Privacy matters, right? In today’s digital world, keeping online activities safe from prying eyes is more important than ever.
Choosing the right VPN is a big part of that.
Two popular options you’ve probably heard about are ExpressVPN vs PrivadoVPN.
But which one is the best for protecting your privacy? That’s the question we’re tackling today.
Let’s dive in and find the perfect privacy partner for you.
Overview
We’ve thoroughly tested ExpressVPN and PrivadoVPN, examining everything from their security features and speeds to their server networks and user interfaces.
This comparison is based on our hands-on experience and in-depth analysis, which gives a clear picture of each VPN’s strengths and weaknesses.
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 $8.33/month
Key Features:
- Zero-log policy
- Global server network
- Fast connection speeds
PrivadoVPN is a decent option with a free plan, but its smaller server network and inconsistent speeds are drawbacks.
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $1.11/month
Key Features:
- SOCKS5 Proxy
- Zero-Log Policy
- Multiple Device Support
What is ExpressVPN?
Okay, so ExpressVPN is a big name in the VPN world. Lots of people use it, and it’s known for being fast and secure. Let’s see what makes it tick.
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
1 month: $12.95/month.
12 months: $8.33/month.
6 months: $9.99/month.
Pros
Cons
What is PrivadoVPN?
Okay, now let’s talk about PrivadoVPN. It’s a newer player in the VPN game.
But don’t let that fool you. It packs a punch when it comes to privacy and security. Let’s take a closer look.
PrivadoVPN is a decent option with a free plan, but its smaller server network and inconsistent speeds are drawbacks.
Key Benefits
- A free plan is available: Try it out before you commit.
- Strong security: AES-256 encryption and a kill switch.
- P2P support: Good for torrenting.
- User-friendly apps: Easy to set up and use.
- 30-day money-back guarantee: For paid plans.
Pricing
- 12 Month Unlimited VPN + 3 Free: $1.33 per month with a limited feature
- 24 Month Unlimited VPN + 3 Free: $1.11 per month
- 1 Month Plan: $10.99/month
All plans have the same features, so you must decide how long you want to commit.
Pros
Cons
Feature Comparison
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and compare ExpressVPN and PrivadoVPN head-to-head. We’ll examine key VPN features to help you decide which VPN service fits your needs.
Speed and Performance
- ExpressVPN is known for consistently fast speeds, making it great for streaming and downloading. Speed tests often rank it at the top.
- PrivadoVPN offers fast enough speeds for most activities, though it may not always match ExpressVPN’s top performance.
Security and Privacy
- ExpressVPN uses military-grade encryption, a strict no-log policy, and a kill switch to protect your IP address and online activity. A third-party audit has confirmed their no-log claims.
- PrivadoVPN offers a zero-log policy, strong encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection.
Server Network
- ExpressVPN: Boasts a vast network of VPN servers across numerous countries, giving you plenty of options for bypassing geo-restrictions and finding fast connections.
- PrivadoVPN: While growing, its server network is smaller than that of ExpressVPN.
Streaming and Torrenting
- ExpressVPN: Excellent for unblocking streaming services like BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime. Supports fast torrenting.
- PrivadoVPN: Also offers good support for streaming and torrenting, though speeds may vary.
Apps and Ease of Use
- ExpressVPN: User-friendly apps are available for Windows, Google Play, and other devices, making connecting easy. Offers a browser extension.
- PrivadoVPN: It also offers intuitive apps for various platforms, including a Windows app. Ease of use is a priority.
VPN Protocols
- ExpressVPN: Supports various protocols, including OpenVPN, WireGuard, and its proprietary Lightway protocol.
- PrivadoVPN: Offers a selection of VPN protocols, including OpenVPN and WireGuard. PrivadoVPN also offers IKEv2.
Pricing and Plans
- ExpressVPN offers various subscription plans, but there is no free plan. It’s a bit pricier, but it’s often considered the best VPN overall.
- PrivadoVPN: More budget-friendly, offers various plans, and sometimes offers a free plan with limited data.
Additional Features
- ExpressVPN offers split tunneling, an innovative DNS feature, 24/7 live chat support, and a password manager.
- PrivadoVPN: Offers SOCKS5 proxy, port forwarding, and split tunneling. PrivadoVPN also offers a router app.
Jurisdiction
- ExpressVPN: It operates under the jurisdiction of the British Virgin Islands and is known for its strong privacy laws.
- PrivadoVPN: It is based in Switzerland and has favorable privacy laws.
Third-Party Audits
- ExpressVPN: Has undergone multiple third-party audits to verify its no-log policy.
- PrivadoVPN: While growing, it has not had as many third-party audits.
What to Look For When Choosing a VPN?
- Logging Policy: A strict no-logs policy is crucial. Check for independent audits.
- Jurisdiction: Where the VPN company is based matters for data privacy.
- Kill Switch: Essential for protecting your IP if the VPN connection drops.
- DNS Leak Protection: Prevents your DNS requests from being exposed.
- Server Locations: A wider variety of servers gives you more options.
- Speed: Look for fast connection speeds, especially for streaming.
- Security: Strong encryption and secure protocols are a must.
- Device Compatibility: Make sure the VPN works on all your devices.
- Customer Support: Responsive and helpful support is essential.
- Price: Choose a plan that fits your budget.
Final Verdict (Our Pick)
So, which VPN wins this showdown? It’s a close call. Both ExpressVPN and PrivadoVPN are good options.
However, for overall performance, security, and ease of use, we lean towards ExpressVPN.
It’s consistently fast, has a vast server network for unblocking anything, and its apps are super user-friendly.
While it’s a bit pricier, the extra features, such as split tunneling and competent DNS, make it worth it for most people.
We’ve tested many VPNs, including NordVPN and Surfshark, but ExpressVPN still stands out.
If budget is your main concern, PrivadoVPN is a decent alternative.
But for the best combination of speed, security, and features, ExpressVPN is our top pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PrivadoVPN safe to use?
Yes, PrivadoVPN is safe to use. It offers strong encryption and a zero-log policy. While PrivadoVPN hasn’t undergone as many third-party audits as ExpressVPN, we’ve seen no evidence to suggest it’s unsafe. Their privacy policies are solid.
Does ExpressVPN store logs?
ExpressVPN does not store logs of your online activity. They have a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t track what you do online. ExpressVPN slightly differs from other VPN providers in this regard.
Which VPN is better for streaming, ExpressVPN or PrivadoVPN?
Both are good for streaming, allowing you to unblock platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. However, ExpressVPN is generally faster than OpenVPN, making it a top VPN choice for smooth, high-quality streaming.
Can I use a VPN on devices that don’t support VPN apps?
Yes, you can. ExpressVPN also provides a Smart DNS feature that lets you use the VPN on devices that don’t support VPN apps, such as game consoles or Smart TVs. PrivadoVPN offers router support for similar functionality.
Is there a PrivadoVPN free tier or free trial?
PrivadoVPN sometimes offers a limited free tier. They also offer a 7-day free trial to test the service before committing. ExpressVPN, on the other hand, does not offer a free plan.
