Best ExpressVPN Alternatives

Why people switch

ExpressVPN is usually priced toward the top of the market, and renewal prices can be higher than the first term.
Your household has more devices than your plan's connection limit covers.
You want features ExpressVPN doesn't emphasize, such as multi-hop servers, port forwarding, or a permanent free plan.
You'd prefer open-source apps or a provider based in a privacy-focused jurisdiction such as Switzerland.
You'd rather use a provider outside the Kape Technologies group, which acquired ExpressVPN in 2021 and also owns CyberGhost and PIA.
You want more control over connection settings than ExpressVPN's deliberately simple apps offer.

1. Best overall ExpressVPN alternative

NordVPN

NordVPN is the closest match to ExpressVPN for speed and polish, and it's usually cheaper on comparable long-term plans. NordLynx, built on WireGuard, is its answer to Lightway, and one subscription covers up to 10 devices. It adds tools ExpressVPN keeps lean on, including Threat Protection, Double VPN, Onion over VPN, and obfuscated servers. Its no-logs policy has been independently audited several times, and its servers run from RAM. ExpressVPN still wins on router convenience, so if you rely on Aircove or router firmware, plan your router setup before switching.

Pros

Similar speed and polish, usually for less
Up to 10 simultaneous devices
More built-in security extras
Several independent no-logs audits

Cons

Router setup relies on manual configuration guides
Renewal prices are higher than introductory rates

Pricing: Subscription only with several plan tiers; long-term plans have the lowest monthly cost, renewal prices are higher than the first term, and a 30-day money-back guarantee applies.

Try NordVPN

2. Best for unlimited devices on a budget

Surfshark

Surfshark is the best alternative if cost and device limits are why you're leaving. Every plan covers unlimited simultaneous connections, and long-term plans are usually cheaper than ExpressVPN's. It supports WireGuard, runs RAM-only servers, and has an independently audited no-logs policy. Smart DNS covers TVs and consoles in a similar way to ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer, and extras include CleanWeb ad blocking, Dynamic MultiHop, and Bypasser split tunneling. Surfshark is part of Nord Security alongside NordVPN but runs as a separate service.

Pros

Unlimited simultaneous connections
Usually cheaper than ExpressVPN long-term
Smart DNS for TVs and consoles
Multi-hop and ad blocking included

Cons

Renewal prices are higher than introductory rates
Some extras require pricier bundles

Pricing: Subscription tiers that add extras such as antivirus and data-breach alerts; long plans are cheapest per month, renewal pricing is higher, and a 30-day money-back guarantee applies.

Try Surfshark

3. Best for privacy and open-source apps

Proton VPN

Proton VPN is the pick if you want more transparency than ExpressVPN offers. It's based in Switzerland, all of its apps are open source, and its no-logs policy has been independently audited. Paid plans add Secure Core multi-hop servers, the Stealth protocol for restrictive networks, NetShield ad and malware blocking, port forwarding, and streaming support across up to 10 devices. There's also a free plan with no data cap, useful if you only need a VPN occasionally. It lacks a smart DNS option for TVs that can't run VPN apps.

Pros

Swiss-based with open-source apps
Secure Core multi-hop and Stealth protocol
Free plan with no data cap
Up to 10 devices on paid plans

Cons

No smart DNS option for TVs and consoles
Secure Core slows connections when enabled

Pricing: Free plan plus paid subscriptions such as Proton VPN Plus or the Proton Unlimited bundle; longer terms cost less per month, and paid plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Try Proton VPN

4. Best for control and customization

Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access suits people who find ExpressVPN too locked down. It allows unlimited simultaneous connections, supports WireGuard and OpenVPN with adjustable encryption settings, and offers port forwarding, split tunneling, and apps for Fire TV and Android TV. Its apps are open source, and its no-logs claims are backed by an independent audit and past US court cases in which it had no user logs to provide. Note that PIA belongs to the same group as ExpressVPN, so it won't help if ownership is your reason for switching.

Pros

Unlimited simultaneous connections
Open-source apps with detailed settings
Port forwarding and split tunneling
No-logs claims tested in court

Cons

Same parent company as ExpressVPN
Busier interface and US jurisdiction

Pricing: Subscription with the best monthly rate on multi-year plans; renewal pricing can be higher than the first term, and a 30-day money-back guarantee applies.

Try Private Internet Access

5. Best for beginners who want a longer trial

CyberGhost

CyberGhost keeps ExpressVPN's beginner-friendly feel while usually costing less on long plans. Servers are labeled for specific streaming services, apps cover Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, and Fire TV, and a subscription covers up to seven devices. Its 45-day money-back guarantee on longer plans gives you more time to test than most rivals. Like PIA, CyberGhost belongs to the same group as ExpressVPN, and it offers fewer advanced features than NordVPN or Proton VPN.

Pros

Beginner-friendly apps
Servers labeled by streaming service
45-day money-back guarantee on longer plans

Cons

Same parent company as ExpressVPN
Fewer advanced privacy features
Much shorter refund window on monthly plans

Pricing: Subscription with the lowest monthly cost on multi-year plans; renewal prices are higher, and the refund window depends on plan length.

