ProtonVPN vs AuraVPN: Head-to-Head Comparison in 2025

by | Last updated May 18, 2025

Winner
Protonvpn logo
9.0
  • IP Masking
  • Swiss Legal Protection
  • No-Logs Policy
  • NetShield Ad-blocker
  • Up to 5 Devices
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Paid Plans from €4.49/month
Runner Up
auravpn
8.0
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Identity Theft Insurance
  • Financial Fraud Protection
  • VPN & Online Privacy
  • Up to 5 Devices
  • 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee
  • Paid Plans from $10/month
protonvpn vs auravpn

Choosing the right VPN can feel like navigating a maze.

You want strong security and privacy, blazing-fast speeds, and the ability to access your favorite content, all without breaking the bank.

In this head-to-head comparison, we’ll break down two popular VPN providers, Proton VPN vs AuraVPN, to help you decide which one comes out on top. 

Overview

To give you a clear picture of how these VPNs stack up, we’ve rigorously tested both ProtonVPN and AuraVPN across various categories.

This includes evaluating their speed and performance, security features, streaming and torrenting capabilities, ease of use, and pricing.

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
AuraVPN

Safeguard your digital life with AuraVPN. Get unlimited device connections and comprehensive online security

8out of 10

Pricing: 60-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $10/month

Key Features:

  • No-logs policy
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Fast speeds

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

Protonvpn logo
Proton
9.0

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
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 AuraVPN?

Okay, now let’s talk about AuraVPN. This one’s a bit different. It’s actually part of a bigger package called Aura.

Do you know the one with the antivirus and all that? So, with AuraVPN, you get online security and a whole lot more.

It’s like a one-stop shop for digital safety. They’re all about protecting your devices and your identity.

Pretty neat. They have some really cool features that PureVPN doesn’t offer.

Also, explore our favorite AuraVPN alternatives…

AuraVPN
AuraVPN
8.0

Ready to take control of your online security and protect yourself from identity theft? AuraVPN offers a powerful combination of VPN protection.

Key Benefits

  • Unlimited device connections: This is a big one! You can protect all your devices with just one AuraVPN subscription. Perfect for families!
  • Built-in antivirus and malware protection: AuraVPN has extra security features to protect your devices from viruses and other online threats.
  • Firm no-logs policy: They don’t keep any records of your online activity, so you can browse with confidence.
  • Easy-to-use apps: Their apps are simple and straightforward, even for beginners.

Pricing

  • Family: $32/month
  • Couple: $22/month
  • Individual: $12/month
  • Kids: $10/month
AuraVPN Pricing

Pros

  • Includes antivirus protection.
  • Allows unlimited connections.
  • Has strong security features.
  • Offers a generous free trial

Cons

  • It is more expensive.
  • Their speeds can be inconsistent.
  • Not the best for streaming.

Feature Comparison

Let’s dive deeper and compare the features that ProtonVPN and AuraVPN bring to the table.

This will help you understand how each VPN performs in specific areas and which one best aligns with your needs.

1. Security Protocols

  • ProtonVPN: Offers strong encryption with OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 protocols. They also provide Perfect Forward Secrecy, ensuring your past sessions remain secure even if your current encryption key is compromised. This makes ProtonVPN a strong contender for those seeking the best VPN for security.
  • AuraVPN: Utilizes OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2, providing a secure foundation for your internet access.

Verdict: Both VPN services offer robust security protocols, making it a tie in this category.

Protonvpn DNS Leak Protection

2. Server Network

  • ProtonVPN: Provides a decent server network with servers in over 60 countries. This gives you a good range of options for bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing content from around the world.
  • AuraVPN: Their server network spans 45+ countries, offering decent coverage for most VPN users. However, it might not be as extensive as some other best VPN services.

Verdict: ProtonVPN takes the lead with a slightly larger server network, providing more options for accessing geo-restricted content.

3. Privacy Features

  • ProtonVPN: Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland, they have a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t track your online activity. They also offer advanced features like Tor over VPN for enhanced anonymity. This makes it a top choice for users prioritizing private internet access.
  • AuraVPN: While they have a no-logs policy, their jurisdiction is the United States, which raises some privacy concerns for some VPN users.

Verdict: ProtonVPN emerges as the winner due to its stronger privacy focus and location in a privacy-respecting country.

4. Speed and Performance

  • ProtonVPN: Offers fast speeds, particularly with their WireGuard protocol. This ensures smooth streaming, fast downloads, and lag-free gaming.
  • AuraVPN: Provides decent speeds, but they might not be as consistently fast as ProtonVPN, especially on long-distance connections.

Verdict: ProtonVPN wins in this category, providing faster and more reliable performance for a seamless online experience.

5. Streaming and Torrenting

  • ProtonVPN: Excels at unblocking popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. They also offer dedicated P2P servers for secure and efficient torrenting.
  • AuraVPN: Can unblock some streaming services, but their performance might not be as consistent as ProtonVPN. They allow P2P traffic on most servers.

Verdict: ProtonVPN is the better choice for streaming and torrenting due to its optimized servers and consistent performance.

