Best ExpressVPN alternatives in 2026

Looking for an alternative to ExpressVPN? Whether you've outgrown it, find the pricing steep, or just want to weigh your options, these are the strongest vpn alternatives in 2026 — ranked on pricing, features, and who each one fits best. ExpressVPN itself starts at from $6.70/mo, so we've flagged where each option is cheaper, simpler, or more specialized.

1
NordVPN
Best for: privacy-conscious
Fast, security-focused VPN. A popular vpn alternative to ExpressVPN — from $3.49/mo. Particularly strong for privacy-conscious.
4.4From $3.49/moVisit
2
CyberGhost
Best for: streamers
If ExpressVPN feels like overkill or over-budget, CyberGhost is a leaner option. Beginner-friendly VPN with many servers. Pricing: from $2.11/mo.
4.3From $2.11/moVisit
3
Proton VPN
Best for: privacy-conscious
Proton VPN goes head-to-head with ExpressVPN on features with a genuinely usable free tier. Secure VPN with a genuinely free tier. Best suited to privacy-conscious. Free – $9.99/mo.
4.6Free – $9.99/moVisit
4
Mullvad VPN
Best for: privacy-conscious
A well-rated vpn pick. Privacy-first VPN with flat pricing. Mullvad VPN starts at from $5.50/mo, making it a credible ExpressVPN replacement.
4.6From $5.50/moVisit
5
Surfshark
Best for: budget-conscious
Affordable VPN with unlimited devices. A popular vpn alternative to ExpressVPN — from $2.50/mo. Particularly strong for budget-conscious.
4.4From $2.50/moVisit
6
TunnelBear
Best for: beginners
If ExpressVPN feels like overkill or over-budget, TunnelBear is a leaner option with a genuinely usable free tier. A friendly VPN with a free tier. Pricing: free – $3.33/mo.
4.4Free – $3.33/moVisit
7
Windscribe
Best for: budget-conscious
Windscribe goes head-to-head with ExpressVPN on features with a genuinely usable free tier. VPN with a usable free tier. Best suited to budget-conscious. Free – $9/mo.
4.4Free – $9/moVisit
8
Private Internet Access
Best for: budget-conscious
A well-rated vpn pick. Configurable VPN with unlimited devices. Private Internet Access starts at from $2/mo, making it a credible ExpressVPN replacement.
4.3From $2/moVisit

Still considering ExpressVPN itself? Read our ExpressVPN review →

Frequently asked questions

What is the best ExpressVPN alternative?

NordVPN is our top-rated ExpressVPN alternative for 2026. Fast, security-focused VPN. From $3.49/mo.

Is there a free ExpressVPN alternative?

Yes — Proton VPN, TunnelBear, Windscribe all offer a free tier you can start on without a credit card.

Why switch from ExpressVPN?

Common reasons are price, a simpler feature set, better fit for a specific use case, or platform support. Each tool above notes where it has an edge over ExpressVPN.