ExpressVPN Pricing: Subscription Options 2024

We have been testing VPNs for many years. Not only do we know their history, but we also have our finger on the pulse of the latest developments in the VPN space. A modern VPN should have thousands of servers located in hundreds of different countries. Because protecting user privacy is at the core of a VPN service, any service worth its salt should also have a no-logs policy. The best VPNs also have native apps for the most popular devices, including TV streaming devices.

Express VPN delivers on all of our essential components, and that’s why we’ve named the service as one of our favorite VPNs. Excellence comes at a price and ExpressVPN probably isn’t a good option for people looking to spend as little as possible. At $99.95 for an annual subscription, ExpressVPN is much more expensive than our other top picks in NordVPN ($80.73) and Surfshark ($47.84). To be clear, we think Express VPN is worth the price tag if you’re looking for a premium VPN service. But does it suit your needs and budget? Let’s read on to find out.

ExpressVPN Subscriptions

ExpressVPN costs either $12.95 a month, $99.95 for a year, or $149.95 for two years. See the monthly average cost below.

Like most VPNs, ExpressVPN becomes more affordable as you sign up for a longer subscription. From the $12.95 monthly plan, you can bring the monthly cost down to $8.32 per month with the one-year plan. That means paying nearly $100 upfront, but it saves you more than $50 compared to paying for 12 months at $12.95 each.

That $50 you’ll save is pretty big, but let’s look at where ExpressVPN’s pricing stands in the market. For starters, let’s compare it with NordVPN’s plans. One year of NordVPN costs $68.85, which is about $4.59 per month. It’s around $30 cheaper than ExpressVPN’s yearly plan.

In addition to cost, another major drawback for ExpressVPN is the limit of eight  connected devices. By comparison, NordVPN allows for up to 10 devices, while both Surfshark and Private Internet Access allow for unlimited devices to connect at once. But for the average home user, it shouldn’t be too hard to stay within the eight-device limit.

As with many digital security services, VPNs are almost always available at a discount price compared to their “listed” price. It kind of makes you wonder what the point of having a listed price is in the first place if no one is paying it. ExpressVPN goes a slightly different route by offering four additional months for free when you sign up for a 12-month plan. So for $99.95, you get 16 months of express VPN for the 12 month price. This deal has been in place for awhile but it’s definitely subject to change so it’s worth keeping an eye on.

>> Related: The Best Affordable VPNs

Even without those extra offers, though, ExpressVPN makes a case for itself by offering strong security and privacy features, as we noted in our ExpressVPN review. So next, let’s take a look at how it compares to other VPNs in terms of features.

What A Subscription Includes

So the first thing you’d want to look into when assessing a VPN is the server network. And right off the bat, ExpressVPN is looking good. It has more than 2,000 servers (and still counting) in over 170 cities. Country-wise, it has servers in 105. That puts ExpressVPN in the same levels as CyberGhost – if not ahead. You see, CyberGhost has servers in 100 countries, but it has way more servers running than ExpressVPN. It has over 11,000.

You can compare ExpressVPN and CyberGhost head-to-head or read our CyberGhost review to get a clearer picture.

Another VPN with a similar server fleet is – you guessed it! – NordVPN. In our NordVPN review, we saw 111 server locations (countries) and over 6,000 servers. And since more servers usually results in better speeds, we named NordVPN one of the fastest VPNs. ExpressVPN isn’t far behind though. It finished eighth overall when we tested and compared VPN speeds.

Ultimately, we recommend checking the available server locations from both services, as you’ll likely find that more relevant in your search for the better VPN. First, determine which locations you’ll likely use, then check which VPN has servers in those locations. If both of them do, we suggest picking NordVPN, as it has more servers, or you could read our comparison of NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN for a more in-depth differentiation.

You should also note that neither of the two VPNs offer unlimited simultaneous connections. We saw that feature when we reviewed Surfshark. That definitely helps if you’re running an office or business, or if you or your household simply likes having multiple devices running at the same time. Personally, we’re fine with ExpressVPN’s eight-device limit, but if you need more connections, just know that there are other options.

A Breakdown Of Features

ExpressVPN is right up there with NordVPN when it comes to features. We’re not just talking about the sheer number of features offered. Both VPNs offer features that work well. We should know, because we tested both VPNs ourselves.

For ExpressVPN, these were the most important features you’ll gain access to by signing up.

