Compare Proton VPN, Brave Browser VPN, and ExpressVPN: Which App is the Best?
Brave Browser VPN is a privacy-focused browser with 100M+ downloads and 4.7/5 rating, offering built-in ad blocking, VPN, and AI assistant, though it has faced some recent performance issues and battery drain concerns. | ExpressVPN is a premium VPN service with 50M+ downloads and 4.7/5 rating, offering fast speeds, strong security, and 105+ server locations, though it comes with a high price point and recent connection stability issues. | Proton VPN is a premium privacy-focused VPN service with Swiss-based privacy protection, independent audits, and an excellent free tier that offers unlimited bandwidth with no ads. | |
| Key Features A summary of the most important features offered by each app. |
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| Our Rating Prod Apps's expert review score for each app, based on hands-on testing and research. | 7.7 | 7.5 | 8.3 Winner in this category |
| Total users Total active users across all major browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari. | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total ratings Total number of user ratings received across all supported browsers. | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Average rating Average user rating across all browsers, calculated from available store ratings. | — ⭐ | — ⭐ | — ⭐ |
| Entry Level Price The minimum price required to start using the app. "Free" means a free tier is available. | Free | Free | Free |
| Android User rating and stats for the app on Android browser. |  Downloads | Downloads | Downloads |
| iOS User rating and stats for the app on iOS browser. |  | | |
| Features Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Features' aspect of each app. | 8.5 Brave Browser VPN offers an impressive set of features that justify its privacy-focused positioning. The browser includes built-in ad blocking, VPN functionality, AI assistant (Brave Leo), and comprehensive privacy protection. The service also includes advanced features like tracking protection, HTTPS Everywhere, and script blocking, making it more than just a basic browser. What sets Brave Browser VPN apart is its comprehensive privacy and security features, including built-in ad blocking, VPN functionality, and AI assistant. The browser also includes advanced features like tracking protection, HTTPS Everywhere, and script blocking, making it more than just a basic browser. However, the browser lacks some advanced features found in dedicated browsers, such as extensive extension support and some cutting-edge browsing features. The browser also doesn't offer some advanced features like advanced tab management or specialized browsing modes that some competitors provide. Compared to other privacy-focused browsers like Firefox or dedicated VPNs like Proton VPN, Brave Browser VPN offers good features, but the performance issues make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives. The browser provides good value for users who need comprehensive privacy features. | 8.0 ExpressVPN offers a comprehensive set of features that justify its premium positioning. The service includes military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and advanced security protocols like the proprietary Lightway protocol. The kill switch protection, split tunneling, and built-in password manager provide comprehensive security options for different use cases. What sets ExpressVPN apart is its extensive server network spanning 105+ countries, including specialized servers for streaming and enhanced privacy. Unlike Proton VPN which offers a free tier with limited servers, ExpressVPN provides access to 105+ server locations worldwide. The service also includes advanced features like split tunneling for selective routing and a built-in password manager (ExpressVPN Keys), which adds value beyond basic VPN functionality. However, the service lacks some advanced features found in newer VPN providers, such as multi-hop connections and specialized servers for specific use cases. The service also doesn't offer some cutting-edge features like obfuscated servers or advanced privacy features that some competitors provide. Compared to free alternatives like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, ExpressVPN offers significantly more features, but the premium pricing means users need to evaluate whether these additional capabilities justify the cost. The service provides good value for users who need comprehensive VPN features. | 9.0 Proton VPN delivers an exceptional set of features that prioritize privacy and security over flashy functionality. The app's feature set is comprehensive and focused on providing genuine privacy protection, which aligns perfectly with its target audience of privacy-conscious users. Key features we found most valuable include:
Proton VPN excels in providing advanced privacy features that are typically only available in premium VPNs. The free tier offers unlimited bandwidth with no ads, which is exceptional in the VPN market. The premium features are genuinely useful and not just cosmetic add-ons. While the core features are excellent, some limitations affect the overall experience. The free tier has limited server locations, and some users report connection issues. However, these limitations are reasonable for a privacy-focused service. For users who need advanced privacy features, Proton VPN offers the most comprehensive solution available. Alternatives like NordVPN provide more server locations, while Thunder VPN offers a more user-friendly free experience. We rate features at 9.0 out of 10—excellent privacy-focused features with genuine value for privacy-conscious users. Winner in this category |
