How to Get an ExpressVPN Free Trial (7 & 30 Days) in 2025

ExpressVPN offers a 7-day free trial through its mobile app on iOS and Android. It gives you full access to premium features like high-speed servers, military-grade encryption, and streaming support. Once the trial is active, you can use the same account across all your devices, including your PC, Mac, smart TV, or router.

However, 7 days isn’t always enough to thoroughly test everything ExpressVPN offers. Does ExpressVPN offer a 30-day money-back guarantee? Yes, this lets you continue using the service for an additional 30 days if you’ve never used its guarantee before, giving you up to 37 days of risk-free testing. You’ll need to pay upfront for the second part, but you can request a refund anytime within the guarantee period through 24/7 live chat.

I tested both trial options myself, and the process was seamless. The setup took just a few minutes, the apps worked flawlessly across platforms, and my refund was processed within minutes. Whether you’re testing for streaming, privacy, or speed, ExpressVPN lets you explore everything it offers without any financial risk. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free >>

How to Get a 7-Day ExpressVPN Free Trial on Mobile

ExpressVPN’s 7-day free trial is available exclusively through its mobile app on iOS and Android. Once activated, you can use your account on up to 8 devices simultaneously, including laptops, smart TVs, and routers.

1. Visit Your Phone's App Store

Search for the ExpressVPN app and download it from either the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. You can find the exact links on ExpressVPN’s website, and they’ll take you to your app store. Once the app has been downloaded, tap Start Free Trial.

I just typed "ExpressVPN" in the search bar to locate the app

2. Select the 12-Month Plan

To activate the 7-day trial, you must choose the 12-month plan. Other plans and offers don’t qualify. While you won’t be charged right away, a valid payment method is required — usually the one already saved in your app store account. If you don’t cancel at least 24 hours before the trial ends, your subscription will automatically begin.

You don't need to enter your card details; it uses the card saved to your app store account

3. Accept Permissions and Set Up

ExpressVPN will ask for basic permissions to configure your VPN settings, which ensures the app can connect securely whenever needed. You’ll also be prompted to review its privacy policy and optionally share anonymized crash data.

ExpressVPN has a strict no-logs policy — you can read about it in its privacy policy

4. Start Using ExpressVPN

Once the mobile app is set up, you can sign in using the email address you used for the free trial and get straight to testing its features. You’ll then be sent an email link to complete the sign-in. Alternatively, you can use the activation code. At this point, you can also download the VPN on each of your devices.

It’s important to note that once your free trial is up, you won’t be able to get an ExpressVPN free trial again on that operating system. However, you can get one free trial on iOS and another on Android, so you can do this if you want to get the ExpressVPN free trial more than once.

You can choose any server you like

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

How to Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free For 30 Days

It’s quick and easy to install ExpressVPN and test it risk-free. The money-back guarantee isn't a free trial hack, as you'll have to pay for the VPN upfront, and it’s only available if you’ve not requested a refund from the VPN before. However, it does give you a risk-free trial period. You'll be able to get your money back within 30 days if you’re not satisfied.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you set it up and request a refund if needed.

1. Visit the ExpressVPN Homepage

Go to the ExpressVPN site, then click the Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free or Get Started button. This will bring you directly to its pricing list.

After clicking this button, I was presented with multiple subscription options

2. Choose the Offer That Works for You

All ExpressVPN offers include the same premium features and are backed by the full 30-day money-back guarantee. I received 61% off by choosing the longest-duration offer. If you’re not ready to commit long-term, there’s also a 1-month option with a lower upfront cost.

After selecting your offer, simply enter your email and payment method. Just keep in mind that paying by card or PayPal sets up automatic renewal, but you can cancel that anytime by contacting their 24/7 live chat support.

ExpressVPN even lets you pay with cryptocurrency for added privacy

3. Take Note of Your Activation Code

This will appear on the next screen after your email and payment information are processed. Then, you just need to click Download to set up the app on your device (it automatically detects which device and OS you’re using).

ExpressVPN has apps for almost any device

4. Paste Your Activation Code In the App

The app launches automatically once it's installed. Once you’ve logged in with your activation code, select your preferences. You can choose to have the app start automatically when you use your device (which I highly recommend) and opt for/against sending error reports.

