ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN: Honest Comparison 2025
ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN: Honest Comparison 2025
ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN is a debate that’s only getting more heated as privacy concerns and cyber threats continue to climb in 2025. For tech-savvy consumers, choosing the right VPN is critical—not just for keeping shady advertisers at bay, but for safeguarding personal data, accessing geo-restricted content, and maintaining internet freedom. In this in-depth, honest comparison, we break down the latest features, security protocols, performance, pricing, and more to help you decide which provider truly deserves your trust this year.
—
Understanding the Core: What Sets These VPNs Apart?
Both providers are industry leaders, but they offer unique philosophies and features. ProtonVPN is developed by the team behind ProtonMail, known for their transparency and focus on strong encryption. Based in Switzerland, ProtonVPN benefits from robust privacy laws and a strong no-logs policy. ExpressVPN, on the other hand, is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, another privacy-friendly jurisdiction, and is renowned for its lightning-fast performance and wide server coverage.
Quick Comparison Table:
| Feature | ProtonVPN | ExpressVPN |
|———————|———————|———————–|
| Headquarters | Switzerland | British Virgin Islands|
| No-logs Policy | Yes (Audited) | Yes (Audited) |
| Server Locations | 80+ | 105+ |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| Simultaneous Devices| 10 (on paid plans) | 8 |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Torrenting Support | Yes | Yes |
| Free Version | Yes | No |
| Price Range | $4.99–$9.99/month | $6.67–$12.95/month |
—
Security and Privacy: The Heart of Any VPN
Security Protocols
In this ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN review, security features remain at the forefront. Both VPNs utilize the gold standard AES-256 encryption, which is virtually impenetrable.
ProtonVPN shines with advanced security options—offering OpenVPN, IKEv2, and its proprietary Stealth protocol, which hides VPN traffic as regular web traffic. ProtonVPN is also notable for its Secure Core technology, which routes traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries and mitigates risks from compromised endpoints.
ExpressVPN goes toe-to-toe with OpenVPN, IKEv2, and its own Lightway protocol, praised for speedy and secure connections. ExpressVPN has undergone independent security audits and runs all servers in RAM disk mode (TrustedServer technology), a system that guarantees no data can be written to hard drives.
Privacy Policy
Both providers execute strict no-logs policies and have invited independent auditors to confirm these claims. In 2025, both continue to stand out for privacy, but ProtonVPN’s Swiss jurisdiction is arguably the best possible place for privacy-focused users, keeping it outside EU and US data sharing alliances.
—
Speed and Performance: Who Wins in 2025?
Speed is often the deciding factor.
ExpressVPN typically leads the race here. Its extensive network—covering 105+ countries—combined with the Lightway protocol, delivers consistently fast connections whether you’re streaming HD content from the US, gaming in Europe, or bypassing firewalls in restrictive regions. In recent benchmarks, average drops in speed were less than 10%, far ahead of many competitors.
ProtonVPN is no slouch either. It has expanded its global network dramatically in 2025, and its paid plans offer VPN Accelerator technology that closes the speed gap with ExpressVPN. For everyday browsing and streaming, many users will notice little difference in performance between the two, though power users may still find ExpressVPN slightly sharper.
—
Streaming and Torrenting Capability
Accessing Netflix, Disney+, and other streaming platforms is a major concern for many VPN shoppers.
– ExpressVPN reliably unblocks all major platforms and regional libraries, handling streaming geo-blocks with ease. Its servers are rarely blacklisted, and connection speeds remain smooth for 4K playback.
– ProtonVPN has made major strides, now reliably supporting Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video on its Plus and Visionary plans. Free users, however, don’t get access to streaming-optimized servers.
Both support safe torrenting, but ExpressVPN provides unlimited P2P on all servers, whereas ProtonVPN only allows it on selected ones.
—
Usability and Device Compatibility
Both options offer sleek, intuitive interfaces for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, as well as browser extensions and configuration guides for routers and streaming devices.
ProtonVPN allows 10 simultaneous connections per account, slightly ahead of ExpressVPN’s 8. ProtonVPN’s interface is slightly more technical, appealing to advanced users, while ExpressVPN’s clean and simple dashboard is ideal for beginners.
—
Pricing and Value: Breaking Down the Cost
ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN: Which Gives More for Your Money?
– ProtonVPN offers a strong free plan with limited servers, no data caps, and robust security—an excellent option for privacy beginners or occasional VPN users. Its premium plans start at $4.99/month for two years, scaling to $9.99/month monthly, making it one of the more affordable top-tier VPN services.
– ExpressVPN is consistently pricier, starting at $6.67/month on annual plans. There’s no free tier, but all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
For budget-conscious users or those wanting to test the waters, ProtonVPN’s free plan is a winner. Regular heavy users may find ExpressVPN’s higher speeds and seamless streaming justify the price tag.
—
Which VPN Should You Choose in 2025?
It comes down to your priorities:
– Want maximum privacy, open-source ethos, or a forever free option? ProtonVPN stands out.
– Demand top speeds, best-in-class streaming unblocking, and don’t mind paying a premium? ExpressVPN takes the lead.
Both services will keep your data private and your internet access unrestricted in 2025. No matter which you choose, ensure you’re using the latest software versions and best practices to make the most of your digital privacy.