| Performance Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Performance' aspect of each app. | 6.0 Brave Browser VPN's performance is inconsistent, with good speeds when working but frequent crashes and battery drain that significantly impact usability. The browser offers decent browsing speeds and privacy protection, but the frequent performance problems and battery drain make it difficult to use reliably. The browser works well for basic browsing when functioning properly, but many users report browser crashes and the need to restart the browser multiple times. The performance issues are particularly concerning given the privacy-focused positioning. The browser's performance issues are particularly concerning given the privacy-focused positioning. Users expect reliability and performance from a privacy-focused browser, but Brave Browser VPN's performance problems make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives that offer similar features with better performance. Compared to other privacy-focused browsers like Firefox or dedicated VPNs like Proton VPN, Brave Browser VPN's performance is below average. The performance issues make it difficult to justify the privacy-focused positioning, and users might find better value with alternatives that offer similar features with better reliability. | 6.0 ExpressVPN's performance is inconsistent, with good speeds when working but frequent connection issues that significantly impact usability. The service offers fast connection speeds with the Lightway protocol, and the extensive server network provides good coverage for most use cases. The service works well for streaming and geo-blocking when connected. However, the service's performance is significantly impacted by connection stability issues. Many users report frequent disconnections, slow connection times, and the need to manually reconnect multiple times per day. The auto-connect feature doesn't work reliably, and some users experience issues with the app not connecting at all. The service's performance issues are particularly concerning given the premium pricing. Users expect reliability and performance from a paid service, but ExpressVPN's connection problems make it difficult to recommend over free alternatives that offer similar performance with fewer limitations. Compared to other premium VPNs like NordVPN or Surfshark VPN, ExpressVPN's performance is below average. The connection stability issues make it difficult to justify the premium pricing, and users might find better value with alternatives that offer similar features with better reliability. | 7.0 Proton VPN's performance presents a mixed picture that reflects the challenges of maintaining a privacy-focused VPN service. While the app can deliver good connections when working properly, some users report performance issues that impact the overall experience. Performance strengths include:
However, some performance issues undermine the user experience:
User reviews reveal mixed experiences, with some users praising the app's performance while others report connection issues. The app's focus on privacy over performance may be impacting server quality and maintenance. For users seeking reliable performance, alternatives like NordVPN offer more consistent performance with better server maintenance, while Thunder VPN provides more user-friendly performance. We rate performance at 7.0 out of 10—good performance when working but some connection issues and speed limitations that impact the overall experience. Winner in this category |
| Design Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Design' aspect of each app. | 8.0 Brave Browser VPN's interface strikes a good balance between functionality and user-friendliness. The main screen provides quick access to browsing controls, privacy settings, and key features. The interface is clean and modern, with good attention to detail and user experience. The browser's design is intuitive and well-organized, with clear navigation between different features. The privacy status is clearly displayed, and the settings menu is well-structured. The interface doesn't overwhelm users with complex options while still providing access to advanced features. The interface is generally user-friendly and provides good visual feedback about privacy status and browser performance. The design reflects the privacy-focused positioning of the browser, making it easy for users to manage their browsing experience. Compared to other privacy-focused browsers like Firefox or dedicated VPNs like Proton VPN, Brave Browser VPN's design is competitive and well-polished. The interface is functional and professional, with good attention to detail and user experience. | 8.5 ExpressVPN's interface strikes an excellent balance between functionality and user-friendliness. The main screen provides quick access to connection controls, server selection, and key settings. The server selection process is intuitive and visually appealing, making it easy to choose servers in different countries. The app's design is clean and professional, with