VPN, a short form for Virtual Private Network, refers to software and tools that let you browse the internet safely. Normally, without VPNs, your activities on the internet can be tracked by many parties that you didn’t give consent. You can also be prevented from accessing certain websites and web content due to geo-blocking. However, with the aid of VPNs, you can bypass the geo-blocking, access the restricted website and web content as well as peruse the internet without third parties tracking and monitoring your activities on the web.
In this article, we will discuss the difference between two VPNs that allows you to access the internet safely.
Main Differences between ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN summarized
| ProtonVPN | ExpressVPN |
| Has about 1500 servers located in more than 60 countries | Has about 3000 servers in 94 countries |
| Doesn’t use Lightway protocol and cannot bypass the restriction in certain countries | Uses its in-house security protocol known as Lightway and can bypass any form of restriction |
| Comes with an advanced server architecture | Comes with a basic server architecture |
| Has servers dedicated to torrenting | Allows torrenting on all of its servers |
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ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN: Features & Capabilities
Security
This is a paramount feature in VPNs given that one of the leading uses of a VPN is to protect users from tracking agents on the internet. ProtonVPN uses numerous security features which include a 256-bit AES Encryption, a kill switch feature, perfect forward secrecy, and a strict no-logs policy. However, it is important to mention that the no-logs policy used by ProtonVPN has not been audited and cannot be said to be effective.
ExpressVPN also uses the same set of security features. It uses a no-logs policy, a 256-bit AES Encryption, and a kill switch feature. However, unlike ProtonVPN, its no-logs policy has been audited by an independent body and has been confirmed to be effective. ExpressVPN also uses a TrsutedServer feature that ensures that all the data on the server is stored on the RAM and when the server is turned off, the data is erased. In a similar fashion to its on-logs policy, the TrustedServer technology has been audited and confirmed to be effective.
Extra Features
Apart from keeping you safe on the internet and ensuring that you can bypass geo-blockade on the internet, certain extra features come with VPNs. For ProtonVPN, these extra features include split tunneling and Tor Support. Split tunneling helps you choose which apps and programs on your device run through the VPN tunnel and the ones that run normally without the VPN. Apart from these features, it also comes with an ad blocker, malware blocker, and a Secure Core server feature.
With ExpressVPN, you also get to enjoy split tunneling, Tor support, and built-in speed testing. However, the split tunneling feature on ExpressVPN is not as good as that of ProtonVPN. Also, ExpressVPN doesn’t have ad and malware blockers like ProtonVPN.
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ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN: Pricing
ProtonVPN has four pricing plans. They include a free plan and three paid plans namely Basic, Plus, and Visionary. The free plan offered by ProtonVPN is one of the best around as it gives unlimited data, and allows you to connect to three servers each in the US, Japan, and the Netherlands. While the speed of the free plan is moderate, you cannot enjoy extra features such as tormenting servers, ad blockers, and many more. The price of the paid plans includes Basic at $4, Plus at $8, and Visionary at $24.
ExpressVPN employs a new payment plan. Its payment plan is based on monthly use and it allows you to pay for 1-month use, 6-month use, or 12-month use.
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Reasons to choose ProtonVPN over ExpressVPN
ProtonVPN has some features that make it better or preferable to ExpressVPN. Some of these features include its superior split tunneling feature. While ExpressVPN also has a split tunneling feature that lets you choose the apps and program that runs through the VPN tunnel, it is not as effective as that of ProtonVPN. Also, you get to avoid malware and ads due to ProtonVPN’s ad and malware blocker feature.
Finally, ProtonVPN offers a cheaper option compared to many VPNs out there. Apart from its superior free plan that comes with unlimited data, you also get to save extra cash on the paid plans.
Reasons to choose ExpressVPN over ProtonVPN
ExpressVPN is arguably the better of the two VPNs, given that it has more servers in more countries. With over 3000 servers in more than 94 countries, you can be sure of an available server to bypass any content around the world. For people that do a lot of downloading, you can get to enjoy ExpressVPN better than ProtonVPN because you can torrent with any of the 3000 servers, as against ExpressVPN has dedicated torrenting servers. Finally, the security features and protocols used by ExpressVPN have been audited by independent bodies and there is an assurance that they work.
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The Similarities between ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN
ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN are both leading VPNs with premium security features such as a 256-bit AES encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch. They both offer restriction bypassing services on the internet and use similar extra features such as split tunneling, the onion router (TOR) support, and Perfect Forward Secrecy.
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ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN Alternatives
With the increased awareness about internet security and protection, it is not surprising to see that there are lots of VPNs out in the market. Many of these VPNs are worthy alternatives to both of the VPNs reviewed in this article. Some of them include
NordVPN
This is another VPN that offers unparallel internet security and bypasses numerous geo-restrictions on websites and web contents. In its process of providing security to people on the internet, NordVPN encrypts your internet connection twice. The only potential downside is that it is a bit more expensive than ProtonVPN.
Other alternatives include
- Winndscribe
- OpenVPN
- TunnelBear
- Norton Secure VPN
- Psiphon and many others
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ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN: Final Verdict
Of the two VPNs, it is safe to say that ExpressVPN is the better option and offers more utility, and security and allows you to access more websites and web content. It also offers a great speed and the ability to torrent using all of its servers. protonVPN is not a bad option in itself. It comes with features that you won’t find on ExpressVPN. However, its limitation with the number of servers, and with regards to bypassing websites and web content restricted through geo-restriction makes ExpressVPN a better option.
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FAQs
Which of ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN is better for streaming?
Both VPNs are good for streaming but ExpressVPN remains the better option. It allows you to stream content on popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime. It also has a fast speed that makes sure all your contents are in HD and you can watch them all without buffering. It also works with gaming consoles and smart TVs.
On the other hand, ProtonVPN works with these streaming services but you need a Plus or Visionary plan to be able to enjoy the content. ProtonVPN also doesn’t work with gaming consoles and Smart TVs.
Is ProtonVPN better than ExpressVPN?
ProtonVPN is one of the leading VPNs in the industry at the moment. However, it is not correct to say that the ProtonVPN is better than ExpressVPn. ExpressVPN has superior streaming and torrenting features, customer support, plans, and pricing as well as security features.
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