Quick verdict: Choose Mullvad if you want predictable monthly spending and an account-number approach; PIA if you need unlimited household connections and detailed controls; Proton VPN Free if one protected device and no subscription are enough. There is no single replacement that improves every ExpressVPN feature.
An ExpressVPN alternative is worth considering when it solves a specific problem: the renewal bill, a household device limit, the account information you share, or paying for features you do not use. My shortlist starts with those buying decisions rather than assuming another VPN will always be faster.
Ranked shortlist: three reasons to switch
- Mullvad: straightforward prepaid pricing and less account information.
- Private Internet Access: unlimited simultaneous household devices and configurable connection controls.
- Proton VPN Free: unlimited data on one connection without a subscription.
Compare cost, devices and capabilities
Scroll horizontally to see all columns.
| Product | Pricing (devices/users) | Main capabilities |
|---|---|---|
 Mullvad VPNFull review | €5 per month, VAT included; 5 devices. Same monthly rate across prepaid durations. View plans | Account-number VPN with prepaid access. |
 Private Internet Access (PIA) | US$11.95/month or $47.88/year; same listed renewal amount/period. Unlimited simultaneous devices. Check pricing | Consumer VPN; WireGuard and OpenVPN options; desktop kill-switch and supported-location port-forwarding controls. |
 Proton VPNFull review | Free: 1 connection, unlimited data. VPN Plus: 10 connections; paid price and renewal depend on the current offer. View plans | Free VPN; Plus adds paid server selection, Secure Core multi-hop and NetShield DNS filtering. |
These three options cover distinct switching jobs. The order favours a predictable commitment first, a paid household alternative second and a permanent free option third. NordVPN and Surfshark remain credible alternatives, but they overlap the paid subscription role here. Do not buy another VPN simply to collect a longer feature list.
1. Mullvad: predictable cost and an account number
Mullvad suits someone who wants a VPN without a discounted multi-year contract. Its official price is €5 per month including VAT, whether you buy one month or more time. Twelve months at that rate is €60; the five-device allowance applies to the account. A converted dollar headline will move with exchange rates and payment methods.
You generate an account number instead of creating a conventional email-and-password account. That reduces the account information required, but it does not make payment details or logged-in website activity disappear. Keep the number secure because it is how you access the service. Mullvad’s native apps support Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS; check the controls available in the client you intend to use.
The meaningful trade-offs are the five-device ceiling, no port forwarding and no promise of access to a particular streaming service. Its 14-day money-back guarantee excludes cash payments. Choose it for a clear short commitment and privacy-focused account design, rather than for a bundle of antivirus or identity services.
For the specific choice against your current provider, read our ExpressVPN vs Mullvad comparison.
2. Private Internet Access: more household connections
PIA is my alternative when the practical obstacle is connecting a large household. Its subscriptions permit unlimited simultaneous devices, so you do not have to fit several phones, laptops and tablets into a five-device allowance. Unlimited connections do not remove the need to install and configure the app on each supported device.
PIA offers WireGuard and OpenVPN connection choices, a kill switch and port forwarding in supported locations and clients. These are useful to people who want control over their tunnel, but feature availability differs between platforms. Do not assume a setting visible in the Windows app also exists on iPhone.
PIA’s website offers monthly, annual and three-year subscriptions with automatic renewal. Compare the full upfront charge, covered months and next billing amount before treating an advertised monthly equivalent as the price of a monthly subscription. Dedicated IP and Windows antivirus are separate add-ons; ordinary VPN tunnel protection does not scan every download for malware.
Choose PIA for household connections and supported advanced controls. Avoid a long commitment if you only need a VPN for a short trip or have not checked your required app. Its website purchase refund period is 30 days; in-app subscriptions have separate store handling. Cancelling renewal and requesting a refund are different actions.
Read our ExpressVPN vs PIA comparison for the plan and platform trade-offs.
3. Proton VPN Free: stop paying when one device is enough
Proton VPN Free offers one connection at a time with unlimited data and no subscription charge. It is an ongoing free plan, not a limited trial that turns into a paid subscription. It is the strongest fit here if your priority is protecting one device while browsing or using public Wi-Fi.
The compromise is location control and the paid feature set. Free users have a more restricted server selection experience. VPN Plus adds broader country selection, up to ten connections and paid features such as NetShield and Secure Core; Proton Unlimited is a different bundle. The permanent free plan should not be described as including those paid benefits.
Start with Free if you do not need a specific country or paid streaming capability. Consider Plus only after identifying what you would gain. A free account still requires you to trust the provider, install the correct app and keep your device updated. Neither plan makes signed-in services unable to identify you.
Our free VPN guide explains the trade-off between unlimited data and location choice.
The button below opens Proton’s plan destination. Select the Free option if you want the ongoing free service; a paid website plan and its refund terms are separate.
When staying with ExpressVPN makes sense
Keep ExpressVPN if its apps, support and supported router setup already solve your problem and the actual renewal cost fits your budget. A competitor’s device limit, server count or promotional price is not evidence that it will be faster on your connection. Check your current tier before comparing: ExpressVPN’s Basic, Advanced and Pro bundles have different allowances and extras.
Our ExpressVPN review separates those tiers. An app you can configure consistently is more useful than one with a setting you will never use.
Switch without losing protection or paying twice
- Record your current renewal date and cancellation process. Turn off renewal if that is your decision, while retaining confirmation and any refund deadline.
- Install the replacement’s official app on your real devices. Test the websites and work services you need before committing to a long term.
- Check the public IP and DNS behaviour with the new tunnel connected. Verify the kill switch and any split-tunnel exclusions for your client.
- Remove unused VPN profiles after the replacement is working. Multiple active VPN or filtering configurations can conflict; do not delete work-managed settings without the administrator’s guidance.
Use VPNs for privacy and permitted access, and follow local law and service terms when travelling. A VPN does not provide malware protection by itself, remove account-based tracking or guarantee complete anonymity.
Final recommendation
For a paid replacement with a clear commitment, start with Mullvad and accept the five-device limit. Choose PIA instead if unlimited household connections are decisive. If your requirement is just one protected connection and unlimited data, try Proton VPN Free before adding another subscription.
Frequently asked questions
Which ExpressVPN alternative is cheapest?
That depends on the period you need. Proton VPN Free has no subscription cost for one connection. Mullvad charges €5 per month without a multi-year discount. Compare PIA’s full initial charge and renewal before calling a promotional monthly equivalent cheaper.
Can I use a free VPN instead of ExpressVPN?
Proton VPN Free is a practical option for one connection and unlimited data. More restricted location control and the absence of paid features make it a different proposition from a full paid plan.
Will switching make my VPN faster?
No provider can promise a faster result on every connection. Server distance, network congestion, protocol and device affect speed. Check the replacement on your own connection rather than relying on a universal ranking.
Is a money-back guarantee a free trial?
No. A paid website purchase with refund terms requires an initial payment and a refund request within the eligible period. Proton VPN Free is an ongoing free plan. App-store trials and purchases follow their own terms.
Sources and current plan checks
Official sources checked 8 October 2026 UTC: Mullvad pricing and refund limits; PIA subscriptions and allowances; Proton VPN Free. Checkout currency, taxes and promotional eligibility may differ.
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Stuart Kerr Spindlow is Impulsec’s Publisher, Chief Editor and Lead Reviewer. He writes and maintains coverage of consumer cybersecurity and digital-safety software, with a focus on practical suitability, limitations and the evidence behind product claims. Read Stuart’s full profile.