Proton VPN vs. ExpressVPN 2024: A Close Call
Discover the key differences between Proton VPN and ExpressVPN to determine which VPN offers the best value, features, and security for your unique needs.
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Last updated Apr 12, 2024
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The All About Cookies editorial team strives to provide accurate, in-depth information and reviews to help you, our reader, make online privacy decisions with confidence. Here's what you can expect from us:
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Best for Privacy-Conscious Users
/images/2022/10/20/vpn-logowordmark-black-purple-transparent-bg.png)
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Proton VPN's website
Proton VPN
-
Easy to use
-
A strict no-logs policy that’s been tested in court
- More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost
Easy to use
Best for Streaming and High-Speed Connections
/images/2022/11/08/logo-expressvpn-2.png){kind=logo}
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On ExpressVPN's website
ExpressVPN
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Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
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Privacy and safety benefits of a VPN with best-in-class encryption and innovative server technology in 105 countries
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Enjoy no activity logs, malicious sites and trackers protection, and more on up to 8 devices
- More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost
Proton VPN stands out for its strong focus on privacy and security, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize protecting their data above all else. On the other hand, ExpressVPN is known for its lightning-fast speeds and excellent unblocking capabilities, perfect for streaming enthusiasts and those who demand high-performance connections.
In this comprehensive comparison, we'll examine the differences in pricing, features, speed, and more to help you make an informed decision on which VPN is best for your needs.
In this article
Proton VPN vs. ExpressVPN at a glanceProton VPN vs. ExpressVPN: prices
Proton VPN vs. ExpressVPN: features
Proton VPN vs. ExpressVPN: download speeds
Proton VPN vs. ExpressVPN: compatibility and customer support
Proton VPN vs. ExpressVPN FAQs
Which is the best VPN: Proton VPN or ExpressVPN?
Proton VPN vs. ExpressVPN at a glance
Proton VPN and ExpressVPN are two of the best virtual private networks (VPNs) on the market. Both Proton VPN and ExpressVPN offer competitive pricing, with Proton VPN starting at a lower rate of just under $4.99/mo compared to ExpressVPN’s lowest rate, which usually sits around $6.67/mo (billed annually). Proton VPN also has a free VPN plan.
ExpressVPN boasts a larger number of server locations than Proton VPN, which can translate into better performance and more options for server locations. However, Proton VPN is transparent about its server count while ExpressVPN is not.
Both VPNs have a no-logs policy, which ensures your privacy, and they can both unblock Netflix, which allows you to access geo-restricted content from other regions.
When it comes to VPN protocols, ExpressVPN offers its proprietary Lightway protocol in addition to the standard options like OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec, while Proton VPN sticks to OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. Proton has an additional edge with Stealth, which lets you bypass geoblocks, while ExpressVPN's Lightway provides fast and secure connections.
- Proton VPN: Best for privacy-conscious users
- ExpressVPN: Best for streaming and high-speed connections
How do Proton VPN and ExpressVPN compare?
|
 |
|
| Starting price | Starts at $4.99/mo (for paid plans) | Starts at $6.67/mo (billed annually) |
| Max # of connected devices | 10 | 8 |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, and more | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, and more |
| # of servers | 4,400+ in 91 countries | Servers in 105 countries |
| VPN protocol | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, Stealth | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs |
| Unblocks Netflix? | ||
| Get Proton VPN
Read Proton VPN Review |
Get ExpressVPN
Read ExpressVPN Review |
Proton VPN vs. ExpressVPN: prices
Our Pick
|
|
|
| Price range | $4.99–$9.99/mo | $6.67–$12.95/mo |
| Best value plan | Proton Free for Free | 12-month plan for $6.67/mo (billed annually) |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days | Yes — 30 days |
| Get Proton VPN
Read Proton VPN Review |
Get ExpressVPN
Read ExpressVPN Review |
Proton VPN has a wider price range than ExpressVPN, starting at $4.99/mo for the two-year plan. Proton even has a free plan, with access to 100-plus servers in five countries (the U.S., Netherlands, Romania, Poland, and Japan).
If you’re looking for more extensive features, Proton VPN’s Unlimited plan ranges from $4.99–$9.99/mo. This package includes all of Proton’s services: Proton VPN, Proton Mail, Proton Calendar, and Proton Drive.
