ExpressVPN was selected as one of the top five options in our rankings of the best VPN services. In this guide, I’ll go into much greater detail about this provider’s pricing, features, interface, and everything else that you should know before signing up.
By:Gunnar Kallstrom , Updated April 2, 2026 Head of information systems and cybersecurity research
Updated April 2, 2026
ExpressVPN: A Quick Overview
Bottom line: ExpressVPN is a fast, reliable VPN with strong privacy protections and one of the most user-friendly apps available. Its Lightway protocol, RAM-only servers, and broad global coverage make it a solid choice for streaming, gaming, and secure browsing. While it lacks multi-hop and a free plan, it remains a premium, dependable option.
Who should choose ExpressVPN? What really sets ExpressVPN apart is that it also provides a private email relay service in addition to its VPN. If you’re interested in both of these online security tools, then this option certainly offers a lot of value.
ExpressVPN’s Editor Rating
Overall: 4.9
ExpressVPN earned a score of at least 4.8 in each of the areas that I tested, with a particularly high grade for compatibility. It also offers competitive introductory pricing.
The back-end infrastructure and front-end user interface for this service are both top-of-the-line. But ExpressVPN also lacks a couple of key features, such as double VPN/multi-hop.
Pros of ExpressVPN
High performance: ExpressVPN built its own advanced VPN protocol, Lightway, enabling it to offer very fast connections that rarely drop.
Useful add-on services available: ExpressVPN offers much more than just a VPN — certain plans include additional services such as a password manager, identity theft insurance, and the aforementioned private email relay service.
Intuitive interface: The ExpressVPN app is exceptionally easy to navigate.
Cons of ExpressVPN
No free plan: While there are VPNs that offer a completely free tier, ExpressVPN is not one of them.
Connections are limited: There are also VPNs that allow unlimited device connections, but again, this is not the case with ExpressVPN.
No double VPN/multi-hop option: I was disappointed to see that ExpressVPN doesn’t allow you to set up a double VPN/multi-hop connection. This feature, offered by several other providers, routes your traffic through multiple VPN servers to further enhance security.
Who Should Choose ExpressVPN?
Step1.Online shoppers: Many ecommerce stores offer different prices to customers based on their location. With ExpressVPN’s extensive server network, you can check out the prices for a given product in a wide variety of locations in order to get the best possible deal.
Step2.Content connoisseurs: Also, many streaming services will show certain movies and TV programs in some areas but not others — ExpressVPN’s server network allows you to get around such restrictions.
Step3.Online gamers: ExpressVPN offers speeds of up to 10 Gbps and never caps a user’s bandwidth. That means you’ll be able to play the latest online games without worrying about any lag.
ExpressVPN Plans and Pricing
Overall: (4.9)
The cost of ExpressVPN is right around the industry average, with prices starting at $12.99 per month for its most affordable plan.
It should be noted, though, that you can get a significant discount by committing to a long-term deal. For example, while the Advanced plan is $13.99 per month on a month-to-month basis, ExpressVPN also lets you pay $88.00 upfront for the first 28 months of service (which works out to an average of only $3.14 per month).
Another important consideration is that the Advanced and Pro plans come with several add-on services, which would cost much more if purchased separately.
Basic
Advanced
Pro
Price
$12.99 per month (or $3.49 per month with a 28-month contract)
$13.99 per month (or $3.14 per month with a 28-month contract)
$19.99 per month (or $5.24 per month with a 28-month contract)
Best for
Those who only need a VPN
Those interested in add-ons such as password management, identity theft insurance, and the private email relay service
Those who want a dedicated IP address
Money-back Guarantee
30-day
30-day
30-day
Server Network
Servers located in 105 different countries
Servers located in 105 different countries
Servers located in 105 different countries
Simultaneous Devices
Up to 10
Up to 12
Up to 14
Platform compatibility
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Chromebook, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Kindle, Xbox, PlayStation, Routers
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Chromebook, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Kindle, Xbox, PlayStation, Routers
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Chromebook, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Kindle, Xbox, PlayStation, Routers
No-logs Policy
Yes
Yes
Yes
Kill Switch
Yes
Yes
Yes
Split Tunneling
Yes
Yes
Yes
Double VPN/Multi-hop
No
No
No
Torrenting Support
Yes
Yes
Yes
ExpressVPN Security
Overall: (4.8)
ExpressVPN offers a number of high-end security features, including:
Step1.TrustedServer: ExpressVPN’s proprietary server technology protects your privacy by wiping all data with every reboot (nothing is ever written to the hard drive; its VPN servers run on RAM only).
