as simple as tapping a single button
  • No Registration Required: Users can start using the VPN immediately without creating accounts
  • Clear Status Indicators: Connection status and privacy features are immediately visible
  • Cross-Platform Consistency: The interface works similarly across Android and iOS devices
  • No Advertising: Completely ad-free experience with no interruptions
  • Professional Interface: Clean, trustworthy design that inspires confidence

However, the ease of use is somewhat compromised by the complexity of advanced features. Some users find the interface less intuitive than more user-friendly alternatives, and the advanced privacy features require some technical knowledge to configure properly.

While the core interface is generally easy to use, the complexity of advanced features may overwhelm casual users. For users seeking a truly simple VPN experience, alternatives like Thunder VPN offer a more user-friendly interface, while NordVPN provides a more intuitive experience.

We rate ease of use at 7.5 out of 10—good core usability with professional interface, but complexity of advanced features may overwhelm casual users.

6.0

Speedy Quark VPN is moderately easy to use for basic VPN functionality, but requires some patience due to advertising. The app's design is functional, but most users need to watch ads for each action. The service works well for most use cases and provides good performance when functioning properly.

The service offers global server network and no registration required, making it accessible to users of all technical levels. The app doesn't require complex configuration, and the VPN connection process is straightforward. The service works well for most use cases and provides good performance when functioning properly.

However, the service's ease of use is compromised by excessive advertising and limited free usage time. Many users report VPN connection failures and the need to watch ads for each action. The app can be frustrating to use due to advertising issues and connection problems.

Compared to other free VPNs like Proton VPN or Thunder VPN, Speedy Quark VPN's ease of use is similar but not significantly better. The advertising issues can be frustrating for users who expect reliability from a free VPN service.

7.5

Windscribe VPN is generally easy to use for basic VPN functionality, with a simple one-tap connection process that requires no technical knowledge. The app's interface is intuitive, and most users can get connected quickly without any setup or configuration.

The service offers automatic server selection and connection, making it accessible to users of all technical levels. The app doesn't require complex configuration, and the connection process is straightforward. The service works well for most use cases and provides good performance when functioning properly.

However, the service's ease of use is compromised by recent connection stability issues. Many users report frequent connection drops and the need to manually reconnect multiple times per day. The app can be slow to connect, and some users experience issues with the auto-connect feature not working reliably.

Compared to other privacy-focused VPNs like Proton VPN or NordVPN, Windscribe VPN's ease of use is similar but not significantly better. The connection stability issues can be frustrating for users who expect reliability from a privacy-focused service, and the premium pricing doesn't translate to a significantly better user experience.

Security & Privacy
9.5

Proton VPN's security and privacy practices represent the gold standard in the VPN industry, offering exceptional protection that goes far beyond basic VPN services. The app's commitment to privacy and security is unmatched by competitors.

Security strengths include:

  • Swiss-Based Privacy Protection: Swiss privacy laws provide the strongest privacy protection available
  • Independent Security Audits: Third-party audits verify privacy claims and security practices
  • Advanced Encryption: AES-256 and 4096 RSA encryption for maximum security
  • No-Logging Policy: Strict no-logging policy with independent verification
  • Open-Source Code: Transparent code that can be reviewed for security
  • Kill Switch Protection: Automatic protection against connection drops
  • Secure Core Servers: Multi-hop VPN for maximum security
  • DNS Leak Protection: Encrypted DNS queries prevent exposure

Proton VPN excels in providing genuine privacy protection that goes beyond marketing claims. The Swiss-based privacy protection and independent audits provide unmatched transparency and trust. Users consistently praise the app's privacy features and security practices.

For users who prioritize privacy and security, Proton VPN offers the most comprehensive solution available. Alternatives like NordVPN provide good privacy protection, while Thunder VPN offers basic privacy features.

We rate security and privacy at 9.5 out of 10—exceptional privacy protection with independent verification and transparent practices that inspire complete trust.

