As security breaches and online tracking is on the rise, using a VPN is now much more essential than ever before. This holds true not only for individual internet users but also for organizations.
However, finding a reliable and trusted VPN service from the plethora of inferior quality VPNs is a chore.
Yet, a quick online search about the best VPNs will always bring one name to you as the best of the best – ExpressVPN.
From corporate to personal use, everyone recommends ExpressVPN for everything.
But is it really that worthy? How about the other good VPNs that are cheaper?
We know these are just a few questions from the bunch of other queries that strike your mind every time you read about ExpressVPN.
And you’re not alone in this – as we’re also equally curious to know the facts.
So, we got our hands on this VPN and tested it ourselves to come up with this honest ExpressVPN review for you.
Let’s start!
ExpressVPN overview
| Pricing | $8.32-$12.95 per month, depending on your subscription length |
| Country Locations | Available in 94 countries |
| Number of Servers | Over 3,000 servers globally |
| Usability | Very user-friendly and supports all devices |
| Logging | Zero log keeping |
| Support | Ticketing system, 24/7 live chat support, FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and email |
| Works with Netflix | Yes |
| Other Streaming Sites (I tested and unblocked using it) | Amazon Prime, BBC iPlyar, Hulu, HBO, ABC iView, 7Plus, SBS On Demand |
| Free Trial | None |
| Refund | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| VPN Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, IPSec |
| Data Authentication | AES-256-SHA254/AES-256-GCM |
| Handshake | 2048-bit RSA |
| Data Encryption | AES-256 |
| Official Website | https://www.expressvpn.com |
ExpressVPN isn’t a new name in the realm of virtual private networks. Instead, it is one of the key players of this industry, having endured all ups and downs for over a decade.
The service started off in 2009 by an independent firm Express VPN International Ltd. The company is located in the neutral zone of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) – an autonomous British overseas territory with no strict data retention laws.
However, recently, it has been acquired by the Israeli-based giant Kape Technologies, the parent company behind the popular Private Internet Access (PIA) and CyberGhost. Nonetheless, this acquisition seemingly has no significant effect on ExpressVPN’s policies (we’ll discuss it in detail later in this review).
ExpressVPN has clearly stated on its website that the firm is merely obliged to respect any court orders or subpoenas from the BVI government, which has its own criteria of ‘dual criminality’ for attending requests from any other government.
Hence, the most attractive thing with ExpressVPN is its privacy-oriented jurisdiction that isn’t a part of or obliged to follow 5, 9, and 14 Eyes countries. This makes the VPN freely implement a no-logs policy for all users.
(The other good VPN that resides in the same jurisdiction is Surfshark.)
Besides the data security practices, ExpressVPN also tops the list owing to its attractive features and user-friendly apps.
Servers and network coverage
If you’re familiar with VPNs like Private Internet Access, which has over 29,000 servers, or CyberGhost, which has 6800+ servers, you might expect ExpressVPN to boast a similarly huge number.
However, the number of servers and coverage area of ExpressVPN show how quality weighs more than quantity.
ExpressVPN has a modest network of 3000+ servers.
Even with this seemingly smaller number (compared to PIA, CyberGhost, or NordVPN), ExpressVPN has succeeded in setting up the largest global network.
Precisely, it offers servers from 160 different locations across 94 countries.
But how does it manage so many countries with so few servers, we hear you ask?
Well, because of its underlying security and stealth functionality, it can bypass all types of VPN blocking attempts.
Thus, ExpressVPN does not need to have backup servers ready at hand to deal with server blocking.
Moreover, these guys have maintained physical servers in most countries.
It enables them to also focus on setting up virtual locations for repressive and distant regions like Belarus, Kazakhstan, India, Pakistan, Turkey, and Vietnam.
Amazed to read these names?
You can now imagine their competence in the field as they even offer server locations uncommon with most VPNs.
Encryption
A VPN is all about encrypting your data. The stronger the encryption is, the better your privacy will be – simple as that.
Hence, ExpressVPN defiantly employs a robust encryption strategy that relies on AES 256-bit encryption with 4096-bit DHE-RSA keys and SHA512 HMAC authentication.
In simple words, it means that your data remains highly secured with this encryption strategy. No one can intercept the traffic passing through the encrypted VPN tunnel. Nor can anyone alter your messages during transit.
Besides, ExpressVPN offers Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS) that regenerates encryption keys frequently. This rapid change of keys protects your privacy in the unlikely event of a key compromise.
It means that if ever an attacker gets your encryption keys and deciphers your message, the attacker won’t be able to see your past and future communications because the key would not apply to them.