The entire process of setting up and activating the app took me less than 3 minutes

5. Use ExpressVPN for 30 Days Risk-Free

This gives you plenty of time to test it for streaming, browsing, gaming, torrenting, and more.

6.  Get a Refund If You’re Not Satisfied

If you’re still within the money-back period, it’s easy to get your refund. You can make your request via email or its 24/7 live chat feature. Just remember that you can only claim this once; if you purchase the service again after getting a refund, it won’t be covered by the guarantee.

The agent was friendly and helpful — my refund was processed within minutes

7. Check Your Account for Payment

This can take up to 7 business days, but I had my money back in just a few days.

ExpressVPN Free Trial Vs. Money-Back Guarantee

As per a report by Analyzify, around 22.9% of internet users worldwide use a VPN¹. With nearly a quarter of the world relying on VPNs for streaming, privacy, and secure browsing, having enough time to test one thoroughly, across all your devices and use cases, is more important than ever.

The 7-day free trial is a great way to try ExpressVPN without paying upfront. But, let’s be honest, a week goes by fast. VPN performance can vary depending on the day, your location, and even the time of day.

That’s why the 30-day money-back guarantee is the better choice for most people. You do need to pay upfront, but you get a full month to test ExpressVPN on all your devices without limitations.

That’s plenty of time to see how it holds up during your daily routine, whether you're streaming, gaming, torrenting, or browsing on public Wi-Fi. And, if you're not satisfied, getting your money back is easy.

I tested the refund process myself, and it was genuinely hassle-free. I opened a chat, asked to cancel, and the agent processed my refund right away — no pushback, no forms, nothing complicated. The money showed up in my account within a few days.

What Can I Get With the ExpressVPN Free Trial and Money-Back Guarantee?

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested April 2025

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN we’ve tested. On nearby servers, we only saw a 3% drop, which is barely noticeable — everything from streaming to browsing felt just as quick as our normal connection. The performance is largely thanks to Lightway, ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol that prioritizes speed and stability without sacrificing security. We could stream in 4K without any slowdowns.

We never experienced any buffering throughout our tests

We’ve also had excellent results with streaming. During our tests, ExpressVPN worked seamlessly with Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more than 15 Netflix libraries. All of them loaded on the first try without any server switching. We didn’t encounter any proxy errors, buffering, or resolution drops, even during peak hours. If you stream a lot, this kind of plug-and-play reliability makes a big difference.

When it comes to security, ExpressVPN doesn’t just rely on the basics. Along with military-grade encryption and leak protection, it uses perfect forward secrecy, which means a new encryption key is created for each session. Even if one key is ever compromised, your past and future data stay completely secure.

How much does ExpressVPN cost? Its monthly plans are on the expensive side. But it often runs limited-time deals, which can bring down the price by a lot — I got 61% off when I grabbed a long-term purchase. For the level of speed, privacy, and streaming access it delivers, the price feels justified.

Useful Features

• Strong focus on privacy. ExpressVPN has a strict no-logs policy and uses RAM-only servers that completely wipe your data after every reboot. Its no-logs policy has been audited and verified multiple times by third-party security firms, like PwC and Cure53. Plus, being based in the British Virgin Islands (a privacy haven outside of 5 Eyes jurisdiction) means they can truly stick to their privacy promises.
• Good for gaming. During our tests on ExpressVPN’s nearby servers, we recorded a ping of 10ms. This let us play fast-paced games like Warzone and Apex Legends without any lag. You’ll also have a smooth and responsive experience on cloud gaming platforms like GeForce Now.
• Advanced security features. ExpressVPN’s Threat Manager blocks trackers and malicious sites at the network level. It also includes an ad blocker that stops most ads before they load, making browsing cleaner and faster. Given that 80% of internet users have encountered spyware² (often delivered through deceptive ads or pop-ups), these protections are crucial for maintaining online security.
• Works on restrictive networks. ExpressVPN uses automatic obfuscation on all servers to disguise your VPN traffic as regular internet activity, and it kicks in whenever it detects network blocks. It works well on restrictive networks and is one of the few VPNs that still work in China.
• Easy router setup. Of all the VPNs we’ve tested, ExpressVPN is the easiest to set up on routers. It offers custom firmware for easy installation and offers specific features like Device Groups that make it very convenient to use on routers.

