ExpressVPN: Secure Internet Access

Express VPN is one of the most commonly used VPNs in the world. We have done an expressvpn review in 2023.

At first glance, ExpressVPN looks like any other VPN service, but once you start using it, you’ll see the difference.

If you’re considering using ExpressVPN, I highly recommend reading a detailed ExpressVPN review to learn more about its features and benefits.

EXPRESSVPN SPECS

Free Version
500+ Servers
Simultaneous VPN Connections	5
Blocks Ads
Server Locations	94 Countries
Geographically Diverse Servers
Free Version Data Limit	No Free Version

Adding a VPN to your toolkit can help reclaim your privacy from surveillance capitalism. This tool safeguards your identity and data by routing your web traffic through an encrypted connection to a remote server.

Many users would recommend expressvpn because it is easy to use. Additionally, expressvpn works well with gadgets like smart TVs, hence its preference. 

ExpressVPN is an excellent option that offers a large global footprint and solid privacy practices. However, it is expensive and lacks some features compared to similarly priced competitors. Our top choice is ProtonVPN, which is more affordable and provides a well-rounded offering.

If you’re new to VPNs, setup guides can help you easily configure your VPN connection on your device.

There are three subscription options for ExpressVPN. They range from $12.95/month to $99.95/year. Subscription length is the only difference between the plans.

You can get started with a secure VPN for as little as $ 8.32 per month. Additionally, for $ 9.99 per month, you can acquire a package.

Accepted payment methods for ExpressVPN include credit cards, PayPal, and WebMoney. Bitcoin is also an option. Unlike IVPN and Mullvad, cash payments are not accepted.

With charges of $12.95 per month, users can make an expressvpn subscription. Similarly, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee.

The average monthly price for tested VPN services is $9.78. ExpressVPN charges $12.95, which is more expensive. Mullvad VPN is a cheaper option at $5.32/month.

To ensure maximum security and privacy while browsing the internet, it’s recommended to use a premium VPN service.

ExpressVPN makes it easy to stay safe and secure online by encrypting your internet traffic and keeping your personal information private.

ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, which is known for its strict privacy laws and lack of data retention requirements

Have you checked out the ExpressVPN price lately? It’s very competitive compared to other premium VPN services.

ExpressVPN’s annual plans to save money but is above average. Opera VPN has the lowest annual fee. We advise against starting with an annual VPN subscription to test the VPN.

Setting up a VPN is a straightforward process that can be accomplished in just a few steps.

Similarly, to set up a VPN, you’ll need to download and install a VPN client that is compatible with your device and operating system.

ExpressVPN doesn’t have a free tier. Free VPN subscriptions are rare. TunnelBear limits free data to 500MB, while Proton VPN has no data restrictions.

ExpressVPN allows up to 5 simultaneous connections, on average among the reviewed VPNs. Other VPNs are removing device restrictions. Atlas VPN, Avira Phantom VPN, IPVanish VPN, Surfshark VPN, and TunnelBear VPN have no limits.

ExpressVPN prioritizes making the best VPN possible. It doesn’t offer ad- or malware-blocking, or add-ons like dedicated IP addresses. NordVPN and CyberGhost VPN offer other branded products. The focus on VPN quality makes ExpressVPN a reliable choice for secure internet access.

ExpressVPN offers split tunneling, allowing users to choose which traffic to encrypt. This feature is especially helpful for bandwidth-heavy activities like gaming or streaming.

With split tunneling, users can still access low-risk sites while securing more sensitive data. Overall, this feature provides greater flexibility and control over your online experience.

ExpressVPN’s privacy features end with split tunneling. The service does not offer push-button access to the Tor network. Tor bounces requests through intermediaries for more privacy. However, you can access Tor without a VPN.

ExpressVPN doesn’t offer multi-hop connections or access to the Tor anonymization network. Multi-hop connections route traffic through two VPN servers for added security. NordVPN and Proton VPN are the only VPNs that offer these features.

There are many ways to create a VPN connection. OpenVPN is open-source and our favorite. WireGuard is a newer technology that claims better speeds and newer encryption. However, not every VPN company has fully embraced it.

ExpressVPN doesn’t provide WireGuard but uses OpenVPN and its protocol, Lightway. Lightway uses the wolfSSL cryptography library and has been audited by a third party. This ensures its security and reliability, making it a safe bet for users. The audit results for the Lightway protocol were positive, according to reports.

