Simplest premium VPN, best for ChinaHow ExpressVPN scores
Scores are our editorial judgement from the provider's published features, independent audits and third-party reports. We don't publish our own speed numbers. Our method.
ExpressVPN pros and cons
What we like
- Automatic obfuscation, nothing to configure
- Fast, stable Lightway protocol
- RAM-only TrustedServer technology
- Very simple apps on every platform
- Dedicated IP add-on, included with Pro
What to know
- Costs more than most rivals
- No port forwarding or SOCKS5 proxy
- Router app no longer works on third-party routers
- Extra features locked to Advanced and Pro
ExpressVPN at a glance
- Headquarters
- British Virgin Islands
- Owner
- Kape Technologies (since 2021)
- Server countries
- About 105
- Devices at once
- 10 (Basic), 12 (Advanced), 14 (Pro)
- Protocols
- Lightway (open source), OpenVPN
- Kill switch
- Network Lock
- Torrenting
- P2P on all servers, no port forwarding
- Money-back guarantee
- 30 days
Plans: Basic, Advanced and Pro
Since September 2025, ExpressVPN sells three tiers instead of one plan. All three include the same VPN, servers and Lightway protocol; the higher tiers add devices and extra privacy tools.
| Feature | Basic | Advanced | Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Devices at once | 10 | 12 | 14 |
| Advanced Protection (blocks ads, trackers, malicious sites) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Password manager | No | Yes | Yes |
| Identity monitoring | No | Yes (where available) | Yes (where available) |
| Dedicated IP | Paid add-on | Paid add-on | Included |
| Travel eSIM data (longer plans) | No | Yes | Yes |
For most people, Basic is enough: it has everything that makes ExpressVPN good. Choose Advanced for the blocker and password manager, and Pro only if you need 14 devices or a dedicated IP.
Privacy, ownership and audits
ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, which has no mandatory data retention law. Its TrustedServer technology runs every server from RAM, so nothing is written to a hard drive and each reboot wipes the server.
Its no-logs claim has been tested in the real world: in 2017, Turkish authorities seized an ExpressVPN server during an investigation and found no user activity logs on it. ExpressVPN has also commissioned independent audits from firms including KPMG and Cure53 covering its privacy policy, apps and Lightway.
Worth knowing: ExpressVPN has been owned by Kape Technologies since 2021. Kape also owns Private Internet Access and CyberGhost. Some privacy-focused users are wary because of the company's history before it rebranded, although there's no evidence it has affected ExpressVPN's no-logs practices.
Speed and the Lightway protocol
Lightway is ExpressVPN's own protocol, and it's built for speed and stability. It uses far less code than older protocols, connects in a fraction of a second, and holds the connection when your phone switches between Wi-Fi and mobile data. Lightway is open source and now includes post-quantum protection on every plan.
We don't publish our own speed figures, because they depend on your connection and location. Independent testers consistently rank ExpressVPN among the fastest VPNs, a little behind NordVPN in raw speed but with very consistent results.
China, travel and restrictive networks
ExpressVPN's biggest advantage is automatic obfuscation. It disguises VPN traffic on every server, so there's no special mode to switch on when a hotel, university or country blocks VPNs. In 2026 reports from people testing inside China, it is the provider most often described as working consistently, though no VPN works there 100% of the time.
A dedicated IP add-on, available in 29 locations, helps with banking and work logins abroad. For setup steps, see our VPN for China guide and travel VPN guide.
Routers, consoles and smart TVs
Router support has changed a lot in 2026. ExpressVPN's router app stopped working on third-party routers on 31 March 2026, and in September 2026 it replaced its Aircove routers with Fortify, a new router built with GL.iNet that comes with ExpressVPN installed.
If you want ExpressVPN on a PlayStation, Xbox, Switch or smart TV, your options are now Fortify, sharing a VPN connection from a Windows PC, or MediaStreamer smart DNS for streaming apps only (it doesn't encrypt traffic). If you'd rather keep your current router, NordVPN and Surfshark still support manual router setup. More in our gaming VPN guide.
