Online security is something that every internet user should think about. The best thing you can do in this regard is to download a VPN. Sadly, deciding what to use is difficult. After all, the market is flooded with different services.
In this ExpressVPN review, we’ll take an in-depth look at everything the VPN offers. Once you’re done reading this article, you’ll know whether it’s worth getting. But, if you are in a rush, there’s a deal on their website that you can avail of right now.
What is ExpressVPN? It’s a VPN provider that claims to specialize in providing digital security and privacy. Besides that, it also lets you access the foreign libraries of most streaming sites. Professionals, along with casual users, say that it’s their go-to service.
Here’s what our team thinks are the selling points and downsides of ExpressVPN:
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent connection speeds | Less affordable than competitors |
| Many advanced security features | No built-in ad and malware blocker |
| Works in China | – |
| Unblocks most streaming sites | – |
| 24/7 customer support | – |
| A large server network | – |
Features
We’ll begin by getting an overview of ExpressVPN’s specifications:
|
ExpressVPN |
|
| Logging Policy | No Logging |
| Jurisdiction | The British Virgin Islands |
| Encryption | AES-256 SHA-212 Hash Authentication 4096-bit RSA Key Exchange |
| Protocols | OpenVPN UDP OpenVPN TCP IPSec/IKEv2 IPSec/L2TP Lightway Protocol (Beta) |
| Ad and malware blockers | No |
| Kill switch | Yes (Except iOS) |
| Leak Tests | No Leaks Found |
| Speed Tests | Fast |
| Torrenting & P2P | Yes (On All Servers) |
| Streaming | Netflix Amazon Prime Hulu BBC iPlayer Firestick Roku (Via Router) Kodi Apple TV (Via DNS or Router) Android TV |
| Gaming | Windows Android iOS Xbox One (Via DNS or Router) PS4 (Via DNS or Router) Nintendo Switch (Via DNS or Router) |
| Compatibility | Windows macOS Android iOS Linux Chromebook Chrome Firefox Tor Selected Routers |
| Simultaneous Connections | 5 |
| Servers | 3000+ |
| China | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes |
| Additional Features | No Additional Features |
| Prices |
$12.95/Month Special Offer: 50% off for a 1-year subscription |
| Our Rating | 4.8 |
| Website | www.expressvpn.com |
Privacy & Security
A VPN that fails to safeguard its users is not worth having. For that reason, privacy and security is the first thing we’ll talk about in this review of ExpressVPN.
Where is ExpressVPN Based & Who Owns It?
ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, where it is registered as Express VPN International Ltd. The VPN was founded back in 2009, making it one of the oldest service providers currently in operation.
You’re probably wondering why the VPN is located in the British Virgin Islands. The answer is quite simple. It’s because the territory doesn’t fall under the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes Alliance. As such, zero privacy and copyright laws can hinder it.
ExpressVPN’s security has never been compromised. However, the VPN came into the spotlight when Russia’s ambassador to Turkey was assassinated. During the incident, the Turkish government seized one of its servers to aid in their investigation. Fortunately, no info was found thanks to the VPN’s no logs policy.
Encryption & Protocols Used
Like all good services, ExpressVPN utilizes military-grade AES 256-bit encryption. Pairing that is an SHA-212 hash authentication and a 4096 RSA handshake.
The service supports OpenVPN (UDP & TCP) and IPSec (LT2P & IKEv2). There’s also support for the beta version of the Lightway protocol. This makes ExpressVPN unique as few competitors have the same offering.
One thing that ExpressVPN lacks is WireGuard support. For those that don’t know, WireGuard is the newest and most secure protocol. It’s slowly being adopted by key players in the VPN industry. Soon, it’ll be the most widely-used protocol since it’s the best.
ExpressVPN Leak Test
Leaks happen when a VPN fails to mask your IP address. When that occurs, troublemakers will get to trace your online activities back to you. Due to that, the service you use must be 100% leak-proof.
