I’ve tested ExpressVPN every year since 2021. My verdict has shifted — not dramatically, it’s still one of the best VPNs money can buy — but the competition has caught up in ways that matter, and ExpressVPN hasn’t always kept pace on price.
Here is what happened when I ran it through our 2026 testing protocol: 47 servers across 22 countries, three devices simultaneously, streaming tests on Netflix US/UK and BBC iPlayer, and a full DNS/IP leak audit.
ExpressVPN at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Protocols | Lightway (proprietary), OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Servers | 3,000+ in 105 countries |
| Connections | 8 simultaneous devices |
| No-logs audit | Yes — verified by PwC |
| Kill switch | Yes (Network Lock) |
| Streaming | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu |
| Price/month (annual) | ~$5.50/month |
| Money-back | 30 days |
Speed: Fast, But NordVPN Is Faster
On a 500 Mbps base connection, I averaged 415 Mbps to US East Coast servers and 380 Mbps to European servers — 83% speed retention. That beats the industry average of around 75%, though NordVPN’s NordLynx hit 88% in parallel tests. The gap is real but small. For streaming and browsing, you won’t notice it. For large file transfers, you will.
What ExpressVPN does better than most: consistency. Speed variance between servers in the same region was under 12% in my tests. That predictability matters when you just want to connect and work without debugging.
Security: Solid, With One Caveat
AES-256 encryption, perfect forward secrecy, SHA-512 authentication. The fundamentals are correct. The no-log claim has real-world validation: Turkish authorities seized an ExpressVPN server in 2017 and confirmed no usable data was recovered. That’s more meaningful than most paper audits.
The caveat: ExpressVPN was acquired by Kape Technologies in 2021, which also owns CyberGhost and Private Internet Access. Kape has a complicated history — its predecessor company was once accused of distributing adware. That’s old news, and the current products are clean, but privacy-focused users should know the corporate structure before subscribing. DNS leak tests across 12 servers: all clean. No IP or WebRTC leaks detected.
Streaming: ExpressVPN’s Strongest Card
Netflix US unblocked across all 8 tested US servers. BBC iPlayer: 6 out of 7 UK servers worked — one London server failed, Docklands fixed it immediately. Disney+ and Amazon Prime accessible in US, UK, Canada, and Australia without issues.
When BBC iPlayer cracks down seasonally — and it does, several times a year — ExpressVPN has historically pushed updates faster than competitors. If consistent iPlayer access is a priority, that responsiveness has real value.
Pricing: Premium Cost, Premium Use Case
At ~$5.50/month annual, ExpressVPN costs 57% more than NordVPN and 150% more than Surfshark. The question is whether the streaming reliability and router app justify that gap. For streaming-first users: probably yes. For general security: probably not. Our NordVPN vs ExpressVPN vs Surfshark comparison breaks down exactly where each earns its price.
Who Should Buy ExpressVPN in 2026?
- Frequent travelers who need reliable streaming across multiple countries
- Users in China, UAE, or Russia where connection obfuscation matters most
- Households wanting whole-network VPN via router installation
- Anyone who has had persistent problems with BBC iPlayer on other providers
For everyone else: NordVPN is better value. ExpressVPN is a premium product for a specific audience. If that’s you, it’s excellent. If not, you’re overpaying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ExpressVPN work in China in 2026?
Yes, with preparation. Download the app and save manual configs before arriving — Chinese app stores don’t carry it. Connection reliability varies by region and time, but ExpressVPN remains one of the more consistent options for China alongside Astrill.
Is ExpressVPN worth the price in 2026?
For most users, no — NordVPN delivers comparable security at a lower price. ExpressVPN is worth the premium specifically for heavy streamers, frequent international travelers, and router users. See our full VPN comparison before deciding.
Does ExpressVPN keep logs?
No. The no-logs policy was confirmed in practice (2017 server seizure) and by PwC audit (2022). ExpressVPN retains only whether you connected on a given day — not which servers or sites.