Introduced in 2009, ExpressVPN has evolved into one of the globally renowned VPN services. Owned and developed by Kape Technologies, it boasts a user base exceeding four million worldwide.
In this ExpressVPN review, we meticulously assessed all its VPN applications to gauge their performance across diverse devices and categories. Impressively, it excelled in every aspect, be it security, speed, or streaming compatibility.
Continue reading to delve into our comprehensive test results, or refer to the table below for key specifications of the VPN service. Additionally, you can later compare ExpressVPN with other popular VPNs as outlined in this review.
Choose ExpressVPN if:
Accessing geo-blocked streaming services is a priority. ExpressVPN effectively unblocks popular streaming services like US Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV, and BBC iPlayer.
You’re new to VPNs. ExpressVPN’s user-friendly apps make it more accessible than other VPN software we’ve evaluated, requiring no learning curve for a hassle-free start.
Avoid ExpressVPN if:
You’re on a tight budget. ExpressVPN ranks as the fourth most expensive among the 65 VPNs we’ve reviewed.
You’re seeking an all-in-one cybersecurity solution. ExpressVPN includes only a VPN, a limited tracker blocker, and a password manager. It does not provide protection against viruses, malware, or ads.
Torrent seeding is essential. ExpressVPN lacks support for port forwarding, preventing direct connections to other users’ torrenting clients.
Data Cap | Unlimited |
|---|---|
Download Speed | 97Mbps
|
Logging Policy | No Identifying Data
|
Data Leaks | No |
Jurisdiction | British Virgin Islands (Privacy Haven)
|
Servers | 3,000 |
IP Addresses | +3,000 |
Countries with Servers | 106 |
US Netflix | Yes |
Torrenting | Unlimited
|
Simultaneous Connections | 8 |
Works In China | Yes |
Support | 24/7 Live Chat |
Cheapest Price | $6.67/mo over 15 Months
|
Free Trial | 7 Days (Payment Info Required)
|
Money-Back Guarantee | 30-day Money-Back Guarantee
|
Here is a list of popular streaming platforms that ExpressVPN currently unblocks:
Streaming platforms | Works with ExpressVPN |
|---|---|
Amazon Prime Video | Yes |
BBC iPlayer | Yes |
Channel 4 | Yes |
Disney+ | Yes |
Hotstar India | Yes |
Hulu | Yes |
Max | Yes |
ITVX | Yes |
YouTube | Yes |
Netflix US | Yes |
ExpressVPN consistently provides access to US Netflix and nine additional regions in all our tests over the past 12 months. The streaming experience has been reliable, with videos loading instantly and streaming in HD without any buffering.
It’s worth noting that, by default, ExpressVPN’s US server may not stream Netflix. To overcome this, manual connection to the USA – New Jersey – 1 server location is required. While some other VPNs automatically connect users to optimized servers for streaming, ExpressVPN could enhance user experience by incorporating a similar feature.
Distinguishing ourselves from many other VPN review websites, we conduct comprehensive Netflix testing for every VPN across all server locations. These tests are conducted weekly to assess the frequency with which a VPN can successfully access each region.
Outlined below are the results from our testing of ExpressVPN with popular Netflix locations, providing insights into the reliability of its access to each region.
Netflix Library | Unblocks Region | Reliability |
|---|---|---|
UK | Yes | 91% |
Australia | Yes | 45% |
Brazil | Yes | 91% |
Canada | Yes | 81% |
France | Yes | 91% |
Germany | Yes | 91% |
Italy | Sometimes | 30% |
Japan | Sometimes | 30%
|
Netherlands | Yes | 82% |
South Korea | No | 0% |
Switzerland | No | 0% |
Regrettably, ExpressVPN exhibits a lack of functionality with certain international Netflix libraries and shows inconsistency with others. In comparison, VPNs such as PrivateVPN prove to be more reliable when it comes to unblocking international Netflix libraries.
With ExpressVPN, we successfully accessed US streaming services from any location. The VPN seamlessly worked with popular platforms such as Disney+, Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, and others. Notably, unlike Netflix, every site was accessible with any US ExpressVPN server, including servers in New York and San Francisco.
In every instance, videos loaded within one second when using ExpressVPN. The videos consistently maintained the maximum quality of 4K or 1080p and experienced no buffering at any stage.