ExpressVPN is proud to say it has zero leaks. To make that it’s true, I tested out a couple of servers with IPLeak.net. Before looking at the results, let’s first see how my test went without using any VPN:
Now here’s the outcome after I moved the service’s server in Singapore:
And this is the result following my transfer to its UK server:
The tests went as I expected. ExpressVPN successfully masked my IP address with no issues. In doing so, it showed that it could maintain my anonymity.
Does ExpressVPN Keep Logs?
Nope. ExpressVPN doesn’t track or store your data. The VPN had itself subjected to multiple audits by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). It passed every check, ensuring that it can be depended on to keep your information secret.
You should also know that ExpressVPN runs all its servers in RAM-disk mode. Hence, its entire network is incapable of keeping logs. Even in the case of a breach, the attacker won’t be able to get any information.
Does ExpressVPN Have A Kill Switch?
Yes. A kill switch called Network Lock is available on all of ExpressVPN’s router, Linux, macOS, and Windows apps.
The feature instantly prevents web traffic from entering or leaving your device if your VPN connection gets cut. As a result, you’ll get to prevent the accidental exposure of your IP address.
Does ExpressVPN Have an Ad and Malware Blocker?
No. ExpressVPN has no built-in blocker. Because of that, you’ll need to make use of third-party software to keep pop-ups and malware away. If anything, this is the only flaw that the VPN has when it comes to security.
It’s important to note that ExpressVPN is constantly evolving. While no plans have been announced, it most likely will get a blocker in the near future.
Is ExpressVPN Safe?
Yes. No other VPN is safer than ExpressVPN. It has a plethora of features that enable it to the utmost level of privacy and security. Moreover, the service has itself independently audited, which makes it way more credible.
If I were to improve anything, it would be the addition of a blocker and the implementation of WireGuard support. With those two, the VPN would be a prime choice for those that prioritize privacy and security over anything else.
Speed Test
Speed is one thing that ExpressVPN is known for. The service has been dubbed by many as the fastest on the market. User testimonies unanimously say that its servers hardly affect base internet connection speeds. I’m not surprised by this since the service has unlimited bandwidth, which means it doesn’t put a cap on data consumption.
I had to experience its speed capabilities for myself, so I ran some tests. Let’s first look at my base connection for reference before seeing the results:
This is how ExpressVPN’s server in Hong Kong changed it:
Here’s how it changed after I transferred to the UK server:
As it turns out, what others are saying is true. ExpressVPN is a really fast VPN. My test results were great on both servers. The only major difference was the ping, which drastically increased after I paired to the UK server. I have no complaints about this as my connection still didn’t feel slow at all.
How Fast is ExpressVPN?
ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs that I’ve used.
During my tests, it did even better than other services known for their speed. Consequently, I have no trouble recommending it to anyone wanting a blazingly fast VPN. With it, you’re guaranteed not to get disappointed.
Torrenting & P2P
Downloading torrents is something most VPN users do. Unfortunately, not all services allow this. Luckily, ExpressVPN encourages torrenting activity. All of the VPNs servers are P2P enabled. Moreover, it’s compatible with popular clients such as uTorrent, BitTorrent, Vuze, and qBittorrent.
I needed to be sure that ExpressVPN could keep me safe while torrenting. Because of that, I ran tests again with IPLeak.net. Here’s a screenshot of the outcome without a VPN running:
This is the result after linking to ExpressVPN’s server in Hong Kong:
Finally, this is the result after moving to the VPN’s San Francisco server:
As anticipated, neither server failed my tests. Each one was able to mask my IP address. Thus, I can confirm that ExpressVPN can protect me while torrenting. With it, there’s no need to worry about strangers tracing and doing me harm.
Is ExpressVPN Good for Torrenting?
Yes. ExpressVPN is an incredibly good VPN for torrenting. It boasts an optimized server network, is compatible with every mainstream client, and can keep your IP address secure.
Streaming
This category is a very important one in our review. After all, a lot of people subscribe to VPNs for the sole purpose of streaming.
Posts on Reddit all say that ExpressVPN is a capable VPN for streaming. It easily bypasses the geoblocks of widely used services like Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. Furthermore, the VPN does so with consistency without bringing about issues with quality.
Does ExpressVPN Work with Netflix?
