ExpressVPN has long been the gold standard in the VPN industry, offering blazing-fast speeds, top-notch security, and an interface so user-friendly that even VPN newbies feel like pros.
ExpressVPN, one of the industry leaders, offers its cheapest plan at $8.32 per month for a one-year subscription. While it’s a robust service, it’s not the most budget-friendly option out there.
If you’re seeking alternatives to ExpressVPN, there are several robust options available. Surfshark stands out as a budget-friendly choice at $2.49 per month for a two-year plan, offering similar performance and additional features. Other notable alternatives include NordVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access, each providing a unique set of features and pricing structures to suit various needs.
Surfshark offers a compelling package of features at just $2.49 per month when you opt for a two-year plan, making it a more affordable yet powerful alternative to ExpressVPN.
Ready to explore powerful yet wallet-friendly VPN alternatives to ExpressVPN? Dive in to find the perfect blend of security, speed, and savings.
Why Consider an Alternative to ExpressVPN?
Before exploring the list, it’s essential to grasp why you might seek an alternative to ExpressVPN. Some VPN services offer lower prices, more features, or a broader range of server locations.
Understanding these distinctions will guide you in making an informed decision. Moreover, your specific needs—be it streaming, torrenting, or bypassing geo-restrictions—can also influence your choice.
VPN Pricing Comparison Chart
| VPN Service | Monthly Plan ($) | 1-Year Plan ($/month) | 2-Year Plan ($/month) | 3-Year Plan ($/month) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | 12.95 | 8.32 | N/A | N/A |
| Surfshark | 12.95 | 6.49 | 2.49 | N/A |
| NordVPN | 11.95 | 6.99 | 3.99 | N/A |
| CyberGhost | 12.99 | 5.99 | 2.11 | N/A |
| PIA | 9.95 | 3.33 | N/A | 2.03 |
| ProtonVPN | 10.00 | 8.00 | N/A | N/A |
| PrivateVPN | 7.67 | 4.88 | N/A | 2.00 |
| IPVanish | 10.99 | 3.75 | N/A | N/A |
| Mullvad | 5.00 (flat rate) | 5.00 (flat rate) | 5.00 (flat rate) | 5.00 (flat rate) |
| Windscribe | 9.00 | 4.08 | N/A | N/A |
| AtlasVPN | 9.99 | 2.99 | N/A | 1.83 |
The Top 10 Alternatives to ExpressVPN
1. Surfshark: The Budget-Friendly Choice
- Price: $2.49/month (2-year plan)
- Servers: 3200+ in 100 countries
- Unique Features: Surfshark One bundle, ad blocker, unlimited simultaneous connections
Surfshark not only offers similar performance to ExpressVPN but does so at a fraction of the cost. With its Surfshark One bundle, you get additional features like antivirus and alert systems. This makes it a robust and comprehensive alternative. The unlimited simultaneous connections feature is particularly beneficial for households with multiple devices.
2. NordVPN: The All-Rounder
- Price: $3.99/month (2-year plan)
- Servers: 5,000+ mostly in Europe and North America
- Unique Features: NordPass and NordLocker, ad blocker
NordVPN is a significant player in the VPN industry, offering a comprehensive package of privacy and security features. It’s not just cheaper than ExpressVPN; it also boasts a more extensive server network. NordVPN’s additional features like NordPass and NordLocker add extra layers of security and convenience, making it a compelling choice.
3. CyberGhost: The Feature-Rich Option
- Price: $2.11/month (2-year plan)
- Servers: 9,000+ in 90+ countries
- Unique Features: Ad blocker, dedicated IP option
CyberGhost stands out for its extensive server network and feature set. Owned by the same parent company as ExpressVPN, it offers a different package that includes an ad blocker and a dedicated IP option. The 45-day money-back guarantee provides an extended period for you to test the service, ensuring it meets your needs.
4. Private Internet Access (PIA): The Server Giant
- Price: $2.03/month (3-year plan)
- Servers: 10,000+ in 84 countries
- Unique Features: Extensive server network
PIA offers an impressive number of servers and competitive pricing, making it a solid alternative to ExpressVPN. Its extensive server network ensures that you’ll always find an uncrowded server, enhancing your online experience. The service also offers robust security features, making it a reliable choice for privacy-conscious users.
5. ProtonVPN: The Balanced Choice
- Price: $4.99/month
- Servers: 2,900+ in 67 countries
- Unique Features: Up to 10 simultaneous connections
ProtonVPN offers a balanced package that doesn’t stand out in any particular area but provides a good all-around service. It allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, which is more than ExpressVPN but less than some others on this list. Its server network is decent, making it a reliable option for general use.
6. PrivateVPN: The Underdog
- Price: $2/month (long-term plan)
- Servers: 200+ in 56 countries
- Unique Features: Secure encryption
PrivateVPN may be a smaller company, but it offers a good VPN experience at a very affordable price. While it doesn’t have as extensive a server network as some competitors, it compensates with secure encryption and some comfort features. It’s an excellent option for those who prefer supporting smaller businesses.
7. IPVanish: The Versatile Option
- Price: $3.33/month
- Servers: Not specified
- Unique Features: Unlimited simultaneous connections
IPVanish offers a fast and secure connection at a price much lower than ExpressVPN. The unlimited simultaneous connections feature is particularly useful if you have multiple devices or want to protect your entire family with a single subscription. Despite lacking some additional features, its core service is robust.
8. Mullvad: The Anonymity Specialist
- Price: Unique payment model
- Servers: Not specified
- Unique Features: Extreme focus on anonymity
Mullvad takes a unique approach to privacy, focusing intensely on user anonymity. It doesn’t even require an email to sign up, instead generating a unique code that serves as your username and password. This extreme focus on privacy makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize anonymity above all else.
9. Windscribe: The Free Alternative
- Price: $5.75/month (yearly plan)
- Servers: 480+ in 69 countries
- Unique Features: Free plan available
Windscribe is unique in offering a free plan alongside its premium service. While the free plan has limitations, it’s a good starting point for those new to VPNs. The premium service offers a reasonable price and a decent range of features, including unlimited simultaneous connections, making it a versatile choice.
10. AtlasVPN: The Cheapest Option
- Price: $1.83/month (3-year plan)
- Servers: 750+ in 37 countries
- Unique Features: Ad blocker, double VPN
AtlasVPN is the most affordable option on this list but doesn’t skimp on features. It offers an ad blocker and a double VPN feature, which are not available with ExpressVPN. Despite being a smaller player in the VPN game, AtlasVPN provides 24/7 live chat support, ensuring you’re never left in the lurch.
Final Thoughts
When looking for an alternative to ExpressVPN, consider what you value most—be it price, server locations, or additional features.
Many of these alternatives offer robust services at a fraction of the cost, making them worthy contenders for your next VPN choice.
Your specific needs and preferences will ultimately guide your decision, so take the time to explore these options thoroughly.
Alex Sterling isn’t just a seasoned writer; he’s a connoisseur of fine living, with a particular passion for high-end watches. He loves uncovering the latest trends in technology, lifestyle, and wellness.