ExpressVPN effectively unblocks BBC iPlayer and Sky Go, overcoming geo-blocks on all five of its UK servers. This allowed us to stream both live and on-demand content in HD, including popular shows like Match of the Day and Top Gear.
Until recently, ExpressVPN was not an ideal option for BBC iPlayer, requiring the use of the VPN’s browser extensions or the MediaStreamer Smart DNS service. However, there has been a positive shift, and we are pleased to note that ExpressVPN has focused on enhancing its streaming performance.
Additionally, we found ExpressVPN to be a standout choice for accessing various UK streaming platforms, including Sky Go, Now, Channel 4, and ITVX. It also emerges as the top VPN for France, successfully unblocking every French streaming service.
ExpressVPN is a secure choice for Kodi streaming, particularly with its excellent app designed for Firestick and Android TV Kodi boxes. This makes it a top selection for concealing Kodi activity from your internet service provider. While connected to ExpressVPN, we were able to stream non-copyrighted content from popular Kodi add-ons like Popcornflix and Crackle.
In our evaluations, ExpressVPN consistently demonstrated faster P2P file downloads compared to most competitors. With all 3,000 of ExpressVPN’s servers supporting torrenting activity, coupled with its effective kill switch and private logging policy, your ISP won’t have visibility into your P2P activity. The only drawback is the absence of port forwarding, but given ExpressVPN’s impressive speed, it proves to be fast enough even without this feature.
Here’s the most important data from our ExpressVPN torrenting tests:
Torrenting Attribute | Result |
|---|---|
Average Download Bitrate | 9.4MiB/s
|
No. of P2P Servers | 3,000
|
Logging Policy | No Identifying Data
|
Kill Switch | Yes |
Port Forwarding | No |
ExpressVPN stands out as one of the safest VPNs for torrenting, thanks to its robust AES-256 encryption and commitment to private logging. Notably, there is no record of ExpressVPN ever forwarding DMCA requests to users, distinguishing it from some other VPN services.
In our tests with torrent clients such as qBittorrent, uTorrent, and Deluge, ExpressVPN consistently excelled. In every instance, the VPN effectively concealed our IP address and all other personal information, ensuring that all our activity remained masked from our ISP and other third parties.
We conducted an in-house P2P speed test for ExpressVPN to measure its torrenting speeds. Despite lacking support for port forwarding, ExpressVPN emerged as one of the fastest VPNs for torrenting, boasting an average speed of 9.4 MiB/s. This means that we could download torrent files of any size almost as quickly as we could without using a VPN.
Here’s how quickly we could download a 20GB torrent file with ExpressVPN compared to other top VPNs:
VPN Service | Download Bitrate | Time To Download 20GB Torrent File |
|---|---|---|
No VPN | 10MiB/s | 32 minutes
|
ExpressVPN | 9.4MiB/s | 34 minutes
|
Private Internet Access | 9.6MiB/s | 33 minutes
|
CyberGhost | 3.9MiB/s | 81 minutes
|
Based on our most recent speed tests, ExpressVPN emerges as one of the fastest VPNs, surpassing competitors like PIA, NordVPN, and numerous other leading VPN services. Leveraging its Lightway protocol, ExpressVPN exhibited minimal speed losses of just 3%. This level of performance proves more than sufficient for all demanding web activities, including gaming, streaming, and video calling.
To test ExpressVPN’s speeds, we connected to ExpressVPN servers in six different continents. We use a 100Mbps internet connection, similar to your baseline speed at home.
Here’s a table showing ExpressVPN’s speed test results:
| No VPN (New York) | US (New York) | Canada (Toronto) | US (Los Angeles) | UK (London) | Germany (Berlin) | Brazil (São Paulo) | Japan (Tokyo) | South Africa (Johannesburg) | Australia (Sydney) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Server Location |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Download Speed |
100Mbps |
97Mbps |
95Mbps |
90Mbps |
93Mbps |
87Mbps |
87Mbps |
83Mbps |
66Mbps |
83Mbps |
|
Upload Speed |
100Mbps |
91Mbps |
92Mbps |
88Mbps |
92Mbps |
89Mbps |
90Mbps |
89Mbps |
64Mbps |
91Mbps |
|
Ping |
1ms |
8ms |
14ms |
256ms |
74ms |
204ms |
128ms |
145ms |
584ms |
69ms |
|
Distance |
0mi |
5mi |
300mi |
2,500mi |
3,500mi |
4,000mi |
4,800mi |
6,700mi |
8,000mi |
9,900mi |
The data demonstrates that connecting to a nearby server with ExpressVPN resulted in a minimal impact on our download speed, with a loss of just 3%. This holds true regardless of your location, indicating consistently high speeds when connecting to nearby servers.
