Choosing the right VPN can feel like navigating a minefield.
Do you need blazing-fast speeds for streaming?
Is rock-solid privacy your top priority?
We get it.
This head-to-head matchup pits ProtonVPN vs AdGuard VPN, two popular providers known for their distinct strengths.
Overview
To give you the most accurate comparison.
We’ve rigorously tested both ProtonVPN and AdGuard VPN across various categories, including speed, security, privacy, features, and pricing.
Let’s dive into the details!
Experience true online freedom with Proton VPN’s strong security and privacy features.
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at €4.49/month
Key Features:
- Secure Core servers
- NetShield ad-blocker
- Strong encryption protocols
Ready to take control of your online privacy and browse with confidence?
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $2.99/month
Key Features:
- Kill Switch
- Ad Blocking
- Split Tunneling
What is ProtonVPN?
Want a VPN that’s serious about privacy? Check out ProtonVPN.
They’re based in Switzerland. This means that they have strong privacy laws.
They also have some unique security features. They offer a free version.
Also, explore our favorite ProtonVPN alternatives…
Enhance your online security with ProtonVPN. Choose a free plan with unlimited data or a premium plan starting at €4.99 monthly to unlock advanced features. Begin your secure browsing experience today.
Key Benefits
- Security-focused features: Secure Core servers and strong encryption.
- Privacy-conscious: Strict no-logs policy.
- NetShield ad-blocker: Blocks ads and malware.
- Open source apps: Transparency and community audits.
- A free version is available: Test it out before you commit.
Pricing
ProtonVPN offers a free plan with limited features. Want more? They have paid plans to suit your needs.
- 1 Month Plan: €9.99/month
- 2-Year Plan: €4.49/month
- 1-Year Plan: €4.99/month
Pros
Cons
What is AdGuard VPN?
Now, let’s talk about AdGuard VPN. You might know AdGuard for their awesome ad blocker, right?
Well, they also have a VPN! It’s newer than NordVPN, but don’t let that fool you.
They’re serious about online privacy. AdGuard VPN is about keeping your data safe and blocking those annoying ads and trackers.
They even have this cool feature that lets you choose which apps use the VPN. Pretty neat, huh?
Also, explore our favorite AdGuard VPN alternatives…
AdGuard VPN
Ready to take control of your online privacy and browse with confidence? AdGuard VPN offers blazing-fast speeds, robust security, and a strict no-logs policy.
Key Benefits
- Focus on privacy: AdGuard VPN uses strong encryption and has a strict no-logs policy. They’re committed to protecting your online identity and keeping your data private.
- Ad and tracker blocking: Say goodbye to annoying ads and trackers! AdGuard VPN blocks them across all your devices.
- QUIC protocol support: This means faster connection speeds and improved performance, especially on mobile devices.
- DNS filtering: Protects you from phishing attacks and malicious websites by filtering out harmful DNS requests.
- Kill Switch: Prevents your data from leaking if your VPN connection drops.
Pricing
AdGuard VPN keeps things simple with their pricing plans:
- Monthly: $11.99 per month
- Yearly: $3.99 per month (billed annually)
- 2-Yearly: $2.99 per month (billed every 2 years)
They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free!
Pros
Cons
Feature Comparison
Let’s explore the core features that set ProtonVPN and AdGuard VPN apart.
From their network size and security protocols to unique offerings and platform availability, we’ll break down what each VPN brings to the table.
This VPN review will help you compare AdGuard vs ProtonVPN so you can make the best choice for your needs.
1. Number of Servers and Locations
- Proton VPN: Offers a moderate network of VPN servers in 60+ countries. This provides decent global coverage for accessing geo-restricted content and maintaining fast download speeds.
- AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN’s network is comparatively smaller, with servers in 30+ countries. While this might limit options in some regions, it still covers major locations.
2. VPN Protocols
- Proton VPN: Utilizes industry-standard VPN protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, ensuring secure and reliable connections. It also offers its own proprietary protocol, Stealth, designed to bypass censorship.
- AdGuard VPN: Primarily relies on AdGuard VPN’s proprietary protocol. While AdGuard claims this protocol is secure and optimized for speed, it hasn’t undergone independent security audits like OpenVPN or WireGuard.
3. Privacy and Security
- Proton VPN: Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland and adheres to a strict no-logs policy. This VPN protects your online activities and ensures they are not tracked or stored. ProtonVPN also includes features like DNS leak protection and a kill switch for enhanced privacy and security.
