AdGuard VPN and ExpressVPN are two recognizable names in the consumer VPN space, but their tested scores reveal notably different strengths and weaknesses worth examining closely. AdGuard VPN earned an overall score of 63%, while ExpressVPN scored slightly higher at 68%, though the gap between them tells only part of the story.
On the privacy and ethics front, AdGuard VPN stands out considerably. Its privacy audit score of 85% is significantly stronger than ExpressVPN's 23%, suggesting more rigorous independent verification of its privacy practices at the time of testing. AdGuard also scored a perfect 100% in the ethics category, compared to ExpressVPN's 67%. AdGuard VPN is headquartered in Cyprus, while ExpressVPN operates under the jurisdiction of the British Virgin Islands, a location traditionally considered favorable for privacy due to its absence from major intelligence-sharing alliances. Despite that jurisdictional advantage, ExpressVPN's low privacy audit score is a notable concern for users prioritizing verified data practices.
ExpressVPN outperforms in several practical categories. Its speeds score of 100% versus AdGuard's 60% reflects a substantial real-world performance difference for users concerned with bandwidth and latency. ExpressVPN also scored 90% in the graphical user interface category compared to AdGuard's 60%, and its application score of 73% surpasses AdGuard's 47%, indicating a more polished overall software experience. ExpressVPN additionally supports WireGuard and includes a Bug Bounty Program among its key features, tools that AdGuard VPN does not list. Both providers offer a Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, and P2P/Torrenting support.
Customer support represents one of the starkest contrasts in this comparison. ExpressVPN achieved a perfect 100% in that category, while AdGuard VPN registered 0%, which could be a significant drawback for users who expect accessible and responsive assistance. Both services tied on pricing at 55% and both scored 100% for streaming performance, meaning neither holds a clear advantage when it comes to accessing geo-restricted content.
For users who prioritize independently verified privacy practices and strong ethical standards, AdGuard VPN presents a compelling case despite its weaker application and speed scores. For those who value connection performance, a refined user experience, and reliable customer support, ExpressVPN demonstrates clear advantages in those measurable areas.