Meanwhile, ExpressVPN's best value plan starts higher than Proton’s highest at $6.67/mo (billed annually) for a 12-month subscription. There’s also a plan to pay every six months, working out at about $9.99/mo (billed every six months), or you could pay month-to-month for $12.95/mo.
Both VPNs offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test the service and decide if it meets your needs before fully committing to a subscription. With these guarantees, you can confidently explore each VPN's features and capabilities.
Winner: Proton VPN offers a more affordable entry point and a free version, making it the winner in terms of price. It also offers a greater range of pricing options compared to ExpressVPN. However, it's important to consider the trade-offs regarding features and support when comparing these two VPNs.
Proton VPN vs. ExpressVPN: features
| Feature |
|
|
| Number of servers | 4,400+ in 91 countries | Servers in 105 countries |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs |
| VPN headquarters | Switzerland | British Virgin Islands |
| Encryption | AES-256 or ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| VPN protocol | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, Stealth | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec |
| Kill switch | ||
| Split tunneling | ||
| Netflix support | ||
| Torrenting support | ||
| Get Proton VPN Read Proton VPN Review |
Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review |
ExpressVPN offers more server locations, with servers across 105 countries, compared to Proton VPN's servers in 91 countries. However, Proton VPN is explicit about its server count while ExpressVPN is not, so it could have more servers.
Both VPNs have a strict no-logs policy, with Proton VPN's policy audited by Securitum. ExpressVPN's policy was audited by PwC. These audits help ensure the VPNs are living up to their privacy claims.
Both VPNs use AES 256-bit encryption and support OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec protocols. However, ExpressVPN also offers its proprietary Lightway protocol, which aims to provide faster connections and improved security, as well as the OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocol.
On the other hand, ProtonVPN can also use ChaCha20 encryption and WireGuard protocol. It also offers its custom Stealth protocol, which can be used to bypass internet censorship and geoblocking. It does this by disguising your VPN connection so it can't be detected by other parties.
Both services have a lot of features in common, including a kill switch, split tunneling, smart DNS/routing, and ad-and-tracker blocking.
/images/2022/09/09/expressvpn-review_split-tunneling.jpeg)
Proton VPN stands out for offering double VPN and port forwarding. Double VPN will route your internet connection through two tunnels. Port forwarding allows remote servers and devices to connect with other services and devices over the internet.
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Proton VPN vs. ExpressVPN: streaming support
| Platform |
|
|
| Netflix | ||
| Amazon Prime Video | ||
| Hulu | ||
| BBC iPlayer | ||
| Disney+ | ||
| HBO Max | ||
| Get Proton VPN Read Proton VPN Review |
Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review |
Both Proton VPN and ExpressVPN provide excellent streaming support, allowing users to unblock regional content on popular platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and HBO Max. That way, you can access your favorite movies and TV shows from various regions hassle-free.
ExpressVPN offers MediaStreamer, an exclusive SmartDNS feature to access content that is unavailable in your region, even if the device doesn't natively support VPNs. This helps provide access to content that would otherwise be inaccessible.
Proton VPN offers streaming supported servers, which can help you access Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
Winner: It's a tie. Both VPNs excel in their feature offerings and streaming capabilities.
Proton VPN vs. ExpressVPN: download speeds
Quick and consistent internet speeds are essential for a smooth online experience, whether you are streaming, gaming, or surfing the web. We tested Proton VPN’s and ExpressVPN’s internet speeds on several server locations using several devices.
We began the speed testing without a VPN connection by measuring download, upload, and download latency (ping). Then, we measured the download speed, upload speed, and latency for each server location. Using this method, we can compare the effects of ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN on internet speeds in different regions and under different conditions.
Proton VPN vs. ExpressVPN speed test results
| Server location | Our Pick
|
|
| US | 17% slower | 98% slower |
| EU | 22% slower | 83% slower |
| AU | 33% slower | 39% slower |
| Get Proton VPN Read Proton VPN Review |
Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review |
In our speed test results, Proton VPN consistently outperformed ExpressVPN in terms of download speeds across all tested server locations. Higher speeds mean faster browsing, streaming, and downloading experiences.
Winner: Proton VPN wins. It reduced internet speeds less than ExpressVPN across every location we tested.
