ExpressVPN is a well-known and well-regarded VPN, but it is not the right choice for everyone. At $6.67 per month on its best plan, it is one of the most expensive VPNs on the market. Its ownership by Kape Technologies raises privacy concerns for some users. And with only 8 simultaneous connections, larger households may find it limiting.

Whatever your reason for looking beyond ExpressVPN, there are excellent alternatives. We tested dozens of VPN services and identified the 10 best ExpressVPN alternatives in 2026, organized by what they do better — whether that is price, speed, privacy, or features.

Why Switch From ExpressVPN?

Before diving into the alternatives, here is a summary of the most common reasons users look for an ExpressVPN replacement:

Price: ExpressVPN costs $6.67/month on its cheapest plan. Many alternatives offer comparable features for $2-4/month.
Ownership concerns: Kape Technologies (formerly Crossrider, an ad-tech company) acquired ExpressVPN in 2021. Some privacy advocates question whether an ad-tech company should own a privacy tool.
Device limits: 8 simultaneous connections may not be enough for tech-heavy households.
Missing features: No port forwarding, no multi-hop flexibility, no built-in ad blocker on all platforms.
Speed: While fast, ExpressVPN is no longer the speed leader. NordVPN and several others are consistently faster.

Quick Comparison: ExpressVPN vs Top Alternatives

VPN	Price (Best Plan)	Speed	Connections	Streaming	Privacy
ExpressVPN	$6.67/mo	720 Mbps	8	Excellent	Good
NordVPN	$3.49/mo	850 Mbps	10	Excellent	Excellent
Surfshark	$2.29/mo	780 Mbps	Unlimited	Excellent	Excellent
ProtonVPN	$4.49/mo	700 Mbps	10	Good	Best
CyberGhost	$2.19/mo	680 Mbps	7	Good	Good
PIA	$2.03/mo	650 Mbps	Unlimited	Moderate	Good
Mullvad	$5.50/mo	750 Mbps	5	Limited	Best
Windscribe	$5.75/mo (build)	620 Mbps	Unlimited	Good	Good
IVPN	$6.00/mo	580 Mbps	7	Limited	Excellent
hide.me	$3.45/mo	600 Mbps	10	Moderate	Good
AirVPN	$3.50/mo	560 Mbps	5	Moderate	Excellent

Cheaper Alternatives

1. NordVPN — Best Overall Alternative

NordVPN is the most complete ExpressVPN alternative. It matches or exceeds ExpressVPN in every category while costing nearly half the price.

Overview: NordVPN offers 6,800+ servers in 111 countries, the proprietary NordLynx protocol for top-tier speeds, and a comprehensive security suite including Threat Protection Pro, Double VPN, and Meshnet. It has been audited multiple times by PricewaterhouseCoopers and operates on RAM-only infrastructure.

Pricing:

2-year plan: $3.49/month ($90.74 total)
1-year plan: $4.99/month ($59.88 total)
Monthly: $13.99/month

Pros:

18% faster than ExpressVPN in speed tests
48% cheaper on the 2-year plan
Threat Protection Pro (ad blocker + malware scanner) works even with VPN off
Meshnet for private device networking
Specialty servers (Double VPN, Onion over VPN, obfuscated)

Cons:

10 simultaneous connections (more than ExpressVPN’s 8, but not unlimited)
2-year commitment required for the best price
Linux app lacks GUI

[Get NordVPN deal — up to 72% off + 3 months free]

2. Surfshark — Best Budget Alternative

Surfshark delivers 90% of ExpressVPN’s quality at roughly one-third the price, plus unlimited simultaneous connections.

Overview: Surfshark operates 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. It offers WireGuard with automatic obfuscation (NoBorders mode), CleanWeb 2.0 for ad blocking, MultiHop for double VPN, and a growing suite of privacy tools under the Surfshark One brand.

Pricing:

2-year plan: $2.29/month ($59.54 total)
1-year plan: $3.19/month ($38.28 total)
Monthly: $15.45/month

Pros:

66% cheaper than ExpressVPN on the 2-year plan
Unlimited simultaneous connections
Flexible MultiHop (choose any entry/exit combination)
CleanWeb 2.0 blocks ads, trackers, and cookie pop-ups
Alternative ID generates disposable online personas

Cons:

Smaller server network than NordVPN or ExpressVPN
Slightly slower than NordVPN
Occasional connection drops in heavily censored countries

[Try Surfshark free — 30-day money-back guarantee]

3. CyberGhost — Best for Streaming on a Budget

CyberGhost combines a massive server network with streaming-optimized servers and the longest money-back guarantee in the industry.

Overview: CyberGhost has 11,500+ servers in 100 countries, including servers specifically labeled for streaming platforms (Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, etc.) and P2P-optimized servers. Based in Romania with Deloitte-audited no-logs policy.

