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

by | Jan 29, 2025

Winner
Protonvpn logo
4.5
  • IP Masking
  • Swiss Legal Protection
  • No-Logs Policy
  • NetShield Ad-blocker
  • DNS Leak Protection
  • Free Plan Available
  • Paid Plan Starts at $4.49
Runner Up
auravpn
3.5
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Theft Insurance
  • Fraud Protection
  • Online Privacy
  • Antivirus
  • 60-Days Money-Back Guarantee
  • Paid Plan Starts at $10
protonvpn vs auravpn

Choosing the right VPN can feel like navigating a maze.

You want strong security and privacy and blazing-fast speeds.

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, ProtonVPN 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
4.5out of 5

Stop guessing which VPN is best. Choose ProtonVPN, the Swiss-based provider with over 15,000.

Pricing: It has a free plan. Paid plan starts at $4.49/month

Key Features:

  • Email Aliasing.
  • Encrypted Vault.
  • Open Source.
AuraVPN
3.5out of 5

Safeguard your digital life with AuraVPN. Get unlimited secure device connections today!

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

Key Features:

  • Unlimited Device Connections
  • Ad Blocker
  • Malware Protection

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 homepage

Our Take

Protonvpn logo

Join over 100 million users who choose Proton VPN for ironclad online security. With 13,000+ servers spanning 120+ countries and speeds boosted by up to 400% with VPN Accelerator, you can browse, stream, and game with unparalleled privacy and performance.

Key Benefits

  • Strong focus on privacy: Based in Switzerland with a strict no-logs policy.
  • Secure core servers: Adds an extra layer of protection.
  • Free version available: Try it out before you buy.
  • Open-source apps: Transparency and community-driven development.

Pricing

  • Proton Free: $0.00/month.
  • VPN Plus: $4.99/month.
  • Proton Unlimited: $7.99/month.
protonvpn pricing

Pros

  • Excellent for privacy.
  • Secure core servers.
  • Free version available.
  • Easy to use apps.

Cons

  • The free version is limited.
  • It can be slower than other VPNs.
  • Not the best for streaming.

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…

aura homepage

Our Take

AuraVPN

Aura VPN is popular because it offers a comprehensive security solution at a reasonable price. It’s a good choice for those who want more than just a VPN.

Key Benefits

  • Part of a comprehensive security suite: Includes antivirus, malware protection, and more.
  • Good speeds: Suitable for streaming and downloading.
  • Growing server network: Expanding to more locations.
  • User-friendly interface: Easy to set up and use.

Pricing

  • Kids: $10/month.
  • Individual: $12/month.
  • Couple: $22/month.
  • Family: $32/month.
aura pricing

Pros

  • Strong identity theft protection.
  • All-in-one security solution.
  • User-friendly interface.
  • Wide range of features.
  • Reputable company.

Cons

  • Limited device connections.
  • Higher price point.
  • There is no free trial.
  • Customer support can be slow.

Feature Comparison

Choosing between these vpn providers means contrasting maximum user privacy with a comprehensive digital safety bundle.

This proton vpn review and deep look at Aura’s features will compare their unique offerings, helping you determine which virtual private network best secures your internet connection, financial accounts, and personal identity.

1. Core Service Focus and Ecosystem

  • Proton VPN: A dedicated vpn service provider with credit scoring systems centered on privacy and freedom. It integrates with other proton services like proton mail, offering same core features across its ecosystem.
  • Aura VPN: Part of a broader identity protection services bundle. The aura antivirus package is the primary offering, with the vpn service and other features like a password manager acting as supporting components.

2. Specialized Server Infrastructure

  • Proton VPN: Features unique secure core servers that route traffic through multiple vpn servers in privacy-friendly countries, creating an encrypted vpn tunnel with proton vpn servers that is robust against surveillance.
  • Aura VPN: Relies on a standard network of vpn servers. It does not offer advanced multi-hop or secure core features, focusing instead on ensuring a reliable, simple vpn tunnel for internet service provider prevention.

