Proton VPN
VPN from the Proton team with a free privacy-respecting tier.
Alternatives · 2026
Alternatives to ExpressVPN
Privacy-focused VPN service with apps on every major platform.
3 hand-curated alternatives from MintedSaaS's directory. See the ExpressVPN listing →
ExpressVPN is a privacy-focused VPN service available on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux, along with browser extensions and router support. It's built around encrypting user traffic and masking IP addresses, appealing to people who want to prevent ISP monitoring, access geo-blocked content, or use public WiFi without exposure. The product competes in the consumer VPN market against dozens of other services, each making similar promises about encryption and no-logs policies.
People reach for ExpressVPN when they're traveling, using untrusted networks, or concerned about surveillance. Typical workflows involve connecting before browsing, streaming, or downloading — use cases that don't require granular control, just a single connection switch. Buyers are often balancing speed, privacy, app compatibility across devices, and price. Some users stay with one VPN for years; others comparison-shop, looking for better performance, lower cost, or stronger privacy claims.
What we offer that competes
What to look for
- Whether the provider publishes independent security audits by named third-party firms, not just internal security claims.
- Whether the provider's jurisdiction is outside the US, UK, Australia, and Canada (the Five Eyes alliance).
- Whether the service offers a free tier or trial period you can test before paying.
- Whether the provider publishes a transparency report showing government data requests and compliance.
- Whether the VPN app supports your operating system and any critical device type (router, NAS, etc.).
- Whether the provider explicitly allows P2P and torrent traffic, or explicitly forbids or monitors it.
FAQ
What's the difference between ExpressVPN and Proton VPN?
Proton VPN is operated by Proton, a Swiss-based company that also runs Proton Mail, and offers a free tier with limited bandwidth; ExpressVPN is paid-only but historically larger and more widely deployed. Both claim zero-logs policies, but Proton's infrastructure is owned by Proton and Proton VPN's privacy audit is published, while ExpressVPN's logs claims have faced some scrutiny.
Are there free VPN alternatives to ExpressVPN?
Proton VPN includes a free tier (500 MB per month, limited countries, ads removed only on paid). Most other serious alternatives require payment; free VPNs are common but often monetize through ads, slower speeds, or data selling, which defeats the privacy purpose.
Which VPN alternative is best for streaming and speed?
Streaming performance depends on server load and your location, not the VPN brand alone. ExpressVPN and NordVPN both maintain large server networks and report good speeds, but you'll need to test with the specific streaming service you want; Mullvad doesn't optimize for streaming and explicitly discourages it.
How do I know if a VPN actually keeps no logs?
Third-party audits by firms like Deloitte or PwC are the strongest signal, though imperfect; published security audits, jurisdiction (Switzerland and Iceland are stronger than the US or UK), and willingness to publish transparency reports matter. ExpressVPN has faced questions here; Proton VPN and Mullvad both publish audit reports and handle transparency requests.
What platforms do ExpressVPN alternatives support?
All three alternatives (Proton VPN, Mullvad, NordVPN) support the major platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. Browser extension availability varies — Proton VPN has extensions for Chrome and Firefox, Mullvad for Firefox only, NordVPN for major browsers.
Do I need to pay for a VPN, or can I use one for free?
Paid VPNs typically offer faster speeds, more server locations, and dedicated support. Free options exist (Proton VPN's free tier being the most credible for privacy-minded users), but they come with bandwidth limits, fewer servers, or lower priority on shared infrastructure.
Can I use a VPN alternative on a router?
Proton VPN and NordVPN both support manual configuration or app setup on some routers; Mullvad doesn't publish router-specific instructions. If router-level VPN is critical to your setup, check the specific router model and the VPN provider's documentation.
What's the cheapest VPN alternative to ExpressVPN?
NordVPN and Mullvad typically undercut ExpressVPN on annual pricing; Proton VPN includes a free tier. Actual cost depends on promotions and subscription length, so compare current prices directly rather than relying on historical rates.