ExpressVPN Review

A VPN That Gets the Job Done Anywhere

With its massive amount of high-speed servers in nearly 100 countries, ExpressVPN can cater to your needs just about anywhere. The research for our ExpressVPN review shows that the vendor’s vast server network means that you’ll have no issues finding a server close to you, which translates into excellent speed and reliability.

Features That Place Privacy and Security First

In addition to boasting an impressive server network, ExpressVPN has not neglected security either. This is evident in the service’s host of privacy-dedicated features.

Encryption

First of all, ExpressVPN uses AES 256-bit encryption which is near-impossible to crack. This type of encryption is commonly used by governments and militaries. This is the best type of data encryption at the moment because even if someone were to try to decrypt your data, they would have to do so with the same key that was used when encrypting it. Additionally, ExpressVPN reviews say that it would take several billions of years for someone to decrypt even 0.1% of your data.

Authentication

Moreover, ExpressVPN uses the SHA-512 HMAC authentication, which is highly recommendable for data transfers, making it P2P file sharing’s best ally. Essentially,  SHA-512 HMAC authentication allows both the receiver and the sender to use a secret shared key to verify the file’s legitimacy.

Perfect Forward Secrecy

Another great security feature that deserves mention in this ExpressVPN review is the perfect forward secrecy. This feature makes sure that you’re assigned a new encryption key every time you sign in to your ExpressVPN account. This advanced feature is important because it makes your sessions secure and unrelated to either your future or previous ones.

Protocols

Since ExpressVPN also uses several security protocols, the VPN provider automatically selects the best one for you, ensuring you get the most reliable connection at any given time. Apart from the default OpenVPN UDP protocol, it also supports PPTP, OpenVPN TCP, and L2TP/IPsec protocols. There are some rivals that beat our VPN of the day because they support more security protocols, if we make an ExpressVPN vs IPVanish comparison, for example.

Kill Switch

While ExpressVPN reviews show that this service’s advanced security features are among the best in the industry, there is a minor drawback when it comes to the kill switch. For those of you who are not familiar with the kill switch, this feature is designed to block traffic in case your connection gets compromised. Essentially, it allows your IP address and data to remain hidden. ExpressVPN’s kill switch is automatically enabled, which is a great feature to have compared to other VPNs that require manual configuration (in an ExpressVPN vs TunnelBear comparison, for example).

On the flip side, the research for our ExpressVPN review shows that, while the VPN’s kill switch is available for Linux, Windows, Mac, routers, and Android, this is not the case with iOS.

Split Tunneling

ExpressVPN’s split tunneling feature allows you to encrypt only a part of your traffic. This means that you can choose which apps you want to browse locally and which ones using your VPN at the same time.

Other Security Features

ExpressVPN also offers DNS leak protection, independent security audits, a no-logs policy, and Tor compatibility. You should be extra careful when looking for the best VPN for Tor because not all VPN providers are safe in that regard. For example, if you’re in a dilemma choosing between ExpressVPN vs PureVPN, ExpressVPN would be the safer choice, according to most ExpressVPN reviews.

Premium Streaming Experience

ExpressVPN is without a doubt one of the best VPN choices for streaming. Using ExpressVPN, Netflix, and similar streaming platforms are easily unblocked. The VPN provider also seamlessly unblocks Disney Plus, Hulu, HBO Go, BBC iPlayer, and similar platforms. Moreover, using ExpressVPN, FireStick can be unblocked, which is something not all VPNs can brag about. You can also get an ExpressVPN Chrome extension that makes browsing even easier.

The service also does a great job unblocking Facebook, Google, YouTube, and other websites that are commonly blocked in heavily censored countries such as Russia or China, but also in workplaces and schools.

Additionally, using ExpressVPN, Kodi, Chromecast, and Amazon Prime can be easily accessed, as confirmed by ExpressVPN reviews.

