ExpressVPN vs Cloudflare: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between ExpressVPN and Cloudflare comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
ExpressVPN
Premium VPN service
Best for you if:
- • You need security features specifically
Cloudflare
CDN, security, and serverless at the edge of the internet
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.9/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need cloud & infrastructure features specifically
| At a Glance |  ExpressVPN |  Cloudflare |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Security | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | —/100 | 89/100 |
| Feature | ExpressVPN | Cloudflare |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 89 |
| Community Rating | ★★★★★4.1 | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 271 | 0 |
| Categories | Security | Cloud & InfrastructureSecurity |
Understanding the Differences
Both ExpressVPN and Cloudflare solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.ExpressVPN positions itself as "premium vpn service" while Cloudflarefocuses on "cdn, security, and serverless at the edge of the internet". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Cloudflare
Cloudflare is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool. Scoring 89/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Cloudflare won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Cloudflare
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Cloudflare is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Cloudflare
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. ExpressVPN is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: ExpressVPN
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Cloudflare has a free tier to get you started.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Cloudflare higher (89/100). But the community has upvoted ExpressVPN more (271 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Cloudflare Does Better
- Higher overall score (89/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider ExpressVPN If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Cloudflare (89/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Cloudflare scores higher in our analysis, but ExpressVPN might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ExpressVPN or Cloudflare better?
Based on our analysis, Cloudflare scores higher with 89/100. ExpressVPN ispaid while Cloudflare is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from ExpressVPN to Cloudflare easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do ExpressVPN and Cloudflare offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. ExpressVPN is paid with potential trial.Cloudflare is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.