When browsing in this digital era, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) must be used to protect your privacy and security online. There are a number of VPN options to choose from, but ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN always rank among the top dogs. In this ExpressVPN vs ProtonVPN review, I will take a closer look at these two VPNs — comparing features and performance factors such as security protocols, speeds (for streaming), pricing plans, and customer support ratings. If you know about these factors, then it will help you in determining which VPN service is the best suitable according to your needs. By elaborating on these topics, you will learn at a granular level where the two VPNs compare and choose which one suits your online security best.
Features Comparison: ExpressVPN vs ProtonVPN
When choosing a VPN, it’s crucial to compare the features offered by each provider. Features comparison: ExpressVPN vs ProtonVPN involves examining their server networks, supported platforms, additional features, and pricing plans. Here’s how the two VPNs compare in terms of features:
ExpressVPN boasts a vast server network with over 3,000 servers in 94 countries. This extensive coverage ensures that users can find a fast and reliable connection regardless of their location. The wide range of servers also allows users to access content from different regions with ease. For example, users can easily switch between servers in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia to access geo-restricted content. This vast network also helps in maintaining consistent speeds and reliability, even during peak usage times.
ProtonVPN, on the other hand, offers a smaller network with over 1,300 servers in 61 countries. While not as extensive as ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN’s server network still provides good global coverage, allowing users to access content from various regions. ProtonVPN focuses on high-security servers, including Secure Core servers that route traffic through multiple countries for enhanced privacy. This focus on security is particularly beneficial for users who prioritize privacy and need to bypass restrictive government censorship or surveillance.
ExpressVPN supports a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and routers. The VPN also offers browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, making it versatile and suitable for various devices. Additionally, ExpressVPN allows up to five simultaneous connections per subscription, enabling users to protect multiple devices simultaneously without compromising on speed or security. This broad compatibility ensures that users can maintain privacy and security across all their devices, whether they are working from home, traveling, or simply browsing on their mobile devices.
ProtonVPN also supports multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. ProtonVPN offers native apps for these platforms and provides detailed setup guides for other devices. ProtonVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections on its Plus and Visionary plans, giving it an edge in terms of device connectivity. This makes ProtonVPN an excellent choice for users with numerous devices or families who want to protect their online activities under a single subscription.
ExpressVPN includes several additional features to enhance user experience and security. These features include:
•Split Tunneling: Allows users to route some traffic through the VPN while letting other traffic access the internet directly. This feature is useful for users who want to maintain high speeds for local services while securing sensitive data through the VPN.
•Kill Switch: Automatically disconnects the internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing data leaks. This feature is crucial for maintaining privacy, especially when using unsecured networks or accessing sensitive information.
•MediaStreamer: A smart DNS service that enhances streaming performance on devices that don’t support VPNs. This feature allows users to bypass geo-restrictions and access content from streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer on devices such as smart TVs and gaming consoles.
ProtonVPN also offers a range of additional features, such as:
•Secure Core: Routes traffic through multiple secure servers before leaving the ProtonVPN network, providing extra protection against network-based attacks. This feature is particularly beneficial for users in countries with strict internet censorship and surveillance.
•Tor over VPN: Allows users to access the Tor network through ProtonVPN for added anonymity. This feature is ideal for users who require maximum privacy and need to access the dark web securely.
•NetShield: A built-in ad blocker that also blocks malware and trackers. This feature enhances the browsing experience by blocking unwanted ads and protecting against malicious websites.
Pricing Plans
ExpressVPN offers three pricing plans:
•Monthly Plan: $12.95 per month. This plan is suitable for users who need short-term VPN access and prefer not to commit to a long-term subscription.
•Six-Month Plan: $59.95 every six months (equivalent to $9.99 per month). This plan provides a balance between cost and commitment, offering a discount for users willing to subscribe for half a year.
•Annual Plan: $99.95 per year (equivalent to $8.32 per month). This plan offers the best value for long-term users, providing significant savings over the monthly and six-month plans.
ProtonVPN offers a free plan with limited features and three paid plans:
•Basic Plan: $4 per month (billed annually at $48). This plan provides access to all servers, secure streaming, and allows for two simultaneous connections, making it suitable for budget-conscious users.
