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CNET rated ExpressVPN 8.0 in a 2026 review, praising its privacy and security features, streaming performance and transparency while citing high prices and a less usable app. Its Basic plan starts at $75 for the first year or $84 for two years, but both renew at $100 annually; the review also reported minor bugs in the new app.

CNET rated ExpressVPN 8.0 in a 2026 review, praising its privacy and security features and strong streaming performance while warning that high prices and changes to the app have weakened its value and usability. The review calls it a leading option for streaming, but says its Basic plan’s introductory prices rise to $100 a year at renewal.

For its assessment, CNET reviewer James Martin said he conducted more than 200 speed tests on macOS and Windows, checked streaming access from different server locations, evaluated app features and tested for data leaks. He also reviewed the company’s privacy policy and contacted ExpressVPN by video chat and email. CNET’s overall conclusion was that the service remains well-rounded, though its rating was held back by price and usability.

The Basic plan includes the VPN, 10 simultaneous connections, selected DNS-based content-blocking features and a limited version of MailGuard. CNET listed pricing at $15 per month, $75 for the first year or $84 for the first two years. Both longer-term options renew at $100 per year. The service also offers Advanced and Pro bundles with additional privacy and security tools, at higher prices.

The review described the redesigned app as somewhat buggy and said ExpressVPN does not offer multihop connections. It praised the company’s focus on transparency and identified the British Virgin Islands as its jurisdiction. These are CNET’s findings and assessment, rather than a guarantee that every user will see identical performance or results.

Privacy Features Versus Subscription Cost

The review puts a practical trade-off at the center of a VPN purchase: strong privacy and streaming may appeal to users willing to pay a premium, but renewal pricing can make the long-term cost less attractive. The $100 annual renewal for Basic is particularly relevant for customers comparing the service with lower-priced alternatives or deciding whether they need bundled tools.

ExpressVPN is also adding services beyond its core VPN, including password management, email protection and identity-related features on higher tiers. That shift matters because customers are being asked to compare not only VPN performance but also what is included at each price. CNET’s assessment is that the Basic tier provides a simpler VPN-only choice, while still offering less value than the reviewer expected at its price.

New Plans and a Broader Product Suite

CNET said ExpressVPN has recently changed both its app and subscription structure. The revised plans separate a Basic VPN subscription from Advanced and Pro bundles, which add tools such as ExpressKeys, enhanced MailGuard, Identity Defender and ExpressAI depending on the tier. The review focuses mainly on the VPN itself, so its comments on those additional services do not amount to a full evaluation of each product.

The review also notes that ExpressVPN increased Basic’s allowance to 10 simultaneous connections, up from eight, and included limited MailGuard access. CNET nevertheless judged the revised pricing as offering less value than some earlier arrangements, when features such as password management were available for a similar price. That comparison is the reviewer’s assessment of the plans described, not a claim that all customers had the same earlier subscription.

“ExpressVPN is still one of the best VPNs you can buy.”

— CNET reviewer James Martin

Performance Depends on the User

The supplied review material does not establish that every subscriber will have the same streaming access, speeds or app experience. Results can depend on the device, network, server location and the streaming service being used; CNET’s tests describe its own evaluation rather than a promise of uninterrupted access.

The material also does not give a detailed account of the app bugs, their frequency or when they may be fixed. It lists plan prices and renewal rates at the time of the review, but does not establish how long those prices will remain available. Readers should check current terms, renewal costs and included features before subscribing.

Check Current Plans Before Subscribing

Readers considering ExpressVPN should compare the current plan inclusions and renewal price against their needs, rather than relying only on the introductory offer. The review lists a 30-day money-back guarantee, but customers should confirm the applicable terms and payment conditions when signing up.

The source material does not identify a date for a future app update or a change to pricing. Any later assessment of the service would need to test whether the reported usability issues have changed and whether the company’s bundled products provide enough added value for their higher subscription costs.

Key Questions

What rating did CNET give ExpressVPN in its 2026 review?

CNET gave ExpressVPN an 8.0 rating, praising privacy, security and streaming while marking down value and usability.

How much does ExpressVPN Basic cost?

The review listed Basic at $15 per month, $75 for the first year or $84 for the first two years. The annual and two-year offers renew at $100 per year, according to the review.

What did the review say about ExpressVPN for streaming?

CNET described ExpressVPN as a leading VPN for streaming and said it tested access to streaming content from servers in different locations. Those findings reflect the reviewer’s tests and do not guarantee access to a particular service for every user.

What were CNET’s main criticisms?

The review cited high prices, a new app it described as somewhat buggy, no multihop connections and limited DNS-based content blocking on Basic. It also questioned whether the revised plans offer sufficient value.

Source: CNET