Best ExpressVPN Alternatives in 2026

Quick Answer: The best ExpressVPN alternatives in 2026 are NordVPN for speed and security, Surfshark for unlimited devices, ProtonVPN for privacy purists, Mullvad for anonymity, and Private Internet Access for budget-conscious users.

ExpressVPN is a solid VPN. It’s fast, reliable, and works in restrictive countries. It’s also $12.95/month – one of the priciest options on the market – and it lacks WireGuard support, which competitors have offered for years. When Kape Technologies acquired ExpressVPN in 2021 for $936 million, privacy advocates raised concerns about Kape’s history as Crossrider, a company formerly known for spreading adware and malware.

The good news: several fast, secure, and significantly cheaper VPN services outperform ExpressVPN in key areas. Whether you need a no-log VPN for streaming, a privacy-focused VPN for travel, or a secure VPN service for public Wi-Fi, there’s a better value pick for your needs.

Key Takeaways

• NordVPN is the best overall ExpressVPN alternative, offering faster speeds, better malware protection, and lower pricing on Batten.
• ExpressVPN costs up to $155/year – most competitors deliver comparable or better performance for 40-70% less.
• Mullvad and ProtonVPN lead for privacy-focused users who want audited, open-source or RAM-only server infrastructure.
• Surfshark’s unlimited device connections make it the top pick for large families or users with many devices.
• Browse NordVPN and other expert-tested VPNs on Batten for verified no-logs services with military-grade encryption.

NordVPN: Best Overall ExpressVPN Alternative

NordVPN is the strongest all-around alternative to ExpressVPN – and it’s not particularly close. It runs WireGuard-based NordLynx protocol (ExpressVPN still doesn’t support WireGuard), operates over 6,400 RAM-only servers across 111 countries, and has now completed six independent no-logs audits – the first two by PricewaterhouseCoopers, and the most recent four by Deloitte. Every single audit confirmed NordVPN’s no-logs policy holds up.

Threat Protection blocks malware, trackers, and intrusive ads at the network level – a feature ExpressVPN doesn’t offer at all. For most users – families, remote workers, or everyday security seekers – NordVPN covers every base without the ExpressVPN price premium.

NordVPN at a Glance

• Price: $12.99/month or $3.99/month (2-year plan) as of May 2026
• Key Feature: NordLynx (WireGuard) protocol + Threat Protection malware blocker
• Devices: 10 simultaneous connections
• Platforms: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, browser extensions, routers
• Best For: Speed, streaming, travel, and family security
• Buy: NordVPN on Batten

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• RAM-only servers and six independently audited no-logs confirmations
• NordLynx delivers faster speeds than ExpressVPN’s Lightway in third-party testing
• Threat Protection blocks malware and trackers without requiring an active VPN connection
• Specialty servers for P2P, Onion over VPN, and obfuscated connections

Cons:

• 2-year commitment required to unlock best pricing
• Desktop app interface slightly busier than ExpressVPN’s streamlined design

NordVPN

$12.99

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Surfshark: Best VPN Alternative for Unlimited Devices

Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections – a genuine differentiator when ExpressVPN caps you at 8 devices. One subscription covers every phone, laptop, smart TV, and router in your home. At $2.19/month on a 2-year plan, it’s also 83% cheaper than ExpressVPN’s monthly rate.

Surfshark runs WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, and its no-logs policy has been independently verified by Deloitte in both 2023 and 2025. The CleanWeb feature blocks ads and malware built directly into the app.

Surfshark at a Glance

• Price: $15.45/month or $2.19/month (2-year plan) as of May 2026
• Key Feature: Unlimited simultaneous device connections
• Devices: Unlimited
• Platforms: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Fire TV, Apple TV
• Best For: Families, large households, multi-device users

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Unlimited device connections – no per-device caps
• Deloitte-audited no-logs policy verified twice (2023 and 2025)
• CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, and malware
• Competitive streaming performance across Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer

Cons:

• Monthly plan is expensive – multi-year commitment needed for best value
• Speeds can vary on crowded servers during peak hours

ProtonVPN: Best Privacy-Focused VPN Alternative

ProtonVPN is built by the team behind ProtonMail, is fully open-source, and operates under Swiss jurisdiction – outside Five Eyes surveillance agreements, as the EFF has detailed in its coverage of the Five Eyes alliance. Its Secure Core architecture routes traffic through multiple privacy-friendly countries before exiting, making traffic analysis significantly harder.

