Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
ExpressVPN and Banana VPN both offer unique strengths in the VPN market. ExpressVPN, based in the British Virgin Islands, and Banana VPN, from Cyprus, are both outside the 14-Eye Alliance, offering an extra layer of privacy. ExpressVPN outperforms Banana VPN in several areas, including overall ratings (77.9% vs. 39.9%), encryption strength (AES-256 and ChaCha20 vs. AES-128), server count (3,000 vs. 15), and server countries (94 vs. 7). ExpressVPN also supports a no-logging policy, offers a kill switch, and provides 24/7 live chat support, features that Banana VPN lacks. Banana VPN, however, is cheaper on a monthly basis ($4.17 vs. $6.67 for a 15-month subscription). Despite the cost difference, from a user’s perspective, ExpressVPN appears to offer a more comprehensive and secure service, making it the preferable choice.
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 Banana VPN
| VPN Company | ExpressVPN | Banana VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | British Virgin Islands (BVI) | Cyprus |
| Cheapest Price | $6.67/mo over 15-month subscription | $4.17/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.95 | $8.00 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 3 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | No |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-128 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and Lightway | OpenVPN, PPTP, IKEv2/IPSec, and L2TP/IPSec |
| Servers | 3,000 | 15 |
| Servers Countries | 94 | 7 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 devices | 3 devices |
| Works in China? | Partially | Unlikely |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | No |
| Browser Extension | Yes | No |
| Double VPN | No | No |
| Ads Blocking | No | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | No |
| 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 | Hulu |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: Banana VPN Better
Banana VPN presents an appealing price point at $4.17/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 Banana 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 Banana VPN offer the significant advantage of being based outside the 14-Eye Alliance, with ExpressVPN in British Virgin Islands (BVI) and Banana 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 Banana 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 Banana 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, Banana VPN maintains a more modest server presence, with only 15 servers across 7 countries. If you live in regions with fewer servers from Banana 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.
No Logging Policy: ExpressVPN Better
The privacy policies of ExpressVPN and Banana VPN reveal a stark contrast. ExpressVPN not only upholds a stringent no-logging policy, but also reinforces this commitment through regular audits by Cure53. These audits validate ExpressVPN’s adherence to its privacy claims, providing an added layer of trust and transparency.
On the other hand, Banana VPN, while offering a range of features and based in Cyprus, does not follow a no-logging policy. This means that it might keep some records of user activities – which can be a significant concern for those who prioritize anonymity and data security.
Users who value rigorous privacy standards and external validation of security claims may find these differences pivotal in choosing the right VPN service.
Money Back Guarantee: ExpressVPN Better
ExpressVPN offers a substantial sense of security to its users through a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. This affords new users plenty of time to comprehensively evaluate its services.
Conversely, Banana VPN proposes a shorter duration for its money-back guarantee. Although this briefer period still presents a chance to test the service, it could be a factor for those users who favor an extended trial to thoroughly ascertain the VPN’s suitability for their specific requirements.
Kill Switch Feature: ExpressVPN Better
The presence of a kill switch in a VPN service is a critical factor for many users. ExpressVPN includes a kill switch feature, which automatically cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops, preventing data leaks. In contrast, Banana VPN does not offer a kill switch. This could be a significant drawback for users who require an assurance of continuous privacy protection. While Banana VPN compensates with other features such as 15 servers spread across 7 countries and various support options like Email, the lack of a kill switch might deter users who prioritize uninterrupted security in their VPN service.
Ad Blocking Feature: ExpressVPN Better
A notable difference between ExpressVPN and Banana VPN lies in their additional features – particularly ad blocking. ExpressVPN offers an integrated ad blocker, enhancing the browsing experience by eliminating unwanted ads and potentially harmful malware. On the other hand, Banana VPN does not come with an ad blocking feature, which might be a drawback for users who prioritize a clean and uninterrupted browsing experience.
Bottomline
Based on our extensive research and comparison, ExpressVPN, with its robust security, extensive server network, and reliable customer support, justifies its premium pricing, making it a preferred choice for users seeking a comprehensive VPN experience. However, users prioritizing cost-effectiveness and basic VPN functions may find Banana VPN’s offerings sufficient for their 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 Banana 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 & Banana VPN
Banana VPN
Banana VPN, a service by Kattouf Internet Services Ltd. based in Cyprus, has been offering anonymous and secure VPN accounts worldwide since 2007. The company operates servers in the USA, UK, Germany, Canada, and Hong Kong, emphasizing legal operation and intolerance of illegal activities on its network.
To learn more, read our Banana 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.