ExpressVPN is one of the most popular VPNs, and rightfully so. Based on regular, extensive evaluations, we’ve ranked it only behind NordVPN in our list of the best VPN services. Therefore, most people will enjoy quality experiences, but others are justified in seeking alternatives to ExpressVPN.
You see, some users may find ExpressVPN’s pricing a bit steep or prefer a VPN with more simultaneous connections. Others could be looking for specific features or regional servers that the provider doesn’t offer.
Whatever your reason, there are alternatives to ExpressVPN on the market that provide comparable or even superior services in certain areas. Please keep reading to find out what they are so you can make an informed decision.
Best Alternatives to ExpressVPN At a Glance
- NordVPN — the best ExpressVPN alternative overall
- Private Internet Access — best for security features
- Proton VPN — best for privacy
- Surfshark — the best alternative for simultaneous connections
- CyberGhost — great for streaming and torrenting
The 5 Best ExpressVPN Alternatives — Our Detailed List
Below, we’ll discuss five competitor VPNs that we’ve found to be credible substitutes for ExpressVPN. Like the British Virgin Islands-based provider, they offer top-notch security, privacy functionality, and excellent speeds.
However, it’s essential to note that they may not necessarily outperform ExpressVPN in every category. Instead, you’ll find a compelling reason or two to consider them as viable alternatives to ExpressVPN.
1. NordVPN
Pros
- 7,700+ servers in 118 countries
- Fast NordLynx protocol
- Onion over VPN servers
- Multiple independent audits
- Threat Protection Pro
Con
- Expensive 1-month plans
NordVPN is the only VPN service we rate higher than ExpressVPN, and even then, there’s not a wide margin between them. For us, it is the best alternative to ExpressVPN in 2026. With over 7,700 servers scattered across 118 countries, it offers superior global coverage. That’s the most extensive country spread of any top VPN.
ExpressVPN is known for its speedy connections, but you’ll experience even faster speeds with this provider. NordVPN’s 10 Gbps servers combine with a proprietary protocol built around WireGuard to ensure you enjoy bufferless streaming, quick downloads, and lag-free gaming.
With NordVPN, you can unblock Netflix US (and other libraries), Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming services.
The provider enforces your online safety and anonymity with military-grade encryption. It’s loaded with a variety of top-grade tools, including an automatic kill switch, obfuscated servers, and protection against DNS leaks. If you’re hyper-paranoid, advanced features like Onion over VPN (which is very convenient for browsing the dark web in total anonymity) and Double VPN will come in handy, especially in heavily restrictive countries.
NordVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy. It’s not just a marketing gimmick — the policy has undergone multiple independent audits.
It’s compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, routers, and several other devices. You can connect up to 10 devices on one account simultaneously, which is two more than ExpressVPN. If you’re considering taking the VPN for a spin, you would be doing so without any financial risk for up to 30 days after payment.
2. Private Internet Access
Pros
- Lots of security features
- Audited no-logs policy
- Servers in all American states
- Multi-hop connections
- Some of the cheapest prices
Cons
- Not the best pick for streaming
- Slower than ExpressVPN
Purchase a Private Internet Access subscription, and you can choose from over 30,000 servers across 91 countries. Do you need an American IP address to watch US TV abroad, for example? It has you covered with servers in every state.
However, while PIA’s 10 Gbps servers can deliver blazing-fast performance, the provider’s speeds are fairly dynamic and can be inconsistent. Luckily, its intuitive apps have each server location labelled with its current latency measurements, so you can avoid slower connections.
The VPN has a selection of streaming-optimised servers, but it doesn’t quite bypass geo-restrictions as well as ExpressVPN does. That said, you can unblock content on Netflix US, Hulu, Prime Video, Crunchyroll, and other platforms from abroad.
Don’t worry about PIA’s US headquarters; this VPN doesn’t store any identifiable logs. Besides RAM-only servers that wipe clean with each reboot, it operates with a strict no-logs policy that has survived independent audits and a court process.