Doesn’t it sound interesting?
VPN protocols
After encryption, the next thing that makes a VPN what it should be is the connection protocol.
Today, various VPN protocols exist. However, not all VPNs offer all types of them.
Nonetheless, ExpressVPN seamlessly impressed us when writing this review with its choice of protocols.
To ensure thorough privacy to all users, even the non-technical ones, ExpressVPN simply doesn’t support insecure protocols SSTP or PPTP.
(Although, they recently integrated the ability to run PPTP within their apps following manual configuration. Yet, they don’t advise using this protocol.)
By default, ExpressVPN supports OpenVPN, IKEv2 (with IPSec), IPSec, and L2TP/IPSec combination.
Moreover, the provider has also stepped ahead and added a new VPN protocol with unique features.
Named “Lightway,” it’s a lightweight protocol providing fast speed, thorough security, less power consumption, and sustainable connectivity that persists even when switching internet connections.
Lightway is an implementation of WireGuard.
Here’s on which devices you can find these protocols available if you go with ExpressVPN.
- Lightway: Android, Windows, Linux, Mac, routers
- OpenVPN: Routers, Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS
- IKEv2: Windows, Mac, iOS
- L2TP/IPSec: Windows and Mac
- PPTP: Windows 10, Linux, iOS, and routers (manual configuration required in all cases)
Does ExpressVPN support WireGuard?
Wondering why did we miss mentioning WireGuard above?
Well, ExpressVPN, at present, doesn’t support Wireguard.
It doesn’t mean they oppose this protocol. Instead, as ExpressVPN explained, they have refrained from adapting WireGuard temporarily until the protocol is thoroughly audited for security.
So, you may not presently find WireGuard with ExpressVPN. Yet, you can try alternate VPNs supporting WireGuard, like NordVPN, Surfshark, and Private Internet Access.
Kill switch
Our next assessment parameter to grade any VPN is the presence of a vigilant kill switch. So, for this ExpressVPN’s comprehensive review, we also searched for the kill switch with this VPN.
And, again, ExpressVPN didn’t disappoint us!
The service comes with a robust kill switch that it has named “Network Lock.”
As expected, it locks your network whenever the VPN experiences a connection drop.
Yet, it also takes over your network in many other situations where the VPN suspects a potential IP exposure.
For example, if your internet connection is poor or flickering, you change your network, put your device to sleep mode, or your ISP suffers an outage, Network Lock will be activated to protect your real online details.
This feature is available across ExpressVPN clients for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and router VPN apps.
For iOS users, sorry, you may not get a kill switch with your VPN client. Nonetheless, you can still avail yourself of this feature by enabling the kill switch on your VPN router.
Also, the feature is enabled by default. Hence you don’t have to fiddle around with your VPN settings just to configure this feature. However, if you wish to close this option, you can easily do so via the settings menu.
IP and DNS leak protection
IP protection is what VPNs are responsible for. However, the same tools often become the most significant source of IP leaks.
Of course, a kill switch plays a key role in preventing your IP’s accidental exposure to the internet. But, it only works when the VPN connection drops.
IP leaks happen during an active VPN connection. Such leaks occur via IPv6 exposure, WebRTC, and DNS leaks.
So, while many low-reputation VPNs do not even offer a kill switch, those who do also fail to prevent IP leaks.
ExpressVPN ensures superior IP and DNS leak protection to all customers.
At first, they prevent IPv6 leaks and WebRTC leaks by simply blocking IPv6. This feature is enabled by default, so you don’t have to worry about configuring this setting.
Nonetheless, you can still find this setting whenever you want under the “Advanced” tab in “Options.”
Secondly, ExpressVPN prevents DNS leaks by employing its own DNS servers with a VPN connection. In this way, the service reroutes your regular internet traffic and does the same to all your DNS queries.
Data-logging policy (no logs)
Perhaps, you might have been looking for this until now.
And you won’t be wrong in doing so because data privacy is one of the most significant purposes of using a VPN. If a VPN logs your data, your privacy faces the same risk when you use no VPN.
Thankfully, ExpressVPN is one of those few VPN services that maintain a strict and bold no-logging policy.
To ensure that they remain free of any external pressure or threat to log customers’ data, they have set up their structure in a way that does not support data storage.
Their Privacy Policy clearly states,
“We’ve engineered our systems to categorically eliminate storage of sensitive data. We may know THAT a customer has used ExpressVPN, but we never know HOW they have utilized our Service. We stand by our firm commitment to our customers’ privacy by not possessing any data related to a user’s online activities.”