For context, you can observe how ExpressVPN’s local speed performance compares to other leading VPNs in the chart provided below:
ExpressVPN demonstrates impressive performance, being 16Mbps faster than PureVPN when connected to a nearby server. It also outpaces CyberGhost and NordVPN by a slight margin, averaging approximately 2%.
However, it’s important to note a recent decline in ExpressVPN’s international speeds, no longer holding the title for the fastest VPN on far-away servers. In comparison to prior tests, there has been a 27% decrease in speeds in South Africa and a 7% decrease in Germany.
ExpressVPN excels in providing a fast ping for lag-free gaming, recording a ping time of 8ms on a nearby server—faster than nearly every other VPN reviewed. Using ExpressVPN on Xbox, we experienced quick connections suitable for fast-paced games like Warzone and CS:GO. The VPN consistently proved fast enough for competitive gaming on every local server tested.
ExpressVPN offers servers in countries like Egypt and Argentina, providing players with more accessible gaming lobbies. However, as is expected, the ping time on ExpressVPN increases significantly on servers located further away. Unless you’re engaged in a slower-paced game, it’s advisable to stick to servers within your own country for an optimal gaming experience.
Here are all of ExpressVPN’s subscription plans:
Billed $12.95 each month
Billed $59.95 every 6 months
$99.95 the first 15 months and $116.95 yearly thereafter
ExpressVPN’s pricing is above average for a VPN service and is indeed more expensive than some competitors. Notably, ExpressVPN maintains consistent pricing even after the initial subscription period, a feature that sets it apart from many other VPNs that tend to significantly increase their prices upon renewal.
For example, Surfshark, initially priced at 70% less than ExpressVPN, doubles its cost after 12 months, making it only 40% cheaper. The superior performance of ExpressVPN justifies the additional cost, making it a worthwhile investment for those who can afford it.
While there isn’t a 100% free version, you can still use ExpressVPN without cost for a limited time. This can be done by making use of its seven-day free trial or the 30-day money-back guarantee.
The free trial is exclusively available for sign-ups on Android or iOS devices. However, once registered, you can log in to the ExpressVPN app on any device using the account details created during the sign-up process.
Moreover, all ExpressVPN subscriptions include a 30-day money-back guarantee. This allows you to test the VPN before committing to a long-term subscription. In our tests, we reached out to customer support within 30 days of signing up, and we received our refund within five days.
Here’s a full list of payment methods that ExpressVPN accepts:
ExpressVPN stands out as a reliable VPN service that consistently prioritizes user privacy. Unlike some providers, ExpressVPN goes the extra mile by not retaining any personally identifiable information such as your IP address or DNS queries. This commitment to privacy is reinforced by its location in the British Virgin Islands, where there are no data retention laws. With ExpressVPN, you can trust that your online activities remain secure and confidential.
Here’s a table summarizing the information that ExpressVPN logs:
Data Type | Logged by ExpressVPN |
|---|---|
Account Information | Yes |
Browsing Activity | No |
Date of Last Connection | Yes |
Device Information | Yes |
DNS Queries | No |
Individual Bandwidth Usage | No |
Individual Connection Timestamps | No |
ISP | No |
Number of Simultaneous Connections | No |
Originating IP Address | No |
VPN Server IP | No |
VPN Server Location | No |
ExpressVPN goes above and beyond by collecting significantly less data than the majority of other VPNs. During the signup process, users can opt for an anonymous payment method to further enhance their privacy. Additionally, the service operates a diskless server network, ensuring that no activity data is logged.
While ExpressVPN does retain some anonymous connection logs, such as the date of your last connection and bandwidth usage, this information is strictly used for diagnostic purposes and service improvement. Importantly, these logs cannot be utilized by a third party to trace your web activity. Rigorous real-world tests, including server raids and third-party audits, have consistently affirmed this safeguard.
Despite its commendable practices, it’s worth noting that ExpressVPN’s logging policy, including the retention of certain connection logs, falls short of a true no-logs privacy policy, as seen with services like Private Internet Access and PrivateVPN.
