Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Consider Proton VPN. It surpasses Banana VPN in multiple areas, including a higher rating of 80.8% compared to Banana’s 39.9%. Proton VPN’s privacy-forward approach, superior server coverage, and additional features like a secure kill switch and ad-blocking make it a more appealing 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: Proton VPN vs Banana VPN
| VPN Company | Proton VPN | Banana VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Switzerland | Cyprus |
| Cheapest Price | $4.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $4.17/mo |
| Monthly Price | $9.99 | $8.00 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 3 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | No |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-128 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec | OpenVPN, PPTP, IKEv2/IPSec, and L2TP/IPSec |
| Servers | 2,970 | 15 |
| Servers Countries | 68 | 7 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 devices | 3 devices |
| Works in China? | No | Unlikely |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | No |
| Browser Extension | Yes | No |
| Double VPN | No | No |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | No |
| Third Party Audit | Securitum | 0 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email | |
| 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: Tie
Searching for a VPN that marries cost-effectiveness with reliable performance? Both Proton VPN and Banana VPN are priced affordably. Proton VPN costs $4.99/mo for its 24-month plan; while Banana VPN cheapest 12-month plan starts at $4.17/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: Tie
Proton VPN and Banana VPN both offer the distinct advantage of operating outside the 14-Eye Alliance, with Proton VPN based in the privacy-conscious environment of Switzerland and Banana VPN in the non-alliance territory of Cyprus. Their non-14-Eyes bases ensure a higher degree of privacy from global surveillance networks.
The Impact of the 14-Eye Alliance on VPN Services
Originating from the Five-Eyes and expanding to Nine-Eyes, the 14-Eyes Alliance encompasses a broad group of countries, including powerhouses like the US, UK, and various European nations. VPN providers in these countries might face legal pressures to hand over user information, contradicting their no-logs claims. By choosing a VPN service like Proton VPN or Banana VPN, both located outside these surveillance-intensive areas, users gain an extra layer of security against potential government interceptions and data monitoring, making them a preferred choice for users who value their digital privacy and security.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: Proton VPN Better
The server fleet size of Proton VPN and Banana VPN 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, 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 Proton VPN not only provides broader geographic reach but also typically allows for better performance and lower latency.
No Logging Policy: Proton VPN Better
The privacy policies of Proton VPN and Banana VPN present a clear dichotomy. Proton VPN stands out by not only maintaining a strict no-logging policy but also reinforcing this commitment through regular audits conducted by Deloitte. These audits serve as validation of Proton VPN’s dedication to preserving user privacy.
In contrast, Banana VPN, despite offering a range of features and being headquartered in Cyprus, does not adhere to a no-logging policy. This implies that it might retain certain records of user activities, a matter of considerable concern for individuals who prioritize anonymity and data security.
For users who prioritize robust privacy standards and seek external verification of security claims, these distinctions may prove pivotal in selecting the most suitable VPN service.
Money Back Guarantee: Proton VPN Better
Proton VPN extends a reassuring 30-day money-back guarantee to its users, providing a substantial period for a full assessment of its services. Banana VPN, on the other hand, opts for a more condensed money-back guarantee period. While this shorter timeframe does offer a window for service evaluation, it might be a point to consider for users who are looking for a longer duration to thoroughly test the VPN’s fit with their needs.
Kill Switch Feature: Proton VPN Better
Proton VPN provides users with this essential security feature, which automatically disconnects the internet connection if the VPN drops, ensuring your data remains protected. Conversely, Banana VPN, lacking a kill switch, might pose a risk for users who require uninterrupted protection, especially in unstable network environments. This contrast in security offerings is vital for users who prioritize their online privacy and data security.
Ad Blocking Feature: Proton VPN Better
A significant differentiator between Proton VPN and Banana VPN 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, Banana VPN faces challenges when it comes to this aspect. Despite having servers in 7 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
In comparison, Proton VPN surpasses Banana VPN on multiple fronts, including the number of servers, no-logging policy, and certain security features. Factors like localized jurisdiction, robust encryption, and an extensive server network help in ensuring user privacy and data security. Ultimately, the best decision depends on personal requirements, although our rigorous evaluation finds Proton VPN outperforming in delivering a balanced blend of privacy, security, and performance.
About Proton VPN & 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.
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.