And they even proved the same when asked to provide logs during the investigation of Andrey Karlov’s assassination. As per their statement,
“While it’s unfortunate that security tools like VPNs can be abused for illicit purposes, they are critical for our safety and the preservation of our right to privacy online. ExpressVPN is fundamentally opposed to any efforts to install “backdoors” or attempts by governments to otherwise undermine such technologies.”
Also, ExpressVPN has gone through independent audits by PricewaterhouseCoopers and Cure53 involving their structure and browser extensions. These audits have acknowledged the privacy and security claims of ExpressVPN.
Any changes after Kape Tech deal?
Now you might wonder whether privacy things will continue at ExpressVPN’s end even after being acquired by Kape Technologies.
Certainly, Israel is one of those countries that somehow collaborate with the 14 Eyes alliance, despite not being a member. This makes it questionable for a VPN service to join a firm with this background.
Also, Kape Technologies had a shady past when it existed as Crossrider – a firm infamous for malicious activities like adware distribution.
After being caught, Crossrider rebranded as Kape to detach its checkered history. Moreover, the firm now also boasts itself as a digital privacy-focused service.
To add weightage to this claim, Kape Technologies started acquiring privacy-centric services, like antivirus and VPNs. Consequently, it spent a fortune in acquiring Cyberghost in 2017, Intego in 2018, ZenGuard GmbH (makers of ZenMate VPN) in late 2018, and Private Internet Access (PIA) in 2019.
Continuing this practice, Kape Technologies acquired ExpressVPN in one of the largest deals in its history for a whopping $936 million.
Indeed, this big acquisition raises questions about whether ExpressVPN would compromise its policies to comply with the parent firm. Nonetheless, both Kape Technologies and ExpressVPN have confirmed that the latter will continue to operate independently.
Elaborating on this in a blog post, ExpressVPN stated,
ExpressVPN will remain a separate service from other Kape brands, and everything you’ve come to know and love about ExpressVPN will only continue to improve: our award-winning speed and reliability, premium global server network and bandwidth, 24/7 live chat, BVI jurisdiction, policy of not collecting activity or connection logs, independent third-party audits, and more.
So, it seems ExpressVPN will have no effect from this deal besides a jazz-up in resources (at least, for now).
Therefore, you can trust that your data privacy and security remain conserved when using ExpressVPN. No need to fear for your data to land at the hands of your government.
Nonetheless, as a responsible internet user, you’re obliged to ensure legitimate use of ExpressVPN and its likes so that these services continue to exist without hassle for millions of privacy-savvy customers globally.
ExpressVPN key features
Since we aimed to come up with a dead-honest review of ExpressVPN, we couldn’t limit our research to the general features only.
Hence, our team scratched the surface to see if ExpressVPN has anything special for its users.
Unexpectedly, we found ExpressVPN missing out on numerous special features, such as a double-VPN. It was a strange finding since many other good VPNs frequently offer such features for no extra cost.
So, if you’re looking for a VPN with lots of fancy features, NordVPN or Surfshark may suit you better.
Nevertheless, if you aren’t concerned about getting lots of features and merely focusing on VPN performance, ExpressVPN would be a better option. With fewer features, ExpressVPN warrants superior computer and internet security to top the list of all VPNs.
Below we quickly review what ExpressVPN has for you.
Split tunneling
While VPNs are necessary for your internet security, you can’t keep them connected 24/7 for all purposes.
No, we aren’t referring to VPN data limitations here. Especially in the case of ExpressVPN, you don’t have to worry about it since ExpressVPN never limits your data.
But, having a VPN turned on might hinder your IP-specific activities.
For example, you may face trouble signing in to your Facebook profile. This is because the service might detect your sign-in request from a different location as a malicious login attempt.
Similarly, you may lose access to other essential platforms typically available to your actual IP location if you try to access them via a VPN.
You might think of turning off your VPN in such situations. However, while this is possible, it indirectly means putting your data at risk of cyberattacks.
So, what should you do?
ExpressVPN has got you covered by offering split-tunneling.
With this feature, you can mark the IP-specific websites and apps to run outside the VPN without turning off the VPN. In this way, you divide your traffic into two paths – an encrypted VPN tunnel and the traffic outside this tunnel.
Similarly, you can also mark certain apps to run only with the VPN while performing the rest of the activities with your regular internet connection.
For example, you can use this feature when torrenting, hiding your torrenting activity with the VPN while continuing your work outside the VPN.
TrustedServer
It isn’t a separate feature offered with ExpressVPN. Rather it is the underlying technology that drives the privacy-oriented infrastructure of this VPN.