6.0

Speedy Quark VPN takes security and privacy seriously, with encryption and privacy protection claims. The service includes global server network and no registration required. The service also includes advanced features like fast connection speeds for enhanced privacy protection.

The service's privacy features are comprehensive for a free solution, with encryption and privacy protection. The service also includes advanced features like global server network for enhanced security and privacy protection.

However, Speedy Quark VPN has faced some privacy concerns in the past, particularly around its data collection practices and connection reliability. While the company has maintained its privacy commitments, some users remain concerned about the service's data practices and connection stability.

Compared to other free VPNs like Proton VPN or Thunder VPN, Speedy Quark VPN's privacy practices are solid but not exceptional. The service provides good protection for most users, but those with high privacy requirements might want to consider alternatives with more advanced privacy features.

9.0

Windscribe VPN takes security and privacy seriously, with military-grade encryption and a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited. The service uses AES-256 encryption and supports multiple VPN protocols. The kill switch protection ensures that internet traffic is blocked if the VPN connection drops.

The service's no-logs policy is comprehensive and has been verified by independent security firms. Windscribe VPN is based in Canada, which provides some legal protection for user privacy. The service also includes advanced features like tracker blocking and threat protection for enhanced security and privacy protection.

However, Windscribe VPN has faced some security concerns in the past, particularly around its data collection practices. While the company has maintained its privacy commitments, some users remain concerned about the service's data practices. The service also lacks some advanced privacy features found in newer VPN providers.

Compared to other privacy-focused VPNs like Proton VPN or NordVPN, Windscribe VPN's security practices are solid but not exceptional. The service provides good protection for most users, but those with high security requirements might want to consider alternatives with more advanced privacy features.

Conclusion

Proton VPN represents the gold standard for privacy-focused VPN services, offering exceptional privacy protection with Swiss-based privacy laws and independent security audits. While the app delivers on its core promise of secure, private VPN access with no ads, some users report connection issues and speed limitations that may impact the overall experience.

The app's exceptional popularity (50M+ downloads, 4.7-star rating) reflects genuine demand for privacy-focused VPN services, and many users do find value in its comprehensive privacy protection. However, the recent rating decline (4.7 to 4.04 in last 100 reviews) and increasing complaints about connection issues suggest that the service may be experiencing some technical challenges. For users who prioritize privacy over performance, Proton VPN provides the most comprehensive privacy protection available.

For users seeking a more user-friendly VPN experience, Thunder VPN offers a more intuitive interface with better performance, while NordVPN provides more comprehensive features with better reliability. For those who prioritize privacy above all else, Proton VPN remains the best choice available.

Speedy Quark VPN offers good free access and fast connection speeds, but its value proposition is compromised by excessive advertising and limited free usage time. The service provides excellent global server network and 7-day free trial, but the advertising issues and connection problems make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives. For users who prioritize speed and are willing to work within the service's limitations, Speedy Quark VPN offers a solid feature set with good connection speeds when working properly. However, those seeking specialized VPN functionality or experiencing connection issues might find better value with alternatives that offer similar features with better reliability, such as Thunder VPN for a more stable free experience. Ultimately, Speedy Quark VPN's speed-focused approach and global server network make it a good choice for users seeking fast VPN access, but the excessive advertising and connection stability issues make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives that offer similar features with better performance. For a more consistent free experience, consider Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN.
Windscribe VPN is a privacy-focused VPN service that offers excellent value with a generous free tier and court-proven privacy protection, but its value proposition is compromised by recent connection stability issues and billing concerns. The service provides good security and privacy protection, but the connection problems and billing issues make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives. For users who prioritize privacy and are willing to work within the free tier limitations, Windscribe VPN offers a solid feature set with good performance when working. However, those seeking unlimited data or experiencing connection issues might find better value with alternatives that offer more reliable performance with fewer limitations. Ultimately, Windscribe VPN's privacy-focused approach and generous free tier make it a good choice for privacy-conscious users, but the connection stability issues and billing concerns make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives like Proton VPN that offer similar features with better performance.
Our Recommendation