Choosing the right VPN can feel like navigating a maze.
Do you need blazing-fast speeds for streaming?
Maybe you just want to keep your browsing history private.
Both promise a secure and private online experience, but which one comes out on top?
In this comparison, we’ll break down the key features, performance, and pricing of ExpressVPN vs AdGuard VPN to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Overview
To give you the most accurate comparison.
We’ve rigorously tested both ExpressVPN and AdGuard VPN across various categories like speed, security, streaming performance, and more.
Our hands-on experience with each VPN forms the foundation of this in-depth analysis.
Ready to experience Express VPN without limits? Enjoy blazing-fast speeds, top-notch security, and access to your favorite content.
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $4.99/month
Key Features:
- Blazing-fast speeds
- Strong security features
- Easy-to-use apps
Ready to take control of your online privacy and browse with confidence? AdGuard VPN offers blazing-fast speeds and robust security.
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $2.99/month
Key Features:
- 50+ Locations
- Proprietary Protocol
- Streaming Support
What is ExpressVPN?
Now, let’s talk about ExpressVPN. This one’s a real speed demon!
They’re known for having super-fast connections, perfect for streaming or downloading large files.
They also have servers in 94 countries, so you have many options for finding a server that meets your needs.
And don’t even get me started on their security features. They’re top-notch!
Also, explore our favorite ExpressVPN alternatives…
Experience the internet without limits. ExpressVPN offers a blazing-fast, secure, and private online experience with 94 country locations and a no-logs policy.
Key Benefits
- Blazing-fast speeds: Perfect for streaming and downloading.
- Extensive server network: Connect to servers in 94 countries.
- Best-in-class security: Features include AES-256 encryption and a kill switch.
- User-friendly apps: Easy to set up and use on all your devices.
Pricing
- 2 years + 4 Months Free: $4.99/month.
- 12 Months + 3 Months Free: $6.67/month
- 1 Month: $12.95/month.
Pros
Cons
What is AdGuard VPN?
Are you curious about AdGuard VPN?
It’s an incredible tool that helps you stay safe and private online. Think of it as a disguise for your internet connection.
It hides your location and makes it look like you’re browsing from somewhere else, which is fantastic for getting around annoying website location restrictions.
Plus, AdGuard VPN blocks ads and trackers, which is a huge bonus!
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
- Super fast speeds: With over 50 server locations worldwide, you can always find a quick connection. This is perfect for streaming and gaming!
- Strong focus on privacy: AdGuard VPN has a strict no-logs policy. This means they don’t keep track of your online activity. Talk about peace of mind!
- Unique features: They have this cool “QUIC” feature, a super fast and secure protocol. It’s a secret language only your computer and the VPN server understand.
Pricing
- 2 Years: $2.99/month
- 1 Year: $3.99/month
- 1 Month: $11.99/month
Pros
Cons
Feature Comparison
Let’s dive into the core of what makes a good VPN in 2025.
From security protocols to streaming support.
We’ll compare AdGuard VPN vs. ExpressVPN feature by feature so you can see the difference between them.
1. Security
- ExpressVPN: Utilizes Lightway, a proprietary VPN protocol audited for security. ExpressVPN supports a wide range of other protocols, making it one of the best VPNs for security. You can find more details on the ExpressVPN support page.
- AdGuard VPN: Offers WireGuard, a popular VPN protocol, and a double VPN feature for enhanced security. Unlike NordVPN, which focuses solely on VPN functionality, AdGuard VPN also includes strong ad-blocking features.
2. Privacy
- ExpressVPN: Includes a kill switch to prevent IP address exposure if the VPN connection drops. ExpressVPN also offers strong privacy policies, ensuring your data is protected.
- AdGuard VPN: Also features a kill switch and DNS leak protection to safeguard your privacy. AdGuard VPN’s ad blocker further enhances your privacy by preventing trackers and ads.
3. Streaming
- ExpressVPN: Excels at unblocking streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer with optimized servers. ExpressVPN is a top VPN for streaming, offering a vast server network and consistently fast speeds.
- AdGuard VPN: Successfully unblocks major streaming services, making it a good VPN for accessing geo-restricted content.
4. Speed
- ExpressVPN: Consistently ranks among the fastest VPNs we’ve tested in our VPN test. Its Lightway protocol contributes to its impressive VPN speed.
- AdGuard VPN: Delivers fast speeds suitable for streaming and downloading, ensuring a smooth online experience.
5. Server Network
- ExpressVPN: Offers a vast network with ExpressVPN servers in 94 countries, allowing you to find the best VPN server for your needs.
- AdGuard VPN: Provides a smaller network covering over 50 locations, still offering a decent range of options for accessing content and bypassing restrictions.
6. Extra Features
- AdGuard VPN: Includes a built-in ad blocker, a key feature that sets it apart from other VPN providers. This ad blocker enhances your online experience by blocking ads and trackers, unlike NordVPN and other VPNs that focus solely on VPN traffic encryption.
- ExpressVPN: Offers split tunneling for flexible VPN use, allowing you to choose which apps use the VPN connection. ExpressVPN also includes a browser extension for easy VPN use and management.
