ZeroToVPN
VPN Comparison 2026

ExpressVPN vs ProtonVPN

Comprehensive comparison of features, pricing, speed, and security to help you choose the best VPN for your needs.

ExpressVPN

Rating: 4.7/5
Winner
Best Price:$8.32/mo
Servers:3,000+
Countries:105
Speed Score:96%

ProtonVPN

Rating: 4.5/5
Best Price:$2.49/mo
Servers:15,000+
Countries:120
Speed Score:88%

Based on our comprehensive testing, ExpressVPN comes out ahead overall.

Last updated: 2月 2026

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature
ExpressVPN
ProtonVPN
Overall Rating
4.7/5
4.5/5
Monthly Price
$12.95/mo
$9.99/mo
Best Price (2yr plan)
$8.32/mo
$2.49/mo
Money-Back Guarantee
30 days
30 days
Free Tier
Total Servers
3,000+
15,000+
Countries
105
120
Simultaneous Devices
8
10
Speed Score
96%
88%
Security Score
97%
99%
Streaming Score
98%
80%
Protocols
LightwayOpenVPNIKEv2
WireGuardOpenVPNIKEv2
Encryption
AES-256
AES-256
Kill Switch
No-Logs Policy
Netflix Support
Torrenting Support
Get Started
Read Review
Read Review

Pros and Cons

ExpressVPN

Pros

  • Fastest VPN speeds overall
  • Best for streaming (works everywhere)
  • Easy-to-use apps
  • Excellent customer support
  • TrustedServer technology

Cons

  • Most expensive option
  • Only 8 simultaneous connections
  • No dedicated IP option

ProtonVPN

Pros

  • Free tier available (no data limits)
  • Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland
  • Open source and audited
  • Secure Core servers
  • Integrates with ProtonMail

Cons

  • Free tier has limited servers
  • Streaming support is inconsistent
  • Fewer server locations

Final Verdict

ExpressVPN comes out ahead in this comparison with a higher overall rating of 4.7/5 compared to ProtonVPN's 4.5/5. Premium VPN with fastest speeds and best streaming support.

Choose ExpressVPN if:

  • You prioritize faster speeds (96%)

Choose ProtonVPN if:

  • You need stronger security (99%)
  • You want more server options (15,000+ servers)
  • You're looking for better value ($2.49/mo)

ExpressVPN

4.7/5 Rating$8.32/mo
Read Full Review

ProtonVPN

4.5/5 Rating$2.49/mo
Read Full Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ExpressVPN better than ProtonVPN?+
ExpressVPN is rated higher overall with a score of 4.7/5 compared to ProtonVPN's 4.5/5. ExpressVPN Premium VPN with fastest speeds and best streaming support. However, both VPNs have their strengths, so your best choice depends on your specific needs.
Which is cheaper, ExpressVPN or ProtonVPN?+
ProtonVPN is the more affordable option at $2.49/mo on a 2-year plan, compared to ExpressVPN at $8.32/mo. ProtonVPN offers better value on long-term plans, though both services frequently run promotional discounts.
Which is faster, ExpressVPN or ProtonVPN?+
ExpressVPN achieves a higher speed score of 96% in our tests, compared to ProtonVPN's 88%. ExpressVPN uses modern VPN protocols that minimize speed loss, making it the better choice for bandwidth-heavy activities like 4K streaming and large file downloads.
Does ExpressVPN or ProtonVPN have more servers?+
ProtonVPN has a larger server network with 15,000+ servers, compared to ExpressVPN's 3,000+ servers. More servers generally means less congestion and more location choices, giving you better connection reliability and more options for bypassing geo-restrictions.
Which VPN is better for streaming, ExpressVPN or ProtonVPN?+
ExpressVPN scores higher for streaming at 98% compared to ProtonVPN's 80%. ExpressVPN reliably unblocks popular streaming platforms and maintains fast enough speeds for HD and 4K content without buffering.

Compare More VPNs

Not sure yet? Check out our full VPN comparison tool or read detailed reviews of each service.