PrivacyFocus

ProtonVPN

89
vs

ExpressVPN

87
ProtonVPNExpressVPN
Pricing$4.49/month$6.67/month
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux, iOSWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS
privacy
96
90
speed
86
94
security
95
91
features
88
82
value
90
74
usability
87
95

Our Verdict

This is extremely close comparison. ProtonVPN takes the lead with an overall score of 89/100 versus ExpressVPN's 87/100. The biggest difference between the two is in value, where ProtonVPN scores 90 compared to ExpressVPN's 74. Choose ProtonVPN if you prioritise privacy advocates who value open-source transparency and swiss legal protections — it excels for users who value best free vpn tier available — no data limits, no ads, and reasonable speeds. Choose ExpressVPN if users who prioritise speed and reliability above all else matters more to you, particularly if you want lightway protocol delivers among the fastest connection speeds available. Both tools are strong choices, but your decision should come down to which feature set aligns with your priorities and budget.

ProtonVPN

A security-focused VPN from the team behind ProtonMail, offering a generous free tier and Swiss privacy protections, with a strong emphasis on transparency and open-source code.

Full review →

ExpressVPN

A premium VPN service known for its speed, reliability, and polished applications, headquartered in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands.

Full review →

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, ProtonVPN or ExpressVPN?

ProtonVPN scores 89/100 compared to ExpressVPN's 87/100 in our review. However, the best choice depends on your requirements — ProtonVPN is best for privacy advocates who value open-source transparency and swiss legal protections, whilst ExpressVPN is best for users who prioritise speed and reliability above all else.

Is ProtonVPN free?

ProtonVPN starts at $4.49/month. ExpressVPN starts at $6.67/month.

Which VPN is more secure?

Both ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN offer strong security. ProtonVPN scores 95 for security, whilst ExpressVPN scores 91. See our full reviews for detailed security analysis.

Can I switch from ProtonVPN to ExpressVPN?

Yes. Most VPNs make it straightforward to switch. Cancel your existing subscription, export any saved data if applicable, and sign up with the new provider. We recommend running both simultaneously for a brief overlap period to ensure a smooth transition.

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