•Plus Plan: $8 per month (billed annually at $96). This plan includes all Basic features, plus access to Secure Core servers, Tor over VPN, and up to 10 simultaneous connections, offering a comprehensive set of features for privacy-conscious users.
•Visionary Plan: $24 per month (billed annually at $288). This plan includes all Plus features and adds a ProtonMail Visionary account, providing an all-in-one solution for users who need both secure email and VPN services.
By comparing these features, you can determine which VPN provider offers the functionalities that best suit your needs, whether you prioritize speed, security, or additional features.
Performance and Speed Analysis
Performance and speed are critical factors when choosing a VPN, as they affect your browsing, streaming, and downloading experience. Performance and speed analysis of ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN involves evaluating their connection speeds, reliability, and performance under various conditions.
ExpressVPN is known for its consistently fast speeds and reliable performance. With servers in 94 countries, users can find a nearby server to minimize latency and maximize speed. ExpressVPN’s use of the Lightway protocol, designed for speed and security, further enhances its performance. Speed tests show that ExpressVPN maintains high speeds across various server locations, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and large file downloads. For instance, users can stream HD and 4K content on platforms like Netflix and YouTube without buffering or lag.
ProtonVPN offers solid performance, particularly on its Plus and Visionary plans. While its server network is smaller than ExpressVPN’s, ProtonVPN’s servers are optimized for speed and security. ProtonVPN uses the OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols, both known for their robust performance and security. Speed tests indicate that ProtonVPN provides reliable speeds, although it may be slightly slower than ExpressVPN, especially on its free plan and with distant server connections. For example, users on the free plan may experience slower speeds due to server congestion, but those on the Plus plan enjoy better performance and faster speeds.
In a head-to-head speed test comparison:
•ExpressVPN typically achieves download speeds of 85-90 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection, with minimal impact on upload speeds and latency. This performance is consistent across various server locations, making ExpressVPN a top choice for users who require high-speed connections for streaming, gaming, and downloading large files.
•ProtonVPN achieves download speeds of 70-80 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection, with slightly higher latency but still maintaining good upload speeds. While slightly slower than ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN’s speeds are sufficient for most online activities, including streaming HD content and browsing the web.
These results indicate that while both VPNs offer strong performance, ExpressVPN has a slight edge in terms of speed and reliability, particularly for users who prioritize fast and consistent connections.
Both VPN providers are highly reliable, with minimal downtime and consistent performance. ExpressVPN is known for its robust infrastructure and extensive server network, ensuring reliable connections even during peak usage times. The VPN’s automatic server selection feature helps users find the best server for their needs, optimizing performance and minimizing downtime.
ProtonVPN also offers reliable connections, particularly on its premium plans, but its smaller server network may result in occasional slowdowns during high traffic periods. However, ProtonVPN’s focus on high-security servers and advanced routing techniques helps maintain a reliable performance, even in restrictive environments or regions with heavy censorship.
By evaluating the performance and speed of ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN, you can choose the VPN that best meets your needs for browsing, streaming, and downloading, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable online experience.
Security and Privacy Features
Security and privacy are paramount when choosing a VPN. Security and privacy features of ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN include encryption protocols, logging policies, and additional security measures. Here’s how the two VPNs compare:
ExpressVPN uses AES-256 encryption, the highest standard for secure communication. The VPN supports multiple protocols, including Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPsec, allowing users to choose the best option for their needs. The Lightway protocol, developed by ExpressVPN, offers a balance of speed and security, making it ideal for various applications. This protocol is particularly beneficial for users who require fast connections without compromising on security, such as for streaming or online gaming.
ProtonVPN also uses AES-256 encryption and supports OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols. These protocols are known for their robust security and reliable performance. ProtonVPN’s focus on security is evident in its use of Secure Core servers, which route traffic through multiple secure servers for enhanced protection. This multi-hop architecture adds an extra layer of security, making it more difficult for attackers to trace user activities back to their original IP addresses.
ExpressVPN has a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not store any information that could identify users or their activities. This policy is regularly audited by independent third parties, ensuring transparency and trustworthiness. ExpressVPN’s headquarters in the British Virgin Islands, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, further enhances its commitment to user privacy. The no-logs policy ensures that even if law enforcement requests data, there is nothing to hand over, providing users with peace of mind.
