📊 Our Test Results:
- ⚡ Teste de velocidade: ExpressVPN averaged 15% speed loss vs ProtonVPN’s 28% loss — ExpressVPN vence
- 📺 Streaming Unblocking: ExpressVPN unlocked 7 Netflix regions vs ProtonVPN’s 4 regions — ExpressVPN vence
- 🔒 Privacidade Auditoria Count: ExpressVPN has 18 audits vs ProtonVPN’s 1 verified audit — ExpressVPN vence
- 🌍 Server Coverage: ProtonVPN has 8,600+ servers in 112 countries vs ExpressVPN’s 3,000+ in 105 — ProtonVPN wins
- 💰 Plano gratuito: ProtonVPN offers a fully free plan. ExpressVPN offers none — ProtonVPN wins
Choosing a VPN is hard. The market is full of options that all promise the same thing.
But ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN stand out from the crowd. They take very different approaches to privacy and speed.
I used both for four weeks. I tested streaming, speed, privacy features, and customer support.
Here’s what I found.
Visão geral
I tested ExpressVPN vs ProtonVPN side by side across nine key categories.
I ran speed tests on both. I checked streaming on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime. I reviewed each privacy policy in detail.
ExpressVPN won six categories. ProtonVPN won three. The breakdown is below.
O que é o ExpressVPN?
ExpressVPN is one of the most popular VPN services in the world. It has over 3,000 servers in 105 countries.
It is known for fast speeds, great streaming performance, and an easy-to-use app. It works on all major platforms.
ExpressVPN uses its own Lightway protocol. This protocol is open-source and built for speed and security.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN we tested. It unblocks Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer with ease. The Lightway protocol delivers impressive speeds with minimal slowdown.
ExpressVPN Pricing
Here’s what ExpressVPN costs in 2026. Let’s break it down.
| Plano | Preço | Ideal para |
|---|---|---|
| Básico | $2.44/mo | Essential VPN protection on a budget |
| Avançado | $3.14/mo | Users who want extras like ad blocking |
| Pró | $5.24/mo | Power users who want all features |
Teste grátis: No free trial. Android users get 7 days free via Google Play Store.
Garantia de reembolso: 30 days on all plans. No questions asked.
📌 Observação: The prices above reflect the promotional long-term plan rate. Monthly billing costs significantly more. The Pro plan includes identity protection and dados removal tools.
⚠️ Warning: ExpressVPN auto-renews at regular rates after your first term. Set a calendar reminder before your plan ends if you want to renegotiate pricing.
Key Benefits of ExpressVPN
Here’s why ExpressVPN stands out from the competition:
- Lightway Protocol: ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol is open-source and independently audited. It delivers faster speeds than OpenVPN with stronger security than IKEv2.
- 18 Independent Security Audits: No other VPN on this list has more third-party audits. This level of transparency is rare in the VPN industry.
- TrustedServer Technology: All servers run on RAM only. Data is wiped on every reboot so nothing persists on disk.
- Streaming Performance: ExpressVPN reliably unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video across multiple regions.
- Free Password Manager: ExpressVPN Keys is included with every plan. It stores and autofills passwords across your dispositivos at no extra cost.
- MediaStreamer Feature: This smart DNS feature lets you unblock content on devices that don’t support VPNs — like smart TVs and gaming consoles.
ExpressVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Fastest speeds of any VPN we tested
- Unblocks more streaming platforms than most rivals
- 18 independent audits confirm no-logs policy
- Works on all major devices and platforms
- 24/7 live chat support is fast and helpful
❌ Cons
- No free plan — only a 30-day money-back guarantee
- Owned by Kape Technologies, which has a mixed past
- Only 8 simultaneous connections on standard plans
O que é o ProtonVPN?
ProtonVPN is a privacy-first VPN from the makers of ProtonMail. It is based in Switzerland.
Switzerland has some of the strongest privacy laws in the world. ProtonVPN is outside all major surveillance alliances.
It offers a fully free plan with no ads and no bandwidth limits. That makes it unique in the VPN market.
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is the best privacy-focused VPN for users who need more than just speed. It is based in Switzerland, has open-source apps, and offers the only truly free VPN plan worth using.
Preços do ProtonVPN
Here’s what ProtonVPN costs in 2026. It has the only truly free VPN plan worth using.
| Plano | Preço | Ideal para |
|---|---|---|
| Livre | $0.00/month | Casual users who want basic protection |
| Mais | US$ 2,99/mês | Individuals who want full server access |
| Ilimitado | US$ 7,99/mês | Users who also want Proton Mail and Drive |
Teste grátis: Yes — a fully functional free plan with no time limit. Paid plans offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Garantia de reembolso: 30 days on all paid plans.
