ExpressVPN

★ 4.3

The fastest independently audited VPN — consistent speed on distant servers and reliable split tunneling on every platform

Last verified: May 2026

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Type
app
Pricing
paid · ~$99.95/yr standard (12-month plan). Frequent promos to ~$49.95/yr at sign-up. Monthly $12.95.
Platforms
mac, windows, ios, android, chrome, firefox
Targets
vpn

Strengths

  • ✓ Fastest average speeds in third-party benchmark tests, especially on long-distance connections
  • ✓ Lightway protocol — proprietary, WireGuard-class speeds with faster connection times
  • ✓ Split tunneling works reliably on all platforms including iOS (rare — most VPNs break it on iOS)
  • ✓ MediaStreamer DNS lets non-VPN devices (smart TVs, consoles) access geo-restricted content
  • ✓ Audited no-log policy (KPMG, Cure53)
  • ✓ 30-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked

Weaknesses

  • ✕ Most expensive mainstream VPN — $99.95/yr standard is ~30–60% more than NordVPN or Surfshark
  • ✕ Owned by Kape Technologies, a company with prior history in adware (rebranded from Crossrider)
  • ✕ No built-in ad or malware blocker — requires a separate browser extension for tracker blocking
  • ✕ 8 simultaneous device limit (lower than NordVPN's 10 or Surfshark's unlimited)
  • ✕ Smaller server network (~3,000 servers) than NordVPN's 6,000+

Best for

Users who prioritize raw speed and reliable split tunneling — journalists, remote workers, or anyone connecting from high-latency locations

#vpn#privacy#security#speed#split-tunneling

ExpressVPN is the fastest independently audited VPN on the market in 2026, with consistent performance on cross-continent connections and reliable split tunneling on every platform including iOS. It's the choice for speed-sensitive use cases — remote workers, journalists, or anyone connecting from high-latency regions where other VPNs lose too much throughput.

At a glance

FieldValue
Pricing~$99.95/yr standard; frequent promos to ~$49.95/yr
Simultaneous devices8
Server network~3,000 servers, 105 countries
Ad/malware blockingNo
No-log policyYes — audited (KPMG, Cure53)
Proprietary protocolLightway (WireGuard-class)
Last verifiedMay 27, 2026

What ExpressVPN does well

  • Speed. On cross-continent connections (US to Europe, Europe to Asia), ExpressVPN consistently outperforms in third-party benchmarks. If you care about latency, this matters.
  • Lightway. The proprietary protocol uses WolfSSL and maintains sessions through network switches — switching from your office Wi-Fi to mobile data reconnects in under a second.
  • Split tunneling everywhere. Most VPNs offer split tunneling on Windows and Android; iOS support is rare and usually broken. ExpressVPN’s iOS implementation works correctly — route Reddit through the VPN while keeping video calls on your direct connection.
  • MediaStreamer. A DNS-based service that lets you set location for devices that can’t run a VPN app (smart TVs, game consoles, routers). Useful for accessing geo-restricted content without the app.

What ExpressVPN doesn’t do

  • Ad or tracker blocking. No Threat Protection equivalent. You need uBlock Origin in your browser alongside.
  • Anonymous signup. Requires an email address. For truly anonymous setup, Mullvad VPN lets you sign up with just a generated account number and pay in cash.
  • Value. At full price, $99.95/yr is ~60% more than NordVPN for a similar privacy guarantee. If the Kape ownership concern doesn’t apply to you, NordVPN wins on value.

Best for

Speed-sensitive users connecting from distant regions, and anyone who needs reliable iOS split tunneling in their workflow.

Alternatives

  • NordVPN — better value, more features, comparable privacy guarantee.
  • Mullvad VPN — anonymous, cash-payable, privacy-first but no iOS split tunneling.
  • Surfshark — unlimited devices, lower price, good household option.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions — click any to expand.

Kape's pre-2018 history as Crossrider (adware distribution) is a legitimate concern for privacy purists. Since the rebrand, Kape has acquired multiple reputable VPN products (including CyberGhost and Private Internet Access) and submitted ExpressVPN to independent audits. ExpressVPN's no-log policy has held up under scrutiny. If ownership matters more than speed to you, use Mullvad or Proton VPN instead.

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