Proton VPN vs ExpressVPN
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Proton VPN is a security-focused VPN from Proton (of Proton Mail fame), featuring a strong no-logs policy, open-source apps, and a genuinely usable free tier. It is Swiss-based with a privacy-first reputation.
ExpressVPN is a premium consumer VPN known for fast speeds, a large global server network, and a very easy setup, with an audited no-logs policy. It is a mainstream, polished choice.
Free tier with unlimited data; paid plans add more servers/features.
No free tier; plans around $6.67–$12.95/month depending on term.
- Strong privacy reputation
- Open-source apps
- Real free tier
- Swiss jurisdiction
- Fast and reliable
- Very easy to use
- Large server network
- Good for streaming
- Free tier has limited servers
- Slower than premium on free
- Fewer servers than giants
- No free tier
- Pricier than rivals
- Fewer power-user features
What reviewers say
Proton VPN Reviews
4.3 (4)Recommend Proton VPN
Proton VPN has been part of our stack. Real free tier. Minor gripe: free tier has limited servers. Would recommend.
Solid choice
We rolled out Proton VPN last quarter. Strong privacy reputation. Minor gripe: fewer servers than giants. Would recommend.
Great vpn
Been using Proton VPN for a while. Swiss jurisdiction. No real complaints. Would recommend.
ExpressVPN Reviews
4.5 (4)Great vpn
We rolled out ExpressVPN last quarter. Good for streaming. No real complaints. Would recommend.
Great vpn
We rolled out ExpressVPN last quarter. Fast and reliable. Minor gripe: no free tier. Would recommend.
Great vpn
Been using ExpressVPN for a while. Very easy to use. Minor gripe: no free tier. Would recommend.
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Proton VPN
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Alternatives to ExpressVPN
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataExpressVPN offers faster, easier streaming with a larger server network but costs more, while Proton VPN provides strong privacy, open‑source apps, and a free tier at the expense of speed and server count.
Key differences
- •Pricing model – ExpressVPN is paid‑only; Proton VPN has a free tier.
- •Privacy focus – Proton VPN is open‑source and Swiss‑jurisdiction; ExpressVPN is not open‑source.
- •Server network size – ExpressVPN has a larger global network; Proton VPN has fewer servers.
- •Performance – ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol is marketed as faster; Proton VPN’s free tier is slower.
- •Power‑user features – Proton VPN offers Secure Core multi‑hop routing and an API; ExpressVPN does not.
Pricing & value
Proton VPN provides a usable free tier; ExpressVPN requires a paid subscription.
Ease of use / learning curve
ExpressVPN is described as very easy to use with simple apps for every platform.
Features & depth
Proton VPN includes Secure Core multi‑hop routing, open‑source apps, and an API, which ExpressVPN lacks.
Integrations & ecosystem
Proton VPN offers an API for integration; ExpressVPN does not.
Security & privacy
Proton VPN is open‑source, audited, and under Swiss jurisdiction; ExpressVPN is not open‑source.
Scalability
ExpressVPN’s larger global server network supports more locations and higher capacity.
Support
Both provide desktop apps for major platforms; no specific support details given.
Choose Proton VPN if…
Privacy‑focused users who need a free option, open‑source software, or multi‑hop routing.
Choose ExpressVPN if…
Mainstream users who prioritize speed, streaming, and a large server pool, and are willing to pay.
Common questions
Is there a free version of ExpressVPN?
No, ExpressVPN has no free tier; it requires a paid subscription.
Which VPN offers stronger privacy guarantees?
Proton VPN, with audited no‑logs policy, open‑source apps, and Swiss jurisdiction.
Can I use a VPN on Linux with both services?
Yes, both ExpressVPN and Proton VPN provide desktop apps for Linux.