ExpressVPN Keys Free Plan Changes: What You Need to Know

What Changed

ExpressVPN has significantly reduced the capabilities of its free password manager, ExpressVPN Keys. Previously, anyone could use Keys to store unlimited passwords for free, even without an ExpressVPN subscription. As of April 2026, the free tier is now limited to just 10 passwords.

This is a major downgrade for the estimated hundreds of thousands of users who relied on Keys as their primary password manager without paying for ExpressVPN's VPN service. The change was rolled out quietly through an app update, with affected users seeing a notification that they had exceeded the new limit.

Users who already stored more than 10 passwords can still view and copy their existing entries, but they cannot add new passwords until they either delete entries to get below the limit or upgrade to a paid ExpressVPN subscription.

Who Is Affected

The change primarily affects three groups:

• Free Keys users: Anyone who used ExpressVPN Keys without an active ExpressVPN subscription is now limited to 10 passwords
• Former ExpressVPN subscribers: Users who previously had an ExpressVPN subscription but let it lapse will find their Keys access downgraded to the free tier
• Users who recommended Keys to others: If you suggested Keys as a free password manager to friends or family, they are now affected

Not affected: Current ExpressVPN subscribers retain unlimited password storage in Keys as part of their subscription. If you pay for ExpressVPN, nothing changes for you.

Before vs After: ExpressVPN Keys Free Tier

What You Should Do Now

Option 1: Upgrade to ExpressVPN

If you value ExpressVPN Keys and also need a VPN, subscribing to ExpressVPN (starting at $6.67/month for the annual plan) restores unlimited password storage plus gives you one of the best VPNs available. This makes sense if you were considering a VPN anyway.

See ExpressVPN deals →

Option 2: Switch to Bitwarden (Recommended)

Bitwarden is the best free alternative. It offers unlimited passwords across unlimited devices, is open-source, and has been independently audited. The free tier includes everything most users need. The premium plan at $10/year adds TOTP authentication and advanced 2FA options.

To migrate: Export your passwords from Keys as CSV, then import into Bitwarden. The process takes about 5 minutes.

Option 3: Switch to NordPass

NordPass offers a free tier with unlimited passwords on one device at a time. If you already use NordVPN, the premium plan ($1.49/month) integrates seamlessly. NordPass uses XChaCha20 encryption and has been audited by Cure53.

Option 4: Switch to Dashlane

Dashlane free tier allows 25 passwords on one device. The premium plan ($4.99/month) includes a VPN, dark web monitoring, and unlimited passwords. It is a good choice if you want a password manager with built-in VPN.

Free Password Manager Alternatives Compared

For most users migrating from ExpressVPN Keys, Bitwarden is the clear winner: unlimited passwords, unlimited devices, open-source, and free. See our full password manager comparison for more options.

How to Export Your Passwords from ExpressVPN Keys

1. Open the ExpressVPN app and navigate to the Keys section
2. Click the gear icon to open Settings
3. Select "Export passwords"
4. Choose CSV format and save the file to a secure location
5. Open your new password manager and look for an Import option
6. Select "Import from CSV" and upload the exported file
7. Verify all passwords imported correctly
8. Delete the CSV file securely (it contains all your passwords in plain text)

Important: The exported CSV file contains your passwords in plain text. Delete it immediately after importing into your new password manager. Do not email it or store it in cloud storage.

The Bigger Picture

ExpressVPN's move follows a broader industry trend of companies reducing free tiers to push paid conversions. LastPass famously limited its free plan to one device type in 2021, driving millions of users to alternatives. Dashlane reduced its free tier from 50 to 25 passwords in 2023.

The lesson is clear: relying on a free tier from a company whose primary business is not password management carries risk. Dedicated password managers like Bitwarden, whose entire business model revolves around password security, are more likely to maintain generous free tiers long-term.

If you are choosing a password manager in 2026, prioritize providers with a track record of supporting free users and transparent business models. Open-source options like Bitwarden and Proton Pass offer the most assurance that your data remains accessible regardless of business decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What changed with ExpressVPN Keys free plan?

ExpressVPN reduced the free tier of Keys from unlimited password storage to a maximum of 10 passwords. Users who previously stored more than 10 passwords on the free plan will need to either upgrade to a paid ExpressVPN subscription or export and migrate their passwords to another manager.

Can I still use ExpressVPN Keys for free?

Yes, but only for up to 10 passwords. If you need to store more, you must subscribe to ExpressVPN (starting at $6.67/month) which includes Keys with unlimited storage, or switch to a free alternative like Bitwarden.

