When it comes to top-tier VPNs, ExpressVPN and Proton VPN are two names that consistently rise to the top. Both offer vast server networks, strong privacy protections, and a suite of advanced features that make them more than just basic VPNs. I’ve thoroughly tested both, and each one shines in different ways, depending on what matters most to you. In this comparison, I break down how they stack up in design, value, performance, features, and streaming capabilities—so you can decide which one best fits your needs.
Price: Proton Offers More Value at a Lower Cost
It’s tough to beat Proton VPN on price, thanks to its free tier. ExpressVPN doesn’t offer a free tier, so it’s already behind in this round. The premium plans swing in Proton’s favor as well. The base monthly subscription for Proton VPN costs $9.99, while ExpressVPN’s basic tier costs $12.99.
(Credit: PCMag/Proton VPN)
Both Proton and Express have advanced tiers that unlock more features. Proton Unlimited gives you access to a suite of privacy tools beyond the VPN. Those additional tools include Proton Pass, the company’s password manager, and its free tier is one of the best we’ve seen for individual use. Proton’s encrypted mail service, aptly named Proton Mail, has a free version that supports a single email with up to 150 emails per day. Proton Drive is fully encrypted and keeps your files safe from AI data scraping. Likewise, Proton Docs and Sheets are relatively new cloud-based office applications that prioritize privacy. You get access to all of those tools for $12.99 per month. You get the same set of 10 simultaneous device connections on both the regular Plus plan and the Proton Unlimited tier. No VPN features are paywalled between different tiers of service with Proton.
(Credit: PCMag/ExpressVPN)
On the other hand, ExpressVPN offers two additional tiers: Advanced and Pro. The Advanced plan bumps simultaneous connections up from 10 on the Basic plan to 12, adds an advanced ad and tracker blocker, gives you access to the ExpressKeys password manager, five-tier identity monitoring, and 100MB of monthly email forwarding for $13.99 per month. The Pro plan unlocks 14 simultaneous device connections, dedicated IP addresses, 11-tier identity monitoring, and unlimited email protection for $19.99 per month.
ExpressVPN’s premium plans definitely have a compelling set of features, but the price is steep even compared with other top VPNs. You get some quality features like split tunneling and a configurable kill switch with ExpressVPN, but Proton delivers those same features and adds even more, like multi-hop servers, for a lower cost. One feature that ExpressVPN is ahead of the curve on is post-quantum encryption (PQE). Express was one of the first VPNs to adopt this new encryption standard, while Proton’s implementation is still in development. Since we’re not quite in a world of quantum-computer attacks, PQE is simply a nice-to-have feature that doesn’t quite pull its weight to justify the higher price point of ExpressVPN.
Winner: Proton VPN
Design: Sleek, User-Friendly Apps for Both
While some elements of VPN app designs are subjective, I do my best to keep the evaluations in this section as objective as possible.
Proton’s purple-on-black app is sleek and easy to use. The mobile and desktop versions of the apps have purple and green backlighting, which highlights the interface well. Overall, Proton is streamlined, with clear settings, differentiated menus, and a large server map that makes it easy to see where you’re connecting. Settings are well organized, with clear descriptions for each and links back to support articles for complete tutorials.
(Credit: PCMag/Proton VPN)
ExpressVPN takes a different approach, with a slick white-and-red design that focuses on simplicity. Its single-button dashboard makes it especially easy for beginners to connect to the right server, but there’s still plenty under the hood for advanced users to tinker with. Much like Proton, ExpressVPN’s settings are clearly labeled in its menus.
(Credit: PCMag/ExpressVPN)
Ultimately, the best option between the two will come down to your personal aesthetic preference. Neither interface has any notable drawbacks.
Winner: Tie
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Server Count and Locations: Proton Leads in Global Coverage
Server counts can be nebulous, as these figures tend to change daily. So, don’t take these numbers as definitive data. At the time of writing, Proton VPN has 18,602 servers operating in 129 countries. Meanwhile, ExpressVPN has a less exact claim of around 3,000 servers in 105 countries.
Proton clears the bar in this category by a wide margin. Even so, ExpressVPN’s network is still sizable in its own right and likely has connection options near your location.
Winner: Proton VPN
Speed and Performance: ExpressVPN Pulls Ahead With Lightway
Both VPNs performed well in testing, but ExpressVPN is the clear winner here. It’s one of the fastest VPNs I’ve tested, thanks to its Lightway protocol. It only dropped my download speeds by 18.55%, and my upload speeds were even better, down just 7.45%. Last up is latency, which increased by 95.62%. Those speeds, coupled with a decent server network and reliable streaming access, make it a solid choice for accessing global content. It’s one of my favorite picks for international travel for that reason.
Recommended by Our Editors
Meanwhile, Proton VPN reduced my download speeds by 20.11%, reduced upload speeds by 43.21%, and increased latency by 351.26%.
Express is the clear winner in this round. Just keep in mind that my speed tests aren’t the final verdict on overall performance. Your experience will vary based on your local connection, nearby server congestion, and other factors.
Winner: ExpressVPN
Streaming: Both VPNs Deliver Reliable Access Worldwide
I test whether a VPN can access Netflix’s library of content from five regions across the globe, including Australia, Canada, Japan, the UK, and the US. The full breakdown of my testing results can be found in the chart below:
Both services accessed all five catalogs without encountering any restrictions.
Winner: Tie
And The Winner Is…
Both Proton VPN and ExpressVPN are Editors’ Choice winners, but they differ in key areas. ExpressVPN offered faster speeds and lower latency in testing, but lags behind in pricing and feature consistency across its plans, making it less accessible to budget-conscious users. Proton delivers reliable, anonymous VPN connections even on its free tier, while keeping its premium plans fully featured and affordable. Beyond pricing, Proton clearly takes the lead with a larger server network, more advanced features, and a comprehensive security suite, making it the more well-rounded choice and the winner of this matchup.
