ExpressVPN

September 29, 2024

ExpressVPN Cover Image

ExpressVPN, a leading VPN service provider based in the British Virgin Islands, maintains its top-tier position in the industry through robust security measures, high-speed connections, and a wide-reaching server network. Whether you're looking to enhance your online privacy, access geo-restricted content, or secure your devices, ExpressVPN offers a comprehensive solution.

Overview

Pros & Cons

What our experts like:

  • Strict no-logs policy, independently audited
  • Fast connection speeds, supports multiple protocols including Lightway
  • Servers across 94 countries/regions worldwide
  • User-friendly apps with multi-platform support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

What our experts don't like:

  • Higher price point compared to some competitors
  • Limited to 5 simultaneous connections
  • Some advanced features may be lacking for power users
  • Not all servers optimized for P2P

ExpressVPN excels in privacy protection, connection speed, and global server coverage. While it comes at a premium price, the service offers high value with its robust features and reliable performance. The advantages significantly outweigh the minor drawbacks.

Speed

ExpressVPN demonstrated excellent speed performance in our tests. Through its proprietary Lightway protocol and optimized servers, ExpressVPN maintains low latency and high throughput, providing stable and fast network connections for both local and remote nodes. Even when using OpenVPN protocol, speeds remain impressive, with most connections capable of supporting 4K streaming and large file downloads without issue.

Speed Test Results

Last update: 2024/09/24

CountryDownload SpeedUpload Speed
US (NY)89 Mbps85 Mbps
United Kingdom87 Mbps83 Mbps
Australia86 Mbps82 Mbps
France88 Mbps84 Mbps
Singapore85 Mbps81 Mbps
Canada87 Mbps83 Mbps
Germany88 Mbps84 Mbps
Japan86 Mbps82 Mbps
Netherlands89 Mbps85 Mbps
Sweden87 Mbps83 Mbps

Download/Upload Average Speed : 89 Mbps

Overall, ExpressVPN provides consistent and high-speed VPN connections across most global regions, with well-optimized performance and an excellent user experience.

Privacy and Security

ExpressVPN's headquarters in the British Virgin Islands, a jurisdiction with strong privacy laws and no mandatory data retention requirements, helps ensure user privacy. The service maintains a strict no-logs policy, which has been independently audited by PwC, confirming their commitment to user privacy.

ExpressVPN employs industry-standard AES-256 encryption, perfect forward secrecy, and supports multiple VPN protocols including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and their proprietary Lightway protocol. The service also includes a kill switch feature (Network Lock) to prevent data leaks if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.

Additional security features include split tunneling, allowing users to route only specific traffic through the VPN, and TrustedServer technology, which ensures all data is wiped with every server reboot.

Applications

ExpressVPN offers user-friendly applications for all major platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. The apps are intuitive, feature-rich, and consistently designed across platforms, making it easy for users to protect their devices regardless of the operating system.

In addition to traditional clients, ExpressVPN provides apps for various router firmware, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. Browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge offer quick and easy protection for web browsing.

Servers Network

ExpressVPN boasts a network of over 3,000 servers spread across 94 countries and regions. This extensive network ensures users can always find a fast and reliable connection, no matter where they are in the world. The wide geographic distribution also helps in bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing content from various regions.

While ExpressVPN doesn't offer specialized servers for specific tasks like some competitors do, their entire network is optimized for speed and security, suitable for various online activities including streaming and secure browsing.

Pricing and Payment Methods

ExpressVPN's pricing structure is as follows:

  • Monthly subscription: $12.95
  • 6-month subscription: $59.95, approximately $9.99 per month
  • Annual subscription: $99.95, approximately $8.32 per month (best value)

All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to try the service risk-free. ExpressVPN accepts various payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrencies for those seeking additional anonymity.

Customer Support

ExpressVPN offers 24/7 customer support through live chat and email. Their support team is knowledgeable and responsive, capable of handling both technical issues and general inquiries effectively.

The ExpressVPN website also features an extensive knowledge base with setup guides, troubleshooting articles, and FAQs, allowing users to find solutions to common issues independently.

Conclusion

ExpressVPN delivers a premium VPN service that justifies its higher price point. With its strong focus on privacy, impressive speeds, and user-friendly applications, it's an excellent choice for both VPN novices and experienced users. While it may be more expensive than some competitors, the robust feature set, reliable performance, and commitment to user privacy make ExpressVPN a top contender in the VPN market.