• Kill switch: When our ExpressVPN connection dropped, the VPN app prevented all internet access. This ensured we remained private – since we couldn’t browse the web until we turned ExpressVPN back on, there’s no room for us to connect to the internet and compromise our browsing traffic. The kill switch is one of the necessary VPN features.

• Rotating IP addresses: One of the core functions of a VPN is to change your IP address so that the websites don’t see your real IP address. For added privacy, ExpressVPN gave us rotating (dynamic) IP addresses that changed everytime we connected. A new IP address every new connection makes it harder for anyone to track you. It may not be as great as Surfshark rotating IP address that can be programmed to change your IP address every five to 10 minutes while connected, but ExpressVPN gets the job done.

>> Learn More: Dynamic vs. Static IP addresses

• Streaming and torrenting access: A nice little side effect of changing your IP address using a VPN is that you get expanded streaming options. If you’re in the U.S., for example, getting a U.K. IP address will give you access to streaming libraries available only in the U.K. Streaming sites try to block VPN IP addresses for legal reasons, but in our experience, ExpressVPN is one of the best streaming VPNs. Besides its speed, it evaded detection by the most popular streaming sites. Not to mention, it also protected our privacy while downloading torrents.

>> Read More: VPNs for Downloading Torrent Anonymously

• Encryption: ExpressVPN encrypted our data using AES-256, the industry’s gold standard. As for protocols, it gave us a choice that included OpenVPN and its own proprietary Lightway protocol. When we weren’t sure which to use, the VPN chose the most appropriate protocol for our specific situation.
• Browser extensions: Of course, we downloaded the ExpressVPN app on our iOS and Android mobile devices. While we were browsing on our laptops, though, we simply used the browser extensions to connect. Those extensions include Chrome, Safari, and Firefox. We’re Chrome users ourselves, so it was easy and quick to download the ExpressVPN extension and get connected, not to mention protected.
• Well-designed apps for multiple platforms: Most VPNs offer apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, and we found ExpressVPN’s apps for those platforms easy to use and functional. In addition, though, ExpressVPN has apps for more niched platforms, such as Android TV and Apple TV, making it easier to use on those platforms than VPNs that don’t offer native apps for them.

Your Privacy With ExpressVPN

There are two things in our minds when we talk about VPN privacy. First is the technology the VPN uses to protect users’ online privacy from external threats, like hackers trying to intercept traffic and government organizations looking to spy on its citizens. Second is the VPN company’s privacy policy, which protects users’ data and privacy from the VPN company itself.

How ExpressVPN Provides Online Privacy

For starters, ExpressVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption to encrypt internet traffic. You might know 256-bit AES as “military-grade encryption,” and that’s because it’s the same protocol used by the U.S. military. If you use ExpressVPN, you’re basically encrypting your traffic using the same method as the military.

Speaking of encryption, ExpressVPN uses a VPN protocol that delivers fast speeds while supporting sophisticated encryption standards. This protocol is Lightway, which ExpressVPN itself developed. Lightway is lightweight, so it runs fast without putting too much strain on your device and battery life. It’s also pretty agile. It’s able to maintain a VPN connection even if you switch networks (e.g. from mobile data to Wi-Fi) or your connection drops, keeping your VPN protection uninterrupted.

There’s also the fact that ExpressVPN is serious about keeping IP addresses hidden and safe from leaks. It has a browser extension, for example, that prevents WebRTC leaks by completely disabling your browser’s WebRTC feature. This ensures that your public IP address is always hidden when connected to ExpressVPN.

From a legal standpoint, ExpressVPN is protecting its users’ privacy simply by establishing its headquarters in the British Virgin Islands, a country outside the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and 14 Eyes surveillance networks. Essentially, that means the government can’t force ExpressVPN to turn over any of its customer data.

ExpressVPN Privacy Policy

ExpressVPN also has a strict logging policy. It never records data about our online activities. It doesn’t keep track of timestamps, IP addresses, or browsing histories, and it doesn’t sell our information to third-party vendors. That’s what you want to see from a VPN company, because even if your VPN can protect your online traffic from external threats, that protection is useless if the company stores your usage data – or worse, sells it to its advertising partners.

Of course, a lot of VPN companies claim that they don’t log any data even though they actually do. So how do we know ExpressVPN is true to its word?