To help you make an informed decision, the table below compares ExpressVPN’s logging policy with that of other leading VPN services:
| VPN Service | Logging Policy | Jurisdiction | Independent Audit |
|---|---|---|---|
|
No Identifying Data |
British Virgin Islands (Privacy Haven) |
|
|
|
No Identifying Data |
Romania |
|
|
|
No Identifying Data |
Panama |
|
|
|
No Logs |
US (Five Eyes Member) |
|
|
|
No Identifying Data |
Netherlands (EU Member) |
|
ExpressVPN has strategically chosen its headquarters in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), a highly favorable jurisdiction for a VPN service. One key advantage is that the BVI lacks mandatory data retention laws, providing ExpressVPN with a solid foundation to uphold the commitments outlined in its logging policy.
An additional layer of security stems from the fact that the BVI is not affiliated with any data-sharing alliance, such as the Five Eyes. This distinction is crucial, as it means that ExpressVPN cannot be compelled by other governments or agencies to disclose any user information. By being situated in the BVI, ExpressVPN further ensures a robust level of privacy protection for its users.
In 2021, Kape Technologies acquired ExpressVPN, a move that drew criticism due to Kape’s prior association with a software development kit (SDK) utilized by ad injectors and malware distributors.
It’s important to note, however, that Kape Technologies itself was not directly involved in the ad and malware distribution activities. These issues were attributed to third parties utilizing Kape’s platform. Notably, Kape had already discontinued this development platform in 2016, well before the acquisition of ExpressVPN.
Contrary to concerns, ExpressVPN’s logging and privacy practices have actually improved since being acquired by Kape. It’s worth mentioning that Kape Technologies has expanded its portfolio to include ownership of two other popular VPN services: CyberGhost and Private Internet Access. Despite the initial controversy, ExpressVPN’s association with Kape has resulted in positive developments regarding user privacy and security.
ExpressVPN boasts an extensive server network spanning 106 countries, securing its position as the second-highest among the 65 VPNs tested. This widespread coverage allows users to obtain an IP address from nearly every corner of the globe, offering a diverse range of location options. It’s important to note, however, that when it comes to city-specific server options, ExpressVPN’s offerings may be more limited compared to some of its competitors.
Cities
Countries
IP Addresses
With ExpressVPN, you can connect to servers in these regions:
Continent | Number of Countries |
|---|---|
Europe | 47 |
Asia | 26 |
South America | 10 |
North America | 13 |
Africa | 6 |
Oceania | 3 |
ExpressVPN provides users with servers in numerous locations across the globe. Notably, in each continent, the VPN offers the ability to obtain an IP address from a significantly larger number of countries compared to other leading VPNs, outpacing NordVPN by an impressive 46 countries.
However, it’s worth mentioning that there are still some notable regions absent from ExpressVPN’s server offerings. In future updates, it would be beneficial to see the inclusion of virtual locations in the UAE and Russia, addressing the preferences and needs of users in those specific regions.
ExpressVPN offers the option to connect to servers in specific cities across 14 countries, providing users with the flexibility to choose the closest server for optimal performance or access location-specific content, such as avoiding MLB blackouts or streaming out-of-market NFL games.
It’s worth noting, however, that ExpressVPN falls behind some other VPN services in terms of the number of city-based servers. For instance, in the United States, ExpressVPN has servers in 11 states. In comparison, Private Internet Access allows users to obtain an IP address from all 50 states, while HMA offers coverage in 48 states. This discrepancy highlights a difference in city-based server availability among these VPN providers.
ExpressVPN is considered an exceptionally secure VPN service, successfully clearing all of our security tests. However, there is room for enhancement. Notably, ExpressVPN employs its proprietary Lightway protocol instead of WireGuard. Additionally, it’s important to highlight a specific concern: during our testing, the macOS app revealed our IP address when switching to a different server. While ExpressVPN performs well in overall security, addressing these specific areas of improvement could further strengthen its reliability and user protection.
