ExpressVPN is widely regarded as one of the gold-standard VPNs, trusted by journalists, security researchers, and everyday users for over a decade. But is it still worth its premium price in 2026? We tested it thoroughly to find out.
ExpressVPN Quick Summary
| Category | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 680+ Mbps on Lightway |
| Security | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AES-256, TrustedServer, audited |
| Streaming | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Best streaming VPN we tested |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Simplest VPN app available |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Premium price but premium quality |
| Price | ⭐⭐⭐ | From $4.99/month — pricier than rivals |
ExpressVPN Speed Tests
ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol delivered impressive speeds in our testing:
- Nearby server (US → US): 680 Mbps — minimal speed loss
- EU server (US → UK): 390 Mbps — excellent transatlantic speed
- Asia server (US → Singapore): 160 Mbps — fast for the distance
Security: TrustedServer Technology
ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technology runs all VPN servers on RAM-only infrastructure — meaning no data is ever written to a hard drive and everything is wiped on reboot. This is a significant security advantage over traditional disk-based servers. The no-logs policy has been audited by KPMG and Cure53. ExpressVPN is incorporated in the British Virgin Islands.
Streaming: The Best in the Business
ExpressVPN is the most reliable VPN for streaming we’ve tested — it unblocks more services more consistently than any competitor:
- ✅ Netflix (15+ regions)
- ✅ BBC iPlayer
- ✅ Disney+
- ✅ Hulu
- ✅ Amazon Prime Video
- ✅ HBO Max
- ✅ DAZN
ExpressVPN Pricing
| Plan | Price/month | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | $12.95 | $12.95/month |
| 6 Months | $9.99 | $59.94 total |
| 12 Months ⭐ Best Value | $4.99 | $59.88/year |
The simplest, most reliable VPN for streaming. Best choice if you want it to just work.
Get ExpressVPN from $4.99/mo ›
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros: Best-in-class streaming support, Lightway protocol for speed and battery efficiency, TrustedServer RAM-only architecture, extremely easy to use, 8 simultaneous connections, 30-day money-back guarantee, 24/7 live chat support.
❌ Cons: More expensive than NordVPN and Surfshark, no double VPN, no built-in ad blocker, no port forwarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ExpressVPN worth the price?
If streaming and ease of use are your priorities, yes — ExpressVPN justifies its premium price with superior streaming reliability and the simplest app available. If you want the best value, NordVPN offers similar performance at a lower price.
How many devices does ExpressVPN support?
ExpressVPN supports up to 8 simultaneous connections. It’s available on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, and browser extensions.
Is ExpressVPN safe?
Yes. ExpressVPN uses AES-256 encryption, TrustedServer RAM-only architecture, an audited no-logs policy, and is incorporated in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands.