ProtonVPN vs Mysterium: Which VPN Is Best in 2025?

by | Last updated May 18, 2025

Winner
Protonvpn logo
9.0
  • IP Masking
  • Swiss Legal Protection
  • No-Logs Policy
  • NetShield Ad-blocker
  • DNS Leak Protection
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Paid Plans from €4.49/month
Runner Up
Mysterium logo
8.0
  • Unlimited IP Rotation
  • Chat and Rotation
  • Residential IP
  • Military Grade Attention
  • Up to 6 Devices
  • 7-Day Money-Back Guarantee
  • Paid Plans from $3.19/month
protonvpn vs mysterium vpn

Choosing the right VPN can feel like navigating a maze.

Do you need blazing-fast speeds for streaming?

Is rock-solid security your top priority?

Maybe you’re looking for the best value for your money.

In this showdown, we’re diving deep into two popular VPNs – ProtonVPN vs Mysterium – to help you decide which one comes out on top. 

Overview

To give you the most accurate comparison.

We’ve rigorously tested both ExpressVPN and Mysterium across various categories, including speed, security, privacy, streaming capabilities, and more. 

Our hands-on experience with each VPN forms the foundation of this in-depth analysis.

Protonvpn logo

Experience true online freedom with Proton VPN’s strong security and privacy features.

9out of 10

Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at €4.49/month

Key Features:

  • Secure Core servers
  • NetShield ad-blocker
  • Strong encryption protocols
mysterium VPN

Experience true online privacy with Mysterium VPN. Join a network with over 2,400 residential IPs and enjoy secure browsing.

8out of 10

Pricing: 7-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $3.19/month

Key Features:

  • DVPN
  • Pay-As-You-Go System
  • No-Logs Policy

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. Bad, huh?

Also, explore our favorite ProtonVPN alternatives

Protonvpn logo
Proton
9.0

Enhance your online security with ProtonVPN. Choose a free plan with unlimited data or a premium plan starting at €9.99 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
ProtonVPN Pricing

Pros

  • Strong security features.
  • Excellent privacy policy.
  • Free version available.
  • Open-source apps.

Cons

  • Fewer servers than PureVPN.
  • Speeds can fluctuate.
  • Limited streaming options.

What is Mysterium?

Okay, so Mysterium is a bit different from your typical VPN.

Think of it as a decentralized network of users sharing their bandwidth.

Instead of connecting to a company’s servers, you’re connecting to other people’s computers. 🤯

This makes it super hard for anyone to track your activity. It’s like a secret society for internet users! 🤫

Also, explore our favorite Mysterium alternatives

Mysterium Logo
Mysterium
8.0

Experience true online privacy with Mysterium VPN. Join a network with over 2,400 residential IPs and enjoy secure, anonymous browsing.

Key Benefits

  • Decentralized network: Increased privacy and security.
  • No-logs policy: Doesn’t store your data.
  • Open-source: Transparent and community-driven.
  • Pay-as-you-go pricing: Only pay for what you use.

Pricing

  • 1-year plan: $5.14/month
  • 2-year plan: $3.19/month
Mysterium VPN Pricing

Pros

  • It is very secure and private.
  • Affordable for occasional use.
  • Supports a good cause.
  • Growing network of nodes.
  • Unique approach to VPNs.

Cons

  • Speeds can be inconsistent.
  • Not ideal for heavy usage.
  • Requires cryptocurrency knowledge.

Feature Comparison

Let’s have a side-by-side comparison of ExpressVPN vs Mysterium VPN.

This software comparison will help you decide which VPN service is better.

This software comparison will help you make the best choice between these two VPN providers.

We’ll examine key aspects of each VPN, like security and privacy features, ease of use, and more, to help you decide which one is best for your needs.

This VPN review will help you compare ExpressVPN vs Mysterium VPN and decide whether ExpressVPN or Mysterium VPN is the best choice for you.

