How Much Does
ExpressVPN Cost in 2026?
ExpressVPN is the premium VPN — consistently most expensive, consistently most reliable. 2-year at $6.67/mo is 2x NordVPN's equivalent tier ($3.09) but you're paying for RAM-only servers, proprietary Lightway protocol, and unmatched streaming reliability. For non-technical users who want it to just work, ExpressVPN is the safe choice.
Prices in USD, verified from the United States. Regional pricing may vary.
Plans & Pricing
2-year
$6.67/mo billed annually
- devices 8
- note $159.95 / 2yr, renews at monthly rate
From the StackScored blog
Features
Our Verdict
ExpressVPN's positioning is 'premium VPN that's worth the premium.' The 2-year tier at $6.67/mo is 115% more expensive than NordVPN Basic 2-year at $3.09/mo. What justifies it: RAM-only servers (data can't be recovered if servers are seized), the proprietary Lightway protocol (faster and more reliable than OpenVPN in our tests), and the most consistent streaming unlocks in the industry. Where Express wins cleanly: non-technical user experience. Apps are genuinely intuitive on every platform — Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, routers, smart TVs. The '1-click connect' actually works, and when it can't reach a specific service (say BBC iPlayer is blocked), error messages tell you what to try instead. NordVPN's equivalent error flows are confusing. Where ExpressVPN loses: price. At $6.67/mo 2-year vs Mullvad's flat €5/mo, you're paying a 36% premium for polish. The 8 devices per account is less than NordVPN's 10 and Surfshark's unlimited. 30-day money-back is standard but real — refunds process without haggling. Bottom line: if your time is worth more than $2-3/mo to avoid troubleshooting, ExpressVPN earns its premium. If you're price-sensitive or technically confident, Mullvad or NordVPN are better value.
Pros
- RAM-only server architecture — no persistent data to seize even if servers are compromised
- Lightway protocol is faster than OpenVPN and has shipped more feature improvements than WireGuard in 2025-2026
- Most consistent streaming service unlocks — Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer work reliably across 20+ regions
- Best-in-class apps on every platform including routers and smart TVs
- British Virgin Islands jurisdiction has no mandatory data retention laws
Cons
- Most expensive VPN in this comparison — 2x NordVPN Basic at equivalent tier
- Only 8 devices per account vs NordVPN's 10 and Surfshark's unlimited
- No free tier or free trial — must commit and request refund within 30 days
- 3,000 servers is fewer than NordVPN (7,000+) — slightly reduced location variety
Affiliate link — you pay the same price
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does ExpressVPN cost per month?
- ExpressVPN plans start at $9.99/mo. They offer 4 plans total.
- Does ExpressVPN offer a free trial?
- Yes, ExpressVPN offers a free trial for 30 days. No credit card is typically required to start.
- Is ExpressVPN worth the price?
- With a score of 8.6/10 and plans from $9.99/mo, ExpressVPN delivers strong value for the price.
- What are cheaper alternatives to ExpressVPN?
- Cheaper vpn alternatives include Mullvad ($5/mo). See all options on our [VPN pricing comparison](/pricing/vpn/) page.