ExpressVPN Embraces Tiered Pricing for VPN Services
After 16 years of offering single-tier pricing, ExpressVPN embraces the market trend of tiered subscriptions, offering different features on Basic, Advanced and Pro plans.
Written by Jackie Leavitt (Editor at Large)
Reviewed by Aleksander Hougen (Chief Editor)
Last Updated:
In ExpressVPN’s announcement of the pricing changes, it explained the decision came from how internet privacy has become more complex, and that some users want basic VPN protection while others need more advanced features.
“Now, with tiered plans, we’re addressing another reality: that privacy itself has become more complex. Some of you want the same fast VPN you’ve always had. Some of you need eSIM travel data to connect safely abroad. Others want identity monitoring and Data Removal to protect you beyond the VPN tunnel. For the first time, you get to decide how far you want your protection to go.”
What’s Included in ExpressVPN’s Tiers?
All ExpressVPN tiers will have the 30-day money-back guarantee, post-quantum protection and access to the Lightway protocol.
The Basic plan offers 10 simultaneous connections — and that’s it for additional features. As the name says, it’s basic VPN protection. The two-year pricing breaks down to $3.49 per month, the 12-month plan costs $5.99 per month, and the one-month plan costs $13.99.
In comparison, the original ExpressVPN pricing cost $4.99, $6.67 and $12.95 for the two-year, one-year and one-month plans, respectively.
The next tier, the Advanced plan, is the closest option to the original baseline plan, though it offers more simultaneous connections and eSIM protection.
The Advanced plan includes 12 simultaneous connections, plus Advanced Protection, which blocks app trackers and malicious sites; the Keys password manager; three days of eSIM use per month; plus a 50% discount on the Aircove WiFi 6 router. It costs $4.49 per month, $5.99 per month or $13.99 per month on the two-year, one-year and one-month plans, respectively.
The Pro plan includes 14 simultaneous connections, Advanced Protection, Keys password manager, five days of eSIM use per month, a dedicated IP address and 75% discount on the Aircove WiFi 6 router.
The Pro plan costs $7.49 per month, $8.99 per month and $19.99 per month for the two-year, one-year and one-month plans, respectively.
Considering that ExpressVPN used to charge $3.49 for a dedicated IP address, the long-term Pro plans ultimately offer a discount from what users would have originally paid for the features, plus eSIM use.
Current ExpressVPN Users
Comparing the original plan to the new offerings, users will largely find more value in the tiered options. The only time ExpressVPN now costs more than the original offerings are the monthly plans. However, any OG ExpressVPN users won’t be forced into any plan changes, at least until it’s time to renew their plans.
According to ExpressVPN, “your plan continues as is, at your current renewal rate. When your renewal comes up, you’ll have the option to switch to Basic, Advanced, or Pro. But you won’t lose features you already rely on, and you won’t be downgraded without your consent.”
Cloudwards’ Take on ExpressVPN’s Pricing Changes
Ultimately, ExpressVPN’s changes are a win for users. We’ve considered ExpressVPN to be one of the best VPNs available — you can read more about it in our ExpressVPN review — but the biggest criticism we’ve had of it over the years is that the VPN is more expensive than the competition while offering fewer advanced features.
Although ExpressVPN’s new tiers still don’t offer as many features as its main competitors, the changes make the VPN much more competitive in the market. The only big downside is for users who want one month of VPN coverage — you’ll be able to find better-value VPN options.