ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has long been considered the premium choice in the VPN market, and in 2026 it continues to justify its reputation with exceptional performance and usability. Based in the British Virgin Islands, a jurisdiction with no data retention laws and no intelligence-sharing agreements, ExpressVPN provides one of the strongest legal foundations for user privacy.

The proprietary Lightway protocol is ExpressVPN's crown jewel. Built from scratch using wolfSSL cryptography, Lightway establishes connections in under a second and delivers speeds that consistently rival NordLynx. The protocol is open-source and has been independently audited, providing transparency alongside performance.

What truly sets ExpressVPN apart is its polish. The apps are beautifully designed and intuitive on every platform, from Windows and macOS to iOS, Android, and even routers. The company sells its own Aircove router with built-in VPN protection, making it easy to protect your entire home network without configuring individual devices.

ExpressVPN's no-log policy is not just a marketing claim — it was tested in the real world when Turkish authorities seized an ExpressVPN server in 2017 and found zero user data. The service uses TrustedServer technology, running all servers in RAM only, so data is wiped with every reboot.

For UK users, ExpressVPN provides reliable access to BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, Sky Go, BritBox, and every major international streaming platform. With servers in Docklands, East London, and Wembley, UK connections are fast and stable.

The 24/7 live chat support is among the best in the industry, with knowledgeable agents who can resolve issues in minutes. While the price is higher than competitors, the overall experience and reliability make it worthwhile for users who want a VPN that simply works.