ExpressVPN vs LuLu

ExpressVPN is a premium consumer VPN known for fast speeds, a large global server network, and a very easy setup, with an audited no-logs policy. It is a mainstream, polished choice.

LuLu is a free and open-source firewall for macOS built by Objective-See, designed to monitor and control outgoing network connections rather than inbound traffic. It alerts users whenever an unknown or unrecognized process attempts to connect out to the network, helping catch malware trying to exfiltrate data or reach command-and-control servers.

• Fast and reliable
• Very easy to use
• Large server network
• Good for streaming

• Completely free and open source, including the source code on GitHub
• Effective at catching malware attempting outbound data exfiltration
• Built by Objective-See, a developer with a strong reputation in Mac security tooling
• Granular per-app, per-destination rule control

• No free tier
• Pricier than rivals
• Fewer power-user features

• macOS only, no Windows or Linux version
• Frequent connection alerts can be noisy until rules are tuned
• Requires some technical familiarity with network processes to configure effectively