ExpressVPN Review 2026
FASTEST VPNExpressVPN is the fastest VPN we've evaluated, with its Lightway protocol delivering just a 2% speed drop on nearby servers — the best result of any VPN. The TrustedServer RAM-only infrastructure means every server wipes itself on every reboot, leaving zero trace of user activity. ExpressVPN has completed close to 20 third-party audits from firms including KPMG, PwC, and Cure53. The British Virgin Islands jurisdiction provides strong legal privacy protection. While it's pricier than competitors, the 28-month plan at $2.44/mo brings it closer to the pack. The Aircove router and Keys password manager add genuine value beyond the VPN itself.
ExpressVPN at a Glance
ExpressVPN earns its place as the #2 VPN in our 2026 rankings with an overall score of 9.5/10, anchored by the fastest speeds of any VPN. Based in the British Virgin Islands -- a privacy-friendly jurisdiction with no data retention laws -- ExpressVPN combines blazing performance with robust security.
The proprietary Lightway protocol is the star of the show, delivering download speeds within 2% of a direct connection. That translates to virtually no perceptible slowdown whether you are streaming, gaming, or downloading. ExpressVPN also supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 for maximum compatibility.
With 3,000+ servers across 105 countries, ExpressVPN covers the globe thoroughly. The TrustedServer technology ensures every server runs on volatile RAM only -- nothing is ever written to a hard drive, and the entire system wipes on every reboot. Combined with 10 simultaneous device connections and apps for every major platform, it is a premium VPN that delivers a premium experience.
- Speed-obsessed users who refuse to compromise on bandwidth
- Heavy streamers who need 4K/8K without buffering
- Travelers needing reliable access from restrictive regions
- Users who want dead-simple apps on every platform
- Professionals requiring low-latency connections for video calls
Speed Performance
| Protocol | Download | Upload | Ping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightway (UDP) | 498 Mbps | 45 Mbps | 6 ms |
| Lightway (TCP) | 478 Mbps | 42 Mbps | 8 ms |
| WireGuard | 480 Mbps | 43 Mbps | 7 ms |
| OpenVPN (UDP) | 295 Mbps | 26 Mbps | 16 ms |
| IKEv2 | 338 Mbps | 30 Mbps | 12 ms |
Privacy & Security
The British Virgin Islands have no mandatory data retention laws, no government surveillance programs, and are outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes alliances. ExpressVPN has leveraged this jurisdiction since its founding, and a 2017 Turkish government server seizure confirmed that no user data was stored.
Streaming & Unblocking
Features & Apps
Pricing & Plans
Pros & Cons
- Fastest VPN available -- only 2% speed drop with Lightway
- Flawless streaming: unblocks every platform including DAZN
- TrustedServer RAM-only infrastructure verified by KPMG
- Lightway protocol is open-source and audited by Cure53
- Works reliably in China and other restricted regions
- Intuitive, beautifully designed apps across all platforms
- Higher monthly price than most competitors
- Only 3,000+ servers (smaller than some rivals)
- No multi-hop / double VPN feature
- No built-in ad-blocker (Threat Manager is limited)
Final Verdict
ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN we've evaluated, with its Lightway protocol delivering just a 2% speed drop on nearby servers — the best result of any VPN. The TrustedServer RAM-only infrastructure means every server wipes itself on every reboot, leaving zero trace of user activity. ExpressVPN has completed close to 20 third-party audits from firms including KPMG, PwC, and Cure53. The British Virgin Islands jurisdiction provides strong legal privacy protection. While it's pricier than competitors, the 28-month plan at $2.44/mo brings it closer to the pack. The Aircove router and Keys password manager add genuine value beyond the VPN itself.
ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN money can buy. If raw speed and flawless streaming are your top priorities, nothing else comes close. The 2% speed drop with Lightway is extraordinary, the TrustedServer infrastructure is best-in-class, and the 28-month plan at $2.44/mo finally makes it price-competitive. It only trails NordVPN in our rankings because NordVPN offers slightly more features at a similar price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Builder, tinkerer, privacy advocate. I believe privacy is a right, not a product feature.