Skip to content
Alternatives.toolsSubmit a tool
ExpressVPN logo

Free ExpressVPN alternatives

Top VPN like ExpressVPN

The most popular alternative to ExpressVPN is Proton VPN, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to ExpressVPN are Windscribe, TunnelBear, and Cloudflare WARP.

Most alternatives to ExpressVPN are in the VPN category, compared here by price, platform and features.

ExpressVPN alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
4 apps

All ExpressVPN alternatives

  1. Proton VPN

    4.6(118.4K) · App Store

    Proton VPN is the VPN service of Proton, the Swiss company behind Proton Mail. Its apps are open source, its no-logs policy has been independently audited, and the free plan has no data limit and no ads. Paid plans unlock servers in many more countries, streaming support, NetShield ad and malware blocking, Secure Core multi-hop routing and more devices.

    11 Proton VPN alternatives

    Pros

    • Free plan with no data cap and no ads
    • Open source apps and an audited no-logs policy from a Swiss company
    • Secure Core multi-hop routing on paid plans

    Cons

    • Free plan offers few locations and no streaming support
    • Paid plans cost more than many mainstream VPNs
    • Free servers can slow down at peak times
    Cost / License
    FreemiumOpen source
    Categories
    VPN
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroidBrowser extension
    Features
    Built-in ad blockerKill switchNo-logs policySplit tunnelingStreaming unblockingWireGuard protocol
    Visit websiteMore about Proton VPN

  2. Windscribe

    4.6(35.3K) · App Store

    Windscribe is a Canadian VPN service with a free plan that includes a monthly data allowance and a choice of locations, along with paid plans and a build-your-own option billed per location. Its apps include a firewall that acts as a kill switch, split tunneling, WireGuard and R.O.B.E.R.T., a customizable DNS blocker for ads, trackers and malware.

    10 Windscribe alternatives

    Pros

    • Free plan with a monthly data allowance and several locations
    • R.O.B.E.R.T. offers customizable DNS blocking of ads and malware
    • Build-your-own plan lets you pay only for the locations you need

    Cons

    • Free data allowance is too small for heavy use
    • Many options and some jargon can confuse newcomers
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    VPN
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroidBrowser extension
    Features
    Built-in ad blockerKill switchNo-logs policySplit tunnelingWireGuard protocol
    Visit websiteMore about Windscribe

  3. TunnelBear

    4.7(85.1K) · App Store

    TunnelBear is a consumer VPN owned by McAfee, known for its playful bear-themed design and straightforward apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and browsers. It has published independent security audits and offers a free plan with a limited monthly data allowance, plus paid plans with unlimited data. Apps include a kill switch (VigilantBear) and, on some platforms, split tunneling (SplitBear).

    7 TunnelBear alternatives

    Pros

    • Friendly, playful design that suits VPN beginners
    • Independent security audits have been published
    • Free plan to try the service without paying

    Cons

    • Free plan's monthly data allowance runs out quickly
    • Smaller server network and fewer advanced settings than rivals
    • No Linux app, and split tunneling only on some platforms
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    VPN
    Platforms
    WindowsMaciPhoneAndroidBrowser extension
    Features
    Kill switchNo-logs policySplit tunneling
    Visit websiteMore about TunnelBear

  4. Cloudflare WARP

    Cloudflare WARP, delivered through the 1.1.1.1 app, encrypts traffic between your device and Cloudflare's network and uses its 1.1.1.1 DNS resolver. Unlike a classic VPN, it does not let you pick a server country or hide your general location, so it is meant for securing connections on public networks rather than unblocking content. The base service is free, and WARP+ is a paid upgrade.

    7 Cloudflare WARP alternatives

    Pros

    • Free base service with no data cap
    • Encrypts traffic on public Wi-Fi with minimal setup
    • Built on WireGuard and Cloudflare's network for low overhead

    Cons

    • Cannot pick a server country or unblock streaming content
    • Does not hide your general location like a classic VPN
    • All traffic goes through Cloudflare, so you must trust one company
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    VPN
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroid
    Features
    Ad-freeMobile appWireGuard protocol
    Visit websiteMore about Cloudflare WARP

ExpressVPN vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of ExpressVPN, compared with its most popular alternatives.

ExpressVPN vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsBuilt-in ad blockerKill switchNo-logs policySplit tunnelingStreaming unblocking
ExpressVPNPaidWindows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Browser extension
Proton VPNFreemiumOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Browser extension
WindscribeFreemiumWindows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Browser extension
TunnelBearFreemiumWindows, Mac, iPhone, Android, Browser extension
Cloudflare WARPFreemiumWindows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android

ExpressVPN alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to ExpressVPN?

The most popular alternative to ExpressVPN is Proton VPN: Swiss open source VPN with a free plan and no data cap. Other great alternatives are Windscribe, TunnelBear, and Cloudflare WARP.

Is there a free alternative to ExpressVPN?

Yes, 4 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including Proton VPN, Windscribe, TunnelBear, and Cloudflare WARP.

Is there an open source alternative to ExpressVPN?

Yes, one open source alternative is listed: Proton VPN.

Is ExpressVPN free?

No, ExpressVPN is a paid app.

Compare ExpressVPN with its alternatives

Sponsored listings and products made by the publisher of this site are always labeled. How we rank · Know a good alternative? Submit it