📊 Our Test Results:
- 🎯 Server Network: ExpressVPN 3,000+ servers in 105 countries vs AdGuard VPN 800+ servers in 65 locations — ExpressVPN wins
- ⚡ Speed Test: ExpressVPN 25% average speed loss vs AdGuard VPN 85% speed loss (65 Mbps to 10 Mbps) — ExpressVPN wins
- 🔒 Security Audits: ExpressVPN 18 independent audits vs AdGuard VPN zero audits — ExpressVPN wins
- 📺 Streaming Test: ExpressVPN unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Prime vs AdGuard VPN fails on Prime and Peacock — ExpressVPN wins
- 💰 Long-Term Price: ExpressVPN $2.44/month vs AdGuard VPN $2.40/month — AdGuard VPN wins
Are you tired of guessing which vpn service actually protects your online privacy?
You need a real vpn provider that guards your ip address and your browsing history on every internet connection.
A good tool should also stop dns leaks, shield your online activity, and encrypt your traffic on public wi fi networks.
Two names often come up in this space.
ExpressVPN is one of the top vpn providers with a massive server network and a string of deep audits.
AdGuard VPN is the newer challenger from adguard software limited, focused on ad blocking and a generous free plan.
In this head-to-head matchup, we will break down vpn speeds, vpn protocols, server locations, streaming platforms, and every feature that matters.
We will also look at pricing, security measures, and which vpn provider is actually adguard vpn safe and worth your money.
By the end, you will know exactly which vpn connection fits your needs.
Overview
To give you the most accurate comparison, we tested ExpressVPN vs AdGuard VPN for three weeks.
We used every expressvpn app on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and android tv.
We tested each vpn server for speed, leak protection, and streaming performance.
We ran dns leak tests on public wi fi networks and home networks.
We compared their vpn app designs on smart tvs, desktop apps, and mobile apps.
We also checked how each vpn provider handles sensitive data and dns queries.
Here is what we learned.
What is ExpressVPN?
ExpressVPN is a premium vpn service based in the British Virgin Islands.
It routes your internet connection through encrypted servers to hide your ip address.
It has a strict no logs policy that third-party auditors have verified many times.
ExpressVPN offers extras like a password manager, split tunneling, and network lock as a kill switch.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN delivers fast connection speeds, strong privacy and security, and unblocks every major streaming service. With 3,000+ expressvpn servers in 105 countries and 18 audits, it is our top pick for online privacy.
ExpressVPN Pricing
Here is what an expressvpn subscription costs in 2026.
ExpressVPN offers three expressvpn subscription options with different term lengths.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $2.44/mo | Core vpn service on a budget |
| Advanced | $3.14/mo | Families wanting extra security tools |
| Pro | $5.24/mo | Power users and remote workers |
Free trial: ExpressVPN offers a 7-day free trial on mobile apps for iOS and Android.
Money-back guarantee: Every expressvpn subscription comes with a 30 day money back guarantee on all plans.
📌 Note: The Pro plan unlocks expressvpn keys password manager, identity defender, and dedicated ip addresses. Every expressvpn subscription includes unlimited simultaneous connections on supported devices.
⚠️ Warning: ExpressVPN deals auto-renew at the same rate at the end of your term. Cancel at least one day before renewal to avoid being charged again.
Key Benefits of ExpressVPN
Here is why expressvpn continues to lead the list of biggest vpn providers:
- Massive Server Network: ExpressVPN has over 3,000 vpn servers in 105 countries. No other vpn companies match this coverage at this scale.
- Lightway Protocol: This open-source vpn protocol delivers fast connection speeds with low battery use. It is one of the newest vpn protocols on the market.
- TrustedServer RAM-Only: Every vpn server uses ram only server infrastructure. Each reboot wipes all data, making ram only servers safer than disk-based setups.
- 18 Independent Audits: Third-party firms have tested the no logs policy, vpn app code, and server network. This is the most audits of any vpn service we know.
- Full Streaming Unblocking: ExpressVPN unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, and more. You can access content across every streaming service we tested.
- Bundled Security Tools: Every plan includes expressvpn keys password manager, threat manager, and dns leak protection. These security tools replace several paid apps.
- 24/7 Customer Support: ExpressVPN’s customer support team runs live chat around the clock. We got answers in under two minutes on average.
ExpressVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Huge server network with 3,000+ expressvpn servers in 105 countries
- Audited no logs policy and open-source Lightway vpn protocol
- Works on every platform including android tv and smart tvs
- Unblocks every major streaming service we tested on every vpn connection
- Includes password manager, network lock kill switch, and split tunneling feature
❌ Cons
- Higher price than budget rivals like private internet access
- Short-term monthly plan is costly compared to other premium vpns
- No ad blocker on the base Basic plan
- Upload speeds drop more than download speeds on distant servers
What is AdGuard VPN?
