Who Really Owns ExpressVPN? The Truth UK Users Need to Know

💡 Who Really Owns ExpressVPN? Why It Matters for UK Users in 2025

Ever get that slightly dodgy feeling when you’re about to sign up for a VPN, but you don’t actually know who’s behind it? You’re not alone, mate. In the UK, with streaming blocks getting trickier, ISPs snooping, and privacy scandals popping up left and right, everyone’s trying to figure out which VPNs are actually trustworthy — and which are just slick marketing.

ExpressVPN is one of the most popular VPNs in Britain (and globally, to be fair). It’s everywhere: recommended by tech mags, streamers, even your nan’s probably heard of it. But behind the glossy ads, there are loads of folks on Reddit, TikTok, and even in the comments of the BBC iPlayer threads saying: “Who really owns ExpressVPN? Does it make a difference for my privacy or streaming?”

That’s what we’re digging into today. We’ll cover who’s running the show behind ExpressVPN, how their ownership could affect your privacy, and whether UK users should care (or switch). Plus, with VPNs trending like mad — especially around events like Wimbledon 2025 or when overseas streaming gets blocked — it’s more important than ever to know if your VPN is looking out for you, or just its own bottom line.

So grab a cuppa and let’s break it down — no jargon, no scare tactics, just the real story, straight-up.

📊 VPN Ownership & Jurisdiction Comparison (2025)

When you look at this table, a few things jump out. First, both ExpressVPN and CyberGhost are now under the same parent company: Kape Technologies. That’s important because, in the past, VPNs loved to brag about being plucky independent startups. Now, big money’s in play — and with it, questions about priorities, transparency, and privacy policies.

Jurisdiction matters too. ExpressVPN operates out of the British Virgin Islands, which is famous for strong privacy laws (and, let’s be honest, a bit of tax haven rep). NordVPN’s Panama base is also out of reach of UK/US/EU surveillance agreements. CyberGhost, meanwhile, is run from Romania, which isn’t as famous for privacy, but is still outside the “14 Eyes” spying alliance.

Speed-wise, NordVPN still leads the pack for UK users, with just a 13% speed loss in recent tests. ExpressVPN is close behind at 18% (totally fine for streaming, gaming, and Zoom calls). CyberGhost is slower, but it’s a bargain at £2.00/month if you catch a deal like the recent 82% off promo (Les Numeriques, 2025-06-30). So, if price is your main thing, CyberGhost is hard to beat — but be aware who owns it.

The real kicker? When one company owns multiple top VPNs, there’s a risk of less competition and blurred privacy lines. And that’s exactly why people are getting nosy about ExpressVPN’s ownership in 2025.

💡 Digging Deeper: ExpressVPN’s Ownership, Privacy, and Public Opinion

Let’s get into the meat of it. ExpressVPN was once an independent player, but it’s now under the wing of Kape Technologies. Who are they? Well, Kape started out as Crossrider, a company with roots in adtech — not exactly what you want to hear if you’re obsessed with privacy. They rebranded, bought up CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, and finally ExpressVPN. Some users have raised eyebrows, especially after old Crossrider adware stories resurfaced. Is that fair? Maybe, maybe not — but it’s definitely a talking point.

In online forums, you’ll find heated debates about whether ownership by a big holding company undermines ExpressVPN’s no-logs claims. To their credit, ExpressVPN has undergone third-party audits to prove they don’t keep logs, which helps. But as we’ve seen in 2025, even the perception of risk is enough to send UK users looking elsewhere, especially when TikTok rumours or subreddit threads go viral.

Meanwhile, the British Virgin Islands jurisdiction still offers good privacy protection. No data retention laws, no “14 Eyes” pressure. But, and it’s a big but, the parent company itself is based in the UK and listed on the London Stock Exchange. So while your data may not technically be stored in Britain, there’s always a chance for legal grey zones — or just a change of company policy if there’s a buyout or new CEO.

