ExpressVPN Review: A Deep Dive into ExpressVPN’s Features and Performance

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Introduction

A Brief Overview of ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service provider established in 2009 and headquartered in the British Virgin Islands. The company ensures that their VPN subscribers remain safe and protected, often aiding those whose opponents and others have violated their privacy.

ExpressVPN has a proven history of providing a fast, secure, and private experience for almost 20 million users. It works with a no-log policy and utilises a network of more than 3000 servers in 105 countries with a workforce of 300 employees.

ExpressVPN’s core mission has always been to enable users to browse the internet privately by offering simple tools for encrypting connections and concealing online identities. They utilise cutting-edge VPN technologies like TrustedServer and the Lightway protocol to enhance performance. Moreover, ExpressVPN employs RAM disc servers so that the drive never comes into contact with user data.

They’ve been in the VPN business for 12 years now, and they have assembled one hell of a network over the 12 years in the VPN business.

So what is the reason behind its popularity? Simple. Their fast and extremely reliable connections come in handy when you want to stream or torrent. ExpressVPN also raises the bar where online security and privacy are concerned, which makes your online activities pretty much anonymous and keeps your data safe from hackers.

But ExpressVPN is more than just an anonymous IP address outfit. The company has also acquired robust encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and everything you’d expect from the finest VPN services—it’s almost a privacy cloak of invisibility. 

Their subscriptions include bandwidth for up to eight devices at once. Users can access ExpressVPN services and assistance via their website at ExpressVPN.com.

ExpressVPN key features

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Over the years, ExpressVPN has earned a reputation as a premium, reliable VPN service. An independent audit has verified their no-logging policy, ensuring they never keep logs of your usage or connections.

Some of the key features ExpressVPN offers are split tunneling, Network Lock kill switch, Lightway protocol for better performance, and 24/7 live chat support. ExpressVPN allows connections for up to 8 devices simultaneously per account. Their apps are very user-friendly across various platforms like Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux.

What Makes ExpressVPN Stand Out?

Here are a few points that make ExpressVPN different from other VPN providers that you should consider before deciding whether to continue using them or opt for something else. Coming up, we’ll explore further:

• Unsurpassed Security: Snoopers and hackers infest the internet. Even bank logins are not safe online. ExpressVPN protects your privacy and personal information with AES256-bit encryption – uncrackable with today’s supercomputers.
• Huge Server Network: ExpressVPN hosts their servers in 160+ locations, across 105 countries. As you use their VPN, you can access the whole internet, because they host their servers absolutely everywhere installing their apps.
• User Friendly Interface: The user interface is easy to use, so beginners and power users can connect to the service with ease.
• Fastest, Most Stable and Reliable Service: Award-winning speeds that enable you to browse, stream or download without buffering and without lag. 
• 24/7 Customer Support:  Fly with ExpressVPN, which offers round the clock customer support.  A dedicated team works around the clock to help address any questions or concerns with the purpose of providing you an experience.

Pricing and Plans

Subscription options and pricing details

Now, let’s talk about money! ExpressVPN has three subscription options a monthly plan, 6 months, and one year. They may have pricing that falls on the higher side, but you pay for what you want in terms of quality.

The monthly plan costs $12.95 per month. The 6-month plan reduces the cost to $9.99/month. If you take up their longest one-year subscription it will only cost you $6.67 per month. other discounts or special offers might be available periodically too.

ExpressVPN accepts all major credit cards, PayPal, and Bitcoin payments.

You can try this service risk-free for thirty days as well. because there is a refund policy valid within this period if you want to make sure before making any commitment.

Comparison with other VPN providers in terms of cost

In terms of pricing, ExpressVPN is generally a little more expensive than the other top-tier VPN services. NordVPN and Surfshark start around $3/month on their longest plans.

