Express VPN vs ProtonVPN

Privacy purists vs streaming enthusiasts – this matchup showcases two radically different approaches to VPN services. ExpressVPN prioritizes universal compatibility and blazing-fast streaming, while ProtonVPN comes from the privacy-first team behind ProtonMail, offering features that would make Edward Snowden proud.

ProtonVPN's Secure Core routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries like Switzerland and Iceland before reaching its final destination – a feature ExpressVPN simply doesn't offer. However, ExpressVPN's TrustedServer technology runs entirely in RAM, meaning no data can be physically stored on servers. The free tier is where ProtonVPN truly stands out, offering unlimited bandwidth (albeit with speed restrictions), while ExpressVPN offers no free option whatsoever.

For streaming, ExpressVPN is in a league of its own, while ProtonVPN's streaming capabilities are improving but inconsistent. Pricing sees ProtonVPN significantly cheaper, especially considering its robust free tier.

Your choice here depends on whether you value privacy above all else or need reliable streaming performance. Choose ProtonVPN if you're a privacy advocate who wants military-grade security and appreciates having a genuinely useful free tier. Go with ExpressVPN if streaming is your priority and you're willing to pay premium prices for premium performance. For privacy-conscious users on a budget, ProtonVPN is the clear winner.