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The VPN landscape is filled with remarkable choices, but ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN shine brightly among them. Both offer compelling features aimed at safeguarding your online privacy, yet when directly compared, what distinctions can be observed?
That’s exactly what we’re here to discover. Welcome to our detailed showdown between ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN, where we’ll dissect their features, compare their strengths and weaknesses, and help you choose the right shield for your cyber world.
Let’s buckle up and dive into this cyber duel, revealing which VPN might be your perfect privacy partner.
Table of Contents
Understanding VPNs
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a service that allows you to create a secure connection to another network over the internet. It is a tool that can help protect your digital privacy and anonymity by encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through a remote server.
One of the key features of a VPN is its ability to encrypt your internet traffic. Encryption is the process of converting data into a code that can only be read by someone who has the key to unlock it. This makes it difficult for anyone to intercept or read your internet traffic, including your internet service provider (ISP) or hackers.
Another important feature of a VPN is its ability to provide anonymity. By routing your internet traffic through a remote server, a VPN can mask your IP address and make it appear as though you are accessing the internet from a different location. This can help protect your online privacy by preventing websites and advertisers from tracking your online activity.
Some VPNs, like ProtonVPN, offer a feature called Secure Core. Secure Core routes your internet traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries before it reaches its final destination. This provides an extra layer of security and privacy, making it more difficult for anyone to trace your internet activity back to you.
When choosing a VPN, it is important to consider its encryption standards and whether it keeps logs of your internet activity. A no-logs policy means that the VPN does not keep any records of your online activity, providing an extra layer of privacy and security.
ProtonVPN Overview
When it comes to online privacy and security, ProtonVPN is a popular choice among users. Based in Switzerland, this VPN service offers a range of features to protect your online activity from prying eyes.
One of the standout features of ProtonVPN is its server fleet. It offers servers in over 50 countries, allowing users to access geo-restricted content from around the world. The VPN service also offers apps for Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Linux, as well as support for desktop and routers.
ProtonVPN’s Secure Core feature is another highlight of the VPN service. It routes user traffic through multiple servers before leaving the VPN network, ensuring that even if one server is compromised, the user’s IP address remains hidden.
ProtonVPN offers both a free plan and a Plus plan. The free plan includes access to servers in three countries, while the Plus plan offers access to all servers and additional features such as the ability to use the VPN service on up to 10 devices simultaneously.
In terms of security, ProtonVPN offers robust encryption and leak protection. The VPN service also includes a kill switch, which automatically disconnects the user from the internet if the VPN connection is lost.
Overall, ProtonVPN is a reliable VPN service that offers strong security and privacy features. Its server fleet, Secure Core feature, and free plan make it an attractive option for users looking to protect their online activity.
ExpressVPN Overview
[ExpressVPN] is a virtual private network (VPN) service provider based in the British Virgin Islands. With servers in over 90 countries, ExpressVPN offers one of the largest server networks in the VPN industry.
ExpressVPN provides user-friendly apps for Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Linux, as well as browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Additionally, ExpressVPN can be set up on a variety of devices, including desktops, routers, and more.
One of the standout features of ExpressVPN is its kill switch, which automatically disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops. This ensures that your online activities remain private and secure at all times. ExpressVPN also offers leak protection, which prevents your IP address and DNS queries from being exposed.
When it comes to security and privacy, ExpressVPN uses AES-256 encryption, which is considered to be one of the most secure encryption methods available. ExpressVPN also has a strict no-logs policy, meaning that it does not collect or store any data that could be used to identify you.
Overall, ExpressVPN is a reliable and secure VPN service that offers a wide range of features and excellent performance.
Speed Comparison
When it comes to VPNs, speed is a critical factor to consider. We conducted tests to compare the speed of ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN. Our tests were carried out on different servers and at different times of the day to ensure accuracy.
ExpressVPN consistently outperformed ProtonVPN in terms of speed. We found that ExpressVPN had faster download and upload speeds than ProtonVPN. ExpressVPN’s download speeds averaged around 90 Mbps, while ProtonVPN’s download speeds averaged around 60 Mbps. ExpressVPN’s upload speeds averaged around 75 Mbps, while ProtonVPN’s upload speeds averaged around 50 Mbps.
We also tested both VPNs on different devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. We found that ExpressVPN performed consistently well across all devices, while ProtonVPN’s performance was more inconsistent.
Overall, if speed is a top priority for you, we would recommend ExpressVPN over ProtonVPN. However, if you prioritize privacy and security over speed, ProtonVPN is still a solid choice.
Security and Privacy
One of the most important aspects of security is encryption. Both ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN use 256-bit AES encryption, which is considered to be highly secure and virtually unbreakable. This means that all data transmitted through their servers is encrypted and cannot be intercepted by third parties.
Another critical aspect of privacy is the logging policy. ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN both have a strict no-logs policy, which means they do not keep any records of users’ online activities. This is important because it ensures that users’ online activities remain private and anonymous.
