Best ExpressVPN alternative in 2024

ExpressVPN is a Kape Technology product. It’s one of the most reliable and well-known virtual private networks. It offers servers in 105+ countries, excellent speeds, top-tier safety features, and nifty add-ons like ad blockers. Nevertheless, ExpressVPN comes with a pretty hefty price tag, which is a dealbreaker for many users. Therefore, whether it be a better price or more features, many people look for ExpressVPN alternative.

Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of the best VPNs that are better or similar to ExpressVPN. We rated them depending on their cost, ease of use, performance, safety, and features list. So, let’s weigh the pros and cons of each VPN and find the best alternatives to ExpressVPN.

Best ExpressVPN alternatives: shortlist

1. NordVPN

   Best ExpressVPN alternative
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   ExpressVPN alternative more features
   9.5
3. Proton VPN

   More secure ExpressVPN alternative
   8.6
4. CyberGhost VPN

   Cheap alternative to ExpressVPN
   8.9
5. PrivateVPN
   8.7

What factors make best ExpressVPN alternative?

To find the best counterparts, we had to figure out ExpressVPN’s weak spots. After that, we made a list of criteria to make the selection process easier. As a final result, we tested the best VPN services and picked out the top providers.

So, here’s the list of factors that helped us decide which VPNs are similar, or better than ExpressVPN:

• Security. At minimum, a VPN should provide similar or better security features. The essentials are an AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and IP & DNS leak protection. Even better if a VPN offers ad/malware blockers, Multi-hop servers, Tor over VPN, and other add ons.
• Privacy. As ExpressVPN offers guaranteed confidentiality, so should its alternatives. The VPNs should have independently-audited zero-logs policies. Plus, they should be based in countries with no data retention laws. Additionally, kudos to services that have all RAM-only servers and IP-rotating technology.
• Performance. As ExpressVPN’s in-house Lightway tunneling protocol offers great speeds, the top counterparts should too. Therefore, we made sure that our top choices have the fastest tunneling protocols, such as WireGuard or NordLynx.
• Servers. A bigger fleet means better connectivity and less congestion. Plus, better coverage can make it easier to bypass various geo-blocks. So, we made sure that the VPNs on the list have loads of servers all around the globe.
• Reliability against blocks and censorship. A good ExpressVPN alternative should be able to avoid geo-restrictions and give you access to various streaming services. Plus, the best counterpart should have obfuscated servers to punch through firewalls and give you access to the free internet in censorship-heavy countries.
• Price. As the minimal price of ExpressVPN is $4.99/month, we tried picking the cheapest VPNs possible. We found plenty of providers that offer value-for-money pricing. Moreover, most of them offer free trial versions, 30-day money-back guarantees, and no-pay plans.

The best ExpressVPN alternative: detailed list

1. NordVPN – overall the top alternative to ExpressVPN
2. Surfshark VPN – ExpressVPN alternative more features
3. Proton VPN– more secure & private VPN compared to ExpressVPN
4. CyberGhost – ExpressVPN counterpart with more servers globally
5. PrivateVPN – the cheapest ExpressVPN replacement
6. PureVPN – VPN like ExpressVPN with better device compatibility

Here are detailed reviews of the Top 7 VPNs that are great substitutes for ExpressVPN. Some might offer better prices and compatibility, while others provide better performance and more nifty features. So, learn about the top alternatives and pick the one that fits your needs the best.

1. NordVPN – ExpressVPN alternative with overall better performance

NordVPN is the best ExpressVPN alternative, as for half the price, you’ll get 6900+ servers in 113+ countries, better speeds, and easier access to geo-blocked content. Plus, it has several standout features, such as Meshnet, which we will discuss later.

This provider has a spotless reputation, an independently audited no-logs policy, and privacy-friendly jurisdiction (Panama). All servers are RAM-only, which don’t store your info and are wiped out instantly. With NordVPN, you’ll get all security essentials and nifty features like Threat Protection (ad/malware blocker), Onion over VPN, and Double VPN servers.

