European Alternatives to ExpressVPN
Looking for a European alternative to ExpressVPN? While ExpressVPN is a popular VPN service, it's owned by Kape Technologies (formerly Crossrider) and operates from the British Virgin Islands. For users who value transparency, privacy laws, and European jurisdiction, there are excellent alternatives.
We've curated the best privacy-focused VPN services from Europe. These alternatives offer strict no-log policies, open-source clients, and operate under strong European privacy frameworks.
Why Choose a European Alternative to ExpressVPN?
Strict Privacy Laws
European jurisdictions like Sweden and Switzerland have strong privacy protections.
True No-Log Policies
Independently audited no-log policies you can actually trust.
Open Source Clients
Transparent, auditable code so you know exactly what's running.
Anonymous Payments
Pay with cash, crypto, or gift cards for complete anonymity.
Best European Alternatives to ExpressVPN
We've curated the best privacy-focused VPN services from European companies. Each alternative has been evaluated for privacy, security, and transparency.
Mullvad VPN
Anonymous VPN service with no email required and cash payment options
Proton VPN
Swiss VPN from the makers of ProtonMail with a generous free tier
IVPN
Privacy-focused VPN with transparent ownership and security practices
AirVPN
Italian VPN run by activists with advanced features for power users
OVPN
Swedish VPN with hardware-level security and court-proven no-log policy
Feature Comparison: ExpressVPN vs European Alternatives
| Feature | ExpressVPN | Mullvad | Proton VPN | IVPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headquarters | British Virgin Islands | Sweden | Switzerland | Gibraltar |
| Open Source Apps | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Independent Audit | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Anonymous Signup | No | Yes | Partial | Yes |
| Free Tier | No | No | Yes | No |
| WireGuard Support | Lightway | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cash Payments | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Mullvad VPN from Sweden is widely considered the best European alternative to ExpressVPN for privacy-focused users. It offers anonymous accounts (no email required), accepts cash payments by mail, and has been independently audited multiple times. For users who want a free option, Proton VPN from Switzerland offers unlimited data on their free tier.
European VPNs in privacy-friendly jurisdictions like Sweden, Switzerland, and Gibraltar often provide stronger privacy guarantees. ExpressVPN is owned by Kape Technologies, which has a controversial history in the adware industry. European alternatives like Mullvad and IVPN offer greater transparency about ownership, open-source clients, and operate under stricter European privacy laws.
Mullvad VPN is considered exceptionally private because: you don't need an email to sign up (just an account number), they accept cash payments by mail, all apps are fully open source, they've been independently audited, and they're based in Sweden with strong privacy laws. They also don't track any usage data.
Yes, Proton VPN offers a generous free tier with unlimited data, though server selection is limited. Unlike many free VPNs, Proton VPN doesn't show ads or sell your data - the free tier is supported by paid subscribers. It's based in Switzerland and all apps are open source and audited.
While European VPNs like Mullvad and IVPN prioritize privacy over streaming capabilities, Proton VPN actively supports streaming and works with many popular services. If streaming is your primary use case, Proton VPN's paid tiers offer optimized streaming servers. However, privacy-focused VPNs generally don't market themselves as streaming tools.
ExpressVPN was acquired by Kape Technologies in 2021. Kape (formerly Crossrider) has a controversial history - the company was previously known for distributing adware. This acquisition has raised concerns among privacy advocates. Additionally, ExpressVPN's CIO was revealed to have worked on surveillance projects. Many users have switched to European alternatives with clearer ownership and stronger privacy credentials.
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