ExpressVPN vs Turbo VPN 2024

James Everard

Senior Writer

ExpressVPN and Turbo VPN are both speedy-sounding services. But do they both live up to the name? Meanwhile, ExpressVPN has a fine reputation as a premium service, whereas Turbo VPN is more popular as a free VPN. How will the premium versions compare?

We put both VPNs through a rigorous set of tests. We compared their speeds, security, privacy, and price; while also assessing them for popular use cases. In the end, only one service passed the finish line.

ExpressVPN is faster, smoother, and better in almost every regard. Turbo VPN couldn’t even match it in a single metric, let alone beat it. In fact, it would be difficult to imagine a scenario in which Turbo VPN would be the preferred service, apart from price.

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Short on Time? Here Are My Key Findings

Streaming — ExpressVPN Wins by Some Distance

Turbo VPN is very disappointing when it comes to streaming. It offers numerous specialty streaming servers, but many of them didn’t work in our tests. That included Disney+ servers in Canada, Netherlands, and South Korea and the Max server in the US. We got a standard error screen with each.

The BBC iPlayer server wouldn’t even connect, and UK - London wouldn’t work with iPlayer. Live chat suggested a few fixes, such as changing servers, but they didn’t work. Eventually, we were simply told to “try again later.” We did have some success with Netflix US and streamed a full episode of Hell’s Kitchen in HD with no buffering and minimal loading times.

Turbo VPN's regular server in San Francisco also worked with Netflix US

However, ExpressVPN fared considerably better. It worked with all the major streaming giants we tested, as well as some niche ones. There was no buffering and minimal loading times, almost as if we weren’t using a VPN at all.

Its lack of specialty servers isn’t an issue because all the ExpressVPN servers we tested worked for streaming, so there was no disconnecting and reconnecting between platforms. For example, all 5 UK servers worked with BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and Disney+. Plus, the India (via Singapore) server worked with Netflix India and Disney+ Hotstar.

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

Winner

ExpressVPN is the better option for streaming. It works with far more platforms and its considerably faster speeds are better at handling Ultra HD video. And, with servers in 105 countries, you can stream securely from anywhere.

Server Network — ExpressVPN Is Far More Reliable

ExpressVPN’s network is well-distributed and more reliable. Turbo VPN's network size is complex because it claims to have servers in 111 countries. However, during testing, I could only count 46 locations on the macOS app. Live chat suggested there were more servers for different protocols, but I didn’t find that to be the case. Finally, live chat said there were more servers on different OSs. But I didn’t find them in my tests.

In contrast, ExpressVPN’s claim of 105 locations is accurate; plus, they all worked during testing. Turbo VPN’s servers in UK - Manchester and US - New York failed to connect at all. Plus, ExpressVPN has servers in Myanmar, Bangladesh, and some other less common regions, which Turbo VPN can’t match.

Winner

ExpressVPN covers far more regions in reality, plus its servers are far more reliable. They all connected almost instantly, whereas many Turbo VPN servers spooled for a few seconds and then returned an error message.

Speed — ExpressVPN Steams Ahead of Turbo VPN

We put both VPNs through a stringent set of tests to determine the quickest. We used the fastest protocol for each service, which was Lightway for ExpressVPN and Automatic for Turbo VPN (the app doesn’t actually specify which protocol is connected). Our testing base was in Glasgow, UK, and we had a starting speed of around 260 Mbps.

ExpressVPN gave just a 3% loss from nearby servers in Paris, France. Even more impressive, Los Angeles in the US gave a loss of just 10%. That’s remarkably quick, considering LA is over 5,000 miles away.

ExpressVPN was also very fast at connecting to servers

Meanwhile, Turbo VPN gave us a 34% loss from Paris. That’s enough of a slowdown to make a noticeable difference, even for casual browsing. But the slowdown reached a whopping 70% from LA, a reduction of over two-thirds.

Turbo VPN's upload speeds weren't nearly as bad

Admittedly, Turbo VPN’s upload speeds were at least comparable to ExpressVPN, but downloading is usually a far more important metric unless you upload a lot of videos to socials.