Trends for 2025? With streaming rights changing hands (just look at how Wimbledon coverage is split between BBC and paid platforms — CNET, 2025-06-29), more people are seeking VPNs that can punch through geo-blocks and keep their data safe. ExpressVPN is still a top pick for unblocking, but some UK users are jumping to NordVPN or CyberGhost depending on price, speed, or just how much they trust the brand’s backstory.

Beyond privacy, ownership also impacts how responsive a VPN is to real-world events. For instance, when political tensions rise (like the India-Pakistan conflict affecting shared streaming content — AAJ News, 2025-06-30), or when governments start blocking more sites, you want a VPN that won’t roll over for copyright lawyers or data requests. That’s why savvy UK users keep their eyes peeled on who’s really in charge.

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Who actually owns ExpressVPN these days?

💬 ExpressVPN is owned by Kape Technologies, a company that’s scooped up quite a few big VPN brands recently. While ExpressVPN still runs out of the British Virgin Islands, the parent company is listed on the London Stock Exchange and has a bit of a colourful history — which is why some privacy nerds keep a close eye on them.

🛠️ Does ExpressVPN’s ownership affect my privacy as a UK user?

💬 Technically, ExpressVPN runs from the British Virgin Islands (which is outside UK/EU/US data retention laws), but with Kape in the mix, some folks worry about shifting priorities or hidden data links. So far, the no-logs audits look solid — but if you’re super paranoid, it’s worth keeping tabs on any policy changes or press about their parent company.

🧠 Should I pick NordVPN, CyberGhost, or ExpressVPN for streaming and privacy?

💬 Honestly, all three are beastly for streaming and general privacy, but the little differences matter: NordVPN is faster and cheaper, CyberGhost is a bargain and offers loads of UK servers, while ExpressVPN is the king for unblocking stuff but costs more. Pick based on what you stream, your budget, and how much you care about company background. No shame in trialling them all — they each offer money-back guarantees!

🧩 Final Thoughts…

At the end of the day, knowing who owns your VPN isn’t just trivia — it’s a big part of protecting your digital life. ExpressVPN remains a trustworthy favourite for millions, and its BVI base is still solid for privacy. But with Kape Technologies steering the ship, UK users should stay alert for any changes in policy, ownership, or privacy guarantees.

My advice? Don’t just take anyone’s word for it (even mine). Check the audits, follow the news, and don’t be afraid to switch things up if you spot any red flags. The VPN market’s always shifting, but if you stay street-smart, you’ll keep your streaming, browsing, and personal info locked up tight.

📚 Further Reading

Here are 3 recent articles that give more context to this topic — all selected from verified sources. Feel free to explore 👇

🔸 Promo - CyberGhost: The VPN with Some of the Fastest Servers is 82% Off for 2 Years
🗞️ Source: Les Numeriques – 📅 2025-06-30
🔗 Read Article

🔸 India-Pakistan conflict hits shared love of film, music
🗞️ Source: AAJ News – 📅 2025-06-30
🔗 Read Article

🔸 Wimbledon 2025: How to Watch a Free Tennis Livestream
🗞️ Source: CNET – 📅 2025-06-29
🔗 Read Article

😅 A Quick Shameless Plug (Hope You Don’t Mind)

Let’s be honest — most VPN review sites put NordVPN at the top for a reason.
It’s been our go-to pick at Top3VPN for years, and it consistently crushes our tests.

💡 It’s fast. It’s reliable. It works almost everywhere.

Yes, it’s a bit more expensive than others —
But if you care about privacy, speed, and real streaming access, this is the one to try.

🎁 Bonus: NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
You can install it, test it, and get a full refund if it’s not for you — no questions asked.

📌 Disclaimer

This post blends publicly available information with a touch of AI assistance. It’s meant for sharing and discussion purposes only — not all details are officially verified. Please take it with a grain of salt and double-check when needed.