However, other VPNs, such as CyberGhost ($12.99 a month), cost as much as ExpressVPN. Its premium features, unassailable reputation and customer service, going above and beyond for technical issues, would seem to merit the higher monthly fee.

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Security Features

Encryption standards (AES 256-bit)

ExpressVPN secures ALL internet traffic with AES 256-bit encryption, potentially the most secure encryption algorithm available (‘military grade’ as they say), and transmits data using ‘no logs’, scrambling it and rendering it unreadable to anyone outside the VPN connection. Perfect Forward Secrecy, which basically means you receive new encryption keys (essentially a one-time password) each time you connect, adds a further layer of protection.

TrustedServer technology for data protection

You also benefit from ExpressVPN’s own patented platform, TrustedServer technology, which exclusively runs VPN servers on RAM drives, preventing any VPN data from permanently storing on any VPN servers.

DNS leak issues and responses

Although in the past there were occasional reports of DNS leaks – which exposed request data – ExpressVPN reacted by bringing out Lightway and new protocols to resolve all of this. ExpressVPN’s apps now block all types of traffic leaks, including IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks.  

Secure Browsing with VPN Split Tunneling

ExpressVPN takes things beyond VPN, offering split tunnelling, which allows you to both protect your activities while retaining network access. This is very useful for people who need to access both private resources. You can route traffic through the VPN and continue browsing enjoyment while protecting your sensitive traffic from exposure, probing or theft. Whether you want to browse the web securely or access your company resources, ExpressVPN’s split tunnel takes care of it all.

ExpressVPN and the Aircove Router for Seamless WIFI VPN Use

ExpressVPN partners with the Aircove router, a great router that will automatically connect your home internet to ExpressVPN so you won’t have to set up anything manually on every single net-connected device you own – from laptops and phones to TVs, security cameras, and everything in between. Plug in the Aircove router and you’ll never have to think twice about whether your home internet connections are secure. You’ll get the best of ExpressVPN throughout your home network.

Privacy Measures

Jurisdiction in the British Virgin Islands

[We trust ExpressVPN so much for several reasons, and the BVI is just one of them. Unlike many other VPN providers – which sometimes operate in national jurisdictions zero-rated for their privacy-friendliness – the BVI lacks mandatory data retention laws or surveillance programmes that a government can point to and say: ‘We need this VPN to log a user, and hand that over.’ The BVI has more liberal privacy jurisdictions, so, it’s unlikely that a government could successfully demand that ExpressVPN log activity and/or hand over user data on a case-by-case basis.

No-log policy and independent security audits

ExpressVPN openly claims that it adheres to a ‘strict no-logging policy’. The company even recently collaborated with independent auditors at PricewaterhouseCoopers to prove that it wasn’t just a claim: it was a policy. When you use ExpressVPN to browse the web, the company does not log the sites you visit, the destinations of your traffic, or the contents of your data or DNS requests – nothing that could identify a specific user or what they are doing.

The audits reveal that ExpressVPN servers have no information whatsoever about when any particular client connected or disconnected, or who that client was. That’s not something that many VPN providers can honestly say.

Comparison with other VPNs on privacy and transparency

As far as we’re concerned, and looking at its track record against the competition, few of the best VPN services stack up to it. Not every VPN operator chooses to disclose their internal processes and infrastructure the way that ExpressVPN chooses to.

For instance, although NordVPN and Surfshark have also committed to similar no-logging policies, neither service has undergone as many independent audits as ExpressVPN. CyberGhost belongs to Kape Technologies, which has borne the brunt of a great deal of vitriol for its previous track record of what we might politely term privacy sins. So, ExpressVPN wins with the slight edge in transparency.]

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Performance and Speed

Evaluation of speed and performance

From our experience, ExpressVPN delivers excellent speeds and smooth performance – even for streaming and gaming. Of course, users typically expect a speed loss with any VPN, but thanks to their large server network, we can always find a nearby server to maximize speeds.