AdGuard VPN is a vpn service from the team behind adguard products.
It encrypts your traffic and hides your real location using a vpn tunnel.
The service uses a proprietary protocol that masks vpn traffic as regular HTTPS.
It pairs well with the adguard ad blocker and integrated mode for blocking ads on certain websites.
AdGuard VPN
AdGuard VPN bundles a vpn and adguard ad blocker in one app. It offers a free version with 3 GB data, an easy windows version, and decent online security for casual users who want basic privacy.
AdGuard VPN Pricing
AdGuard offers a free plan and three paid tiers to buy adguard vpn.
Prices depend on the length of your adguard vpn subscription.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 3 GB data per month for light use |
| 1 Month | $11.99/month | Testing the full paid service |
| 1 Year | $3.99/month | Users who want a yearly plan |
| 2 Years | $2.40/month | Best long-term value |
Free trial: The free plan provides 3 GB of monthly data and caps speeds at 20 Mbps.
Money-back guarantee: AdGuard VPN offers a 30 day money back guarantee on yearly and bi-annual plans.
📌 Note: All paid plans allow 10 simultaneous connections. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or crypto through your adguard account.
⚠️ Warning: The monthly plan at $11.99 is almost five times the two-year price. The free version is handy for testing but too small for daily use.
Key Benefits of AdGuard VPN
Here is what adguard offers that stands out in its category:
- Built-In Ad Blocker: AdGuard VPN block ads through its own dns server. You can also pair it with the adguard extension and the main adguard ad blocker.
- Free Plan Option: The free version gives 3 GB per month at up to 20 Mbps. It is enough for occasional video calls, email, and light browsing.
- Privacy-Friendly Jurisdiction: AdGuard VPN is based in Cyprus with a strict no logs policy. It sits outside the 5/9/14 Eyes alliances.
- 10 Simultaneous Connections: Paid plans cover 10 devices at once. Coverage includes mobile devices, a windows pc, and browser extensions.
- Integrated Mode With AdGuard: The vpn and the desktop adguard ad blocker can run together. This integrated mode gives better control on a windows pc.
- Proprietary Protocol: The adguard vpn protocol hides vpn traffic as normal HTTPS. This helps in places with heavy website blocking.
- Simple Easy to Use Apps: AdGuard VPN’s apps are clean and beginner-friendly. The interface works the same on mobile and desktop.
AdGuard VPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Affordable two-year plan at $2.40 per month
- Built-in ad blocker and AdGuard DNS for blocking ads
- Generous 10 simultaneous connections on paid plans
- Free plan with 3 GB monthly data to test the service
❌ Cons
- Only 800+ servers and a few server locations (53 countries)
- Slow speeds with drops to 10 Mbps in some tests
- No 24/7 support — only a ticketing system for most issues
- No independent audits of its security measures or proprietary protocol
Feature Comparison
Ready to dive into a detailed comparison of ExpressVPN vs AdGuard VPN?
We explored nine key areas to help you pick the right vpn provider.
| Feature | ExpressVPN | AdGuard VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $2.44/mo | $2.40/mo |
| Free Plan | ❌ | ✅ (3 GB/mo) |
| Server Network | ✅ 3,000+ in 105 countries | ❌ 800+ in 53 countries |
| Independent Audits | ✅ 18 audits | ❌ None |
| Open-Source Protocol | ✅ Lightway | ❌ Proprietary only |
| Password Manager | ✅ ExpressVPN Keys | ❌ |
| Built-in Ad Blocker | ✅ (Pro plan) | ✅ |
| Streaming Unblocking | ✅ All major platforms | ⚠️ Limited |
| 24/7 Live Chat | ✅ | ❌ |
| Best For | Privacy, streaming, speed | Budget + ad blocking |
1. Server Network and Server Locations
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN runs over 3,000 vpn servers across 105 countries. This wide spread of expressvpn server locations means you can change your ip address to almost any region. Every expressvpn server uses ram only server infrastructure that wipes on reboot.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN has about 800 servers in 65 locations across 53 countries. The vpn server locations cover major cities but skip many regions. You will find a few server locations missing in Africa, South America, and parts of Asia.
⚠️ Warning: Fewer vpn locations means crowded servers. That often leads to slower connection speeds during peak hours on AdGuard VPN.