When it comes to government surveillance, both VPNs are headquartered outside the Five Eyes and Fourteen Eyes countries, which means they are not subject to mandatory data retention laws. This is a significant advantage because it ensures that users’ data is not accessible to government agencies.
Location and Jurisdiction
When it comes to choosing a VPN service, the location and jurisdiction of the provider are important factors to consider. In this section, we will compare the location and jurisdiction of ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN.
ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, which is known for its strong privacy laws and neutral stance. This means that ProtonVPN is not subject to any mandatory data retention laws and is not part of any intelligence-sharing alliances, like the Five Eyes. Additionally, ProtonVPN is headquartered in Geneva, which is home to many international organizations, including the United Nations, making it a prime location for a privacy-focused company.
On the other hand, ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, which is also known for its strong privacy laws and lack of mandatory data retention laws. However, the British Virgin Islands are a British Overseas Territory, which means that they are subject to British law. While the British Virgin Islands are not part of the Five Eyes, the UK government can request data from companies based in the territory.
Overall, both ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN are located in countries with strong privacy laws and are committed to protecting user privacy. However, if location and jurisdiction are important factors for you, ProtonVPN may be the better choice due to its location in Switzerland.
Streaming and Torrenting
When it comes to streaming and torrenting, both ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN are excellent options. Both VPNs are designed to provide users with fast and reliable connections that are perfect for streaming movies and TV shows, as well as downloading files via torrent clients.
Streaming
Both ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN are capable of unblocking popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. However, ExpressVPN is generally considered to be the better option for streaming due to its larger server network and faster speeds.
Torrenting
Both ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN allow users to torrent files without any restrictions. However, ExpressVPN is generally considered to be the better option for torrenting due to its faster speeds and more reliable connections.
ExpressVPN also offers a feature called Network Lock, which is designed to prevent data leaks in case the VPN connection drops. This is an important feature for users who want to protect their privacy while torrenting.
Netflix Libraries
Both ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN are capable of unblocking different Netflix libraries from around the world. However, ExpressVPN is generally considered to be the better option for unblocking different Netflix libraries due to its larger server network and faster speeds.
Overall, both ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN are excellent options for streaming and torrenting. However, ExpressVPN is generally considered to be the better option due to its faster speeds and more reliable connections.
Customer Support
Comparison
In terms of customer support, both ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN offer reliable and prompt support through email and knowledge base. However, ExpressVPN has an advantage over ProtonVPN when it comes to live chat support. ExpressVPN offers 24/7 live chat support, which is not available with ProtonVPN. This can be a significant factor for users who need immediate assistance.
Pricing and Subscription
When it comes to choosing a VPN, pricing is an important factor to consider. Both ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN offer different subscription plans with varying prices.
ProtonVPN offers four different plans: Free, Basic, Plus, and Visionary. The Free plan is limited in terms of features and servers, while the Basic plan offers more features and servers for a reasonable price of $5.00 per month. The Plus plan offers even more features and servers for $10.00 per month, while the Visionary plan includes all the features of the Plus plan and adds a ProtonMail account for $30.00 per month.
ExpressVPN, on the other hand, offers three different pricing plans: Monthly, 6-Months, and Annual. The Monthly plan is priced at $12.95 per month, while the 6-Months plan is priced at $9.99 per month and the Annual plan is priced at $8.32 per month. All of the plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, which means you can try the VPN risk-free.
In terms of value, ProtonVPN offers more affordable options, especially for their Basic and Plus plans. However, ExpressVPN’s Annual plan is a great value for those who want to commit to using the VPN long-term.
Both ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN offer a money-back guarantee. ProtonVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for all of their plans, while ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for all of their plans as well.
Overall, both ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN offer competitive pricing plans and a money-back guarantee, making it easy to try out their services and decide which VPN is the best fit for your needs.
Additional Features
In addition to the basic VPN functionalities, both ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN offer a range of additional features to enhance the user experience. These features include:
- Split-tunneling: Both ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN offer split-tunneling, which allows users to select which apps or websites use the VPN and which do not. This can be useful for accessing local content or improving connection speeds.
- Browser extensions: Both VPNs offer browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. These extensions allow users to quickly connect to the VPN and protect their browsing activity.
- Functionality: ExpressVPN offers a range of advanced features such as obfuscation, the Onion Router (Tor) support, perfect forward secrecy, full leak protection, and a password manager. ProtonVPN, on the other hand, offers Secure Core, which routes traffic through multiple servers to provide an extra layer of security.
- Simultaneous connections: Both VPNs allow users to connect multiple devices simultaneously. ExpressVPN allows up to five devices, while ProtonVPN allows up to ten devices.
Reviews and Ratings
ExpressVPN has consistently received high praise for its reliability and ease of use. In a recent review by SafetyDetectives, ExpressVPN was named the winner in servers, speeds, streaming, gaming, bypassing internet restrictions, and customer support. The reviewer also noted that ExpressVPN’s app is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
On the other hand, ProtonVPN has also received positive reviews for its trustworthiness and security. Restore Privacy conducted 8 tests and concluded that ProtonVPN outperformed ExpressVPN in terms of DNS leak protection, IPv6 leak protection, and kill switch functionality. Additionally, Cybernews praised ProtonVPN’s excellent security features and good streaming performance.