- AdGuard VPN: AdGuard was founded in Russia, which might raise concerns for some users regarding data privacy. However, AdGuard claims that they do not log user activity. It’s important to consider this when you buy AdGuard VPN.
4. Streaming and Torrenting
- Proton VPN: Works well with popular streaming services like Netflix, allowing you to access content from different regions. It also permits torrenting on specific servers.
- AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN also supports streaming and torrenting, but its smaller server network might mean fewer options for bypassing geo-restrictions on some platforms. AdGuard VPN for streaming may have limitations.
5. Ad Blocking and Malware Protection
- Proton VPN: Focuses primarily on VPN features and doesn’t include built-in ad blocking or malware protection.
- AdGuard VPN: Leverages AdGuard’s expertise in ad blocking. The VPN includes robust ad and tracker blocking capabilities, enhancing your online privacy and browsing experience. This is a key feature of AdGuard VPN.
6. Free Plan
- Proton VPN: Offers a limited free plan with access to servers in three countries and slower speeds. This allows you to test the service before committing to a paid VPN subscription. There are other free VPNs available, but ProtonVPN is a trustworthy VPN.
- AdGuard VPN: AdGuard doesn’t provide a free plan. However, you can try AdGuard VPN for free with their money-back guarantee.
7. Device Compatibility
- Proton VPN: Provides apps for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and even routers. This ensures you can use Proton VPN on all your devices. You can use AdGuard VPN on similar platforms.
- AdGuard VPN: Also offers broad device compatibility with apps for major operating systems like Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
By considering these key features, you can determine whether Proton VPN or AdGuard VPN better aligns with your specific needs and priorities.
Remember, the “best VPN” is subjective and depends on your individual requirements.
This Proton VPN comparison should help you decide which VPN service is right for you.
What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?
- Specific needs: Consider what you’ll primarily use the VPN for (e.g., streaming, torrenting, gaming, or online security). Some VPNs are better suited for specific tasks. For instance, if you’re a gamer, you’ll need a VPN with fast speeds and low latency to avoid lag. If you’re looking for the best VPN for torrenting, you’ll want one with strong security and a no-logs policy.
- Device compatibility: Ensure the VPN has apps for all your devices (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, etc.). Some VPNs also offer extensions for browsers like Chrome and Firefox.
- Simultaneous connections: Check how many devices you can connect to the VPN simultaneously. If you plan on using the VPN on multiple devices simultaneously, make sure the VPN allows enough simultaneous connections.
- Free trial or money-back guarantee allows you to test the VPN before committing to a long-term subscription. See if the VPN offers a free trial or a money-back guarantee. This way, you can try it out and see if it meets your needs before committing to a subscription.
- Read reviews: See what other users are saying about the VPN. Check out VPN reviews from reputable sources to get an idea of the VPN’s performance and features. You can also find user reviews on sites like Reddit and Trustpilot.
Final Verdict
In the battle of ProtonVPN vs AdGuard VPN, ProtonVPN emerges as the winner for users seeking a reliable VPN with a strong emphasis on privacy and security.
Its strict no-logs policy, robust VPN protocols, and transparent privacy policy give it a significant edge.
While AdGuard VPN offers excellent ad-blocking capabilities and decent speeds, its Russian origins and lack of independent audits might give some users pause.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and priorities.
If you prioritize a fastest VPN with built-in ad blocking and don’t mind the lack of independent audits, AdGuard VPN might be a good fit.
However, for those who value a trustworthy VPN with a proven track record of security and privacy, ProtonVPN is the clear winner.
We’ve tested AdGuard VPN and ProtonVPN extensively, examining their features, performance, and security measures.
Our AdGuard VPN review and Proton VPN review provide comprehensive insights to help you make an informed decision.
Don’t leave your online security to chance. Use a VPN to protect your data and enhance your online experience.
More of ProtonVPN
We’ve explored alternatives to ProtonVPN, so how does ProtonVPN stack up directly against them?
- ProtonVPN vs NordVPN: NordVPN generally offers faster speeds and a larger server network, while ProtonVPN focuses more on privacy and has a free plan with no data limits.
- ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is often faster and more reliable for streaming, while ProtonVPN provides strong security features and a transparent open-source approach.
- ProtonVPN vs PureVPN: ProtonVPN is generally considered better overall with faster speeds and stronger security, while PureVPN boasts a larger server count.
- ProtonVPN vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark is often more affordable and allows unlimited connections, while ProtonVPN is known for slightly faster speeds and stronger privacy features.