2. VPN Protocols and Connection Security
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN supports modern vpn protocols including Lightway, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Lightway is open-source and independently audited for security. You can switch protocols in the expressvpn software with one tap.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN uses only its own adguard vpn protocol. It does not support OpenVPN or WireGuard. The proprietary protocol has not been independently audited, which is a concern for some users.
3. Speed Tests and VPN Speeds
ExpressVPN: In our speed tests, expressvpn’s app lost about 25% of baseline speed on average. Download speeds stayed above 200 Mbps on nearby vpn server locations. Upload speed held steady for video calls and online gaming.
AdGuard VPN: We tested adguard vpn on the same line. Speeds dropped from 65 Mbps to around 10 Mbps on some servers. This slowdown makes data intensive tasks and seamless streaming hard on the free version.
4. Streaming and Access Content
ExpressVPN: We unblocked Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, and Prime Video on every test. The MediaStreamer feature lets you access content on smart tvs and game consoles. Streaming performance was smooth on a us server.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN’s performance for streaming is mixed. It unblocked Netflix, Disney+, and bbc iplayer but failed on Amazon Prime and Peacock. Seamless streaming is hard on the free plan due to the 20 Mbps cap.
5. Privacy and Security Features
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN uses AES-256 encryption, a strict no logs policy, and its network lock kill switch. The 18 audits cover the vpn app, no logs policy, and ram only servers. Confident expressvpn users also get strong dns leak protection and connection logs protection.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN also uses AES-256 encryption and claims a strict no logs policy. It offers a kill switch and says it blocks dns leaks. However, AdGuard VPN’s apps have not passed any independent audits. That is a gap for a true privacy tool.
6. Ad Blocker and DNS Features
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN includes Threat Manager and a built-in ad blocker on the Advanced and Pro plans. It blocks ads, trackers, and known malicious sites across the whole vpn connection. You also get parental controls to block adult sites on kids’ devices.
AdGuard VPN: The vpn block ads feature relies on AdGuard DNS. You can also use the adguard extension and the full adguard ad blocker for deeper control. When tested adguard vpn with integrated mode, it handled ads well on a windows pc.
7. Split Tunneling and Simultaneous Connections
ExpressVPN: The split tunneling feature lets you pick which apps use the vpn connection. Recent plans offer unlimited device connections on supported platforms. The feature works on Windows, Mac, and Android.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN also supports split tunneling. You can choose which apps or certain websites use the vpn tunnel. Paid plans cover 10 simultaneous connections, which is enough for most families.
8. Apps, Platforms, and Ease of Use
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN offers apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and android tv. Browser extensions work on Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. Aircove routers protect every device on your network, including smart tvs and consoles.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN covers Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and android tv. Its browser extensions run on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. The apps are easy to use but lack some advanced tools that power users want.
9. Customer Support
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN’s customer support runs 24/7 live chat and email. We got real answers from real agents in under two minutes. The help center covers dns leak test steps, setup on an internet service provider router, and troubleshooting.
AdGuard VPN: The support team uses a ticketing system with email replies. Response times vary from a few hours to a full day. There is no live chat for quick help.
Pricing & Cost
Let us compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan | ExpressVPN | AdGuard VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free | ❌ | $0 (3 GB/mo) |
| Entry/Monthly | $2.44/mo (Basic) | $11.99/month |
| Mid-Tier/Yearly | $3.14/mo (Advanced) | $3.99/month |
| Top Plan | $5.24/mo (Pro) | $2.40/mo (2 yr) |
ExpressVPN: The Basic plan starts at $2.44 per month and includes all core vpn services. Every expressvpn subscription gives you full access to the server network, security tools, and customer support. The Pro plan at $5.24 adds expressvpn keys, identity defender, and dedicated ip addresses.
AdGuard VPN: The 2-year plan at $2.40 per month is slightly cheaper than ExpressVPN Basic. However, the monthly plan at $11.99 is much pricier than the expressvpn deals on monthly terms. The free plan is useful only for quick tests.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tight budget + ad blocking | AdGuard VPN | Free plan plus cheap 2-year deal |
| Best privacy and security | ExpressVPN | 18 audits and RAM-only servers |
| Streaming on smart tvs | ExpressVPN | MediaStreamer + 3,000+ servers |
| Fast connection speeds | ExpressVPN | Only 25% speed loss vs 85% |
| Beginner-friendly apps | ExpressVPN | Clean UI + 24/7 live chat |
| Using adguard products already | AdGuard VPN | Integrated mode with ad blocker |
| A free version to test | AdGuard VPN | 3 GB monthly free plan |
💰 Your Budget
AdGuard VPN’s 2-year plan is slightly cheaper at $2.40 per month. ExpressVPN is risk free thanks to its 30 day money back guarantee and better expressvpn deals on longer terms.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
If you already use adguard products and adguard dns, AdGuard VPN puts everything in one adguard account. For mixed devices, smart tvs, and routers, ExpressVPN covers more internet service provider setups.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Beginners will love ExpressVPN’s one-tap vpn app and simple layout. Adguard puts its controls front and center too, but advanced users miss protocol choices.
