Mozilla VPN vs ExpressVPN: which VPN is better?
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Both Mozilla VPN and ExpressVPN are solid choices that deliver on the core promise of online privacy and security. Mozilla brings its trusted reputation and Mullvad's robust infrastructure to the table, while ExpressVPN offers extensive country server coverage and proprietary technology that's earned it a spot among the industry's top performers.
To determine which service comes out ahead in this Mozilla VPN vs ExpressVPN matchup, I conducted hands-on testing across key categories, including speed performance, streaming capabilities, security features, pricing, and user experience. Each provider was evaluated using identical testing conditions to ensure a fair and accurate comparison.
Whether you're a privacy-conscious Firefox user considering Mozilla's offering or weighing ExpressVPN's established reputation, this comprehensive breakdown will help you make an informed decision. Read on to discover which VPN better suits your needs.
Mozilla VPN vs ExpressVPN: overview
Both are solid choices among the best VPNs, but they serve different needs. Mozilla VPN offers strong privacy fundamentals across 30 countries, while ExpressVPN delivers superior streaming performance, proprietary protocols, and a massive 105-country network for users demanding advanced features.
| ExpressVPN | Mozilla VPN | |
| ⭐ Rating: | ||
| 🥇 Overall rank: | #4 out of #41 | #17 out of #41 |
| 🖥️ Servers: | 3,000+ servers in 105 countries | 500+ servers in 30 countries |
| 📖 No logs policy: | No logs | No logs |
| 💵 Price: | From $2.49/month | From $4.99/month |
| 🔥 Coupons: | ExpressVPN coupon 80% OFF | Cybernews VPN Coupons |
| 🔒 VPN protocols: | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard |
| 🍿 Streaming services: | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | Netflix US, 9Now, and more |
| 🖥️ Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Firefox |
| 📥 Simultaneous connections: | 14 | 5 |
| 💁🏻 Support: | Knowledge base, FAQs, email, 24/7 live chat | Knowledge base, FAQs, email |
We spare no effort to test the products & their features. All information is gathered by our in-house research team & fact-checked by our team of experts. Discover the ins and outs of our testing procedures.
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Key differences between ExpressVPN and Mozilla VPN
ExpressVPN offers premium features with extensive global coverage in 105 countries, superior streaming capabilities, and proprietary Lightway protocol. Mozilla VPN provides strong privacy fundamentals through Mullvad's infrastructure across 30 countries at a lower price point for basic needs.
Choose ExpressVPN if:
- You prioritize streaming and content access. ExpressVPN unblocks Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer reliably. Mozilla VPN only works with US Netflix. ExpressVPN also offers MediaStreamer for streaming on smart TVs and gaming consoles.
- You need global server coverage. With servers in 105 countries versus Mozilla's 30, ExpressVPN provides far more location options. This reduces overcrowding, ensures backup servers, and gives better speeds through its larger 10Gbps server fleet.
- Privacy jurisdiction matters to you. ExpressVPN operates from the British Virgin Islands, outside the Five/Fourteen Eyes surveillance alliances. Mozilla VPN is US-based, placing it under Five Eyes data-sharing agreements and US data retention laws.
- You want premium support and device compatibility. ExpressVPN offers 24/7 live chat, supports 14 simultaneous connections (vs Mozilla's 5), and works on Android TV and Fire devices. It also works with manual connection on most routers, offers an app for Aircove routers, and has Chrome and Firefox extensions, while Mozilla only supports Firefox.
Our latest ExpressVPN review covers speed, security, and everything in between.
Choose Mozilla VPN if:
- You want a budget, short-term VPN. Mozilla VPN costs $9.99/month, while ExpressVPN costs $12.99 for month-to-month subscriptions.
- You're a Firefox-focused user. Mozilla VPN integrates seamlessly with Firefox and is built by the trusted Mozilla organization. If you primarily use Firefox and don't need cross-browser compatibility, it's a natural fit.
- You don't need streaming or advanced features. If you're not accessing geo-restricted content and only need basic VPN protection for browsing, Mozilla VPN covers essentials: kill switch, split tunneling (on Windows/Linux/Android), ad blocking, and no-logs policy.
Our Mozilla VPN review covers privacy policies, server count, and real-world speeds.
Speed performance: Mozilla VPN vs ExpressVPN
Mozilla VPN and ExpressVPN offer top-of-the-line protocols to optimize performance. ExpressVPN has its own proprietary Lightway protocol designed for speed and security while using less battery power.
While Mozilla VPN doesn’t have the extensive server network that ExpressVPN has, it does have the next-gen WireGuard protocol available for its users. This is the same protocol used by other top VPNs and can deliver fast speeds on servers worldwide.