On average, we retain about 90-95% of our normal internet speeds while connected to ExpressVPN servers. The speed loss is expected with any VPN, but we feel ExpressVPN has minimal impact on internet performance compared to many other providers.

Download Speed Tests:

Upload Speed Tests:

Lightway protocol for optimized speed and security

ExpressVPN developed their own Lightway protocol to enhance both security and speed. Lightway uses the WireGuard protocol at its core but optimizes it further to fix vulnerabilities and leaks.

Their updated protocol even boosts speeds, lowering connection times and latency that can slow down a VPN. Lightway also conceals VPN traffic from a reader’s ISP, thwarting any throttling or throttling attempts. 

Server locations and server count (3,000+ servers in 105 countries)

As one of the largest VPN server networks on the planet – boasting more than 3,000 VPN servers in 105 countries – unblocking entertainment from around the world becomes a breeze.

Depending on where you are, you can pick among North and South American servers, European servers, Asian servers, Australian servers, African servers, and Middle Eastern servers. For the most popular locations – including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Germany – there are 100+ servers that will speed things up. In more exotic locations, their servers don’t disappoint, either.

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Streaming Performance

One of the grandest Hurdles faced by any VPN is how to avoid geo-restrictions and allow access to popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc. Fortunately, ExpressVPN comes in handy in this aspect since it guarantees that you can watch your favorite programs without stopping for a second at very high quality.

To test whether ExpressVPN supports streaming or not we ran tests on it using some common content delivery networks:

Netflix:

ExpressVPN has been able to unlock Netflix libraries for several countries including the US, UK, Canada, Japan, and Australia. We could stream videos smoothly with no buffering or quality issues.

Hulu:

Many VPNs fail when it comes to accessing Hulu’s content library but this was not the case with ExpressVPN. We watched many TV shows, movies, and originals from HULU without any problems.

Disney+:

With ExpressVPN in our reach, we could easily get access to Disney+’s vast collection of films, series, and exclusive materials from different regions such as the US, UK, and Canada.

Amazon Prime Video:

We managed to unblock Amazon Prime video libraries on ExpressVPN hence streamed some of the most popular movies & tv shows as well as Prime originals.

BBC iPlayer:

ExpressVPN is an easy way for British TV lovers to get into the BBC iPlayer and stream their favorite shows wherever they are in the world.

ExpressVPN had minimum buffering during the streaming of high-definition video content because of their optimized servers and fast connectivity speeds.

ExpressVPN has always been a strong favorite among other top VPN providers when it comes to streaming, in terms of its ability to bypass geo-restrictions robustly and provide a smooth viewing experience.

If you do not have cable, if you love traveling or if you appreciate diversity in global content, then be sure that ExpressVPN’s support for streaming will amaze you.

Gaming Performance

For those who love gaming having a fast VPN connection is essential to enjoying a smooth and competitive online gaming session. ExpressVPN recognizes this importance. Offers top notch performance that allows you to conquer virtual battlefields without any annoying lags.

To assess how well ExpressVPN performs for gaming we conducted testing across a variety of popular games and platforms:

Online Multiplayer Games:

Based on the data presented, the impact of using ExpressVPN on ping times (latency) is quite minimal with an average increase of approximately 15 milliseconds compared to when not using the VPN. This slight rise is unlikely to have an impact on your gaming experience especially for casual players.

Games Requiring High Bandwidth

We also examined how ExpressVPN handles games that demand download and upload speeds for seamless gameplay. Titles such as Call of Duty: Warzone, Destiny 2 and Grand Theft Auto V behaved similarly in their day-to-day performance (at 4K with high settings), with only the occasional wild stutter or hang when hit by a grenade or while getting into a car.

Range of VPN Server Locations

One standout feature contributing to ExpressVPN gaming performance is its wide array of server locations. With servers strategically positioned worldwide, you can easily connect to a server that’s closest to the location of your gaming server reducing latency and ensuring optimal gaming conditions.

