ExpressVPN vs Hamachi by LogMeIn 2025

James Everard

Senior Writer

ExpressVPN is the great all-rounder of the VPN world, offering a large network of servers globally for all kinds of online activities. In comparison, Hamachi by LogMeIn is designed to set up and manage secure tunnels between devices in a virtual Local Area Network (LAN). Generally, it’s marketed more towards businesses than individual users. Which service is for you may depend on your circumstances.

We put both services through our stringent set of tests to determine which is best for a range of real-world uses. We looked at streaming, torrenting, and gaming, keeping in mind that each service is intended for different markets.

Our findings suggest that ExpressVPN is the better VPN service. It excelled in every test we threw its way, while Hamachi struggled in almost all areas. If you need a full online security solution, you’ll want our top-recommended VPN. I wouldn’t recommend Hamachi by LogMeIn unless you need a barebones tool to network with your other devices, and even then, there are better options on the market.

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Short on Time? Here Are My Key Findings

Streaming — ExpressVPN Works With Almost All Platforms

As will be the case for the majority of this comparison, it feels unfair to compare these services as they’re both designed to operate differently. ExpressVPN is a streaming heavyweight that worked securely and lag-free with all the platforms we tested.

However, Hamachi is designed to create virtual LANs and doesn’t route data through any servers. Therefore, it doesn’t have any issues working with streaming services as long as they’re available.

Express worked first time with various regional libraries of Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video. It also streamed some niche and tricky platforms like Sky (UK), Disney+ Hotstar (India), and DAZN (US) securely from anywhere, which is impressive as these services have strict VPN blocks. There were minimal loading times and zero buffering in all cases.

You can even save shortcuts to your favorite streaming services on the ExpressVPN app

Conversely, Hamachi doesn’t function like a regular VPN. This means we never came across the standard proxy error pages we typically see when testing VPNs. It worked admirably with all the streaming platforms we tried. However, we should be clear that streaming isn’t what Hamachi is designed for.

Hamachi can only stream the platforms that your server works with

A further advantage of ExpressVPN is its MediaStreamer feature. By inputting some simple DNS data, you can stream your favorite platforms on devices that don’t normally support VPNs, such as older smart TVs and game consoles.

Winner

ExpressVPN works with every platform we tested. It can stream local libraries for various streaming services, and its MediaStreamer feature even works with game consoles. Hamachi can only stream whichever platforms your controlling device works with.

Server Network — ExpressVPN Has a Vast Network of Servers, Hamachi Has None

ExpressVPN has a huge global fleet of servers. Its extensive network covers all the usual popular locations, plus some regions that aren’t often covered by VPNs, such as Macau, Algeria, and Puerto Rico. As such, it beats most VPNs when it comes to servers. However, in this case, Hamachi has no servers at all, and so ExpressVPN wins by default.

However, it would also be true to say that Hamachi lets you create your own network that’s as big or small as you need it to be. You just won’t get access to remote servers in other locations, and it won’t mask your real IP address.

Winner

ExpressVPN gives you access to 3,000 servers, whereas Hamachi only lets you connect to other devices that you own.

Speed — ExpressVPN Is the Fastest Around; Hamachi Is Only as Fast As Your Baseline

We ran speed tests from the US on both services, although this comparison was a little different from our regular ones. That’s because Hamachi doesn’t have its own servers, so it was difficult to make a speed comparison. However, we tested ExpressVPN’s Lightway across a range of servers with a baseline of approximately 244 Mbps download and 144 Mbps upload.

ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN we’ve ever tested. That’s partly due to its proprietary Lightway protocol. It was built from the ground up to offer fast, lightweight connections and even saves battery on mobile devices. We only had minimal speed drops across a range of distances, regardless of the time of day.

Ping and upload speeds were also remarkably quick

Hamachi creates a network tunnel between your devices, so it’s only as fast as the device you use as your server. Therefore, its speeds are equal to your base speed, which can fluctuate across the day.

The vpnMentor speed tester is based in the US

Here’s a brief summary of our test results:

Winner

ExpressVPN’s speeds are exceptional, even across great distances. Meanwhile, Hamachi’s speeds are tethered to the speed of your server, so it’s hard to make a comparison.

Gaming — ExpressVPN Offers More to Gamers

Ping measures the responsiveness of your commands to the on-screen action, so it’s a vital stat for gaming, especially if you’re connecting to faraway locations. This was another section that was difficult to compare, as Hamachi’s ping depends more on the devices you’re using than the quality of a VPN’s server network.

Hamachi is a safe way for gamers to participate in multi-player LAN parties. It offers an easy way to network your devices and protects users against DDoS attacks, and is great for VR and AR multiplayer games. It’s also free for up to 5 users. However, for more than 5 users, Hamachi is relatively expensive, considering the benefits that ExpressVPN offers.

ExpressVPN provides servers in a variety of countries and allows you to connect with exceptionally fast ping, as well as fast upload and download speeds. We had no issues using ExpressVPN to play fast-paced multiplayer games, even on some long-distance servers.

Every VPN will become unusable for gaming at a certain distance, but we were pleasantly surprised that we could play on servers thousands of kilometers away with only minimal lag.

ExpressVPN's download and upload speeds are also game-friendly

Winner

ExpressVPN offers more to gamers than safe networking for LAN parties. Its exceptionally fast ping over short to medium range allows for smooth gameplay. Plus, because it masks your IP address, it keeps you safe from DDoS attacks.

Torrenting — ExpressVPN’s Entire Fleet Supports P2P With Strong Security

Hamachi’s technically allows for fast file sharing across networks, but it doesn’t mask your real IP address, and it can’t bypass network blocks on P2P traffic. Since P2P file sharing involves connecting to various unknown seeders, it’s always best to protect your connection.

ExpressVPN supports P2P file sharing across its entire network of 3,000 servers, and it masks your IP address. Plus, its Advanced Protection prevents ads, trackers, and dangerous files that can lurk on file-sharing sites. The Network Lock kill switch stops your real IP from being revealed should your connection drop at any time.

Winner

ExpressVPN offers the ideal combination for file sharing with its P2P-friendly server network, paired with its speed-orientated Lightway protocol.

Security — ExpressVPN Boasts Far More Features

A glance at the table below reveals that Hamachi sadly lacks many of the basic security features you’d expect from a VPN. Meanwhile, ExpressVPN’s security credentials are very impressive. For example, its RAM-only servers wipe all user data upon reboot. Plus, the proprietary Lightway protocol has been future-proofed against quantum computing attacks.

Hamachi also lacks ad, tracker, and malicious content blocking. It offers no feature to mitigate against online threats, and the network tunnel alone offers minimal protection outside of encryption. Meanwhile, ExpressVPN offers a highly effective ad and tracker blocker that works automatically — no adjustments needed.

Also impressive is ExpressVPN’s automatic obfuscation on every server. It can detect tough network rules and easily bypass media and VPN blocks. Since it has no servers of its own, Hamachi is unable to offer anything similar.

Winner

ExpressVPN takes the lead with a robust proprietary protocol, automatic obfuscation, and RAM-only servers. Hamachi’s security credentials are modest by comparison.

Privacy — ExpressVPN Goes the Extra Mile

You can see a clear difference in how these services handle privacy. ExpressVPN strictly adheres to a no-logs policy backed by independent audits, while Hamachi logs user IPs for functionality, potentially compromising your privacy.

If privacy audits matter to you, ExpressVPN has been audited a total of 19 times at the time of writing. On the other hand, Hamachi by LogMeIn offers no such assurances.

ExpressVPN uses the open-source Lightway protocol, allowing public scrutiny, while Hamachi’s closed-source approach leaves its security opaque.

Jurisdiction plays a significant role in how private your data stays. ExpressVPN operates in the British Virgin Islands, free from intrusive surveillance laws, unlike Hamachi, which is based in the United States. The US is part of data-sharing agreements like the Five Eyes, which puts your privacy at risk.

Past incidents further emphasize ExpressVPN’s reliability, as it has proactively addressed vulnerabilities and even contributed to industry whitepapers about these incidents. Meanwhile, Hamachi has no breach transparency to evaluate.

