ExpressVPN vs Proton VPN: Which VPN Is More Transparent?

ExpressVPN is one of the fastest and most user-friendly VPNs on the market. Proton VPN prioritizes transparency with open-source code and Swiss privacy laws. Both claim to protect your privacy, but they take fundamentally different approaches.

In this comparison, we'll examine ExpressVPN vs Proton VPN on privacy policies, transparency, jurisdiction, features, speed, and pricing to help you choose the right VPN.

The Transparency Divide

ExpressVPN: Closed Source with Audits

ExpressVPN is closed source, meaning you cannot examine their code to verify privacy claims. They've been independently audited by Cure53 and PwC, which found their no-logs policy to be accurate.

However, in 2021, ExpressVPN's CIO was charged by the US Department of Justice for providing hacking services to the UAE government between 2016-2019. While this occurred before he joined ExpressVPN and doesn't directly implicate the company, it raised concerns about leadership and trust.

ExpressVPN was also acquired by Kape Technologies in 2021, a company with a history of developing malware before pivoting to VPN services. This acquisition made some privacy advocates uncomfortable.

Proton VPN: Open Source & Audited

Proton VPN's entire codebase is open source. Anyone can audit the apps to verify there are no hidden logging mechanisms, backdoors, or security vulnerabilities. This provides trust through verification, not just audits.

Proton VPN has been audited by SEC Consult and publishes transparency reports showing exactly what data they can and cannot provide under Swiss law. The commitment to transparency is built into their DNA.

Jurisdiction Matters

ExpressVPN is registered in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), chosen specifically because BVI has no data retention laws and isn't part of the 5/9/14 Eyes surveillance alliances. On paper, it's a good jurisdiction.

Proton VPN is based in Switzerland, with constitutional privacy protections and some of the world's strongest privacy laws. Switzerland also has a track record of resisting foreign surveillance requests.

Both jurisdictions are solid for privacy, but Switzerland has a longer track record and more robust legal framework for defending user privacy.

Feature Comparison

Speed & Performance

ExpressVPN is consistently one of the fastest VPNs available. They use their proprietary Lightway protocol, which is designed for speed and low battery consumption. For users who prioritize raw speed, ExpressVPN often wins in benchmarks.

Proton VPN uses WireGuard, which is also very fast, and offers excellent speeds especially on Plus servers. While ExpressVPN may have a slight edge in pure speed, Proton VPN's performance is more than adequate for streaming, gaming, and everyday use.

Streaming & Unblocking

Both VPNs work well for streaming. ExpressVPN has long been considered the gold standard for unblocking Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and other streaming services across multiple regions.

Proton VPN also works well for streaming and specifically optimizes certain servers for streaming services. The gap has narrowed significantly in recent years.

Pricing Comparison

ExpressVPN is significantly more expensive than Proton VPN. At $8.32/month for an annual plan, it's nearly double Proton VPN's $4.99/month. ExpressVPN doesn't offer a free tier, while Proton VPN's free plan has no data caps.

Privacy Features

Both VPNs offer strong encryption (AES-256), kill switches, DNS leak protection, and secure protocols. ExpressVPN's TrustedServer technology runs all servers in RAM, so data is wiped on every reboot.

Proton VPN offers Secure Core, which routes traffic through multiple privacy-friendly countries before exiting. This provides extra protection against sophisticated attacks. Proton also offers NetShield for ad and malware blocking.

Who Should Choose ExpressVPN?

ExpressVPN is ideal if you need the absolute fastest speeds and most reliable streaming support. The extra cost may be worth it if speed is your top priority and you don't mind closed-source software.

It's a mature, polished VPN with excellent apps and customer support. For users who trust audits and don't need open-source transparency, ExpressVPN delivers on performance.

Who Should Choose Proton VPN?

Proton VPN is the better choice for transparency-focused users who want to verify privacy claims themselves. The open-source code, Swiss jurisdiction, and significantly lower price make it ideal for:

Privacy advocates, journalists, activists, security researchers, or anyone who believes transparency should be verifiable, not just claimed. The free plan is also perfect for casual users who want privacy without commitment.

Final Verdict

ExpressVPN wins on speed, streaming reliability, and server count. Proton VPN wins on transparency, pricing, open-source code, and the free plan.

If you prioritize speed and streaming above all else and don't mind paying premium prices, ExpressVPN is excellent. If you want verifiable transparency, Swiss privacy protections, and better value, Proton VPN is the clear winner.

For most privacy-conscious users, Proton VPN's open-source transparency and significantly lower price make it the better choice. You can verify the privacy claims yourself rather than trusting a closed-source VPN owned by a controversial parent company.