Winner

ExpressVPN is the only choice when it comes to speeds, being considerably faster across all distances. This makes a huge difference during data-intensive activities like HD streaming, torrenting, and gaming.

Gaming — ExpressVPN’s Low Latency = Fast Gameplay

Latency (or ping) is a crucial metric for gaming since it measures the responsiveness of your actions to the on-screen response. Under 100 ms is regarded as optimum for smooth gameplay. We had a starting ping of 24 ms when we tested these VPNs.

Combined with its fast speeds, ExpressVPN’s quick ping makes for ideal gameplay on servers across the continent. Its ping of 98 ms from the US was also within the recommended range. However, Turbo VPN’s ping was nearly twice as slow at 179 ms. That’s slow enough to make the most simple online games feel clunky and unresponsive.

Its fast speeds also let us download games quickly on Steam

Winner

ExpressVPN is the choice for gamers everywhere, thanks to its fast speeds and low latency.

Torrenting — ExpressVPN Is Faster and Better

ExpressVPN is far superior for torrenting. Like Turbo VPN, it supports P2P file sharing on all 3,000 servers — but ExpressVPN’s quicker speeds make downloading a doddle. Turbo VPN has a P2P server in the US, but guess what? It wouldn’t connect in our tests!

Both services have a reliable kill switch to stop your internet in case your VPN connection drops. So, while it’s not as fast as ExpressVPN, Turbo VPN is at least safe for downloading. However, ExpressVPN boasts an Advanced Protection malicious content stopper and an ad blocker, which, once again, are extras that Turbo VPN can’t match.

Note that P2P file sharing is legal in most regions, but downloading copyrighted materials isn’t. Please make sure you only download public domain and copyright-free files.

Winner

ExpressVPN is much faster for downloading, plus it has a handy ad and malicious content blocker to stop those pesky threats that are all too prevalent on P2P sites.

Security — ExpressVPN Has Much More to Offer

Aside from being the fastest we’ve tested, ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol is also among the safest. It has removed all the code that’s not necessary for a commercial protocol without compromising security. It’s also recently been updated to protect ExpressVPN’s users from future quantum computing attacks.

Most of Turbo VPN’s protocols are a little dated by comparison, apart from the mysterious iSSR. However, this option severely limited my choice of servers. Again, live chat couldn’t enlighten me further as to its benefits or origin.

Another major benefit of ExpressVPN is its automatic obfuscation on every server. It kicks in when you encounter tough network blocks, allowing you to bypass them with ease. Turbo VPN offers no similar alternative.

ExpressVPN blocked an admirable 84% of ads and annoyances in my tests

Similarly, ExpressVPN’s Advanced Protection ad/tracker/malware blocker stopped a high number of online threats during my tests. Turbo VPN doesn’t offer any comparable features, so you don’t get this type of protection with it.

Turbo VPN blocked a disappointing 4% of ads and annoyances

Winner

ExpressVPN is by far the better choice for security, with a more streamlined proprietary protocol, automatic obfuscation on every server, and an ad and malware blocker.

Privacy — ExpressVPN Has You Covered

You’ll find a stark difference in logging policies between ExpressVPN and Turbo VPN. ExpressVPN clearly states that it doesn’t log your activity or connection data, which is backed by independent audits. Turbo VPN, on the other hand, claims minimal logging but lacks the transparency or third-party verification that would confirm this. I’m more inclined to trust ExpressVPN’s zero-logs policy due to its clear evidence.

When it comes to privacy audits, ExpressVPN is more thorough. It has undergone multiple independent audits of its apps, servers, and privacy practices. Turbo VPN does not provide this same level of external scrutiny.

In terms of open-source protocols, ExpressVPN makes its Lightway protocol open to public review, which gives me confidence in its security. Turbo VPN does not have open-source apps or protocols, which means we must rely entirely on its internal assurances without external validation.

Jurisdiction further tilts the scale. ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, which has no data-sharing agreements with international surveillance alliances. Turbo VPN operates from Singapore, which could be subject to external surveillance requests. There are also persistent rumors linking Turbo VPN with Chinese investment, but this can’t be confirmed.

Winner

ExpressVPN offers stronger transparency through audits, open-source protocols, and a clearer logging policy.