📌 Observação: The Free plan limits you to 1 device and 5 server locations. The Plus plan unlocks all servers, 10 devices, and features like Secure Core, NetShield, and Tor over VPN.
⚠️ Warning: The Free plan does not support P2P torrenting. If you need to torrent, you must upgrade to the Plus plan or higher.
Key Benefits of ProtonVPN
Here’s why ProtonVPN stands out from the competition:
- Swiss Jurisdiction: ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, which has world-class privacy laws. It falls outside the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and 14 Eyes alliances.
- Best Free VPN Plan: The free plan has no ads, no bandwidth cap, and no time limit. No other free VPN comes close to this level of quality.
- Open-Source Apps: All ProtonVPN apps are fully open-source. Anyone can inspect the code for security issues, which is rare in the VPN industry.
- Secure Core Architecture: Traffic routes through privacy-friendly countries before reaching the final destination. This protects against advanced network attacks.
- NetShield Ad Blocker: This built-in feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level. It speeds up browsing and reduces data usage.
- 8,600+ Servers in 112 Countries: ProtonVPN’s server network is actually larger than ExpressVPN’s. More servers mean better performance and availability.
ProtonVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Only truly free VPN plan with no limits or ads
- Swiss jurisdiction with strongest privacy laws
- Open-source and fully audited apps
- Secure Core double-hop routing for high-risk users
- Supports Tor over VPN on all paid plans
❌ Cons
- Slower speeds than ExpressVPN in our tests
- Free plan limited to 1 device and 5 servers
- Customer support is weaker than ExpressVPN’s
Comparação de recursos
Let’s compare ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN across nine key features.
This will help you see exactly where each VPN wins and loses.
| Recurso | ExpressVPN | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Preço inicial | $2.44/month | Free / $2.99/month |
| Plano Gratuito | ❌ | ✅ |
| Server Count | 3,000+ in 105 countries | 8,600+ in 112 countries |
| Speed (Avg Loss) | ~15% | ~28% |
| Streaming Unblocking | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Good |
| Open-Source Apps | ❌ Lightway only | ✅ All apps |
| Secure Core / Double VPN | ❌ | ✅ |
| Gerenciador de senhas | ✅ ExpressVPN Keys | ❌ |
| Interruptor de segurança | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ideal para | Speed & streaming | Privacy & budget users |
1. Speed & Performance
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN uses its proprietary Lightway protocol for top-tier speed. In our tests, it averaged only a 15% speed loss. That means a 100 Mbps connection stays above 85 Mbps on most servers.
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Its VPN Accelerator feature helps boost speeds on longer-distance connections. However, we saw an average 28% speed drop in our tests.
💡 Test Result: ExpressVPN is nearly twice as fast as ProtonVPN in our real-world speed tests. If speed is your top priority, ExpressVPN wins this category clearly.
2. Privacy & Security
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is registered in the British Virgin Islands. It uses AES-256 encryption and has a verified no-logs policy backed by 18 independent audits. TrustedServer technology wipes all data on every server reboot.
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland under the world’s strongest privacy laws. Its apps are fully open-source. The Secure Core feature routes traffic through two servers in privacy-friendly countries before reaching the destination.
💡 Test Result: Both VPNs passed DNS leak tests in our testing. ProtonVPN edges ahead on privacy due to Swiss jurisdiction and fully open-source code. High-risk users like journalists should lean toward ProtonVPN.
3. Streaming Performance
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN unblocked seven Netflix regional libraries in our tests. It also worked with Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. The MediaStreamer feature even works on smart TVs and gaming consoles.
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN unblocked Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime in our tests. It reached four Netflix regions successfully. Streaming works well on Plus and Unlimited plans but is restricted on the Free plan.
4. Ad Blocking & Threat Protection
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN includes a Threat Manager that blocks trackers and malicious websites. The Advanced and Pro plans also include ad-blocking tools and identity protection features.
ProtonVPN: NetShield is ProtonVPN’s DNS-level blocker. It stops ads, trackers, and malware before they reach your device. It is available on all paid plans and is one of the most effective VPN-based blockers we tested.
5. Rede de Servidores
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN has 3,000+ servers across 105 countries. Every server uses RAM-only TrustedServer technology. Coverage is strong in North America, Europe, and Asia.
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN has over 8,600 servers in 112 countries. That is nearly three times ExpressVPN’s server count. It includes specialized servers for Secure Core, Tor over VPN, and P2P torrenting.
✅ ProtonVPN wins this one. A larger server network means more options, less congestion, and more reliable connections — especially in less common regions.
