Trust concerns after the Kape acquisition and premium pricing have VPN users exploring alternatives with cleaner reputations and better value.
Each app below addresses a specific gap in ExpressVPN's offering. We picked them based on real user review patterns and feature differentiation.
Mullvad requires no email, name, or personal information to sign up. You receive a random account number, can pay with cash by mail or cryptocurrency, and the flat pricing with no upsells reflects a genuine privacy-first ethos. Independent audits confirm the no-logs policy.
Explore Mullvad VPN data →Proton VPN benefits from Swiss privacy laws and integration with the broader Proton privacy ecosystem. The free tier offers unlimited bandwidth with no ads, making it the best free VPN available. Paid plans add streaming support and Secure Core multi-hop routing.
Explore Proton VPN data →IVPN publishes comprehensive transparency reports, subjects itself to regular independent audits, and openly documents its infrastructure. The company actively discourages unnecessary VPN use, which paradoxically builds trust in their genuine commitment to privacy.
Explore IVPN data →Windscribe offers 10GB free monthly data and a unique build-a-plan option where you pay only for the server locations you need. The browser extension doubles as an ad blocker, and the transparent warrant canary provides additional trust signals.
Explore Windscribe data →AirVPN is operated by internet freedom activists with a strong ideological commitment to privacy. It offers advanced features like routing through Tor, SSH, and SSL tunnels, and supports port forwarding. The technical depth and mission-driven approach attract privacy enthusiasts.
Explore AirVPN data →Mozilla VPN runs on Mullvad's trusted server network with a simplified interface from the non-profit behind Firefox. The Mozilla brand trust combined with Mullvad's infrastructure creates a unique combination of ease of use and privacy credibility.
Explore Mozilla VPN data →We evaluated VPNs on ownership transparency, audit history, privacy practices, speed benchmarks, and pricing to find the best ExpressVPN alternatives.
ExpressVPN continues to operate and publishes audits, but the Kape Technologies acquisition legitimately concerns privacy experts. Kape's history includes adware distribution and acquisition of review sites that rank its own products favorably. If trust is paramount, Mullvad and IVPN have cleaner track records.
Mullvad and IVPN are widely regarded as the most trustworthy VPNs by privacy researchers. Both undergo independent audits, have minimal data collection, and demonstrate genuine privacy commitment. Proton VPN benefits from Swiss jurisdiction and the ProtonMail reputation.
Most free VPNs monetize your data, making them counterproductive. Proton VPN is the notable exception with a genuinely free tier that has no ads and no data selling, funded by paid subscribers. Windscribe also offers a reputable free tier with 10GB monthly.
Yes, Proton VPN offers a free tier with unlimited bandwidth and no ads. Windscribe provides 10GB free monthly. For paid alternatives, Mullvad and IVPN offer better privacy at lower prices. Compare VPN apps on AppVulture to find the best option for your privacy needs.
Productivity alternatives.
Short-Form Video and Entertainment alternatives.
Alcohol Tracking alternatives.
Productivity and Document Editing alternatives.