ExpressVPN consistently stands out as one of the choices for online gaming when compared to other VPN providers. Its blend of low latency connections, fast speeds, and extensive global server network makes it a great option, for gamers seeking a lag-free gaming experience.

Whether you’re a gamer or a professional esports player, ExpressVPN gaming performance is bound to impress you and give you the competitive edge required to excel in virtual battlegrounds.

User Experience

Interface design and ease of use across platforms

Across all their apps and platforms, ExpressVPN keeps the interfaces clean and intuitive. Their desktop apps for Windows, Mac and Linux visually display all available server locations on an interactive world map, making it easy for even less tech-savvy folks like us to connect.

The mobile apps may be a bit less flashy, but they focus on quick connect features. We had no trouble setting up ExpressVPN manually or using their automatic Smart Location feature to find the fastest server.

Customer Support

When it comes to customer service ExpressVPN really stands out with its responses that make you feel like a valued customer. Nobody likes when someone keeps them waiting when they have questions or technical problems to sort out.

Service availability (24/7 support)

To gauge the quality of ExpressVPNs customer service we contacted them through means and carefully monitored how quickly they responded. Here’s what we found:

Live Chat Support:

• Average Response Time: 1 minute 23 seconds
• Fastest Response: 38 seconds
• Slowest Response: 3 minutes 12 seconds

ExpressVPN has responsive 24/7 live chat support in case you need any troubleshooting. We always get quick answers from knowledgeable support agents when dealing with the occasional connection drop or speed issue.

Isn’t it amazing? The live chat support from ExpressVPN feels like having a group of heroes at your service always there to help out whenever you need them. Whether you’re a tech expert or just someone who’s not that tech savvy their helpful agents will assist you through any problem, with understanding and kindness.

They also have over 140 troubleshooting guides on their website that provide step-by-step instructions for resolving common VPN problems. Between their extensive help documentation and round-the-clock live chat, ExpressVPN makes it easy to get support.

Compatibility with devices

What sets ExpressVPN apart is the consistency of use across all devices and platforms – users can rest assured that they’re protected and connected properly whenever they use the internet.

Compatibility with Desktop and Laptop:

ExpressVPN provides applications for all major desktop operating systems, such as:

•  Windows
•  macOS
•  Linux (via command line tool)

These user friendly apps are intuitive and feature rich enabling connection to ExpressVPNs secure servers with just a few clicks.

Compatibility with Mobile Devices:

For users who prefer browsing, streaming, or accessing the internet on the go ExpressVPN offers apps for:

•  iOS
•  Android

ExpressVPN designed these mobile apps to optimize the browsing experience on mobile devices while maintaining security measures and minimizing battery consumption and data usage.

Smart TV and Streaming Device Compatibility:

Apart from desktop and mobile gadgets, ExpressVPN also works well with smart TVs and streaming devices, such as:

•  Amazon Fire TV
•  Android TV
•  Apple TV
•  Roku
•  Smart TVs from brands like Samsung, LG, and others

This universal compatibility means that you can play your content anywhere in the world – and bypass geo-blocking or state censorship, as well as a possible device issue.

Router Compatibility:

For those interested in securing their home network, ExpressVPN supports a broad range of routers. This allows you to link all your devices to the VPN through a setup.

Browser Extensions:

ExpressVPN also has a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox and Edge to add the next layer of coverage and privacy for your browsing.

The company designed ExpressVPN to provide you with the best experience across your devices and platforms – at home on your desktop or mobile, on your tablet or streaming TV, and anywhere else you go.

Up to eight devices can connect simultaneously on a single ExpressVPN account. While eight is not the most generous policy we’ve seen, it should be enough for most single users and families with a few devices.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Strong commitment to privacy and transparency

In our experience, ExpressVPN’s commitment to user privacy and transparency about their operations is second to none. Unlike some shady VPNs out there, ExpressVPN is upfront about everything from their company ownership and location to their server infrastructure and security practices.

