Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
In comparing ExpressVPN and AdGuard VPN, AdGuard VPN holds a slight edge with an 81.3% rating compared to ExpressVPN’s 77.9%. AdGuard VPN offers a lower starting price of $1.80/mo, a longer 60-day money-back guarantee, and 10 simultaneous connections. However, ExpressVPN boasts a larger server network of 3,000 servers across 94 countries, advanced encryption with AES-256 and ChaCha20, and 24/7 live chat support. Both VPNs operate outside the 14-Eyes Alliance, ensuring enhanced privacy and security. While AdGuard VPN’s pricing and simultaneous connections are attractive, ExpressVPN’s extensive server network and robust features make it the better choice for users seeking broader geographic reach and advanced security features.
About Our VPN Rating Systems
Our reviews delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Ratings are based on our comprehensive research of 96 VPN companies. Out of 96 VPNs we reviewed, only 11 surpass the 75% threshold in our evaluation, while half of the reviewed services score below average (54.1%).
Why Read Our VPN Guide?
- Our VPN reviews are unbiased and data-driven. We are not affiliated to any of the VPN companies listed on this website.
- Our rating system covers diverse user needs. We delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Specifications: ExpressVPN vs AdGuard VPN
| VPN Company | ExpressVPN | AdGuard VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | British Virgin Islands (BVI) | Cyprus |
| Cheapest Price | $6.67/mo over 15-month subscription | $1.80/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.95 | $11.99 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 60 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and Lightway | AdGuard VPN protocol |
| Servers | 3,000 | 1,000 |
| Servers Countries | 94 | 50 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 devices | 10 devices |
| Works in China? | Partially | Likely |
| Smart DNS | No | Yes |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | No | No |
| Ads Blocking | No | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Cure53 | – |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat | |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: AdGuard VPN Better
AdGuard VPN presents an appealing price point at $1.80/mo, while ExpressVPN opts for a premium pricing strategy, starting at $6.67/mo for their 15-month subscription plan. This leads to an intriguing evaluation of the additional value ExpressVPN offers. Boasting military-grade encryption (AES-256, and ChaCha20), 24×7 live chat support, and a global network of 3,000 servers in more than 90 countries, ExpressVPN aims to justify its higher cost.
Yet, when compared to the offerings of AdGuard VPN, the question remains: do these enhanced features of ExpressVPN align with the specific needs and preferences of users seeking a premium VPN experience? This is something you’ll need to consider when comparing the two.
Jurisdiction: Tie
Both ExpressVPN and AdGuard VPN offer the significant advantage of being based outside the 14-Eye Alliance, with ExpressVPN in British Virgin Islands (BVI) and AdGuard VPN in Cyprus. Operating from these locations, they stand apart from the reach of the extensive surveillance network that characterizes the 14-Eyes countries.
Understanding the 14-Eye Alliance and Its Significance
The 14-Eyes Alliance represents an expanded framework of intelligence sharing, evolving from the original Five-Eyes and subsequently Nine-Eyes alliances. This coalition encompasses countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and various European nations. VPN providers situated within these countries are potentially subject to legal obligations which may conflict with user privacy. Such obligations could entail surrendering user data, including logs, under government demand.
This is a crucial consideration, especially in cases where VPN services claim a no-logs policy. Choosing a VPN like ExpressVPN or AdGuard VPN, both located outside these surveillance-heavy jurisdictions, can offer an added layer of privacy and security for users concerned about governmental data requests and monitoring.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: ExpressVPN Better
The server fleet size of ExpressVPN and AdGuard VPN is a critical aspect where these two VPN providers diverge significantly. ExpressVPN stands out with its impressive network, hosting over 3,000 servers worldwide. This extensive coverage ensures that users almost anywhere can find a reliable and fast server connection.
In contrast, AdGuard VPN maintains a more modest server presence, with only 1,000 servers across 50 countries. If you live in regions with fewer servers from AdGuard VPN, this might translate to slower speeds and potentially less stable connections. The vast server network of ExpressVPN not only provides broader geographic reach but also typically allows for better performance and lower latency.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
The commitment of ExpressVPN and AdGuard VPN to customer satisfaction is clearly seen in their extensive money-back guarantees. These guarantees show the confidence each service has in its quality. It’s a no-risk offer. Users can try out each VPN’s features without worry. Explore AdGuard VPN’s server network in 50 countries, experience ExpressVPN’s ad blocking and Lightway protocol, and exaluate their technical support quality. All this can be done before making a long-term decision.
Bottomline
In conclusion, the comparison between ExpressVPN and AdGuard VPN demonstrates their respective strengths and areas for consideration. While ExpressVPN offers a larger server network and extensive global coverage, AdGuard VPN presents an attractive pricing structure and unique VPN protocol. The jurisdiction of both providers outside the 14-Eyes Alliance enhances their privacy and security offerings, making them viable options for users concerned about governmental surveillance. Ultimately, the decision between these two VPNs will depend on individual user preferences and specific needs.
Pick What You Need
Our VPN recommendations and ratings are just a general guide and may not match your personal needs. Know what you need and pick a VPN that fits. It’s crucial to assess your personal requirements, whether it’s enhanced security, better privacy, faster speeds, or access to specific content. Use our ExpressVPN and AdGuard VPN comparison as a starting point, but ultimately, select a VPN that aligns with your unique needs. This approach ensures you get the most out of your VPN service.
About ExpressVPN & AdGuard VPN
AdGuard VPN
AdGuard VPN, known for its commitment to user privacy and security, offers 3 GB of free VPN traffic monthly, with options for more. It enables users to access content from anywhere in the world, with over 65 locations available, and includes a unique VPN protocol for enhanced speed and disguise. AdGuard, established over 14 years ago, boasts over 70 million users and adheres to strict privacy policies in line with EU law, ensuring no data recording or sharing with third parties.
To learn more, read our AdGuard VPN review.
ExpressVPN
Founded in 2009 by Peter Burchhardt and Dan Pomerantz, ExpressVPN stands out for its speed and extensive server network, with over 3,000 servers across 94 countries. It uses TrustedServer technology for enhanced security and supports AES-256 encryption. ExpressVPN offers wide device compatibility, including routers and smart TVs, and provides 24/7 customer support. The company is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands.
To learn more, read our ExpressVPN review.