ExpressVPN vs Proton VPN: which one is better in 2026

Proton VPN and ExpressVPN are two market-leading VPNs, but they cater to different user bases. Proton VPN has made major improvements over the past year, positioning itself as a serious competitor to the leading VPNs. It places a strong emphasis on privacy and even offers a free version to make online protection accessible to everyone. In contrast, ExpressVPN focuses on premium performance, advanced security, and seamless streaming.

To help you find out which provider is actually a fit for your needs, I’ve prepared a detailed Proton VPN vs ExpressVPN comparison. Here, I take a look at how they compare regarding their background, security features, performance, streaming capabilities, price, and usability.

While ExpressVPN excels in content unblocking and connection performance, Proton VPN ultimately takes the lead in this comparison. It offers a stronger commitment to user privacy, a broader range of security features, a larger server network, and more affordable pricing.

Overview: ExpressVPN vs Proton VPN

Winner

Proton VPN

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Here, I’m comparing two market-leading VPNs, which stand out for different reasons. ExpressVPN is a well-rounded VPN, ideal for users who want to bypass geo-restrictions and stay secure online. It offers strong performance and advanced protection, though some may find it too expensive.

On the other hand, Proton VPN outrivals ExpressVPN in terms of user privacy, security features, apps, and pricing. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their online safety, and its reliable free version also makes it a strong short-term option.

Background and jurisdiction

ExpressVPN and Proton VPN have never experienced major data breaches and both follow strict no-logs policies. The WestCoast Labs report showed that ExpressVPN has experienced 1 DNS leak on Windows, while Proton VPN showed perfect results.

Also, ExpressVPN has already undergone 3 audits by KPMG, while ProtonVPN has been independently audited by Securitum four times.

ExpressVPN uses TrustedServer technology, also known as RAM-only servers. This means any data stored in memory is automatically wiped with every reboot. Together with its strict no-logs policy, ExpressVPN ensured that no user data out of 370 requests from the government was handed over, according to its Transparency report.

On the other hand, Proton VPN does not use RAM-only servers. However, it operates under privacy-friendly Swiss laws. It also follows a strict no-logs policy, which prevents the provider from sharing user data with third parties. According to its transparency report, Proton VPN has denied all requests to hand over user information, even in cases where Swiss law would have permitted disclosure.

Combined with the provider’s open-source approach, this makes Proton VPN a highly transparent service. Not only does it help you benefit from one of the world’s strictest data protection and privacy laws, but users can also review Proton VPN’s app code at any time on GitHub.

Even though ExpressVPN is also based in a privacy-friendly location (The British Virgin Islands), Proton VPN has a slight edge over it in terms of company background and user privacy. Its ideal choice of jurisdiction, open-source software, a clean past, and audited no-logs policy make it a trustworthy service.

Winner

Proton VPN

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Security features and encryption ciphers

Both ExpressVPN and Proton VPN offer top-tier security features, like a kill switch, ad and tracker blocker, double VPN, DNS leak protection, and dark web monitoring. However, Proton VPN takes the lead by providing more advanced features on lower-tier plans and supporting them across multiple devices.

Here’s a table that helps you see the key security differences between ExpressVPN and Proton VPN:

Whether you choose Proton VPN or ExpressVPN, your browsing data is protected using the market-leading AES-256 encryption cipher. This means your data is scattered into thousands of pieces, making it virtually impossible to trace it back to your real IP. However, no less important are the additional protection features.

ExpressVPN stands out with its parental control feature, which essentially blocks adult websites. The VPN regularly updates its blocklist, and the protection applies automatically once enabled. Another notable feature is the password manager, which comes with the Advanced and Pro plans.

Proton VPN also offers a password manager in its premium plans; however, only the Unlimited plan includes advanced password management features. As for the VPN, you receive the Secure Core feature, which protects you against network-based attacks. There’s also the VPN Accelerator, which is claimed to boost your connection speed noticeably.