Mozilla VPN only has servers in around 30 countries, though, compared to ExpressVPN’s 105. With fewer servers, there are greater chances of overcrowding and slower speeds. Plus, if one server goes down, you might struggle to find another in the location you need when the selection is more limited.
Netflix and streaming performance
| ExpressVPN | Mozilla VPN | |
| Netflix | ✅ | ✅ (US library) |
| Amazon Prime Video | ✅ | ❌ |
| Hulu | ✅ | ❌ |
| HBO Max | ✅ | ❌ |
| Disney+ | ✅ | ❌ |
| BBC iPlayer | ✅ | ❌ |
If streaming is one of your top priorities with your VPN, you’ll want to pick one that can flawlessly unblock geo-restricted content across different streaming platforms. ExpressVPN excels at this. We tested it and found it can unblock Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, and several Netflix libraries.
Mozilla VPN, on the other hand, hasn’t yet perfected its streaming performance. We were only able to get the US Netflix library working. Other Netflix libraries and the other leading streaming platforms were not accessible with this VPN.
Torrenting
ExpressVPN and Mozilla VPN both support P2P traffic, but they don’t offer dedicated torrenting servers or advanced proxy features that more serious torrent users might want. ExpressVPN clearly allows P2P file sharing, and while Mozilla VPN doesn’t say much about it, its provider Mullvad does – so it’s safe to assume P2P is supported there too.
If you're looking for a VPN with optimized P2P servers and better torrenting tools, check out our updated guide to the best torrenting VPNs.
Plans and pricing
When comparing ExpressVPN vs Mozilla VPN, which offers the better value? Both providers have multiple plans to pick from, depending on the subscription duration. Monthly plans cost a bit more but offer less commitment, while annual plans can save you money in the long run.
| Plan | ExpressVPN | Mozilla VPN |
| Monthly | $12.99/month | $9.99/month |
| 1-year plan | $3.99/month | $6.99/month |
| 2-year plan | $2.49/month | - |
| Check the latest deals | Check the latest deals |
While Mozilla VPN does have some slightly lower prices than ExpressVPN for monthly subscriptions, it’s price to value ratio is hard to justify.
ExpressVPN is cheaper than Mozilla VPN when you compare long-term subscriptions. The annual plan is almost twice as cheap, and the 2-year plan offers even better value.
In addition, ExpressVPN has a 3-day free trial available on mobile devices. So, you can test this provider for yourself before committing to a long-term subscription.
Finally, both Mozilla VPN and ExpressVPN offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. That means 30 days of testing out the VPN before your commitment is final. Simply request a full refund within 30 days of your purchase to get your money back.
Servers and locations
| ExpressVPN | Mozilla VPN | |
| Number of servers | Undisclosed | 500+ |
| Total countries | 105 | 30+ |
| Virtual locations | Yes | No |
Previously, ExpressVPN advertised 3,000 servers worldwide. It no longer publishes an exact number, but we know that they have an impressive fleet with access to 105 countries. We can confidently guess it outnumbers Mozilla VPN’s offering of just 500+ servers in 30 countries.
ExpressVPN has both physical and virtual locations and only uses RAM-only servers. It’s also transitioning to 10Gbps servers to give even better speeds and performance to its large user base.
If you’re unsure which server to choose, you can use ExpressVPN’s Smart Location feature to help you. It will consider your current location to match you with a server that can give you the best speeds and performance.
Currently, Mozilla VPN has a small server fleet that only touches a few countries. Since this VPN is planning to expand its service area to more countries, it's likely that its server fleet will grow in the coming years as well.
Features overview
| ExpressVPN | Mozilla VPN | |
| Split tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| SmartDNS | Yes | No |
| Kill switch | Yes | Yes |
| Ad blocker | Yes | Yes |
ExpressVPN is the winner in the features category. ExpressVPN is a more feature-rich provider, and the offered tools are more secure and better developed than the competitor.
On the other hand, Mozilla VPN has a pretty impressive feature list for a new VPN player on the market. It offers the essential tools to protect your data and information online; however, it could work on developing additional tools to sweeten the subscription deal.
Split tunneling
Split tunneling makes it easy to control what activity you encrypt with your VPN and what apps use your local IP. Simply activate the split tunneling feature and add the apps you want to tunnel through your VPN.
ExpressVPN offers this feature on Android, Windows, Linux, and older macOS versions (not compatible with macOS 11 or above).
Mozilla VPN doesn’t offer split tunneling on macOS or iOS but does have this feature for its Android, Windows, and Linux users.
SmartDNS
If you want to stream geo-blocked content on a smart TV or gaming console, then you’ll love the SmartDNS feature. This feature lets you do exactly that, using the power of the VPN to get around geo-restrictions while streaming on a broader range of devices.