3. Identity Theft Protection

  • Proton VPN: Does not include identity theft protection services like credit monitoring. Its focus is solely on securing the vpn connection and user data from the internet service provider.
  • Aura VPN: Aura’s main strength is its suite of identity each theft protection services, including credit monitoring and alerts regarding your experian credit file and exposure on the dark web.

4. Free Access and Tiered Pricing

  • Proton VPN: Offers a permanently high-quality free vpn tier with unlimited data and access to selected vpn servers. This tier allows new users to evaluate the vpn service thoroughly.
  • Aura VPN: Does not offer a permanent free vpn tier for its virtual private network. The best value comes from purchasing the full security suite, which bundles the VPN with aura’s identity theft protections.

5. Independent Audits and Trust

  • Proton VPN: Proton vpn passed independent audits of its no logs policy and security infrastructure, making the proton vpn review highly favorable for trust.
  • Aura VPN: While Aura is generally trusted, the VPN component often lacks the extensive third-party security audits that vpn providers like Proton VPN regularly commission to prove their vpn protocols integrity.

6. Privacy Tools & Monitoring Tools

  • Proton VPN: The proton vpn app includes specialized privacy tools like split tunneling and Tor over VPN. It secures the vpn tunnel by routing traffic and masking the ip address.
  • Aura VPN: Focuses on monitoring user accounts and personal information, alerting users if their details (like the credit file) appear exposed online. It also offers data broker sites removal services.

7. Core Functionality and Speed

  • Proton VPN: Employs vpn accelerator technology to significantly boost speeds across its vpn servers. This is a fast, secure vpn designed for high-performance usage.
  • Aura VPN: Speeds are reliable for general browsing and streaming, ensuring the vpn connection is stable for financial accounts management and securing the internet service provider from viewing traffic.

8. Parental Controls and Antivirus

  • Proton VPN: Does not offer built-in parental controls or antivirus software; its scope is limited to vpn services and encrypted communications.
  • Aura VPN: Offers integrated antivirus software and features like parental controls as standard components of the bundle, providing layered digital protection for families.

9. Protocols and IP Address Management

  • Proton VPN: Supports modern vpn protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. It uses dynamic ip address allocation for enhanced user anonymity.
  • Aura VPN: Supports industry-standard vpn protocols to secure the vpn connection. It focuses on ensuring the masked ip address is always secure without offering advanced options like multi-hop.

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. Do the provider gives identity theft protection service?
  • 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: ProtonVPN prioritizes privacy with its Swiss base and open-source apps, while NordVPN focuses on speed and a vast server network.
  • ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN: It is often faster and more reliable for streaming, while ProtonVPN provides strong security features and a transparent open-source approach.
  • ProtonVPN vs PureVPN: It is generally considered better overall with faster speeds and stronger security, while PureVPN boasts a larger server count.
  • ProtonVPN vs SurfsharkVPN: It is often more affordable and allows unlimited connections, while ProtonVPN is known for slightly faster speeds and stronger privacy features.
  • ProtonVPN vs PrivadoVPN: It 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: It’s strength is its ad-blocking integration, while ProtonVPN is a more comprehensive VPN that focuses on security and privacy.
  • ProtonVPN vs Virtual Shield: It offers more advanced security features and better performance than the simpler Virtual Shield.
  • ProtonVPN vs StrongVPN: It 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: It 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: It offers a massive server network, while AuraVPN provides a built-in antivirus.
  • AuraVPN vs ExpressVPN: It 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: It boasts a larger server network. AuraVPN integrates a VPN with other security tools.
  • AuraVPN vs SurfsharkVPN: It typically offers more features and unlimited connections. AuraVPN provides a security bundle.
  • AuraVPN vs ProtonVPN: It emphasizes strong security and privacy. AuraVPN offers a wider security suite.
  • AuraVPN vs PrivadoVPN: It 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: It offers a more comprehensive security suite than the very basic Virtual Shield.
  • AuraVPN vs StrongVPN: It is known for robust encryption. AuraVPN provides a wider range of security features.
  • AuraVPN vs FastestVPN: It is a budget-friendly option. AuraVPN offers a bundled security approach.
  • AuraVPN vs CyberGhost: It 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: It 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.

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