Quick answer: ExpressVPN is still sold in October 2026, but it is no longer an independent company. Since 2021 it has been owned by Kape Technologies, the group behind CyberGhost and Private Internet Access, and it now comes in three tiers (Basic, Advanced and Pro) that cover 10 to 14 devices. Its main strengths are servers in 113 countries, its own Lightway protocol and several published independent audits. It is still one of the pricier VPNs once the introductory term ends.
This review is based on ExpressVPN’s own website, its privacy policy and published audit reports. We have not tested the service ourselves. An earlier version of this article called ExpressVPN “the fastest VPN” and “the best option” for every use. We have removed those claims because no named, dated independent test supported them.
What a VPN does on public Wi-Fi
When you join a café or airport Wi-Fi network, other people on that network, or whoever runs it, may be able to watch unencrypted traffic. A fake hotspot can be set up for exactly that purpose. A virtual private network (VPN) wraps your traffic in an encrypted tunnel to a server run by the VPN company. The network owner and your internet service provider (ISP) see only that you are connected to a VPN, and websites see the VPN server’s IP address instead of yours.
That reduces tracking and protects you on untrusted networks. It does not make you anonymous, and it does not stop phishing or malware. Most websites already use HTTPS, which encrypts the page content itself; a VPN adds a layer on top of that.
Who owns ExpressVPN?
- Operating company: ExpressVPN’s privacy policy says its headquarters and registered place of business are in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), and that Express Technologies Ltd. operates under BVI law.
- Parent company: The same policy names Kape Technologies PLC (UK) as its ultimate holding company. Kape agreed to buy ExpressVPN in September 2021 for about $936 million. It already owned CyberGhost, ZenMate and Private Internet Access.
- Past controversy: In September 2021, the US Department of Justice announced a deferred prosecution agreement with three former US intelligence operatives over hacking work done for a company working for the United Arab Emirates government. A deferred prosecution agreement is not a conviction. One of them, Daniel Gericke, was ExpressVPN’s chief information officer at the time. ExpressVPN said it had known about his past when it hired him and stood by him. Readers who weigh trust heavily may want to know this.
Plans and pricing (as of October 2026)
ExpressVPN replaced its single plan with three tiers. As of October 2026, per ExpressVPN’s order page (US dollars, introductory 28-month term; the price shown in India may differ):
| Tier | Introductory price | Then renews at | Devices at once |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | $2.99 a month ($83.72 for the first 28 months) | $99.95 a year | 10 |
| Advanced | $4.49 a month ($125.72 for the first 28 months) | $119.95 a year | 12 |
| Pro | $7.49 a month ($209.72 for the first 28 months) | $199.95 a year | 14 |
All tiers carry a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. Higher tiers add more blocking (ads, trackers and malicious sites), more email aliases and, on Pro, a dedicated IP address. Some extras, such as identity-theft insurance, are offered only in certain countries, so read the details on the order page for where you live.
The original article listed plans of $12.95 a month, $59.95 for six months and $99.95 a year. Those were the 2020 prices and are out of date. ExpressVPN still has no free plan.
Features ExpressVPN documents today
- Server network: VPN servers in 113 countries on all tiers, according to the order page.
- Lightway: ExpressVPN’s own VPN protocol, which it now lists with post-quantum protection.
- TrustedServer: ExpressVPN says its servers run from RAM, so data is wiped on every reboot.
- Apps: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, Apple TV, Fire TV, Android TV and a Chrome extension.
- Built-in tools: a speed test, a password manager and blocking of ads and malicious sites, with the scope depending on the tier.
- Router app: The original article mentioned buying a router with ExpressVPN pre-installed. ExpressVPN still offers a router app and set-up guides. A VPN on your router covers devices that cannot run a VPN app themselves, such as smart TVs and game consoles.
Privacy, logging and audits
ExpressVPN’s privacy policy says it never collects browsing history, DNS queries or IP addresses linked to online activity. It does record the total amount of data each user transfers, so that it can spot extreme overuse. It also collects some app and marketing data.
ExpressVPN has published several independent reviews:
- PwC: an earlier assurance review of its privacy policy compliance and TrustedServer.
- KPMG: no-logs assurance reviews of TrustedServer, first announced in 2022. The most recent one reported in the press covered its position as of 28 February 2025.
- Cure53: security audits of TrustedServer and of its desktop apps, including 2022 reviews of the macOS and Linux apps.
An audit shows how systems were set up when they were checked. It does not guarantee how the service will behave in future.
Torrenting, streaming and India
ExpressVPN’s privacy policy says it provides unlimited data transfer. The original article said ExpressVPN allows torrenting and peer-to-peer (P2P) sharing; check its current terms of service for the rules that apply today. A VPN hides your IP address from other peers, but it does not make sharing copyrighted files legal. Streaming platforms block VPN servers from time to time, and getting around a service’s regional licence can break its terms of use.
In April 2022, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issued directions requiring VPN providers to keep customer records for five years. ExpressVPN removed its physical servers from India in response. It now offers “virtual” Indian locations that give you an Indian IP address from servers physically located in Singapore and the UK. VPN legality varies by country.
Who ExpressVPN suits
- Good fit: people who want a large country list, polished apps on many devices and published audits, and who are happy to pay for them.
- Think twice: if you want the lowest long-term price, compare the renewal price, not just the introductory one. If you prefer a provider outside a large VPN group, look at independent services.
For comparisons, see our reviews of its sister brand CyberGhost, of NordVPN and of Mullvad, which takes a minimal-data approach to accounts.
Frequently asked questions
Is ExpressVPN still independent?
No. Kape Technologies bought it in 2021. ExpressVPN’s privacy policy says the service is run by Express Technologies Ltd. under British Virgin Islands law, with Kape Technologies PLC as the ultimate holding company.
How many devices can I use with ExpressVPN?
10 on Basic, 12 on Advanced and 14 on Pro, according to ExpressVPN’s order page in October 2026. The original article said 5; that figure is out of date.
Does ExpressVPN have a free plan or trial?
There is no free plan. New users get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Has ExpressVPN been independently audited?
Yes. PwC, KPMG and Cure53 have each reviewed parts of its service, and ExpressVPN publishes the reports. KPMG’s most recent reported no-logs review covered its position as of 28 February 2025.
Does ExpressVPN have servers in India?
Not physically. After the 2022 CERT-In directions, it moved its Indian locations to virtual servers in Singapore and the UK that give you an Indian IP address.
Checked in October 2026 against ExpressVPN’s order page and privacy policy, published audit announcements, the US Department of Justice’s September 2021 announcement and reporting on the CERT-In directions. We have not tested ExpressVPN ourselves, so confirm current prices and features on its website before you buy.
1 comment
As we know, all VPN’s are not equal. Some are excellent and and some are worst but this one meets my standard of expectation. A superb app with a kill switch, and accessible, fast live customer service that is genuine and follows up.