Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Proton VPN and AirVPN differ in performance ratings, jurisdiction, and additional features. Proton VPN scores higher overall (80.8%) compared to AirVPN (39.1%) and is based in Switzerland which has stricter privacy regulations compared to AirVPN’s Italy base. Proton VPN surpasses AirVPN with broader server availability (2,970 in 68 countries versus 200 in 23 countries), better streaming service unblock capabilities, and ad-blocking, however, AirVPN is more likely to work in China. Considering these aspects, Proton VPN wins out from a user viewpoint.
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: Proton VPN vs AirVPN
| VPN Company | Proton VPN | AirVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Switzerland | Italy |
| Cheapest Price | $4.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $1.96/mo |
| Monthly Price | $9.99 | $7.66 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256, and ChaCha20 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec | Open VPN, WireGuard, and SSL VPN |
| Servers | 2,970 | 200 |
| Servers Countries | 68 | 23 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 devices | 5 devices |
| Works in China? | No | Likely |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | No |
| Double VPN | No | No |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Securitum | 0 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email | Email, and Ticketing |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Disney+, and Hulu |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: Tie
Searching for a VPN that marries cost-effectiveness with reliable performance? Both Proton VPN and AirVPN are priced affordably. Proton VPN costs $4.99/mo for its 24-month plan; while AirVPN cheapest 36-month plan starts at $1.96/mo. These VPNs exemplify the possibility of obtaining superior online security and privacy without a significant financial outlay. Both services highlight that accessing top-tier VPN features can indeed be budget-friendly
Jurisdiction: Proton VPN Better
For those prioritizing online privacy, the jurisdiction of their VPN provider is a critical consideration. Proton VPN, with its base in Switzerland, offers a substantial privacy edge over Italy-based AirVPN. Not part of the EU or US jurisdiction, Switzerland is known for its neutrality and strict privacy regulations. This provides a robust legal framework that benefits ProtonVPN users.
On the other hand, AirVPN is based in Italy, a member of the 14-Eyes Alliance. The 14-Eyes Alliance, an expansion of the Five- and Nine-Eyes intelligence collaborations, includes countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and several European nations. These member states are known for their extensive surveillance activities, as highlighted by disclosures from figures like Edward Snowden (watch video below). Such surveillance extends to the sharing of collected data among member countries. In other words, company like AirVPN could be legally obligated to comply with government requests for user data, with the potential for this data to circulate among the alliance members. This surveillance culture not only compromises personal privacy but also raises concerns about digital security.
Comparing the two, ProtonVPN’s Swiss base generally offers a higher level of privacy protection. However, it’s important to consider other factors such as the VPN’s own privacy policy, encryption standards, and track record in handling user data. Both VPNs have their own merits, but for strict privacy considerations, being based in Switzerland gives ProtonVPN an edge.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: Proton VPN Better
The server fleet size of Proton VPN and AirVPN is a critical aspect where these two VPN providers diverge significantly. Proton VPN stands out with its impressive network, hosting over 2,970 servers in 68 countries worldwide. This extensive coverage ensures that users almost anywhere can find a reliable and fast server connection.
In contrast, AirVPN maintains a more modest server presence, with only 200 servers across 23 countries. If you live in regions with fewer servers from AirVPN, this might translate to slower speeds and potentially less stable connections. The vast server network of Proton VPN not only provides broader geographic reach but also typically allows for better performance and lower latency.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
Both Proton VPN and AirVPN reassures its users with a lengthy money-back guarantee, allowing ample time to test their services thoroughly. These guarantees are more than just policies; they are strong indicators of the confidence that both services have in the quality they offer. This assurance provides users with a risk-free opportunity to immerse themselves in the diverse features of each VPN. From the vast server network of Proton VPN to the advanced security protocols of AirVPN – you have the liberty to thoroughly evaluate each service before deciding on a long-term investment.
Performance in China: AirVPN Better
Proton VPN faces challenges operating reliably in China due to its stringent online restrictions. In contrast, AirVPN currently demonstrates a higher likelihood of functioning effectively within China. However, given the dynamic nature of China’s firewall policies, this advantage may not be sustainable in the long term. Users requiring consistent VPN access in China should consider these changing variables when choosing between Proton VPN and AirVPN.
Ad Blocking Feature: Proton VPN Better
A significant differentiator between Proton VPN and AirVPN lies in their performance in unblocking popular streaming platforms. Proton VPN excels in this regard, consistently providing users with access to a broad spectrum of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Nord users can reliably enjoy their preferred shows and movies from virtually any location.
Conversely, AirVPN faces challenges when it comes to this aspect. Despite having servers in 23 countries, the VPN frequently encounters difficulties in reliably unblocking major streaming platforms. This limitation is of paramount importance for users who prioritize seamless access to streaming content and are in search of a VPN service capable of effectively circumventing geo-restrictions.
Bottomline
AirVPN and Proton VPN present competitive pricing and comprehensive features reinforcing their commitment to quality user experience. While Proton VPN shines with 80.8% rating, its stronger jurisdiction, wider service coverage, and superior streaming performance, AirVPN offers a higher success rate in China’s Internet environment. Readers are advised to align their choice with personal needs, privacy emphasis, and service offerings.
About Proton VPN & AirVPN
AirVPN
AirVPN, operated by activists committed to net neutrality, privacy, and anti-censorship, uses OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols. It offers strong encryption, no monitoring or logging of online activities, and circumvents censorship and georestrictions. AirVPN provides unlimited bandwidth and server switches, high-performance servers in multiple countries, and compliance with European Union privacy laws. Their service allows five simultaneous connections per account, and they offer port forwarding and optional block lists for enhanced security.
To learn more, read our AirVPN review.
Proton VPN
Proton VPN is a virtual private network service operated by Proton AG, a Swiss company renowned for their secure email service – Proton Mail.
Proton VPN and Proton Mail share the same management team, offices, and technical resources, and are operated from Switzerland. The VPN service currently has 2,970 servers in 68 countries. Although ProtonVPN owns and operates some of its servers, the majority are operated by ASNs such as Datacamp Limited. The service is available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, as well as ChromeOS and can be used on smartphones, personal computers, and even installed on a wireless router.
Proton VPN is one of the most secure VPN services available in the market. It utilizes OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols with AES-256 encryption. In addition to this, Proton VPN has a no-logs policy that has been independently audited by Securitum, a European security auditing company. In October 2022, Proton VPN released their Stealth Protocol that disguises VPN traffic as HTTPS traffic.
To learn more, read our Proton VPN review.