📺 Your Streaming Habits
For heavy streaming, ExpressVPN unblocks every major streaming service we tested. AdGuard VPN works for casual Netflix or bbc iplayer viewing but misses some streaming platforms.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
AdGuard VPN has a true free plan with 3 GB per month. ExpressVPN does not offer a free tier but its 30-day refund acts as a full trial.
🛟 Support Options
ExpressVPN wins with 24/7 live chat and fast email replies. AdGuard VPN relies on a ticketing system that may take hours to respond.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these vpn services? Here is what changes if you switch.
🔄 Switching from ExpressVPN to AdGuard VPN?
✅ What you will gain:
- A cheaper 2-year plan plus a real free version with 3 GB
- Built-in adguard ad blocker tied into adguard dns
- Tighter integrated mode with existing adguard products
❌ What you will lose:
- Access to 3,000+ expressvpn servers and wide vpn server locations
- Expressvpn keys password manager and identity defender tools
- 24/7 live chat customer support and fast response times
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your expressvpn subscription and request a refund within 30 days
- Create your adguard account and buy adguard vpn for the term you want
- Install the adguard vpn app on each of your mobile devices and desktop apps
🔄 Switching from AdGuard VPN to ExpressVPN?
✅ What you will gain:
- Massive server network with more vpn locations and faster speeds
- 18 independent audits and proven ram only server infrastructure
- 24/7 support plus bundled expressvpn keys and network lock kill switch
❌ What you will lose:
- The free plan with 3 GB monthly data for basic needs
- Integrated mode with the desktop adguard ad blocker
- The single adguard account that manages all adguard products
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your adguard vpn subscription and request a refund if eligible
- Sign up at ExpressVPN.com and pick the plan that fits your needs
- Download the expressvpn app on each device and log in with your account
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | AdGuard VPN |
| 🌍 Server Network | ExpressVPN |
| 🔒 Privacy and Security | ExpressVPN |
| ⚡ Speed / Performance | ExpressVPN |
| 📺 Streaming Unblocking | ExpressVPN |
| 👶 Ease of Use | ExpressVPN |
| 🛟 Customer Support | ExpressVPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | ExpressVPN |
🏆 WINNER: EXPRESSVPN
ExpressVPN wins 6 out of 7 categories.
Best for: Privacy-first users, streaming fans, remote workers, and anyone who wants the best vpn experience across many devices
ExpressVPN and AdGuard VPN are two very different products.
ExpressVPN is a full-service vpn provider built for speed, streaming, and online security.
AdGuard VPN is a budget vpn bundled with an ad blocker.
AdGuard VPN is a decent pick if you already own adguard products and want a cheap tool.
However, if you need a powerful vpn with a strict no logs policy, audited security, and fast speeds on any vpn connection, ExpressVPN is the better choice.
Now, go out and guard your online activity with confidence!
More of ExpressVPN Compared
Here is how ExpressVPN stacks up against other top vpn providers:
ExpressVPN vs NordVPN
ExpressVPN wins on: Audits, ease of use, Lightway protocol
NordVPN wins on: Server count, Threat Protection Pro, price on long terms
ExpressVPN vs PureVPN
ExpressVPN wins on: Streaming, audits, customer support
PureVPN wins on: Port forwarding, cheaper short-term plans
ExpressVPN vs SurfsharkVPN
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, audits, server network size
Surfshark wins on: Unlimited device connections, lower monthly price
ExpressVPN vs ProtonVPN
ExpressVPN wins on: Streaming, support, unlimited simultaneous connections
Proton vpn wins on: Free plan, Swiss privacy laws, open-source apps
ExpressVPN vs PrivadoVPN
ExpressVPN wins on: Server locations, speeds, audits
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan with 10 GB monthly data
ExpressVPN vs Virtual Shield
ExpressVPN wins on: Features, speed, streaming power
Virtual Shield wins on: Simplicity and lower monthly price
ExpressVPN vs StrongVPN
ExpressVPN wins on: Server count, streaming reliability, audits
StrongVPN wins on: Cheaper yearly plan, decent speeds
ExpressVPN vs FastestVPN
ExpressVPN wins on: Audits, support, streaming reliability
FastestVPN wins on: One-time lifetime deals, cheaper overall price
ExpressVPN vs AuraVPN
ExpressVPN wins on: Server network, speed tests, privacy audits
AuraVPN wins on: Bundled identity protection plans
ExpressVPN vs CyberGhost
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, audits, global server locations