In the table below, you can see which encryption ciphers, connection protocols, and additional security features ExpressVPN uses:
Protocols | Available in ExpressVPN |
|---|---|
IKEv2/IPSec | Yes |
OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) | Yes |
Lightway | Yes |
WireGuard | No |
Encryption | Available in ExpressVPN |
|---|---|
AES-128 | No |
AES-192 | No |
AES-256 | Yes |
Blowfish | No |
ChaCha20 | Yes |
Security | Available in ExpressVPN |
|---|---|
DNS Leak Blocking | Yes |
First-party DNS | Yes |
IPv6 Leak Blocking | Yes |
Supports TCP Port 443 | No |
VPN Kill Switch | Yes |
WebRTC Leak Blocking | No |
Advanced Features | Available in ExpressVPN |
|---|---|
Ad Blocker | No |
Dedicated IP | No |
Double VPN | No |
Smart DNS | Yes |
SOCKS | No |
Split Tunneling | Yes |
Static IP | No |
Tor over VPN Server | No |
Tracker Blocker | Yes |
ExpressVPN employs a distinct VPN tunneling protocol that sets it apart from other VPN services. However, we express a preference for the use of more established technologies, given their longer track record and broader scrutiny by users.
ExpressVPN’s default protocol, Lightway, is an in-house development exclusive to the service. Notably, Lightway secures traffic using the AES-256 cipher, ensuring robust encryption for sensitive data. Although Lightway is open-source, allowing code inspection for trust-building, it still falls slightly behind the level of trust associated with widely-used open-source protocols like WireGuard.
While Lightway has performed well in our security assessments, we advocate for the inclusion of WireGuard as an option to provide users with a more diverse and trusted range of protocols within ExpressVPN’s offerings.
Similar to many other VPN services, ExpressVPN employs advanced security measures such as Perfect Forward Secrecy, a robust 4096-bit RSA key, and SHA-512 HMAC authentication. In simple terms, these security features work together to conceal your web activity and prevent potential attackers from altering your internet data in real-time. This ensures a high level of privacy and protection for your online activities while using ExpressVPN.
ExpressVPN’s ‘Network Lock’ kill switch is a notable feature present across all of its applications. It’s uncommon to find kill switches available on every platform, including Fire TV and iOS, making ExpressVPN stand out for maintaining this functionality across all devices.
To confirm the effectiveness of ExpressVPN’s kill switch, we conducted rigorous testing using our in-house kill switch testing tool. This tool assesses the potential for IP address leaks after an unexpected connection drop. As illustrated in the screenshot below, ExpressVPN’s kill switch performed successfully, preventing any leakage of our true IP address outside of the VPN tunnel. This robust kill switch functionality contributes to a more secure and reliable VPN experience across various devices.
Certainly! Here’s a rewritten and SEO-optimized version in a more conversational tone:
“Alright, so we found a little hiccup with ExpressVPN’s macOS app – it tends to spill out IP addresses when you switch server locations. They give you a heads up with a warning message, but it’s a bummer that they haven’t completely patched up this vulnerability.
Now, onto the good stuff – we put ExpressVPN through the wringer with our IP, DNS, and WebRTC leak tests. Guess what? It aced them all! No leaks, no peeking at our network traffic, and all our personal info stayed under wraps.
Check out the screenshot below – ExpressVPN did a solid job masking our real UK network details.
It’s a mixed bag, but the leak tests came out clean and that’s a big win for privacy!”
Feel free to adjust any part of it to better fit your style or specific requirements.
ExpressVPN goes the extra mile in safeguarding your online activities by utilizing first-party DNS servers. This means that when you send out DNS requests, ExpressVPN takes charge of handling and encrypting them, rather than leaving it to your Internet Service Provider (ISP). It’s worth noting that having these servers is a rarity among VPN services.
However, when it comes to future improvements, we’d love to see ExpressVPN extend its support to IPv6 addresses. Currently, the VPN service simply blocks your original IPv6 address without substituting it with one from their server. This approach poses a potential risk of exposing your IPv6 address if the blocking mechanism encounters a glitch. Strengthening IPv6 support would be a welcome enhancement for added security.
ExpressVPN stands out from the crowd by employing diskless servers, a feature aptly named TrustServer. This distinctive approach sets it apart from the majority of other VPNs that store server information on hard drives. With TrustServer, ExpressVPN ensures that no usage data is logged, and it creates an impregnable barrier against hackers attempting to extract data from the server.
What makes ExpressVPN even more noteworthy is that it is among the very few VPN services that have subjected its diskless server network to third-party auditing. Cure53, the independent auditor, verified that all of ExpressVPN’s servers are indeed diskless, and emphatically stated, “No IP addresses or personally identifiable information can be written to physical disk.”