Nonetheless, we deemed it essential to include something about it here to complete this review.
Basically, TrustedServer technology refers to the temporary servers ExpressVPN uses to power its services.
These servers aren’t meant to store data. Rather, their functionality is more like a temporary memory. The data keeps wiping off after every reboot because these servers run only on RAM. They never write anything on the hard drive.
In this way, the service providers ensure that they store no data – not even incidentally or unintentionally.
Therefore, they warrant top-notch security to the users not only from the governments but also from hackers. When ExpressVPN possesses no user data, it can’t share it with the governments. Nor can any intrusive hackers get their hands on your data.
Moreover, they also frequently shut off and restart their servers to disconnect the power supply to the RAM, thereby assuring no data retention for long.
Besides, these VPN service providers also ensure that all of their servers run in the same way. Hence, every time a server restarts, it loads the entire software stack and operating system from a read-only image.
Through this, ExpressVPN guarantees that all of its servers are running the same technology. And that none of them is specifically misconfigured or vulnerable to hackers.
Private DNS with every server
Another important technology that allows ExpressVPN to provide fool-proof privacy is Private DNS.
While most VPNs either lack separate DNS or offer DNS as an add-on, ExpressVPN’s Private DNS feature is available to all by default.
Precisely, ExpressVPN runs a separate private DNS for every server. Thus, when you enable ExpressVPN on your device, all your DNS queries automatically pass through the encrypted VPN channels.
Since every server has its own DNS, the whole process gets super fast, and your DNS queries return responses within the blink of an eye. That’s what jazzes up the VPN speed here.
Plus, as your DNS queries remain encrypted, neither your ISP can track you via DNS leaks. Nor can any cybercriminal spy on you or store your data.
Moreover, this DNS encryption also saves the service from DNS hijacking attacks and censorship by DNS blocking.
Of course, you get all these benefits without worrying about the VPN logging your data.
Smart location
While all of the servers ExpressVPN has for you are super fast, you might wonder which would work best for you.
ExpressVPN offers the “Smart Location” to address this confusing situation for their customers.
Again, it isn’t an optional add-on but rather a primary technology that runs on the VPN client by default.
With this feature, ExpressVPN automatically chooses the best VPN server for you.
Although this feature may sound common among VPNs, such as CyberGhost and PIA, ExpressVPN offers something different.
Unlike other VPNs that auto-detect the best server by choosing a server nearest to your physical location, ExpressVPN walks an extra mile to assess servers’ performance too.
It means they do not typically recommend a server based on distance. Instead, they also evaluate other parameters, like latency and download speed.
Only after assessing the servers against all these parameters does the service brings the best server to you.
If your activities aren’t location-specific, this automatic server selection can greatly benefit you.
Yet, at any time, you can simply select a desired server from the list to connect to. It will automatically push the Smart Location feature aside, allowing you to use your desired location server.
Don’t worry about getting the Smart location settings back. Since you can’t disable this feature, it will automatically be back in action when you start your VPN connection.
Parallel Connection
Since ExpressVPN’s core strength is its speed (which is what the provider is proud of), it takes every measure to stand up to its claims. While technological advancements successfully do that, what slightly marred its efforts was the connection time in the case of restricted networks.
Hence, ExpressVPN rolled out the “Parallel Connection” feature to cater to this problem.
Elaborating on this in a post, the provider explained that some customers experienced up to 30 seconds to establish VPN connections. That’s because the VPN client would try different protocols one by one to connect, depending upon the base network.
However, with Parallel Connection, the VPN client now tries all methods together, hence reducing the time of connection.
The provider began rolling out this feature on iOS first while planning to expand the release on other platforms sooner. (So, if you subscribe to ExpressVPN, you can notice the swift connection establishment on your iPhones compared to your other devices.)
ExpressVPN security add-ons (if any?)
After checking out the robust security measures and protocols ExpressVPN has in place, we anticipated this VPN to offer a bunch of dedicated security tools.
Of course, most VPNs do that.
For example, NordVPN, Private Internet Access, and Surfshark VPN offer features like adblocking, malware protection, email breach alert, and more. CyberGhost even provides malware protection and system update scan.
These features simply save the users from the hassle of arranging separate security tools to protect their privacy. They instead buy themselves thorough protection when they subscribe to one such VPN.
ExpressVPN, previously lagged here – we should necessarily mention it in this ExpressVPN unbiased review.
Nonetheless, the provider is now working to outsmart others in this arena as well.
One such example of this effort is the release of “Threat Manager,” a dedicated tracking protection tool.