Netflix is the world’s most popular streaming website. As a result, I decided to use it to examine ExpressVPN’s abilities with working around geoblocks. Below is the result after I tried to watch Deadpool on the service’s UK server:
Netflix UK Test
My next course of action was to connect with the US server of ExpressVPN and view Spotlight:
Netflix US Test
Both movies streamed beautifully while I was connected to the VPN. I had no problems with buffering and quality. As such, I’d have to say that ExpressVPN does work with Netflix. It’s a wonderful service to have if you’re streaming on the platform.
Does ExpressVPN Work with Amazon Prime?
Amazon Prime is the second service that I used to test out ExpressVPN. I chose it because it is also well-known with a large user base. Here are my results after I tried to stream The Avengers while connected to the VPN’s server in the US:
Amazon Prime Test
My viewing experience was superb. ExpressVPN once again performed greatly with it not causing any loading or resolution issues. Because of that, I confirm that the service works alongside Amazon Prime.
Does ExpressVPN Work on Firestick?
Firestick is my favorite streaming device as it’s easy to use, has loads of content, and is compatible with any television with an HDMI port.
To know how ExpressVPN works on the device, I connected to a US server then viewed a YouTube video that’s unavailable in my country.
ExpressVPN was flawlessly able to grant me access to the geoblocked video. It did so without any sort of issues. The quality was at maximum and there were zero load times. Because of that, I can safely confirm that ExpressVPN does work with Amazon Firestick.
Is ExpressVPN Good for Streaming?
Yes. ExpressVPN is without a doubt good for streaming. The VPN has superb unblocking and speed capabilities that make it excellent for the job. In my experience, no other service can match it in this category. It’s truly the best to have if you are a movie buff that uses VPNs exclusively for entertainment purposes.
Gaming
The best VPN solution for gamers is most probably ExpressVPN. The service has an extensive network that will enable you to connect to many gaming servers. Moreover, It doesn’t sacrifice security over performance, giving you a competitive edge.
Your platform of choice doesn’t matter. ExpressVPN can be utilized on PCs, smartphones, and consoles. Although it doesn’t have apps for PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, it’s possible to make the VPN work with each via DNS or router.
I played Call of Duty Mobile to see what ExpressVPN could do. My server of choice was the one in Hong Kong. I picked it because it’s the closest major server to my current location.
Not once during my play session did I encounter lagging or frame drops. Everything ran very smoothly. I honestly forgot that I was using a VPN after a while. The only time I realized that I was still connected was long after I finished my match.
Because it did so well during my test, I conclude that ExpressVPN is perfect for gaming. It’ll surely meet the needs of any casual or serious gamer.
Compatibility
A VPN wouldn’t be useful if it didn’t run on your preferred devices. Fortunately, the developers of ExpressVPN have made it available on all prevalent operating systems and browser extensions. They’ve also created native apps for smart TVs and routers.
Operating Systems
ExpressVPN has apps for Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Chromebook OS. All of which are easy to install and don’t take up much memory. To download them, simply head over to the service’s website.
Browsers
You can get an ExpressVPN browser extension for Google Chrome and Firefox. Sad to say, no extension exists for Opera. As such, users of that browser are out of luck.
Apart from what’s stated above, the VPN can also be used over the Tor browser. In doing so, you’ll double the level of privacy you’ve already got. Remaining hidden when visiting Onion websites shall be 100% guaranteed.
Routers
Like most competitors, ExpressVPN can be installed on a router. The process may be done using the service’s app or manually. Instructions on how to are listed on their website.
Here’s a complete list of routers that ExpressVPN’s dedicated router app works on:
- Asus RT-AC56(U/R/S)
- Asus RT-AC68U
- Asus RT-AC87U
- Linksys EA6200
- Linksys WRT1200AC
- Linksys WRT1900AC(S)
- Linksys WRT3200ACM
- Netgear R6300v2
- Netgear R6700v3
- Netgear Nighthawk R7000
- Netgear Nighthawk R7000P
ExpressVPN can be manually setup on compatible routers from the following brands:
- Asus (other models)
- D-Link
- DD-WRT
- Netduma
- Sabai
- Tomato
- TP-Link
- Xiaomi
After setting up the VPN on your router, it’s best to create a strong password. After all, the last thing you’d want is for a stranger to infiltrate your home network.