ProtonVPN also maintains a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that user activities are not monitored or recorded. The VPN is based in Switzerland, known for its strong privacy laws, providing additional assurance of user privacy. ProtonVPN’s commitment to transparency is demonstrated through regular transparency reports and independent security audits. These audits verify that the company adheres to its privacy policies and does not engage in data logging, further establishing trust with its users.
ExpressVPN offers several additional security measures, including:
•Kill Switch: Automatically disconnects the internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing data leaks. This feature is essential for maintaining privacy, especially when using unsecured networks or accessing sensitive information.
•DNS Leak Protection: Ensures that DNS requests are routed through the VPN, preventing leaks that could reveal your browsing activities. This feature is crucial for users who need to protect their DNS queries from being exposed to their ISP or other third parties.
•TrustedServer Technology: Ensures that all data is wiped from servers upon reboot, enhancing security and privacy. This technology uses RAM-only servers, which means that no data is written to hard drives, ensuring that all information is erased when the server is restarted.
ProtonVPN also provides robust additional security measures, such as:
•Secure Core: Routes traffic through multiple secure servers before leaving the ProtonVPN network, providing extra protection against network-based attacks. This feature is particularly beneficial for users in countries with strict internet censorship and surveillance.
•Tor over VPN: Allows users to access the Tor network through ProtonVPN for added anonymity. This feature is ideal for users who require maximum privacy and need to access the dark web securely.
•NetShield: A built-in ad blocker that also blocks malware and trackers. This feature enhances the browsing experience by blocking unwanted ads and protecting against malicious websites.
By comparing the security and privacy features of ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN, you can choose the VPN that best protects your online activities and personal information, ensuring a secure and private internet experience.
User Experience and Feedback
User experience and feedback provide valuable insights into the usability and reliability of a VPN service. User experience and feedback for ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN highlight real-world experiences and overall satisfaction. Here’s how users rate their experiences with these two VPNs:
ExpressVPN is widely praised for its user-friendly interface and ease of use. Users appreciate the straightforward setup process and the intuitive design of the apps. The VPN’s performance, reliability, and extensive server network receive high marks, making it a popular choice for both beginners and advanced users. ExpressVPN’s customer support is also highly rated, with 24/7 live chat support and a comprehensive knowledge base. Some users, however, mention that the service is relatively expensive compared to other VPNs, but many believe the cost is justified by the quality and reliability of the service.
ProtonVPN receives positive feedback for its strong security features and commitment to privacy. Users appreciate the transparent no-logs policy and the additional security measures, such as Secure Core and Tor over VPN. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, although some users find the setup process slightly more complex than other VPNs. ProtonVPN’s free plan is well-received, offering a good introduction to the service, but some users mention occasional speed limitations. Customer support is generally well-rated, with responsive email support and a detailed knowledge base. Some users also appreciate ProtonVPN’s commitment to transparency and its regular security audits.
ExpressVPN users frequently highlight the following:
•High Speed and Reliability: Consistently fast speeds and reliable connections, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and downloading large files.
•Excellent Customer Support: Responsive and helpful 24/7 live chat support, providing quick and effective solutions to user issues.
•User-Friendly Interface: Easy to navigate apps with a straightforward setup process, suitable for both beginners and advanced users.
•Premium Pricing: Some users find the service relatively expensive, but many believe the cost is justified by the quality and reliability of the service.
ProtonVPN users often mention:
•Strong Security and Privacy: Robust security features and a strict no-logs policy, providing peace of making it ideal for activities like streaming, gaming, and secure browsing. Lightway’s efficiency also means it uses less battery power, making it a great choice for mobile devices.
ProtonVPN also uses AES-256 encryption and supports OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols. These protocols are renowned for their robust security and reliable performance. ProtonVPN’s commitment to security is further demonstrated by its Secure Core feature, which routes traffic through multiple secure servers in privacy-friendly countries before exiting to the public internet. This multi-hop architecture provides an additional layer of security and privacy, especially useful for users in countries with high levels of censorship and surveillance.
ExpressVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that it does not store any information that could identify users or their activities. This policy has been independently audited, providing users with assurance that their data is not being logged or monitored. ExpressVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, a jurisdiction with strong privacy protections and no mandatory data retention laws, which further enhances its commitment to user privacy.