When it comes to encryption protocols, ExpressVPN chooses only the most secure and trusted options to ensure that your online activity remains private and protected.

ExpressVPN’s Android, Linux, Mac, and Windows apps support Lightway and OpenVPN. Routers configured to use ExpressVPN also support these protocols. However, the iOS app only supports OpenVPN and IKEv1/2. L2TP is supported on macOS and Windows, but it’s not recommended. IKEv2 is supported on the Windows app.

A VPN subscription gives you access to the company’s VPN servers. Diverse server distribution is good for proximity and service quality. It also provides more options for spoofing your location. This ensures you’ll find a server close by no matter where you are.

ExpressVPN has 160 server locations in 94 countries, double the average of its competitors. It offers geographic diversity, including Africa and South America. ExpressVPN maintains servers in countries with repressive internet policies. It also has servers in Hong Kong and Ukraine.

ExpressVPN’s server collection is not the largest, but it maintains a high-quality selection. In comparison, HMA VPN covers 190 countries, PureVPN covers 140 countries, and Surfshark VPN serves 100 countries. Despite this, ExpressVPN is consistently reliable and performs well.

VPN companies use virtual servers and virtual locations to support their server fleets. Virtual servers are software-defined, and a single piece of hardware can host multiple virtual servers.

Virtual locations make servers appear in a different country than the physical hardware location. Companies should disclose the location of customer data.

VPN location is an important factor to consider when choosing a VPN provider as it determines the geographic location of the server you’ll be connecting to.

ExpressVPN discloses its use of virtual servers, listing their true location. Less than 3% of servers are not physically located where they appear to be. Turkey, Venezuela, and Vietnam servers are virtual. Customers can select specific servers for the best location options.

ExpressVPN protects its servers using RAM-only servers that don’t write data to disk. It uses a cryptographic key scheme with unique keys for each server. These keys are not stored on disk, making it hard to impersonate an ExpressVPN server. The company places its servers in third-party data centers with limited access.

It’s possible that most users don’t need many server locations. Instead, they need servers as close as possible. This is where ExpressVPN falls short. The company’s strength is in its diverse server locations. However, it is best suited for frequent travelers or businesses.

VPN companies can create servers (virtual or not) to meet demand, affecting the total number of servers. A bigger server fleet can mean finding an uncrowded server with better performance. ExpressVPN has over 3,000 servers, while CyberGhost currently has over 9,200 servers. More servers don’t always equate to better quality service.

It’s crucial to read a VPN’s privacy policy to ensure your personal information is secure. We’ve done it for you.

When connected to ExpressVPN, you can be sure that your internet traffic is secure and private. Similarly, if you’re using a VPN, like ExpressVPN, you can ensure your online privacy and security.

expressvpn is one of the best VPNs. And many people trust expressvpn for their privacy and security. 

ExpressVPN’s privacy policy is clear and thorough but could be more reader-friendly. TunnelBear VPN excels in transparency and readability.

If you’re concerned about your online privacy and security, ExpressVPN can help you encrypt your internet traffic and protect your personal data.

Your online privacy is important, which is why ExpressVPN does not keep any logs of your online activity.

ExpressVPN employs advanced encryption technologies to ensure that your online activities remain completely private and secure.

ExpressVPN claims it doesn’t keep user logs such as IP address, session duration, or timestamps. Additionally, they state they don’t sell user data, which is reassuring.

Choosing the right VPN provider is essential for protecting your privacy and security online.

Expressvpn uses state-of-the-art encryption technology to protect your online activities and keep your data safe from prying eyes.

The company collects limited data such as the aggregate amount of data transferred by each user. It also logs the recent date of a successful connection, but not a specific public-facing IP address.

The practice has supported these policies. ExpressVPN servers seized by Turkish officials revealed no information.

The practice has supported these policies. No information could be extracted from seized ExpressVPN servers by Turkish officials, as the company claims.

ExpressVPN’s headquarters are in the British Virgin Islands, which lacks data retention laws. User information can only be requested from a local court for crimes punishable by at least a year in prison.

This policy intends to deter frivolous or invasive investigations that may infringe on privacy. The company hopes this will provide an additional layer of protection for its users.