a modern interface that's easy on the eyes. The connection status is clearly displayed, and the kill switch toggle is easily accessible. The settings menu is well-organized, allowing users to customize their experience without feeling overwhelmed. The interface is generally user-friendly and doesn't overwhelm users with complex options. The server selection process is straightforward, and the connection process is smooth and reliable. The app provides clear feedback about connection status and server performance. Compared to other premium VPNs like NordVPN or Surfshark VPN, ExpressVPN's design is competitive and well-polished. The interface is functional and professional, with good attention to detail and user experience. The design reflects the premium positioning of the service. Winner in this category | 8.5 Proton VPN's design philosophy centers on functionality and privacy over flashy aesthetics, which works well for its target audience of privacy-conscious users. The interface is clean, professional, and focuses on providing clear information about privacy and security features. Design strengths we observed include:
The design experience is significantly better than competitors like Turbo VPN and Now VPN, with no advertising interruptions. Users consistently praise the app's clean interface and professional appearance, making it one of the most trustworthy-looking VPNs available. While the core interface design is excellent, some users find the interface less intuitive than more user-friendly alternatives. However, this is a minor issue compared to the overall design quality. For users who value a clean, professional interface, Proton VPN offers one of the best experiences available. Alternatives like Thunder VPN offer more user-friendly design, while NordVPN provides a more modern interface. We rate design at 8.5 out of 10—excellent design principles with professional aesthetics that inspire trust and confidence. Winner in this category |
| Value for Money Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Value for Money' aspect of each app. | 7.5 Brave Browser VPN's value proposition is mixed, with excellent privacy features but questionable reliability for the price. The browser offers competitive pricing compared to other privacy-focused browsers, with the ability to get comprehensive privacy features for free being a significant advantage. The browser's pricing is competitive with other privacy-focused browsers, and the built-in ad blocking makes it particularly attractive for users who want a comprehensive privacy solution. The comprehensive features and privacy protection add value beyond basic browsing functionality. However, the browser's value is impacted by recent performance issues and battery drain concerns. Many users report browser crashes and the need to restart the browser multiple times. The performance issues make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives. Compared to other privacy-focused browsers like Firefox or dedicated VPNs like Proton VPN, Brave Browser VPN offers good features but at a similar cost. The performance issues make it difficult to recommend over free alternatives that offer similar performance with fewer limitations. | 6.5 ExpressVPN's value proposition is mixed, with strong security features but questionable reliability for the premium price. The service offers comprehensive security features, extensive server network, and good performance when working properly. The ability to connect up to 8 devices simultaneously is generous for most users. The service's pricing is competitive with other premium VPNs, but the recent connection stability issues make it difficult to justify the cost. Users who prioritize security and are willing to deal with connection problems might find value in the service, but those seeking reliability and performance might be better served by alternatives like Proton VPN. However, the service's value is significantly impacted by connection stability issues and customer service challenges. Many users report frequent disconnections and the need to manually reconnect multiple times per day. The premium pricing doesn't translate to the reliability and performance that users expect from a paid service. Compared to free alternatives like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, ExpressVPN offers more features but at a significantly higher cost. The connection stability issues make it difficult to recommend over free alternatives that offer similar performance with fewer limitations. | 8.5 Proton VPN's value proposition is excellent for privacy-conscious users, offering a genuinely useful free service with no ads and comprehensive privacy protection. The app provides exceptional value for users who prioritize privacy over cost. Value strengths include:
The free tier's value is exceptional, offering unlimited bandwidth with no ads and comprehensive privacy protection. However, some limitations affect the overall value:
The premium pricing is higher than some competitors, but the Swiss-based privacy protection and independent audits justify the cost for privacy-conscious users. Premium VPN services like NordVPN offer more comprehensive features for similar pricing, while Thunder VPN provides a more user-friendly free experience. For users seeking genuine privacy protection, Proton VPN offers exceptional value. Alternatives like NordVPN provide more server locations, while Thunder VPN offers a more user-friendly free experience. We rate value for money at 8.5 out of 10—excellent value for privacy-conscious users with exceptional free tier and premium features that justify the cost. Winner in this category |