Proton VPN vs. ExpressVPN: compatibility and customer support
|
|
|
|
| Windows | ||
| macOS | ||
| Android | ||
| iOS | ||
| Linux | ||
| Router | ||
| Smart devices | ||
| 24/7 support | ||
| Support options | Live chat, email, online guides | Live chat, email, online guides |
| Get Proton VPN
Read Proton VPN Review |
Get ExpressVPN
Read ExpressVPN Review |
Proton VPN and ExpressVPN both offer excellent compatibility across various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and routers. Both VPNs also support smart devices and browsers, including Chrome and Firefox. This wide range of compatibility ensures you can enjoy a secure and private browsing experience on multiple devices.
In terms of ease of use, both Proton VPN and ExpressVPN provide user-friendly interfaces, with easy-to-navigate settings and options. Their apps cater to beginners and advanced users, ensuring that everyone can find and customize their VPN experience according to their preferences.
Proton VPN and ExpressVPN both offer a range of customer service options to assist users with any issues or questions they may have. They both offer 24/7 live chat and email. Additionally, both VPNs offer comprehensive online guides to help users troubleshoot any problems.
Proton VPN vs. ExpressVPN: payment options
Both Proton VPN and ExpressVPN have various payment options, so you can pick the method that best suits you, whether it be for privacy or convenience. Anonymous payment methods, such as cryptocurrencies, can provide an added layer of privacy for users who want to keep their VPN subscription details discreet.
Proton VPN payment options:
- Credit or debit card
- PayPal
- Bitcoin
- Cash
- Bank transfer
ExpressVPN payment options:
- Credit card
- Prepaid debit card
- PayPal
- bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies
- Online transfer payments via Giropay, iDEAL, Interac, and Klarna (or SOFORT)
Winner: It's a draw. Both Proton VPN and ExpressVPN excel in compatibility and offer user-friendly interfaces, as well as lots of customer support options.
Proton VPN vs. ExpressVPN FAQs
+
Is Proton VPN free?
Proton VPN offers a free plan but it has limited features. With the free plan, you can access 100-plus servers across five countries, and you can connect to one device at a medium speed. If you want greater speeds, significantly more servers, and more features, then you can upgrade to one of Proton VPN’s paid plans.
+
Can I use ExpressVPN for gaming?
ExpressVPN is a great choice for gaming. The service prides itself on its minimized lag and ping. ExpressVPN also limits internet service providers (ISPs) from slowing your connection. By using a VPN, you can grab the most recent downloadable content (DLC) and games from nations with early release dates and even play games that are censored in your location.
+
Is Proton VPN good against hackers?
Proton VPN is excellent against cybercriminals. To safeguard your data from hackers, it employs powerful encryption, AES 256-bit or ChaCha20, and secure VPN protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. Furthermore, Proton VPN has a no-logs policy and is based in Switzerland, which has strict privacy laws.
+
Why is ExpressVPN so expensive?
ExpressVPN is expensive because of its premium features, huge server network, consistently fast connections, and great customer service. To maintain a high degree of security and performance for its consumers, it also invests in frequent independent audits and the development of unique technologies, such as the Lightway protocol.
Which is the best VPN: Proton VPN or ExpressVPN?
Proton VPN has a robust feature set that includes double VPN and port forwarding. It also offers a free plan, making its services accessible to customers on a tight budget. However, its server network may be limited compared to ExpressVPN.
ExpressVPN stands out for its speed, server locations, and streaming ability. It also offers a unique Lightway protocol for increased performance. However, when compared to other VPN providers like Proton VPN, ExpressVPN's pricing is on the higher end.
If we had to pick an overall champion, Proton VPN would win because of its faster speeds and more affordable pricing. While ExpressVPN's extensive compatibility make it a good choice those willing to invest in a premium VPN service, Proton VPN offers strong privacy features and is suitable for those who want to save on a VPN.
/images/2022/10/20/vpn-logowordmark-black-purple-transparent-bg.png)
Proton VPN
-
Easy to use
-
A strict no-logs policy that’s been tested in court
- More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost
Author Details
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Ryan Clancy is a freelance writer and blogger. With 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience, he's passionate about all things engineering and tech. He loves bringing engineering (especially mechanical) down to a level that everyone can understand.
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