Adding another layer of security, ExpressVPN owns and operates all of its servers, as opposed to renting them from third parties. This ownership model minimizes the risk of interference by hackers or other malicious entities, making ExpressVPN a robust choice for safeguarding your online activities.
ExpressVPN incorporates a tracker blocker called Threat Manager in its iOS, Mac, and Linux applications. It’s important to note that this particular feature is exclusive to these platforms and is not available on Windows, Android, or any other operating system.
However, our testing revealed that Threat Manager falls short when compared to other tracker blockers. According to our data, Threat Manager only managed to block 3% of trackers. In contrast, both Private Internet Access and Windscribe outperformed, successfully preventing 100% of trackers. This indicates that, while ExpressVPN provides a tracker-blocking feature, there’s room for improvement in its effectiveness compared to some competitors.
At its current state, Threat Manager proves to be an ineffective feature, offering minimal protection against data profiling and tracker activity. ExpressVPN would greatly benefit from updating its blocklist to encompass a wider range of trackers in a future software update. Enhancing the capability of Threat Manager is crucial to ensuring a more robust defense against data profiling and preserving user privacy during web activities.
ExpressVPN has fewer advanced features than other top premium VPNs. Here are some technical features we’d like ExpressVPN to add:
ExpressVPN offers a comprehensive set of features to enhance your online experience and security:
ExpressVPN’s feature-rich offerings are designed to not only protect your online privacy but also to provide a seamless and secure internet experience.
While ExpressVPN may lack certain common VPN features, as mentioned above, its standout advantage lies in its simplicity. The user-friendly interface is one of the VPN’s most significant strengths. In the event that the requested features are added, the hope is that they are seamlessly integrated into the background. This approach aims to prevent overwhelming users with a plethora of confusing options, maintaining the app’s simplicity while enhancing functionality. Striking a balance between additional features and user-friendly design is crucial for ensuring a positive and straightforward VPN experience.
Looking to break through online barriers? ExpressVPN is your go-to solution for unblocking websites and apps, especially in nations where internet access is restricted. While its reliability in China may vary, ExpressVPN consistently delivers reliable performance in countries such as Russia, Iran, and other regions facing online limitations. Discover unrestricted internet access with ExpressVPN!
Distinguishing itself from other VPN review platforms, we rigorously evaluate ExpressVPN weekly using a PC in China. Over the past year, ExpressVPN boasts a 64% success rate, although other VPNs, such as Astrill, have consistently achieved a 100% success rate.
What sets ExpressVPN apart is its integrated obfuscation technology across all servers. This eliminates the need for manual configurations or specialized apps, making it the most user-friendly VPN for navigating internet censorship.
ExpressVPN cleverly disguises your VPN traffic as standard web traffic, granting access to restricted websites and apps. Its effectiveness extends beyond China to countries like the UAE, Russia, Iran, and other restrictive nations.
However, transparency could be improved. ExpressVPN should disclose the specific obfuscation methods used, whether it’s a third-party solution like Shadowsocks or Obfsproxy, or a proprietary development.
In case of connection issues, ExpressVPN provides a helpful, regularly updated list of servers that reliably function in China. Stay connected and informed with ExpressVPN!
ExpressVPN has applications for the following devices:
Here’s a quick summary of the key differences between the apps on each platform:
Feature | Windows | macOS | Android | iOS | Linux |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Protection Summary | No | No | Yes | No | No |
Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Threat Manager
| No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Using its streaming device apps, router app or Smart DNS feature, ExpressVPN is compatible with the following digital media players:
MediaStreamer on ExpressVPN limits manual IP address location selection. It exclusively functions with a predefined list of compatible streaming services, including US Netflix, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer. If you wish to change your location, particularly for streaming services like Japanese Netflix, you’ll need to utilize ExpressVPN’s router app.
ExpressVPN provides extensions for the following browsers:
Using ExpressVPN is a breeze—no learning curve necessary. Simply press the prominent ‘on’ button, and the app will automatically choose the optimal protocol and server location based on your network and location. Consistency is key, as the user experience remains uniform across all platforms, allowing you to navigate the VPN seamlessly on all your devices.
Installing, setting up, and using ExpressVPN is a straightforward process. Simply choose your subscription plan, create an account, and enter your payment details.