ExpressVPN’s headquarters are in the British Virgin Islands, which lacks data retention laws. User information can only be requested from a local court for crimes punishable by at least a year in prison.

 This policy intends to deter frivolous or invasive investigations that may infringe on privacy. The company hopes this will provide an additional layer of protection for its users.

ExpressVPN was acquired by Kape Technologies in 2021, which also owns other VPNs. Kape was previously an adware company called Crossrider. ExpressVPN will remain independent under Kape’s ownership. It will not share its infrastructure with other Kape companies.

VPN companies are releasing third-party audit results to validate their security. NordVPN had a no-log policy audit and TunnelBear plans to release annual audits. ExpressVPN released audits by PricewaterhouseCoopers, KPMG, and Cure53 in 2019 and 2022. In 2023, Cure53 did a positive audit of its Lightway protocol, which is commendable.

By connecting your device to the VPN, you can encrypt all of your internet traffic and protect your sensitive data from prying eyes.

ExpressVPN makes it easy to stay safe and secure online by encrypting your internet traffic and keeping your personal information private.

We trust ExpressVPN’s privacy efforts, but you may not. Choose a different service if you’re uncomfortable.

ExpressVPN says they do not keep any logs of user activity, which means your online activity is completely private.

Downloading and installing ExpressVPN on Windows 10 was trouble-free. Activation code usage may confuse some people. You use an activation code instead of a username and password. Entering one activation code is easier than a username and a password.

ExpressVPN updated its brand, using serifs and softer colors. The new look has a ’70s airline vibe. It’s more approachable than before but not as friendly as TunnelBear. The old hacker aesthetic is not present anymore.

The app has a large on/off button for easy use. It changes color to indicate VPN status. Successful connections show shortcuts to apps and websites. Users can edit or disable the list from the settings.

Similarly, the ExpressVPN router is a great way to secure your entire home network with just one setup.

An extra window lets you browse ExpressVPN’s servers. It doesn’t show enough information about each server. NordVPN and ProtonVPN are better for finding the best server. ExpressVPN has a Speed Test tool.

The Options panel configures the app’s settings. The Kill Switch blocks internet activity if the VPN connection is lost. You can communicate with local devices while the VPN is on. The app chooses the best VPN protocol by default, but you can select it manually.

You can use Split-Tunneling in three ways with ExpressVPN. The tool can require all apps to use VPN. You can also choose specific apps for the VPN connection. However, other VPNs also offer the option for URLs or IP addresses.

When configured improperly, a VPN can expose your IP address, ISP, and DNS requests. We verified that ExpressVPN effectively hid our IP address and ISP. Running the DNS Leak Test, we confirmed that our DNS information was also hidden. However, our test was limited to one server and others may have different configurations.

Consumers prioritize streaming media, but Netflix may block VPN access to protect distribution agreements. ExpressVPN enabled streaming from Netflix. Still, Netflix may block VPNs as they’re in an access arms race. Keep in mind, access to Netflix via VPN is not always guaranteed.

Your online privacy is important, which is why ExpressVPN does not keep any logs of your online activity.

ExpressVPN has apps for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows with recommended usage. Manual configuration via OS is possible but it doesn’t offer extra features. Linux users can use a command line tool. ExpressVPN provides apps for Fire TV, Kindle Fire, Apple TV, PlayStation, and Xbox. Additionally, their SmartDNS tool lets you spoof location for unsupported devices.

On a Samsung A71 running Android 11, we tested the company’s Android VPN. The app’s layout is reminiscent of the Windows and iOS versions. Its cool 70s vibe is enhanced with gray, purple, and orange tones. The Android app offers additional features compared to its iOS counterpart.

With the expressvpn app, you can be sure of the Android connection.

The screen’s center has a large connect button, with a “time protected” bar below it. The “time protected” feature tracks VPN usage while connected. ExpressVPN for Android offers split-tunneling, a Kill Switch, and auto-connect settings. These are among the app’s many features.

For security, while using a VPN, verify it’s protecting your data. We ran an extended test on DNSLeakTest.com while connected to a Toronto server. The test verified our IP was hidden and DNS information secure.

Connected to the Toronto server, we accessed YouTube and experienced no buffering or interruptions. We also tested Twitch. tv and saw more ads than usual (two per stream). The video played at a high resolution with no lagging or buffering.

