Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
ExpressVPN and GnuVPN are both robust VPN services, each with unique strengths. ExpressVPN, with a rating of 77.9%, surpasses GnuVPN, scoring 44.2%, due to its extensive server network, 24/7 customer support, and additional features like a kill switch and ad blocking. Despite GnuVPN’s lower cost, ExpressVPN’s superior offerings justify its premium pricing. Therefore, from a user’s perspective, ExpressVPN is the better choice for its comprehensive features and high performance.
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 GnuVPN
| VPN Company | ExpressVPN | GnuVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | British Virgin Islands (BVI) | Portugal |
| Cheapest Price | $6.67/mo over 15-month subscription | $6.00/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.95 | $10.00 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 14 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and Lightway | OpenVPN, and SoftEther |
| Servers | 3,000 | (not stated) |
| Servers Countries | 94 | 25 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 devices | 5 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 | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Netflix |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: GnuVPN Better
GnuVPN presents an appealing price point at $6.00/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 GnuVPN, 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 GnuVPN offer the significant advantage of being based outside the 14-Eye Alliance, with ExpressVPN in British Virgin Islands (BVI) and GnuVPN in Portugal. 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 GnuVPN, 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: Tie
When it comes to server availability and geographic coverage, both ExpressVPN and GnuVPN stand out with their impressive reach.
ExpressVPN, known for its expansive server network (3,000 servers in 94 countries), ensures users can connect from virtually anywhere, offering seamless access and speed. Similarly, GnuVPN operates a large fleet of servers, with (not stated) servers across 25 countries.
This widespread coverage by both services guarantees reliable and fast connections, irrespective of your location, making them excellent choices for users seeking extensive worldwide access.
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, GnuVPN 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, GnuVPN does not offer a kill switch. This could be a significant drawback for users who require an assurance of continuous privacy protection. While GnuVPN compensates with other features such as (not stated) servers spread across 25 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 GnuVPN 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, GnuVPN 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 comprehensive review, ExpressVPN, with its expansive server network, robust security features, and wide device compatibility, justifies its higher price point, scoring 77.9%. On the other hand, GnuVPN, although cheaper, scores lower at 44.2%, lacking some critical features such as a kill switch and ad blocking.
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 GnuVPN 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 & GnuVPN
GnuVPN
GNU VPN, established in 2020, is a newcomer in the VPN market. The service focuses on providing strong privacy features and unrestricted internet access. GNU VPN offers AES-256 encryption and supports multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. The company’s headquarter is based in Portugal.
To learn more, read our GnuVPN 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.