ExpressVPN vs ProtonVPN
By Itai Varochik | Updated 2026
Quick Verdict
Overall Winner: ExpressVPN (4.6/5)
We tested ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN side-by-side. ExpressVPN comes out ahead overall, but ProtonVPN may be better for specific use cases.
Score Breakdown
| Criteria | ExpressVPN | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Features | 8.5/10 | 9/10 |
| Ease of Use | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Value for Money | 7/10 | 9/10 |
| Customer Support | 9/10 | 7/10 |
| Overall | 8.9/10 | 8.5/10 |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ExpressVPN | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Lightway Protocol | Yes | No |
| 105 Countries | Yes | No |
| Router App | Yes | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | No |
| Secure Core | No | Yes |
| Free Tier | No | Yes |
| Open Source | No | Yes |
Pricing Comparison
ExpressVPN: From $6.67/month
ProtonVPN: Free – $9.99/mo
ExpressVPN Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fastest speeds in testing via Lightway protocol
- Servers in 105 countries
- Excellent native router app (Aircove)
- Consistent streaming unblocking
- 24/7 live chat support
Cons
- Most expensive major VPN
- Only 8 simultaneous connections
- No ad/malware blocking feature
ProtonVPN Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best free VPN tier (no data limits, no ads)
- Swiss jurisdiction — strongest privacy laws
- Open-source clients (publicly auditable)
- Secure Core multi-hop
Cons
- Slower speeds than NordVPN and ExpressVPN
- Smaller server network
- Free tier limited to 1 device
Key Specifications
| Spec | ExpressVPN | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Pricing | From $6.67/month | Free – $9.99/mo |
| Year Founded | 2009 | 2017 |
| Headquarters | British Virgin Islands | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Employees | 1,000+ | 400+ |
| Servers | 3,000+ in 105 countries | 4,600+ in 91 countries |
| Protocol | Lightway | WireGuard (Stealth) |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 | 10 |
| Free Tier | N/A | Yes (no data caps) |
Our Verdict
ExpressVPN wins overall. Choose ExpressVPN if you value Speed-obsessed users. Choose ProtonVPN if you prioritize Privacy maximalists wanting Swiss jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ExpressVPN better than ProtonVPN?
Based on our testing, ExpressVPN scores higher with a rating of 4.6/5 compared to ProtonVPN's 4.4/5. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs.
What is the main difference between ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN?
ExpressVPN is known for: Premium high-speed VPN with Lightway protocol, 105 countries coverage, and router support.. ProtonVPN is known for: Swiss privacy-first VPN with free tier, open-source clients, and Secure Core architecture..
Which is cheaper, ExpressVPN or ProtonVPN?
ExpressVPN pricing: From $6.67/month. ProtonVPN pricing: Free – $9.99/mo.
Can I use ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN together?
While both tools serve similar purposes in the VPN Services category, some users do use complementary features from both platforms.
What are the pros of ExpressVPN?
Fastest speeds in testing via Lightway protocol. Servers in 105 countries. Excellent native router app (Aircove)
What are the pros of ProtonVPN?
Best free VPN tier (no data limits, no ads). Swiss jurisdiction — strongest privacy laws. Open-source clients (publicly auditable)
Which vpn services should I choose?
Choose ExpressVPN if you value Speed-obsessed users. Choose ProtonVPN if you prioritize Privacy maximalists wanting Swiss jurisdiction.