ExpressVPN Review – Worth the Hefty Price Tag?

ExpressVPN is undoubtedly an elite-tier VPN service. It meets every user’s needs, no matter their skill level or purpose. Its privacy policy is top-notch, and security is unmatched. Plus, it has over 3000 servers in 160 locations, ensuring a reliable connection everywhere.

But, despite its great reputation, ExpressVPN has some downsides. It’s known for being very expensive, even for long-term subscribers. We’ve tested ExpressVPN’s performance to see if it’s worth the cost in 2022.

TL; DR – Table Overview of Main ExpressVPN Pros and Cons

How Fast is ExpressVPN? – A Thorough Performance Test

ExpressVPN is known for being one of the fastest VPNs out there. It doesn’t slow down your internet or limit your data use. This lets it keep up with your internet speed as much as it can.

Speed is key for a good VPN service. We measure it by checking ping, download, and upload speeds.

We tested ExpressVPN’s speed on a network for 1-2 users. Here are the results of our tests, starting with our network’s baseline speed without a VPN:

Then, we tested our connection with a nearby ExpressVPN server. Here are the average speeds when connected to a local server:

We also tested ExpressVPN’s Smart Location feature. It sometimes chose servers 1,500 kilometers away. But, here are the results of that test:

Lastly, we tested the connection to a server on the other side of the globe:

ExpressVPN did great on all tests. It even kept speed on a server 16,000 kilometers away. The high ping on the last test was expected, though.

We had high hopes for ExpressVPN’s upload speeds. But, all ExpressVPN servers gave us better upload speeds than our base network.

ExpressVPN Servers – Locations and Availability

As of now, ExpressVPN has over 3,000 servers across 160 locations in 94 countries. When you open the app, you see two sections: recommended and all locations. There’s also a search bar to quickly find a server if you know its name.

On ExpressVPN’s website, you can see all their servers. It shows which server supports which protocol and where you can torrent. But, this info isn’t in the apps.

To check if a server supports a specific activity in the app, you have to do it manually. This isn’t very practical. Their server network is huge, but it would be better with a map in the app or a better search filter.

What is ExpressVPN’s “Smart Location” Feature and How Does it Work?

The Smart Location feature was discussed in the previous sections. It’s made by ExpressVPN’s team to find the best server for you automatically. This makes using ExpressVPN easy and reliable.

But, if you want the best performance, don’t rely on Smart Location. Sometimes, it picks a server that’s not the closest. This can slow down your connection.

Is ExpressVPN Safe? – Analysis of their Security Features

If you’re looking for the short answer: Yes, ExpressVPN is one of the safest and most reputable VPNs on the market.If you’re looking for a more in-depth explanation, here’s a detailed overview of the ExpressVPN security features:

• NetworkLock – This is ExpressVPN’s version of the traditional VPN kill switch. This feature is available on their apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, and routers. It’s not available for mobile devices, but the Android app has a similar feature called “Network Protection”. The security feature is always on by default on all apps available.
• Split Tunneling – ExpressVPN’s split tunneling feature lets you choose which traffic goes through the VPN. You can access the internet directly from other apps or programs. This feature is available on routers, Windows, Mac, and Android devices.
• DNS Leak Protection – ExpressVPN ensures your internet traffic is secure. They run their own encrypted DNS on every server. This means faster DNS requests and no DNS blocking or hijacking when using their service.
• TrustedServer Technology – This is ExpressVPN’s in-house technology. It runs solely on RAM servers. It addresses a risk that comes with using hard drives for VPN servers. We’ll discuss this more later in our review.
• DDoS Protection – ExpressVPN can provide DDoS protection. This is important because without a VPN, you would be vulnerable to DDoS attacks.

Besides these security features, ExpressVPN doesn’t stand out much compared to the competition. They lag behind NordVPN in advanced security options and customizable settings. For example, NordVPN offers Onion over VPN and CyberSec for more technically-savvy users.

ExpressVPN also offers tools to check and improve your VPN connection. These include a ”What is my IP?” quick checker, a DNS Leak Test, a WebRTC Leak Test, and a Password Generator.

Does ExpressVPN Log User Data?

ExpressVPN logs neither activity logs nor connection logs. They have no data on the sites you visit, nor any timestamps, session duration information, or your source IP address. Here’s an excerpt from their Privacy Policy page:

ExpressVPN has shown its commitment to user privacy by undergoing an independent audit. The audit was done by PwC, a top auditing firm worldwide. The PwC auditors confirmed ExpressVPN’s reputation as a top-quality VPN service with a high level of transparency.

Does ExpressVPN Use Virtual Servers?

Yes, ExpressVPN uses a small number of virtual servers. This is a drawback because virtual servers might be less secure than physical ones. But, ExpressVPN is open about this, listing virtual server locations in its support section.

