AppBreakup
Submit an app

ExpressVPN alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave ExpressVPN: more expensive than most rivals at renewal, and fewer advanced settings than power users may want. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces ExpressVPN, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. NordVPN currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1NordVPN logoNordVPNPaidNoWindows, macOS, Linux +33 of 366.5
2Surfshark logoSurfsharkPaidNoWindows, macOS, Linux +34 of 462.6
3Proton VPN logoProton VPNFree plan + paidYesWindows, macOS, Linux +35 of 559.6
4CyberGhost VPN logoCyberGhost VPNPaidNoWindows, macOS, Linux +36 of 657.2
5Mullvad VPN logoMullvad VPNPaidYesWindows, macOS, Linux +25 of 555.3
  1. NordVPN logo

    1. NordVPNTop pick

    Best for: People who want a mainstream VPN that works for streaming, travel and everyday privacy

    PaidWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension

    66.5

    score / 100

    Why switch from ExpressVPN

    Similar mainstream service, usually cheaper, with Meshnet and more add-ons.

    Pros

    • Large server network with consistently good speeds
    • Apps for desktop, mobile, browsers and TV devices
    • Meshnet links your own devices without extra software

    Cons

    • Renewal prices are much higher than the first term
    • Apps push bundled add-ons and upsells
    • Desktop and mobile apps are closed source
    Visit NordVPN Compare with ExpressVPNDetails and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is NordVPN a good ExpressVPN alternative?

    Verified facts

    3 of 3 verified
    Platforms
    Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, browsers, TV
    Checked Oct 25, 2026support.nordvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Owner
    Nord Security
    Checked Oct 25, 2026support.nordvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Linux client licence
    GPL-3.0
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. Surfshark logo

    2. Surfshark

    Best for: Households that want to cover lots of devices on one cheap subscription

    PaidWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension

    62.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from ExpressVPN

    Much lower price and unlimited devices on one account.

    Pros

    • No cap on simultaneous devices
    • Low price on long plans
    • Built-in ad and malware blocking

    Cons

    • Best prices need a multi-year commitment
    • Speeds vary more between locations than top rivals
    • Bundles push extra security products
    Visit Surfshark Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.387
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Surfshark a good ExpressVPN alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Devices per account
    Unlimited
    Checked Oct 25, 2026surfshark.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Money-back guarantee
    30 days
    Checked Oct 25, 2026surfshark.com(opens source in a new tab)
    RAM-only servers
    Yes
    Checked Oct 25, 2026surfshark.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, TVs, browsers
    Checked Oct 25, 2026surfshark.com(opens source in a new tab)
  3. Proton VPN logo

    3. Proton VPN

    Best for: Privacy-focused users, and anyone who needs a free VPN they can trust

    Free plan + paidOpen sourceWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension

    59.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from ExpressVPN

    Open-source apps, Swiss jurisdiction and a free tier to try first.

    Pros

    • Free plan with no data cap and no ads
    • Open-source, audited apps on every platform
    • Secure Core multi-hop routing on paid plans

    Cons

    • Free plan allows only one device and fewer locations
    • Full price is high without a long commitment
    • Some streaming and P2P features are paid only
    Visit Proton VPN Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.377
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Proton VPN a good ExpressVPN alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Free plan
    Yes, $0
    Checked Oct 25, 2026protonvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free plan limits
    1 device, no data cap, no ads
    Checked Oct 25, 2026protonvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Devices on VPN Plus
    10
    Checked Oct 25, 2026protonvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Money-back guarantee
    30 days
    Checked Oct 25, 2026protonvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Open source
    Yes, apps open source and audited
    Checked Oct 25, 2026protonvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
  4. CyberGhost VPN logo

    4. CyberGhost VPN

    Best for: Beginners who mainly want streaming access with a long trial period

    PaidWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension

    57.2

    score / 100

    Why switch from ExpressVPN

    Cheaper consumer VPN with streaming-optimised servers and a 45-day refund window.

    Pros

    • Servers labelled by use case, such as streaming and torrenting
    • 45-day refund window on longer plans
    • Large server network

    Cons

    • Monthly plan has only a 14-day refund window
    • Linux app is command-line only
    • Fewer advanced settings than rivals
    Visit CyberGhost VPN Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.369
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is CyberGhost VPN a good ExpressVPN alternative?

    Verified facts

    6 of 6 verified
    Monthly price
    $12.99/month
    Checked Oct 25, 2026cyberghostvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Refund window (monthly)
    14 days
    Checked Oct 25, 2026cyberghostvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Refund window (long plans)
    45 days
    Checked Oct 25, 2026cyberghostvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Simultaneous devices
    7
    Checked Oct 25, 2026cyberghostvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Server countries
    100
    Checked Oct 25, 2026cyberghostvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, some Linux
    Checked Oct 25, 2026cyberghostvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
  5. Mullvad VPN logo

    5. Mullvad VPN

    Best for: Privacy-minded users who want anonymous signup and a simple flat price

    PaidOpen sourceWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android

    55.3

    score / 100

    Why switch from ExpressVPN

    Flat low price and anonymous accounts if privacy matters more than streaming.

    Pros

    • No email or personal details needed to sign up
    • Same low price for any length of subscription
    • Open-source apps and published audits

    Cons

    • Not aimed at unblocking streaming services
    • No port forwarding
    • Smaller server network than the big providers
    Visit Mullvad VPN Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.363
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Mullvad VPN a good ExpressVPN alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Price
    €5 per month, any term
    Checked Oct 25, 2026mullvad.net(opens source in a new tab)
    Money-back guarantee
    14 days (not for cash payments)
    Checked Oct 25, 2026mullvad.net(opens source in a new tab)
    Licence
    GPL-3.0
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
    Checked Oct 25, 2026mullvad.net(opens source in a new tab)
    Company location
    Gothenburg, Sweden
    Checked Oct 25, 2026mullvad.net(opens source in a new tab)

The best ExpressVPN alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

NordVPN logo

Best ExpressVPN alternative for most people

NordVPN

Similar mainstream service, usually cheaper, with Meshnet and more add-ons.

Proton VPN logo

Best ExpressVPN alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Proton VPN

Open-source apps, Swiss jurisdiction and a free tier to try first.

Mullvad VPN logo

Best ExpressVPN alternative for open source

Mullvad VPN

Flat low price and anonymous accounts if privacy matters more than streaming.

Surfshark logo

Best ExpressVPN alternative for Mac

Surfshark

Much lower price and unlimited devices on one account.

CyberGhost VPN logo

Best ExpressVPN alternative for Windows

CyberGhost VPN

Cheaper consumer VPN with streaming-optimised servers and a 45-day refund window.

NordVPN logo

Best ExpressVPN alternative for Linux

NordVPN

Similar mainstream service, usually cheaper, with Meshnet and more add-ons.

NordVPN logo

Best ExpressVPN alternative for iPhone and Android

NordVPN

Similar mainstream service, usually cheaper, with Meshnet and more add-ons.

ExpressVPN alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to ExpressVPN?

NordVPN ranks first right now. Similar mainstream service, usually cheaper, with Meshnet and more add-ons. Surfshark and Proton VPN follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to ExpressVPN?

Yes. Proton VPN (free plan + paid) has a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to ExpressVPN?

Yes: Proton VPN and Mullvad VPN.

Which ExpressVPN alternatives work on Linux?

NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, CyberGhost VPN and Mullvad VPN run on Linux.

Why do people switch from ExpressVPN?

The complaints we hear most: more expensive than most rivals at renewal; fewer advanced settings than power users may want; no free tier.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces ExpressVPN, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.