Threat Manager
Beginning in 2022, ExpressVPN has rolled out Threat Manager as a dedicated malware and tracker protection tool for users.
The provider leverages publicly available sources listing known malware and trackers for this feature. Using these lists, ExpressVPN has compiled the Threat Manager blocklist, also available as open-source.
This feature prevents websites, authorities, ISPs, and other entities from tracking your web traffic. Likewise, it ensures protection against scammers.
This feature is currently available on Mac, Linux, and iOS clients, but it will soon be available for other platforms. Users can easily find this feature via the VPN app settings.
ExpressVPN user experience
After evaluating ExpressVPN against all its features, it appears to be a remarkable service with the utmost security. Though it misses out on some add-ons, it isn’t a big deal as far as the VPN itself works the way it should.
And, no doubt, ExpressVPN has everything in place to keep you secure and anonymous online.
But, we assessed ExpressVPN for its user experience, just like any other app.
Certainly, not all ExpressVPN users are tech freaks. Many of them would have simply opted for this service after reading ExpressVPN users’ reviews.
So, is this app straightforward to use for all users? Let’s check it out.
Web and app interface
Right after landing at the website, you’ll notice its fantastic layout. From an attractive theme to easy-to-navigate sections, you won’t face trouble finding your desired information on the site.
Besides, after you complete the ExpressVPN download and installation, you’ll be amazed by an intuitive app bearing a user-friendly interface.
The main screen contains minimal information. It only displays the connection button and the current server location chosen by the Smart Location feature with a neat layout.
You can then further scroll through the list of all server locations to choose the one you need.
Whereas digging up the main menu will let you adjust the app settings with regard to Network Lock, VPN protocols, and more. Nonetheless, you don’t have to worry much about these settings as the VPN has most of the necessary features, such as the kill switch and private DNS, activated by default.
Likewise, it also automatically chooses the most appropriate VPN protocol for you.
Download and setup
At this point again, ExpressVPN excels as it ensures that its customers don’t face any issues in using the VPN. It is straightforward to download and install across all devices.
All it takes is simply visiting their website and clicking on the “Get Started” button. You will then land on the subscriptions page. Here, you can enter your details to subscribe to ExpressVPN, choose a subscription plan, and select the payment method.
If you’re wondering how to proceed with ExpressVPN free download, let us clarify that ExpressVPN isn’t a free tool. But you can certainly get your money back if you aren’t satisfied with its performance (more in this below).
After completing the account registration, you can safely download the VPN app on your device.
Once the setup executable downloads, click (or tap) on it to start the installation process.
Again, you don’t have to stick your eyes to your device because the VPN will self-install without direct input from you. Nor does it take forever to complete the setup.
When you initiate the installation, you just have to give a few commands, such as signing in to your account, to complete the process. Once done, you can open your VPN app to start a secure online journey.
Speed test
While working on this extensive review, our team tested the different ExpressVPN servers for speed and performance.
Impressively, this VPN worked pretty well even when connected to distant servers, unlike most other services.
With our base speed of 100Mbps, we observed around a 10% drop on local servers. Certainly, we can attribute this drop to the underlying encryption. And this is what we observed via speed test tools. Otherwise, we didn’t notice any speed lags while browsing.
Then, we connect to nearby servers from other countries. Again, there was a 15-25% speed drop that didn’t hinder our browsing experience. We could even stream HD videos on it.
Then, we connected to the farthest servers, and still, we only noticed a maximal speed drop of 49%.
Since we had a good base speed, these percentages didn’t cause any problems for us.
So, if your base speed isn’t good, avoid connecting to any distant servers to ruin your connectivity. But you won’t notice any significant speed lags if you connect to local servers or servers from locations nearest to your physical location.
Device compatibility
Can you name a VPN with a dedicated VPN client for every device in your home?
Even if you’re an avid VPN user, you will often get stuck at one or more devices regarding how to install your subscribed VPN on a specific unsupported device.
For instance, you often face trouble finding a VPN for your gaming console or your Firestick. Or, you wonder how to protect your router with a VPN, as your existing subscription doesn’t support routers.
To address all these situations once and for all, you’ve got one comprehensive solution – ExpressVPN.
Certainly, it has one of the widest ranges of VPN apps supporting almost all major devices and platforms of today. With this single VPN subscription, you can protect everything from cyber threats, from your smartphones to your routers and other smart devices.
Wondering if we are making any boastful claims here? Well, check out the following list of apps it offers.
- Smartphones: Android, iOS
- Computers: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook
- Streaming: Amazon Fire TV/Firestick, Android TV, Chromecast with Google TV, Apple TV, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, NVIDIA Shield
- Gaming consoles: PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox
- Other devices: Routers, Blackberry
- Browser extensions: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox
Still wondering if ExpressVPN has missed out on any device you own? We doubt!