We love that independent audits have verified their no-logging policy. ExpressVPN also publishes transparency reports detailing any requests from authorities for user data (of which there are none to report). Their rare level of openness gives us confidence in their service.

Forward-thinking security enhancements

ExpressVPN is always innovating new security features before threats are even on the radar. For example, their TrustedServer technology eliminated vulnerabilities long before other VPNs even realized the risks of storing data on servers.

The Lightway protocol optimized speeds while fixing leaks, DNS failures, and other issues years ahead of the curve. We appreciate ExpressVPN’s proactive approach to boosting privacy and security in ways we probably don’t even realize yet!

Excellent for streaming content

Whether our guilty pleasure is binging Netflix, watching restricted YouTube videos or listening to Pandora abroad, ExpressVPN has no issue unblocking geo-restricted content from anywhere in the world.

Their MediaStreamer smart DNS feature provides added flexibility to access streaming services on devices that normally don’t support VPNs. ExpressVPN earns top marks when it comes to unleashing the full internet, no matter our location.

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Cons:

DNS leaks detected (but promptly addressed)

ExpressVPN suffered some embarrassing DNS leaks a few years ago that could expose user data. We can’t pretend those issues never happened. However, ExpressVPN worked diligently to fix the problems in their VPN protocols.

They now protect against all forms of traffic and data leaks – so those concerns are mostly in the rearview mirror at this point after ExpressVPN’s quick response.

Higher pricing compared to some competitors

There’s no skirting around the fact that ExpressVPN sits at the pricier end of the VPN spectrum. We do have to shell out more for their service compared to budget VPN options.

However, we believe their robust features, stellar reputation, and unparalleled customer support do warrant the higher monthly rates. However, the cost may be prohibitive for some buyers on tighter budgets.

Limitation on simultaneous connections

While ExpressVPN allows 8 simultaneous connections per account, some rival services like Surfshark place no limit on concurrent connections. Eight devices suit most individuals and families, but larger households may benefit from unlimited connections.

How to Install ExpressVPN

We understand that setting up VPNs on more than one device might be a bit nerve-racking, but trust us, with ExpressVPN, it’s easy. The company actually comes with customized apps for all platforms, and these are all very easy to set up either on your router or on individual devices. They also support up to eight devices per account, so you can use the same VPN subscription with your feeds, smart home devices, and everything else.

Setting Up ExpressVPN on iOS and Android

The installation of the ExpressVPN to your iOS or Android devices is very simple. Follow these steps to install ExpressVPN:

• The first step is to open the App Store (for iOS) or Play Store for Android on your smartphone.
• Search for the app called Express VPN and click to download.
• Open the application and then log in with your ExpressVPN account details.
• Enter the required details displayed on your screen in order to finalize the process setup.
• After configuration, you get access to all the server locations and connect with a tap of your choice location.
• You can surf anonymously and securely with an ExpressVPN installed on iOS or Android. Traffic is end-to-end encrypted.

With ExpressVPN for iOS or Android at your fingertips, you can browse securely and anonymously on the go everywhere while ensuring that geo-restricted content remains within reach.

Configuring ExpressVPN on Desktop Platforms

• Open the website of ExpressVPN and log into your account.
• Depending on the operating system, download your version of ExpressVPN.
• You will need to wait for the download and click on your file installer as well as complete all needed instructions.
• Open the application ExpressVPN and enter your login details for access.
• Select your desired location server and click on the ‘Connect’ button to make a secure connection.

By having ExpressVPN set up in your PC platform, you can have safe and private internet access that will not block any form of censorship or geographic restrictions as well as protect all personal sensitive information.

ExpressVPN vs Others

So as good as ExpressVPN sounds, comparison is a great thing, especially when you look for low cost VPN, so how does ExpressVPN stack up against other VPN providers? Here is a quick round up of ExpressVPN vs some of its peers.

