ProtonVPN
vs
Express VPN

ProtonVPN vs Express VPN

A fascinating clash between privacy idealism and commercial excellence unfolds as ProtonVPN's Swiss-engineered privacy fortress meets ExpressVPN's streaming supremacy. ProtonVPN emerged from the team behind ProtonMail…

ProtonVPN

Best for: Privacy-focused
  • No-logs Policy
  • Multi-Hop
  • Independent Audits

Secure and Free VPN Service from the Creators of ProtonMail

£5.45/month
End of year sale: 75% off

Express VPN

Best for: Geo-restricted content
  • No-logs Policy
  • Streaming Support
  • Custom VPN Protocols

High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service

£6.67/month

Detailed Comparison

A fascinating clash between privacy idealism and commercial excellence unfolds as ProtonVPN's Swiss-engineered privacy fortress meets ExpressVPN's streaming supremacy. ProtonVPN emerged from the team behind ProtonMail with an uncompromising commitment to user anonymity, while ExpressVPN has perfected the art of premium VPN services for mainstream users.

The free tier battlefield sees ProtonVPN offering unlimited bandwidth (with speed restrictions) across 3 countries, while ExpressVPN provides no free option whatsoever. Unique features showcase ProtonVPN's Secure Core technology, routing traffic through privacy-friendly jurisdictions like Switzerland and Iceland, versus ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer DNS for devices that don't support VPNs.

Streaming performance isn't even close – ExpressVPN dominates with dedicated infrastructure and SmartPlay technology, while ProtonVPN's geo-unblocking capabilities are improving but inconsistent. Privacy credentials heavily favor ProtonVPN with Swiss privacy laws, open-source applications, and independently audited infrastructure. Pricing shows ProtonVPN as more affordable, especially considering its robust free tier.

Key Metrics

Rating
ProtonVPN
4.1/5
vs
Express VPN
4.1/5
Monthly Price
ProtonVPN
£5.45
vs
Express VPN
£6.67

Feature Comparison

FeatureProtonVPNExpress VPN
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

Our Verdict

This choice reflects your core digital priorities. Choose ProtonVPN if you're a privacy advocate who values Swiss privacy laws, appreciates military-grade security features, and wants a genuinely useful free tier. Go with ExpressVPN if streaming reliability is paramount, you prefer premium user experiences, and are willing to pay top dollar for consistent performance. For privacy-conscious users on a budget, ProtonVPN offers unmatched value and principles.

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