ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN are two well-known VPN providers that share a number of core features but differ considerably in how they score across key evaluation categories. Both services offer WireGuard protocol support, a kill switch, split tunneling, P2P and torrenting capability, and a bug bounty program. Despite this overlap in features, their overall scores tell a meaningfully different story, with ProtonVPN earning an 89% overall rating compared to ExpressVPN's 68%.
Privacy and security represent one of the starkest contrasts between these two providers. ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, a country with strong data protection laws and no mandatory data retention requirements. It earned a perfect 100% score in the privacy audit category, reflecting a high degree of transparency and independently verified practices. ExpressVPN, headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, scored just 23% in that same category, which is a significant gap that privacy-conscious users should weigh carefully. ProtonVPN also achieved a perfect score in the ethics category, while ExpressVPN scored 67% there.
When it comes to raw performance, the picture shifts somewhat. ExpressVPN achieved a perfect 100% in the speeds category, suggesting it delivers consistently fast connections in testing. ProtonVPN scored 80% in the same area, which is still a strong result but noticeably behind. For streaming, ExpressVPN also earned a perfect 100%, while ProtonVPN scored 86%, meaning both services are capable of unblocking content but ExpressVPN holds a slight edge in that specific use case.
Both services scored equally well in customer support, each receiving 100%, so users of either provider can expect responsive and reliable assistance. In terms of the user interface, ProtonVPN scored a perfect 100% in the GUI category compared to ExpressVPN's still-respectable 90%, indicating ProtonVPN offers a slightly more polished visual experience. ProtonVPN also scored higher in the application category, earning 80% versus ExpressVPN's 73%.
Pricing scores were relatively close, with ProtonVPN at 73% and ExpressVPN at 55%, suggesting ProtonVPN offers somewhat better perceived value based on evaluated criteria. For users who prioritize speed and streaming performance above all else, ExpressVPN performs exceptionally well in those areas. For users who place greater importance on privacy transparency, ethical standing, and a well-rounded overall package, ProtonVPN's scores reflect a more consistently strong service across the board.