This matchup sets a VPN for privacy purists against one for streaming fans. Their approaches could hardly be more different. ExpressVPN puts universal compatibility and fast streaming first. ProtonVPN comes from the…
A premium-priced VPN based in the British Virgin Islands, with RAM-only servers and a no-logs policy audited 23 times. It suits travelers and journalists.
ProtonVPN is a Swiss VPN from the Proton Mail team with open-source apps and a free tier that has no data cap or ads. It suits privacy-first users.
This matchup sets a VPN for privacy purists against one for streaming fans. Their approaches could hardly be more different. ExpressVPN puts universal compatibility and fast streaming first. ProtonVPN comes from the privacy-first team behind ProtonMail and has features that would make Edward Snowden proud.
ProtonVPN's Secure Core routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries like Switzerland and Iceland before it reaches its final destination. ExpressVPN doesn't offer anything like it. ExpressVPN's TrustedServer technology, on the other hand, runs entirely in RAM, so no data can be physically stored on its servers. ProtonVPN's free tier stands out, with unlimited bandwidth (albeit with speed restrictions), while ExpressVPN has no free option at all.
For streaming, ExpressVPN is well ahead of the field. ProtonVPN's streaming is improving but inconsistent. ProtonVPN is significantly cheaper, especially once you count its free tier.
| Feature | Express VPN | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
Ad & Tracker Blocking | ||
Anonymous Payment Methods | ||
Connection Protocols | ||
Custom VPN Protocols | ||
Customer Support Availability | ||
Dedicated IP Option | ||
Encryption Standard | ||
Independent Audits | ||
IPv6 Leak Protection | ||
Kill Switch | ||
Multi-Hop | ||
No-logs Policy | ||
Open Source Apps | ||
RAM-only Servers | ||
Simultaneous Connections | ||
Split Tunneling | ||
Streaming Support | ||
Support Channels | ||
Torrenting Support |
Decide first whether privacy or reliable streaming matters more to you. Choose ProtonVPN if you're a privacy advocate who wants military-grade security and likes having a free tier that is worth using. Go with ExpressVPN if streaming is your priority and you're willing to pay premium prices for top performance. For privacy-conscious users on a budget, ProtonVPN is the clear winner.
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