Yet, if you can come up with one, you won’t face trouble protecting it with ExpressVPN as you can connect it to your VPN router. Simple as that!
Simultaneous device connections
Now that you know ExpressVPN supports so many platforms; you may ask how to connect them all with a single account.
The good news is that ExpressVPN offers up to 5 simultaneous connections with a single account.
And, no, this number isn’t about the total number of devices on which you can run this VPN. Instead, this limitation applies to “simultaneous connections.” That is, the number of devices running ExpressVPN (subscribed to your account) at the same time.
For example, if you have connected your Windows PC, MacBook, Android Phone, Xbox, and iPhone at a time, you may not run other devices on a VPN. But the moment you disconnect any of these active connections, such as if you turn off your Xbox, you can run the VPN on any other device you own.
Although, with regards to simultaneous connections supported, ExpressVPN lags behind Surfshark (unlimited connections), PIA (10 connections), and CyberGhost VPN (10 connections).
Even NordVPN also offers 6 simultaneous connections on a single account – 1 more than ExpressVPN.
However, given the fast speed, ease of use, and excellent platform compatibility, you don’t want to miss this VPN only because of fewer simultaneous connections.
Of course, you can’t run every gadget in your house on a VPN simultaneously. But if you want to do that ever, ExpressVPN’s router support will let you protect your entire network.
Therefore, this support for 5 simultaneous connections still looks great and feasible.
Customer support
For every good software service, active and helpful customer support is a must-have – at least, this is what we believe.
And when it comes to VPNs, this is even more important since VPNs constitute a critical privacy tool. If the customers face any issues while using the tool, they can either lose access to their network or leave themselves exposed online due to misconfigured settings.
Active customer support, however, works best to save their customers from such issues.
Still, many VPNs fail to adequately provide a continuous support portal for the users.
Nonetheless, ExpressVPN has excelled at this point as well. They claim 24/7 customer support, and we are compelled to say their claim is the truth!
Since we’re to come up with an honest review of ExpressVPN, we tested their live chat support feature ourselves. Our team contacted them at various times and asked different questions. Each time, they didn’t disappoint us.
In fact, we found them much more vigilant than many other tech firms (including the non-VPN ones).
We could get a response within a few seconds when we posted a query to them. Even the longest waiting time for us didn’t last more than 30 seconds.
Here we share brief screengrabs of our chat with them.
This is what makes this VPN incredibly easy for users to use. You can get in touch with them for a resolution from download to setup and subsequent settings.
If you doubt, you can head on to their website yourself (right now when you’re reading this review). Drop them a message via the chat feature and start your stopwatch. You’ll be amazed to see their response time.
Apart from the live chat option, ExpressVPN also offers email support. So, if you have a more detailed query, want a detailed response, or simply running short on time to chat, drop them an email. You will surely get a swift response.
Although, in most cases, you won’t need to contact them since you’ll find every detail you wish to know in their support articles. You can find a comprehensive answer to all your queries, from application setup tutorials to compatible devices and configuration recommendations.
Again, the chat feature is all yours if you don’t find what you yearn to know.
Can I use ExpressVPN for Netflix unblocking?
Wondering if ExpressVPN can solve that Netflix block for you?
We thought the same; hence, our team tested ExpressVPN with multiple Netflix libraries. Indeed, it worked incredibly well for unblocking Netflix in any location.
First, we connected to a US server to unblock Netflix USA. Then, we accessed Netflix and could only view the content exclusive to USA users without speed lags or prolonged buffering. Nor did we ever get a proxy error while connecting.
We then connected to some local servers, and the experience went excellent as expected.
Afterward, we switched locations, changed devices, and seamlessly unblocked other Netflix libraries.
Besides we also tested this VPN for accessing other streaming services, including:
- BBC iPlayer
- Hulu
- Amazon Prime Video
- Hotstar
- RaiTV
- CTV
- ViaPlay, and many others
In brief, ExpressVPN never hindered our streaming experience.
Apart from these streaming platforms, we also assessed this VPN for working with Kodi. In addition to online protection, using VPNs with Kodi will also let you get more add-ons and access more content on your device.
Thankfully, ExpressVPN offers dedicated support for Kodi across major platforms, including Android, Windows, iOS, Mac, and Chromebook.
Hence, if you want to buy a VPN for streaming, you can easily choose ExpressVPN. Since it remains difficult to detect by most platforms, you will likely not get any proxy errors during streaming. But you can switch your server and continue streaming if it ever happens.