Pricing:

2-year plan: $2.19/month ($56.94 total)
6-month plan: $6.99/month ($41.94 total)
Monthly: $12.99/month

Pros:

67% cheaper than ExpressVPN
Largest server network (11,500+)
Streaming-optimized servers labeled by platform
45-day money-back guarantee (vs. 30 days for ExpressVPN)
Dedicated IP available as add-on

Cons:

Slower than ExpressVPN (680 Mbps vs. 720 Mbps)
Does not work in China or heavily censored countries
Owned by Kape Technologies (same as ExpressVPN)
App interface can feel cluttered

[Try CyberGhost free — 45-day money-back guarantee]

4. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Cheapest Premium VPN

PIA offers the lowest price of any reputable VPN, plus the largest server fleet in the world and open-source apps.

Overview: PIA operates 35,000+ servers in 91 countries. All apps are open-source, and the no-logs policy has been proven in court multiple times. PIA offers extensive customization options, port forwarding, and SOCKS5 proxy access.

Pricing:

3-year plan: $2.03/month ($79.00 total)
1-year plan: $3.33/month ($39.95 total)
Monthly: $11.99/month

Pros:

70% cheaper than ExpressVPN on the 3-year plan
Unlimited simultaneous connections
35,000+ servers (largest network available)
Port forwarding support (ExpressVPN does not offer this)
Open-source apps
Court-proven no-logs policy

Cons:

Based in the US (5 Eyes jurisdiction)
Streaming support is inconsistent
Interface can overwhelm casual users
Slower than ExpressVPN (650 Mbps vs. 720 Mbps)

[Get PIA deal — 83% off + 4 months free]

Faster Alternatives

5. NordVPN (also listed above)

NordVPN is not only cheaper but also faster. With NordLynx delivering 850 Mbps average on nearby servers, it outperforms ExpressVPN’s Lightway by roughly 18%. If speed is your primary reason for leaving ExpressVPN, NordVPN is the clear upgrade.

6. Mullvad — Fastest Privacy-Focused VPN

Mullvad’s optimized WireGuard implementation delivers 750 Mbps average speeds, making it faster than ExpressVPN while offering unmatched anonymity.

Overview: Mullvad requires no personal information to sign up — just a randomly generated account number. It accepts cash, cryptocurrency, and standard payments. The DAITA feature protects against AI-based traffic analysis.

Pricing:

Flat rate: $5.50/month (no long-term discounts)

Pros:

Faster than ExpressVPN (750 Mbps vs. 720 Mbps)
Anonymous sign-up (no email, no name)
Cash and cryptocurrency payments accepted
DAITA traffic analysis protection
Pioneer WireGuard implementation

Cons:

Not designed for streaming
Small server network (800+ servers, 43 countries)
No long-term discount plans
No dedicated mobile apps for smart TVs or routers
5 simultaneous connections only

[Try Mullvad — no commitment, cancel anytime]

More Private Alternatives

7. ProtonVPN — Best for Privacy

ProtonVPN is the gold standard for VPN transparency and privacy. Every app is open-source, every audit is published, and the Swiss jurisdiction provides the strongest legal protections available.

Overview: Built by the team behind ProtonMail, ProtonVPN operates 4,600+ servers in 91 countries. Secure Core routing sends traffic through hardened servers in Switzerland, Iceland, and Sweden before reaching the exit server. Integrates with the full Proton ecosystem (mail, calendar, drive, password manager).

Pricing:

2-year plan: $4.49/month ($107.76 total)
1-year plan: $5.99/month ($71.88 total)
Monthly: $11.99/month
Free tier: Available (limited speeds, 5 countries)

Pros:

33% cheaper than ExpressVPN on the 2-year plan
Swiss jurisdiction (strongest privacy laws, outside 14 Eyes)
Fully open-source apps with published audits
Secure Core for double-hop protection
Free tier with no data limits
Port forwarding support
Integrates with Proton Mail, Drive, Calendar, Pass

Cons:

Slower than ExpressVPN when using Secure Core
Streaming support is good but not as reliable as NordVPN or ExpressVPN
Higher price than Surfshark or CyberGhost
Smaller server network than NordVPN

[Get ProtonVPN deal — up to 60% off Plus plan]

8. IVPN — Best for Transparency

IVPN is a small, independent VPN provider that prioritizes transparency and ethical business practices above all else. It is refreshingly honest about what VPNs can and cannot do.

Overview: IVPN is based in Gibraltar and operated by a small, publicly identified team. They publish a transparency report, disclose their corporate structure, and actively discourage people from buying a VPN if they do not need one. All apps are open-source.

Pricing:

Standard plan: $6.00/month or $60/year ($5.00/month)
Pro plan (multi-hop, port forwarding): $10.00/month or $100/year ($8.33/month)

Pros:

Exceptional transparency (team identified by name, corporate structure disclosed)
Open-source apps with regular audits
Multi-hop with any server combination (Pro plan)
Port forwarding (Pro plan)
WireGuard with AntiTracker (DNS-based ad blocking)
No tracking, no analytics, no third-party scripts on their website

Cons:

More expensive than ExpressVPN on the Pro plan
Small server network (limited countries)
Not designed for streaming
7 simultaneous connections (Standard) or 7 (Pro)
Less name recognition means fewer user guides and community resources

[Try IVPN free — 3-day refund policy]

9. AirVPN — Best for Technical Users

AirVPN is run by privacy activists and offers the most technically advanced VPN configuration options available. It is ideal for users who want full control over their VPN setup.

