ExpressVPN vs OpenVPN Access Server

ExpressVPN9.2Visit OAOpenVPN Access Server8.4Visit

Higher score ExpressVPN #2 in Virtual Private Network Software 9.2/10 From $2.99/mo (annual) ✓ 0 of 3 features Visit ExpressVPN

vs

OA OpenVPN Access Server #8 in Virtual Private Network Software 8.4/10 Free plan · paid from $7/mo · 14-day trial Free plan✓ 1 of 3 features Visit OpenVPN

• ExpressVPN fits best

  Streaming and broad server reach

• OpenVPN Access Server fits best

  Organizations self-hosting managed remote-access VPN

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Side by side

Feature	ExpressVPN 9.2/10 Visit ↗	OAOpenVPN Access Server 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.2	8.4
Ranking	#2 in Virtual Private Network Software	#8 in Virtual Private Network Software
Best for	Streaming and broad server reach	Organizations self-hosting managed remote-access VPN
Pricing model	Paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	Not published	Not published
Free plan	—	✓ (best)
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension	Cloud, Self-hosted
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension	Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Support	Live chat, Email, Docs · 24/7	Tickets, Community, Docs · 24/7
Built for	Solo, Small business, Enterprise	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features ExpressVPN 0/3 · OpenVPN Access Server 1/3
Remote access VPN	Not published	Not published
Site-to-site VPN	Not published	✓ (best)
SSO support	Not published	Not published
Specs
Supported VPN protocols	Not published	Not published
Client platforms	Not published	Not published
Concurrent sessions	Not published	Not published
Deployment model	Not published	Not published
Our review
Pros	Server network spans 113 countries, with streaming-service support guides Independently audited no-logs policy and an internet kill switch Apps for desktop, mobile, and Chrome, with WireGuard and Lightway support	Supports remote-access and site-to-site VPN networking Offers varied authentication methods and granular access controls Includes PKI, connection logs, clustering, and REST API automation
Cons	No free plan; annual-billed pricing starts at $2.99 per month Basic allows 10 simultaneous devices; higher limits require pricier plans Several additional privacy features are reserved for Advanced or Express Pro	Self-hosted administration adds operational work Free plan allows only 2 simultaneous connections Growth pricing scales with simultaneous connections
Our verdict	ExpressVPN is a paid VPN service for individuals and teams who want encrypted connections across desktop, mobile, and browser-extension use. It routes traffic through servers in 113 countries and offers streaming-service support guides,… Read the review →	OpenVPN Access Server provides remote access to private networks and resources, along with site-to-site VPN networking. It is aimed at organizations that want administrators to manage VPN settings, users, authentication, certificates, and… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• ExpressVPN — where it wins

  • Server network spans 113 countries, with streaming-service support guides
  • Independently audited no-logs policy and an internet kill switch
  • Apps for desktop, mobile, and Chrome, with WireGuard and Lightway support

  Where it doesn't

  • No free plan; annual-billed pricing starts at $2.99 per month
  • Basic allows 10 simultaneous devices; higher limits require pricier plans
  • Several additional privacy features are reserved for Advanced or Express Pro

• OpenVPN Access Server — where it wins

  • Supports remote-access and site-to-site VPN networking
  • Offers varied authentication methods and granular access controls
  • Includes PKI, connection logs, clustering, and REST API automation

  Where it doesn't

  • Self-hosted administration adds operational work
  • Free plan allows only 2 simultaneous connections
  • Growth pricing scales with simultaneous connections

• ExpressVPN9.2/10 · From $2.99/mo (annual)

  A broad-reach VPN with streaming guidance, audited no-logs policy, and tiered plans.

  Visit ExpressVPNFull verdict →
• OAOpenVPN Access Server8.4/10 · Free plan · paid from $7/mo · 14-day trial

  A configurable business VPN for organizations that can manage self-hosted infrastructure.

  Visit OpenVPNFull verdict →