Think ExpressVPN is the only VPN worth your time? Think again!
It’s like believing the earth is flat – a whole world of amazing VPN options is waiting to be discovered. 😉
You may be looking for a more budget-friendly option or need a VPN with specific features ExpressVPN doesn’t offer.
Whatever your reason, you’ve come to the right place.
In this post, we’ll compare the 15 best ExpressVPN alternatives, focusing on their features, pricing, and overall value.
By the end, you’ll be equipped to choose the perfect VPN for your unique needs and browse the Internet confidently and securely.
Let’s dive in!
What is the Best ExpressVPN Alternative in 2025?
Choosing the “best” really depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want blazing-fast speeds?
Rock-solid security? A VPN that’s easy on your wallet? We’ve got you covered.
Check out our list of top contenders with strengths and specialties.
1. NordVPN
Ever heard of NordVPN? It’s a super popular VPN, and for good reason.
They’ve been around for a while and have a solid reputation.
NordVPN is known for its strong security and massive network of servers. It’s an excellent all-arounder, perfect for beginners and experienced users alike.
Our Take
NordVPN gets a 9/10 because it offers a fantastic combination of security, features, and ease of use. The massive server network and strong security features make it an excellent choice for most users. The value is there but is more expensive than some alternatives.
Key Benefits
- Massive server network: Boasts over 5,500 servers in 60 countries.
- Strong security: Uses AES-256 encryption and a variety of security protocols.
- Specialty servers: Offers dedicated servers for streaming, torrenting, and extra security.
- Strict no-logs policy: They don’t track your online activity.
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Plenty of time to try it risk-free.
Pricing
- Complete: $14.99/month – Secure, high-speed VPN, Anti-malware, and advanced browsing protection.
- Plus: $13.99/month – Secure, high-speed VPN, Anti-malware, and advanced browsing protection.
- Basic: $12.99/month – Secure, high-speed VPN, Anti-malware, and advanced browsing protection.
Pros
Cons
2. Surfshark
Want a VPN that doesn’t break the bank? Surfshark VPN is a great option!
This one is known for its low price and unlimited simultaneous connections.
This means you can use it on all your devices simultaneously. That’s pretty cool. It also has some powerful security features to keep you safe online.
Our Take
Surfshark VPN is popular because it offers an outstanding balance of features, security, and price. It’s a fantastic choice for budget-conscious users or those who need to connect multiple devices. However, its speeds can be inconsistent and might not be the best choice for accessing geo-restricted content.
Key Benefits
- Unlimited simultaneous connections: Connect all your devices!
- Affordable price: Great value for your money.
- Strong security features: Includes AES-256 encryption and a kill switch.
- Fast speeds: Good for streaming and downloading.
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Plenty of time to try it out.
Pricing
- Surfshark Starter: $15.45/month
- Surfshark One: $17.95/month
- Surfshark One+: $20.65/month
Pros
Cons
3. Proton VPN
If privacy is your top priority, check out Proton VPN. It is based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws.
Proton VPN is known for its focus on security and even has a free version!
This makes it a great option to try a VPN before committing to a paid plan.
Our Take
Proton VPN is popular because it’s a solid choice for privacy-focused users. The free version is a great perk, and the paid plans offer good value. However, it may not be the fastest VPN and is not ideal for streaming.
Key Benefits
- Strong focus on privacy: Based in Switzerland with a strict no-logs policy.
- Secure core servers: Adds an extra layer of protection.
- Free version available: Try it out before you buy.
- Open-source apps: Transparency and community-driven development.
Pricing
- 1-month plan: €9.99/month
- 1-year plan: €4.49/month
- 2-year plan: €4.99/month
Pros
Cons
4. FastestVPN
As the name suggests, FastestVPN is all about speed.
It claims to be one of the fastest VPNs on the market, making it an awesome choice for activities that needs a lot of bandwidth, such as gaming or streaming.
