Is ExpressVPN Good?
🔍 Quick answer:
Yes, ExpressVPN is a good VPN. It's the most user-friendly premium VPN, with reliable streaming unblocking, fast Lightway protocol, audited no-logs policy, and 24/7 live chat support. The downside is price — about $6.67/month on the 1-year plan, which is more expensive than NordVPN ($4-5/mo) and Surfshark ($2-3/mo). If ease of use and reliability matter more than price, ExpressVPN is worth it.
What ExpressVPN does well
Speed
Lightway protocol is consistently among the fastest in our tests. ~85% of base speed on nearby servers.
Streaming
Unblocks Netflix (15+ regions), Disney+, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Hulu. Rarely gets caught by streaming blocks.
Apps
Polished, intuitive apps for every platform. Router app, browser extension, Apple TV, and a dedicated Aircove router.
Where ExpressVPN falls short
- Price: $6.67-$8.32/month — among the most expensive mainstream VPNs. Surfshark is half the price.
- Limited features for power users: No multi-hop, no Tor-over-VPN, fewer protocol choices than Mullvad or Proton.
- Owned by Kape Technologies: A controversial parent company (previously ran ad-tech/malware). No evidence of misconduct, but transparency questions remain.
- Only 8 simultaneous connections vs Surfshark's unlimited.
ExpressVPN vs the top alternatives
| VPN | Price (1yr) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | ~$6.67/mo | Ease of use, streaming, support |
| NordVPN | ~$4.99/mo | Speed, features, value |
| Surfshark | ~$2.49/mo | Cheapest premium, unlimited devices |
| Mullvad | €5/mo flat | Anonymity, transparency |
Who should pick ExpressVPN?
- ✅ People who want a VPN that "just works" with no fiddling
- ✅ Frequent travelers who need reliable geo-unblocking
- ✅ Users in censored countries (Lightway obfuscation works well in China)
- ❌ Budget-conscious users (Surfshark is the better deal)
- ❌ Power users who want multi-hop, port forwarding, or advanced features
- ❌ Privacy maximalists (Mullvad is more transparent)
How to try ExpressVPN risk-free
- Sign up for the 1-year plan on expressvpn.com
- Download the app for your devices
- Use it for up to 30 days
- If you're not happy, contact 24/7 live chat and request a full refund — no questions asked
💡 Pro tip: Don't pay monthly — ExpressVPN's monthly plan is $12.95/mo, more than double the annual rate. The 2-year plan isn't always offered, but when it is, it's the cheapest. Set a calendar reminder to cancel before the auto-renewal hits if you're only using it short-term.
On this page
Top 3 VPNs 2026 Tested
We earn commission if you purchase through links
Similar questions
Terms you'll meet
- IP address
- Your device's public ID online.
- Encryption
- Scrambling data so only you can read it.
- No‑logs policy
- VPN doesn't store your activity.