ExpressVPN vs Proton VPN (2026)
Head-to-head on price, speed, privacy posture and features - based on our independent reviews of both providers.
Score comparison
| ExpressVPN | Proton VPN | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 8.7 | 9.3 | Proton VPN |
| Speed & reliability | 9.0 | 9.1 | Proton VPN |
| Privacy & trust | 8.3 | 9.8 | Proton VPN |
| Features & coverage | 8.4 | 9.4 | Proton VPN |
| Value for money | 7.6 | 9.2 | Proton VPN |
| Ease of use | 9.6 | 8.8 | ExpressVPN |
Side by side
| ExpressVPN | Proton VPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $3.49/mo | $3.59/mo |
| Service types | Consumer VPN | Consumer VPN, Free VPN |
| Jurisdiction | British Virgin Islands outside 5/9/14 Eyes | Switzerland outside 5/9/14 Eyes |
| Logging policy | No-logs, independently audited | No-logs, independently audited |
| Independent audits | KPMG (2025) Cure53 (2024) | Securitum (2025) Securitum (2024) |
| Network | 3K servers | 12K servers |
| Country coverage | 105 | 117 |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| Free tier | - | ✓ |
| Support | chat, email, knowledge-base · 24/7 | tickets, email, knowledge-base |
| Pay with crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
Which should you pick?
Choose ExpressVPN if this fits: best apps and router support. ExpressVPN still makes the most refined software in the category and its router story is unmatched, but you pay a premium for it, and the Kape ownership is a fair reason for privacy purists to look elsewhere.
Choose Proton VPN if this fits: best vpn for privacy, and the best free tier anywhere. Proton VPN is the strongest overall package for anyone who cares why they are buying a VPN: open-source audited apps, Swiss jurisdiction, and a free tier with no data cap and no catch.
Overall, our scores favor Proton VPN (9.3 vs 8.7) - but the right choice depends on which trade-offs matter to you. Read the full ExpressVPN review and Proton VPN review.