Since it can be quite hard to remember long passwords, I recommend that you utilize a third-party password manager. When that’s done, you will no longer have to worry about forgetting your way into your router.
Simultaneous Connections
You’d want to get a VPN service that allows for as many simultaneous device connections as possible. Why? Because it’ll provide more value for your money since more people shall stay protected under one account.
ExpressVPN allows you to pair a maximum of 5 devices at the same time. In the industry, that number is nothing special. A lot of other services let you link more gadgets simultaneously. A good example is Surfshark, which permits an unlimited number of concurrent connections.
Servers
A VPN with more servers is one that’s more capable of masking your location. Besides that, it also provides you with more choices when it comes to torrenting, gaming, and streaming.
Few competitors have networks that can rival that of ExpressVPN’s. It boasts more than 3000 servers in 94 countries and territories across the globe. All of which are RAM-based and P2P enabled. Gaining access to each one is a breeze and can be done with a single click.
China
Does ExpressVPN Work in China?
Yes. ExpressVPN is one of the few services that can reliably work around the Great Firewall of China with consistency. It has a wide array of countermeasures designed to get around internet censorship in heavily restricted countries like China, Turkey, and the UAE.
Note that bypassing the Great Firewall is a constant challenge. Thus, downtime is something that you might experience. Don’t worry, though, as ExpressVPN always bounces back quickly.
Interface & Usability
All of ExpressVPN’s applications have simple interfaces that make them user-friendly. The first thing you’ll notice upon opening the Windows app is a large quick-connect button. Under that are tabs where you can pick a smart or recent server location.
ExpressVPN Interface
To access the rest of the desktop app, just click on the three-line icon on the top right corner. It’s there where you can access help & support, the settings, a full list of servers, and the VPN’s proprietary internet speed test.
I liked the aesthetics of ExpressVPN’s apps. However, things would’ve been better if there was an option to switch to dark mode. At the moment, that feature is only available on the service’s browser extensions.
Does ExpressVPN Have Split Tunneling?
Yes. ExpressVPN has split tunneling. What’s unfortunate is that it’s only available on the VPN’s apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and routers.
For those who don’t know, split tunneling is a feature that allows you to provide your legitimate information to certain apps and services while a VPN is running. It comes in handy when you’re streaming local movies or making online payments.
Additional Features
The majority of VPN services have additional features that give them an advantage over their competitors. Some offer them for free while others charge a premium.
Sadly, there’s nothing that gives ExpressVPN a unique edge. All of the features that it has are standard in the VPN industry. Perhaps the reason is because the service already puts an emphasis on the essential features it has. It doesn’t deem it necessary to implement any gimmicks to attract more users.
Customer Support
ExpressVPN has excellent customer support. The VPN has created many avenues wherein you can contact it. Moreover, it has managed to create a large online knowledge base. On top of that, it has made video guides available to ensure that DIY troubleshooting is not hard.
To get a full overview of all the ExpressVPN offers in this regard, check out the table below:
| ExpressVPN | |
| Live Chat | Yes |
| Email Support | Yes |
| Phone Support | No |
| Ticket Support | Yes |
| Video Tutorials | Yes |
| Online Knowledge Base | Yes |
| Average Response Time | 45 Minutes |
My personal experience with ExpressVPN’s customer service has been great. I connected the service via live chat to ask if it has unlimited bandwidth. To my astonishment, a representative was immediately there to attend to me. She gave me a detailed answer in a very concise manner.
In conclusion, I’d have to say that ExpressVPN has one of the best customer support that any VPN can offer. Although it doesn’t have phone support, the VPN makes up in more than a few ways. Furthermore, all of its representatives are well-trained and well-mannered. Because of that, dealing with them isn’t a hassle you’d want to avoid.
Price
Price is one of the most important things to consider when you’re choosing a VPN. After all, not everyone has an infinite budget to spend. Often, prospective users only have a finite amount of cash to allocate for a VPN.
