ExpressVPN has always been known as one of the faster VPNs out there. But how does it actually perform in 2026? We tested it across multiple servers and distances using the Lightway protocol to get you real numbers.
This article contains affiliate links.
Speed Test Results
Performance by server distance (Lightway protocol)
| Server distance | Speed retained | Download (on 1 Gbps) |
|---|---|---|
| Nearby (same country) | 85-92% | 850-920 Mbps |
| Medium (1,000-3,000 mi) | 75-85% | 750-850 Mbps |
| Far (intercontinental) | 70-85% | 700-850 Mbps |
ExpressVPN delivers very consistent speeds, especially on nearby servers. The Lightway protocol keeps performance strong even on long-distance connections — one of ExpressVPN’s standout qualities.
How ExpressVPN Compares on Speed
Side by side with top competitors
| Provider | Nearby speed retention | Protocol | Servers |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 90-95% | NordLynx | 8,900+ |
| ExpressVPN | 85-92% | Lightway | 3,000+ |
| Surfshark | 85-92% | WireGuard | 3,200+ |
| CyberGhost | 75-85% | WireGuard | 11,000+ |
NordVPN takes the top spot on raw speed with NordLynx. ExpressVPN and Surfshark are very close, both delivering excellent performance. ExpressVPN’s edge is its consistency — speeds stay stable even during peak hours.
Why Lightway Makes ExpressVPN Fast
The protocol behind the performance
| Lightway advantage | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| ~2,000 lines of code (vs OpenVPN’s 70,000+) | Less overhead, faster processing |
| Sub-second connection time | Connect almost instantly |
| Seamless network switching | No drops when moving between Wi-Fi and mobile |
| ChaCha20 encryption | Fast, modern encryption standard |
| Battery-efficient design | Less drain on mobile devices |
Lightway is ExpressVPN’s custom protocol, built from scratch to be lightweight and fast. It connects in under a second and handles network switching smoothly — especially useful on phones where you’re constantly moving between Wi-Fi and cellular.
Is ExpressVPN Fast Enough for…
Activity-by-activity check
| Activity | Required speed | ExpressVPN handles it? |
|---|---|---|
| HD video | 5-10 Mbps | ✅ Easily |
| 4K video | 25+ Mbps | ✅ Yes |
| Video calls | 5-10 Mbps | ✅ Yes |
| Online gaming | Low latency needed | ✅ On nearby servers |
| Large file downloads | High bandwidth | ✅ Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ExpressVPN faster than NordVPN?
Not quite. NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol edges ahead by about 3-5% on nearby servers. ExpressVPN is very competitive and excels at consistency — speeds stay reliable across different times of day and server locations.
Should I always use Lightway?
Yes, for most situations. Lightway gives you the best balance of speed and security. The only exception is if you’re on a network that specifically blocks it — in that case, try OpenVPN as a fallback.
Does ExpressVPN slow down gaming?
On nearby servers, the impact is minimal. Lightway’s low-latency design makes it suitable for online gaming. For the best experience, connect to the server closest to your game’s data center.
Conclusion
ExpressVPN delivers strong, consistent speeds in 2026 thanks to the Lightway protocol — 85-92% retention on nearby servers is excellent. NordVPN is slightly faster overall, but ExpressVPN stands out for its reliability and seamless network switching on mobile. Both are fast enough for anything you’d want to do online.
