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.
The Transparency Divide
ExpressVPN: Closed Source with Audits
ExpressVPN is closed source — you cannot examine their code to verify privacy claims. In 2021, ExpressVPN's CIO was charged by the US DOJ for providing hacking services to the UAE government. ExpressVPN was also acquired by Kape Technologies in 2021, a company with a history of developing malware.
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. Proton publishes transparency reports showing exactly what data they can provide under Swiss law.
Jurisdiction Matters
ExpressVPN is registered in the British Virgin Islands — no data retention laws, outside 5/9/14 Eyes. Proton VPN is based in Switzerland, with constitutional privacy protections and the world's strongest privacy laws.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ExpressVPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (unlimited) |
| Server Count | 3000+ in 94 countries | 1900+ in 65 countries |
| Open Source | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Jurisdiction | British Virgin Islands | Switzerland |
| Transparency Reports | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Pricing Comparison
| Plan | ExpressVPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free | None | $0 (unlimited) |
| Monthly | $12.95/month | $9.99/month |
| 1-Year | $8.32/month | $4.99/month |
ExpressVPN Pros
- Consistently fastest speeds
- Best streaming reliability
- TrustedServer RAM technology
ExpressVPN Cons
- Closed source code
- Expensive ($8.32/month minimum)
- Owned by Kape Technologies
- No free plan
Proton VPN Pros
- Fully open source
- Free plan (unlimited)
- Much cheaper ($4.99/month)
- Swiss jurisdiction + transparency reports
Proton VPN Cons
- Fewer servers (1900+)
- Slightly slower than ExpressVPN
Final Verdict
ExpressVPN wins on speed and streaming. Proton VPN wins on transparency, pricing, open-source code, and the free plan. For most privacy-conscious users, Proton VPN's verifiable transparency and lower price make it the better choice.