Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
ExpressVPN and BlufVPN are two strong contenders in the VPN market. ExpressVPN, with its overall rating of 77.9%, outperforms BlufVPN, which rates at 60.1%. ExpressVPN’s jurisdiction in the British Virgin Islands and BlufVPN’s in Estonia provide a significant privacy advantage, as they are outside the 14-Eye Alliance’s reach. ExpressVPN justifies its higher cost with military-grade encryption, 24/7 live chat support, and a vast network of 3,000 servers in over 90 countries. BlufVPN, while cheaper, only offers 600 servers across 60 countries. Both VPNs offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, but ExpressVPN stands out with its no-logging policy, validated by regular audits. BlufVPN, however, does not uphold a no-logging policy. ExpressVPN lacks the double VPN feature, which BlufVPN offers, adding an extra layer of security. But, ExpressVPN does provide an integrated ad blocker, a feature BlufVPN lacks. Considering these factors, ExpressVPN emerges as the better choice for users prioritizing privacy, extensive server access, and additional features like ad blocking.
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 BlufVPN
| VPN Company | ExpressVPN | BlufVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | British Virgin Islands (BVI) | Estonia |
| Cheapest Price | $6.67/mo over 15-month subscription | $2.00/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.95 | $9.99 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | No |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and Lightway | OpenVPN, Wise TCP, Wise UDP, and and IKEv2/IPsec |
| Servers | 3,000 | 600 |
| Servers Countries | 94 | 60 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 devices | 5 devices |
| Works in China? | Partially | Likely |
| Smart DNS | No | Yes |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | No |
| Double VPN | No | Yes |
| Ads Blocking | No | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | No |
| Third Party Audit | Cure53 | – |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat | Live chat, Email, and Submit online form |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | No |
| 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: BlufVPN Better
BlufVPN presents an appealing price point at $2.00/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 BlufVPN, 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 BlufVPN offer the significant advantage of being based outside the 14-Eye Alliance, with ExpressVPN in British Virgin Islands (BVI) and BlufVPN in Estonia. 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 BlufVPN, 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 BlufVPN 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, BlufVPN maintains a more modest server presence, with only 600 servers across 60 countries. If you live in regions with fewer servers from BlufVPN, 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 BlufVPN 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, BlufVPN, while offering a range of features and based in Estonia, 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: Tie
The commitment of ExpressVPN and BlufVPN 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 BlufVPN’s server network in 60 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.
Double VPN Feature: BlufVPN Better
BlufVPN stands out with its double VPN feature, something ExpressVPN lacks. If staying completely anonymous online is your top priority, then BlufVPN is the better choice for you.
Double VPN is a special security feature not often seen in VPNs. Of the 96 VPNs we looked at, only 26 have it. Usually, data goes through just one VPN server. But with double VPN, your data travels through two servers, adding more security and keeping you more anonymous. This means it’s much harder for hackers to get to your data, as it’s encrypted twice.
Ad Blocking Feature: ExpressVPN Better
A notable difference between ExpressVPN and BlufVPN 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, BlufVPN does not come with an ad blocking feature, which might be a drawback for users who prioritize a clean and uninterrupted browsing experience.
Bottomline
ExpressVPN stands out with its extensive server network, no-logging policy, and ad-blocking feature, while BlufVPN offers a lower price point and unique double VPN feature. Users should consider these differences in relation to their specific needs and priorities when choosing their VPN service.
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 BlufVPN 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 & BlufVPN
BlufVPN
BlufVPN, established in 2022, is a relatively new entrant in the VPN market, focusing on providing online security solutions. With a focus on privacy and online security, BlufVPN provides its customers with the tools they need to surf the web safely and protect their personal information from potential cyber threats.
To learn more, read our BlufVPN 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.