ExpressVPN is a name synonymous with VPNs, often the first that comes to mind. Its widespread advertising contributes to its recognition, but beyond the marketing, ExpressVPN delivers a compelling service. This review explores ExpressVPN’s features, performance, security, and privacy to determine if it lives up to its reputation.
A User-Friendly Interface and Feature-Rich Service
ExpressVPN homescreen.
ExpressVPN boasts a simple, single-panel interface. A prominent connect/disconnect button sits centrally, with country selection directly below. A smart location feature suggests the optimal server based on your location. This streamlined design prioritizes ease of use.
Upon connection, quick links to popular websites and apps like Google, Wikipedia, and Gmail appear. These shortcuts are customizable for personalized access. The upper-right drop-down menu provides access to VPN locations, options, and help & support.
The Options menu houses key settings, including a kill switch, split tunneling, and protocol selection. While these features are standard among VPNs, ExpressVPN notably lacks multi-hop functionality, a feature offered by many competitors for enhanced connection obfuscation.
ExpressVPN's ad- and tracker-blocking service.
ExpressVPN integrates an ad and tracker blocker called “Threat Manager” and parental controls for blocking adult content. These security suite additions are becoming increasingly common among premium VPN providers like Surfshark and NordVPN.
Beyond the Windows app, ExpressVPN offers extensive device compatibility, including macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, ChromeOS, Fire Stick, Android TV, routers, and Apple TV. Browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox provide app control directly from the browser.
Pricing starts at $12.95 monthly or $99.84 annually. While the monthly cost is high, the annual subscription offers better value. Although no free trial is available, a 30-day money-back guarantee provides a risk-free option. Payments are accepted via credit card, PayPal, and Bitcoin.
Exceptional Speed and Streaming Performance
ExpressVPN consistently delivers impressive speeds. Testing across global servers revealed average download speeds at 71% of baseline and upload speeds at 80%. This performance places ExpressVPN among the fastest VPNs available, ensuring minimal buffering for streaming and lag for gaming.
ExpressVPN reliably unblocks Netflix and other major streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime, HBO Max, Hulu, Disney Plus, and AppleTV. This consistent access to geographically restricted content adds significant value.
Robust Security and Unwavering Commitment to Privacy
ExpressVPN's Lightway and OpenVPN protocols.
ExpressVPN primarily utilizes its proprietary Lightway protocol and OpenVPN. Lightway, designed for public VPN use, is open-source and has undergone security audits. It uses the wolfSSL encryption library. Alternatively, users can opt for OpenVPN, IKEv2, or L2TP/IPSec depending on their operating system. Automatic protocol selection is recommended for most users.
Lightway’s recent update includes post-quantum encryption support, a forward-thinking feature designed to mitigate future threats from quantum computing.
ExpressVPN's password manager feature.
ExpressVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy, refraining from tracking browsing history, DNS queries, IP addresses, connection timestamps, or session duration. While diagnostic and crash reports are collected, users are given the choice to contribute this data.
ExpressVPN’s transparency is further reinforced by numerous independent audits. These audits, including a recent one by Cure53, validate the no-log policy. This commitment to transparency sets ExpressVPN apart.
The company’s location in the British Virgin Islands, outside of international intelligence-sharing alliances and data retention requirements, provides an additional layer of privacy protection.
Conclusion: A Premium VPN Worth Considering
ExpressVPN justifies its premium price with a combination of high speeds, reliable streaming access, and robust privacy features. The user-friendly interface and broad device compatibility further enhance its appeal. While it lacks some advanced security features like multi-hop, ExpressVPN remains one of the best VPN options available. Its dedication to user privacy and performance makes it a strong contender for anyone seeking a reliable and secure VPN solution.