Both Proton VPN and ExpressVPN include functional ad, tracker, and malicious website blockers to help you prevent malware. For individual users, ExpressVPN also offers a dedicated IP add-on with its most expensive plan, which can improve online security and make bypassing content blocks more reliable. Proton VPN’s dedicated IP feature is only available for businesses.

Server network and specialty servers

Proton VPN offers a massive server network of 16,700+ servers in 127 countries, potentially leaving ExpressVPN behind with an unknown number of servers in 105 countries. However, they also offer specialty servers, which are necessary for a seamless browsing experience.

Although ExpressVPN doesn’t disclose the exact number of its servers, I experienced no issues with server overload during testing, indicating there are enough servers to ensure smooth, lag-free browsing.

Both VPNs support P2P servers, which are useful for users who are looking for a torrenting VPN. Proton VPN also provides servers that work with the Tor network and help you access hidden websites.

One of the most important server types I look for in market-leading VPNs is the obfuscated servers, which can be found in both ExpressVPN and Proton VPN. Thanks to them, users in highly restrictive locations, such as China, Russia, or North Korea, can use the VPN to the fullest extent without revealing it.

Proton VPN also provides double VPN servers, which route your traffic through two encrypted servers instead of one. These servers are based in countries with strong privacy laws, ensuring an even higher protection level.

Winner

Proton VPN

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Subscription costs and value for money

For a long time, ExpressVPN has been known as one of the priciest VPNs on the market. Although it has recently dropped its prices, it remains more expensive than Proton VPN. The latter not only offers a better value for money across all of its paid plans, but it also offers a free one.

The table below compares the pricing structures of Proton VPN and ExpressVPN:

ExpressVPN offers three paid plans – Basic, Advanced, and Pro – each available in different subscription lengths. While the Basic plan starts at a relatively low monthly price, it excludes features such as tracker blocker, parental controls, and a password manager. Additionally, each plan supports a different number of simultaneous connections, ranging from 10 to 14 devices.

In comparison, Proton VPN has two types of paid plans – VPN Plus and Proton Unlimited – both available with different subscription lengths and allow up to 10 simultaneous connections. With either plan, you get access to all core Proton VPN features. However, the VPN Plus plan includes the basic version of the password manager, a smaller amount of encrypted cloud storage, and a private inbox with free features only.

If you’re looking for VPN protection for a single device only, Proton VPN is also one of the best freemium VPNs available today. Although it doesn’t work with streaming, and you can only choose from 5 server locations, the free version includes all necessary security features.

Speed performance and connection reliability

Both VPNs retain fast and stable connection speeds across different regions. However, ExpressVPN consistently stayed ahead of Proton VPN:

*The speed test results were taken from the Comprehensive VPN Testing Report 2025

As seen in the Comprehensive VPN Testing Report, ExpressVPN outperforms Proton VPN when connected to servers in the US (California), the UK, and Singapore. This showcases VPN’s connection reliability, regardless of the country you are in or trying to connect to.

For the speed test to be fair, the fastest tunneling protocols available on both VPNs were enabled. Proton VPN’s top option is the industry-standard WireGuard protocol, which delivers strong performance without compromising security. Additionally, Proton VPN includes a VPN Accelerator feature that is claimed to improve connection speeds by up to 400%.

ExpressVPN offers its proprietary Lightway tunneling protocol, written in the Rust programming language. It’s designed to be lightweight on both your connection and device, retaining most of your baseline speed while consuming less battery. Windows users also benefit from the Turbo toggle, which allows the VPN to tunnel more data simultaneously for improved performance.

All in all, ExpressVPN is the winner in speed and connectivity, retaining 78.8% of the baseline speed on average. Meanwhile, Proton VPN’s VPN Accelerator improves speeds, but it remains about 3% slower overall.

Winner

ExpressVPN

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Unblocking capabilities for streaming services

Both ExpressVPN and Proton VPN can unblock numerous geo-restricted streaming platforms. Thanks to their extensive server networks, I was able to access region-locked content on platforms like Peacock from Europe, as well as different Netflix and Amazon Prime Video libraries.