What makes NordVPN a better choice than ExpressVPN is its performance. With the NordLynx tunneling protocol, the average speeds in the US are around 452 Mbps. Moreover, it works better in censorship-heavy countries, such as China or Russia, thanks to obfuscated servers. Undoubtedly, bypassing geo-blocks on BBC iPlayer, Netflix, or YouTube TV will be a piece of cake.

Unlike any other service, NordVPN offers the Meshnet feature. It’s a free and easy way to create LAN remotely. It will make file sharing and gaming easier. Plus, this feature will help you bypass Netflix’s password-sharing crackdown.

So, NordVPN beats ExpressVPN in loads of different areas. Plus, it’s twice as cheap. Get the best that the VPN world has to offer with a 74% discount. Just don’t forget to use a NordVPN deals coupon.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark VPN – ExpressVPN alternative that’s better for streaming

The next best ExpressVPN alternative is Surfshark VPN, which is perfect for bypassing various restrictions. With infinite connections and 3200+ servers in 100+ countries, you’ll easily unlock the most wanted streaming platforms in the most restricted countries. And if you’re going to stream on devices that don’t support VPNs, Smart DNS will help you out.

Apart from that, this VPN outperforms ExpressVPN in the speed department. With the WireGuard tunneling protocol and Nexus technology, Surfshark hit whooping 405 Mbps during our tests. Plus, you can enjoy a seamless and ad-free browsing experience, thanks to the CleanWeb feature. And you can double your security and privacy by joining MultiHop servers.

Unlike Surfshark, no other VPN has GPS spoofing technology. It’s available for Android devices, making changing your location on Tinder, PokemonGo, or Snapchat much easier. NoBorders and Camouflage modes will help you avoid firewalls and beat senseless censorship anywhere. And if you’re planning on torrenting, Surfshark allows trouble-free P2P file sharing on all servers.

Surfshark offers loads more features for a very low cost. Plus, you can always get some more great add-ons, such as a dedicated IP address or Surfshark One package. At the moment, you can save 86% on a long-term subscription. Just use our Surfshark VPN coupon when checking out.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

3. Proton VPN – safety-first alternative VPN to ExpressVPN

Many internet users recommend Proton VPN as a safer and more private ExpressVPN counterpart. It has a spotless reputation and an independently-audited zero-logs policy. Plus, RAM-only servers ensure that no data gets leaked.

Apart from the must-have security features, you’ll get NetShield. It obliterates obnoxious ads, trackers, malware, and other online threats. Furthermore, Secure Core servers can route your traffic through multiple servers. That makes it harder to track or expose you. And you can use Proton VPN on 10 devices simultaneously, which is more than ExpressVPN has to offer.

Slow speeds shouldn’t be an issue due to the super swift WireGuard tunneling protocol and proprietary VPN Accelerator feature. The latter can boost your connectivity up to 4 times. More so, you’ll find 9200+ servers in 110+ countries. With Stealth servers, you’ll be able to use Proton VPN in countries that restrict access to the free internet (e.g., China or Turkey).

Proton VPN also offers a free version that could be a great substitute for ExpressVPN. But by getting a Proton VPN coupon, you could get a far better premium version. At the moment, you can save 64% if you pick a long-term plan.

For a deeper investigation of Proton VPN, read our Proton VPN review.

4. CyberGhost VPN – torrenting-friendly ExpressVPN alternative

CyberGhost is an excellent torrenting VPN that you can use instead of ExpressVPN. A more extensive server fleet (11700+ pieces of hardware in 100+ countries), sleeker app design, and more features in certain areas make this VPN a better choice than ExpressVPN.

Furthermore, you should be pretty happy with the performance, as CyberGhost utilizes the super-swift WireGuard tunneling protocol. Not to mention, this provider allows torrenting on specialized ones for faster downloads. CyberGhost is among a few other VPNs that offer free SOCKS5 proxy. As for compatibility, this VPN has 7 simultaneous connections and apps for all major OS.