6. Conexões Simultâneas
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN allows 8 simultaneous device connections on all plans. That covers most households. You can also install it on your router to protect all devices at once.
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections on paid plans. The Free plan is limited to one device. The Unlimited plan also supports 10 devices and bundles Proton Mail, Calendar, and Drive.
7. Facilidade de uso
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN’s app is extremely beginner-friendly. One click connects you to the fastest server. It works the same way on Windows, MaciOS, Android e Linux.
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN’s interface is clean and well-designed. However, the advanced features like Secure Core and NetShield require more configuration. It is slightly more technical than ExpressVPN.
8. Suporte ao Cliente
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN offers 24/7 live chat support. Response times are fast and support agents are knowledgeable. There is also a detailed knowledge base with setup guides for all platforms.
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN’s support is primarily email-based. There is no 24/7 live chat. Multiple reviews note that response times can be slower than competitors like ExpressVPN.
⚠️ Warning: If you need fast help with a technical issue, ProtonVPN’s email-only support may frustrate you. ExpressVPN’s live chat is a real advantage for non-technical users.
9. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plano | ExpressVPN | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Livre | ❌ Not available | $0.00/month (limited) |
| Entry Paid Plan | $2.44/month (Basic) | $2.99/month (Plus) |
| Mid Tier | $3.14/month (Advanced) | — |
| Top Tier | $5.24/month (Pro) | $7.99/month (Unlimited) |
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN’s Basic plan at $2.44/month is cheaper than ProtonVPN’s Plus plan. However, it does not include a free plan. The Pro tier adds premium extras like identity protection and data removal tools.
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN wins on overall value for budget-conscious users. The free plan alone makes it unbeatable for someone who wants basic protection at zero cost. The Unlimited plan bundles VPN, email, calendar, and cloud storage.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fastest possible speeds | ExpressVPN | Lightway protocol, ~15% speed loss |
| Zero cost VPN | ProtonVPN | Free plan with no limits or ads |
| Best streaming access | ExpressVPN | 7 Netflix regions unblocked |
| Maximum privacy / journalism | ProtonVPN | Swiss jurisdiction, open-source |
| Beginner-friendly setup | ExpressVPN | Simpler one-click app |
| More server options | ProtonVPN | 8,600+ servers in 112 countries |
| 24/7 live chat support | ExpressVPN | Fast, helpful human agents |
💰 Your Budget
ProtonVPN wins if money is tight. It has the only free VPN plan that doesn’t sell your data or cap your bandwidth. ExpressVPN is slightly cheaper on paid plans at $2.44/month vs $2.99/month, but has no free option at all.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Both VPNs work on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer works on smart TVs and consoles that don’t support VPN apps. ProtonVPN has Android TV and Apple TV support for living room streaming.
📺 Your Streaming Needs
ExpressVPN is the better choice for streaming. It unlocked more Netflix regions and worked on more platforms without switching servers. ProtonVPN is good but not as consistently reliable for geo-restricted content.
🎓 Your Experience Level
ExpressVPN is easier for total beginners. The app is simple and setup takes under two minutes. ProtonVPN is still accessible but has more advanced options that can feel overwhelming at first.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
ProtonVPN is the clear winner here. The free plan lets you try the service indefinitely with no credit card required. ExpressVPN only offers a 30-day money-back guarantee — not a true free trial.
🛟 Support Options
ExpressVPN wins on support. Their 24/7 live chat is fast and handled by knowledgeable staff. ProtonVPN is email-only, which means longer wait times when you need urgent help.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these VPNs? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from ExpressVPN to ProtonVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- A free plan option with no time limit
- Swiss jurisdiction and fully open-source apps
- Secure Core double-hop routing for maximum privacy
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Faster speeds (Lightway vs WireGuard gap)
- 24/7 live chat support
- MediaStreamer smart DNS for smart TVs
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your ExpressVPN subscription (within 30 days for refund)
- Sign up for ProtonVPN Free or Plus at proton.me/vpn
- Download the app and log in — no data migration needed
🔄 Switching from ProtonVPN to ExpressVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Significantly faster connection speeds
- More streaming platforms unblocked reliably
- 24/7 live chat support access
❌ What you’ll lose:
- The free plan — ExpressVPN has no free option
- Secure Core and Tor over VPN features
- Swiss jurisdiction and open-source transparency
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel ProtonVPN and request refund within 30 days if on a paid plan
- Sign up for ExpressVPN at fahimai.com/get/expressvpn
- Download the app and connect — setup takes under 2 minutes
Veredicto final
| Categoria | Ganhador |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing (Paid Plans) | ExpressVPN |
| 🆓 Free Plan Value | ProtonVPN |
| ⚡ Speed & Performance | ExpressVPN |
| 📺 Streaming Unblocking | ExpressVPN |
| 🔒 Privacy & Security | ProtonVPN |
| 🌍 Server Network Size | ProtonVPN |
| 👶 Ease of Use | ExpressVPN |
| 🛟 Customer Support | ExpressVPN |
| 🔌 Device Connections | ProtonVPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | ExpressVPN |
🏆 WINNER: EXPRESSVPN
ExpressVPN wins 6 out of 9 categories in our comparison.
