Best Alternative to ExpressVPN | #1 ExpressVPN Alternative
ExpressVPN is a renowned VPN with over 3 million active subscribers. As you may be aware, VPNs serve as privacy and security tools that encrypt users’ data and browsing history. Utilizing a service like ExpressVPN ensures your online activities remain anonymous and concealed from prying eyes.
Nevertheless, ExpressVPN isn’t the sole tool proficient in safeguarding users’ online privacy. Other alternatives perform equally well, or better, in protecting your digital footprint.
Why might you be looking for the best ExpressVPN alternative? While ExpressVPN is well known & a quality VPN, other VPNs offer the same or even better features, such as a larger server network, at an even better price.
What’s the Best ExpressVPN Alternative in 2026?
Proton VPN.
Our preeminent choice for an ExpressVPN counterpart is Proton VPN. Developed by the same Swiss team behind ProtonMail, this privacy-focused service has earned its reputation through unwavering commitment to user security. It functions across all devices and operating systems while expertly encrypting user information.
Proton VPN
Overall score: 9.4
- 17,250+ servers in 125 countries
- Free version available
- Strong security features
- Reliable no-logs policy
- Allows Perfect Forward Secrecy
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Why Proton VPN?
Trusted by millions of users worldwide, Proton VPN stands out as a privacy-first VPN service built by security experts.
As a strong contender against ExpressVPN, it delivers exceptional speeds without compromising on privacy—and unlike ExpressVPN, Proton VPN offers a genuinely free tier with no data limits.
Proton VPN safeguards every device you employ—be it Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, or Android TV—as well as offering a browser extension for enhanced protection.
Based in Switzerland with strict no-logs policies, Proton VPN benefits from some of the world’s strongest privacy laws—a significant advantage over ExpressVPN’s British Virgin Islands jurisdiction. All apps are open-source and independently audited, providing transparency ExpressVPN cannot match.
Similar to other ExpressVPN alternatives, Proton VPN’s encrypted tunnel conceals your real IP address, online data, and browsing history even when utilizing unsecured public internet connections. However, Proton’s Secure Core feature routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries for additional protection.
Proton VPN Pros:
- Offers a robust free plan with unlimited data—something ExpressVPN lacks entirely
- Swiss-based with stronger privacy protections than ExpressVPN
- Open-source apps with regular independent security audits
- Includes NetShield ad-blocker and malware protection
- Integrates seamlessly with the Proton ecosystem (ProtonMail, Proton Drive, Proton Pass)
Proton VPN Cons:
- Free plan has limited access to server network
Best offer: $2.49/month (Save 64%)
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Pricing: ExpressVPN vs Alternative
ExpressVPN vs Proton VPN: Pricing Comparison
ExpressVPN
2-Year Plan
$2.79/mo
1-Year Plan
$4.19/mo
Monthly Plan
$13.42/mo
❌ No free plan available
Proton VPN
2-Year Plan
$2.49/mo
1-Year Plan
$3.99/mo
Monthly Plan
$9.99/mo
✅ FREE plan with unlimited data
💡 Bottom Line: Proton VPN offers better value with lower prices, a free tier, and Swiss privacy protection.
- Proton VPN provides a 30-day money-back guarantee on paid plans.
- All paid plans allow access the complete Proton suite including VPN Plus, ProtonMail, Proton Drive, and Proton Pass as well as the entire server network.
Proton VPN Premium vs Free Plans
Wondering if the free plan is enough for you? Check out this quick comparison to help you decide if the free plan is enough or if you want to upgrade to the pro plan for a low monthly fee.
Proton VPN: Free vs Paid
Which plan is right for you?
$0/forever
No credit card required
- ✓ Unlimited data
- ✓ Choose from 300+ servers
- ✓ Servers in 5 countries
- ✓ 1 device connection
- ✓ No-logs policy
- ✓ Medium speeds
- ✗ No streaming support
- ✗ No P2P/torrenting
- ✗ No Secure Core servers
- ✗ No NetShield ad-blocker
- ✗ No Tor over VPN
Best for: Casual browsing & basic privacy
$2.49/month
Billed every 2 years
- ✓ Unlimited data
- ✓ Choose from 17,250+ servers
- ✓ Servers in 125 countries
- ✓ 10 device connections
- ✓ No-logs policy
- ✓ Highest VPN speeds (10 Gbps)
- ✓ Streaming support (Netflix, etc.)
- ✓ P2P & torrenting support
- ✓ Secure Core servers
- ✓ NetShield ad-blocker
- ✓ Tor over VPN
Best for: Streaming, gaming & full protection
Countries
Free: 5 | Plus: 125
Devices
Free: 1 | Plus: 10
Streaming
Free: No | Plus: Yes
Secure Core
Free: No | Plus: Yes
🔒 Both plans include: Swiss privacy protection • No-logs policy • Open-source apps • 30-day money-back guarantee (Plus)
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