ExpressVPN has its own SmartDNS feature that it calls MediaStreamer. By using this feature, you can enjoy ExpressVPN’s excellent streaming performance on devices that don’t directly support the VPN app.
Unfortunately, Mozilla VPN has yet to offer a SmartDNS feature or streaming performance to match its competitor.
Kill switch
Want to make sure you never accidentally browse without VPN protection? A kill switch does just that. If your VPN connection drops for any reason, the kill switch cuts your internet connection altogether.
ExpressVPN calls its kill switch Network Lock. Simply tick the box in the settings to ensure you’ll be protected in case of unexpected connection loss.
With Mozilla VPN, the kill switch will be automatically activated. The only downside is there isn’t yet a way to turn it off, so you get non-stop protection but less control with its version.
Ad blocker
While ad blockers haven’t always been included in VPN subscriptions, they’re becoming increasingly popular. Ad blockers do more than the name suggests, as they can block ads, trackers, and suspicious websites.
ExpressVPN has recently rolled out its Threat Manager, it’s aimed at blocking trackers. With these blocked, you’ll have fewer third parties keeping an eye on what you do online. Also, it can reduce the number of targeted ads or sudden price increases that come with online data collection.
ExpressVPN’s Threat Manager is now available on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, and smart TVs.
Mozilla VPN offers a more traditional ad blocker that shields you from pop-up ads, especially those containing malware and phishing attempts. This feature even comes with some more advanced settings, where you can set it to standard, strict, or custom-level protection.
Mozilla VPN vs ExpressVPN: which is more secure?
| ExpressVPN | Mozilla VPN | |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| HASH | SHA-512 | SHA-512 |
| RAM-only servers | Yes | Yes |
| Outside of the Fourteen Eyes alliance? | Yes | No |
| No-logs policy | Yes | Yes |
| Kill switch | Yes | Yes |
| Ad blocker | Yes | Yes |
| DNS leak protection | Yes | Yes |
In testing Mozilla VPN vs ExpressVPN for security, both VPNs have plenty of features to keep your online activity safe and private. They offer a kill switch, high-level encryption, hashing, and audited no-logs policies.
That said, Mozilla VPN is based in the US, a founding member of the Five Eyes data-sharing alliance.
Infrastructure
RAM-only servers are preferred by privacy enthusiasts since all the data is wiped clean with every reboot. ExpressVPN has embraced this technology, fully committed to using RAM-only servers worldwide.
ExpressVPN calls this feature TrustedServer, and promises that its servers never write any data to a hard drive. Its diskless servers even reinstall the whole software stack after every reboot.
Mozilla VPN has also upgraded its infrastructure to RAM-only.
Privacy
Both VPNs offer standard AES-256-bit encryption, a safe bet to keep anyone from spying on your online activity. This encryption cipher is used by all best-rated VPN providers on the market, the military, and government organizations because it is virtually impossible to crack.
Both VPNs also use the SHA-512 hashing algorithm, which is a step up from the commonly used SHA-256.
In the Mozilla VPN vs ExpressVPN privacy test, jurisdiction becomes the deciding factor. Mozilla VPN is based in the United States, which falls under the Five Eyes alliance and is subject to US data retention laws.
ExpressVPN, on the other hand, is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands. This is outside of the Fourteen Eyes jurisdictions, giving it freedom from any forced data collection. For those concerned about privacy, choosing a VPN outside of the alliance systems is a must.
Logging
Both Mozilla VPN and ExpressVPN promise a strict no-logs policy. They’ve both also sought independent audits to back up their claims.
Mozilla VPN had some rocky results when it underwent its only audit by Cure53. The audit exposed three total vulnerabilities, two were considered a medium concern, and one was considered a high concern. These are not ideal results for a VPN, especially if they are the only audit results on record.
ExpressVPN underwent a third audit by KPMG, one of the largest independent audit firms. The results were much cleaner than Mozilla’s. They found ExpressVPN to be in accordance with its no-log policy, and posing no threat to your anonymity and data protection online.
Platforms, interface, and ease of use
| ExpressVPN | Mozilla VPN | |
| Supported OS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Firefox |
| Other devices | Android TV, Fire devices, routers | ❌ |
| Browser extensions | Chrome, Firefox | Firefox |
| Simultaneous connections | 14 | 5 |
While ExpressVPN and Mozilla VPN both have sleek user interfaces, ExpressVPN has more compatibility options. It's compatible with the main operating systems and several other devices like Android TV and Fire devices. It also has browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
It’s no surprise that Mozilla VPN keeps its focus on Firefox. It only supports a Firefox browser extension and no other devices outside the five main operating systems.