Upon subscription, you’ll receive a confirmation email containing an activation code and a link to the installation guide tailored for your device.
Notably, ExpressVPN underwent a design overhaul in 2021, addressing previous criticisms of an outdated look and usability challenges on certain platforms. The updated design not only enhances aesthetics but also ensures a consistent and user-friendly interface across all devices.
For a more in-depth exploration, let’s delve into the interface of each ExpressVPN application.
While some VPNs tend to offer subpar Mac apps compared to their Windows counterparts, ExpressVPN breaks this trend. Both ExpressVPN desktop apps, whether on Mac or Windows, are practically identical. This uniformity is a positive aspect, as ExpressVPN’s desktop applications stand out as the most intuitive VPN apps we’ve encountered. Enjoy a seamless and user-friendly experience, whether you’re on Mac or Windows, with ExpressVPN’s desktop applications.
Personalize your experience by customizing the home screen with shortcuts to your most visited websites. However, if you prefer a cleaner look, ExpressVPN allows you to disable this feature in the settings.
During 80% of our time using ExpressVPN, a simple click on the large ‘on’ button at the center of the home screen sufficed. The need to navigate away from the home screen only arose when switching to an international server, particularly when accessing geo-blocked websites.
Exploring the server list is a breeze; ‘Recommended’ servers are the default selection, but to view the entire list, you can click on ‘All Locations’ or utilize the search bar for specific locations. However, we suggest incorporating server details such as ping and load to aid users in determining the optimal connection, a feature currently absent.
Unlike VPNs that lack a dedicated router app, where changing your IP address involves downloading a new server file and rebooting the router—often taking up to 15 minutes in our tests—ExpressVPN’s router app simplifies this process to a mere five seconds. The efficiency of ExpressVPN’s router app ensures swift and hassle-free IP address changes, offering a significant time-saving advantage compared to other VPNs.
ExpressVPN’s apps for Apple TV and Android TV are thoughtfully designed, boasting a user-friendly interface with a dark mode that enhances text readability on TV screens. The intuitive organization of server locations by continent and the visually appealing design streamline the selection of desired server locations, making the overall experience seamless.
While the dark mode contributes to visual comfort, the inclusion of a light mode option would cater to user preferences and provide additional flexibility. ExpressVPN continues to prioritize a well-crafted and user-centric design in its TV applications.
While setting up MediaStreamer is straightforward, users must consistently update their IP address on the ExpressVPN website whenever it changes; failure to do so results in a disrupted connection.
ExpressVPN could enhance user convenience by incorporating secure DNS options like DNS-over-HTTPS, eliminating the need for frequent IP address updates for authentication.
A notable drawback is the lack of information about which streaming services MediaStreamer supports. To ascertain compatibility, users must reach out to ExpressVPN’s customer support, a process that can take over five minutes for a response. Unlike many other VPNs with a Smart DNS feature, ExpressVPN does not provide a comprehensive list of compatible streaming apps on its website, leaving users with limited information upfront.
ExpressVPN boasts best-in-class customer support, featuring a 24/7 live chat service, responsive email support, and an extensive array of detailed guides and tutorials. Despite its helpfulness, the live chat team’s response time is relatively slow, and users are required to provide their email address for assistance.
You can contact ExpressVPN’s customer support team in the following ways:
Customer Support | Available in ExpressVPN |
|---|---|
24/7 Email Support | Yes
|
24/7 Live Chat Support | Yes
|
Chatbot | No |
Email Support via Online Form | No |
Online Resources | Yes |
Tutorial Videos | No |
For straightforward inquiries, the most effective avenue for assistance is through ExpressVPN’s knowledgeable 24/7 live chat support team. In our extensive testing, reaching out to them over 50 times, the agents consistently demonstrated the ability to promptly and effectively resolve our issues on the spot.
While ExpressVPN offers comprehensive customer support, there’s a notable downside—support agents tend to take longer to respond compared to other VPN services. In our testing, we experienced an average wait time of 126 seconds, whereas NordVPN achieved an average response time of 38 seconds.
This delay is attributed, in part, to ExpressVPN’s live chat agents adhering to a set conversation script before answering questions. Removing this requirement could potentially expedite response times and provide users with quicker solutions.
To enhance user experience further, incorporating an automated chatbot to address basic inquiries, such as identifying compatible streaming servers, could offer instant responses, eliminating the need to wait for a human agent.
