Proton VPN vs ExpressVPN
Is switching from ExpressVPN to Proton VPNworth it? Here's a detailed comparison of pricing, features, and ownership.
Proton VPN and ExpressVPN both serve vpn and privacy, but they differ fundamentally in pricing and ownership. ExpressVPN costs $13/month ($156/year), while Proton VPN is available for Free plan available; Plus from $2.99/month. As an open-source tool, Proton VPN's code is publicly auditable and community-driven. This comparison breaks down exactly what you gain, what you lose, and whether switching makes sense for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Switching to Proton VPN saves you $156/year — $468 over 3 years
ExpressVPN costs
$156/yr
3-year cost
$468
Proton VPN costs
$2.99
Best for
- +Privacy-conscious users
- +Budget-conscious users
- +Proton ecosystem users
Not ideal for
- −Users who need maximum speed
- −Users who need many server locations
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ExpressVPNSubscription | Proton VPNAlternative |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $13/mo $156/year | Freemium· Free plan available; Plus from $2.99/month |
| Platforms | Web, Desktop (typical) | WindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroid |
| Offline Support | Limited (typical) | Requires internet |
| Open Source | No | ✓Open source |
| Ownership | Renting | Partial ownership |
| Cloud Dependency | High (typical) | Cloud required |
| Migration | — | Easy |
Pricing
ExpressVPN
$13/mo
$156/year
Proton VPN
Freemium· Free plan available; Plus from $2.99/monthPlatforms
ExpressVPN
Web, Desktop (typical)Proton VPN
Offline Support
ExpressVPN
Limited (typical)Proton VPN
Requires internetOpen Source
ExpressVPN
NoProton VPN
✓Open sourceOwnership
ExpressVPN
RentingProton VPN
Partial ownershipCloud Dependency
ExpressVPN
High (typical)Proton VPN
Cloud requiredMigration
ExpressVPN
—Proton VPN
EasySwitching Analysis
+What you gain with Proton VPN
- +Free tier available
- +No ads
- +Swiss privacy laws
- +Open source
−What you lose
- −Free tier is slower
- −Fewer server locations on free
- −No router support on free
Who Should Switch?
✓Good candidates for Proton VPN
- +Privacy-conscious users
- +Budget-conscious users
- +Proton ecosystem users
✗Should keep using ExpressVPN
- −Users who need maximum speed
- −Users who need many server locations
Migration Guide
Switching from ExpressVPN to Proton VPN is rated as easy. Here's how to make the move:
Export your data
Go to ExpressVPN's settings and export your data in CSV, PDF, or native format. Most tools support bulk export.
Install Proton VPN
Download Proton VPN from the official website. It costs Free plan available; Plus from $2.99/month — a one-time purchase.
Import and configure
Import your exported data into Proton VPN. Set up your preferences, shortcuts, and workflows to match your existing setup.
Run in parallel
Use both tools side-by-side for a week or two. This lets you verify everything works before fully switching.
Cancel subscription
Once you're confident Proton VPN meets your needs, cancel your ExpressVPN subscription. You've escaped the subscription!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Proton VPN a good alternative to ExpressVPN?
Yes, Proton VPN is a solid alternative to ExpressVPN. It offers a free tier with open source code, making it a great choice for users looking to escape subscriptions. Proton VPN handles the core functionality that most ExpressVPN users rely on daily.
How much can I save by switching from ExpressVPN to Proton VPN?
Switching from ExpressVPN ($156/year) to Proton VPN (Free plan available; Plus from $2.99/month) can save you approximately $156 per year, or $468 over three years. After the one-time $2.99 purchase, all savings are pure profit.
What do I lose by switching from ExpressVPN to Proton VPN?
The main trade-offs include: Free tier is slower, Fewer server locations on free, No router support on free. However, Proton VPN still covers the core functionality most users need. The gaps are typically in advanced features and ecosystem integrations, not daily-use capabilities.
Can I migrate my data from ExpressVPN to Proton VPN?
Yes. Most ExpressVPN data can be exported in standard formats (CSV, PDF, or native format) and imported into Proton VPN. The migration difficulty is rated as easy, so it should be straightforward.
Is Proton VPN a one-time purchase?
Yes, Proton VPN costs Free plan available; Plus from $2.99/month. You pay once and own it forever — no monthly or annual subscription fees.
Does Proton VPN work on the same platforms as ExpressVPN?
Proton VPN is available on windows, macos, linux, ios, android. This covers all major platforms, so you can use it on all your devices.
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Ready to stop renting ExpressVPN?
Proton VPN is a free to start alternative that lets you own your tools.