We tested ExpressVPN (3.7/5) and PrivadoVPN (2.7/5) across speed, privacy, streaming, and price. ExpressVPN leads on overall score. Here is what drives the gap.
| Criteria | ExpressVPN | PrivadoVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 3.7/5 ★ | 2.7/5 |
| Jurisdiction | British Virgin Islands | Switzerland |
| 14-Eyes / 5-Eyes | No | No |
| No-logs policy | Audited 3/5 ★ | Not audited 2/5 |
| Speed score | 5/5 ★ | 3/5 |
| Protocols score | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Streaming score | 5/5 ★ | 3.5/5 |
| Leak protection | 1/5 | 5/5 ★ |
| RAM-only servers | 5/5 ★ | 0/5 |
| Encryption score | 5/5 ★ | 3/5 |
| Security subtotal | 3.8/5 ★ | 3.0/5 |
| Trust subtotal | 2.7/5 ★ | 1.7/5 |
| Price (monthly) | $12.99/mo | $10.99/mo |
| Price (1-year total) | $59.88/yr | $15.96/yr |
| Price (2-year total) | $83.76/yr | $30.00/yr |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes, 30 days | Yes, 30 days |
| Pricing score | 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
Where ExpressVPN wins
ExpressVPN leads on speed (5/5 vs 3/5), privacy and security (3.8/5 vs 3.0/5). Add streaming (5/5 vs 3.5/5) to the list and it becomes a clear recommendation.
Where PrivadoVPN wins
PrivadoVPN does not outscore ExpressVPN on individual criteria. At 2.7/5, it remains a solid option with consistent performance.
Who should pick what
The simplest rule: ExpressVPN is the default recommendation based on overall scores. The only reason to choose PrivadoVPN instead is if streaming is critical for your use case.
Want to compare all VPNs side by side? Check our full VPN comparison table with scores across 18 criteria.
For most users, ExpressVPN (3.7/5) is the better pick. Its advantage over PrivadoVPN (2.7/5) comes from stronger speed performance. The only reason to go with PrivadoVPN is if streaming matters most to you. Get ExpressVPN risk-free.
For more context, check our full VPN comparison table or the best VPN for streaming guide. Read our full ExpressVPN review for a complete breakdown. See our PrivadoVPN review for more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
ExpressVPN scores 3.7/5 vs 2.7/5 for PrivadoVPN. ExpressVPN leads on streaming. That said, PrivadoVPN may be the better fit if streaming is your main priority.
In our speed tests, ExpressVPN scores 5/5 and PrivadoVPN scores 3/5. ExpressVPN has the edge in our data, though real-world results vary by server and location.
ExpressVPN costs $12.99/mo month-to-month, or $59.88/yr for a 1-year plan. PrivadoVPN is $10.99/mo monthly, or $15.96/yr per year. Both offer a money-back guarantee.