Step2.Advanced Protection: This web filter blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites, and offers parental controls.
Step3.Identity Defender: ExpressVPN offers a suite of identity protection features, including dark web monitoring, a data removal tool, and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance coverage.
Step4.ExpressMailGuard: This relay service allows you to create your own email aliases, enabling you to send and receive messages without exposing your real email address — ultimately, ExpressMailGuard reduces spam, prevents phishing attacks, and makes it harder for hackers to target you.
ExpressVPN Server Coverage
Overall: (4.9)
When setting up your connection through ExpressVPN, you’ll find that there are servers in over 100 countries to choose from. As mentioned above, this gives you the flexibility to access pretty much any geo-restricted content you want, and it’s also helpful for finding the best deals when shopping online.
Another benefit of this vast server network is that you are likely located close to at least one of ExpressVPN’s servers — and the closer you are, the better the performance will be. ExpressVPN makes it especially easy to figure out which servers will be fastest for you, as there’s a “Recommended” section in the connection settings that highlights which options are currently offering you the best speeds.
ExpressVPN UX
Overall: (4.9)
I didn’t have any trouble navigating the ExpressVPN app or finding all the features I was looking for — and this is certainly the most important factor in a VPN’s user experience.
The simple, stripped-down design of ExpressVPN gets straight to the point, displaying all the most important information about your connection and available settings without unnecessary clutter.
One feature I particularly liked is the built-in speed test, which lets you quickly see how fast your current VPN connection is.
It’s also worth noting that ExpressVPN offers several options for customizing the app’s appearance, including different color schemes and app icons.
ExpressVPN Compatibility
Overall: (5)
ExpressVPN offers apps for many platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS — this VPN is compatible with just about every device that can connect to the internet. They also have browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and Safari.
ExpressVPN Connectivity
Overall: (4.9)
Depending on which plan you choose, the maximum number of devices that you can use simultaneously is somewhere between 10 and 14. That should be fine for most users, but if it’s not enough for you, you should be aware that a few other options let you connect an unlimited number of devices.
Recent Improvements to ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is constantly upgrading its security, enhancing its infrastructure, and releasing new features. Some of the latest improvements include:
Step1.In July 2025, ExpressVPN announced that they received a tip through their bug bounty program about a vulnerability in their Windows app, which they quickly fixed — demonstrating just how transparent and responsive ExpressVPN is about security issues.
Step2.ExpressVPN recently expanded the number of servers it operates in the United States from 24 to 62. In fact, they now have at least one server location available in each of the 50 states.
Step3.If you prefer to use Apple Pay or Google Pay when making purchases online, then you’ll be happy to know that ExpressVPN now accepts these payment options.
Compare ExpressVPN Alternatives
In the table below, you can see that ExpressVPN compares favorably to the competition in most areas. However, if you’re looking for a VPN with multi-hop, you’ll need to go with an option like Proton VPN, Surfshark, or Private Internet Access instead.
Provider
Score (4.9)
Starting Price $3.49 per month (28-month contract)
Money-Back Guarantee 30-day
Server Network Servers in 105 countries
Simultaneous Connections Up to 14 devices
Platform Compatibility MacOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Routers, Apple TV, Fire TV Stick, Android TV, Browser Extensions, Game Consoles, Smart TVs
Yes, ExpressVPN is worth it for users who prioritize speed, ease of use, and strong privacy protections. It offers fast performance through its Lightway protocol, servers in 105 countries, and RAM-only TrustedServer technology. While it’s not the cheapest option, its reliability and polished apps justify the price for many users.
