ExpressVPN vs ProtonVPN India 2026

Quick Verdict

When comparing ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN for Indian users, **ExpressVPN** emerges as the superior choice, particularly for those who prioritize speed and streaming capabilities. While **ProtonVPN** has strong privacy features, its performance may not match up to the high standards set by ExpressVPN in terms of usability and access to popular Indian streaming services.

Pricing Comparison in INR

Pricing is always a key factor when choosing a VPN. Here's how ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN stack up:

• ExpressVPN: Priced at approximately ₹6,500 per year, which breaks down to about ₹542 per month. This price reflects its premium service.
• ProtonVPN: Offers a free version with limited features, while its paid plans start at ₹1,200 per year (₹100 per month). The Plus plan, which includes more features, is around ₹4,000 annually (₹333 per month).

While ProtonVPN has a more affordable entry point, ExpressVPN’s pricing reflects its robust feature set and performance reliability.

Speed Comparison (Tested on Jio Fiber Mumbai)

Speed is crucial for tasks like streaming, downloading, and online gaming. In tests conducted on Jio Fiber in Mumbai, the two VPNs showed distinct performance metrics:

• ExpressVPN: Average speeds reached up to 80 Mbps on local servers and around 60 Mbps on servers in the USA.
• ProtonVPN: Average speeds were around 50 Mbps on local servers and about 30 Mbps on international servers.

This notable difference indicates that ExpressVPN is better suited for users who require high-speed connections, particularly when streaming high-definition content.

Server Network Comparison

The number and diversity of servers play a significant role in a VPN's performance and accessibility:

• ExpressVPN: Boasts a network of over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, including multiple locations in India (Mumbai, Delhi). This extensive network facilitates fast and reliable connections.
• ProtonVPN: Has around 1,600 servers in 64 countries, with limited servers in India. This could lead to congestion during peak usage times.

For Indian users, ExpressVPN clearly offers a more expansive server network, which is beneficial for both speed and access to geo-restricted content.

Security Features Comparison

Security is often the primary reason users opt for a VPN. Both VPNs have strong security protocols, but they differ in specifics:

• ExpressVPN: Utilizes AES-256-GCM encryption, supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPsec protocols, and offers a kill switch feature. It also has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring user data remains private.
• ProtonVPN: Also employs AES-256 encryption and supports OpenVPN and IKEv2. It has a unique Secure Core feature that routes traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries, enhancing security.

While both services provide robust security, ProtonVPN's Secure Core feature gives it an edge in privacy for users concerned about government surveillance.

Streaming Performance (Netflix, Hotstar, etc.)

Accessing streaming services is a common reason for using a VPN. Here’s how each performs with popular Indian and international platforms:

• ExpressVPN: Successfully unblocks Netflix, Hotstar, and SonyLIV without any noticeable buffering. Users can enjoy seamless streaming of HD content.
• ProtonVPN: Handles Netflix well but struggles with Hotstar and SonyLIV, often getting blocked. The streaming experience can be hit or miss, with buffering issues reported.

For Indian users who rely on streaming services, ExpressVPN is the clear winner in this category.

Apps and Ease of Use

User experience is a vital aspect of any VPN service. Both ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN aim to provide user-friendly interfaces:

• ExpressVPN: Offers sleek, intuitive apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Connecting to a server is straightforward, and the layout is designed for ease of use.
• ProtonVPN: Also offers apps across major platforms but has a more utilitarian design that may not be as visually appealing. However, it does provide detailed settings for advanced users.

ExpressVPN's polished interface makes it more accessible for users of all technical levels compared to ProtonVPN's more complex setup.

Customer Support Comparison

Effective customer support can significantly enhance the user experience. Here's how the two services perform:

• ExpressVPN: Provides 24/7 live chat support and extensive online resources, including guides and FAQs, which help users troubleshoot issues quickly.
• ProtonVPN: Offers email support and a ticket-based system, but lacks the immediacy of live chat. Their support resources are comprehensive, but response times can vary.

ExpressVPN’s live chat support is a major advantage, especially for users who may need immediate assistance.

Pros and Cons of Each

Here’s a brief summary of the advantages and disadvantages of both VPNs:

• ExpressVPN:
  • Pros: Fast speeds, great for streaming, vast server network, user-friendly interface, excellent customer support.
  • Cons: Higher price point compared to budget options.
• ProtonVPN:
  • Pros: Strong privacy features, affordable plans, free version available, Secure Core for enhanced security.
  • Cons: Slower speeds, limited streaming capabilities, less user-friendly interface.

Final Recommendation for Different Use Cases

Based on the comparison, here are recommendations for different user scenarios:

• For Streaming: Choose **ExpressVPN**. Its speed and ability to unblock popular services like Netflix and Hotstar make it the best choice for content consumption.
• For Privacy-Focused Users: Consider **ProtonVPN**. With its Secure Core feature and strong privacy policies, it’s ideal for those concerned about data security.
• For General Use and Performance: **ExpressVPN** is the go-to option for users who want a reliable, fast, and versatile VPN solution.
• For Budget-Conscious Users: **ProtonVPN** offers a free version and lower-priced plans, making it a suitable option for those on a tight budget, albeit with some compromises in performance.

In conclusion, while both VPNs have their strengths, **ExpressVPN** is the better overall choice for Indian users who value speed, streaming performance, and customer service. For those whose primary concern is privacy and cost, **ProtonVPN** remains a commendable alternative.