Best ExpressVPN Alternatives in 2026

ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs available - but it's also one of the most expensive. If you want similar quality for less, or a specific strength ExpressVPN doesn't lead on, here are the strongest alternatives from our 20 rated providers.

The Short Answer

Swap to NordVPN and you barely notice the change, except on your bill: it scores higher than ExpressVPN, ranks faster on our speed chart, and costs less than half as much. Want a whole household covered for even less? Surfshark lifts the device limit entirely. Care most about auditable, open-source apps? ProtonVPN is the one to beat. Each keeps the streaming muscle and security that made ExpressVPN your shortlist in the first place.

Top ExpressVPN Alternatives Compared

1. NordVPN - Best Overall Alternative

NordVPN is the natural upgrade path from ExpressVPN: our top-rated provider at 9.4/10, faster in our ratings (89% vs 85% retention), and less than half the price at $3.09/month for 10 devices. It unblocks around 15 Netflix regions, adds Threat Protection and Double VPN, and matches ExpressVPN's privacy credentials. See the direct NordVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison.

2. Surfshark - Best Value Alternative

Surfshark is the pick if price is why you're looking - $2.19/month with unlimited devices, CleanWeb ad-blocking, and reliable streaming across around 12 Netflix regions. It rates 8.9/10 and is audited by Deloitte and Cure53. For a whole household on a budget, it's hard to beat.

3. ProtonVPN - Best for Open-Source Privacy

Where ExpressVPN's apps are closed source, ProtonVPN publishes fully open-source, audited apps and is based in Switzerland. It also offers a free tier with no data cap. If transparency is the reason you're shopping around, ProtonVPN is the strongest alternative.

4. CyberGhost - Easiest Streaming Setup

CyberGhost makes streaming foolproof with servers labelled by service ("Netflix US", "BBC iPlayer"), backs it with one of the largest networks we track (11,500+ servers), and costs just $2.03/month with a 45-day guarantee. A great, cheaper streaming-focused alternative for beginners.

5. PIA - Best for Torrenting

Private Internet Access is the alternative for downloaders: port forwarding, a 35,000-server network, open-source apps, and a court-proven no-logs record - all with unlimited devices at $2.03/month. Not ExpressVPN's equal for streaming, but superb value for privacy and P2P.

Our Verdict

ExpressVPN earns its reputation; it just rarely earns its price. NordVPN is the switch that costs you nothing in quality and hands back more than half your monthly spend. Go to Surfshark if the goal is the lowest possible price with every device covered, ProtonVPN if you want your apps open to inspection, and PIA if you download a lot. Whichever you land on, you keep the streaming reach and encryption you were paying ExpressVPN for, minus the premium.