Winner

ExpressVPN offers verified privacy through no-logs audits, open-source protocols, and secure jurisdiction. Hamachi lacks transparency and privacy-focused features, making it less suited for privacy-conscious users.

Works in China — ExpressVPN Offers Greater Security and Reliability

With its automatic obfuscation, ExpressVPN can help you bypass tough network blocks. Despite ongoing changes in Great Firewall technology, it remains one of the most reliable options for the country. Although its website is blocked in China, it has a mirror site for use in the country — just email customer support for an up-to-date URL if you haven’t pre-downloaded it before you travel. It also offers a choice of protocols to use in case one is blocked in China.

Since it’s intended for devices on local networks, you should have no problem using Hamachi in China. Just don’t expect it to bypass any network blocks within the country. Also, be aware that its website is blocked in China, according to our China firewall test.

Winner

Both services work in China, although ExpressVPN goes the extra mile with its mirror site specifically for use in restrictive regions and automatic obfuscation on every server to improve reliability.

Installation & Ease of Use — Both Services Are User-Friendly

Both services can be downloaded and installed in under a minute. They are both available for direct download via their respective websites, and installation is quick and easy.

The ExpressVPN app is intuitive and slick. It has just three basic views: home, the server list, and Preferences. Its simplicity shouldn’t detract from its highly advanced features, which include ad blocking, split tunneling, automation, and protocol selection.

Hamachi is even simpler, with just a basic on/off switch on the main app. However, that’s partly because it doesn’t offer many features to play with. Techie fans may be disappointed by its lack of settings.

Winner - draw

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Both services are easy to download and install, but ExpressVPN’s app gives you access to a lot more features and settings.

Reliability & Support — ExpressVPN’s Live Chat is Among the Best

ExpressVPN’s live chat is the fastest and most reliable way to resolve technical issues. It’s fast, friendly, and available in numerous languages. You don’t even have to subscribe to take advantage; it’s free to use on the website.

Hamachi doesn’t have a live chat option, but I must commend its free phone service. It took less than a minute to get through, and the agent answered my question within a couple of minutes. Phone support is rare among VPNs, so I was impressed to have the option.

Winner

ExpressVPN’s live chat is the most efficient way to get answers, but I respect Hamachi for offering a responsive phone support service.

Pricing

	ExpressVPN	Hamachi by LogMeIn
Starting Price	$4.99/month	Free for up to 5 devices
Price (On Renewal)	$139.72 per year (subject to change)	$199 per year for up to 256 devices (subject to change)
Money-Back Guarantee (Days)	30 days	days
Number of Devices per License	8	Free for up to 5, up to 32 on Standard, up to 256 on Premium
Router Setup (for Unlimited Devices)	Easy setup with dedicated app	N/A

ExpressVPN offers 1, 12, and 24-month contracts, all of which are competitively priced. They all offer the same features, but the 24-month deal is by far the best value and also includes 4 months free. Plus, all plans come with a 30 day money-back guarantee, while Hamachi doesn’t have a refund guarantee at all.

Hamachi’s pricing structure depends on the number of devices you want to use. Up to 5 devices are free, but using 6 to 256 devices requires a subscription. However, one subscription covers all the devices on your network, making Hamachi a cost-effective choice for startups and small businesses. Payment is in USD only.

Winner

ExpressVPN offers far more flexibility and a better range of features for your money. However, Hamachi is a good option for small businesses.

Our Methodology for Testing ExpressVPN vs Hamachi by LogMeIn

When comparing these services, we didn’t skimp on the detail. We compared how each service worked for various real-world use cases while keeping in mind the very different markets they cater to. We compared each service’s comparative speeds and latency, bearing in mind that both of these tools operate differently.

For further info on our processes, visit our testing methodology page. Here, you’ll find a deep dive into how we evaluate and review products to bring you the latest news on VPN services.

ExpressVPN vs. Hamachi by LogMeIn — Reddit Opinions

ExpressVPN gets plenty of praise for its reliability and speed, as well as its streaming capabilities and customer service. There were far fewer recent posts about Hamachi, but some Redditers warned you not to join Hamachi gaming networks unless you know the other users personally (because you’re offering remote access to your device).

Unsurprisingly, we couldn't find any business users of Hamachi on Reddit!