This lets users avoid virtual servers if they prefer. It’s a way to keep your data safe.

TrustedServer Technology by ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technology keeps data from being stored on the hard drive. Instead, it runs on RAM. This means all server info is erased when the server restarts.

This approach helps avoid the issue of data being kept until it’s erased. It also ensures the software is completely new each time, preventing backdoors.

ExpressVPN Available Protocols

The screenshot from the ExpressVPN Windows app above shows the available protocols and their uses. Let’s dive into each ExpressVPN protocol in more detail:

• Lightway – ExpressVPN has created its own protocol, Lightway. It offers better speeds and security. Lightway uses wolfSSL, a trusted cryptography library. It has only about 1,000 lines of code, making it efficient but less battery-draining.
• OpenVPN (UDP vs. TCP) – OpenVPN is the default protocol in most VPN apps. It’s easy to set up and hides your internet traffic well. This keeps your connection smooth.
• IKEv2 – IKEv2 is great for those who want fast speeds. It’s perfect for mobile devices. But, ExpressVPN doesn’t offer IKEv2 for Android.
• L2TP/IPsec – L2TP/IPsec focuses more on hiding your identity than on security. It’s good for users who value anonymity over speed.
• PPTP – PPTP is the least secure protocol. It’s not available in ExpressVPN apps. But, you can set it up manually on their website.

How Reliable is ExpressVPN for Streaming?

If you love streaming, ExpressVPN is a top pick. It’s great for streamers because it can get past any geo-block. Here are some top streaming sites ExpressVPN can unblock:

• Netflix
• Disney+
• BBC iPlayer
• ESPN
• Hulu
• Spotify
• Prime Video
• HBO GO
• ITV HUB (Formerly ITV Player)
• Hotstar

ExpressVPN is also great for streaming on the go. Their mobile apps are reliable and easy to use. Plus, they work well in countries with strict internet rules like Russia, China, and Turkey.

ExpressVPN for Torrenting – How Well Does it Work?

If you torrent a lot, ExpressVPN has everything you need for safe torrenting and P2P file sharing. It keeps your activities private with its zero-logs policy. And, it offers unlimited data, making it a top choice for torrenting.

ExpressVPN claims to offer fast speeds for torrenting. We tested it by downloading from a P2P site. Here’s what we found:

After running the baseline test, we downloaded the same file. This time, we were connected to an ExpressVPN server using its automatic Smart Location feature:

The two images show that the download speed was the same with and without the VPN. It was also surprising that the recommended local server even helped improve the torrent files’ upload speed a bit.

This confirms our previous speed test. We saw a slight increase in upload speed when using a local server. It’s clear that ExpressVPN delivers on its promise of a top-notch VPN service for torrenting.

Is ExpressVPN Expensive? – Overview of Their Price Plans

ExpressVPN offers three subscription plans: one-month, six-month, and one-year. The one-year plan comes with three free months of ExpressVPN. This means you get fifteen months for the price of twelve. Here’s a quick look at the costs:

At first glance, the prices seem high, even for the longest subscription plan. But, the cost is justified. ExpressVPN offers a top-notch service that few VPNs can match. It’s a premium VPN service that comes at a premium price point.

If you choose to go with ExpressVPN, you’ll find many payment options. You can use over half a dozen credit cards, PayPal, Bitcoin, WebMoney, Giropay, Klarna, Alipay, Sofort, UnionPay, and more.

Is there an ExpressVPN Free Trial?

No, ExpressVPN doesn’t offer a free trial. Quality comes at a cost, and ExpressVPN is no exception. But, they have a 30-day money-back guarantee. This gives you plenty of time to decide if it’s right for you.

ExpressVPN Apps and Extensions

ExpressVPN is a top VPN with great app support for all devices. Here’s a full rundown of all ExpressVPN apps:

ExpressVPN for Windows

The Windows app is top-notch, with speed and security features. It has split tunneling, a network lock kill switch, and advanced leak protection.

The ExpressVPN Windows app works with Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10. It’s designed for a secure connection without slowing you down. The app is in 17 languages, making it easy to use.

ExpressVPN for macOS

The macOS version has all the features of the Windows app, including a kill switch and split tunneling. It also has a Speed Test feature to find the best server for speed and performance.

You can use the ExpressVPN app on many Mac devices. The current app works with these iOS operating systems:

• macOS Big Sur (11)
• macOS Catalina (10.15)
• macOS Mojave (10.14)
• macOS High Sierra (10.13)
• macOS Sierra (10.12)
• OS X El Capitán (10.11)
• OS X Yosemite (10.10)

ExpressVPN for Android

The Android app is easy to set up from the Google Play Store. It has split tunneling and network protection settings.

