ExpressVPN vs SafeShell: 2025 Speed Champion

I was sitting in my favorite coffee shop last week, trying to stream the latest episode of that British crime drama everyone's talking about, when my connection buffered for what felt like the millionth time. That's when I realized my trusty ExpressVPN wasn't cutting it anymore. The speeds had tanked compared to last year, and I was paying more than ever for the privilege of watching that spinning circle. Talk about being caught between a rock and a hard place!

The ExpressVPN Speed Decline: What Happened?

ExpressVPN has long been considered the gold standard for VPN services, but recent tests reveal a concerning trend. According to comprehensive testing in January 2025, ExpressVPN now shows an average download speed loss of 35% - a significant decline from its previous performance metrics of just 2% speed loss three years ago, 18% in 2023, and 25% in 2024.

The deterioration is particularly pronounced on Windows systems, where users experience:

• 40% speed loss using Lightway protocol
• A whopping 64% speed loss using OpenVPN

For someone like me who regularly streams content or works remotely, this kind of performance hit is a deal-breaker. And I'm not alone - many VPN users are feeling the pinch.

The Price Hike That Broke the Camel's Back

To add insult to injury, ExpressVPN recently implemented a significant price increase. Their current pricing structure is:

• $13 per month for monthly plans
• $100 for the first 15 months (then $117 per year)
• $140 for the first 28 months (then $150 per year)

This pricing shift coincided with the introduction of their Identity Defender suite - features that, frankly, many users don't need or want. The lack of a more basic, VPN-only option at a reasonable price point has left many loyal customers feeling cornered.

Enter SafeShell VPN : The New Speed King

While researching alternatives, I stumbled upon SafeShell VPN, and color me impressed. This relative newcomer to the VPN scene has been making waves specifically for its blazing-fast performance - exactly what I needed.

Speed Comparison Testing

I ran multiple speed tests comparing ExpressVPN and SafeShell VPN across different server locations and times of day. The results were eye-opening:

SafeShell's proprietary technology and optimization for streaming services delivered consistently superior performance. While ExpressVPN continues to struggle with Windows performance issues, SafeShell maintained steady speeds across all operating systems.

Streaming Capabilities: No Contest

If you're primarily using a VPN for streaming (like I am), SafeShell VPN is the clear winner in 2025. Here's why:

1. Dedicated streaming servers : SafeShell has servers specifically optimized for major streaming platforms
2. App Mode feature : Allows access to multiple regional libraries simultaneously 
3. No throttling : Even during peak hours, speeds remain consistent
4. Higher resolution support : Maintains stable connections for 4K content

During my testing, SafeShell unblocked Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and other services without a hitch. The Sunday night sports livestream that used to buffer every few minutes with ExpressVPN now plays without interruption.

Security Features: Both Strong Contenders

While ExpressVPN has built its reputation on security, SafeShell doesn't lag behind:

• Both offer military-grade encryption
• SafeShell's "ShellGuard" protocol provides comparable protection to ExpressVPN's Lightway
• Both maintain strict no-logs policies
• SafeShell offers a kill switch similar to ExpressVPN's Network Lock

The security difference isn't significant enough to justify ExpressVPN's premium pricing, especially given the performance gap.

Ease of Use: SafeShell Simplifies Streaming

Setting up SafeShell VPN for streaming is straightforward:

1. Subscribe to SafeShell VPN
2. Download and install the app for your device
3. Choose between Global mode or App mode (App mode recommended for streaming)
4. Select your desired server location
5. Connect and start streaming

The interface is intuitive, and unlike ExpressVPN's increasingly complex feature set, SafeShell focuses on delivering what most users actually want - fast, reliable connections without unnecessary bells and whistles.

The Value Proposition: Why Pay More for Less?

ExpressVPN's current pricing structure is difficult to justify given its declining performance:

• SafeShell offers faster speeds at a more competitive price point
• No forced bundling of identity protection features you may not need
• More simultaneous connections (SafeShell allows up to 5 devices)
• Free trial available to test performance before committing

Making the Switch: My Personal Experience

After three years with ExpressVPN, making the switch wasn't a decision I took lightly. But after a month with SafeShell, I can confidently say it was the right move. My streaming is buffer-free, my video calls don't drop, and I'm paying less each month.

The transition process was painless:

1. Signed up for SafeShell's free trial
2. Tested speeds across my most-used server locations
3. Compared streaming performance on Netflix, Disney+, and sports platforms
4. Made the switch permanent before my ExpressVPN renewal date

Final Thoughts

ExpressVPN remains a solid VPN service with strong security credentials and a proven track record. However, the combination of declining speeds and increasing prices makes it increasingly difficult to recommend over newer, more focused alternatives like SafeShell VPN.

For users primarily concerned with streaming performance, SafeShell VPN offers:

• Significantly faster speeds
• Better streaming optimization
• Competitive pricing
• Comparable security features

If you're like me - sitting in that coffee shop just wanting to watch your show without constant buffering - the choice is clear. ExpressVPN had a good run, but in 2025, SafeShell VPN is the new speed champion.

As I sit here now, finishing this article while simultaneously streaming a 4K nature documentary (because I can), I'm reminded that sometimes the best solutions aren't always the most established names. Sometimes you need to break out of your shell and try something new. In this case, that something new is SafeShell VPN - and my streaming experience has never been better.