Short on Time? Here Are the Best ExpressVPN Alternatives in 2025

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

How Does ExpressVPN’s Free Trial Compare to Other VPNs?

Many premium VPNs offer a mix of free trials and money-back guarantees to let you test their services without risk. During our testing, we found key differences in trial lengths, payment requirements, and feature access. Here’s how ExpressVPN’s trial options compare to other leading VPNs.

1. CyberGhost — Activity-Specific Servers to Easily Find the Right Connection for Your Needs

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

What we liked most about CyberGhost was its dedicated servers for streaming, gaming, and torrenting, which are clearly labeled in the app. You can connect to the right server without trial and error. In our tests, CyberGhost worked reliably with Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer, and we didn’t even have to switch locations.

We also tried CyberGhost’s gaming servers and got a 9ms ping on a nearby server, which is great for smooth online play. That said, speeds weren’t always consistent on long-distance servers — we saw noticeable slowdowns during peak hours, something we didn’t experience with ExpressVPN.

CyberGhost offers a 24-hour free trial on desktop, up to 7 days on mobile, and a 45-day money-back guarantee on longer purchases.

2. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Unlimited Connections to Protect All Your Devices

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA is one of the few VPNs that lets you connect unlimited devices at once. In our PIA tests, this didn’t impact performance at all. We streamed, torrented, and played online games on 8 devices simultaneously, and everything ran smoothly — no buffering, no disconnects. It’s a great option if you have a household full of devices or want to share your plan. Similar to ExpressVPN, it also offers a 7-day trial on mobile.

It also gives you a ton of control — you can tweak encryption levels, switch between protocols, and even customize DNS settings. That said, all these options can feel overwhelming if you're new to VPNs. The good news is, it comes fully preconfigured, so you don’t have to change anything unless you want to.

3. NordVPN — Double VPN Provides Enhanced Security and Privacy

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try NordVPN >

www.nordvpn.com

NordVPN offers Double VPN, which routes your traffic through two VPN servers instead of one. This adds an extra layer of encryption to your connection. It's useful when you need heightened security, such as when handling sensitive data or browsing in countries with strict internet regulations. Even with Double VPN enabled, we got good speeds with NordVPN.

One thing I did notice is that the Windows app can be slow to launch, especially right after booting up. ExpressVPN felt a bit more responsive in day-to-day use. Still, NordVPN’s 7-day trial gives you a lot of advanced features, and its extra security options (like Dark Web Monitor and Threat Protection) are great if you want advanced features.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs With a Free Trial

We tested each free trial VPN by going through the full process ourselves — from sign-up and setup to cancellation and support interaction. This included checking how easy it was to activate the trial, whether payment details were required, and if full features were available during the trial period.

We also tested performance across multiple devices and locations, including streaming capabilities, download speeds, and general browsing. To put their money-back guarantees to the test, we contacted support directly to request a refund and recorded how fast and hassle-free the process was. Our goal was to see how the VPN performs and how well the trial reflects long-term user experience. For more details, visit our VPN testing methodology page.

How to Cancel Your ExpressVPN 7-Day Trial

To avoid being charged, make sure to cancel your 7-day trial at least 24 hours before it ends. You can manage your trial directly through your device’s subscription settings, either on the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).

If you signed up through Apple, any refund request will need to go through Apple Support, and approval is at their discretion, not ExpressVPN’s. This also means that the VPN’s money-back guarantee doesn’t apply if you pay through Apple.

If you want more control over your subscription and access to ExpressVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee, it’s best to sign up directly through ExpressVPN’s website. For step-by-step instructions on how to cancel ExpressVPN on any device, check out this guide.

Common Issues With the ExpressVPN Subscription (and How to Avoid Them)

While ExpressVPN is one of the most reliable VPNs we’ve tested, no service is completely issue-free. Here are some common subscription-related problems users have reported — and how you can avoid them.

1. Subscription auto-renewed unexpectedly

ExpressVPN subscriptions are set to auto-renew by default, which is standard across most VPNs. If you don’t want to be charged again, you’ll need to cancel before your next billing cycle begins. The process is simple if you subscribed through ExpressVPN’s website — just log in and manage your plan. If you signed up through the App Store or Google Play, you’ll need to cancel through your phone’s subscription settings.