PIA implements AES 256-bit encryption, ensuring that nobody can access your data. You also get several other top-notch features and extras, like a customizable kill switch, IP/DNS leak protection, obfuscation, and Multi-Hop.
NordVPN’s ten-connection limit is pretty generous. However, Private Internet Access allows unlimited device connections on a single account, no matter how many devices you have.
You can test this great alternative to ExpressVPN for 30 days after purchasing one of its affordable plans. It has a full refund policy, meaning you can get your money back if your expectations aren’t met.
3. Proton VPN
Pros
- Secure Core servers
- Open-source applications
- Torrenting is allowed
- 13,300+ global servers
- It features a free plan
Cons
- It could be faster
- Not the best customer service
Proton VPN is a great freemium alternative to ExpressVPN. Paying customers enjoy a network with over 13,300+ servers across 117 countries. That’s more than ExpressVPN and guarantees you never run out of connection options, regardless of your region.
The VPN provides fast download and upload speeds, making it an excellent choice for your streaming and downloading needs. Performance is usually one of the primary reasons for avoiding free VPNs. However, Proton VPN’s free users get to enjoy a bandwidth-throttling-free experience. Plus, there are no data caps to worry about.
We’re also impressed by its unblocking capabilities. Proton VPN breezes through the geo-restrictions on Netflix, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, YouTube TV, and more. Even the free version unblocks a couple of Netflix libraries, which is more than many premium providers can guarantee.
Proton VPN provides top-notch security with AES 256-bit encryption. On WireGuard, it uses ChaCha20, which is just as ironclad. It has a kill switch and ensures your DNS requests are never leaked to your ISP. There’s also an ad-blocker, and the VPN offers built-in Tor over VPN functionality for an extra layer of security.
Its Swiss jurisdiction has some of the world’s strongest privacy laws. Building on that, the provider keeps no logs that can lead back to you. Additionally, its apps are open-source, allowing anyone to examine the code.
Proton VPN has user-friendly apps for all the major platforms. You can use the VPN on up to 10 devices at the same time. It’s more affordable than ExpressVPN. What’s more, Proton VPN has the best free VPN version on the market.
You can check it out risk-free for 30 days, thanks to the money-back guarantee that comes with its plans.
4. Surfshark
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Virus protection
- Cheap long-term plans
- Brilliant streaming abilities
Cons
- Expensive short-term plans
- Occasional connection problems
Surfshark slightly edges out ExpressVPN in terms of server count, with a network comprising 3,200 servers across 100 countries. However, this is not the only reason why we consider it an excellent alternative to ExpressVPN in 2026.
The VPN’s performance has significantly improved recently, so much so that it now competes closely with NordVPN and ExpressVPN. We encountered little to no buffering while binge-watching an online show, even while connected to relatively distant servers.
On that note, Surfshark is an excellent choice for streaming. Unlike most other providers, it doesn’t boast about its unblocking capabilities, but it performed brilliantly when tested with Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more.
Does Surfshark keep logs? No. While it’s based in a 9 Eyes member country, the provider keeps its services log-free. And you don’t have to take its word for it — a Big Four auditing firm has tested and verified the policy.
Hackers and snoops will find the provider’s bank-level encryption algorithm impossible to beat. Plus, it’s packed with industry-standard and advanced features.
Surfshark’s monthly plan is even costlier than ExpressVPN’s, which is interesting for a VPN with a budget tag. However, you get to enjoy significant cost savings by opting for long-term plans instead, as they are some of the most affordable options for a provider of this quality.
Surfshark, like Private Internet Access, offers an unlimited simultaneous device connection policy. There’s no need for an extra subscription if you have many devices to protect. You can confidently try Surfshark out thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.
If you’re not impressed, you can cancel and request a full refund. To find out more, check out our full Surfshark VPN review or our ExpressVPN vs Surfshark comparison.
5. CyberGhost
Pros
- Streaming & torrenting servers
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Dedicated IP addresses
- Affordable 2-year plan
Cons
- 7 simultaneous connections
- Slower speeds with OpenVPN
- Confusing desktop apps
CyberGhost’s global network offers a wealth of connection options, with over 12,000 servers across 100 countries.