1. Speed and Performance

  • ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is known for being one of the fastest VPNs available. If you’re looking for a fast VPN, ExpressVPN is a great option. ExpressVPN’s speed makes it a top VPN for streaming and downloading.
  • Mysterium VPN: Mysterium VPN is a decentralized VPN, which means that your speed may vary depending on the node you connect to. Mysterium VPN might not be the fastest VPN, but it offers decent speeds for most VPN uses.

2. Security Protocols

  • ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN uses strong security protocols, including OpenVPN, to keep your data safe.
  • Mysterium VPN: Mysterium VPN uses Wireguard, which is a new VPN protocol that is known for being both secure and fast.
Protonvpn DNS Leak Protection

3. Privacy

  • ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN has a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t track your online activity. ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, which is a privacy-friendly country.
  • Mysterium VPN: Mysterium VPN is a decentralized VPN, meaning that your traffic is routed through a network of regular users. This makes it more difficult for anyone to track your online activity. Mysterium VPN is a good option for users who are looking for a VPN for privacy.

4. Streaming

  • ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is a great VPN for streaming. It can unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
  • Mysterium VPN: Mysterium VPN can unblock some streaming services, but it might not be as reliable as ExpressVPN. If you’re looking for a VPN for streaming, ExpressVPN is the better choice.

5. Torrenting

  • ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN allows torrenting on its network. It also offers split tunneling, which is a feature that allows you to route some of your traffic through the VPN while the rest goes through your regular internet connection.
  • Mysterium VPN: Mysterium VPN is a good choice for torrenting because it is a decentralized VPN. This means that your traffic is routed through a network of regular users, making it more difficult for anyone to track your torrenting activity.
Mysterium VPN

6. Customer Support

  • ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN offers excellent customer support. You can contact them 24/7 via live chat or email.
  • Mysterium VPN: Mysterium VPN offers support through its website and community forums.

7. Device Compatibility

  • ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN has apps for all major devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux.
  • Mysterium VPN: Mysterium VPN has apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. However, it may not be compatible with all devices.

Hopefully, this comparison of ExpressVPN vs Mysterium VPN has helped you decide which one is better for you.

If you’re still not sure, you can always read reviews to make the best choice.

You can also look for a VPN that offers a free trial or money-back guarantee so you can try it before you buy it.

Remember, using a VPN is a great way to improve your online privacy and security.

What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?

  • Privacy Policy: Always examine a VPN’s privacy policy. Look for a clear and concise no-logs policy stating that the VPN doesn’t store your browsing data.
  • Security Features: Ensure the VPN uses strong encryption protocols (like AES-256) and offers features like a kill switch & DNS leak protection.
  • Number of Servers and Locations: A more extensive server network gives you more options for bypassing geo-restrictions and finding optimal speeds.
  • Simultaneous Connections: Check how many devices can connect simultaneously with a single subscription.
  • Customer Support: Reliable customer support can be crucial if you encounter any issues. Look for VPNs with 24/7 live chat support.
  • Free Trials and Money-Back Guarantees: Use free trials or money-back guarantees to test the VPN before committing to a long-term plan.
  • Independent Audits: Some VPNs undergo independent audits to verify their security and privacy claims. This adds an extra layer of trust & transparency.

Final Verdict

In this comparison between ExpressVPN and Mysterium, ExpressVPN emerges as the better choice for most VPN users. Why?

It delivers exceptional speed, unmatched streaming capabilities, and rock-solid security.

While Mysterium VPN provides a unique, decentralized approach with its node-sharing P2P network and has some compelling features, ExpressVPN consistently outperforms it in key areas.

Ultimately, the best VPN for you depends on your individual needs and priorities.

If you value a seamless user experience, blazing-fast speeds, and the ability to easily access your favorite streaming services, ExpressVPN is the clear winner.

However, if you prioritize a high degree of anonymity and are comfortable with a less user-friendly interface, Mysterium VPN might be worth considering.

