Softwr

Software · head to head

Abstract vs ExpressVPN

Abstract logo

Abstract

Software

Design version control and asset management

From
Free
Rated
-
Full review
ExpressVPN logo

ExpressVPN

Software

High-speed, secure, and anonymous VPN service

From
$6.67/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Abstract has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Abstract the product appears to be gone. Its documentation path 404s, goabstract.com no longer resolves, and abstract.com now belongs to an unrelated venture capital firm; ExpressVPN the App Store listing (seller Expressco Services, LLC) states subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the billing period, and that any unused portion of a free trial is forfeited on purchase
  • They diverge on capability: Abstract covers Version control, ExpressVPN covers Lightway protocol.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Abstract and ExpressVPN actually diverge.

Attributes where Abstract and ExpressVPN differ
AttributeAbstractExpressVPN
Starting priceFree$6.67/month
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsMacos, WebWeb, Desktop, Mobile, Api
Founded20152009

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Abstract

  • Version control
  • Branching & merging
  • Asset library
  • Design tokens
  • Collaboration
  • File management
  • Comments
  • Activity tracking

Only in ExpressVPN

  • Lightway protocol
  • TrustedServer technology
  • Network Lock kill switch
  • Split tunneling
  • No activity logs
  • Private DNS
  • Speed test
  • MediaStreamer

Both cover

  • Cloud deployment

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Abstract

  • Design systemsnot ExpressVPN
  • Version controlnot ExpressVPN
  • Asset managementnot ExpressVPN
  • Team collaborationnot ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

  • Vpnnot Abstract
  • Privacynot Abstract
  • Streamingnot Abstract

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Abstract

  • The product appears to be gone. Its documentation path 404s, goabstract.com no longer resolves, and abstract.com now belongs to an unrelated venture capital firm
  • Built around Sketch files, so it never covered teams that moved to Figma

ExpressVPN

  • The App Store listing (seller Expressco Services, LLC) states subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the billing period, and that any unused portion of a free trial is forfeited on purchase
  • The same listing caps a single ExpressVPN subscription at 14 simultaneous device connections

Pricing, plan by plan

Abstract

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 1 shared library
    • Basic version control
    • 2 team members
  • Pro$12/month
    • Unlimited libraries
    • Full version control
    • Unlimited team members
  • Enterprise$50/month
    • Everything in Pro
    • Advanced admin controls
    • Compliance & security

ExpressVPN

$6.67/month
  • 1 Month$12.95/month
    • 8 devices
    • 94 countries
    • Unlimited bandwidth
  • 12 Months$6.67/month
    • All features
    • 3 months free
    • Best value
  • 6 Months$9.99/month
    • All features
    • 30-day guarantee

Which should you pick?

Choose Abstract if

  • You need version control.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Macos, Web.
  • You also want branching & merging.
Abstract review

Choose ExpressVPN if

  • You need lightway protocol.
  • You work on Web, Desktop, Mobile, Api.
  • You also want trustedserver technology.
ExpressVPN review

Questions people ask

Is Abstract or ExpressVPN better?
Neither clearly leads. Abstract starts at Free and ExpressVPN at $6.67/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Abstract or ExpressVPN?
Abstract has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Abstract and $6.67/month for ExpressVPN.
Does Abstract or ExpressVPN run on more platforms?
Abstract runs on Macos, Web. ExpressVPN runs on Web, Desktop, Mobile, Api.
Can I use Abstract for free?
Yes. Abstract has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. ExpressVPN starts at $6.67/month.
What is Abstract best used for?
Abstract is most often used for design systems, version control, asset management, team collaboration. Of those, design systems and version control are not what ExpressVPN is typically brought in for.
What can Abstract do that ExpressVPN cannot?
Abstract covers Version control, Branching & merging, Asset library, Design tokens. ExpressVPN covers Lightway protocol, TrustedServer technology, Network Lock kill switch, Split tunneling. Both handle Cloud deployment.
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on Abstract

More on ExpressVPN

Keep looking

Other head to heads