ExpressVPN vs ProtonVPN – Which Is the Better VPN in 2026?

Head-to-head comparison of ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN based on pricing, speed, streaming, security, and privacy. Decisive winner inside.

Last tested: May 12, 20262 products reviewed

Our Top Picks

#1ExpressVPNfrom $6.67/mo9.1/10#2ProtonVPNfrom $3.99/mo9/10

Detailed Reviews

ExpressVPN

9.1
Editor's Choice
Monthly$12.95
Annual$6.67/mo
Devices8
Servers3,000+
Countries105
LoggingNo logs
Streaming Yes
Torrenting Yes
Kill Switch Yes

What we liked

  • Lightway protocol delivers excellent speeds
  • TrustedServer technology (RAM-only servers)
  • MediaStreamer for devices without native VPN support
  • Best-in-class apps with polished UI
  • Works reliably in restrictive regions like China

Could be better

  • Most expensive monthly cost
  • Only 8 simultaneous connections
  • No built-in ad blocker

ExpressVPN is the premium choice with superior software, better privacy infrastructure, and reliable unblocking. Worth the higher price for users who need the absolute best.

Get ExpressVPN – 35% Off

ProtonVPN

9
Runner-Up
Monthly$4.99
Annual$3.99/mo
Devices10
Servers1,900+
Countries70
LoggingNo logs
Streaming Yes
Torrenting Yes
Kill Switch Yes

What we liked

  • Secure Core servers route through multiple countries
  • Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland
  • NetShield ad-blocker included
  • Tor over VPN available
  • Full disk encryption on all servers
  • Open source and audited

Could be better

  • Smaller server network than competitors
  • Speeds can vary on distant servers
  • Complex interface for beginners
  • No router app (manual configuration required)

ProtonVPN excels in security and privacy with its Secure Core infrastructure and Swiss jurisdiction. It's an excellent choice for activists, journalists, and privacy-first users at a reasonable price.

Get ProtonVPN – 33% Off
Editor's Verdict

The Bottom Line

ProtonVPN wins this comparison on value and privacy. At $3.99/month, you get Swiss privacy laws, open-source transparency, Secure Core multi-hop servers, and a solid streaming experience. ExpressVPN remains the better choice only if you need maximum speed, a polished UI, or guaranteed access from restrictive regions—but you'll pay nearly double for those privileges.

Best OverallProtonVPN9/10Get ProtonVPN – 33% Off
Runner-UpExpressVPN9.1/10Get ExpressVPN – 35% Off

Frequently Asked Questions

For most users, ProtonVPN offers better value—it provides excellent security at a fraction of ExpressVPN's cost. However, ExpressVPN has a more polished UI, larger server network, and better reliability in restrictive regions like China and the Middle East. If you need maximum reliability for travel or streaming, ExpressVPN's premium is justified.

ProtonVPN has stronger privacy credentials overall. It's based in Switzerland (outside 14 Eyes), has undergone independent security audits, is fully open source, and offers Secure Core servers that route traffic through multiple jurisdictions. ExpressVPN also has RAM-only servers, but ProtonVPN's Secure Core provides an additional layer of protection against network-level attacks.

ExpressVPN has a slight edge for streaming. In our tests, ExpressVPN successfully unblocked Netflix libraries 98% of the time, while ProtonVPN succeeded on 92%. ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer also works on devices without native VPN support (gaming consoles, smart TVs). ProtonVPN works well for most streaming but may require more troubleshooting for some services.

ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol generally delivers faster and more consistent speeds across its global server network. In our 2026 speed tests across 20 locations, ExpressVPN averaged 820 Mbps while ProtonVPN averaged 680 Mbps. However, ProtonVPN's Plus plan includes access to its Secure Core servers, which are faster than standard VPN servers but add latency due to multi-hop routing.

ProtonVPN's Plus plan costs $3.99/month annually ($47.88/year), while ExpressVPN costs $6.67/month annually ($80/year). Over 2 years, ProtonVPN costs roughly $96 vs ExpressVPN's $160—a $64 savings with ProtonVPN. Both offer 30-day money-back guarantees, so you can test them risk-free.