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Proton VPN vs ExpressVPN

A detailed comparison to help you choose the right tool for your needs.

Proton VPN logo

Proton VPN

Cybersecurity

Try Proton VPN
VS
ExpressVPN logo

ExpressVPN

Cybersecurity

Try ExpressVPN

A
About Proton VPN

Proton VPN is a privacy-focused VPN service built by the same team behind Proton Mail, headquartered in Switzerland under some of the world's strongest privacy laws. It encrypts internet traffic and masks users' IP addresses, allowing for secure browsing, streaming, and file sharing without surveillance or data logging. The service offers a genuinely usable free tier alongside paid plans with advanced features like Secure Core servers that route traffic through multiple countries. It's well-suited for privacy-conscious individuals, journalists, remote workers, and businesses that need to protect sensitive communications. Being open-source and independently audited sets it apart from many competitors in the VPN space.

B
About ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a virtual private network service that encrypts internet traffic and masks users' IP addresses to provide online privacy and security. It operates a large network of servers across 105 countries, offering fast connection speeds and reliable performance for streaming, browsing, and torrenting. The service is known for its strict no-logs policy, which has been independently audited, and its proprietary Lightway protocol designed for speed and security. It's used by individuals who want to protect their data on public Wi-Fi, bypass geo-restrictions, or simply maintain their privacy online. While it's one of the more expensive VPN options, its ease of use and consistent performance make it a popular choice.

Pricing Comparison

Tool
Proton VPN
ExpressVPN
Price
Free — From $4/mo
From $6.67/mo (billed annually)
Category
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity
Rating
4.1 (41)
4.2 (10)
Free Plan
No
No
Integrations
8+ apps
8+ apps
Founded
2017
2009

Feature Comparison

Feature
Proton VPN
ExpressVPN
Secure core architecture for enhanced privacy
Access to servers in multiple countries
No-logs policy for user activity
Kill switch to prevent data leaks
Split tunneling for selective traffic routing
DNS leak protection for added security
256-bit AES encryption
No-logs policy for privacy
Split tunneling feature
Unlimited bandwidth for streaming
Access to global server locations
Kill switch for connection security

Choose Proton VPN

Proton VPN is a secure and privacy-focused VPN service designed to protect your online activities.

Try Proton VPN Free

Read full review

Choose ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN provides fast, secure, and reliable VPN services for online privacy.

Try ExpressVPN Free

Read full review

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Score Comparison

Ease of Use
8.0
8.0
Features
8.0
9.0
Pricing
7.0
7.0
Support
7.0
8.0
Integrations
8.0
8.0
Overall
7.6
8.0
Proton VPNExpressVPN

Our Verdict

Proton VPN

Choose Proton VPN if you need a free, privacy-focused VPN service for personal use or small teams.

ExpressVPNWinner

Fast, reliable VPN service is essential for your medium-sized team with a reasonable budget.

More features
Better support

Proton VPN vs ExpressVPN: The Bottom Line

Both Proton VPN and ExpressVPN are strong cybersecurity tools, but they serve different needs. ExpressVPN has a higher user rating (4.2 vs 4.1). On pricing, Proton VPN is more affordable starting at $5.99/mo.

Still unsure? Check the full reviews for Proton VPN and ExpressVPN, explore Proton VPN alternatives, or use our AI search to describe exactly what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Proton VPN or ExpressVPN better?

It depends on your needs. Proton VPN (4.1★) is from $5.99/mo, while ExpressVPN (4.2★) is from $6.67/mo. ExpressVPN has a higher user rating.

Can I switch from Proton VPN to ExpressVPN?

Yes. Most SaaS tools offer data export features. Check if ExpressVPN has a migration guide or import tool specifically for Proton VPN users. Many offer onboarding assistance for switchers.

Which is cheaper, Proton VPN or ExpressVPN?

Proton VPN starts at $5.99/mo, which is cheaper than ExpressVPN at $6.67/mo.

What are the main differences between Proton VPN and ExpressVPN?

Proton VPN focuses on secure core architecture for enhanced privacy and access to servers in multiple countries, while ExpressVPN emphasizes 256-bit aes encryption and no-logs policy for privacy. Both are in the Cybersecurity category but serve slightly different use cases.