Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Proton VPN and Symlex VPN are closely matched with overall ratings of 80.8% and 81.0%, respectively. Proton VPN, based in Switzerland, outperforms with a broader server network (2,970 servers in 68 countries) and a longer 30-day money-back guarantee. Symlex VPN, headquartered in the UAE, however, offers a better cost-saving package at $2.08 per month, operates effectively in China, and includes a double VPN feature. Considering the balance between pricing, performance, and security features, Symlex VPN could offer a slightly better choice for users.
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 Symlex VPN
| VPN Company | Proton VPN | Symlex VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Switzerland | United Arab Emirates (UAE) |
| Cheapest Price | $4.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $2.08/mo |
| Monthly Price | $9.99 | $7.99 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 7 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec | IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN, WireGuard, Shadowsock, Open Connect, and PPTP |
| Servers | 2,970 | 120 |
| Servers Countries | 68 | 80 |
| 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 | Yes |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Securitum | 0 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email | 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 Symlex VPN are priced affordably. Proton VPN costs $4.99/mo for its 24-month plan; while Symlex VPN cheapest 120-month plan starts at $2.08/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 Symlex 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 Symlex VPN in the non-alliance territory of United Arab Emirates (UAE). 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 Symlex 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 Symlex 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, Symlex VPN maintains a more modest server presence, with only 120 servers across 80 countries. If you live in regions with fewer servers from Symlex 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.
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. Symlex 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.
Performance in China: Symlex VPN Better
Proton VPN faces challenges operating reliably in China due to its stringent online restrictions. In contrast, Symlex VPN 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 Symlex VPN.
Double VPN Feature: Symlex VPN Better
One of the notable differences between Symlex VPN and Proton VPN is the inclusion of a double VPN feature. Symlex VPN offers this advanced feature, which routes your internet traffic through two VPN servers instead of one, adding an extra layer of security and privacy. On the other hand, Proton VPN does not provide a double VPN option.
Bottomline
In conclusion, while Proton VPN and Symlex VPN come with their individual areas of strength such as server fleet size and double VPN feature respectively, both services offer cost-effective options with a commendable commitment to user privacy, located outside the surveillance-intensive 14-Eye Alliance. The choice between the two are ultimately steered by users’ specific requirements, noting factors such as jurisdiction, server count, performance in China, and money-back guarantee period.
About Proton VPN & Symlex VPN
Symlex VPN
TorGuard is a VPN and proxy software producer that was established in 2012. The company offers a range of apps for Linux, Windows, Android and browser extensions. One of the unique features of TorGuard is that it does not keep logs and/or throttle internet speed. Instead, TorGuard billing uses a random hash, making it more difficult for VPNs to be compromised. In addition, the VPN software uses the Stealth protocol, which is specifically designed for scenarios with tight internet censorship.
To learn more, read our Symlex 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.