On an iPhone XS running iOS 14.5.1, we installed the ExpressVPN iOS app. The app’s warm autumnal color scheme is reminiscent of the Windows version. A large connection button is located at the center of the screen.

Location selection is possible on the app by choosing a country or city. A short list of servers is also provided where applicable. However, the app offers fewer server options than competitors like Tunnelbear VPN and lacks Kill Switch and split tunneling. 

A VPN must protect your IP address and secure DNS requests to be useful. Using DNSLeakTest.com, we ran an extended test on a Stockholm server. The test verified that our IP address and DNS information remained private.

While connected to a Stockholm server, we used YouTube Premium without interruptions or ads. Twitch. tv streams loaded in a few seconds, but played smoothly without buffering.

We obtained the MacOS VPN app directly from ExpressVPN’s website, as it’s not available in the App Store. The app was successfully installed on a MacBook Air (2020) running Big Sur 11.2.2.

The ExpressVPN macOS app has a similar retro design to the iOS and Android versions. The interface includes a server list, pinned apps, and a large connect button. However, the app lacks features like split-tunneling and only offers a Kill Switch.

We ran an extended test on DNSLeakTest.com connected to a Hong Kong server to confirm our IP address wasn’t leaking. Our information remained secure during the test.

While connected to the Hong Kong server, we tested the VPN speed and reliability. This we did by watching videos on YouTube without experiencing any buffering or lag. When we switched to Twitch. tv, the streams loaded instantly.  The video and sound quality was clear.

We installed the ExpressVPN Android app on a Dell Chrome 3100 with an Intel Celeron Processor. The app’s user-friendly interface makes connecting to a VPN server a breeze. You can expand the app’s small screen footprint as needed.

ExpressVPN runs smoothly on all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

The Chrome OS version of ExpressVPN features split tunneling and auto-connect. You can access most features under the Privacy and Security menu. The app also includes an IP address checker, DNS leak test, and password generator.

We use the Ookla Speedtest tool to test the impact of VPN on the internet experience. Our methodology is available for those interested in the details. We calculate the percent change between Speedtest results with and without the VPN running.

One of the ways that ExpressVPN compares favorably to other VPN providers is in its speed and reliability. This makes it a great choice for streaming or online gaming.

During our testing, ExpressVPN caused a reduction in upload and download speeds by 59.8% and 74.4% respectively. However, it resulted in only a 50.9% increase in latency, which is an improvement over the median results for this category.

Many people choose ExpressVPN for their VPN needs due to its fast and reliable service.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, access to the PCMag Labs has been limited. As a result, we are presenting our Speedtest results as we test new products throughout the year. All of our latest results can be found in the chart below.

Network connections are highly variable, so your experience may differ from ours. These results should be used as a comparison snapshot rather than a final performance verdict. We encourage readers to consider features and overall value, not just speed.

From the user-friendly interface to the fast connection speeds, you can see that ExpressVPN is committed to providing the best VPN experience for its users.

In my testing, ExpressVPN performed exceptionally well in terms of speed, reliability, and security.

ExpressVPN is among the best VPN services on the market, thanks to its fast speeds, robust security, and user-friendly interface.

For frequent travelers or users who require specific server locations, ExpressVPN is ideal. Its focus on secure hardware and limited use of virtual servers sets it apart from other VPN services. ExpressVPN has also made a strong commitment to customer privacy and security, and we appreciate the app’s new retro design.

ExpressVPN doesn’t receive an Editors’ Choice award, but not because of any fault on its part. Competitors offer more features for a lower price, making them more appealing to the average user.

If you travel frequently or need a VPN for a specific country, ExpressVPN is a great choice. If you want a top-rated service with a more affordable price, consider our overall Editors’ Choice, Proton VPN.

With just a few clicks, you can connect to the VPN and browse the internet safely and anonymously.

Before reaching out to ExpressVPN support, you may find the answers to your questions in the ExpressVPN FAQs.

If you need any assistance with ExpressVPN, their support team is available 24/7 to help you out. In my last review of ExpressVPN, I found it to be a reliable and fast VPN service.

ExpressVPN has a dedicated team of experts who work tirelessly to ensure that their VPN service is always up-to-date and secure against the latest threats.

Without a doubt, ExpressVPN is the best VPN service available in the market today.

And with the expressvpn website, users can contact them via live chat.