AuraVPN personal experience

6. Device Compatibility

  • ProtonVPN: Offers apps for various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. They also have browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
  • AuraVPN: Supports major operating systems like Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. However, their Linux support might not be as comprehensive.

Verdict: ProtonVPN has slightly broader device compatibility, especially with its dedicated Linux app and browser extensions.

7. Additional Features

  • ProtonVPN: Provides a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling for enhanced security and control. They also offer an ad blocker and malware protection.
  • AuraVPN: Includes essential features like a kill switch, split tunneling, and DNS leak protection.

Verdict: Both VPNs offer a solid set of additional features, but ProtonVPN edges out with its integrated ad blocker and malware protection.

What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?

  • No-logs policy: Ensure the VPN provider doesn’t store your browsing activity. This is crucial for privacy.
  • Kill switch: This feature cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops, preventing data leaks.
  • DNS leak protection: Prevents your DNS requests from being exposed to your ISP.
  • Server locations: Based on your needs (e.g., accessing content from specific countries), consider where you need servers.
  • Customer support: A responsive team can be invaluable if you encounter issues.
  • Free trial or money-back guarantee: You can test the VPN risk-free before committing.
  • Independent audits: Look for VPNs that undergo third-party audits to verify their security and privacy claims.

Final Verdict

In the battle of ProtonVPN vs AuraVPN, ProtonVPN emerges as the clear winner.

With its strong encryption, extensive server network, strict no-logs policy, and impressive VPN speed, ProtonVPN offers a comprehensive package for privacy and security.

While AuraVPN is a decent contender, it falls short in key areas like VPN speed and server network size.

Ultimately, choosing the best VPN depends on your specific needs and priorities.

However, based on our VPN review and comparison of various factors, including Proton VPN offers, VPN connection security, and overall performance, ProtonVPN is the winner of this category.

It’s the VPN that provides a robust and reliable solution for individuals seeking to encrypt their VPN traffic, protect their IP address, and enhance their online experience.

ProtonVPN is also a strong contender when compared to other top VPNs in the market, like NordVPN and Surfshark.

In a ProtonVPN vs NordVPN comparison, ProtonVPN excels in areas like privacy, thanks to its VPN being based in Switzerland.

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 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 AuraVPN

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

  • AuraVPN vs NordVPN: NordVPN generally offers faster speeds, a larger server network, and more advanced security features. AuraVPN focuses on a security suite including antivirus and identity theft protection alongside its VPN.
  • AuraVPN vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is known for its consistently fast speeds and user-friendly interface. AuraVPN provides a broader security package, while ExpressVPN excels in VPN performance.
  • AuraVPN vs PureVPN: PureVPN boasts a larger server network. AuraVPN integrates a VPN with other security tools.
  • AuraVPN vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark typically offers more features and unlimited connections. AuraVPN provides a security bundle.
  • AuraVPN vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN offers a strong focus on privacy. AuraVPN includes antivirus and identity theft protection.
  • AuraVPN vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN excels at ad and tracker blocking, while AuraVPN offers a broader security package.
  • AuraVPN vs Virtual Shield: AuraVPN offers a more comprehensive security suite than the very basic Virtual Shield.
  • AuraVPN vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN is known for robust encryption. AuraVPN provides a wider range of security features.
  • AuraVPN vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN is a budget-friendly option. AuraVPN offers a bundled security approach.
  • AuraVPN vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost offers a large server network and specialized servers. AuraVPN provides a broader security suite.
  • AuraVPN vs McAfee VPN: Both often come bundled with antivirus software. AuraVPN offers a more modern interface and additional identity protection.
  • AuraVPN vs Private Internet Access: PIA offers a large server network and customization. AuraVPN provides a broader security package.
  • AuraVPN vs Mysterium: Mysterium is a decentralized VPN. AuraVPN uses a traditional server network with added security features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ProtonVPN or AuraVPN better for streaming Netflix?

ProtonVPN is generally the better choice for streaming platforms like Netflix. They have optimized servers specifically designed to bypass VPN blocks and provide reliable access to geo-restricted content. While AuraVPN allows torrenting, its performance for streaming might not be as consistent.

Which VPN has a more user-friendly desktop app, ProtonVPN or AuraVPN?

Both ProtonVPN and AuraVPN have decent desktop apps, but ProtonVPN’s interface is generally considered more intuitive and user-friendly, especially for beginners. AuraVPN’s desktop app, while functional, might not be as visually appealing or easy to navigate.

Can I use ProtonVPN or AuraVPN on my Linux device?

ProtonVPN offers dedicated apps for Linux, providing comprehensive support for this operating system. While AuraVPN might offer some compatibility with Linux, it’s not as comprehensive as ProtonVPN’s dedicated app.

Does ProtonVPN or AuraVPN offer a free plan?

ProtonVPN offers a limited free plan with basic features, allowing you to test their service before upgrading to a paid plan. AuraVPN does not currently offer a free plan.

Which VPN is better for torrenting, ProtonVPN or AuraVPN?

Both VPNs allow torrenting, but ProtonVPN is generally the better choice due to its faster speeds, optimized P2P servers, and stronger privacy features. This makes it a preferred option for users who prioritize secure and efficient torrenting.