2. PayPal billed even after cancellation

While this doesn’t usually happen when you cancel properly, some users have reported unexpected charges via PayPal after ending their subscriptions. This is typically due to pre-approved payments still being active in their PayPal account. To be safe, it’s a good idea to log into PayPal and manually remove ExpressVPN from your list of recurring payment agreements.

3. Refund delays or confusion

ExpressVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee is only available when you sign up through its website. If you subscribed through the App Store, refunds must be requested from Apple, and approval is up to them.

In addition, the money-back guarantee only applies if you’ve never requested a refund from ExpressVPN before.

To avoid delays or complications, I recommend subscribing directly through ExpressVPN's site whenever possible. This means that you’ll be covered by the money-back guarantee, where applicable.

How Does ExpressVPN’s Referral Program Work?

ExpressVPN’s referral program is simple: when someone signs up using your unique link, both of you get 30 days of free service. You can start referring friends as soon as you create your account, and there’s no limit to how many people you can refer.

Each time a friend becomes a paying customer, you earn another free month, so it’s possible to extend your subscription for months at no extra cost. Just keep in mind that all plans are paid upfront, and the 30 free days are added after the initial subscription period.

FAQs on How to Get an ExpressVPN Free Trial

Can I get the ExpressVPN free trial with no credit card?

No — a valid payment method is required to start the ExpressVPN free trial. That said, you usually won’t need to enter new details, since your phone's app store (Google Play or Apple App Store) already has a linked payment method. The trial is tied to that existing account, and you won’t be charged unless you continue past the 7-day period.

Does the ExpressVPN free trial work on any device?

You can only get the ExpressVPN 7-day trial on Android or iOS. However, once you activate the free mobile trial, you can actually use ExpressVPN on any supported device like your PC or laptop. But the trial window itself is still just 7 days. That’s why you have another chance to test it risk-free since it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Even though you have to pay for this option upfront, you’ll get a better idea of how well the VPN works for you. And, if it doesn’t, it’s really easy to claim a refund.

When you sign up for a plan, you can use it on all of your devices, such as:

Will ExpressVPN charge me after the free trial ends?

Yes — if you don’t cancel in time, ExpressVPN will automatically charge you for the 12-month offer you selected when the trial started. To avoid this, make sure to cancel at least 24 hours before the trial ends through your app store’s subscription settings.

That said, if you forget and get charged, you're still covered by ExpressVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee as long as you’ve never claimed it before. This gives you extra time to try the full service with zero risk. If you’re not satisfied, you can request a refund by contacting their 24/7 live chat support — the process is quick and hassle-free.

Do I need a free trial code or coupon to try ExpressVPN?

No, you don’t need a free trial code or coupon to use ExpressVPN's 7-day free trial. Simply sign up and download the app through an existing Apple App Store or Google Play Store account to start your trial. However, you can use discount codes and coupons when you sign up for ExpressVPN through the website.

Should I use a free VPN instead of ExpressVPN’s free trial?

I don't recommend using a free VPN instead of ExpressVPN's free trial. It's always better to use a premium VPN that offers a free trial or money-back guarantee, as these give you full access to high-quality features without a long-term commitment.

ExpressVPN's free trial (and subsequent money-back guarantee) provides unlimited access to all of the VPN's premium features. This allows you to thoroughly test its streaming capabilities, speeds, security measures, and more without any restrictions. In contrast, free VPNs often come with significant limitations and can even pose security risks.

Some of the drawbacks associated with free VPNs include:

• Small server networks
• Slow speeds
• Restrictive torrenting abilities
• Severe data caps that hinder streaming and other online activities
• Potential sharing of personal user data with third parties
• Invasive targeted ads
• Possible exposure to malware, trackers, and other cyber threats

To summarize, these are the best VPNs with a free trial or money-back guarantee…

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Rank

Provider

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1

9.9 /10

9.9 Our Score

Save 61%!

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2

9.7 /10

9.7 Our Score

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3

9.5 /10

9.5 Our Score

Save 83%!

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4

9.4 /10

9.4 Our Score

Save 77%!

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5

9.3 /10

9.3 Our Score

Save 87%!

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References

1. https://analyzify.com/statsup/vpn/
2. https://www.getastra.com/blog/security-audit/malware-statistics/