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Best for Streaming and VPN Beginners
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Consistently fast speeds powered by the proprietary Lightway Turbo protocol
Full assortment of safety features, including best-in-class encryption, no log policy, and tracker protection
Seamless connection to Aircove router to provide protection for the whole home
Best for High-Censorship Countries
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High-speed VPN servers
Robust encryption and RAM-only servers
With a large number of virtual private network (VPN) services available, choosing the right one can be difficult. We test VPNs to determine how well they maintain reliable download speeds, unblock popular streaming platforms, and work in real-world scenarios.
ExpressVPN is an excellent choice if you want a blend of speed, security, and simplicity while browsing the internet. It offers a user-friendly interface, a wide selection of VPN server locations, and exceptional streaming capabilities, making it ideal for both VPN newcomers and avid streamers.
On the other hand, Astrill VPN stands out with its advanced customization options and reliable performance in high-censorship countries.
In this article, we’ll take a look at ExpressVPN vs. Astrill VPN to compare their costs, features, compatibility, and more.
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Our Pick
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| Price | $3.49–$12.95/mo | $12.50–$30.00/mo |
| Max # of connected devices | 14 | 5 |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| # of server countries | 105 countries | 56 countries |
| VPN protocol | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | OpenWeb, StealthVPN, OpenVPN, WireGuard |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs |
| Unblocks Netflix? | ||
| Learn more | Get ExpressVPN | Get Astrill VPN |
We complete standardized hands-on tests for each VPN we review so we can put their claims to the test. This includes vigorous third-party testing by comparing our internet speed while connected to different servers, checking for DNS leaks, making sure the kill switch actually works, and more. We also make sure we can comfortably access popular streaming sites, like Netflix, and still do our day-to-day work without interruption.
Once we’ve completed the testing, our editorial rating is calculated by taking into account key features you’d expect from a good product. We score each VPN in the following categories and use a weighted average to calculate the final rating out of 5 stars: price, server count, speed, security, and features.
To learn more about how we test, check out our full VPN methodology here.
Compared to Astrill VPN, ExpressVPN has lower prices across the board, plus a money-back guarantee.
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Our Pick
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| Price range | $3.49–$12.95/mo | $12.50–$30.00/mo |
| Best value plan | 2-year plan for $3.49/mo (billed every two years) | 2-year plan for $12.50/mo (billed every two years) |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days | |
| Learn more | Get ExpressVPN | Get Astrill VPN |
ExpressVPN offers a lower monthly subscription than Astrill VPN. Its plans range from $4.99/mo (billed annually) for 12 months to $12.99/mo for a monthly plan.
Astrill VPN is much pricier, with its cheapest subscription starting at $12.50/mo (billed every two years) for a two-year commitment. It also has an annual plan for $15.00/mo (billed annually) and a month-by-month plan for $30.00/mo.
ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try the service risk-free for 30 days. Astrill VPN doesn't offer a money-back guarantee, which might deter some users, given the higher commitment required. Astrill offers a 7-day free trial, but you'll probably have to contact customer support to get it.
The payment options provided by a VPN are crucial, as they directly affect your convenience and, in certain situations, privacy. ExpressVPN offers multiple payment options, including credit cards, prepaid debit cards, PayPal, and even cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. These choices offer a blend of convenience and privacy, with cryptocurrencies enabling anonymous payments.
Astrill VPN also boasts a range of payment options. These include credit and debit cards, PayPal, Perfect Money, and Bitcoin. Additionally, they offer options catering to specific regional preferences, such as WeChat Pay and AliPay.
Historically, ExpressVPN has been one of the fastest, most reliable VPNs we've repeatedly tested. However, it dropped the ball during the latest round of testing, possibly due to working out kinks with its protocol updates.
| Server location |
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Our Pick
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| Average speed change | 14% decrease | 33% increase |
| Get ExpressVPN | Get Astrill VPN |
When using a VPN, internet speed is a significant factor that can significantly affect your online experience, especially when streaming, gaming, or downloading large files. That's why we conduct speed tests on all the VPNs we review.
First, we measure our baseline internet speed — our speed with no VPN connection. Then we connect to servers in various locations and calculate the impact on our baseline speed. We want VPNs not to decrease our speeds more than 18% to ensure a more stable, faster internet experience.
Although ExpressVPN has historically been one of the fastest VPNs, AstrillVPN actually improved our internet speeds.
ExpressVPN has a more secure service due to its larger server network and audited no-logs policy.
