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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
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Better options than

ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN alternatives

Users consider alternatives to ExpressVPN due to issues with slow speeds, unreliable connections, and frustrating app behavior. Alternatives like NordVPN and VPN - Super Unlimited Proxy offer different strengths, from consistent performance to free access, catering to various user needs.

Why users look for alternatives to ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN

The alternatives

VPN
4.7★ · 408,337 ratings · Free

This app, often referred to as VPN - Super Unlimited Proxy, is praised for its ability to significantly reduce ping and provide reliable connections, especially for gaming R61. It is also noted as a good free VPN option with minimal ads and consistent server performance R100. Some users in regions with strict internet restrictions, like China, find it highly effective for accessing content R101R105.

Better for: It suits users looking for a free VPN that performs well for gaming and streaming, or those in countries with internet restrictions who need a reliable way to access content R61R100R101R105.

Head-to-head: ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN vs VPN
NordVPN
4.7★ · 687,175 ratings · Free

NordVPN is recognized for its ease of use, reliability, and effectiveness R76R78. It offers a wide selection of servers and generally good speeds R74. Users appreciate its beginner-friendly interface and consistent performance, making it a solid choice for those who want a VPN that 'will work' without much hassle R76.

Better for: NordVPN is better for users who prioritize ease of use, consistent reliability, and a wide range of server options R74R76R78. It's also suitable for those who need a VPN for general browsing and streaming, and want a straightforward experience R76.

Head-to-head: ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN vs NordVPN
X-VPN
4.7★ · 599,131 ratings · Free

X-VPN is highlighted by users for being extremely useful in countries with strict internet restrictions R80. Some users consider it the "best" VPN app they've found, indicating strong satisfaction with its performance R85R87.

Better for: X-VPN is better for users who live in or travel to countries with strict internet censorship, where reliable access is critical R80.

Head-to-head: ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN vs X-VPN
VPN Hotspot Shield
4.6★ · 356,873 ratings · Free

VPN Hotspot Shield is described as simple and effective for protecting Wi-Fi connections R108R119. It offers a variety of servers and unique features R117. Some users find it to be a good free option R114.

Better for: This alternative suits users looking for a simple, free VPN to protect their Wi-Fi connection, particularly if they are comfortable with ads R108R114R117.

Head-to-head: ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN vs VPN Hotspot Shield
Stick with ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN if

You should stick with ExpressVPN if you consistently experience fast connections, feel secure with its encryption and worldwide locations, and appreciate its frequent updates . It is also a good choice if you value its visual style and accessibility .

Evidence note: The alternative 'VPN' refers to 'VPN - Super Unlimited Proxy' based on review content R61.