What are the best free alternatives to ExpressVPN Keys?

Bitwarden is the best free alternative, offering unlimited passwords across unlimited devices with open-source transparency. Other options include Proton Pass (free tier with unlimited passwords) and Apple/Google built-in password managers.

How do I export my passwords from ExpressVPN Keys?

Open ExpressVPN Keys, go to Settings, select Export, and choose CSV format. You can then import this CSV file into Bitwarden, NordPass, Dashlane, or any other password manager that supports CSV import.

Is ExpressVPN Keys still good with a paid subscription?

Yes. If you already pay for ExpressVPN, Keys remains a solid password manager with unlimited storage, autofill, password generator, and breach monitoring. The change only affects users who used Keys without an ExpressVPN subscription.

Why did ExpressVPN limit the free plan?

ExpressVPN has not officially stated the reason, but the move likely aims to convert free users into paid subscribers. Maintaining a free password manager infrastructure has costs, and limiting the free tier encourages upgrades.

The Bottom Line

ExpressVPN Keys was a convenient free password manager, but the 10-password limit makes it impractical for most users. If you are affected, export your passwords now and migrate to Bitwarden (free, unlimited) or NordPass (free, unlimited on one device). Both are more reliable long-term choices for password management.

If you already pay for ExpressVPN or are considering it, Keys remains a solid bundled password manager. But do not pay $6.67/month just for a password manager when better dedicated options exist for free or $10/year.

Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you purchase through links on our site. This helps us keep our content free and up-to-date. Our recommendations are based on independent testing and are not influenced by affiliate relationships.

Timeline of ExpressVPN Keys Changes

Here is how ExpressVPN Keys evolved from launch to the current state:

• 2022: ExpressVPN launches Keys as a built-in password manager, free for all users with unlimited password storage
• 2023: Keys adds breach monitoring, secure notes, and credit card storage to the free tier
• 2024: ExpressVPN integrates Keys more deeply into its apps, making it a key selling point for new subscribers
• Early 2025: Keys reaches an estimated 500,000+ free users who do not subscribe to ExpressVPN's VPN service
• March 2026: ExpressVPN quietly updates its terms to limit free Keys to 10 passwords
• April 2026: Users begin receiving notifications about the new limit after app updates

Step-by-Step Migration to Bitwarden

Bitwarden is our recommended alternative for former ExpressVPN Keys users. Here is a detailed migration guide:

Step 1: Export from ExpressVPN Keys

Open ExpressVPN, go to the Keys section, tap the settings gear icon, and select Export. Choose CSV format. Save the file to your desktop. This file contains all your usernames, passwords, URLs, and notes in plain text, so handle it carefully.

Step 2: Create a Bitwarden Account

Go to bitwarden.com and create a free account. Choose a strong master password that you can remember but others cannot guess. Enable two-factor authentication immediately using an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Authy.

Step 3: Import Your Passwords

Log into the Bitwarden web vault at vault.bitwarden.com. Go to Tools, then Import Data. Select the format that matches your export (usually Generic CSV) and upload the file. Bitwarden will import all entries and organize them in your vault.

Step 4: Install Bitwarden Apps

Install the Bitwarden browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. Install the mobile app on iOS and Android. Install the desktop app on Windows, Mac, or Linux. All apps sync automatically through your Bitwarden account.

Step 5: Secure Cleanup

Permanently delete the exported CSV file from your computer. Empty your trash or recycle bin. If you want to be thorough, use a secure deletion tool. Then remove ExpressVPN Keys data if you no longer need it.

Password Security Tips After Migration

Migrating password managers is a good opportunity to improve your overall password security. Here are steps to take after switching:

Audit Your Passwords

Most password managers include a security audit feature that identifies weak, reused, and compromised passwords. After importing your data into Bitwarden or NordPass, run this audit and update any flagged passwords. Prioritize accounts with financial access, email accounts, and social media.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

For every account that supports it, enable two-factor authentication. Use an authenticator app like Google Authenticator, Authy, or the built-in TOTP feature in Bitwarden Premium. Avoid SMS-based 2FA when possible, as SIM swapping attacks can bypass it.

Use Unique Passwords Everywhere

With a password manager, there is no reason to reuse passwords. Generate a unique, random password of at least 16 characters for every account. Your password manager remembers them all, so complexity does not matter for usability.

Choose a Strong Master Password

Your master password is the single key to all your other passwords. Make it long (at least 16 characters), memorable to you, and impossible for others to guess. A passphrase of four or five random words works well. Never reuse your master password anywhere else, and never write it down digitally.