- Pick it if you are:
- VPN beginners; Frequent travellers
- Top complaint:
- Why is ExpressVPN so expensive after the first term? Renewal jumps to $99.95-$199.95/year
- Pick it if you are:
- Privacy-focused users and journalists; People who need a free VPN
- Top complaint:
- Why does Proton VPN renewal cost so much more?
- Price:
- Free plan, paid from $9.99/mo
Score Comparison
Signals Comparison
ExpressVPN
- ExpressVPN price increase 2026 - 2-year plans up about 25%(6/10)
- Why is ExpressVPN so expensive after the first term? Renewal jumps to $99.95-$199.95/year(7/10)
- ExpressVPN auto-renewal class action lawsuit (2025)(6/10)
- ExpressVPN Basic vs Advanced vs Pro - extras locked behind higher tiers(4/10)
Proton VPN
- Why does Proton VPN renewal cost so much more?(7/10)
- Why is Proton VPN so expensive month to month?(5/10)
ExpressVPN
- Charged again after cancelling ExpressVPN auto-renewal(7/10)
- ExpressVPN refund denied - 30-day guarantee has limits(6/10)
Proton VPN
- Proton VPN refund taking too long(6/10)
- Proton VPN has no 24/7 live chat(5/10)
ExpressVPN
- ExpressVPN not working with Netflix - proxy error M7111-5059(6/10)
- ExpressVPN unable to connect or stuck on connecting(7/10)
Proton VPN
- Proton VPN not connecting or stuck on Connecting(7/10)
- Proton VPN not working with Netflix (proxy error)(5/10)
- Proton VPN Stealth not working in restrictive countries(6/10)
ExpressVPN
- ExpressVPN keeps disconnecting on Android and iPhone(6/10)
Proton VPN
- Proton VPN keeps disconnecting on Android(6/10)
ExpressVPN
- Why is ExpressVPN so slow? Speeds vary a lot by test and server(5/10)
Proton VPN
- Proton VPN free servers slow at peak times(6/10)
- Why is Proton VPN so slow with Secure Core?(4/10)
ExpressVPN
- Is ExpressVPN safe after the Kape takeover? Ownership trust concerns(4/10)
Proton VPN
- Is Proton leaving Switzerland? Surveillance law uncertainty(5/10)
- Proton CEO political post backlash(3/10)
ExpressVPN
- ExpressVPN device limit 10-14 vs unlimited devices on Surfshark(3/10)
Proton VPN
- Proton VPN free plan limits: one device, no country choice(5/10)
- Proton VPN causes constant Google CAPTCHAs(5/10)
ExpressVPN
- ExpressVPN Lightway Turbo hides the VPN adapter on Windows - torrent binding breaks(4/10)
Proton VPN
- Proton VPN port forwarding changes every reconnect(5/10)
Pricing Comparison
ExpressVPN
Users: 10
Limits: No tracker blocking, no ExpressKeys password manager, no eSIM data, dedicated IP costs extra
Users: 12
Limits: No ExpressAI, dedicated IP not included
Users: 14
Limits: Most of the extra cost goes to bundled extras (AI, email relay, eSIM) rather than the VPN itself
Proton VPN
Users: 1.0
Limits: 1 device only, no country or server choice (random server with a Change server cooldown), no streaming-optimised servers, no P2P/torrenting, no Secure Core, no port forwarding, medium speed, no live chat support
Users: 10.0
Limits: Proton Pass, Drive and Mail stay on their free tiers
Users: 10.0
Limits: Proton Pass, Drive and Mail stay on their free tiers
Users: 10.0
Storage: 500 GB
Users: 10.0
Storage: 500 GB
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ExpressVPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Protocols | ||
| Lightway protocol (UDP/TCP) Default; Lightway Turbo on Windows | ||
| WireGuard Listed as a fallback protocol in current apps | ||
| OpenVPN TCP and UDP | ||
| Pricing | ||
| Free plan with unlimited data 1 device, random server in about 10 countries | ||
| Core | ||
| 10 simultaneous devices Paid plans | ||
| Smart Protocol Cycles through WireGuard, OpenVPN and Stealth automatically | ||
| Security | ||
| Secure Core multi-hop Paid plans; about 35% slower in tests | ||
| Kill switch (Network Lock) | ||
| Stealth protocol Anti-censorship; Settings > Protocol | ||
| Ad/tracker blocking Tracker blocking only on Advanced and Pro | ||
| Kill switch and advanced kill switch Advanced mode blocks internet whenever the VPN is off | ||
| NetShield ad and malware blocker Paid plans | ||
| Features | ||
| Split tunneling | ||
| Dedicated IP Paid add-on on Basic/Advanced, included in Pro; Lightway only | ||
| Extras | ||
| Password manager (ExpressKeys) Advanced and Pro | ||
| P2P | ||
| Port forwarding P2P servers on Windows, macOS (early access) and Linux only | ||
| Plans | ||
| Unlimited devices 10 / 12 / 14 devices by tier | ||
| Free plan 30-day money-back guarantee for new customers only | ||
| Performance | ||
| VPN Accelerator On by default | ||
| Platforms | ||
| Router app Asus, Linksys, Netgear, Aircove/Fortify | ||
| Streaming | ||
| Smart DNS for TVs and consoles Not offered per security.org | ||
| Support | ||
| 24/7 live chat Live chat about 9 AM-midnight CET, paid users only | ||
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