ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has long been synonymous with premium VPN quality, and in 2026 it continues to deliver one of the most polished and user-friendly VPN experiences available. While it is not the cheapest option, it justifies its higher price tag with unmatched platform support, consistently reliable streaming unblocking, and apps that are a genuine pleasure to use.

The service's proprietary Lightway protocol is designed for speed and efficiency, with the Lightway Turbo variant achieving 1,479 Mbps in UK testing. While these numbers do not quite match WireGuard-based competitors, the overall experience is smooth and reliable. ExpressVPN has also rolled out post-quantum protection across all its servers, ensuring user data remains secure against future quantum computing threats.

What truly sets ExpressVPN apart is its platform support. It is the only VPN with a native Apple TV app, and it also supports Android TV, Amazon Fire TV/Stick, Chromecast, and even comes pre-installed on TCL smart TVs. The MediaStreamer feature provides Smart DNS for consoles and older devices that do not support VPN apps. For users who want whole-network protection, ExpressVPN offers a dedicated router app and supports the Aircove router.

With servers in 105 countries across 188 locations, ExpressVPN offers the widest geographic coverage of any VPN. UK users benefit from servers in five locations across Britain, and the service is exceptionally reliable at unblocking BBC iPlayer, ITVX, All4, and UK Netflix. For British travellers and expats, this wide server network ensures fast connections from virtually anywhere in the world.

Based in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN operates outside the Five Eyes jurisdiction. Its RAM-only server infrastructure means that no data is ever written to disk, and everything is wiped when servers are rebooted. The service has been independently audited and has a proven track record of protecting user privacy.