ExpressVPN Review 2026: Unmatched Reliability?
We put ExpressVPN's claims of being the "most reliable VPN" to the test. This detailed review covers its proprietary Lightway protocol, consistent streaming performance, and whether its premium price is justified.
gavel Our Verdict
ExpressVPN justifies its premium price tag by delivering what is arguably the most consistent and reliable VPN experience on the market. While not always the absolute fastest in raw speed tests, its performance is remarkably stable across servers and over time. It worked flawlessly with every streaming service we tested, and its apps are among the most intuitive available.
The TrustedServer technology (running servers entirely on RAM) is a genuine privacy advantage. If you want a VPN that "just works" without fiddling, and you're willing to pay for that peace of mind, ExpressVPN is an excellent choice.
Performance & Speed Test Results
ExpressVPN uses its proprietary Lightway protocol, designed for speed and reliability. In our tests across North America, Europe, and Asia, speed loss was consistently between 8-12% on nearby servers. While other VPNs occasionally posted higher peak speeds, ExpressVPN's performance was the most stable—we experienced no unexpected slowdowns or drops during long sessions.
For streaming, it was flawless. It unblocked Netflix (US, UK, JP, CA), Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer on the first try every time. Connection times were also impressively fast.
thumb_up Pros
- check Unbeatable reliability: Most consistent connections we tested.
- check Excellent for streaming: Unblocks everything, every time.
- check TrustedServer tech: RAM-only servers enhance privacy.
- check Superior apps: Intuitive, clean interface on all platforms.
thumb_down Cons
- close Premium price: Most expensive of our top picks.
- close Limited connections: Only 5 simultaneous devices.
- close Fewer advanced features: Lacks some tools like double VPN.
Security, Privacy & Features Analysis
TrustedServer Technology is ExpressVPN's standout privacy feature. Because servers run on volatile memory (RAM) with no hard drives, all data is wiped on every reboot. This makes it physically impossible for any user data to be stored long-term.
The Lightway protocol is not only fast but also designed with a smaller codebase, which security experts suggest could mean fewer potential vulnerabilities. It uses the wolfSSL cryptography library, which is audited to FIPS 140-2 standards.
All standard security features are present and work seamlessly: a network lock (kill switch), DNS/IPv6 leak protection, and split tunneling (called "Split Tunneling" in the app). Their privacy policy is clear, and they've undergone a public security audit by Cure53.
ExpressVPN Plans
Billed $80.04 annually. Best value.
- ✓ 5 Simultaneous Connections
- ✓ All Security Features
- ✓ 24/7 Support
Flexible, no commitment.
- ✓ Same Features
- ✓ Monthly Billing
ExpressVPN Specs
- Jurisdiction British Virgin Islands
- Logging Policy No-Logs (Audited)
- Server Network 3,000+ in 94 Countries
- Streaming Netflix, Disney+, Prime, Hulu
- Support 24/7 Live Chat & Email
Still Deciding?
See how ExpressVPN stacks up against NordVPN and Surfshark in our detailed comparison.
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