Below is a list of some of the streaming services I tested during my ExpressVPN vs Proton VPN review:

Proton VPN struggled with Netflix Japan, a region known for its exclusive catalog. Nevertheless, it easily accessed both Netflix US and UK, giving me plenty of geo-fenced content to enjoy. Yet, that wasn’t the case with the free Proton VPN version, as it didn’t manage to unblock any streaming service at all, which is probably due to overcrowded servers.

On the other hand, ExpressVPN not only accessed everything it was supposed to, but it also consistently allowed me to watch videos lag-free. I also didn’t encounter a single VPN detection message, showing that ExpressVPN reliably bypasses anti-VPN measures.

Moreover, ExpressVPN includes the MediaStreamer feature, which is also known as Smart DNS in other leading streaming VPNs. With it, you can access geo-restricted content on devices that don’t natively support VPN apps, such as older smart TVs or gaming consoles.

Putting it all together, ExpressVPN makes it a noticeably better VPN for streaming than Proton VPN. It easily unblocks all major streaming services, including global libraries, and offers a streaming-dedicated MediaStreamer feature for unlimited content unblocking on all devices.

Winner

ExpressVPN

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Support for torrenting and file sharing

Both ExpressVPN and Proton VPN support torrenting and are reliable VPNs for secure downloading of different types of files. Nonetheless, unlike ExpressVPN, Proton VPN offers the port forwarding feature, which is overall a rare find in market-leading VPNs.

Proton VPN also offers dedicated P2P servers that enhance download speeds while maintaining strong protection. ExpressVPN, on the other hand, doesn’t label specific P2P-optimized servers but allows P2P file sharing on all of its servers, showcasing a more unrestricted approach.

ExpressVPN’s stronger connection performance was also noticeable during torrenting. For testing, I used both VPNs to download files ranging from 6 GB to 24 GB. While the speed difference was modest, ExpressVPN still reached slightly higher peak speeds – about 0.5 Mbps faster than Proton VPN.

Overall, both VPNs are strong and reliable for torrenting. While Proton VPN includes the rare port forwarding feature, ExpressVPN delivers better download speeds and supports P2P file sharing on all of its servers.

Winner

draw

User experience and interface design

ExpressVPN and Proton VPN support all major operating systems and devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, routers, gaming consoles, and smart TVs. Additionally, you can use both VPNs as extensions on the most popular browsers, such as Chrome or Firefox.

However, their application designs are poles apart. ExpressVPN takes a simplistic approach. For some, this makes it easy to get around, while others might be missing a map to choose servers from or additional information like the connection status.

Both Windows and macOS apps are nearly identical and there’s also a Linux GUI app, easing the VPN experience for all.

In contrast, Proton VPN offers eye-catching and detailed applications. Whether you’re a Windows or Mac user, you’re getting an interactive map from which you can select a server location.

There’s also a tab for the connection status and mini feature suite, where you can quickly access key features and the settings section. Here, Linux users also receive the GUI app.

On mobile devices, both providers offer simplified yet still intuitive apps. ExpressVPN maintains a consistent design across desktop and mobile platforms, while Proton VPN removes the interactive map on mobile. However, the server lists are just as easy to use as the map.

Putting it all together, Proton VPN offers both user-friendly and technologically advanced apps, making them suitable for a more diverse audience. In the meantime, ExpressVPN showcases minimalism, which can be good and bad, depending on the user.

Winner

draw

Final thoughts: which service deserves your data?

ExpressVPN and Proton VPN are both top-tier VPN providers, but they’re built with different priorities in mind.

Proton VPN is the winner, as it offers better overall value. Its privacy-first approach, Swiss jurisdiction, open-source software, and feature-rich apps make it a more compelling option for security-conscious users. Add to that a reliable free version and you get a VPN that’s suitable for a diverse audience of users.

That said, ExpressVPN shines when it comes to speed, streaming, and overall performance. It’s a reliable choice for users who want easy access to geo-restricted content, consistently fast connections, and a minimalist app that works well across all devices.