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ExpressVPN alternatives · VPNs

Self-hosted alternatives to ExpressVPN

The ExpressVPN listing does not say it can be self-hosted. 4 of the 50 other VPNs in this directory can be self-hosted, according to their own sites.

ExpressVPN is a paid product with a free trial, starting at $99.95 per year at renewal (Basic), after a first 15 months for $74.85. All of them are free or have a free plan.

4 tools · Listings checked up to Nov 13, 2026 · Where the facts come from

How each one differs from ExpressVPN

  1. Lantern

    Nonprofit, open-source VPN built to get past censorship

    • Lantern starts at $3.63 per month on the 2-year Pro plan, billed every 2 years. ExpressVPN starts at $99.95 per year at renewal (Basic), after a first 15 months for $74.85.
    • Lantern has a free plan. ExpressVPN does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only ExpressVPN lists a browser extension.
    • Lantern is open source and self-hostable, according to its own site.
  2. Outline VPN

    Open-source software for running your own VPN server

    • Outline VPN is free. ExpressVPN starts at $99.95 per year at renewal (Basic), after a first 15 months for $74.85.
    • Outline VPN has a free plan. ExpressVPN does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only ExpressVPN lists a browser extension.
    • Outline VPN is open source and self-hostable, according to its own site.
  3. OpenVPN

    Open-source VPN protocol plus business VPN products built on it

    • OpenVPN starts at $7 per connection or seat / month, billed annually. ExpressVPN starts at $99.95 per year at renewal (Basic), after a first 15 months for $74.85.
    • OpenVPN has a free plan. ExpressVPN does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only ExpressVPN lists a browser extension.
    • OpenVPN is open source and self-hostable, according to its own site.
  4. SoftEther VPN

    Free multi-protocol VPN server and client from a Japanese university

    • SoftEther VPN is free. ExpressVPN starts at $99.95 per year at renewal (Basic), after a first 15 months for $74.85.
    • SoftEther VPN has a free plan. ExpressVPN does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only ExpressVPN lists a browser extension.
    • SoftEther VPN is open source and self-hostable, according to its own site.

Common questions

Is there a self-hosted alternative to ExpressVPN?

Yes. Lantern, Outline VPN, OpenVPN and SoftEther VPN can be self-hosted, according to their own sites.

Can ExpressVPN be self-hosted?

The ExpressVPN listing does not say it can be self-hosted. The listing was checked on Nov 2, 2026 against the pages it cites.

When was this checked?

Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Nov 2, 2026 to Nov 13, 2026. Vendors change prices and plans without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.

This page is built from the listings. A tool is here because its listing says so, and the order is how close each is to ExpressVPN: the alternatives its listing names first, then the tools that share the most features with it.