7. Device Compatibility
- ExpressVPN: Supports a wide range of devices and operating systems, including Linux, routers, and smart TVs. You can easily set up ExpressVPN on your router for network-wide VPN protection.
- AdGuard VPN: Compatible with major operating systems like Windows, Mac, and mobile devices, providing a user-friendly VPN app for various platforms.
What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?
- Specific Needs: Consider what you’ll primarily use the VPN for. Will it be for streaming, torrenting, bypassing censorship, or enhancing online privacy?
- Device Compatibility: Ensure the VPN supports all your devices, including computers, smartphones, tablets, and routers.
- Customer Support: If you encounter any issues, look for a VPN provider with responsive and helpful customer support.
- Free Trial or Money-Back Guarantee: Use free trials or money-back guarantees to test the VPN before committing to a long-term plan.
- Independent Audits: Check if the VPN provider has undergone independent security audits to verify their claims and ensure transparency.
- User Reviews: Read reviews from the other users to get real-world insights into the VPN’s performance and reliability.
Final Verdict
In this ExpressVPN vs AdGuard VPN review for 2025, we’ve explored the features, speed, and security of two popular VPN services.
While both offer encrypted VPN connections and can help you bypass VPN blocks, ExpressVPN ultimately emerges as the winner. Why?
ExpressVPN consistently delivered the fastest VPN speeds in our tests, making it the best VPN for gaming, streaming, and downloading.
Its vast server network, with ExpressVPN servers in 94 countries, ensures you can always find a reliable connection to the VPN.
And with a user-friendly ExpressVPN app available for a wide range of devices, including support for VPN on your router, ExpressVPN makes using a VPN a breeze.
While AdGuard VPN offers a free VPN plan and a built-in AdGuard ad blocker, ExpressVPN’s superior performance and focus on security give it the edge.
ExpressVPN supports a wide range of VPN protocols, including its own Lightway protocol, which has been rigorously tested and audited.
With features like a kill switch and split tunneling, ExpressVPN ensures your online activity remains private and secure.
More of ExpressVPN
Here’s a quick look at how ExpressVPN stacks up against alternatives:
- ExpressVPN vs NordVPN: ExpressVPN: user-friendly, fast. NordVPN: more features, sometimes better price.
- ExpressVPN vs PureVPN: ExpressVPN: faster, more reliable for streaming, better privacy.
- ExpressVPN vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark: unlimited connections, cheaper long-term. ExpressVPN: faster, more server locations.
- ExpressVPN vs ProtonVPN: ExpressVPN: faster, better for streaming. ProtonVPN: strong privacy, free option.
- ExpressVPN vs PrivadoVPN: ExpressVPN offers better performance, is easier to use, and has more servers. PrivadoVPN is budget-friendly and privacy-focused.
- ExpressVPN vs Virtual Shield: ExpressVPN: more features, better performance.
- ExpressVPN vs StrongVPN: Both have strong encryption. ExpressVPN: larger network, broader compatibility.
- ExpressVPN vs FastestVPN: ExpressVPN: faster, more servers. FastestVPN: budget-friendly.
- ExpressVPN vs AuraVPN: ExpressVPN focuses on VPN. AuraVPN includes identity theft protection.
- ExpressVPN vs CyberGhost: ExpressVPN: faster, more consistent for streaming. CyberGhost: user-friendly, specialized servers.
- ExpressVPN vs McAfee VPN: ExpressVPN is: dedicated VPN with more features, better performance.
- ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access: ExpressVPN: user-friendly, better for streaming. PIA: customizable privacy settings.
- ExpressVPN vs Mysterium: ExpressVPN: traditional, reliable servers. Mysterium: decentralized network.
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 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 ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN focuses on strong privacy. AdGuard VPN combines a VPN with ad blocking.
- 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 ExpressVPN worth it in 2025?
Absolutely! ExpressVPN remains one of the best VPN services in 2025, thanks to its blazing-fast speeds, strong security features, and wide device compatibility. It’s a premium VPN service that truly delivers on its promises.
What’s the difference between AdGuard VPN and AdGuard ad blocker?
AdGuard offers two separate products: a standalone ad blocker and a VPN service. The AdGuard ad blocker focuses on blocking ads and trackers on websites and in apps, while AdGuard VPN encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address for online privacy and security.
Can I use a free VPN instead of ExpressVPN?
While free VPNs might seem tempting, they often come with limitations like data caps, slower speeds, and fewer server locations. ExpressVPN, although a paid service, offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it risk-free.
NordVPN or ExpressVPN: Which is better?
Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN are excellent VPN services. However, ExpressVPN consistently outperforms NordVPN in speed tests. ExpressVPN also offers a more user-friendly interface and broader device compatibility, making it a top choice for many users.
How do I choose the best VPN for me?
Consider your priorities. If speed is paramount, ExpressVPN is the clear winner. If you need a VPN with a built-in ad blocker, AdGuard VPN might be a good fit. Evaluate your needs and compare features to find the VPN that best suits your requirements.
