ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has been a premium VPN provider since 2009 and continues to justify its higher price point through exceptional performance and polish in 2026. Based in the British Virgin Islands, a jurisdiction with no mandatory data retention laws, ExpressVPN operates under a strict no-logs policy that has been verified through multiple independent audits.

The standout feature in 2026 is the Lightway Turbo protocol, which achieved an astonishing average of 1,479 Mbps on a 10 Gbps UK-to-UK connection during independent testing. UK-to-US speeds also impressed at 1,374 Mbps, making it faster than any other VPN for transatlantic connections. However, it is worth noting that Lightway Turbo is currently only available on the Windows application.

ExpressVPN covers 108 countries with over 3,000 servers, including five UK locations. Every server runs on its proprietary TrustedServer technology, meaning all servers operate entirely in RAM. This ensures that no data can ever be physically stored on a server, and everything is wiped clean with every reboot.

The user experience is where ExpressVPN truly excels. Its apps across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and browser extensions are widely regarded as the most intuitive in the industry. The one-click connect feature, clean interface, and responsive design make it accessible even to those who have never used a VPN before.

For UK users, ExpressVPN reliably unblocks BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Channel 4, Sky Go, Netflix UK, and Amazon Prime Video. The built-in speed test tool helps users identify the fastest available server for their location. With MediaStreamer DNS support for devices like Apple TV and gaming consoles, and a comprehensive router app, ExpressVPN ensures every device in the household can benefit from VPN protection.