ExpressVPN Review
The fastest VPN we've ever tested. At a price.
ExpressVPN has held the speed record in every test we've run. The proprietary Lightway protocol — open-sourced and independently audited — is demonstrably faster than WireGuard on most real-world connections. It was historically the most expensive mainstream VPN, but a 2026 pricing overhaul cut its longest-term plan well below that reputation.
Our scores
ExpressVPN
Overall score — April 2026
ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN we've tested and the easiest to use — and a 2026 pricing overhaul dropped its 2-year Basic plan to $2.79/month, undercutting NordVPN rather than costing nearly double.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fastest speeds we've recorded — 98% speed retention on nearby servers
- Lightway protocol (proprietary, open-source) is genuinely fast and audited
- Consistently unblocks all major streaming platforms
- MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) works on devices that can't run a VPN app
- Industry-first TrustedServer technology — RAM-only, no hard drive data
Cons
- Multi-tier plan structure (Basic/Advanced/Pro) makes it easy to pay for features you don't need
- No ad blocker or additional security features on the Basic plan
- Acquired by Kape Technologies in 2021 — privacy advocates have concerns
Speed
755 Mbps
Download
510 Mbps
Upload
7 ms
Latency
98%
Speed kept
755 Mbps average download, 98% speed retention. Lightway maintains performance even on cross-continent routes where WireGuard competitors drop to 60-70% of base speed. Latency overhead of just 7ms on nearby servers.
Tested: . 1 Gbps base connection.
Privacy & Security
Incorporated in the British Virgin Islands — good jurisdiction. TrustedServer technology uses RAM-only servers, verified by auditors. However, the 2021 acquisition by Kape Technologies (which owns other VPNs and previously distributed adware) is a legitimate concern for privacy-first users.
Kape Technologies also owns CyberGhost and Private Internet Access.
See ownership & price history for all 14 VPNs →Streaming
The best streaming unblocking rate we've tested — 100% success rate across Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime over 6 months of testing. MediaStreamer lets smart TVs and game consoles use the VPN without installing an app.
Pricing
$12.99/mo
Monthly
$3.99/mo
Annual plan
billed annually
$2.79/mo
2-year plan
billed every 2 years
ExpressVPN restructured into three tiers in 2026: Basic now runs $2.79/month on the 2-year term — cheaper than NordVPN's $3.09/month — a reversal from its old premium-price positioning. Advanced and Pro tiers layer on a password manager, ad/tracker blocking, and identity monitoring for those who want more than the core VPN.
Cancellation & Refund
ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on every plan. Cancel within that window and you're entitled to a full refund.
How to cancel ExpressVPN
- Log in to your account on the ExpressVPN website (not just the app) with the email you signed up with.
- Open your account or subscription/billing settings.
- Select “Cancel subscription” (or “Manage plan” → “Cancel”) and confirm.
- Still within the 30-day window? Contact ExpressVPN support directly to request your refund — most providers process it within 5–10 business days.
Subscribed through the Apple App Store or Google Play instead? Cancel there — deleting the app alone won't stop billing.
User Ratings
4.5/5
Trustpilot
18k reviews
4.2/5
Google Play
120k ratings
4.6/5
App Store
80k ratings
48%
Community
Reddit sentiment
Ratings sourced from Trustpilot, Google Play Store, and Apple App Store. Community score is derived from Reddit/r/VPN sentiment analysis. Scores are aggregated periodically and may not reflect real-time data.
Verdict
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for raw speed and streaming unblocking, and its 2026 pricing overhaul removed the biggest historical objection — cost. Kape Technologies ownership remains a legitimate consideration for privacy-first users; NordVPN and Mullvad still edge it out on audit transparency.
Frequently asked questions
Is ExpressVPN safe to use?
ExpressVPN has been independently audited and verified to keep no logs. It uses Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP protocols and includes a kill switch to protect your IP if the connection drops. Privacy score: 8.1/10.
How much does ExpressVPN cost per month?
ExpressVPN costs $12.99/month on a monthly plan and $3.99/month on an annual plan, or $2.79/month on a 2-year plan. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
How many devices can I use with ExpressVPN?
ExpressVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections. It has native apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, plus Linux and router support.
Does ExpressVPN work with Netflix?
Yes. ExpressVPN reliably unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ and other major streaming services. Streaming score: 9.5/10.
How do I cancel ExpressVPN and get a refund?
Cancel ExpressVPN anytime from your account's subscription or billing settings on its website. Cancel within 30 days of purchase to qualify for a full refund under its money-back guarantee. If you subscribed through the Apple App Store or Google Play, cancel there instead — deleting the app alone won't stop billing.
ExpressVPN vs. Alternatives
| Feature | ExpressVPN8.6/10 | NordVPN9.2/10 | Surfshark9/10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our Score | 8.6 | 9.2 | 9 |
| Monthly Price | $2.79/mo | $3.09/mo | $2.49/mo |
| Servers | 3,000+ | 9,300+ | 4,500+ |
| Countries | 105 | 137 | 100 |
| Simultaneous Devices | 10 | 10 | Unlimited |
| Speed (tested) | 755 Mbps (98%) | 730 Mbps (96%) | 695 Mbps (91%) |
| No-Logs Policy | |||
| Independently Audited | |||
| Kill Switch | |||
| Ad Blocker | |||
| Streaming | |||
| Torrenting / P2P | |||
| Port Forwarding | |||
| Obfuscation | |||
| Double VPN | |||
| RAM-Only Servers | |||
| Jurisdiction | British Virgin Islands | Panama (outside 5/9/14 Eyes) | Netherlands (EU jurisdiction) |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
All data verified September 2026.