Server Locations: ExpressVPN takes the lead in server locations among these VPN providers with servers all over 105 countries, and offers unlimited choices for users who seek to bypass geo-restrictions and be exposed to global content.

Simultaneous Connections: On the other hand, Surfshark allows unlimited connections while ExpressVPN only permits 8 simultaneous connections, which may suit large homes or offices.

Pricing: As far as pricing is concerned, the monthly subscription of ExpressVPN is slightly higher than that of its competitors but its yearly plan ($6.67/month) is quite competitive especially when considering its vast array of features.

Streaming and Torrenting: The compared VPNs can unblock streaming platforms such as Netflix and allow torrenting making them appropriate for different scenarios.

Security and Privacy: The security provided by ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, and Private Internet Access includes AES-256 level encryption technology; kill switches; as well as strict no-log policies – all aimed towards securing your online identity.

Conclusion

Summary of key points highlighting ExpressVPN’s strengths

To recap, ExpressVPN continually impresses us with their all-around quality and commitment to protecting user privacy:

• Industry-leading encryption and security features
• Independently audited no-logging policy
• Responsive 24/7 customer support
• User-friendly apps for all major platforms
• Unblocks geo-restricted content with ease
• Forward-thinking enhancements to address issues before they arise

Recommendation based on performance, usability, and privacy features

Based on their stellar performance across the board, we always feel secure and satisfied relying on ExpressVPN – despite some minor gripes around previous leaks and pricing. Expressvpn runs them transparently, verifies them independently, and makes them technologically cutting-edge when it comes to privacy protections and security.

For these reasons, we are comfortable giving ExpressVPN our highest recommendation for those seeking a reliable, fast, and highly secure VPN service. In our opinion, they are the top choice for safeguarding your data and accessing the open internet without restrictions. ExpressVPN earns its reputation as one of the very best VPN providers money can buy.

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FAQ’s

Is ExpressVPN the best overall VPN provider?

Yes, ExpressVPN is the best-performing VPN thanks to the vastest network of servers. It also offers the best security and performance features.

How do I install ExpressVPN on my devices?

Setting up ExpressVPN is a very simple process. You can easily follow our installation guide to configure it on iOS. Android devices or on desktop platforms like Windows and Mac.

What is the user experience like with the ExpressVPN app and dashboard?

The app of ExpressVPN comes with a user interface that has navigation making it possible to connect to VPN servers in only several clicks. Moreover, the ExpressVPN dashboard allows for the control and functionality of your VPN settings.

How does ExpressVPN ensure privacy and security?

ExpressVPN helps you tunnel your network traffic through encryption, using any combination of VPN protocols to accomplish this. Furthermore, ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands where privacy laws favour the rights of users. Finally, ExpressVPN operates a strict no-logs policy which protects user activity.

What kind of customer support does ExpressVPN offer?

ExpressVPN has a customer support available 24/7 with live support chat, email help and a Knowledgebase to assist you and fix any issue you may experience.

How does ExpressVPN perform in terms of speed and streaming capabilities?

Speed is one of the standout features of ExpressVPN. Reliable streaming capabilities. It consistently delivers performance enabling you to access popular platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime from anywhere, around the globe.

What additional features does ExpressVPN offer?

ExpressVPN also offers VPN split tunneling functionality which allows you to secure your browsing while still being able to access networks. Additionally, it seamlessly connects with the Aircove router ensuring VPN usage across your home network.

How much does ExpressVPN cost?

ExpressVPN provides three subscription plans. You have the flexibility to select a plan that aligns with your requirements and budget. There are discounted rates and promotional offers.

Is ExpressVPN worth the investment?

Absolutely! Investing in ExpressVPN is highly recommended. Its exceptional blend of security features high speed connections and consistent performance make it an outstanding option, for individuals seeking a VPN solution.