- ProtonVPN vs PrivadoVPN: ProtonVPN offers a wider server network and a stronger focus on privacy, while PrivadoVPN provides a decent free plan and good speeds.
- ProtonVPN vs Virtual Shield: ProtonVPN offers more advanced security features and better performance than the simpler Virtual Shield.
- ProtonVPN vs StrongVPN: ProtonVPN generally has better speeds and a larger server network, while StrongVPN is known for strong encryption.
- ProtonVPN vs FastestVPN: ProtonVPN is typically faster and offers stronger privacy features compared to the budget-friendly FastestVPN.
- ProtonVPN vs AuraVPN: ProtonVPN focuses on VPN security and privacy, while AuraVPN includes identity theft protection.
- ProtonVPN vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost is user-friendly with specialized servers, while ProtonVPN emphasizes security and privacy with features like Secure Core.
- ProtonVPN vs McAfee VPN: ProtonVPN is a dedicated VPN service with stronger security and privacy features than the basic VPN included with McAfee.
- ProtonVPN vs Private Internet Access: PIA is known for customization and a large server network, while ProtonVPN focuses on strong privacy and a transparent approach.
- ProtonVPN vs Mysterium: ProtonVPN uses a traditional server network known for security and speed, while Mysterium is a decentralized VPN.
More of AdGuard VPN
We’ve explored alternatives to AdGuard VPN, so how does AdGuard VPN stack up directly against them?
- AdGuard VPN vs NordVPN: NordVPN offers a larger server network and more features beyond ad blocking. AdGuard VPN integrates well with AdGuard’s ad-blocking service.
- AdGuard VPN vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is known for its speed and wider server locations. AdGuard VPN focuses on ad-free browsing alongside VPN security.
- AdGuard VPN vs PureVPN: PureVPN has a larger server network. AdGuard VPN’s strength is its ad-blocking capabilities.
- AdGuard VPN vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark offers unlimited connections and more features. AdGuard VPN integrates with a strong ad blocker.
- AdGuard VPN vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN emphasizes privacy. AdGuard VPN’s key feature is ad blocking.
- AdGuard VPN vs Virtual Shield: AdGuard VPN offers integrated ad blocking and a more developed feature set.
- AdGuard VPN vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN is known for robust encryption. AdGuard VPN’s main draw is ad blocking.
- AdGuard VPN vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN is budget-friendly. AdGuard VPN offers ad blocking alongside a VPN.
- AdGuard VPN vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN includes identity theft protection. AdGuard VPN focuses on ad-free VPN browsing.
- AdGuard VPN vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost has a larger server network. AdGuard VPN integrates with a reliable ad blocker.
- AdGuard VPN vs McAfee VPN: McAfee VPN is often bundled with antivirus software. AdGuard VPN’s core feature is ad blocking.
- AdGuard VPN vs Private Internet Access: PIA offers a larger server network and customization. AdGuard VPN’s strength is ad blocking.
- AdGuard VPN vs Mysterium: Mysterium is decentralized. AdGuard VPN provides ad blocking with a traditional VPN.
- AdGuard VPN vs Windscribe: Windscribe offers a free plan with a data limit and built-in ad/tracker blocking, similar to AdGuard VPN’s core benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AdGuard VPN safe?
Yes, AdGuard VPN is generally considered safe. It uses encryption to protect your VPN traffic and claims to have a no-logs policy. However, it’s important to be aware of its Russian origins and the fact that AdGuard VPN doesn’t use independently audited protocols like OpenVPN.
How does the AdGuard VPN protocol compare to other protocols?
AdGuard VPN’s protocol is designed for speed and security, but it hasn’t undergone the same level of independent scrutiny as established protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard. This makes it harder to definitively assess its security and effectiveness.
What are some common problems with AdGuard VPN?
Some users have reported issues with AdGuard VPN connectivity and customer support. Additionally, the smaller server network might be a limitation for some users. You can find more information in our AdGuard VPN review and AdGuard VPN test.
What extra features does AdGuard VPN offer?
AdGuard VPN offers robust ad blocking and tracker prevention thanks to its integration with AdGuard software. This enhances your privacy and browsing experience. AdGuard also provides AdGuard DNS family protection features.
Is AdGuard VPN good for streaming?
AdGuard VPN can be used for streaming, but its smaller server network might limit your options compared to providers like NordVPN. You may encounter difficulties bypassing geo-restrictions on some platforms. Our AdGuard VPN test explored its streaming capabilities in detail.
