ExpressVPN vs ProtonVPN
ExpressVPN vs ProtonVPN is premium speed against privacy ideology. ExpressVPN has long been the speed benchmark; ProtonVPN comes from the team that built ProtonMail. Both are excellent - this choice reveals what you value most in a VPN.
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Quick Answer
ExpressVPN beats ProtonVPN for most users. It scores 9.2/10 vs 8.8/10 and fastest vpn speeds we've tested. Choose ProtonVPN if you need based in privacy-friendly switzerland.
ExpressVPN
WinnerPremium VPN with fastest speeds and 105 countries
Starting from
$3.49/mo
ProtonVPN
Swiss-based VPN with 15,000+ servers and free tier
Starting from
$2.49/mo
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| Starting Price | $3.49/mo | $2.49/mo |
| User Reviews | ||
| Performance | ||
| Servers | 3,000+ | 15,000+ |
| Countries | 105 | 120+ |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10-14 | 10 |
| Security | ||
| Kill Switch | ||
| No Logs Policy | ||
| Double VPN | ||
| RAM-Only Servers | ||
| Features | ||
| Split Tunneling | ||
| Streaming Support | ||
| Torrenting | ||
| Dedicated IP | ||
Pros & Cons Breakdown
ExpressVPN
- Fastest VPN speeds we've tested
- Servers in 105 countries
- Excellent for streaming all major platforms
- TrustedServer technology (RAM-only)
- 24/7 live chat support
- Works in China and other restricted regions
- Up to 14 simultaneous connections (Pro plan)
- Most expensive VPN option
- Tiered pricing structure
- No dedicated IP option
ProtonVPN
- Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland
- 15,000+ servers in 120+ countries
- Free tier with no data limits
- Open-source apps
- Secure Core multi-hop servers
- VPN Accelerator for faster speeds
- Stealth protocol bypasses VPN blocks
- Free tier limited to 5 countries
- Free tier randomly assigns servers
- Prorated refunds only
Key Difference
ExpressVPN prioritizes performance and usability; ProtonVPN prioritizes verifiable privacy. ExpressVPN costs more and has no free tier; ProtonVPN offers free usage with paid upgrades. ExpressVPN is faster; ProtonVPN is more transparent.
Which Should You Choose?
ExpressVPN
Choose ExpressVPN if you prioritize speed above all, need reliable access to streaming services worldwide, frequently travel to restrictive countries, or want the most polished user experience.
ProtonVPN
Choose ProtonVPN if you want maximum transparency (open-source), prefer Swiss legal jurisdiction, value the ProtonMail team's privacy track record, or need a free tier to start.
Our Verdict
ExpressVPN wins on performance with the fastest speeds, best streaming unblocking, and most polished apps. ProtonVPN wins on trust and transparency with open-source code, Swiss privacy laws, and a verifiable no-logs policy.
Thinking of Switching?
Both offer money-back guarantees. If switching from ExpressVPN to ProtonVPN, verify speeds meet your needs first - ProtonVPN is good but ExpressVPN sets a high bar. Use ProtonVPN's free tier to test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ExpressVPN better than ProtonVPN?
ExpressVPN scores higher in our testing (9.2/10 vs 8.8/10). ExpressVPN excels at fastest vpn speeds we've tested, while ProtonVPN is better for based in privacy-friendly switzerland.
Which is cheaper, ExpressVPN or ProtonVPN?
ProtonVPN is more affordable at $0.00/mo vs $12.99/mo. ProtonVPN offers 100% savings.
ExpressVPN vs ProtonVPN: which should I choose?
Choose ExpressVPN if you prioritize fastest vpn speeds we've tested. Choose ProtonVPN if you need based in privacy-friendly switzerland. Both are solid vpns options.
What's the main difference between ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN?
The main difference is ExpressVPN offers premium vpn with fastest speeds and 105 countries, while ProtonVPN focuses on swiss-based vpn with 15,000+ servers and free tier.