The Android app only supports Lightway and OpenVPN(UDP/TCP) protocols. While these are common, it would be nice to have more options for advanced users.

The app also has privacy and security tools. These include an IP address checker, a password generator, DNS Leak Test, and WebRTC Leak Test.

ExpressVPN for iOS

ExpressVPN’s iOS app is fast and reliable. It helps you access sites blocked in your area. It uses TrustedServer technology for a safe connection. It also supports IPsec/IKEv2, unlike the Android app.

But, the iOS app is simpler than others. It lacks split tunneling and a kill switch. This makes it less ideal for iOS users.

ExpressVPN for Routers

Securing all your devices at once is easy with ExpressVPN on your router. The setup is simple. Just make sure you use the right firmware for your router.

To set it up, you need a supported router. ExpressVPN lists many routers to choose from. This saves you time.

ExpressVPN on Other Devices

ExpressVPN supports many devices, including gaming consoles and smart TVs. But, they don’t offer apps for these devices.

Setting it up manually is needed for PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, and Smart TVs. You’ll need to create a DDNS hostname and configure DNS. This can be tricky.

ExpressVPN Browser Extensions

ExpressVPN has browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and more. These extensions work like a remote control for your app. They make using ExpressVPN easier.

But, their extensions affect all apps on your network. This means your whole network uses the same server as your browser.

So, the extensions are more of a convenience than a necessity. You can use split tunneling for more control, but it requires extra setup.

How to Install ExpressVPN Apps?

ExpressVPN provides detailed setup guides for each device. Their guides include screenshots and sometimes video tutorials. This makes setting up easy.

ExpressVPN is easy to use across all platforms. Here’s how to install it:

1. Choose a plan and sign up
2. Download the right app for your device
3. Install it and accept permissions
4. Choose a server and connect!

ExpressVPN Customer Support – How Does it Fare?

Customer support at ExpressVPN is top-notch. If you run into any issues, their team is ready to help. They speak 16 languages, but support is only in English.

Their live chat service is available 24/7. It’s quick and efficient, with no auto-messages to slow you down. You’ll get a response from a real person in seconds. For email support, be prepared to wait a few hours for a reply.

ExpressVPN has a comprehensive FAQ section for setup advice and help. You can also find detailed video explanations on various topics. These videos guide you through advanced settings and steps. The FAQ section is easy to use, with a search function to find topics by keyword.

ExpressVPN Customer Experiences from Around the Web

We also look at user feedback from trusted review sites and platforms. This helps us understand how VPNs treat their customers. Let’s examine ExpressVPN’s reputation on two major platforms:

ExpressVPN’s Reputation on Google Play

At Google Play, ExpressVPN has a 4.3 rating from over 175,000 reviews. This shows users think it’s worth the cost. It’s on par with NordVPN, highlighting their similar market standing.

The comment thread we included above shows the usual feedback on ExpressVPN. People mostly praise its speed, performance, and customer support. But, some users complain about occasional instability and trouble accessing streaming platforms.

ExpressVPN staff works hard to answer every negative review. Yet, their Google Play customer support is not as detailed as their main competitor. They often reply with generic answers to user complaints.

What Does Reddit Think of ExpressVPN?

Google Reviews give a broad view of public opinion on a service. But, for detailed insights, Reddit is a better place. There, you can find honest and detailed opinions on various features. The opinions on Reddit mirror those on Google Reviews, as shown in the screenshot:

Bottom Line – Is ExpressVPN Worth its Price?

Yes, ExpressVPN is a great value for your money. It has some areas for improvement, but overall, it’s worth it. It offers fast speeds, top security, and unlocks all major services worldwide.

ExpressVPN’s price might be a bit steep for some. But, the service is top-notch. It also has the best customer support in the industry.

Having great customer support is key when you pay for a service. ExpressVPN always has your back. If you’re looking for a premium VPN and can afford it, ExpressVPN is the best choice.

ExpressVPN FAQs

Where is ExpressVPN Located?

ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands. This location keeps it out of the “14 Eyes” group of countries. The BVI has its own laws, not the UK’s, and doesn’t require data retention.

Can ExpressVPN be Trusted?

Yes, ExpressVPN is fully committed to ensuring anonymity and maximum security. It’s a safe and trustworthy VPN service with strong security and privacy features.

Is ExpressVPN Compatible with Tor?

Yes, ExpressVPN supports Tor through its onion network. While it doesn’t have NordVPN’s Onion over VPN feature, it does support Tor over VPN.

How Many Simultaneous Connections Does ExpressVPN Allow?

ExpressVPN lets you connect up to five devices at once. You can connect any combination of devices. To cover more than five devices, connect your router as one device. This will protect your entire home network and leave you with four free slots.