Pow VPN vs ExpressVPN: Which Should You Choose?
ExpressVPN is one of the better-known names in the VPN category. If you're deciding between ExpressVPN and Pow VPN, here's an honest look at where each one actually stands out -- not a one-sided takedown.
ExpressVPN at a glance
| Jurisdiction | the British Virgin Islands |
| Primary protocol | Lightway, its own lightweight open-sourced protocol |
| Network | RAM-only "TrustedServer" infrastructure that wipes every server on reboot |
| Standout feature | a built-in Smart DNS (MediaStreamer) for devices that can't run a VPN client directly |
| Pricing pattern | consistently one of the more expensive VPNs on the market, even on annual plans |
Where ExpressVPN does well
- RAM-only servers by design, so nothing sensitive can persist on disk if a server is seized.
- Lightway is fast and reconnects quickly on unstable mobile connections.
- Very broad platform and router support.
ExpressVPN is a solid pick for people who prioritize a long, audited privacy track record and are willing to pay a premium for it.
Where Pow VPN is the better fit
- Plans sized to how many devices you actually have -- 1 device on Lite, 2 on Max, 3 on Elite -- instead of one fixed price for everyone.
- AmneziaWG (an obfuscated WireGuard variant) and VLESS Reality, both designed to blend in on networks and countries that actively block ordinary VPN traffic.
- No browsing activity, DNS query or destination logs kept at the network layer -- session metadata used for abuse prevention is short-lived and never includes what you visited.
- A real free plan (2 GB every month on Lite locations) and a genuine 3-day, 10 GB trial before you enter a card for a paid plan.
- One price shown once -- no countdown-timer discounts that quietly renew at a much higher rate.
Pricing side by side
Pow VPN's paid plans start at $1.59/month (Lite, 1 device), $2.99/month (Max, 2 devices) and $4.59/month (Elite, 3 devices) on monthly billing, dropping further on 3-month and annual terms -- see the pricing page for the current annual rates. Compare that against ExpressVPN's pricing pattern above and pick based on how many devices you actually need to cover and which protocol matters more for your network.
Bottom line
ExpressVPN suits people who prioritize a long, audited privacy track record and are willing to pay a premium for it. If you'd rather pay only for the devices you use, connect through obfuscated protocols built for restrictive networks, and know exactly what is (and isn't) logged, try Pow VPN free -- no card required to start.