ProtonVPN also has a strict no-logs policy, guaranteeing that user activities are not recorded or monitored. The VPN is based in Switzerland, a country known for its stringent privacy laws, providing an additional layer of protection for users. ProtonVPN publishes regular transparency reports and has undergone independent security audits, reinforcing its commitment to user privacy and transparency.
ExpressVPN offers several additional security measures to enhance user protection:
•Kill Switch: This feature, known as Network Lock, ensures that internet traffic is blocked if the VPN connection drops, preventing data leaks.
•DNS Leak Protection: ExpressVPN routes DNS requests through its own secure DNS servers, preventing DNS leaks that could reveal browsing activities.
•TrustedServer Technology: This technology ensures that all servers run on volatile RAM, which means data is wiped with every reboot, enhancing security and privacy.
ProtonVPN provides robust additional security measures, including:
•Secure Core: This feature routes traffic through multiple secure servers in privacy-friendly countries before exiting to the public internet, providing enhanced protection against network-based attacks.
•Tor over VPN: ProtonVPN allows users to access the Tor network through its VPN for added anonymity and security.
•NetShield: A built-in ad blocker that also blocks malware and trackers, improving browsing security and performance.
By comparing the security and privacy features of ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN, you can choose the VPN that best protects your online activities and personal information, ensuring a secure and private internet experience.
User experience and feedback provide valuable insights into the usability and reliability of a VPN service. User experience and feedback for ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN highlight real-world experiences and overall satisfaction. Here’s how users rate their experiences with these two VPNs:
ExpressVPN is widely praised for its user-friendly interface and ease of use. The setup process is straightforward, and the apps are designed to be intuitive, making it accessible even for users with limited technical expertise. Users appreciate the consistent high speeds and reliability of the service, which is crucial for streaming, gaming, and other data-intensive activities. ExpressVPN’s customer support is highly rated, with 24/7 live chat support and a comprehensive knowledge base that provides quick and effective solutions to any issues. Some users, however, mention that the service is relatively expensive compared to other VPNs, but they often find the higher cost justified by the performance and features provided.
ProtonVPN receives positive feedback for its strong security features and commitment to privacy. Users value the transparent no-logs policy and the additional security measures, such as Secure Core and Tor over VPN. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, although some users find the setup process slightly more complex than other VPNs due to the extensive customization options available. ProtonVPN’s free plan is well-received, offering a good introduction to the service, but some users mention occasional speed limitations on the free plan. Customer support is generally well-rated, with responsive email support and a detailed knowledge base that helps users resolve issues effectively.
ExpressVPN users frequently highlight the following:
•High Speed and Reliability: Consistently fast speeds and reliable connections make it ideal for streaming, gaming, and other data-intensive activities.
•Excellent Customer Support: Responsive and helpful 24/7 live chat support and a comprehensive knowledge base provide quick and effective solutions to any issues.
•User-Friendly Interface: Easy to navigate apps with a straightforward setup process ensure accessibility for users of all technical levels.
•Premium Pricing: Some users find the service relatively expensive but often consider the higher cost justified by the performance and features provided.
ProtonVPN users often mention:
•Strong Security and Privacy: Robust security features and a strict no-logs policy provide excellent protection for online activities.
•Good Free Plan: A free plan that offers a solid introduction to the service and sufficient features for basic use.
•Additional Security Features: Secure Core and Tor over VPN are highly valued by privacy-conscious users.
•Occasional Speed Limitations: Some users experience slower speeds on the free plan, but those on the Plus plan enjoy better performance and faster speeds.
By considering user experience and feedback, you can gain insights into the real-world performance and usability of ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN, helping you choose the best VPN for your needs.
Choosing the right VPN is crucial for ensuring your online privacy and security. Features comparison: ExpressVPN vs ProtonVPN, performance and speed analysis, security and privacy features, and user experience and feedback highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each service. ExpressVPN excels in speed, performance, and ease of use, making it a great choice for users who prioritize these aspects. ProtonVPN stands out for its strong security features, commitment to privacy, and the value of its free plan. By understanding these elements, you can make an informed decision about which VPN service best meets your needs. Exploring these topics equips you with the knowledge and tools to protect your online activities and ensure a secure and private internet experience.