ExpressVPN has submitted itself to multiple third-party audits. Recently, its privacy policy was audited by KPMG, one of the big-four international auditing firms. The 36-page report from KPMG details exactly what ExpressVPN’s servers record, how secure they are in the company’s possession, and with whom they are shared. Overall, ExpressVPN passed the audit.

ExpressVPN Aircove: Is This VPN Hardware Worth It?

An ExpressVPN subscription covers five devices if you’re paying monthly and up to eight devices if you’re paying every six months or year. However, there’s actually a way around that device limit, while also offering a more seamless VPN connection. It’s called Aircove, a VPN Wi-Fi router that tunnels all traffic of connected devices to ExpressVPN.

Just to clarify, a lot of other VPNs can be installed on a router. Aircove, however, is a router with built-in ExpressVPN software, so it doesn’t require as much setting up as other router VPNs. Better still, all the devices you connect to it will enjoy ExpressVPN’s protections, so you can surpass the five-device limit.

Some of Aircove’s top features are:

• VPN for all devices: You can set up the Aircove router so that every device connected to it is protected by ExpressVPN, even devices that don’t traditionally work with VPNs such as IoT devices and gaming consoles.
• Customizable VPN settings: Unlike VPNs installed on third-party routers, Aircove lets you configure how your devices connect to ExpressVPN. For example, you can group devices together and have them connect to a specific server. Your smart TVs can connect to a U.K. server so you can access Netflix U.K., for instance, while your mobile devices connect to the nearest server for fastest speeds.
• Stable speeds: The Aircove router is designed to deliver stable speeds, with or without a VPN. Its 2.4 GHz band can reach speeds up to 600 Mbps, while its 5 GHz band can reach up to 1,200 Mbps.

• Network management: You can also manage each device’s internet connectivity. For example, you can block a device from accessing the internet, which can be useful for setting up screen time limits.
• Web app access: The ExpressVPN web app specifically built for the Aircove router lets you easily control VPN and router features.

Another great thing about Aircove is that it’s easy to customize your VPN and network settings. Usually, if you connect a router to a VPN, you’ll need to go through a number of settings just to change your VPN server location. With Aircove, you can do so via an app, and you can even set up multiple locations for different connected devices.

Are there any downsides? Well, there’s one we can think of: The cost. The Aircove router costs $189.90. It’s in the same price range as many mid- to high-end routers. It offers promising networking specs, but compared to similarly priced routers, it’s not as performance-optimized. We could argue that the higher price is due to the VPN features, but also keep in mind that it requires an on-going ExpressVPN subscription to offer all its VPN features.

Still, the Aircove is an innovative solution for those who need a router that can connect their devices to a VPN, such as those who own internet-connected devices that can’t connect to a VPN directly. A few examples come to mind, like smart home devices, gaming consoles, and older Apple TVs.

>> Check Out: The Best Apple TV VPNs

Aircove Go: Portable VPN Router

Aside from Aircove, ExpressVPN now has a portable VPN router called Aircove Go. It gives access to ExpressVPN features just like the full-sized Aircove, but Aircove Go is much more portable. It fits in the palm of your hand. It’s also a bit more affordable, but still pricey. It sells for $169.90.

Feature-wise, it’s not as powerful as the Aircove. The Wi-Fi 6 signal it transmits is capable of covering a 750-square-feet area; not really ideal for even a small home. But the Aircove Go is designed to be portable. You can use it to protect your devices while staying at a hotel or using the internet at a coffee shop. And unlike its full-sized sibling, the Aircove Go doesn’t need an Ethernet cable to connect to the main router. It has a feature called Wi-Fi link that is entirely wireless.

Is it worth it? It really depends on how you use it. If you travel frequently and stay at different hotels or short-term rentals with Wi-Fi, it might make sense to take Aircove Go with you. It’s portable and it’s great way to protect all your devices without worrying about ExpressVPN’s device limit. It might also be a more affordable and practical choice for small apartments or a home office. Otherwise, we’d recommend going with the more powerful Aircove.

Can I Try ExpressVPN for Free?

Many VPN companies have free VPN options, albeit with limited data, speed, server options, or features. That can be especially useful when you’re trying to decide which VPN service is right for you. While ExpressVPN does offer free trials for some mobile devices, those trials are not a part of its typical subscription options.

However, with any of the subscriptions, we got a 30-day money-back guarantee. That meant that if at the end of the month we didn’t want to continue with ExpressVPN, we could’ve gotten our money back. Bottom line: no, ExpressVPN doesn’t offer a free trial in any regular sense (although make sure you check out our ExpressVPN deals page for seasonal discounts).