This software comparison between ExpressVPN and Mysterium aimed to provide a comprehensive overview based on genuine user reviews and our own testing.

We hope this information empowers you to make the best decision for your online security and privacy.

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 AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN’s strength is its ad-blocking integration, while ProtonVPN is a more comprehensive VPN that focuses on security and privacy.
  • 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.

More of Mysterium

We’ve explored alternatives to Mysterium, so how does Mysterium stack up directly against them?

  • Mysterium vs NordVPN: NordVPN offers a much larger and faster server network, making it better for streaming and general use. Mysterium, as a decentralized VPN, might offer unique privacy benefits, but it can have inconsistent speeds.
  • Mysterium vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is known for its consistently fast speeds and user-friendly interface, which make it superior for streaming and ease of use compared to Mysterium’s potentially variable speeds and more technical setup.
  • Mysterium vs PureVPN: PureVPN has a larger server network, which often translates to better speeds and more reliable connections for streaming compared to Mysterium’s decentralized network.
  • Mysterium vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark is generally faster and easier to use, and it allows unlimited connections, a significant advantage over Mysterium’s pay-as-you-go mode, which can become costly for heavy use.
  • Mysterium vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN offers a more traditional VPN experience with potentially better and more consistent speeds for streaming and general browsing compared to Mysterium.
  • Mysterium vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN’s strength is its ad-blocking, while Mysterium offers a unique decentralized VPN approach, but may not be as user-friendly or consistently fast.
  • Mysterium vs Virtual Shield: Virtual Shield aims for simplicity, but Mysterium offers a more unique, albeit potentially complex, decentralized approach to VPNs.
  • Mysterium vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN is known for its robust encryption and reliable connections, often offering more consistent performance than Mysterium’s decentralized network.
  • Mysterium vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN aims for speed and affordability, often providing more consistent performance for streaming and general use than Mysterium’s potentially variable speeds.
  • Mysterium vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN includes identity theft protection, while Mysterium focuses on its decentralized VPN network, which might appeal to a specific set of privacy-conscious users.
  • Mysterium vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost is user-friendly and has specialized servers, often providing better and more consistent speeds for various online activities compared to Mysterium.
  • Mysterium vs McAfee VPN: McAfee VPN is a basic VPN often bundled with security software. At the same time, Mysterium offers a unique decentralized approach, though it may not be as user-friendly or consistently performant.
  • Mysterium vs Private Internet Access: PIA is known for its customization and generally offers more consistent speeds and a larger server network than Mysterium’s decentralized model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mysterium VPN better than ExpressVPN?

While Mysterium VPN provides a unique decentralized approach with its node-sharing P2P network, ExpressVPN generally offers better performance and ease of use. This software comparison highlighted key differences to help you decide.

What is the main advantage of Mysterium VPN?

Mysterium VPN is known for its enhanced privacy. By routing your traffic through a network of regular users, it makes your online activity harder to track. This makes Mysterium VPN a strong contender for privacy-focused users.

Can I use ExpressVPN and Mysterium VPN for streaming?

ExpressVPN excels at unblocking popular streaming platforms like Netflix. Mysterium VPN might work with some services, but ExpressVPN is generally the better choice for streaming.

How does Mysterium VPN work?

Mysterium VPN is built on the Mysterium Network, a decentralized network of nodes. When you use Mysterium VPN, your traffic is routed through this network, making it more difficult to trace your online activity.

Are ExpressVPN and Mysterium VPN the best VPN services available?

Both are excellent options, but the “best” depends on your needs. Top VPN providers like NordVPN and Surfshark also offer compelling features. Consider your priorities and read user reviews to make the best choice for you.

Fahim Joharder

Fahim Joharder

Author

A tech enthusiast and writer with a passion for AI and software innovations. He simplifies complex topics to help readers stay ahead in the digital world.

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