ExpressVPN Review 2026 — Speed, Privacy, and Value Tested
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Last updated: May 9, 2026 • 3 plans reviewed
- ExpressVPN Basic — 3,000+ / 105 countries (4.8/5)
- NordVPN Basic — 6,800+ / 111 countries (4.8/5)
- Surfshark Starter — 3,200+ / 100 countries (4.5/5)
ExpressVPN is one of the most recognised VPN brands globally — 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, the Lightway protocol for excellent speeds, and TrustedServer RAM-only technology for strong privacy. New tiered pricing in 2026 makes it significantly more competitive on cost.
Quick Comparison
| VPN | Servers | Speed | Streaming | Price/month (2yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN Basic | 3,000+ / 105 countries | ★★★★☆ | Excellent | €6.67 |
| NordVPN Basic | 6,800+ / 111 countries | ★★★★☆ | Excellent | €3.79 |
| Surfshark Starter | 3,200+ / 100 countries | ★★★★½ | Very good | €2.49 |
Pricing Plans
Core VPN access with AES-256 encryption, Lightway protocol, TrustedServer RAM-only servers, kill switch, split tunnelling, 10 simultaneous device connections. Consistently unblocks Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, and most major streaming platforms.
- Lightway protocol — 80–90% of base speed maintained
- TrustedServer: RAM-only, no data written to disk
- Excellent streaming unblocking reliability
- Works in China (Lightway + obfuscation)
- 10 simultaneous devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Fewer servers than NordVPN (3,000 vs 6,800+)
- Acquired by Kape Technologies in 2021 (privacy concern for some)
- More expensive than NordVPN and Surfshark per month
Price: €6.67/mo (2yr) · €8.32/mo (12mo) · €13.99/mo monthly
Try ExpressVPN →All Basic features + ExpressVPN Keys password manager + data breach scanner. Good bundle for users who want VPN and password management in one subscription.
- All Basic features
- Password manager (Keys) included
- Data breach scanner
- Password manager less capable than 1Password or Bitwarden
Price: ~€8.55/mo (2yr) · based on USD $3.14/mo at 2yr
Try ExpressVPN Advanced →All Advanced features + identity theft protection. Maximum security bundle for users who want comprehensive personal data protection alongside VPN.
- All Advanced features
- Identity theft protection added
- Highest price tier
Price: ~€14.28/mo (2yr) · based on USD $5.24/mo at 2yr
Try ExpressVPN Pro →Privacy & Security
ExpressVPN is incorporated in the British Virgin Islands — outside the 14-Eyes intelligence sharing agreement. Strict no-logs policy independently audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers and Cure53. TrustedServer technology means servers run entirely on RAM — no data written to disk, physically impossible to retrieve logs from seized hardware.
AES-256-GCM encryption. The Lightway protocol (open source) has been independently audited. Kill switch, DNS leak protection, and split tunnelling included.
Verdict
ExpressVPN is excellent in 2026 — fast, reliable, and strong on privacy. The new tiered pricing starting at €6.67/month makes it more accessible than before. Best for users who prioritise streaming reliability, excellent app polish, and proven privacy credentials. For best all-round value at a lower price: NordVPN. For budget: Surfshark.
FAQ
Is ExpressVPN worth it vs NordVPN?
Both are excellent. ExpressVPN has a slight edge in streaming unblocking reliability and app polish. NordVPN offers more server locations (6,800+ vs 3,000+), Threat Protection Pro, and is more affordable at €3.79/mo (2yr Basic). The choice depends on priorities.
Does ExpressVPN work in China?
Yes — ExpressVPN consistently works in China where most VPNs fail. The Lightway protocol with obfuscation hides VPN traffic effectively. One of the few VPNs specifically tested and maintained for use in China.