Deals and Discounts

ExpressVPN may not have a completely free subscription option, but it does offer its fair share of deals and discounts throughout the year.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday

ExpressVPN holds a sale every Black Friday and Cyber Monday – which this year fall on November 29 and December 2. You don’t have to wait for those dates though, because ExpressVPN’s Black Friday deal has dropped. With this special deal, you’ll get six bonus months added to your VPN subscription if you sign up for two years; four months if you sign up for one year. That brings the average monthly rate to as low as $4.99. It’s still slightly pricier than other VPNs, but it’s much more affordable with the free months.

Refer A Friend Program

There are other ways to get free months of the service as well. The company has a program that rewards you with 30 days of free service every time you refer a friend. Of course, the friend does have to sign up, but to sweeten the deal, ExpressVPN will give them a free 30 days as well. Everybody wins.
ExpressVPN even offers a referral option in the VPN app itself. Type in your friend’s email address, and once they purchase a subscription you’ve got 30 days for free. It doesn’t get much easier than that.

Of course, other VPNs have similar friend programs. NordVPN’s program is basically identical to ExpressVPNs, as you can see on our page about NordVPN deals.

Surfshark’s deals go even further. Not only can you get one month free for one friend, but if you refer three friends, you get six months, and if you refer five, you get a year for free. The point here is that if you look hard enough, you can always find ways to save on your VPN subscription, even from the top VPN brands.

Payment Options with ExpressVPN

We paid with a simple Visa, but ExpressVPN offers a number of different payment options, including:

• Credit card: Visa, American Express, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, Diners Club International, Visa Electron
• Paypal
• Bitcoin or BitPay
• Miscellaneous payment methods: Maestro, FanaPay, Mint, OneCard, WebMoney, Giropay, Yandex Money, Alipay, iDEAL, Klarna, UnionPay, Interac Online, Carte Bleue, etc.

We like that ExpressVPN is super flexible in regard to its payment options. Many people searching for a VPN are doing so because of privacy concerns, so the fact that ExpressVPN allows for more anonymous payment options is another feather in its cap.

How Do I Cancel ExpressVPN?

How to cancel ExpressVPN depends on which payment method you use:

• PayPal or credit card:
  1. Sign in and click Subscription.
  2. Choose Manage Settings.
  3. Go to the Automatic Renewal Settings page.
  4. Turn off Automatic Renewal and confirm.
• BitPay or Paymentwall: Unlike a subscription paid for by PayPal or a credit card, subscriptions paid for by BitPay or Paymentwall don’t renew automatically. That means there’s no need to cancel if you are done with the service at the end of your billing cycle.

Top Features of ExpressVPN

We think ExpressVPN is worth its prices, which is why it’s on our list of the best VPNs. Here’s what we liked about it specifically:

• Strict logging policy: ExpressVPN didn’t hold onto any of our web traffic, IP addresses, metadata, or DNS queries.
• Highly-rated app: Android and iPhone users alike should have no issues connecting to ExpressVPN on their mobile devices. The apps are totally user-friendly and intuitive.

• Quick speeds: When we tested out ExpressVPN in terms of download speed, upload speed, and lag time on our Windows and Mac computers, we didn’t find too much of a noticeable slowdown.
• Headquarters: Since ExpressVPN as a company is based in the British Virgin Islands, it can never be legally forced to give customer data to the government. That’s because the British Virgin Islands aren’t members of Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and 14 Eyes.
• Split tunneling: When we needed to toggle back and forth between public and private networks, we could leave ExpressVPN connected, as it allows for both connections at the same time.
• Streaming: Not only did ExpressVPN work with Netflix, but it also worked when we wanted to torrent movies and TV shows (because believe it or not, Netflix doesn’t have absolutely everything on it).

>> Worth a Read: Best ExpressVPN Alternatives

Summary

ExpressVPN certainly isn’t the cheapest option around, but it’s not the most expensive either. We’d certainly recommend it as a VPN.

With a trustworthy logging policy and company history, ExpressVPN is always a go-to suggestion of ours whenever anyone asks us for a VPN. It’s consistently on our “best of” lists, from the best VPNs for iPhones to the best VPNs for Androids. No matter your mobile device, ExpressVPN is a solid option to protect your web traffic without breaking the bank.