Writer’s Review: “ExpressVPN is technically still a good VPN. Fast servers, solid Lightway protocol, RAM-only infrastructure. But in 2021 it was acquired for $936 million by Kape Technologies — formerly Crossrider, whose software was flagged as malware by Malwarebytes and Symantec. In 2026, Kape went fully private, removing all public oversight. The product is good. The ownership story knocks 2 points off the score.”
The Kape Technologies problem
Kape was founded in 2011 as Crossrider, a browser extension platform whose software was flagged as adware and malware by major security firms. It rebranded in 2018, then went on an acquisition spree: CyberGhost, ZenMate, PIA, and finally ExpressVPN for nearly $1 billion. It also bought Webselenese — the company that owns vpnMentor, one of the biggest VPN review sites. So Kape now owns the products AND the reviews. In 2026, it delisted from the London Stock Exchange and went fully private under founder Teddy Sagi’s Unikmind group — meaning zero public financial filings or transparency obligations.
Where it wins (and doesn’t)
Connection speed9.0
Server network (94+ countries)9.2
Protocol quality (Lightway)9.0
Security audits & transparency7.5
Ownership trust4.0
Value for money5.5
The good and the bad
+ Lightway protocol is open-source, fast, and lightweight
+ TrustedServer (RAM-only) — data wiped on every reboot
+ Regular third-party security audits still published
+ 94+ server countries — one of the widest networks available
− Owned by Kape Technologies — formerly Crossrider (adware/malware history)
− Kape owns 4 VPNs AND a major VPN review site (vpnMentor)
− Fully privatised in 2026 — zero public financial or transparency oversight
− Most expensive premium VPN — significantly more than NordVPN or Surfshark
Pricing breakdown
No free plan or free trial. 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
$12.95/mo
1 Month
Devices8 simultaneous
Servers94+ countries
BandwidthUnlimited
$6.67/mo (annual)
12 Months MOST POPULAR
Billed annually$99.95/year
Devices8 simultaneous
30-day refund✓ Yes
$9.99/mo
6 Months
Billed 6-monthly$59.95
Devices8 simultaneous
30-day refund✓ Yes
Watch out: At $6.67/mo on the best plan, ExpressVPN is nearly double the price of NordVPN ($3.49/mo) and Surfshark ($2.49/mo) for comparable features. As mentioned above, the technical product is strong — but you’re paying a premium that’s increasingly hard to justify when the ownership story raises more questions than it answers.
Category ratings
Speed & Performance9.0
Server Network9.2
Privacy & Security Tech8.5
Streaming & Geo-unblocking9.0
Ownership & Corporate Trust4.0
Value for Money5.5
Should you buy it?
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Existing subscribers satisfied by the audits
If you’re already using ExpressVPN and the published third-party audits give you confidence, the product itself hasn’t degraded. Lightway is fast, TrustedServer is solid, and the server network is one of the widest available.
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Users in heavily restricted countries
ExpressVPN has a strong track record of working in countries with aggressive censorship. Its obfuscation technology and wide server spread make it a reliable option where other VPNs fail.
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Anyone who cares about corporate transparency
A privacy company owned by a fully private entity with a documented adware history and zero public oversight is a fundamental contradiction. If ownership matters to you, look elsewhere.
At $6.67/mo best case, you’re paying nearly double for comparable performance. The premium no longer buys you the best product — just the most expensive one.
If you’re starting fresh, there’s no rational reason to pick the most expensive option from the most opaque ownership structure. NordVPN and Surfshark match or beat it on every metric at half the price.
ExpressVPN scores 7.4 because the technology is genuinely good but the ownership story drags it down hard. Lightway, RAM-only servers, and 94+ countries earn high marks. The Kape acquisition, the review site conflict of interest, and the 2026 privatisation lose them. If you’re choosing today, NordVPN gives you comparable performance with none of the baggage, at half the price.