Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Proton VPN leads with an overall rating of 80.8% compared to ClearVPN’s 72.6%. It outshines ClearVPN notably in server count and coverage, offering 2,970 servers in 68 countries versus ClearVPN’s modest 47 servers in 40 countries. Given these differences, Proton VPN delivers better performance, lower latency, and wider geographical reach, making it a more user-advantageous VPN option.
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 ClearVPN
| VPN Company | Proton VPN | ClearVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Switzerland | Ukraine |
| Cheapest Price | $4.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $3.50/mo |
| Monthly Price | $9.99 | $5.00 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec | IKEv2/IPSec, and OpenVPN |
| Servers | 2,970 | 47 |
| Servers Countries | 68 | 40 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 devices | 6 devices |
| Works in China? | No | Unlikely |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | No |
| Double VPN | No | No |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | No |
| Third Party Audit | Securitum | 0 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email | Live chat, and Email |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| 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: Tie
Searching for a VPN that marries cost-effectiveness with reliable performance? Both Proton VPN and ClearVPN are priced affordably. Proton VPN costs $4.99/mo for its 24-month plan; while ClearVPN cheapest 6-month plan starts at $3.50/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 ClearVPN both offer the distinct advantage of operating outside the 14-Eye Alliance, with Proton VPN based in the privacy-conscious environment of Switzerland and ClearVPN in the non-alliance territory of Ukraine. 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 ClearVPN, 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 ClearVPN 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, ClearVPN maintains a more modest server presence, with only 47 servers across 40 countries. If you live in regions with fewer servers from ClearVPN, 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 ClearVPN 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 ClearVPN – you have the liberty to thoroughly evaluate each service before deciding on a long-term investment.
Bottomline
In conclusion, both Proton VPN and ClearVPN provide quality VPN services prioritizing user-privacy and strong security features. The location of both companies outside the 14-Eye Alliance limit possible government surveillance. However, Proton VPN outperforms ClearVPN in terms of server count and geographical coverage.
About Proton VPN & ClearVPN
ClearVPN
Created by MacPaw, a software development company from Ukraine, ClearVPN is part of a larger suite of products offered by MacPaw. The company focuses on providing VPN services that emphasize ease of use and user-friendly interfaces. MacPaw’s products, including ClearVPN, have garnered over 30 million users worldwide.
To learn more, read our ClearVPN 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.