ExpressVPN vs Proton VPN
A head-to-head comparison for 2026 — pricing, features, strengths, and which one is better for different use cases.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | ExpressVPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Price (2yr plan) | $6.67/mo | $4.49/mo |
| Devices | 8 | 10 |
| Servers | 3,000+ in 94 countries | 3,000+ in 70+ countries |
| Speed Protocol | Lightway | WireGuard |
| No-Logs Audit | PwC + KPMG | Securitum |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Speed & streaming | Privacy purists |
ExpressVPN — Overview
ExpressVPN delivers the fastest speeds with its proprietary Lightway protocol and servers in 94 countries — more than any competitor. TrustedServer technology runs entirely on RAM. Starting at $6.67/mo, it's the premium choice for streaming, gaming, and global access.
Proton VPN — Overview
Proton VPN comes from the team behind ProtonMail — Swiss-based, open-source, and built for maximum privacy. Secure Core routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries. All apps are publicly auditable. Starting at $4.49/mo with a genuinely useful free tier.
Key Differences
ExpressVPN prioritizes speed and global access. Proton VPN prioritizes transparency and privacy. ExpressVPN has faster servers and more countries. Proton has open-source apps and Swiss jurisdiction. Choose based on whether speed or privacy philosophy matters more.
The Verdict
Choose ExpressVPN for top-tier speed and streaming access. Choose Proton VPN for open-source transparency and Swiss privacy protection.