All Proton apps have been independently security audited by firms including SEC Consult, Securitum, and Cure53, with reports published publicly. The free tier is genuinely useful (unlimited data, 3 countries), though premium plans unlock faster speeds and streaming support.

ProtonVPN at a Glance

• Price: Free tier available; Plus plan from $4.99/month (annual) as of May 2026
• Key Feature: Open-source code, Secure Core routing, Swiss jurisdiction
• Devices: 10 simultaneous connections (Plus)
• Platforms: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Chromebook
• Best For: Privacy advocates, journalists, activists

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Fully open-source with multiple published independent security audits
• Swiss jurisdiction outside Five Eyes and Fourteen Eyes
• Secure Core routes through privacy-friendly servers for added protection
• Genuine no-cost tier with unlimited bandwidth

Cons:

• Free tier limited to 3 server locations with slower speeds
• Streaming support less consistent than NordVPN or Surfshark
• Higher price than budget competitors on premium plans

Mullvad: Best Anonymous VPN with RAM-Only Servers

Mullvad operates on a different model than every other VPN: no email required, no account name – you get a randomly generated account number at signup. You can pay in cash or cryptocurrency. It uses WireGuard and OpenVPN, runs RAM-only servers, and its infrastructure has been audited multiple times, most recently by Cure53 in 2024, who concluded that no vulnerabilities affecting core privacy were detected. Flat pricing ($5/month, no long-term discount gimmicks) removes any pressure to commit.

Mullvad at a Glance

• Price: $5/month flat rate as of May 2026
• Key Feature: Anonymous account system, RAM-only servers, no email required
• Devices: 5 simultaneous connections
• Platforms: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux
• Best For: Privacy purists, users wanting maximum anonymity

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• No account email or personal data required at signup
• Flat $5/month pricing – no manipulation through multi-year deals
• Multiple independent audits with WireGuard and RAM-only infrastructure
• Accepts cash and cryptocurrency payments

Cons:

• No streaming optimization – poor performance with Netflix and similar services
• Fewer servers (700+) than competitors like NordVPN (6,400+)
• No browser extensions or router apps

Private Internet Access: Best Cheap ExpressVPN Alternative

Private Internet Access (PIA) offers one of the largest server networks of any VPN – 35,000+ servers across 91 countries – at a price that undercuts ExpressVPN by over 80% on a 2-year plan. It’s open-source, supports WireGuard and OpenVPN, and includes a built-in ad and malware blocker (MACE). Critically, PIA has proven its no-logs policy in real federal court: when the FBI subpoenaed PIA in 2016, the company could provide nothing useful – because no logs existed. A second subpoena in 2018 had the same result, as TorrentFreak reported.

Private Internet Access at a Glance

• Price: $11.99/month or $2.19/month (2-year plan) as of May 2026
• Key Feature: 35,000+ servers, court-proven no-logs policy, MACE ad blocker
• Devices: Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Platforms: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers
• Best For: Budget users, torrenting, P2P file sharing

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• No-logs policy proven in multiple federal court cases – not just audits
• 35,000+ servers – largest network on this list
• Unlimited device connections at budget pricing
• Open-source apps with WireGuard and OpenVPN support

Cons:

• US jurisdiction – Five Eyes member country
• Interface less polished than ExpressVPN or NordVPN
• Streaming performance inconsistent across regions

ExpressVPN

$4.99

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ExpressVPN Alternatives: Feature Comparison

Annual Cost Comparison: ExpressVPN vs Alternatives

NordVPN hits the best balance of savings and capability. Surfshark and PIA win on price, Mullvad on simplicity, and ProtonVPN on Swiss-jurisdiction privacy. For most users, NordVPN on Batten delivers the strongest overall package.

Choosing the Right ExpressVPN Alternative for Your Needs

The right pick depends on what ExpressVPN is actually failing you on:

• Price: Surfshark or PIA cut costs by 70%+ on multi-year plans
• Privacy: ProtonVPN (Swiss jurisdiction, open-source) or Mullvad (anonymous signup, cash payments accepted)
• Speed and streaming: NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol consistently outperforms ExpressVPN’s Lightway
• Device limits: Surfshark or PIA both offer unlimited simultaneous connections
• Torrenting: PIA’s 35,000-server network and court-proven no-logs record make it the P2P leader
• Travel and censorship bypass: NordVPN’s obfuscated servers and global coverage rival ExpressVPN’s core strength

For most users, NordVPN covers all bases. For users who want to take privacy to the extreme, Mullvad’s anonymous account system is unmatched.