Try CyberGhost

6. Best for flexible, pay-for-what-you-use plans

Windscribe

Windscribe is a good fit if you want flexibility. Its Pro plan has no device limit, and its Build-a-Plan option lets you pay only for the server locations you need. A free plan with a monthly data allowance lets you try the apps first. It supports WireGuard, includes the R.O.B.E.R.T. DNS-level blocker for ads, trackers, and malware, and offers extensive configuration options for advanced users. In 2021 it disclosed that two servers seized in Ukraine lacked disk encryption, and it says it has since overhauled its server setup.

Pros

No device limit on Pro
Build-a-Plan pricing by location
Free plan to try first
R.O.B.E.R.T. blocker included

Cons

Interface can feel technical for beginners
Past server-security lapse disclosed in 2021

Pricing: Free plan with a monthly data allowance, a full Pro subscription, or Build-a-Plan pricing that charges per location.

Try Windscribe

How to pick a replacement

Match the alternative to your reason for leaving

Start with the reason you're leaving, because each alternative solves a different problem. If price is the issue, Surfshark and CyberGhost are usually cheaper on long-term plans, and NordVPN offers similar speed and polish for less. If you've run out of device slots, Surfshark, Private Internet Access, and Windscribe Pro have no device limit. If you want more transparency, Proton VPN's open-source apps and Swiss base stand out. If you miss advanced options, PIA and Windscribe expose far more settings than ExpressVPN's deliberately simple apps. If ownership is the concern, rule out CyberGhost and PIA, which belong to the same group as ExpressVPN. Picking by reason keeps you from swapping one compromise for another.

Switch without paying twice

Before you switch, check when your ExpressVPN plan renews and turn off auto-renewal in your account if you don't plan to stay. If you bought within the last 30 days directly from ExpressVPN, you may be able to use its money-back guarantee; purchases made through Apple's App Store or Google Play follow those stores' refund rules instead. Sign up for the new VPN while the old one still works, test it on your main devices during its own refund window, and only then uninstall ExpressVPN. Remove the old app completely rather than leaving it installed, because two VPN clients on one PC can conflict and leave you with a connection that shows as active but loads nothing.

Check your devices before you commit

ExpressVPN's router firmware, Aircove routers, and MediaStreamer smart DNS make it easy to cover devices that can't run VPN apps, so check how your replacement handles those before cancelling. Surfshark offers Smart DNS for smart TVs and consoles, while NordVPN, Proton VPN, and PIA rely more on router setup guides for whole-home coverage. All of the options here have apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, and most offer an Android TV or Fire TV app. If you use Apple TV, Linux, or a specific router model, confirm support on the provider's website before buying rather than assuming it matches what you have now.

Understand who owns your VPN

Several big VPN brands share owners, which matters if company background is part of your decision. Kape Technologies acquired ExpressVPN in 2021, and the same group also owns CyberGhost and Private Internet Access. NordVPN and Surfshark have shared a parent company, Nord Security, since their 2022 merger, although each runs its own apps, servers, and audits. Proton VPN is part of Proton AG, the Swiss company behind Proton Mail, and Windscribe is an independent company based in Canada. Ownership doesn't change how an app works day to day, but it does mean switching between sister brands won't give you a different company's policies. Check each provider's own disclosures for the latest details.

FAQ

What is the best alternative to ExpressVPN?

For most people, NordVPN is the closest all-round replacement: it's fast, well audited, covers up to 10 devices, and is usually cheaper than ExpressVPN on comparable long-term plans. If you need unlimited devices on a budget, Surfshark is the better fit. If privacy and open-source apps matter most, choose Proton VPN.

Is there a cheaper VPN as good as ExpressVPN?

Yes. NordVPN and Surfshark both offer fast WireGuard-based protocols, RAM-only servers, and independently audited no-logs policies, and both are usually cheaper than ExpressVPN on long-term plans. The main thing you may give up is ExpressVPN's router convenience, including its router firmware and Aircove routers. Always compare renewal prices as well as the first-term price.

Which ExpressVPN alternatives have unlimited devices?

Surfshark and Private Internet Access allow unlimited simultaneous connections on their plans, and Windscribe's Pro plan does too. That makes them the easiest choices for large households with lots of phones, laptops, and streaming sticks. Alternatively, installing any VPN on your router covers every device behind it as a single connection.

Are CyberGhost and PIA independent from ExpressVPN?

No. Kape Technologies acquired ExpressVPN in 2021, and the same group also owns CyberGhost and Private Internet Access. Each still runs its own apps and servers, but if you're leaving ExpressVPN because of its ownership, look at NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, or Windscribe instead, since each is run by a different company.

Can I get a refund from ExpressVPN if I switch?

ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on purchases made directly from its website, so a recent purchase may qualify. After that window, you usually can't get a refund for the remaining term, but you can turn off auto-renewal so you aren't charged again. App store purchases are handled by Apple or Google under their own refund policies.

Is there a free alternative to ExpressVPN?

Yes. Proton VPN's free plan has no data cap and no ads, though it's limited to one device and a smaller set of locations. Windscribe's free plan offers more location choice with a monthly data allowance. Neither matches a paid VPN for streaming, but both are solid for occasional use on public Wi-Fi.

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