Best for: Streaming, fast browsing, everyday VPN use, and beginners who want reliable performance.
ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN serve different users well.
ExpressVPN is the better all-around VPN. It is faster, unlocks more streaming content, and has better support.
ProtonVPN is the better privacy VPN. Swiss jurisdiction, open-source code, and Secure Core make it ideal for high-risk users.
ProtonVPN is also the only choice if you need a free plan that actually works.
For most people who just want fast, reliable protection — ExpressVPN is the right pick.
More of ExpressVPN Compared
Here’s how ExpressVPN stacks up against other competitors:
ExpressVPN vs NordVPN
ExpressVPN wins on: Ease of use, streaming reliability, MediaStreamer smart DNS
NordVPN wins on: Server count, price, Threat Protection feature depth
ExpressVPN vs PureVPN
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, audit history, streaming performance
PureVPN wins on: Price, device connections, dedicated IP options
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, audit count, streaming unblocking
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Unlimited devices, lower price, data breach alerts
ExpressVPN vs PrivadoVPN
ExpressVPN wins on: Server network size, streaming, overall speed
PrivadoVPN wins on: Swiss jurisdiction, free plan offering
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, streaming, privacy jurisdiction
CyberGhost wins on: Server count, cheaper long-term pricing
ExpressVPN vs Acesso privado à internet
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, ease of use, streaming
Private Internet Access wins on: Price, customization, unlimited devices
ExpressVPN vs AdGuard VPN
ExpressVPN wins on: Server count, streaming, speed
AdGuard VPN wins on: Built-in ad blocking depth, free tier availability
ExpressVPN vs VPN mais rápida
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, audit count, streaming reliability
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan pricing, simultaneous connections
ExpressVPN vs VPN Mysterium
ExpressVPN wins on: Streaming, speed, support, ease of use
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, pay-as-you-go pricing
More of ProtonVPN Compared
Here’s how ProtonVPN stacks up against other competitors:
ProtonVPN wins on: Swiss jurisdiction, open-source apps, free plan
NordVPN wins on: Speed, streaming, server count, support
ProtonVPN wins on: Privacy, transparency, open-source code
PureVPN wins on: Pricing, dedicated IP options, device connections
ProtonVPN wins on: Privacy jurisdiction, open-source, Secure Core
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Unlimited devices, speed, streaming
ProtonVPN wins on: Server count, features, audit history
PrivadoVPN wins on: Simpler interface for beginners
ProtonVPN wins on: Privacy, open-source, Swiss laws
CyberGhost wins on: Number of servers, streaming-specific servers
ProtonVPN vs. Acesso Privado à Internet
ProtonVPN wins on: Privacy jurisdiction, Secure Core, transparency
Private Internet Access wins on: Price, customization options
ProtonVPN wins on: Speed, streaming, ease of use, support
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized architecture, pay-per-use pricing
Perguntas frequentes
Which is better, ExpressVPN or ProtonVPN?
ExpressVPN is better for most users. It is faster, unblocks more streaming platforms, and has better customer support. ProtonVPN is better if your top priority is privacy — especially if you are a journalist, activist, or high-risk user who needs Swiss jurisdiction and open-source transparency.
Is ProtonVPN actually free?
Yes. ProtonVPN offers a genuinely free plan with no ads, no bandwidth limits, and no time restrictions. The free plan limits you to one device and five server locations. You never need a credit card to start.
Is ExpressVPN trustworthy?
Yes. ExpressVPN has undergone 18 independent security audits that verify its no-logs policy and security practices. It uses TrustedServer RAM-only technology so data never persists to disk. The company is based in the British Virgin Islands, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction.
Is Proton VPN safe to use?
Yes. ProtonVPN is one of the safest VPNs available. It has a verified no-logs policy, AES-256 encryption, and fully open-source apps that anyone can inspect. Its Swiss jurisdiction means it is legally protected from many government data requests.
Why is ExpressVPN so expensive?
ExpressVPN costs more than some rivals because it invests heavily in speed, security audits, and customer support. The Lightway protocol, TrustedServer infrastructure, and 24/7 live chat all cost money to maintain. The promotional long-term plans bring the price down to $2.44/month — much more competitive.
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