In terms of security and privacy, CyberGhost is pretty solid. It’s based in Romania, a country that doesn’t have data retention laws. Their no-logs policy has been independently audited multiple times too. On top of that, the Content Blocker tool will help you deal with malicious ads. On a lighter note, this provider also has excellent geo-block bypassing capabilities. So, you’ll get to enjoy loads of shows and movies on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or Prime Video,

So, get a cheaper ExpressVPN alternative with a humongous 83% discount. But before that, don’t forget to grab a CyberGhost coupon to save some cash.

For a deeper investigation of CyberGhost VPN, read our CyberGhost VPN review.

5. PrivateVPN – the most affordable alternative to ExpressVPN

PrivateVPN is a small yet effective VPN that you can use instead of ExpressVPN. While this provider only has 200+ servers in 63+ countries, many users praise it for its admirable performance and top-tier safety. Not to mention, with the Stealth VPN technology, you can bypass censorship in highly restricted locations.

The VPN offers must-have security features: AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and IP & DNS leak protection. Your data won’t end up in the wrong hands either, thanks to the strict zero-logs policy. On top of that, PrivateVPN is one of the few providers that owns all of their servers. That prevents third-party tampering and security breaches.

Speed-wise, it’s fairly quick, even though it lacks the WireGuard tunneling protocol. During our tests, we managed to get 4K-ready speeds in various locations. Furthermore, PrivateVPN has no problems avoiding geo-blocks and giving you access to extensive content libraries. Plus, torrenting will be a walkover, as you can do that on all servers and utilize the port forwarding feature.

So enjoy meager subscription prices and 10 simultaneous connections with this ExpressVPN alternative. You can grab a PrivateVPN coupon and enjoy a 85% discount when choosing a long-term plan.

For a deeper investigation of PrivateVPN, read our PrivateVPN review.

6. PureVPN – ExpressVPN alternative with better server locations

PureVPN's robust security measures, user-friendly applications, and high-speed connections make it a compelling ExpressVPN alternative. Additionally, the most notable advantage of PureVPN is its extensive server network, encompassing 6500+ servers in 71+ countries.

As for security, PureVPN excels with its AES-256 encryption, providing robust protection for users' online activities. It also offers additional features like Wifi protection and Content filtering for ad blocking, enhancing overall browsing safety and privacy. Plus, to ensure utmost confidentiality, this provider has a strict zero-logs policy that is always on audit.

Undoubtedly, PureVPN offers great speeds, thanks to the WireGuard tunneling protocol. It will make streaming and torrenting more enjoyable. Speaking of the latter, you can utilize port forwarding to make P2P downloads faster. And if you ever need to bypass strict firewalls, we recommend using Obfuscated servers.

Currently, you can get PureVPN with a huge 90% discount if you use our special coupon. Additionally, for a small additional price, this provider offers loads of nifty add-ons. For example, DDoS protection, Dedicated IP, and PurePrivacy.

For a deeper investigation of PureVPN, read our PureVPN review.

VPN alternatives to ExpressVPN: comparison

Our extensive analysis showed that NordVPN was the best alternative to ExpressVPN. That’s due to its robust security, better server network, and faster performance. And if you want to learn more about these providers, we recommend reading the NordVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison.

What are the benefits of ExpressVPN?

Even if it’s pricey, ExpressVPN is among the top VPN providers globally. In short, it’s a versatile service with fast & secure servers, a trustworthy zero-logs policy, and excellent geo-block bypassing capabilities.

But to understand why ExpressVPN is so loved by many users, we have to take a closer look at some of its benefits:

• Security & privacy features. For starters, this provider offers the best security essentials: AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and IP & DNS leak protection. Moreover, you’ll get Threat Manager, which is an ad/malware blocker. On top of that, it’s based in a location with no data retention laws – the British Virgin Islands. And its no-logs policy is independently audited and court-proven.
• Torrenting possibilities. There is no surprise that this provider is considered to be one of the best P2P-friendly VPNs. ExpressVPN allows torrenting on all servers, and the Lightway tunneling protocol will provide excellent speeds. Not to mention, unlike many other services, this VPN comes with port forwarding, which boosts P2P connectivity.
• Restriction circumvention abilities. ExpressVPN is loved by streaming enthusiasts as it can easily bypass geo-blocks on various services, such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube TV, and many others. Moreover, it can even punch through the toughest restrictions, such as the Great Firewall of China, and give you access to the free internet.
• Router applet. Unlike the other alternatives on the list, ExpressVPN is the only service that offers a router applet. Instead of confusing manual configuration, you can protect your whole network in a few clicks. It’s extra useful if you want to improve your gaming experience or get more simultaneous connections.