| Ease of Use Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Ease of Use' aspect of each app. | 7.0 Brave Browser VPN is generally easy to use for basic browsing functionality, with a simple interface that requires no technical knowledge. The browser's design is intuitive, and most users can get started quickly without any setup or configuration. The browser offers built-in ad blocking and privacy protection, making it accessible to users of all technical levels. The browser doesn't require complex configuration, and the browsing process is straightforward. The browser works well for most use cases and provides good performance when functioning properly. However, the browser's ease of use is compromised by recent performance issues and battery drain concerns. Many users report browser crashes and the need to restart the browser multiple times. The browser can be slow to load, and some users experience issues with tab management and background playback not working reliably. Compared to other privacy-focused browsers like Firefox or dedicated VPNs like Proton VPN, Brave Browser VPN's ease of use is similar but not significantly better. The performance issues can be frustrating for users who expect reliability from a privacy-focused browser. | 7.5 ExpressVPN is generally easy to use for basic VPN functionality, with a simple one-tap connection process that requires no technical knowledge. The app's interface is intuitive, and most users can get connected quickly without any setup or configuration. The service offers automatic server selection and connection, making it accessible to users of all technical levels. The app doesn't require complex configuration, and the connection process is straightforward. The service works well for most use cases and provides good performance when functioning properly. However, the service's ease of use is compromised by recent connection stability issues. Many users report frequent connection drops and the need to manually reconnect multiple times per day. The app can be slow to connect, and some users experience issues with the auto-connect feature not working reliably. Compared to other premium VPNs like NordVPN or Surfshark VPN, ExpressVPN's ease of use is similar but not significantly better. The connection stability issues can be frustrating for users who expect reliability from a paid service, and the premium pricing doesn't translate to a significantly better user experience. Winner in this category | 7.5 Proton VPN provides good usability with its one-tap connection approach, though the interface is more complex than simpler alternatives. The core functionality is straightforward, but the advanced features require some technical knowledge to use effectively. Usability strengths include:
However, the ease of use is somewhat compromised by the complexity of advanced features. Some users find the interface less intuitive than more user-friendly alternatives, and the advanced privacy features require some technical knowledge to configure properly. While the core interface is generally easy to use, the complexity of advanced features may overwhelm casual users. For users seeking a truly simple VPN experience, alternatives like Thunder VPN offer a more user-friendly interface, while NordVPN provides a more intuitive experience. We rate ease of use at 7.5 out of 10—good core usability with professional interface, but complexity of advanced features may overwhelm casual users. Winner in this category |
| Security & Privacy Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Security & Privacy' aspect of each app. | 9.0 Brave Browser VPN takes security and privacy seriously, with comprehensive privacy protection and built-in ad blocking. The browser includes tracking protection, HTTPS Everywhere, script blocking, and cookie blocking. The browser also includes advanced features like AI assistant (Brave Leo) and VPN functionality for enhanced privacy protection. The browser's privacy features are comprehensive for a privacy-focused solution, with built-in ad blocking and tracking protection. The browser also includes advanced features like HTTPS Everywhere and script blocking for enhanced security and privacy protection. However, Brave Browser VPN has faced some privacy concerns in the past, particularly around its data collection practices and browser reliability. While the company has maintained its privacy commitments, some users remain concerned about the browser's data practices and connection stability. Compared to other privacy-focused browsers like Firefox or dedicated VPNs like Proton VPN, Brave Browser VPN's privacy practices are excellent. The browser provides comprehensive protection for most users, but those with high privacy requirements might want to consider alternatives with more advanced privacy features. | 8.5 ExpressVPN takes security and privacy seriously, with military-grade encryption and a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited. The service uses AES-256 encryption and supports multiple VPN protocols including OpenVPN and the proprietary Lightway protocol. The kill switch protection ensures that internet traffic is blocked if the VPN connection drops. The service's no-logs policy is comprehensive and has been verified by independent security firms. ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, which provides some legal protection for user privacy. The service also includes advanced features like split tunneling for enhanced security and privacy protection. However, ExpressVPN has faced some security concerns in the past, particularly around its acquisition by Kape Technologies. While the company has maintained its privacy commitments, some users remain concerned about the service's ownership and data practices. The service also lacks some advanced privacy features found in newer VPN providers. Compared to other premium VPNs like NordVPN or Surfshark VPN, ExpressVPN's security practices are solid but not exceptional. The service provides good protection for most users, but those with high security requirements might want to consider alternatives with more advanced privacy features. | 9.5 Proton VPN's security and privacy practices represent the gold standard in the VPN industry, offering exceptional protection that goes far beyond basic VPN services. The app's commitment to privacy and security is unmatched by competitors. Security strengths include:
Proton VPN excels in providing genuine privacy protection that goes beyond marketing claims. The Swiss-based privacy protection and independent audits provide unmatched transparency and trust. Users consistently praise the app's privacy features and security practices. For users who prioritize privacy and security, Proton VPN offers the most comprehensive solution available. Alternatives like NordVPN provide good privacy protection, while Thunder VPN offers basic privacy features. We rate security and privacy at 9.5 out of 10—exceptional privacy protection with independent verification and transparent practices that inspire complete trust. Winner in this category |
| Conclusion A summary of our findings and final thoughts for each app. | Brave Browser VPN is a privacy-focused browser that offers excellent ad blocking and built-in VPN functionality, but its value proposition is compromised by recent performance issues and battery drain concerns. The browser provides comprehensive privacy features and ad blocking capabilities, but the performance problems and bugs make it difficult to recommend over more stable alternatives.
For users who prioritize privacy and are willing to work within the browser's limitations, Brave Browser VPN offers a solid feature set with excellent ad blocking when working properly. However, those seeking specialized browsing functionality or experiencing performance issues might find better value with alternatives like Proton VPN that offer similar features with better performance.
Ultimately, Brave Browser VPN's privacy-focused approach and ad blocking capabilities make it a good choice for users seeking comprehensive privacy, but the performance stability issues and battery drain problems make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives like Aloha Browser VPN that offer similar features with better performance. | ExpressVPN is a premium VPN service that offers comprehensive security features and extensive server coverage, but its value proposition is compromised by recent connection stability issues and customer service challenges. The service provides good security and privacy protection, but the frequent disconnections and reliability problems make it difficult to recommend over free alternatives.
For users who prioritize security and are willing to deal with connection issues, ExpressVPN offers a solid feature set with good performance when working. However, those seeking reliability and consistent performance might find better value with alternatives like Proton VPN that offer similar features with better stability, or Thunder VPN for a more user-friendly free experience.
Ultimately, ExpressVPN's premium pricing doesn't translate to the reliability and performance that users expect from a paid service. While the service offers good security features, the connection stability issues make it difficult to justify the cost over free alternatives that provide similar performance with fewer limitations. | Proton VPN represents the gold standard for privacy-focused VPN services, offering exceptional privacy protection with Swiss-based privacy laws and independent security audits. While the app delivers on its core promise of secure, private VPN access with no ads, some users report connection issues and speed limitations that may impact the overall experience. The app's exceptional popularity (50M+ downloads, 4.7-star rating) reflects genuine demand for privacy-focused VPN services, and many users do find value in its comprehensive privacy protection. However, the recent rating decline (4.7 to 4.04 in last 100 reviews) and increasing complaints about connection issues suggest that the service may be experiencing some technical challenges. For users who prioritize privacy over performance, Proton VPN provides the most comprehensive privacy protection available. For users seeking a more user-friendly VPN experience, Thunder VPN offers a more intuitive interface with better performance, while NordVPN provides more comprehensive features with better reliability. For those who prioritize privacy above all else, Proton VPN remains the best choice available. |
| Our Recommendation | |||