Our Take
FastestVPN is popular because it delivers on its promise of fast speeds. It’s a good option for performance-critical tasks like gaming and torrenting. However, it can have connectivity issues, and its privacy features aren’t the strongest.
Key Benefits
- Fast speeds: Fully optimized for performance.
- P2P optimized servers: Good for torrenting.
- Affordable pricing: Offers competitive plans.
- 15-day money-back guarantee: Try it risk-free.
Pricing
- 1-month plan: $5/month
- 1-year plan: $0.83/month
- Lifetime plan: $40/month
Pros
Cons
5. Aura VPN
Aura VPN is a newer VPN that is quickly becoming popular.
It’s part of the Aura digital security suite, so you get antivirus and other security features along with the VPN.
This makes it a good option if you’re looking for an all-in-one security solution.
Our Take
Aura VPN is popular because it offers a comprehensive security solution at a reasonable price. It’s a good choice for those who want more than just a VPN. However, it’s a newer provider with a smaller server network.
Key Benefits
- Part of a comprehensive security suite: Includes antivirus, malware protection, and more.
- Good speeds: Suitable for streaming and downloading.
- Growing server network: Expanding to more locations.
- User-friendly interface: Easy to set up and use.
Pricing
- Kids: $10/month
- Individual: $12/month
- Couple: $22/month
- Family: $32/month
Pros
Cons
6. PureVPN
PureVPN is another veteran in the VPN industry.
It has an extensive server network & offers a wide range of features.
The company has also been working hard to improve its reputation and has implemented a no-logs policy.
Our Take
PureVPN is known for its many features and extensive server network. Its privacy policy has improved, but its speeds can be inconsistent, and its customer support has mixed reviews.
Key Benefits
- Extensive server network: Over 6,500 servers in 78 countries.
- Wide range of features: Includes split tunneling, port forwarding, and dedicated IPs.
- No-logs policy: Audited by independent firms.
- 31-day money-back guarantee: Gives you a little extra time to decide.
Pricing
- Max: $19.95/month
- Plus: $15.95/month
- Standard: $12.95/month
Pros
Cons
7. Mullvad VPN
Mullvad VPN is another privacy-focused VPN known for its strong security and anonymity.
Signing up doesn’t require an email address, making it an excellent option for those serious about protecting their privacy.
Our Take
Mullvad VPN is known because it’s an excellent choice for privacy-conscious users. It’s secure, anonymous, and open-source. However, it can be more challenging and lacks some of the features other VPNs offer.
Key Benefits
- Strong focus on anonymity: No email address is required to sign up.
- Open-source: Transparent and trustworthy.
- Strong security: Uses WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols.
- Accepts Bitcoin: For anonymous payments.
Pricing
Mullvad VPN has a simple pricing structure: €5/month. That’s it! No discounts for longer subscriptions.
Pros
Cons
8. Mysterium VPN
Mysterium VPN is different from other VPNs.
It’s a decentralized VPN that uses blockchain technology.
This means your traffic is routed through a network of users rather than a central server, which can provide increased privacy and security.
Our Take
Mysterium VPN is popular because its decentralized network offers a unique approach to VPN technology. It’s a good option for privacy-conscious users, but it can be more complex and vary speeds.
Key Benefits
- Decentralized network: Increased privacy and security.
- No-logs policy: Doesn’t store your data.
- Open-source: Transparent and community-driven.
- Pay-as-you-go pricing: Only pay for what you use.
Pricing
- 1-month plan: $9.99/month
- 6-month plan: $6.85/month
- 1-year plan: $5.14/month
- 2-year plan: $3.19/month
Pros
Cons
9. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a well-established VPN known for its strong security and affordable price.
Its extensive server network offers a good balance of features and performance.
Our Take
Private Internet Access is popular because it offers a good balance of security, features, and price. It’s a solid choice for general VPN use but can be slow and isn’t the best for streaming.
Key Benefits
- Extensive server network: Over 35,912 servers in 84 countries.