Affordability isn’t ExpressVPN’s strong suit. It’s one of the more expensive VPNs on the market due to the high cost of running its many features.
To fully understand how much ExpressVPN will cost you, please refer to the table below:
| ExpressVPN | |
| Subscription Lengths | 1 Month ($12.95/Month) |
| 6 Months ($9.99/Month) | |
| 15 Months ($8.32/Month) | |
| Highest Price Per Month | $12.95 |
| Lowest Price Per Month | $8.32 |
| One Year Price | $99.95 (12 Months +3) |
| Special Offer | 3 months free with a 1-year subscription |
A thing that I like is the flexibility of ExpressVPN’s plans. It’s friendly towards those who do not look to commit for long. The same cannot be said about many competitors that only allow you to make monthly and yearly payments.
Payment Options
Customer convenience was definitely in mind when ExpressVPN was establishing its payment methods. The service lets you buy a VPN subscription in a plethora of ways. One available option even allows for maximum anonymity.
Here’s a list of every manner in which you can pay ExpressVPN:
- Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, Discover, JCB, Visa Electron, Diners Club)
- Debit Card (Discover, AMEX, MasterCard, Visa)
- PayPal
- BitCoin
- AliPay
- UnionPay
- iDeal
- Klarna
- WebMoney
- GiroPay
- Yandex.Money
- Interac
- Mint
- One Card
- SOFORT
If anything, the only payment method that ExpressVPN lacks is cash. Due to that, there’ll be no reason not to get a subscription if you want one. Your preferred payment method is sure to be supported by the VPN.
Refund Policy & Money-Back Guarantee
ExpressVPN’s refund policy is explicitly stated on their terms of service. It says that you can get your money back in 30 days after subscribing.
A special extension to this can be made if you have proof that the service was unavailable at any point during the 30-day subscription period.
Deals, Coupon Code & Free Trial
ExpressVPN offers a 7-day free trial for Android and iOS devices but it's not always available. Also, there's a 30-day ExpressVPN trial that's always available. This is by way of the 30-day money-back policy that lets you try it without any risks.
Just subscribe as one normally would and then contact customer service if you’re not satisfied. If your account is in good standing, there’ll be no reason not to get a refund. What’s awesome is that reports are consistent in saying that you’ll have your money returned in no time.
Our team knows that you’re seeking out the best deal available. Sadly, we haven’t managed to find any ExpressVPN coupon codes. Thankfully, the service offers an exclusive deal on this page.
Verdict
Is ExpressVPN worth it?
Yes. No other VPN is more worth it than ExpressVPN. It’s a wonderful service that gives you every possible benefit that comes with using a VPN. Despite the service's long existence, it has never acquired a morsel of controversy. Part of the reason is that it is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, where it stays far away from Five Eyes Alliance jurisdiction.
It has a myriad of topnotch security features that only a handful of other services offer. Examples include Lightway protocol support, a RAM-disk server network, a kill switch, and an independently audited no-logs policy.
The speed of ExpressVPN makes it perfect for gaming and torrenting. In the VPN industry, only NordVPN and Surfshark can compete with it.
When it comes to streaming, no other competitor can match its geoblocking abilities. As such, it won’t matter what your preferred streaming platform is. You’re sure to gain access to content on any foreign library. Furthermore, you’ll get to stream in full resolution without encountering any hiccups.
One final thing that’s worthy of praise is ExpessVPN’s capacity to bypass the Great Firewall of China. It does the job with consistency making it an ideal gateway for those in China to the outside world.
{We also compared it versus other popular VPNs side-by-side: Surfshark, NordVPN, PureVPN, VPN Unlimited, VyprVPN, PIA (Private Internet Access), CyberGhost, TunnelBear, IPVanish, and Avast VPN.}
While it does have its downsides like a server network that needs growing and zero unique features, I think that ExpressVPN is well worth its price. Once you get it, I’m confident that you’ll most definitely have zero regrets whatsoever. And I’m sure you won’t need their 30-day money-back guarantee.