Your Best Move Away from ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN built its reputation on reliability and ease of use. But in 2025, NordVPN, Surfshark, ProtonVPN, Mullvad, and PIA have all closed that gap – and most have surpassed it in at least one meaningful way, while charging significantly less.

WireGuard adoption, RAM-only servers, independent audits, and malware-blocking features that ExpressVPN still lacks make the switch straightforward. Whether you’re protecting your family’s browsing, securing remote work connections, or staying private on public Wi-Fi abroad, a better and cheaper VPN exists.

Ready to switch from ExpressVPN to a faster, more affordable VPN? Browse NordVPN and other expert-tested VPN services on Batten with verified no-logs policies and military-grade encryption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NordVPN Really Better Than ExpressVPN?

NordVPN outperforms ExpressVPN in speed using its NordLynx (WireGuard) protocol, which ExpressVPN doesn’t support. NordVPN also includes Threat Protection malware blocking, RAM-only servers, and has passed six independent no-logs audits – more than any other VPN on the market. All at a lower price than ExpressVPN on multi-year plans.

What Is the Cheapest Secure ExpressVPN Alternative?

Private Internet Access at $2.19/month (2-year plan) is the most affordable secure option. Its no-logs policy has been verified in federal court twice – stronger proof than audit-only competitors. Surfshark matches that price with unlimited device connections and a Deloitte-audited no-logs policy verified in 2023 and 2025.

Which ExpressVPN Competitors Work Best for Streaming Netflix?

NordVPN and Surfshark consistently unblock Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+ across multiple regions. ProtonVPN’s free tier doesn’t support streaming. Mullvad actively discourages streaming use. For reliable streaming through a VPN, NordVPN’s SmartPlay technology is the most consistently tested option.

Do Any ExpressVPN Alternatives Support WireGuard Protocol?

All five alternatives on this list – NordVPN (NordLynx), Surfshark, ProtonVPN, Mullvad, and PIA – support WireGuard. ExpressVPN uses its proprietary Lightway protocol instead. WireGuard delivers faster speeds and a smaller, more auditable codebase than older protocols like OpenVPN.

Which VPN Alternative Is Best for Torrenting and P2P?

Private Internet Access leads for torrenting: 35,000+ servers, unlimited connections, a court-proven no-logs record, and a built-in MACE ad and malware blocker optimized for P2P use. NordVPN’s dedicated P2P servers are a strong second choice, with faster speeds and better streaming support alongside torrenting capability.

Are There Free ExpressVPN Alternatives Worth Using?

ProtonVPN’s free tier offers unlimited bandwidth across 3 server locations – the only genuinely useful free VPN for privacy-conscious users. Avoid most other free VPNs; many collect and sell user data to fund their operations. For full streaming and speed access, a paid plan from NordVPN or Surfshark is worth the cost.

Sources

• “Israeli Firm Kape Technologies Buys ExpressVPN Raising Privacy Concerns,” 2021, Hackread, https://hackread.com/israeli-firm-kape-technologies-expressvpn-privacy/
• “NordVPN Passes Sixth No-Logs Assurance Engagement,” 2026, NordVPN, https://nordvpn.com/blog/nordvpn-no-logs-assurance-engagement-2025/
• “Deloitte Verifies Our No-Logs Policy,” 2023, Surfshark, https://surfshark.com/blog/deloitte-audit-nologs
• “Proton Open Source,” Proton, https://proton.me/community/open-source
• “Five Eyes Unlimited: What a Global Anti-Encryption Regime Could Look Like,” 2017, Electronic Frontier Foundation, https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2017/06/five-eyes-unlimited
• “Fourth Infrastructure Audit Completed by Cure53,” 2024, Mullvad VPN, https://mullvad.net/en/blog/fourth-infrastructure-audit-completed-by-cure53
• “VPN Provider’s No-Logging Claims Tested in FBI Case,” 2016, TorrentFreak, https://torrentfreak.com/vpn-providers-no-logging-claims-tested-in-fbi-case-160312/
• “Private Internet Access’ No-Logging Claims Proven True Again in Court,” 2018, TorrentFreak, https://torrentfreak.com/private-internet-access-no-logging-claims-proven-true-again-in-court-180606/