ProtonVPN
ExpressVPN
ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN: Complete Comparison
Wondering which VPN is right for you? We've tested both ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN extensively to bring you this detailed comparison. From speed tests to privacy features, streaming capabilities to pricing, we cover everything you need to make an informed decision.
Quick Verdict
ExpressVPN takes the win in this comparison with better speed, and overall performance. However, ProtonVPN remains a solid choice if you prioritize Privacy.
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | P ProtonVPN | E ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 9.1 | 9.4 Best |
| Speed Score | 89 | 97 Best |
| Privacy Score | 99 Best | 96 |
| Streaming Score | 87 | 98 Best |
| Servers | 4,600 Best | 3,000 |
| Countries | 91 | 105 Best |
| Max Devices | 10 Best | 8 |
| Monthly Price | $9.99/mo Best | $12.95/mo |
| Best Price (2-year) | $4.99/mo Best | $8.32/mo |
| Kill Switch | ✓ | ✓ |
| No-Logs Policy | ✓ | ✓ |
| Split Tunneling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Double VPN | ✓ Best | ✗ |
| Netflix Support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torrenting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| Headquarters | Switzerland | British Virgin Islands |
Speed & Performance
Speed is crucial for streaming, gaming, and general browsing. We tested both VPNs connecting to servers in the US, UK, and Asia to measure real-world performance.
- Download: ~85% speed retained
- Upload: ~80% speed retained
- Latency: +6ms average
- Download: ~92% speed retained
- Upload: ~87% speed retained
- Latency: +2ms average
Winner: ExpressVPN – Faster download speeds and lower latency in our tests.
Privacy & Security
Privacy is the primary reason most people use a VPN. Here's how ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN compare on security features and privacy practices.
ProtonVPN
- ✓ No-Logs Policy
- ✓ Kill Switch
- ✓ Double VPN
- ✓ Switzerland jurisdiction
ExpressVPN
- ✓ No-Logs Policy
- ✓ Kill Switch
- ✗ Double VPN
- ✓ British Virgin Islands jurisdiction
Winner: ProtonVPN – Stronger privacy features and better jurisdiction.
Streaming & Unblocking
Can these VPNs unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming services? Here's what we found.
ProtonVPN
ExpressVPN
Winner: ExpressVPN – Better streaming unblocking success rate.
Pricing Comparison
Value matters. Here's how ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN compare on price across different subscription lengths.
Winner: ProtonVPN – $3.33/mo cheaper on the best plan.
Our Verdict
ExpressVPN
- Faster speeds (97 vs 89)
- Superior streaming unblocking
ProtonVPN
Still a solid choice. ProtonVPN excels in:
- Lower pricing
- Double VPN feature
- More servers
Frequently Asked Questions
ExpressVPN is faster with a speed score of 97/100 compared to ProtonVPN's 89/100. ExpressVPN showed better performance in our speed tests across multiple server locations.
ProtonVPN scores higher on privacy (99/100). Both have verified no-logs policies. ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland while ExpressVPN is in British Virgin Islands.
Yes, ProtonVPN is cheaper at $4.99/month on the 2-year plan compared to ExpressVPN's $8.32/month. ProtonVPN offers 40% savings.
Yes, both VPNs reliably unblock Netflix. ExpressVPN has a higher streaming score (98/100) and may work with more Netflix regions.
ProtonVPN has more servers with 4,600 servers in 91 countries. ExpressVPN has 3,000 servers in 105 countries.
Both support P2P/torrenting. ExpressVPN scores higher for torrenting (92/100) with optimized P2P servers.
ProtonVPN allows 10 simultaneous connections, while ExpressVPN allows 8. ProtonVPN is better for households with many devices.
Yes, both VPNs include kill switches that block internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, protecting your real IP from exposure.
ProtonVPN offers better overall value with a score of 85/100. This considers price, features, performance, and the number of devices supported.
We recommend ExpressVPN for most users. It Speed and offers superior features. However, ProtonVPN may be better if you specifically need Privacy.