ExpressVPN
From ~$4.99/mo (2-yr) to ~$12.99/mo (monthly)
Proton VPN
Free / from ~$3.99 per mo (1-yr)
ExpressVPN is the easiest, most polished VPN with strong streaming and a long-trusted reputation, but no free tier. Proton VPN is privacy-first and open-source with a genuine free tier. ExpressVPN wins on ease and streaming; Proton VPN wins on privacy ethos and free access.
Pick ExpressVPN if you want the easiest, most reliable apps and the best streaming support, and you do not need a free tier.
Pick Proton VPN if privacy and transparency matter most, you want open-source apps, or you want a genuinely usable free tier.
ExpressVPN and Proton VPN are both well-regarded, audited no-logs VPNs, but they emphasize different strengths. ExpressVPN is known for the easiest, most polished apps, reliable speeds, strong streaming unblocking, and a long-trusted privacy reputation, all at a slightly higher price with no free tier. Proton VPN, from the maker of Proton Mail, is privacy-first and open-source, based in Switzerland, with a strong transparency reputation and a genuinely usable free tier (unlimited data on a limited set of servers).
On price, ExpressVPN runs from around $4.99 a month on longer plans up to ~$12.99 monthly, while Proton VPN has a free tier and paid plans from around $3.99 a month. The choice is mostly ease and streaming (ExpressVPN) versus privacy ethos and free access (Proton VPN).
We compare ease of use, privacy, free tier, streaming, and price.
| Quick facts | ExpressVPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | No | Yes (unlimited data) |
| Cheapest paid | From ~$4.99/mo | From ~$3.99/mo (1-yr) |
| Ease of use | Best-in-class | Good |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Best for | Ease + streaming | Privacy + free access |
Each row reflects the feature on each product's current public release.
| Feature | E ExpressVPN | P Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Audited no-logs policy | Yes | Yes |
| Genuine free tier | No | Yes |
| Open-source apps | No | Yes |
| Ease of use | Best-in-class | Good |
| Streaming unblocking | Best-in-class | Good |
| Privacy-first reputation | Strong | Best-in-class |
| Own fast protocol | Lightway | WireGuard |
| Lower price | No | Yes |
Pricing and features change often. Always verify the current details on each product's official site. Last reviewed 2026-06-23.
Things neither product's marketing page leads with.
ExpressVPN is the most polished and best for streaming, but it is pricier and has no free tier.
Proton VPN's free tier and open-source, privacy-first ethos are standout advantages, though its apps are slightly less slick.
Both advertise low long-term rates that renew higher, so budget for the renewal, not just the intro term.
The average person juggles a dozen subscriptions and forgets at least one. Subkept is a privacy-first subscription tracker: add ExpressVPN, Proton VPN, and everything else, then get renewal reminders, price-hike alerts, and a clear monthly total, with no bank connection, ever. Free for up to 5 subscriptions, no time limit.