ExpressVPN was founded in 2009 in the British Virgin Islands and is owned by Kape Technologies alongside CyberGhost and Private Internet Access. The service has built a strong reputation for reliable streaming performance and consistent speeds, particularly after upgrading a significant portion of its server infrastructure to 40Gbps connections. The platform revamped its pricing structure in 2025 to introduce three tiers. Basic covers the core VPN with all server locations, split tunneling, and the Lightway protocol — ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol built for speed and reliability. Advanced adds Keys (ExpressVPN’s password manager) and Identity Defender threat protection. Pro adds a dedicated IP address and up to 14 simultaneous device connections. The Lightway protocol is ExpressVPN’s most significant technical differentiator. Built on WolfSSL, Lightway is designed for fast connection establishment and reliable performance on mobile and unstable connections, maintaining a VPN session through network switches without disconnection. Independent speed tests consistently rate ExpressVPN among the top performers. Streaming reliability is ExpressVPN’s clearest practical differentiator. The service maintains consistent access to Netflix US, UK, and multiple international catalogs, as well as Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and other geo-restricted streaming platforms. Users who primarily want a VPN for streaming tend to cite ExpressVPN as the most reliable option. The renewal pricing requires careful attention. The 2-year Basic plan at $2.79 per month introductory renews at approximately $99.95 per year after the first term — a significant increase from the promotional rate. ExpressVPN is the right VPN for speed-focused users and streaming enthusiasts who want premium performance and are willing to pay slightly more than NordVPN or Surfshark for the reliability.
ExpressVPN
NordVPN delivers comparable speeds with a larger server network at lower introductory pricing — better value unless ExpressVPN's specific streaming reliability is the priority
Software Specs
- Free Trial: No — 30-day money-back guarantee
- Learning Curve: easy
- Consistent streaming performance — reliably unblocks Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer across multiple regions
- Lightway protocol delivers fast connection establishment and stability on mobile and network switching
- 40Gbps server upgrades across major locations — among the fastest VPN speeds in independent testing
- More expensive than NordVPN and Surfshark at comparable plan lengths — premium pricing for premium performance
- Owned by Kape Technologies alongside CyberGhost and PIA — some privacy-focused users prefer independent ownership
- Device limit of 8 simultaneous connections on Basic — Surfshark offers unlimited at lower price
Ready to try ExpressVPN?
Frequently Asked Questions
Lightway is ExpressVPN's proprietary VPN protocol built on the WolfSSL library. It is designed for fast connection establishment (typically under 1 second), low battery consumption on mobile, and reliable performance through network changes such as switching from WiFi to cellular. It is available on all ExpressVPN apps and is the recommended default protocol.
Yes. ExpressVPN is consistently rated among the most reliable VPNs for streaming. It maintains consistent access to Netflix US and international catalogs, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other major streaming platforms. Server addresses are regularly rotated to maintain unblocking as streaming services update their VPN detection systems.
Basic allows 8 simultaneous device connections. Pro allows up to 14 simultaneous connections. Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, smart TVs, and routers. ExpressVPN can be configured on compatible routers to cover all devices on a home network.
The 2-year Basic introductory price is $2.79/month. After the initial term, the Basic plan renews at approximately $99.95/year. The 1-year Basic plan also renews at $99.95/year after the first term. Auto-renewal is enabled by default. Disable or set a calendar reminder before your renewal date to review alternatives.
ExpressVPN costs more than NordVPN at comparable plan lengths and has a smaller server network. ExpressVPN's advantages are the Lightway protocol, streaming reliability, and app experience quality. NordVPN has more servers, lower pricing, and a larger independent audit history. For most users, NordVPN offers better value. For users where streaming reliability is the priority, ExpressVPN is worth the premium.
Advertiser Disclosure: Pricing verified April 2026 from ExpressVPN's official pricing page. Introductory prices apply to first term only.. We may receive compensation for clicks or purchases on this site.