- Strong security: Uses AES-256 encryption and has a kill switch.
- Affordable price: Offers competitive plans.
- Ten simultaneous connections: Protect all your devices.
Pricing
- 1-month plan: $11.95/month
- 1-year plan: $3.33/month
- 3-years + 4 months free: $1.98/month
All plans include unlimited bandwidth and access to all server locations.
Pros
Cons
10. Avast VPN
Avast VPN is a very good option if you know Avast antivirus products.
It’s a simple, easy-to-use VPN that is a good choice for basic VPN needs but doesn’t have as many features as other VPNs.
Our Take
Avast VPN is known for its simple, easy-to-use VPN that meets basic needs. However, it lacks advanced features and has a smaller server network.
Key Benefits
- Simple and easy to use: Good for beginners.
- Decent speeds: Suitable for browsing and streaming.
- Strong security: Uses AES-256 encryption.
- Reputable brand: From a well-known security company.
Pricing
- 1 year: $4.59/month
- 2 years: $4.39/month
- 3 years: $4.39/month
Pros
Cons
11. Norton VPN
Norton Secure VPN is another VPN from a well-known security company.
It’s a decent option for basic security and privacy, but it’s not the best for streaming or torrenting.
Our Take
Norton Secure VPN is popular because it’s a decent VPN from a trusted brand. However, it lacks features and isn’t the best performer.
Key Benefits
- Reputable brand: From a trusted security company.
- Suitable security: Uses AES-256 encryption.
- No-logs policy: Doesn’t track your activity.
- Easy to use: Simple interface.
Pricing
- Plus: $29.99/year.
- Standard: $39.99/year.
- Deluxe: $49.99/year.
- Select Plus: $99.99/year.
Pros
Cons
12. Bitdefender VPN
Bitdefender VPN is a simple and lightweight VPN that’s included with Bitdefender’s antivirus software.
It’s a good option for basic security and privacy, but it’s not the most feature-rich VPN on this list.
Our Take
Bitdefender VPN is popular because it’s a decent VPN that comes with Bitdefender antivirus. However, it has limited features and a small server network.
Key Benefits
- Lightweight and easy to use: It doesn’t slow down your device.
- Suitable security: Uses AES-256 encryption.
- Included with Bitdefender antivirus: Good value if you already use Bitdefender.
- No-logs policy: Doesn’t track your activity.
Pricing
- 1-month: $6.99/month
- 1-year: $2.92/month
Pros
Cons
13. TunnelBear
TunnelBear is a user-friendly VPN that’s known for its cute bear-themed interface.
It’s a good option for beginners, but it doesn’t have as many features as other VPNs on this list.
Our Take
TunnelBear is popular because it’s a user-friendly VPN with strong security. However, it has limited features, and the free version is very restrictive.
Key Benefits
- User friendly interface: Easy to use, even for beginners.
- Strong security: Uses AES-256 encryption.
- Free version available: Try it out before you buy.
- Independent security audits: Transparent and trustworthy.
Pricing
- Free: Limited data and features.
- Unlimited: $3.33/month
- Teams: $5.75/month
The Unlimited plan includes unlimited data and access to all server locations.
Pros
Cons
14. CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN is a popular VPN known for its extensive server network and user-friendly interface.
It’s a good option for streaming and torrenting but can be expensive.
Our Take
CyberGhost VPN is popular because it has an extensive server network and is suitable for streaming. However, it can be expensive, and there have been some privacy concerns.
Key Benefits
- Large server network: Over 9,700 servers in 91 countries.
- User-friendly interface: Easy to use, even for beginners.
- Good for streaming: Unblocks many popular streaming services.
- Dedicated servers for torrenting: Optimized for P2P traffic.
Pricing
- 1 Month: $12.99/month
- 6 Month: $6.99/month
- 2-Year + 4 months: $2.03/month
All plans include unlimited bandwidth and access to all server locations.
Pros
Cons
15. Windscribe
Windscribe is a free VPN with decent data and features.