Is ExpressVPN safe to use?
ExpressVPN uses AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and RAM-only servers that wipe data with every reboot. It also includes a kill switch and Advanced Protection tools to block trackers and malicious sites, helping protect your data and browsing activity.
Does ExpressVPN work for streaming?
Yes, ExpressVPN works with many major streaming platforms. Its large server network across 105 countries allows users to access geo-restricted content, and its high-speed Lightway protocol helps maintain smooth streaming performance without buffering.
How many devices can you use with ExpressVPN?
Depending on the plan, ExpressVPN allows 10-14 simultaneous device connections. It supports Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, routers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and major browser extensions.
Does ExpressVPN offer a free plan?
No, ExpressVPN does not offer a permanent free plan. However, it provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to test the service risk-free and request a refund if they are not satisfied.
Does ExpressVPN have multi-hop?
No, ExpressVPN does not currently offer a double VPN (multi-hop) feature. While it offers strong encryption and RAM-only servers, users seeking multi-hop routing may prefer alternatives such as Proton VPN or Surfshark.
Where is ExpressVPN based?
ExpressVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction with no mandatory data retention laws. This location supports its strict no-logs policy and privacy-focused infrastructure.
How I Rated ExpressVPN
My rating process involves hands-on testing to evaluate how ExpressVPN’s features, performance, and pricing compare with those of other leading VPN providers. I signed up for the service and used it across multiple devices to assess its real-world performance, user experience, and overall value.
In addition to reviewing its advertised features, I tested connection speeds, explored the app interface, and examined how well its privacy tools function in everyday use. I also considered customer feedback and independent audits to provide a balanced perspective.
I evaluated ExpressVPN across the following key categories:
Security: I looked for industry-standard AES-256 encryption, a verified no-logs policy, kill switch functionality, and advanced features like Double VPN and Threat Protection. I also considered protocol support and the use of RAM-only servers.
Server Coverage and Performance: I reviewed the size and geographic diversity of ExpressVPN’s server network and tested performance for browsing, streaming, and everyday tasks to ensure consistent speeds.
User Experience (UX): I assessed the design and usability of ExpressVPN’s apps, including ease of navigation, feature accessibility, and Mac-specific functionality.
Plans and Pricing: I compared ExpressVPN’s subscription tiers, promotional pricing, and bundled features to determine overall value. The 30-day money-back guarantee was also factored into the evaluation.
Compatibility and Connectivity: I reviewed device support, simultaneous connection limits, and ExpressVPN’s performance across desktop, mobile, browser extensions, and routers.
Together, these factors provide a comprehensive view of how ExpressVPN performs in real-world use and how it stacks up against competing VPN services.
Kallstrom is a Cyber Team Lead for a DOD contracting company in Huntsville, Alabama, and has also worked as a computer network defense (CND) Cyber Analyst. An author and content creator for a cybersecurity academy, Kallstrom spent nearly 15 years in the Army as a musician before entering the cybersecurity field.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in music from Thomas Edison State University and a master’s in organizational development and leadership from the University of the Incarnate Word.
Kallstrom has completed several Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) courses, including Security+, Network+, A+ Core 1, and A+ Core 2. He earned a CompTIA Security+ Certification. Additionally, he has completed the Cyber Warrior Academy program with more than 800 hours of hands-on, intensive, and lab-driven technical training in cybersecurity methods and procedures.
Passionate about all things cyber, Kallstrom was a speaker on a panel at the 2022 InfoSec World conference, giving a talk entitled “Hacking into a Cyber Career – True Stories.” Kallstrom is also a mentor to entry-level cybersecurity candidates seeking to break into the field. When he’s not working, he still enjoys playing guitar and fishing (not phishing).