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Our Pick
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| Number of servers | Unlisted in 105 countries | Unlisted in 56 countries |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs |
| VPN headquarters | British Virgin Islands | Seychelles |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| VPN protocol | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | OpenWeb, StealthVPN, OpenVPN, WireGuard |
| Kill switch | ||
| Split tunneling | ||
| DNS leak protection | ||
| Ad blocker | ||
| Learn more | Get ExpressVPN | Get Astrill VPN |
ExpressVPN and Astrill VPN don't list their server counts. However, ExpressVPN appears to boast a significantly larger network, with servers spread across 105 countries, while Astrill's network spans 56 countries.
Both VPN providers have a no-logs policy, which affirms that they don't collect or store user activity data. ExpressVPN's no-logs policy has been independently audited by KPMG, adding an extra layer of trustworthiness. To date, it appears Astrill VPN has not conducted an international audit of its no-logs policy.
When it comes to security, both use AES-256 encryption, widely regarded as the gold standard for data encryption. They also provide a kill switch that prevents data leaks by automatically cutting off internet access if the VPN connection drops.
In terms of protocols, ExpressVPN offers Lightway, its own custom-built protocol designed for speed and security, as well as other standards such as OpenVPN and IKEv2.
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Astrill VPN offers a range of protocols, including StealthVPN, designed to bypass firewalls in highly censored countries like China.
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ExpressVPN offers more compatibility options and a more beginner-friendly interface compared to Astrill VPN.
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Our Pick
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| Windows | ||
| macOS | ||
| Android | ||
| iOS | ||
| Linux | ||
| Router | ||
| Smart devices | ||
| Browser extensions | Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Vivaldi | |
| 24/7 support | ||
| Customer support options | Live chat, email, online guides | Live chat, email, online guides |
| Learn more | Get ExpressVPN | Get Astrill VPN |
ExpressVPN and Astrill VPN offer comprehensive support for a wide range of devices and operating systems. This includes Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and routers.
However, ExpressVPN also provides browser extensions. Its smart device compatibility includes Fire TV Sticks, Samsung Smart TVs, Android TVs, and more, while Astrill VPN only covers Fire TV Sticks.
ExpressVPN also distinguishes itself with an easy-to-use interface. The settings are easy to find, and the program is simple to use, even for inexperienced users.
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Alternatively, Astrill VPN offers a more complex interface that may appeal to expert users but might intimidate newcomers. Although the settings are well-organized, the look might be simpler and more contemporary.
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As for customer support, ExpressVPN and Astrill VPN excel with comprehensive suites of assistance tools. Both services offer 24/7 live chat, email support, and online guides.
During our interactions, ExpressVPN's support team proved prompt, knowledgeable, and helpful, resolving queries quickly and effectively. Astrill VPN also offers a solid support experience, with responsive live chat and detailed online guides.
ExpressVPN and AstrillVPN are some of the most expensive services available, but that doesn't mean you'll always have to pay that price for a VPN. Take a look at our recommended alternatives with lower starting prices:
 NordVPN |
 Surfshark |
 Proton VPN |
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| Award | Best overall VPN | Best value VPN | Best privacy VPN |
| Star rating | |||
| Price | $2.99–$17.99/mo | $1.99–$20.65/mo | $2.49–$9.99/mo |
| Max # of connected devices | 10 | Unlimited | 10 |
| # of servers | 8,200+ servers in 120+ countries | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries | 15,000+ servers in 120+ countries |
| Netflix access | |||
| Learn more | Get NordVPN | Get Surfshark | Get Proton VPN |
Yes, ExpressVPN is known to work reliably in China and is listed as one of our top VPNs for China. To circumvent the Great Firewall, it has features like obfuscated servers and its proprietary Lightway protocol.
Lightway is ExpressVPN's proprietary VPN protocol, designed to deliver superior speed, security, and reliability. The protocol aims to offer a seamless user experience by being lightweight and quick to connect.
According to its FAQs, Astrill VPN offers a 7-day free trial, but you may need to request it from customer support.
Because of its dependability, Astrill VPN is an excellent choice for use in China. It includes key features that enable it to perform effectively, such as Stealth VPN and Smart Mode.
Ultimately, ExpressVPN comes out on top due to its larger server network, broader device compatibility, and audited no-logs policy. Its service is significantly more comprehensive, which justifies its price and makes it the superior pick between the two.
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Consistently fast speeds powered by the proprietary Lightway Turbo protocol
Full assortment of safety features, including best-in-class encryption, no log policy, and tracker protection
Seamless connection to Aircove router to provide protection for the whole home
Astrill VPN still offers a decent VPN service, but it costs more and has fewer server locations than ExpressVPN.
#1 rated VPN with 8,200+ servers ultra-secure, high-speed servers in 120+ countries
Reliably unblock popular streaming services like Netflix with a single click
All-in-one security product with antivirus, ad blocker, password manager, and more
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