Proton VPN vs PrivateVPN

Proton VPN versus PrivateVPN is easiest to read as verified depth versus a smaller practical toolkit. The real question is whether you need the extra verification and routing controls or just the core setup.

Independent audit evidence is part of the package

Proton VPN's no-logs claim has an independent audit behind it. PrivateVPN does not currently have a completed independent no-logs or security audit. If the no-logs claim is something you want checked from outside rather than merely stated, this is the most important difference here.

Routing control is broader too

Proton VPN has a confirmed multi-hop route in the current feature set. Built-in multi-hop is not part of PrivateVPN's confirmed feature set. Proton VPN has split tunneling on at least part of its supported platform set. Split tunneling is not confirmed as available for PrivateVPN. One gives you an extra VPN hop; the other lets selected traffic stay outside the tunnel. They solve different problems, and both are confirmed.

Router setup is still documented

PrivateVPN officially documents router setup. Proton VPN officially documents router setup. Both sides can cover that basic job, so router setup is a tie here.

Know the trade-off before paying

The audit, multi-hop, and split-tunneling gaps are the main trade-off on the PrivateVPN side. If they do not touch your routine, the narrower setup may be sufficient. If they do, the choice is straightforward.