Is ExpressVPN safe for torrents?
In the case of streaming, a VPN works more like a workaround to bypass geo-restrictions.
But, for torrenting, a VPN is a must-have, given the grey nature of this activity.
Especially if you’re living in a country where torrenting is illegal or surveilled, you’ll land in hot water for torrenting. Hence, you essentially need a robust VPN for torrents to anonymize yourself online.
So, we tested ExpressVPN to see if it really is as secure as it claims.
Indeed, it is because we observed no IP leak during the process.
Besides, we got superfast speeds with nearby servers and could download torrents quickly. Though, the distant servers were also good. But since torrenting usually doesn’t require a specific location, we were happy to proceed with secure and fast torrenting via nearby servers.
Since our experience was great, we recommend ExpressVPN to all those who frequently torrent. This VPN is better than any other torrent proxy as it hides your real IP and encrypts your data.
On top of that, ExpressVPN has a demonstrated no-logs policy. So, with this VPN, you don’t have to worry about your government getting the slightest hint of your torrenting or P2P activities.
Note:
Responsible use of every privacy tool is your obligation. PrivacySavvy never encourages misuse of these fair privacy tools like VPNs for any unethical practices. Therefore, make sure not to indulge yourself in any grey activity (such as copyright violation) while using ExpressVPN for torrenting.
Does ExpressVPN support gaming?
After evaluating ExpressVPN for streaming and torrenting, we moved on to our next VPN testing parameter – gaming.
And, no, we didn’t specifically test it for routine online games like Candy Crush or the ones for kids. (Though we did, for security purposes, not check its feasibility regarding the speed and all.)
While ExpressVPN performed well with those lighter games, we aimed for more aggressive testing.
So, our team connected to a local server and started Red Dead Redemption 2. After a while, we switched servers, and our gaming experience remained unchanged.
After that, we started Fortnite on local as well as nearby servers.
And the results, in all cases, were incredible. No IP leaks, speed lags, buffering, glitches, or bandwidth issues. All in all, ExpressVPN made our gaming experience even better than what we had without a VPN.
While it was impressive, we decided to come up with all possible ExpressVPN details with this extensive review. So, we also tested the distant servers with these heavy online games. Although our experience wasn’t as seamless as with nearby servers, it still sufficed to let us play without lags.
Thus, if you want a secure gaming experience without being left out due to ISP throttling, you can trust ExpressVPN.
If you’re wondering whether this VPN would let you access and play PUBG or not, then we can tell you that it will. You won’t face any problems accessing the game in case it’s banned in your locality. Nonetheless, we still advise you to respect your local laws and not attempt playing PUBG if the authorities in your region deem it an offense.
ExpressVPN and The Great Firewall of China
Until now, we have analyzed ExpressVPN for its performance, speed, and features. Indeed, ExpressVPN seamlessly passed all our tests for this review.
Yet, we’re left with one thing – how does this VPN serve in repressive regions? Is it robust enough to bypass the Great Firewall of China?
You more likely know that China is a classic example of countries that typically discourage the public from using VPNs.
While most VPNs, respecting local laws, have exited the regions where VPNs are illegal, China remains under discussion as it hasn’t explicitly marked VPNs as unlawful.
Yet, many popular VPNs, like Private Internet Access, McAfee Safe Connect, and CyberGhost, have failed to serve customers in China.
So, our final test involved the use of ExpressVPN in China. And the results were as expected – ExpressVPN smoothly evaded China’s Great Firewall!
The connection worked well with considerable speeds and also prevented IP leaks. Moreover, our team didn’t get a hint of traffic monitoring with this VPN.
ExpressVPN employs obfuscation server technology to facilitate users in China. This technology masks the VPN data packets, making them appear like regular HTTPS internet traffic. In this way, the VPN prevents any surveilling authority from tracking your data and detecting VPN use.
Appreciably, enabling this feature doesn’t require manual input. Instead, it automatically kicks when the VPN client finds you connecting from a repressive region.
So, together with Network Lock, you can use ExpressVPN to bypass China’s Great Firewall without the fear of getting caught.
Does ExpressVPN work with Tor?
The Onion Router or Tor is another privacy-oriented tool. However, it often faces backlash from authorities as it’s a gateway to access the dark web as well.
Nonetheless, Tor itself isn’t grey, and you should still use it for privacy with your regular searches. We consider using the Tor browser as neutral.
However, to avoid facing any issues due to your use of Tor, you should ideally couple it with a VPN.