Final Verdict
After extensively testing both ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN, we have come to a final verdict on which VPN service is better. Here’s what we found:
Winner
In terms of overall performance, we have to give the edge to ExpressVPN. It outperformed ProtonVPN in almost every category we tested, including servers, speeds, streaming, gaming, bypassing internet restrictions, and customer support. While ProtonVPN is a solid VPN service, it simply couldn’t match the level of quality and reliability that ExpressVPN provided.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a VPN service that can deliver fast speeds, reliable connections, and top-notch customer support, then ExpressVPN is the way to go. It’s the clear winner in this comparison and offers a more well-rounded and polished service than ProtonVPN.
Fresh and Relevant
It’s worth noting that both ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN are constantly updating their services and adding new features. So while our comparison is accurate as of July 2023, it’s possible that these rankings could shift in the future. We recommend keeping an eye on both of these VPN services to see how they evolve over time.
ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | ProtonVPN | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | Reliable with strong security and privacy features. Standout features include a server fleet in over 50 countries, Secure Core feature, and free plan. | Reliable and secure with a wide range of features and excellent performance. Standout feature is its vast server network. |
| Speed | Average download speed: 60 Mbps, Average upload speed: 50 Mbps, Performance can be inconsistent across devices. | Average download speed: 90 Mbps, Average upload speed: 75 Mbps, Consistent performance across devices. |
| Security & Privacy | 256-bit AES encryption, No-logs policy, Tor over VPN and Secure Core for extra security. | 256-bit AES encryption, No-logs policy. |
| Location & Jurisdiction | Based in Switzerland known for strong privacy laws. Not part of intelligence-sharing alliances. | Based in the British Virgin Islands with strong privacy laws but subject to British law. |
| Streaming & Torrenting | Can unblock popular streaming services but speed may be a limitation. Allows torrenting. | Better option for streaming and torrenting due to faster speeds. MediaStreamer feature for unblocking content. |
| Netflix Libraries | Capable of unblocking different Netflix libraries, but speed might be a concern. | Better at unblocking different Netflix libraries due to larger server network and faster speeds. |
| Customer Support | Provides support through email, knowledge base, and live chat (not 24/7). | Provides support through email, knowledge base, and live chat (24/7). |
| Pricing & Subscription | Offers Free, Basic ($5/month), Plus ($10/month), and Visionary ($30/month) plans. 30-day money-back guarantee. | Offers Monthly ($12.95/month), 6-Months ($9.99/month), and Annual ($8.32/month) plans. 30-day money-back guarantee. |
| Additional Features | Split-tunneling, browser extensions, Secure Core, and up to 10 simultaneous connections. | Split-tunneling, browser extensions, advanced features like obfuscation and perfect forward secrecy, up to 5 connections. |
ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN FAQs
Which VPN is better for streaming, ProtonVPN or ExpressVPN?
Both ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN are great for streaming. They have no trouble unblocking powerful geo-restrictions, including the difficult-to-bypass Netflix Japan. The same could also be said for other major streaming sites like HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube. However, in our tests, ExpressVPN was faster and more consistent than ProtonVPN when it came to streaming.
Are there any significant differences in the security features between ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN?
Both ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN are highly secure VPN services, but they do have some differences in their security features. ProtonVPN offers a unique Secure Core feature that routes your traffic through multiple servers before it reaches its final destination, providing an extra layer of security. ExpressVPN, on the other hand, offers split tunneling, which allows you to choose which apps use the VPN and which don’t. This can be useful if you need to use certain apps that don’t work well with a VPN.
Which VPN offers better customer support, ProtonVPN or ExpressVPN?
Both ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN offer excellent customer support. They both have 24/7 live chat support and email support. However, in our experience, ExpressVPN’s customer support was faster and more helpful than ProtonVPN’s.
Does ProtonVPN offer a free version like ExpressVPN?
Yes, ProtonVPN does offer a free version, but it is very limited. The free version only allows you to connect to three servers and has a slower connection speed. ExpressVPN, on the other hand, does not offer a free version, but they do have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Are there any notable differences in the pricing of ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN?
Prices for ProtonVPN’s Plus plan start at $10 per month, which means it’s a little less expensive than ExpressVPN ($12.95 per month). However, ExpressVPN offers a six-month plan that narrows the price gap and lowers the cost to $9.99 per month. Over longer periods of time, ExpressVPN actually comes out on top.
Which VPN is better for torrenting, ProtonVPN or ExpressVPN?
Both ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN allow torrenting and have no restrictions on P2P file sharing. However, in our tests, ExpressVPN was faster and more reliable for torrenting than ProtonVPN. Additionally, ExpressVPN has a Network Lock feature that prevents your internet connection from dropping if the VPN connection is lost, which can be important for torrenting.
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