Proton VPN vs ExpressVPN
Compare Proton VPN and ExpressVPN by device coverage, locations and the features you need.
On the plans compared here, Proton VPN covers 10 simultaneous devices; ExpressVPN covers 10 simultaneous devices. Start with the devices you use together, then check the locations and connection options you need. Network coverage: Proton VPN (VPN Plus: 20,000+ servers · 140+ countries); ExpressVPN (Servers in 113 countries).
Based on published provider facts and editorial assessment. How we evaluate. Some links earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.
Proton VPN
Proton VPN is aimed at: People who value open-source apps, public audit information and Swiss-based operations.
Read the review →ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is aimed at: People considering Lightway, TrustedServer and a tier chosen for their device allowance.
Read the review →
Want to test it on your own devices?
The quickest way to settle a shortlist is to check the official deal page, install the apps you actually use, and lean on the refund window if it is not the right fit.
Offer terms
Proton VPN: VPN Plus 2 years: $3.49/mo (USD)
ExpressVPN: Basic: $2.99/mo for the first 28 months
Headline rates may cover different prepaid terms. Compare the upfront payment, included months, renewal price and tax at checkout.
Upfront costs and renewal notes →Same device allowance
Both allow 10 simultaneous connections on the plans compared.
Refund terms
Proton VPN: 30-day initial-purchase refund; cancellation and refund request both required within the window
ExpressVPN: 30 days for eligible new users; app-store purchases excluded
Eligibility, payment method and subscription length can affect the guarantee.
The details side by side
| Head to head | Proton VPN | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly plan | VPN Plus monthly: $9.99/mo (USD) | Basic monthly: $14.99/mo (USD) |
| Advertised long-term offer | VPN Plus 2 years: $3.49/mo (USD) | Basic: $2.99/mo for the first 28 months |
| Devices on compared plan | 10 | 10 |
| Countries | 140+ | 113 |
| Network | VPN Plus: 20,000+ servers · 140+ countries | Servers in 113 countries |
| Refund window | 30-day initial-purchase refund; cancellation and refund request both required within the window | 30 days for eligible new users; app-store purchases excluded |
| Jurisdiction | Switzerland | British Virgin Islands |
| Protocol | WireGuard and Stealth; OpenVPN on Linux and IKEv2 on macOS apps | Lightway, WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2; platform support varies |
| Anti-blocking | Stealth protocol; platform availability varies | Automatic obfuscation on supported platforms |
| Audit / privacy | Open-source apps and five annual Securitum no-logs audits through 2026 | KPMG assurance of privacy commitments and TrustedServer as of February 2025; additional product security audits |
| WireGuard | ||
| Kill switch | ||
| Split tunneling | ||
| Audited no-logs | ||
| Score for overall | 8/10 | 8/10 |
Equal editorial scores do not produce a winner. Device limits correspond to the advertised entry plan; paid upgrades may differ.
Editorial scores by use case
Overall: Equal scores
Both have the same editorial overall score (8/10). There is no score-based winner. Compare the features, plan terms and privacy documents that matter to you.
Streaming: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has the higher editorial streaming score. Proton VPN: 8/10; ExpressVPN: 9/10. Scores summarize published features and our assessment, not measured performance or a guarantee of results.
Gaming: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has the higher editorial gaming score. Proton VPN: 7/10; ExpressVPN: 8/10. Scores summarize published features and our assessment, not measured performance or a guarantee of results.
Privacy: Proton VPN
Proton VPN has the higher editorial privacy score. Proton VPN: 9/10; ExpressVPN: 8/10. Scores summarize published features and our assessment, not measured performance or a guarantee of results.
What differs
Offer terms
Proton VPN: VPN Plus 2 years: $3.49/mo (USD). ExpressVPN: Basic: $2.99/mo for the first 28 months. Headline rates may cover different prepaid terms. Compare the upfront payment, included months, renewal price and tax at checkout.
Country coverage
Proton VPN lists 140+ countries versus ExpressVPN's 113, which can matter for travel and regional access.
Where each is based
Proton VPN is based in Switzerland, while ExpressVPN operates from British Virgin Islands. Jurisdiction is worth weighing if data-retention rules are part of your decision.
Main protocol
Proton VPN documents WireGuard and Stealth; OpenVPN on Linux and IKEv2 on macOS apps; ExpressVPN documents Lightway, WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2; platform support varies. Availability and defaults vary by app and platform.
Questions about Proton VPN vs ExpressVPN
Which is better, Proton VPN or ExpressVPN?
Both have the same editorial overall score (8/10). There is no score-based winner. Compare the features, plan terms and privacy documents that matter to you.
Which offer costs less?
Proton VPN: VPN Plus 2 years: $3.49/mo (USD). ExpressVPN: Basic: $2.99/mo for the first 28 months. Headline rates may cover different prepaid terms. Compare the upfront payment, included months, renewal price and tax at checkout.
Which one supports more devices?
Both allow 10 simultaneous connections on the plans compared.
Which is better for streaming?
ExpressVPN has the higher editorial streaming score. Proton VPN: 8/10; ExpressVPN: 9/10. Scores summarize published features and our assessment, not measured performance or a guarantee of results.
Which has the stronger privacy score?
Proton VPN has the higher editorial privacy score. Proton VPN: 9/10; ExpressVPN: 8/10. Scores summarize published features and our assessment, not measured performance or a guarantee of results.
Are both links affiliate links?
Some provider links may earn us a commission; others are ordinary links. This does not determine our scores. Prices, regional offers and eligibility must be confirmed on the provider website.
Sources and offer notes
Proton VPN
Provider fact check: 2026-10-02
USD VPN Plus offer checked October 2, 2026: $9.99 billed and renewed monthly, or $83.76 for the first 24 months ($3.49/mo equivalent), then $83.88 every 12 months. Check the final tax, regional offer and checkout total before subscribing. VPN Plus is separate from Proton Free.
- VPN Plus and Free plan differences (protonvpn.com)
- Current offers (check localized checkout) (protonvpn.com)
- Refund terms and Swiss operator (proton.me)
- 2026 annual no-logs audit announcement (protonvpn.com)
- Open-source apps and no-logs policy (protonvpn.com)
- WireGuard and Stealth by platform (protonvpn.com)
ExpressVPN
Provider fact check: 2026-10-02
USD Basic offer checked October 2, 2026: $14.99 billed monthly, or $83.72 prepaid for 28 months ($2.99/mo equivalent), then $99.95/year. Applicable sales tax is added at checkout. Confirm your regional offer and total; device limits and extras depend on the tier.
- Server locations and platform-specific protocols (expressvpn.com)
- Current Basic, Advanced and Pro prices, billing terms and device limits (expressvpn.com)
- WireGuard availability and custom implementation (expressvpn.com)
- Obfuscation, kill switch, split tunneling and TrustedServer (expressvpn.com)
- Security audits and transparency reports (expressvpn.com)
- February 2025 privacy-policy and TrustedServer assurance (expressvpn.com)
- Operator, refund eligibility and purchase-channel exclusions (expressvpn.com)
- Device coverage and vendor-stated British Virgin Islands base (expressvpn.com)
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