CyberGhost wins on: 45-day refund, cheaper long-term plans
ExpressVPN vs McAfee VPN
ExpressVPN wins on: Speeds, features, audited no logs policy
McAfee VPN wins on: Bundled antivirus suite value
ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, streaming, customer support
Private internet access wins on: Cheaper plans and port forwarding
ExpressVPN vs Mysterium
ExpressVPN wins on: Central support, fast speeds, reliable servers
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized pay-as-you-go model
ExpressVPN wins on: Server network size, streaming, audits
SafeShell VPN wins on: Unlock bonuses for streaming regions
ExpressVPN wins on: Scale, audits, 24/7 live chat
Oyster VPN wins on: Entry-level prices and simple apps
More of AdGuard VPN Compared
Here is how AdGuard VPN stacks up against other vpn providers:
AdGuard VPN vs NordVPN
AdGuard VPN wins on: Price, built-in ad blocker, free plan
NordVPN wins on: 6,000+ servers, Threat Protection, audits
AdGuard VPN vs PureVPN
AdGuard VPN wins on: Cheaper 2-year plan, free tier
PureVPN wins on: Larger server count, port forwarding
AdGuard VPN vs SurfsharkVPN
AdGuard VPN wins on: Integrated adguard ad blocker
Surfshark wins on: Speeds, unlimited devices, streaming
AdGuard VPN vs ProtonVPN
AdGuard VPN wins on: Simple apps, ad blocking
Proton vpn wins on: Audited apps, open-source code, better free plan
AdGuard VPN vs PrivadoVPN
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocker bundled in
PrivadoVPN wins on: 10 GB free plan, streaming servers
AdGuard VPN vs Virtual Shield
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking and free plan
Virtual Shield wins on: Family plans and bundled security tools
AdGuard VPN vs StrongVPN
AdGuard VPN wins on: Cheaper 2-year plan, ad blocker
StrongVPN wins on: More vpn protocols and better streaming
AdGuard VPN vs AuraVPN
AdGuard VPN wins on: Price, integrated mode with adguard products
AuraVPN wins on: Identity protection bundle
AdGuard VPN vs CyberGhost
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocker, integrated mode
CyberGhost wins on: Server count, streaming servers, 45-day refund
AdGuard VPN vs McAfee VPN
AdGuard VPN wins on: Standalone price, ad blocking
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus and identity tools in one plan
AdGuard VPN vs Private Internet Access
AdGuard VPN wins on: Cleaner apps and ad blocker
Private internet access wins on: Server count and port forwarding
AdGuard VPN vs Mysterium
AdGuard VPN wins on: Fixed pricing and stable servers
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network and privacy model
AdGuard VPN vs SafeShell VPN
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocker and free 3 GB plan
SafeShell VPN wins on: Streaming focused server picks
AdGuard VPN vs Oyster VPN
AdGuard VPN wins on: Built-in ad blocker and adguard dns
Oyster VPN wins on: Simpler pricing and entry-level plans
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the downside of ExpressVPN?
The main downside is price — ExpressVPN is more costly than many vpn companies, especially on short plans. Some users also miss features like port forwarding that private internet access offers. Upload speeds can drop on distant servers. Still, confident expressvpn fans often find the speed and security worth it.
Is ExpressVPN good for streaming?
Yes. ExpressVPN is one of the best vpn services for streaming. It unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Prime Video. MediaStreamer helps you access content on smart tvs and gaming consoles where normal vpn app installs are not allowed.
Is AdGuard VPN trustworthy and safe to use?
AdGuard VPN is based in Cyprus with a claimed strict no logs policy. However, its proprietary protocol has not been independently audited, which is a concern. It offers a kill switch and AES-256 encryption. If you need stronger proof of trust, ExpressVPN’s 18 audits lead the field.
Is AdGuard VPN free or do I need to pay for adguard?
AdGuard has a free version with 3 GB of monthly data and a 20 Mbps cap. To unlock full speeds, more vpn locations, and a us server for streaming, you need a paid plan. The 2-year plan is the cheapest way to buy adguard vpn.
Which is the best vpn overall: ExpressVPN or AdGuard VPN?
For most users, ExpressVPN is the better vpn. It has a bigger server network with all the features you expect, smart dns servers, and 24/7 customer support. AdGuard VPN is a budget pick for basic privacy. If ExpressVPN feels pricey, look at expressvpn alternatives like NordVPN or Proton VPN. Check the expressvpn faqs on the official site for more help.
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