Overview: AirVPN is based in Italy and operated by a team of activists and security researchers. It uses OpenVPN exclusively (no WireGuard), supports advanced features like traffic shaping and microsecond-level logging analysis, and provides extremely detailed server statistics.

Pricing:

3-year plan: $3.50/month ($126.00 total)
1-year plan: $4.64/month ($55.68 total)
Monthly: $8.18/month

Pros:

47% cheaper than ExpressVPN on the 3-year plan
SSH and SSL tunneling for bypassing DPI
Port forwarding with up to 20 forwarded ports
Detailed real-time server statistics (bandwidth, load, users)
No web tracking of any kind
Accepts cryptocurrency (Monero, Bitcoin)
5 simultaneous connections

Cons:

OpenVPN only (no WireGuard, which means slower speeds)
Complex interface not suitable for beginners
Small server network
Limited streaming support
No mobile-first design

[Try AirVPN — 3-day trial available]

Best All-Around Alternatives

10. Windscribe — Best Flexible Plan

Windscribe offers a unique “Build A Plan” option that lets you pay only for the server locations you need, making it highly customizable.

Overview: Windscribe operates servers in 69 countries and offers a generous free tier (10 GB/month with email confirmation). The Build A Plan option lets you select individual server locations for $1 each per month, with a minimum of $3/month. The Pro plan includes all locations and unlimited data.

Pricing:

Build A Plan: Starting at $3.00/month (choose your locations)
Pro monthly: $9.00/month
Pro yearly: $5.75/month ($69.00/year)

Pros:

Build A Plan lets you pay only for what you need
Generous free tier (10 GB/month)
R.O.B.E.R.T. DNS-based ad and malware blocker with fine-grained control
Unlimited simultaneous connections
Browser extension with additional privacy features
Static IP and residential IP options

Cons:

Slower than ExpressVPN (620 Mbps vs. 720 Mbps)
Smaller server network than major competitors
No independent audit of no-logs policy
The Build A Plan system can be confusing initially
Canadian jurisdiction (5 Eyes)

[Try Windscribe free — 10 GB/month free tier]

hide.me — Honorable Mention

Overview: hide.me is a Malaysian VPN with a strong focus on privacy. It offers a free tier (10 GB/month), WireGuard support, and has been audited by DefenseCode. The Bolt protocol provides extra speed on supported platforms.

Pricing:

2-year plan: $3.45/month
1-year plan: $4.95/month
Monthly: $9.95/month

Pros:

48% cheaper than ExpressVPN
10 simultaneous connections
Malaysian jurisdiction (no data retention laws)
Free tier available
Stealth Guard (advanced kill switch)
Independent audit by DefenseCode

Cons:

Moderate streaming support
Slower speeds (600 Mbps)
Smaller brand with fewer resources
Less polished apps than top-tier providers

[Try hide.me free — 10 GB/month free tier]

Which ExpressVPN Alternative Should You Choose?

If you want the best overall replacement:

NordVPN — faster, cheaper, more features, better audited. It is the closest to a straight upgrade from ExpressVPN.

If you want the cheapest option:

Private Internet Access at $2.03/month (3-year plan) or CyberGhost at $2.19/month (2-year plan) offer the most savings.

If you want unlimited devices:

Surfshark or PIA both offer unlimited simultaneous connections, making them ideal for families.

If privacy is your top priority:

ProtonVPN (Swiss jurisdiction, open-source, Secure Core) or Mullvad (anonymous accounts, cash payments, DAITA) are the most privacy-focused options available.

If you want maximum flexibility:

Windscribe’s Build A Plan lets you customize your subscription, paying only for the locations you actually use.

If you are a power user:

AirVPN offers the most technical control, including SSH/SSL tunneling, extensive port forwarding, and detailed server statistics.

Migration Tips: Switching From ExpressVPN

Do not cancel ExpressVPN immediately. Sign up for your new VPN first, test it for a few days, and ensure it meets your needs before canceling.
Check your ExpressVPN billing cycle. If you are within the 30-day money-back window, you can get a full refund.
Export your settings. Note which servers and settings you use most in ExpressVPN so you can replicate them in your new VPN.
Update your router. If you have ExpressVPN installed on your router, you will need to reconfigure it with the new provider.
Test streaming. Verify that your new VPN unblocks the same streaming platforms you used with ExpressVPN before fully committing.

Final Thoughts

ExpressVPN remains a solid VPN, but the market has evolved. In 2026, you can get faster speeds, better privacy, more features, and unlimited device connections for significantly less money. NordVPN is our top recommendation as an ExpressVPN replacement for most users, while Surfshark offers the best value and ProtonVPN provides the strongest privacy guarantees.

No matter which alternative you choose, every VPN on this list offers a money-back guarantee or free trial, so you can test before committing.