ExpressVPN allows up to 14 simultaneous connections, while Mozilla VPN limits them to 5.
Desktop apps
ExpressVPN makes it easy for beginners with a simple interface that is easy to find your way around. While some VPNs have a less developed macOS app, that’s not the case with ExpressVPN. Its Window and macOS apps are pretty evenly matched, offering almost all of the same great features.
When it comes to Mozilla VPN’s desktop apps, you’ll find the Windows version to outshine the one for Mac. Windows will have the most features, considering split tunneling isn’t yet available through Mozilla on macOS.
Mobile apps
Comparing ExpressVPN vs Mozilla VPN, ExpressVPN has more developed, feature-rich mobile apps. The design is sleek, the menus are easy to navigate, and the apps have all settings and features you need.
Mozilla VPN is lacking in both of its mobile apps. The Android app is a bit better than the iOS version, but you won’t find the functionality as developed as it is with ExpressVPN.
Customer support
| ExpressVPN | Mozilla VPN | |
| 24/7 Live chat | ✅ | ❌ |
| Phone | ❌ | ❌ |
| Email / Ticketing | ✅ | ✅ |
| Articles or guides | ✅ | ✅ |
| FAQ / Forums | ✅ | ✅ |
If you have trouble with your VPN, excellent customer support can make a big difference in the user experience. Both ExpressVPN and Mozilla VPN have an extensive knowledge base to explore, with articles, how-to guides, tutorials, FAQs, and much more.
If you need help from a customer support team member, ExpressVPN is easier to get in touch with on-demand. It offers a 24/7 live chat so its users can get help anytime they need it without long wait times.
Mozilla VPN doesn’t have a 24/7 live chat for its users. It has an email/ticketing system, which ExpressVPN also offers. With this, you must submit a description of the issue you’re facing and wait to hear back from an expert.
Mozilla VPN can take an unpleasantly long time to get back to you, but ExpressVPN will usually respond within a few hours.
Mozilla VPN vs ExpressVPN – which one wins?
Mozilla VPN excels in affordability for monthly plans and Firefox integration, while ExpressVPN dominates in streaming, global server coverage, privacy jurisdiction, and 24/7 customer support.
ExpressVPN is the clear overall winner, offering superior value on long-term plans, better performance, and a comprehensive feature set that justifies its premium positioning.
| Feature | ExpressVPN | Mozilla VPN | Verdict |
| Pricing | ExpressVPN offers better long-term value at $2.49/month for two years, though Mozilla VPN has cheaper monthly plans at $9.99 versus $12.99. | ||
| Speed | Both deliver strong speeds with modern protocols but ExpressVPN's 105-country network prevents overcrowding better than Mozilla's 30 countries. | ||
| Privacy | Both use AES-256 encryption and RAM-only servers, but ExpressVPN's British Virgin Islands jurisdiction beats Mozilla's US-based Five Eyes location for privacy-conscious users. | ||
| Features | ExpressVPN provides more developed features including SmartDNS for streaming devices, while Mozilla VPN covers essentials but lacks advanced tools. | ||
| Streaming | ExpressVPN unblocks Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer, while Mozilla VPN only works with US Netflix. | ||
| Torrenting | Both support P2P traffic without dedicated servers or advanced torrenting tools, making this category a draw between the providers. | ||
| Support | ExpressVPN's 24/7 live chat and faster email response times significantly outperform Mozilla VPN's slower ticketing-only system. |
FAQ
Is Mozilla VPN better than ExpressVPN?
No, Mozilla VPN is not better than ExpressVPN. MozillaVPN isn't available worldwide, while ExpressVPN appeals to a global audience. ExpressVPN can offer servers in 105 countries, while Mozilla VPN has around 500 in only 30 countries.
Is Mozilla VPN safe?
Yes, Mozilla VPN is safe. It uses the secure, WireGuard protocol and offers standard encryption ciphers. It has a strict no-log policy, although it is located within the Five Eyes jurisdiction. It also has a kill switch and ad blocker for added security.
Which is cheaper – Mozilla VPN or ExpressVPN?
ExpressVPN can be cheaper than Mozilla VPN. The annual plan with ExpressVPN is cheaper than Mozilla VPN’s annual option. For short-term, monthly plans, Mozilla VPN has a better price.
How does Mozilla VPN compare to other VPNs?
Mozilla VPN is still quite limited when compared to other VPNs. While it does offer WireGuard protocol, good encryption, and a no-logs policy, Mozilla VPN’s server count and availability are low. It only has around 500 servers worldwide, and its subscriptions aren't available in all countries.