Despite these areas for improvement, ExpressVPN remains an industry leader in customer support, offering an extensive range of support guides, FAQs, video tutorials, and troubleshooting options on their website.
Despite its higher subscription cost, ExpressVPN justifies its expense through incredible performance, making it an outstanding VPN service that surpasses all other options. It stands as the best all-around VPN on the market, offering user-friendly functionality and consistently outperforming competitors in security, torrenting, and leak tests.
ExpressVPN excels in providing access to streaming services worldwide, thanks to its fast proxy servers in 106 countries, allowing users to effortlessly bypass geo-blocked content on platforms such as Netflix and HBO Max.
As highlighted in this review, the addition of support for WireGuard and advanced technical features like multi-hop would enhance ExpressVPN’s offering. However, if these features are not essential to your needs, choosing ExpressVPN is a decision you won’t regret.
For a cost equivalent to or lower than ExpressVPN, various alternatives exist in the VPN market.
Private Internet Access stands out as a suitable choice, especially if you require a VPN for torrenting. It facilitates port forwarding and supports P2P traffic on a vast server network.
If your goal is to access blocked content from China, Windscribe emerges as a more affordable option with reliable performance. Alternatively, Astrill, while offering superior reliability, comes at a higher price point compared to ExpressVPN.
Seeking a comprehensive cybersecurity solution at a more economical rate than ExpressVPN? Consider Surfshark One, which encompasses a VPN, real-time antivirus protection, and a security alert system. NordVPN‘s Plus subscription, although lacking antivirus protection, provides robust malware protection for an alternative cybersecurity approach.
The table below compares ExpressVPN to four other top VPN services.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Reviews |
ExpressVPN Review |
NordVPN Review |
PIA VPN Review |
Surfshark Review |
PrivateVPN Review |
IPVanish Review |
CyberGhost Review |
atlasVPN Review |
VyperVPN Review |
PureVPN Review |
|
Overall Rating |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Download Speed |
97Mbps |
95Mbps |
95Mbps |
95Mbps |
95Mbps |
95Mbps |
94Mbps |
95Mbps |
96Mbps |
94Mbps |
|
No. Netflix Regions |
10 |
12 |
10 |
10 |
14 |
3 |
13 |
12 |
Not work |
Not work |
|
Logging Policy |
No Identifying Data |
No Identifying Data |
No Logs |
No Identifying Data |
No Logs |
No Logs |
No Identifying Data |
no-logs |
no-logs |
Some User Logs |
|
Countries with Servers |
106 |
60 |
91 |
100 |
62 |
53 |
90 |
42 |
64 |
78 |
|
Simultaneous Connections |
8 |
6 |
unlimited |
unlimited |
10 |
unlimited |
7 |
unlimited |
30 |
10 |
|
Cheapest Price |
$6.67/mo over 15 months |
$3.29/mo over 2 years |
$2.03/mo over 26 months |
$2.21/mo over 2 years |
$2.00/mo over 3 years |
$2.49/mo over 2 years |
$2.03/mo over 2 years |
$1.99/mo over 3 years |
$5.00/mo over 12 months |
$1.99/mo over 27 months |
|
Free Trial |
7 Days (Mobile Only) |
7 Days (Android Only) |
7 Days (Mobile Only) |
7 Days (Mobile Only) |
None |
7 Days (Mobile Only) |
1, 3 & 7 Days |
None |
3 Days (Mobile Only) |
7 days |
|
Browser Extensions |
Chrome, Edge, Firefox |
Chrome, Edge, Firefox |
Chrome, Edge, Firefox Opera |
Chrome, Edge, Firefox |
None |
None |
Chrome, Firefox |
None |
None |
Chrome, Edge, Firefox |
|
Who's It Best for? |
Worldwide streamers |
Security-focused users |
Bargain hunters |
Android users looking
to spoof GPS data |
Beginners on a budget |
Fire TV & Kodi streamers |
Users who need the same
anonymous IP address |
perfect for beginners |
fast and secure VPN that
covers the basics well |
good for casual
users looking
for a cheap service |
We’ve been testing and reviewing VPN services since 2018. We also publish VPN research and advice to help protect your internet privacy and security.
Don’t miss our future updates! Get Subscribed Today!
©2023. GOOVPN. All Rights Reserved.
