Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Proton VPN scores slightly higher than ExpressVPN, 80.8% versus 77.9%. From a user’s perspective, Proton VPN offers a cheaper monthly rate and better ad-blocking features. However, ExpressVPN provides more simultaneous connections, works partially in China, and offers Smart DNS, making the choice dependent on specific user needs.
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 ExpressVPN
| VPN Company | Proton VPN | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Switzerland | British Virgin Islands |
| Cheapest Price | $4.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $6.67/mo |
| Monthly Price | $9.99 | $12.95 |
| 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 | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and Lightway |
| Servers | 2,970 | 3,000 |
| Servers Countries | 68 | 94 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 devices | 8 devices |
| Works in China? | No | Partially |
| Smart DNS | No | Yes |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | No | No |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Securitum | Cure53 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email | 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+, 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 ExpressVPN are priced affordably. Proton VPN costs $4.99/mo for its 24-month plan; while ExpressVPN cheapest 15-month plan starts at $6.67/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 ExpressVPN both offer the distinct advantage of operating outside the 14-Eye Alliance, with Proton VPN based in the privacy-conscious environment of Switzerland and ExpressVPN in the non-alliance territory of British Virgin Islands. 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 ExpressVPN, 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: Tie
Proton VPN and ExpressVPN are both noteworthy for their extensive networks. With Proton VPN, users benefit from an expansive server network, facilitating connections from 68 countries and ensuring a smooth and speedy online experience. ExpressVPN mirrors this capability, boasting a sizeable server fleet of 3,000 servers spread over 94 countries.
The broad reach of both Proton VPN and ExpressVPN means that they are capable of providing dependable and swift connections for users globally, making them top contenders for those in search of a VPN with extensive worldwide coverage.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
Both Proton VPN and ExpressVPN 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 ExpressVPN – you have the liberty to thoroughly evaluate each service before deciding on a long-term investment.
Ad Blocking Feature: Proton VPN Better
A significant differentiator between Proton VPN and ExpressVPN 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, ExpressVPN faces challenges when it comes to this aspect. Despite having servers in 94 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 conclusion, both Proton VPN and ExpressVPN deliver robust VPN services and maintain a strong emphasis on user privacy and security. Notable differences include Proton VPN’s superior ad-blocking and streaming capabilities, and ExpressVPN’s wider server coverage. These findings highlight the need for users to identify their key VPN needs prior to selecting a specific service.
About Proton VPN & ExpressVPN
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.
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.