AirVPN and ProtonVPN are both privacy-focused VPN providers, but their tested scores reveal meaningful differences across several key categories. AirVPN earned an overall score of 58%, while ProtonVPN scored considerably higher at 89%, making ProtonVPN the stronger performer by most measurable standards.
Both providers share a comparable set of core features, including WireGuard protocol support, a kill switch, split tunneling, P2P and torrenting compatibility, and a bug bounty program. This overlap suggests that both services take security infrastructure seriously. Where they diverge is in jurisdiction and reputation. AirVPN operates out of Italy, which falls under European Union legal frameworks, while ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, a country widely regarded for its strong independent privacy laws and political neutrality. ProtonVPN's privacy audit score of 100% reflects a verified and thoroughly documented commitment to transparency, compared to AirVPN's more moderate 62% in that same category.
Performance is another area where the two providers part ways noticeably. AirVPN recorded a speed score of just 35%, which is among the lower results a VPN can receive in testing and may impact users who prioritize fast browsing, video calls, or large file transfers. ProtonVPN achieved a speed score of 80%, indicating consistently solid performance during testing. For streaming, the gap is stark: AirVPN received a score of 0%, suggesting it did not successfully unblock streaming platforms during evaluation, while ProtonVPN earned 86%, making it a reliable option for users who want to access geo-restricted content.
The user experience scores also favor ProtonVPN. Its graphical interface received a perfect 100%, pointing to a polished and accessible application, while AirVPN's interface scored 40%, which may present a steeper learning curve for less technical users. Both providers tied on application scores at 80%, suggesting that the underlying software functionality is comparably capable.
Customer support is another distinguishing factor. ProtonVPN received a perfect 100% in this category, while AirVPN scored 50%, indicating more limited or less responsive support options. Both providers achieved a perfect 100% in the ethics category, which reflects positively on the integrity and transparency of their business practices.
On pricing, AirVPN scored higher at 82% compared to ProtonVPN's 73%, suggesting that AirVPN may offer more competitive value relative to what is provided, though specific pricing details were unavailable for direct comparison at the time of this review.
In summary, ProtonVPN outperforms AirVPN across most tested categories, particularly in speed, streaming, privacy auditing, interface quality, and customer support. AirVPN holds a modest edge in pricing value and may still appeal to technically experienced users who prioritize certain privacy configurations, but ProtonVPN presents a more well-rounded option for a broader range of users.