Frequently asked

Why do users consider ExpressVPN slow?
Users consider ExpressVPN slow because they report experiencing slower speeds compared to free options, issues with servers around their location, and the need to turn it off to watch videos or get the internet to work at all R1R11.
Does ExpressVPN have connection issues?
Yes, ExpressVPN has connection issues, with users reporting that the app sometimes doesn't work, fails to connect, or experiences constant reconnections and connection drops R7R11R13R25.
Is ExpressVPN reliable for streaming?
ExpressVPN's reliability for streaming is mixed; some users report it allows them to maintain streaming services wherever they go R32, while others state it didn't work for specific services like CBS Local News through Paramount Plus R15.
Are there any issues with ExpressVPN's app interface?
Yes, there are issues with ExpressVPN's app interface, including annoying banners with offers, persistent notifications for new AI services that cannot be turned off without losing other functions, and interference with CarPlay R21R25R35R37.
Is NordVPN easy to use?
Yes, NordVPN is considered very beginner-friendly and easy to use, with users appreciating its simplicity and effectiveness R76R78.
Does VPN - Super Unlimited Proxy work in China?
Yes, VPN - Super Unlimited Proxy is reported to work well in China, with users finding it highly effective for accessing content there R101R105.
Does VPN Hotspot Shield have many ads?
Yes, VPN Hotspot Shield has many ads, with users complaining about watching 15+ second unskippable ads every time they open the app, turn on, or turn off the VPN R107R118R120.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R1] ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN 2/5 · US Shockingly slow: I was overwhelmed by its slow speed that slower than other free options, I’d tried servers around my location they all kind of bad😩, it still could work though
  2. [R11] ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN 1/5 · US Internet doesn’t work half the time when connected: When it does connect, it’s squally slower than if I turn it off. I literally have to turn expressVPN to watch videos sometimes. Other times, my internet just doesn’t work at all and it’s because express VPN blocks connection. When I do connect, it just loads but never connects. Same issues on my computer. Nord VPN never had these issues but was n
  3. [R13] ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN 1/5 · US Sucks worse than free vpns: At the start the vpn was amazing but then it just didn’t let me connect
  4. [R25] ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN 2/5 · GB ExpressReconnect: This VPN is unable to work stably. Constant reconnections and connection drops. Have been using for about year. Another disappointment for which I also paid. Cannot wait for paid time to end and will gladly drop this service Also their endless app updates, where they every time enable these annoying banners on main page with offers to leave feedback or ad of another their brande
  5. [R7] ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN 1/5 · US No: I downloaded this app and it didn’t work
  6. [R19] ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN 1/5 · US paid for a 2 year subscription for nothing: only 1 server works on phone and not a single one on pc
  7. [R21] ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN 1/5 · GB All good, almost perfect: TO MANY ADDS WITHIN THE APP Read up by Express states to use “standard kill switch” rather than the “Advanced kill switch” because the advanced will interfere with CarPlay. Standard also interferes with CarPlay. Tech support is useless. Asked me the same question 3 times over 20 minutes
  8. [R28] ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN 4/5 · US Email: I have to disconnect the vpn every time I have to send an email.
  9. [R35] ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN 1/5 · GB Keeps forcing AI notifications: I used to love the service but over the last few weeks I’m getting constant notifications to try their new AI service. I have zero interest of use case for this, but there’s no way to turn the notifications off - unless I turn them off completely and lose functions that I actually do want and need.
  10. [R15] ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN 1/5 · US Didn’t work for CBS Local News, Only Got Partial Refund on Same-Day Cancellation: I purchased Express VPN for CBS Local News through Paramount Plus, which they claim to support, for my grandmother, but when I tried to cancel after that didn’t work on the same day I purchased it, I received less than half of the cost as a refund. Disappointing. Edit: In response to this review, support contacted
  11. [R17] ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN 1/5 · US was good, not anymore: now the app thinks my account is using the Basic subscription, but when i go to their website and log in it clearly says my subscription is Advanced. i bought the yearly plan and i’m halfway through it so this is not an error on my end. very frustrated and disappointed.
  12. [R33] ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN 1/5 · GB Unhelpful: Take care if you download this App they use every possible way to make it extremely difficult to unsubscribe.
  13. [R29] ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN 1/5 · GB Not working in China: It won’t work if u are planning to use it in China
  14. [R61] VPN 5/5 · US El mejor: Broo es buenisimo tenia el Ping en 500 600 900 300 200 todo eso y Melo bajo ah 50 oh 70 broo exelente un 10 el mejor VPN-Super unlimited Proxy ose el mejor gracias
  15. [R100] VPN 5/5 · US Best free vpn availble: Barley gives ads and the servers work 100% of the time. The BEST vpn you could use
  16. [R101] VPN 5/5 · US Wonderful: I’m in China right now and I decided to test out vpn apps, I used this one and oh my gosh, my family wanted it too. Now everyone is trying to let me download it on their phone lol
  17. [R105] VPN 5/5 · US This is the best and most powerful VPN I've found! I love it so much, I can finally watch movies properly. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ · translated
  18. [R66] NordVPN 5/5 · US Excellent: I like the App it’s great and reliable but the Establishers should improve more in connecting faster
  19. [R69] NordVPN 5/5 · US Excellent all around: I use different VPN provider’s for different purposes example, one may have a solid/faster server in the UK. Even though I prefer the roaming capabilities of Surf Shark to Nord I have discovered over the past decade that Nord, even though they had their issues a few years ago with security, when compared to my own expereinces with others (Express, Surf Shark, Hide.Me, Proton)
  20. [R72] NordVPN 5/5 · US Best VPN: Fast and reliable
  21. [R74] NordVPN 5/5 · US Great service: Been using Nord for many years and overall I love it. Lots of server choices and speeds are generally good.
  22. [R80] X-VPN 5/5 · US Awesome: It proves to be extremely useful in countries with strict internet restrictions.
  23. [R85] X-VPN 5/5 · US Beautiful job: I was having a hard time to find a good VPN app. This one is the best
  24. [R87] X-VPN 5/5 · US It’s the best: I like it
  25. [R108] VPN Hotspot Shield 4/5 · US Wifi protector: It looks good and simple
  26. [R114] VPN Hotspot Shield 5/5 · US Oficial: Gratis
  27. [R117] VPN Hotspot Shield 5/5 · US Solid.: Has a lot of servers and its own unique features.
  28. [R119] VPN Hotspot Shield 4/5 · US McavoyVPN: Wifi
  29. [R32] ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN 5/5 · US Useful and Simple: We live in Europe and the USA. This VPN allows us to travel and use public WiFi. It also allows us to maintain our stream services wherever we go. It is fast, invisible and simple to use. We love it.
  30. [R37] ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN 1/5 · GB Stop the spam notifications please: This app has recently started sending self PR spam notifications to my phone. Annoying
  31. [R76] NordVPN 5/5 · US Very begginer friendly: Big fan of the ease of use and simplicity/effectiveness. If you don’t want to go through the hassle with testing out a bunch of vpns; this one WILL work!
  32. [R78] NordVPN 5/5 · US Easy to use: Really effective and reliable, easy to use
  33. [R107] VPN Hotspot Shield 1/5 · US Ads: I don’t mind ads on most things, but I shouldn’t have to watch 15+ second unskippable ads every time I open the app, turn on my VPN, or turn off my VPN.
  34. [R118] VPN Hotspot Shield 1/5 · US Too many ads: Download it if you love watching hours and hours of nonstop ads
  35. [R120] VPN Hotspot Shield 1/5 · US you watch an ad every single step.: if you enjoy that, DOWNLOAD.

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store