The Best ExpressVPN Alternative in 2025

ExpressVPN is a popular VPN service known for its super-fast connection speeds, strong security, and an impressive feature set. However, ExpressVPN is not cheap and comes with a premium price tag. If you are looking for a more affordable VPN, check out our list of the best ExpressVPN alternatives below.

Reasons to Explore ExpressVPN Alternatives

• If you are on a budget, ExpressVPN’s high price point is a major drawback – its annual plan costs as high as $6.67 per month!

• ExpressVPN supports 8 simultaneous logins with one account, which might not be enough for some users. 

• While ExpressVPN is a high-quality VPN service, it has fewer extra features than other leading VPNs.

5 Best ExpressVPN Alternatives

These alternatives offer a lot of the same benefits of ExpressVPN while adding a few of their own. Moreover, they cost much lower than ExpressVPN. Here is a quick overview of each VPN provider below.

1. PureVPN

	PureVPN	ExpressVPN
Unblock all major streaming platforms	Yes	Yes
Uses 20 Gbps servers	Yes	No
Offers Popular Websites functionality	Yes	No

PureVPN is one of the best VPNs on the market, with easy-to-use apps for all major platforms (including Apple TV). It follows an always-on audit policy, and supports up to 10 simultaneous connections with one account.

When it comes to features, PureVPN is packed with essentials like split tunneling, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. It also has unique offerings like quantum-resistant encryption keys and 20 Gbps server speed. 

The VPN service is ideal for unblocking streaming platforms – it lets users seamlessly access content on BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney Plus, and more. Lastly, it offers flexible pricing plans, making it a cost-effective option to ExpressVPN.

Pros:

• Great connection speeds
• Always-on audit policy
• Quantum-resistant encryption

Cons:

• No SmartDNS

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2. NordVPN

	NordVPN	ExpressVPN
Protects against malware, trackers, and ads	Yes	No (only blocks ads)
Allows you to route your traffic through two VPN servers	Yes	No
Scans the dark web for data breaches	Yes	No

NordVPN is renowned for its robust security features like Threat Protection (blocks malware), Dark Web Monitor (scans the dark web for your information), and more. It has passed multiple no-log audits and uses RAM-only servers, enhancing user privacy. 

Furthermore, the VPN service offers a variety of specialty servers like Double VPN (routes your traffic through two different servers) and Onion over VPN (allows users to access the Tor network within the NordVPN app) to cater to different needs.

While NordVPN only allows 6 simultaneous connections, it can be set up on your router to cover all your devices at home. Moreover, NordVPN delivers great connection speeds and effectively unblocks most streaming platforms.

Pros:

• TrustedServer Technology
• Speciality servers
• Works with most streaming services

Cons:

• Command-line Linux client

Related Read: The Best NordVPN Alternatives

3. Surfshark

	Surfshark	ExpressVPN
Supports unlimited connections	Yes	No
Provides a built-in antivirus	Yes	No
Ensures broad device compatibility	Yes	Yes

Surfshark is a budget-friendly and feature-packed VPN. It offers unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning you can secure all your devices under one subscription. Despite its affordable pricing, Surfshark comes with everything you look for in a VPN provider.

Besides must-haves like 256-bit encryption and an audited no-log policy, Surfshark offers useful features like CleanWeb (blocks annoying ads) and a built-in antivirus (protects your device from viruses and malware).

The VPN service is compatible with all major streaming platforms, and even comes with a unique Bypasser feature (URL-based split tunneling) that lets you select which sites you want to route through the VPN connection. 

Pros:

• Affordable long-term plans
• Packed with features
• Antivirus protection

Cons:

• Based in the Netherlands (a member of the Nine Eyes alliance)

Related Read: The Best Surfshark Alternatives

4. Private Internet Access

	PIA	ExpressVPN
Offers a court-proven no-log policy	Yes	No
Gives users open-source apps	Yes	No
Allows a customizable VPN experience	Yes	Yes

Private Internet Access (PIA) is an affordable VPN service that supports unlimited simultaneous connections. It also has one of the largest VPN networks – more than 35,000 servers across 91 countries, giving users plenty of connection options. 

In addition to the standard VPN protection, PIA provides the option to integrate a SOCKS5 or Shadowsocks proxy. Such a setup ensures heightened security without the usual drag on performance seen with double VPNs.

Moreover, PIA also offers the MACE feature, an advanced ad-blocker. What sets MACE apart is its efficiency; it can block unwanted ads without repeatedly checking a blocklist before refusing a DNS query.

Pros:

• Huge server network
• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Court-proven no-log policy

Cons:

• Fails to unblock some streaming services
  

5. Windscribe

	Windscribe	ExpressVPN
Gives users both free and paid versions	Yes	No
Enables you to build your own plan	Yes	No
Guarantees an ad-free experience	Yes	Yes

For those seeking a free alternative to ExpressVPN, Windscribe is an excellent choice. Free VPNs often come with a lot of restrictions and risks, but Windscribe stands out by offering a reliable service. 

It offers a monthly data allowance of 15 GB for its free users and access to servers across 10 countries. The best part of all, the performance and security is on par with some paid VPNs on the market. 

 
If you want to experience Windscribe without limitations, you can opt for their premium monthly or annual plans. This will not only give you unlimited bandwidth but also access to features like R.O.B.E.R.T. that blocks ads, malware, and trackers.

Pros:

• Generous free plan
• Good speeds
• Flexible pricing

 Cons:

• 3-day money-back guarantee (for paid version)

Related Read: The Best Windscribe Alternatives

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is ExpressVPN not working? 

ExpressVPN might not be working due to server issues, outdated app versions, or network conflicts. To fix this, try switching to a different server, updating the ExpressVPN app, or checking your firewall settings. If the issue still persists, contact ExpressVPN’s support team.

Final Word

ExpressVPN is undeniably a premium VPN service, but it may not be the best fit for everyone, considering factors like expensive pricing, fewer simultaneous connections, and the need for extra features. The alternatives we have highlighted above can help you find a VPN that aligns with your specific requirements.