But, another problem here is that Tor isn’t fast enough as it reroutes your traffic through multiple nodes before releasing it to the internet. When coupled with a VPN, the overall speed may drop even lower as your data will now be treated twice before reaching the online world.
Nonetheless, you cannot simply drop the idea of using a VPN with Tor due to speed, as it will risk your privacy.
Thus, you need a robust VPN that offers thorough security without lagging speed – just like ExpressVPN claims.
So, we tested this VPN with Tor as well.
Again, ExpressVPN performed exceptionally well during our review. We not only tested local and nearby servers but also connected to the farthest server locations as well. Even the latter delivered satisfactory connection speed, just enough to let us browse through. In comparison, the nearby servers worked faster.
With a kill switch in place, ExpressVPN also protects against accidental tracking by your ISP in case the connection drops. So, regardless of the consistency of your base connectivity with ExpressVPN, your TOR activities will remain veiled.
ExpressVPN pricing plans
After reading all about this service in this review, you might wonder if subscribing to this ExpressVPN costs you a fortune.
Well, although its subscription fees won’t disrupt your budget, you may not find it as cheap as Surfshark VPN.
Precisely, ExpressVPN offers three different pricing plans to subscribers. First is the monthly plan, the priciest of all, costing around $13 per month. Then, you have a half-yearly plan costing approximately $10 per month, and a yearly plan, which is the cheapest of all, as you can subscribe to it for roughly $6.67 per month.
Compared with other VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark that offer services akin to ExpressVPN alongside additional privacy tools, ExpressVPN costs relatively more.
Nonetheless, given how incredibly well it protects your privacy and warrants top-notch security, it’s still affordable to subscribe to ExpressVPN instead of subscribing to VPNs that lag behind in performance or compromise your privacy with free VPNs.
Although, you won’t find any offer regarding ExpressVPN’s free trial. Yet, they do offer a 30-day paid trial with a risk-free money-back guarantee.
It means you can test their VPN with full confidence without worrying about your money. If they fail to satisfy you (which is quite unlikely), you can simply contact them via chat or email and ask for a refund. Most certainly, you’ll have your money back in your account within a few business days.
Payment options
“I have decided to choose ExpressVPN, but how would I pay them?” We hear you ask.
With ExpressVPN, you don’t have to consider an appropriate payment method. That’s because these service providers offer support for various payment modes, thus facilitating their customers.
Indeed, a VPN with such a huge global footprint must support more payment options to let customers join them from around the world.
In short, you can pay the subscription fee to them via PayPal, credit card, or any other online money transfer service such as UnionPay, AliPay, WebMoney, and more.
Whereas, if you prefer not to share your billing details with them, you can go for anonymous payments via Bitcoin.
Conclusion
We now reach the end of this comprehensive ExpressVPN review.
While we don’t think you need a precise answer after reaching this far, if you still wonder whether you should trust ExpressVPN, then the answer is “yes.”
We have tested dozens of VPNs while working, as we keep doing that as part of our regular activities. The only VPN that consistently delivers services par excellence is ExpressVPN.
From unblocking restricted websites to delivering fast-speed connectivity for heavier tasks such as gaming and torrenting, ExpressVPN never fails at any point.
Plus, it warrants 24/7/365 online security to all its subscribers as far as they keep their VPN connections active.
It has a robust kill switch, unbreakable encryption, and strong abilities to resist VPN bans and bypass firewalls even in repressive countries.
The only issue (though minor) with ExpressVPN is the lack of fancy security features. It becomes notable while considering its relatively higher subscription fees.
Perhaps, you may find NordVPN, Surfshark, and Private Internet Access as cheaper alternatives to ExpressVPN.
But this substitution is more about the price. If you compare today’s top VPNs’ online security, ExpressVPN surpasses them all.
FAQs
Unlike most VPNs claiming a no-log policy while secretly logging your details behind, ExpressVPN has a demonstrated no-logging practice. They have set up their infrastructure not to store anything ever.
Unfortunately, no. ExpressVPN does not offer any free trial or free subscription. It is typically available for paid subscriptions. However, you can try their services for 30-days. And, if you aren’t satisfied, you can have your money back within this period.
ExpressVPN is safe and completely legal to use. Unless you live in a country that explicitly labels VPNs as illegal, using ExpressVPN won’t make you face legal consequences. However, ensure you do not use this VPN for unlawful activities.
ExpressVPN doesn’t make your online existence invisible. Thus, your ISP can find out that you’re using a VPN. However, it can’t track your activities when connected to the VPN. Moreover, if VPNs are legal in your region, your ISP can’t summon you just for using ExpressVPN.