It doesn’t consistently match the lightning-fast speeds of ExpressVPN or NordVPN. Still, CyberGhost’s 10 Gbps servers deliver robust performance for your browsing needs. We didn’t experience steep performance drops while connected to nearby servers. Expectedly, it wasn’t as fast on distant servers, but we could still stream with minimal buffering.
Dedicated servers for streaming, torrenting, and online gaming certainly help optimise those activities. The streaming options, for instance, unblock several TV channels and streaming services from popular to niche platforms.
User privacy is a top priority for CyberGhost. Its security features are top-notch, with AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection. What’s more, NoSpy servers provide extra security and privacy. They’re owned and managed by the VPN and are located in Romania (a privacy-friendly jurisdiction).
In addition, CyberGhost doesn’t store personally identifiable logs on its servers. That means no third party can see what you’re doing online, in real-time or afterwards, while connected to its servers.
CyberGhost allows up to 7 simultaneous device connections per account, one fewer than ExpressVPN. It supports a wide range of devices, including smart TVs and gaming consoles.
Like the other competitors presented on this list, CyberGhost is more affordable than ExpressVPN. While there’s little to separate them in terms of monthly pricing, the former’s long-term plans present more attractive options. They also come with an industry-leading 45-day money-back guarantee.
That’s more than enough time to see if it’s the right ExpressVPN alternative for you.
What ExpressVPN Alternatives Bring to the Table
We kicked off this article by declaring ExpressVPN an excellent VPN service. So, what do its alternatives offer that could entice its users to consider switching? Let’s briefly explore the areas where ExpressVPN doesn’t quite measure up to some of its competitors.
Pricing
Arguably, the most significant reason for seeking an ExpressVPN replacement is its rather pricey plans.
To be clear, it justifies that price with exceptional quality and reliability. However, the ExpressVPN alternatives discussed above offer more budget-friendly rates, except for Surfshark’s monthly plan.
Server Network Size
A larger server network means shorter connection distances. Only two VPNs have server locations in more countries than ExpressVPN. In terms of sheer size, its 3,000+ server capacity is substantial, but several providers offer more.
For instance, Surfshark has a few hundred more servers, and NordVPN’s collection is twice the size. Private Internet Access, on the other hand, completely blows ExpressVPN out of the water.
Simultaneous Device Connections
ExpressVPN allows you to protect up to eight devices at the same time on your account. That would have been very impressive (even for a top provider) a few years ago, but VPNs are increasingly allowing users to connect more devices.
Take NordVPN’s decision to bump its limit from six to ten devices. Others, like Private Internet Access and Surfshark, have gone the extra step to remove a cap on devices. That way, you can keep all your gadgets protected without needing another subscription.
Connection Speed
Poor performance isn’t a complaint commonly associated with ExpressVPN. However, if you want even faster speeds, especially when connecting to distant servers or torrenting, there’s one ExpressVPN alternative to turn to: NordVPN.
Can You Use a Free VPN Instead of ExpressVPN?
Yes, you can use a free VPN as an alternative to ExpressVPN. But should you? We wouldn’t recommend doing so.
Why not? Free VPNs may have a cost-free appeal, but they also have significant drawbacks. More often than not, you can expect limited networks that translate into congestion and painfully slow connection speeds. Bandwidth limits and data caps also mean you can only stay connected for limited periods.
What’s more, many free VPNs monetise user data by selling it to third parties and may bombard you with intrusive ads. This compromises your privacy and security, defeating the purpose of using a VPN.
Even if you’re struggling with the provider’s pricing, pocket-friendly alternatives like PIA are a better choice.
Conclusion
ExpressVPN is a highly-rated VPN service with robust features and consistent performance. Still, it’s not a one-size-fits-all, and there’s always a chance it doesn’t fulfil all your requirements. In that case, it’s perfectly fine to turn to a substitute.
This article highlights the top ExpressVPN alternatives, exploring their unique features and how they address the provider’s weaknesses. Our favourite option, NordVPN, is an easy pick because it’s the best VPN in the industry overall, according to our tests and analysis.