Best ExpressVPN Alternatives [Free + Paid]

Express is one of the most well-known VPNs online. You probably first heard about them when they sponsored your favorite YouTuber or in one of their million affiliate listings on VPN review websites. While they have a very strong marketing presence, they are certainly not the most reputable option when it comes to VPNs.

Some Express users are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with their service, particularly when it comes to transparency and reliability. Even Edward Snowden himself thinks you shouldn't be using Express.

Here are a few of the common complaints users have about Express VPN:

Sketchy Ownership: Kape Technologies, a company with a shady if not controversial past, owns Express VPN. They previously offered a product that was basically malware and have been scooping up some big names in the VPN space to add to their portfolio. This has made some users uneasy about trusting the service with their data.

Performance: Express has a very large server network, but due to being one of the most popular VPNs worldwide, many of their server IPs are known. Users report inconsistent performance, such as websites blocking their connection outright or making them complete a captcha for verification. These may seem like small annoyances, but they compound over time, especially for a VPN that purports to offer high speed, seamless connections.

Shady Pricing Practices: Express is one of the many culprits in the VPN world who offer “bait-and-switch” pricing models. They will lure you in with an introductory offer, and upon renewal increase your subscription price by a significant percentage. 

If you’re looking for a VPN that offers robust features with transparent pricing, here are the best free and paid Express VPN alternatives.

Express VPN Alternatives Worth Checking Out

1. Windscribe

We have to give ourselves first place, right? Windscribe actually deserves this spot, due to our uniquely generous and feature rich free plan. Add in the robust privacy and security features available to all subscription tiers and you’ve got a match made in heaven. 

The Most Free Bandwidth Around

Try Windscribe’s free plan and you’ll get 10GB of data per month—much more than other free VPNs offer. You can also earn more free data through simple actions like tweeting about the service or referring friends.

R.O.B.E.R.T: Your Digital Bodyguard

Meet R.O.B.E.R.T, Windscribe’s own advanced domain and IP blocking tool.  doesn’t just block ads and trackers—it kicks malware to the curb too. Wherever you browse, R.O.B.E.R.T has your back.

Multiple Connections: Be Everywhere At Once

With Windscribe, connect all your devices at once—even when you’re on the free plan. Your phone, tablet, smart TV, and even your smart toast- all are welcome on Windscribe’s network.

Clear and Transparent Pricing 

The industry standard is to pull a bait and switch on your customers when they renew. We went the opposite direction: transparent af. Our paid plans are flexible and fairly priced. No price hike upon renewal nonsense to be found here! 

Want to create a custom plan instead? Pick your server locations for $1 each—pay only for what you actually need, or go pro for just $5.75/month on our yearly plan. Want to know the best part? No price hike down the road! Pay the same price you started with, as long as you stay subscribed.

Windscribe vs ExpressVPN: Which VPN Is Better?

We compare Windscribe with ExpressVPN on factors like price, speed, security, reviews, and more. Learn which VPN comes out on top.

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No Logs, No Compromise. 

Windscribe doesn’t play games with your data because we have no data of yours to play with. We have an iron-clad no-logs policy and ethical data usage practices—because your business is exactly that, yours and yours alone. 

Advanced Cybersecurity Features

From Static IPs to circumventing censorship to split tunneling, Windscribe can do it all. Add our standalone browser extension on top for an additional layer of security—it’s packed with privacy features that blocks browser fingerprinting and third party tracking. 

Industry Leading Memes

We don’t do corporate speak here. Instead we like to keep it real, and communicate with our customers in a language we all speak: memes. Make sure to check out our hilarious videos and cheeky emails to get a dose of real humor.

Our market leading free plan, no-logs policy, advanced features, and superior sense of humor, the choice is a no brainer: Windscribe. With easy to use apps and fairly priced plans, you won't find this combination of funny and technically sophisticated anywhere else.

2. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN also offers a free plan for the privacy-conscious user. Proton takes a slightly different approach than Windscribe’s, when it comes to free tiers, but it’s still a strong alternative to Express.

Unlimited Data With A Privacy First Approach

ProtonVPN’s free plan provides unlimited data with capped speed and performance on a single device. This is something few, if any, free VPNs offer. 

Considering that Proton is based in Switzerland, this adds a lot of appeal for the privacy conscious. Switzerland has strong privacy laws and Proton has a clear no-logs policy, making it a trustworthy choice for users looking for transparency and peace of mind.

ProtonVPN’s unlimited data and commitment to privacy make it a good choice for those on a budget who are seeking security over speed or multiple server choices.

3. AirVPN

AirVPN is an excellent choice for users who value transparency and advanced customization, offering features that cater to privacy-conscious users or those who want to try their own configurations. While they don’t offer a free tier, AirVPN is one of the leaders in the VPN space when it comes to being transparent which alone earns them the recommendation. 

AirVPN At a Glance

True Transparency: AirVPN publishes real-time server information and adheres to strict ethical data practices, a rarity in the VPN space.

Limited Server Network: AirVPN’s smaller server network is smaller than most consumer VPNs, but its reliability privacy-focused mission compensate for this drawback.

AirVPN is ideal for users who want transparency and control without a lot of bells and whistles. For a more feature rich experience, Windscribe or Proton should be your focus.

4. IVPN

IVPN is a reliable alternative to Windscribe for privacy-conscious users who value transparency and security. Based in Gibraltar, IVPN has a well earned reputation for their no nonsense pricing and consistent, secure connections, however they unfortunately don’t have a free tier. 

A Quick Look At IVPN

No-Logs and Anonymity: IVPN allows anonymous sign-ups and doesn’t keep logs, ensuring maximum user privacy.

Advanced Functions: IVPN offers features like multi-hop routing, added layer of security not found in many free VPN offerings.

Transparent Ownership: Based in Gibraltar, IVPN operates under their own rules with no ties to companies with questionable histories like Kape Technologies.

Minimalist By Design: IVPN skipped the frills and focused on delivering consistent, privacy-focused services. IVPN doesn’t support as many platforms as Express or Windscribe but it’s still a viable contender. 

IVPN is an excellent choice for users seeking a reliable and consistent option. 

5. Mullvad

Mullvad, home of the iconic mole. Mullvad is a VPN perfect for users who want a no-nonsense experience with a strong emphasis on privacy.

Some Cool Things About Mullvad

You Can Sign-up Anonymously: Mullvad doesn’t require any email or personal details to create an account.

Transparent Pricing: Mullvad charges a flat €5 per month, making it one of the simplest and most affordable VPN pricing models you’ll find.

Privacy-Focused: Like any reputable VPN, Mullvad has a strict no-logs policy and operates in a transparent manner.

The Drawbacks: Mullvad has fewer servers than many of its competitors, and lacks certain features like streaming servers, which are less ideal for users who want to use their VPN for accessing entertainment. 

Mullvad’s unwavering commitment to privacy and transparency makes it a top choice for those who value security over all else.