Streaming and torrenting
ExpressVPN has a long reputation for streaming, and established testing sites regularly report it working with major services such as Netflix, Disney+ and BBC iPlayer. Streaming services block VPN servers from time to time and their terms may not allow it, so use the 30-day refund window to test the services you care about.
Torrenting is allowed on every server and Network Lock stops traffic if the VPN drops. There's no port forwarding or SOCKS5 proxy, so heavy seeders are better served by PIA. See our best VPN for torrenting comparison.
Should you choose ExpressVPN?
A good fit if you
- want a VPN that just works, with no settings to learn
- travel to China or other countries that block VPNs
- move between hotel Wi-Fi and mobile data a lot
- are happy to pay more for simplicity
Look elsewhere if you
- want the most features for the money (choose NordVPN)
- need port forwarding (choose PIA)
- want to keep using your current router with a VPN app
ExpressVPN alternatives
NordVPN
More features, more server countries and six no-logs audits, usually for less money.
Surfshark
Unlimited devices at a much lower price, with NoBorders mode for restrictive networks.
Private Internet Access
Port forwarding, open-source apps and unlimited devices for advanced users.
ExpressVPN FAQ
Is ExpressVPN worth the price?
It is if you value simplicity or travel to countries that block VPNs, because obfuscation is automatic and the apps are very easy to use. If you want the most features for your money, NordVPN usually costs less and offers more.
Is ExpressVPN safe?
Yes. It runs RAM-only servers, uses the open-source Lightway protocol with post-quantum protection, and its no-logs claim held up when Turkish authorities seized one of its servers in 2017. It is owned by Kape Technologies, which some privacy-focused users prefer to avoid.
Does ExpressVPN keep logs?
ExpressVPN says it doesn't log your browsing, traffic or IP address, and its RAM-only servers wipe data on every reboot. It keeps basic account details, such as your email and payment information.
How many devices can I use with ExpressVPN?
Up to 10 devices on Basic, 12 on Advanced and 14 on Pro. Before September 2025, every plan was limited to 8.
What is the difference between ExpressVPN Basic, Advanced and Pro?
All three include the same VPN. Advanced adds an ad and tracker blocker, a password manager and more devices; Pro adds 14 devices and includes a dedicated IP. Basic is enough for most people.
Does ExpressVPN work in China?
It is the VPN most often reported as working consistently in China in 2026, because obfuscation is automatic. No VPN works there all the time, so install it before you travel and keep a backup.
Can I use ExpressVPN on my router?
Only on ExpressVPN's own routers. Its router app stopped supporting third-party routers on 31 March 2026, and its current router is Fortify, which replaced Aircove in September 2026.
Is ExpressVPN better than NordVPN?
ExpressVPN is simpler and more consistent in China. NordVPN is usually cheaper, slightly faster and has more features and audits. For most people NordVPN is the better all-rounder.
Can I use ExpressVPN for torrenting?
Yes. P2P is allowed on every server and Network Lock blocks traffic if the VPN drops. It doesn't offer port forwarding or a SOCKS5 proxy.
How we review VPNs
We score each VPN on privacy evidence, security features, speed technology, apps and devices, and value. We base scores on the provider's own documentation, published independent audits, court and transparency records, and reports from established testing sites. We don't run our own lab speed tests, so we don't publish speed numbers, and we update reviews when providers change their plans or features.
Sources we checked for this review
- ExpressVPN: Basic, Advanced and Pro plans launch
- Tom's Guide: ExpressVPN's new pricing tiers
- Tom's Guide: third-party router support ends
- TechRadar: Fortify replaces Aircove
- ExpressVPN: dedicated IP locations
Last checked . Features and prices change; confirm details on the provider's site before you buy.