ExpressVPN
Premium VPN with blazing-fast Lightway protocol, 105 country coverage, and a proven track record of working in China and other restricted regions.
Travelers who want premium reliability and performance, especially in censored countries
Our Verdict
Premium VPN with blazing-fast Lightway protocol, 105 country coverage, and a proven track record of working in China and other restricted regions.
Rating Breakdown
Why Trust This Review
Our team has spent 40+ hours hands-on testing ExpressVPN across real-world scenarios. We follow a rigorous methodology with weighted scoring criteria. Our reviews are editorially independent and never influenced by affiliate partnerships.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lightway protocol delivers industry-leading speeds with minimal battery drain
- Reliably works in China and other censored countries
- Servers in 105 countries ensure fast connections worldwide
- Intuitive apps make VPN setup effortless for beginners
- Aircove Go portable router provides whole-network VPN for travel
Cons
- More expensive than competitors even with new tiered pricing
- Basic plan limited to 10 simultaneous device connections
- No dedicated ad or tracker blocking on the Basic plan
- Split tunneling not available on iOS
Full Review
Overview
ExpressVPN is widely regarded as one of the best VPNs for travelers thanks to its proprietary Lightway protocol, massive server network spanning 105 countries, and consistent ability to bypass censorship in restricted regions. Its apps are beginner-friendly across all platforms, making it ideal for travelers who want set-and-forget protection.
Key Strengths for Travelers
ExpressVPN excels in areas that matter most on the road. The Lightway protocol delivers fast connections with minimal battery drain on mobile devices. Server coverage in 105 countries means you will almost always find a nearby server wherever you travel. The service reliably unblocks Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming platforms from abroad.
Pricing Analysis
ExpressVPN introduced a three-tier pricing structure in late 2025. The Basic plan starts at $2.44/month on a 2-year term, the Advanced plan at $4.49/month, and the Pro plan at $7.49/month. The Basic plan includes the full VPN with 10 simultaneous device connections. The Pro plan adds a dedicated IP address and supports 14 devices.
Who Is It Best For
ExpressVPN is ideal for travelers who want a premium, reliable VPN that works everywhere, including China. It is especially well-suited for those who value ease of use and are willing to pay a bit more for consistent performance.
The Bottom Line
ExpressVPN remains a top-tier travel VPN in 2026. The new tiered pricing makes it more accessible than ever, and the Lightway protocol continues to deliver among the fastest speeds in the industry. It is our top pick for travelers heading to censored countries.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, ExpressVPN is one of the most reliable VPNs in China. It uses obfuscation technology built into its Lightway protocol to bypass the Great Firewall. While no VPN works 100% of the time in China, ExpressVPN consistently ranks among the top performers.
The Aircove Go is a portable VPN router that fits in your palm and provides ExpressVPN protection to all WiFi-connected devices. It is excellent for travelers who want to protect multiple devices at hotels and cafes without installing VPN apps on each one.
Lightway is ExpressVPN proprietary VPN protocol designed for speed and reliability. It connects faster than OpenVPN, uses less battery on mobile devices, and seamlessly transitions between networks, making it ideal for travel when you frequently switch between WiFi and mobile data.
Written by
Marcus has spent over a decade in SaaS integration and business automation. He specializes in evaluating API architectures, workflow automation tools, and sales funnel platforms. His reviews focus on implementation details, technical depth, and real-world integration scenarios.
Co-written by
Emily brings 7 years of data-driven marketing expertise, specializing in market analysis, email optimization, and AI-powered marketing tools. She combines quantitative research with practical recommendations, focusing on ROI benchmarks and emerging trends across the SaaS landscape.