ExpressVPN Torrenting That Works

The VPN provider does wonders when it comes to torrenting. As previously mentioned, ExpressVPN has a strict no-logs policy and is headquartered in a privacy-friendly location — the British Virgin Islands — meaning that no torrenting activities or history can ever be leaked to anyone. Additionally, the VPN provider has unlimited data caps and bandwidth that allow unrestricted torrenting and P2P sharing across all of its servers.

Lightning-Fast Speeds on All Servers

Speed is one of the vital aspects that sets ExpressVPN apart from its competition. Most ExpressVPN reviews revolve around its rapid speeds on both local and long-distance servers, but is the VPN provider really that fast?

Well, you should know that the VPN has a Smart Location feature. This feature helps make sure that you are connected to the fastest server possible at any given time. To do so, it analyzes speed, distance, and latency, and it is easily turned on with just one click of a button.

You can expect speed drops to up to 60% on both local and long-distance servers most of the time, which is impressive, to say the least. ExpressVPN reviews, however, show that, at times, you may want to turn off the Quick Connect feature if you’re looking for faster speeds, especially if ExpressVPN is your VPN choice for gaming.

Keep in mind that ExpressVPN is the second-fastest VPN in the world, losing only to Hotspot Shield. While it’s 2.2 times slower than the winner, it beats Avira, NordVPN, IPVanish, Norton Secure VPN, Private Internet Access, and TunnelBear, respectively. Just to paint the picture for you, in an ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access speed test, the former has proven to be 27 times faster than the latter, while the ExpressVPN vs NordVPN battle showed that ExpressVPN is 9.3 times faster than the fourth contender for the fastest VPN.

Worldwide Express VPN Servers and Bypassing Geoblocks

An ExpressVPN review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning its server network. The ExpressVPN server list now boasts 160 servers in 94 locations worldwide, but that’s not the only impressive thing about it. It also bypasses geoblocks in heavily censored countries, including the Great Firewall of China.

The VPN provider has servers in Hong Kong that allow the same secure and fast VPN experience to users across the globe. However, keep in mind that you have to install the VPN outside the Chinese borders before using it, or it will remain blocked.

One of the Best Multi-Device VPNs on the Market

You’ve probably been wondering if it’s possible to use ExpressVPN on multiple devices. Our ExpressVPN review shows that while the ExpressVPN number of devices is five, you can have unlimited simultaneous connections if you install the ExpressVPN app on your router.

Customer Support

ExpressVPN’s customer support is at the top of its game, further affirming its position as one of the top VPN service providers out there. If you have some questions or issues with your VPN provider, you’ll find all the information you need on the customer support website. From video tutorials, information on browser extensions, FAQ, and app setup to troubleshooting guides, you’ll find everything you need in one place. Customers seem to usually have a great experience with the vendor’s support team, whether contacted through the round-the-clock live chat or via email, as they typically reply in a matter of hours.

ExpressVPN Pricing

The ExpressVPN cost can range based on how long you want the service for, just like with most VPNs. For example, if you need a VPN service for just a month, The ExpressVPN price will be $12.95/month. The six-month plan will set you back $9.99/month, while the 15-month plan will cost you $6.67/month.

While there isn't an ExpressVPN free trial per se, the vendor’s 30-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked, means you still get to try out the service risk-free. At the time of writing this ExpressVPN review, there is no special ExpressVPN discount going on.

There has also been some talk about the ExpressVPN Lifetime Plan, but the service provider has made it clear that they won’t support this type of plan at the moment or in the future. The reason for this is that VPN lifetime plans usually don’t offer the same quality service that you would get with either a monthly or annual plan. Therefore, ExpressVPN has decided to continue delivering the same quality service to its customers and stay out of the lifetime plan business.

Our Verdict

Now that we’ve gone through the VPN’s most important features and concluded our ExpressVPN review, it’s time to make the final verdict — is ExpressVPN really one of the best VPNs on the market? Yes, in most aspects, it is. While some of its competition has been gaining momentum, this VPN service is still one of the best you’ll find. From its rapid speeds and superb ExpressVPN support to the ultimate security and privacy features, this VPN has everything you could ask for — and more.