It’s a good option for basic VPN needs but not the best choice for streaming or torrenting.
Our Take
Windscribe is popular because it offers a decent free VPN service. However, it has limited features and isn’t the fastest VPN.
Key Benefits
- Free version available: Offers a generous amount of data.
- Strong security: Uses AES-256 encryption and has a kill switch.
- Built-in ad blocker: Blocks ads and trackers.
- User-friendly interface: Easy to use.
Pricing
- Monthly Plan: $9.00/month
- Yearly Plan: $5.75/month
- Build A Plan: Custom pricing.
The Pro plan includes unlimited data and access to all server locations.
Pros
Cons
Buyers Guide
To bring you this list of top-notch ExpressVPN alternatives, we went beyond simple web searches and marketing materials.
We wanted to give you the real deal, so we rolled our sleeves and got to work!
Here’s how we made sure our research was thorough and focused on what matters most to you:
- Digging Deep: We didn’t just scratch the surface. We explored various VPN services, including premium and free VPNs, to understand the full spectrum of options available.
- Real-World Testing: We didn’t just take the VPN providers’ word for it. We consulted independent testing and reviews from reputable sources to verify their performance and security claims, ensuring they truly deliver a secure connection.
- Feature Focus: We examined each VPN’s features in detail. How many server locations do they offer? Do they provide extra tools like kill switches and split tunneling? Do they offer advanced features like double VPN for additional security? We checked it all!
- Support Matters: We examined each VPN’s customer support. Do they offer FAQs, live chat, or email support? What about their refund policy? We made sure you’d be in good hands if you needed help.
- User Feedback: We scoured genuine user reviews to see what actual people are saying about their experiences with each VPN. This helped us understand how these VPNs perform in the real world, not just in a lab setting.
- Price Check: We compared the costs of each VPN, looking for the best value for your money. We also factored in any discounts or special offers. After all, a good VPN connection should keep the bank intact!
- Security First: We prioritized VPNs with strong, secure encryption & a commitment to protecting your privacy. We ensured each VPN on our list could offer a virtual private network experience.
Ultimately, we aimed to find the best ExpressVPN alternatives that offer strong security, excellent features, and affordable pricing.
Wrapping Up
That wraps our exploration of the best ExpressVPN alternatives in 2025!
We’ve covered a lot of ground, from pricing and features to security and customer support.
Remember, the “best” VPN for you depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Whether you’re looking for top-notch security, blazing-fast speeds, or a budget-friendly option, a VPN out there is perfect for you.
Feel free to try a few different options and see which fits you best.
We’ve done the heavy lifting with our in-depth research and analysis.
You can browse with confidence, knowing you’re making an informed decision. Happy browsing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I need an ExpressVPN alternative?
While ExpressVPN is a solid VPN, it can be pricey. Alternatives often provide similar features, like strong encryption and a vast range of server locations, at a lower cost. Some even offer unique features ExpressVPN lacks, such as advanced split tunneling or specialized servers.
Are there any free ExpressVPN alternatives?
Yes, but proceed with caution! Free VPNs often have limitations, such as the data caps, fewer server locations, and slower speeds. They might also monetize their service through ads or, in some cases, by selling your data if you opt for a free VPN, research and choose a reputable provider.
What should I look for in an ExpressVPN alternative?
Prioritize strong security features like AES-256 encryption and a kill switch. Consider the number of server locations and countries offered. Look for a no-logs policy, which means the VPN provider doesn’t track your online activity. A user-friendly interface and good customer support are also important.
Can I use a VPN on all my devices?
Most VPN providers offer apps for various devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and routers. Before subscribing, check for compatibility with your specific devices. Some VPNs, like Surfshark, even allow unlimited simultaneous connections.
Is it legal to use a VPN?
Using a VPN is the legal in most countries. However, some countries have restrictions or some outright bans. Always check the local laws in your country & the country where the VPN server is located.