Visit ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN alternatives to avoid

There are plenty of VPNs that claim to be better than ExpressVPN, but that’s usually not the case. Some providers might collect your data & sell your data, expose you to online dangers, or outright be malware-injecting machines. Thus, we want to warn you about the worst VPNs that you should totally avoid.

Hola!VPN is probably the most infamous ExpressVPN counterpart. It’s actually a peer-to-peer network that routes your traffic through other users’ devices and puts your data at risk. It doesn’t offer much encryption, and the performance is terribly slow. Worst of all, the providers were caught selling users’ idle bandwidth and data to third parties.

Another VPN you should avoid is HideMyAss (HMA). Its logging policy is quite shady, and the company has provided information to law enforcement before. Additionally, HMA extensively collects IP addresses, timestamps, and connection logs that can be used to track users.

Lastly, while not an entirely terrible ExpressVPN alternative, we suggest skipping over Hotspot Shield. Users have reported slow speeds and restricted torrenting possibilities. Moreover, the company was accused of collecting and storing various data. Lastly, the free version is completely filled with intrusive and malicious ads.

Conclusion

ExpressVPN is among the top VPNs on the market. The Lightway tunneling protocol ensures excellent speeds, its Threat Manager feature fends intrusive ads, and the service can help you bypass even the most robust firewalls. And, yes, it’s a trustworthy service, but you might want to explore cheaper and more effective counterparts.

While we tested 24+ popular VPN services, NordVPN proved to be the best ExpressVPN alternative. Thanks to its extremely fast speeds (452 Mbps), phenomenal security & privacy assets, and wonderful features like Meshent or SmartPlay, it managed to surpass other contenders and even ExpressVPN. Not to mention, it’s almost twice as cheap, which makes NordVPN a total bargain.

What do you think is the best ExpressVPN alternative? Let us know by leaving a comment!

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You may also like to read:
ExpressVPN vs NordVPN vs Surfshark VPN
ExpressVPN vs Proton VPN
ExpressVPN vs CyberGhost
ExpressVPN vs. PureVPN

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FAQ

Is there a better VPN than ExpressVPN?

Yes, there are better VPNs than ExpressVPN. While this VPN is highly regarded, other alternatives include NordVPN, Surfshark VPN, and Proton VPN. These services are at least 2 times cheaper and offer better performance. For example, the average speed of NordVPN is 452 Mbps, while ExpressVPN managed to squeeze out 440 Mbps during our tests in the US.

What is the best alternative of ExpressVPN?

The best ExpressVPN counterpart is NordVPN. It has everything you need from a reliable VPN: top-tier security features, an independently-audited no-logs policy, privacy-friendly jurisdiction, and extremely fast speeds. It also gives you other nifty features like Threat Protection, Onion Over VPN, and Double VPN servers. Plus, NordVPN is a lot cheaper, as it costs $2.99/month compared to ExpressVPN’s $4.99/month.

Which ExpressVPN alternative gives free VPN?

Reliable free alternative to ExpressVPN is Proton VPN. While it is a bit limited, you won’t have to pay to use it. Alternatively, you can use NordVPN and Surfshark VPN without paying for 7 days.

Is ExpressVPN still a good VPN?

Yes, ExpressVPN still remains a highly reputable and reliable VPN service. It’s known for its strong security features, such as AES-256 encryption and trustworthy court-proven zero-logs policy. Moreover, it’s great for streaming and torrenting anywhere. However, its price is quite high. Therefore you might want to check out the Top 7 VPN alternatives to ExpressVPN.