ExpressVPN Review 2026: Is It Still the Best VPN Service?

Overview

For a long time, ExpressVPN has been one of the more stellar and trustworthy VPN providers. It boasts superb privacy, awesome speeds, and a tight no-logs policy. Frankly, you can’t go wrong using Express VPN for practically everything – from streaming to getting around geo-restrictions to general web browsing – as it offers a nice and simple app and provides great performance. The only real downside to Express VPN is that it is missing some of the security features of other competitors. Since it’s also much cheaper to get now in 2026, it’s easier than ever to recommend.

Speed & Performance

Express VPN continued to impress in my 2026 testing of speeds across multiple servers and protocols. A big part of the reason for ExpressVPN’s incredible speeds is their Lightway protocol, which has seen more improvements this year. In late February 2026, ExpressVPN announced the Lightway Turbo layer, which has improved connection speeds further on their existing reliable infrastructure. Express VPN runs servers in 105 countries and at 10-Gbps, which allows Lightway to perform really well on streams, for gamers, and for P2P downloads as well as secure connections on public Wi-Fi.

Security and Privacy

ExpressVPN remains the king when it comes to security. You get all the goodies: TrustedServer (RAM-only servers that wipe clean on reboot), AES 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, a reliable kill switch (Network Lock), split tunneling, post-quantum security, and obfuscation for sensitive networks. And because the company is based out of the British Virgin Islands, it is outside the scope of most surveillance alliances so it can maintain its strict no-logs policy and provide anonymity to its users around the world. We performed a few DNS leak tests and there was no leak of private data as we made active connections.

Streaming Performance:

ExpressVPN is also a perennial top performer for streaming. It is pretty good with Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer and generally just works without you having to swap servers or change settings to get it done. Always. Stream in HD and UHD from almost anywhere around the world. The US, UK and Canadian versions of Netflix are easy to access with a local server. And when it comes to hard-to-reach areas, there are plenty of servers to choose from all over the world (e.g. Sydney 1 and Sydney 2), so you’ll have no trouble finding a server that works.

Server Network

ExpressVPN boasts servers in 105 countries – a higher number than almost any other VPN we’ve reviewed. In addition to desktop and mobile apps, ExpressVPN is also supported by Linux, Apple TV, Fire TV, Android TV, and a number of other, less mainstream, devices. What is also great, however, is the fact that ExpressVPN now covers all 50 U.S. States, which makes it ideal for anyone needing stable, long-distance connections within the U.S. Thanks to this large network, ExpressVPN users will seldom be left without a fast server nearby.

Plans and Pricing

Unlike in years past, in 2026 ExpressVPN offers three tiers of service, rather than just one standalone VPN. These tiers are known as Basic, Advanced and Pro. Basic provides support for 10 devices simultaneously, Advanced builds on that to include support for 12 devices, a password manager, advanced ad and tracker blocking, identity monitoring, and 3 days of eSIM data. The top-tier Pro service increases support to 14 devices, and adds an IP address that is exclusively yours, identity theft protection, credit monitoring, and data removal services.

Pricing for ExpressVPN in 2026 begins at $2.44/month when purchasing a 2-year plan (and you get an additional 4 months of service free), $6.67/month for the 1-year plan (plus an extra 3 months), and $12.99/month for the monthly subscription. Even the monthly plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee so that new users can try out Express VPN for free before committing to a long-term commitment.

Ease of Use

There’s no doubt that ExpressVPN is a reliable choice, and user reviews are proof of that. It’s easy to set up, and its interface is intuitive enough that first-time VPN users will have no trouble navigating it but still satisfying for the pros. And, of course, ExpressVPN released yet another redesigned app in early 2026, further improving the user experience across multiple devices. The good news is the app is available for all of the major operating systems and is usually up and running within minutes.

The Down Side

As with anything in life, nothing is perfect and there are a few flaws to ExpressVPN you should be aware of. Performance in China is often patchy when it comes to using the app – with dropped connections a common occurrence. Therefore, it makes sense to bring a backup VPN if you’re planning a trip to the country. Some users also find the service a bit on the pricey side compared to its rivals – although the discounted long-term plans help to offset this somewhat. Some have also claimed that email customer service takes a little longer to respond than you might expect.

Final Thoughts

Even after all these years, ExpressVPN remains our go-to option when it comes to privacy, simplicity, and reliability. ExpressVPN is now available on more plans, with Lightway Turbo pushing its speed to the next level, and with a significantly better starting price than in years gone by, it now represents tremendous value, especially for users prioritizing speed and streaming. Whether you’re a casual user of the internet, just looking for basic privacy protection, or a power user who wants to take advantage of ExpressVPN’s comprehensive security suite, there’s now a plan for you. For good reason, the service earns its spot at the top of just about every VPN list out there.