Works in China — ExpressVPN Is the Only Realistic Option

ExpressVPN uses automatic obfuscation across all servers, making it more reliable for use in China. It also provides additional tools like a mirror site for accessing the service when its main site is blocked. Furthermore, ExpressVPN’s larger server network, particularly near China, offers better coverage and speed.

Turbo VPN’s support team confirmed that its service is blocked in mainland China and doesn't work in the country.

Please note that only government-approved VPNs are permitted in China. The country uses technology as a means of regulation, and while there have been no public reports of tourists being prosecuted for VPN use, you should familiarize yourself with the laws in your region before using a VPN.

Winner

ExpressVPN uses automatic obfuscation and provides mirror sites for regions in which its main site is blocked.

Installation & Ease of Use — ExpressVPN Is Fast and Easy

The setup process for ExpressVPN is simple. You can download the app onto any device from the website in a couple of minutes.

Turbo VPN proved a little more tricky. Once I subscribed to Premium, the website took me to a link to the App Store to download the app to my macOS device. Once installed, I had to log in using the details I’d used to subscribe to Premium.

Turbo VPN's complex looking settings panel is actually short on options

Once set up, ExpressVPN’s app was simple and easy to navigate, with a screen for the server list and a panel for settings. Turbo VPN is similar in this way, but overall, the app looks a little dated and clunky. Plus, the protocol setup is confusing — you get a huge reduction of available servers, depending on which protocol you select.

ExpressVPN's compact main view has Smart Location and Recent Location for easy access

Winner

ExpressVPN is easier to install and use. The settings are easier to navigate, which is surprising considering how few settings Turbo VPN actually has.

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

ExpressVPN’s live chat is quick to respond, knowledgeable, and friendly. I contacted them several times during testing and rarely had to wait longer than a minute.

By contrast, Turbo VPN is not as efficient. I was frequently as low as 20 in the queue when making my initial response and had to wait several minutes to get an answer. Even then, they struggled with some fairly basic technical questions about RAM-only servers and encryption.

One time, support even sent a message saying they were too busy for live chat, asking for my email, and then closing me out of the chat. So, it’s definitely not the most reliable.

Winner

ExpressVPN is faster and more efficient in dealing with technical questions. Meanwhile, both services have a pretty good knowledge base on their websites.

Pricing

	ExpressVPN	Turbo VPN
Starting Price	$4.99/month	$4.17/month
Price (On Renewal)	$99.95 per year (subject to change)	$59.99 per year (subject to change)
Money-Back Guarantee (Days)	30 days	30 days
Number of devices per license	8	5
Router Setup (for Unlimited Devices)	Easy setup	No support

Both VPNs offer subscriptions of varying lengths. ExpressVPN comes with 1-, 6-, and 12-month plans, while Turbo VPN offers 1-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month contracts. With both services, you can save considerably by opting for the longer plans.

Turbo VPN’s prices are undeniably cheaper. Its 24-month contract works out at around half the monthly cost of ExpressVPN’s cheapest option. However, a brief glance at the test results above would reveal that ExpressVPN offers considerably better value. It’s over twice as fast, has a bigger server network, and way more features.

Winner

Despite being more expensive, ExpressVPN offers far better value. Plus, its 30-day money-back guarantee is 100% reliable. My colleagues and I have had issues getting a refund from Turbo VPN.

Our Methodology for Testing ExpressVPN vs Turbo VPN

We go into fine detail when we compare VPNs. We look at streaming, torrenting, and gaming — then, we zoom in on the practicalities and features that make them possible. Finally, we take a contextual look at the pricing policies of each service to see which offers the best value.

For more insights on our research, visit our methodology page. There, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of our processes, which you can use as the basis for your own evaluation.

ExpressVPN vs. Turbo VPN — Reddit Opinions

ExpressVPN gets plenty of credit for its speed, reliability, and no-logs policy. It also has many long-term users who praise its streaming and torrenting capabilities, as well as router compatibility. While there is little about Turbo VPN Premium, there are many horror stories warning about the free version, its associated malware, and links to China.

ExpressVPN is compared favorably to NordVPN and Surfshark