ExpressVPN

Yes. ExpressVPN is completely legal to use in the United States — it's a widely used, mainstream VPN. Only illegal activity carried out through it remains illegal.

See in the comparison →

ExpressVPN sits at the premium end, but its long-term deal is competitive: the entry Basic tier works out to about US$2.49/mo on a two-year plan, while the standalone monthly option costs several times more. It's sold in three tiers — Basic, Advanced and Pro — with the higher ones adding extra features for more money. Renewal is the number to watch: after the first term it rises to US$8.33/mo. Every plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test the apps and speeds risk-free. As always, confirm the current price and renewal terms on ExpressVPN's official site before committing.

See in the comparison →

The big one is price: ExpressVPN is more expensive than most rivals, even at US$2.49/mo on the long-term plan, and it renews higher at US$8.33/mo. Its plans also cover fewer simultaneous devices — Surfshark and PIA offer unlimited connections, where ExpressVPN caps you — and there are fewer power-user settings than tinkerers get from PIA. Multi-hop (double VPN) isn't offered either. What you pay for in return is excellent, consistent speed, very reliable streaming and one of the most polished, beginner-friendly apps around. For simplicity and reliability it's worth the premium; for raw value, Surfshark undercuts it heavily.

See in the comparison →

Yes. ExpressVPN runs its RAM-only 'TrustedServer' technology, meaning every server writes nothing to disk and wipes on reboot, and its no-logs policy has been independently audited (most recently by KPMG). It's based in the British Virgin Islands, which has no data-retention laws, so there's little it could be compelled to hand over. Its 2021 acquisition by Kape Technologies — which owns several VPN brands — drew some scrutiny, but its audited privacy practices and track record have stayed strong since. If independently verified no-logs and a clean security record matter most to you, it's among the most trustworthy options available.

See in the comparison →

No, not reliably — ExpressVPN is one of the most consistent VPNs for Netflix and our top streaming pick overall. It reliably unblocks Netflix US and many other regional libraries, and its fast, stable Lightway protocol means streams start quickly and stay in HD. If one server is detected and stops working, switching to another usually restores access within seconds. As with any VPN, changing your Netflix region can breach Netflix's terms of service, but the practical consequence is just the block, never a banned account.

See in the comparison →

ExpressVPN's RAM-only 'TrustedServer' architecture and independently audited no-logs policy mean there's essentially no activity data stored to hand over, even on request — something its British Virgin Islands base (no data-retention laws) reinforces. That said, no VPN makes you untraceable: in a serious investigation, authorities can still lean on other evidence such as the accounts you log into, your device itself, or payment records. So ExpressVPN meaningfully strengthens your privacy and hides your activity from your ISP and websites, but it isn't a licence for illegal activity. For everyday privacy, it's about as strong as mainstream VPNs get.

See in the comparison →