ExpressVPN has earned its reputation as one of the best VPN services through its uncompromising commitment to protecting user privacy and providing unmatched performance. This comprehensive review covers everything you need to know about ExpressVPN’s security, speeds, features, pricing, and more.
- Introduction
- Security – Keeping User Data Safe
- Speed and Performance – Optimized Connections for Seamless Streaming
- Ease of Use – Intuitive Apps Make Connecting a Breeze
- Streaming Support – Unblock Top Streaming Sites and Services
- Support Options – Effective Customer Service Across Platforms
- Pricing and Plans – Competitive Value for a Premium Service
- Experience the internet with complete peace of mind
- Final Verdict – Simply the Best Overall VPN Available
Introduction
ExpressVPN, based in the British Virgin Islands, has been in the VPN business since 2009. In the years since its founding, ExpressVPN has focused extensively on optimizing its VPN service for speed, security, and reliability across an expansive network of 3,000+ servers in 160 locations and 94 countries.
ExpressVPN’s dedication to best-in-class encryption, strict no-logging policy, and high-performance connections has attracted millions of users worldwide. The company’s software consistently ranks at the top of nearly every “best VPN” list.
Security – Keeping User Data Safe
ExpressVPN prioritizes user privacy above all else. It offers industry-leading encryption protocols like AES-256, trusted protocols like OpenVPN and Lightway, and a reliable kill switch. ExpressVPN does not log any user activity or connection timestamps that could identify individual users.
With ExpressVPN, you can connect via secure protocols like:
A kill switch feature blocks internet access if the VPN connection suddenly drops to prevent accidental exposure of your IP or traffic.
Independent audits by firms like PwC provide external validation of ExpressVPN’s strict no-logging policies. Many users view ExpressVPN’s offshore jurisdiction favorably compared to 14 Eyes alliance countries when it comes to privacy.
Speed and Performance – Optimized Connections for Seamless Streaming
In recent years, ExpressVPN has made major infrastructure investments to deliver VPN speeds that rival even the fastest unprotected connections. Advanced technologies like Lightway and TrustedServer boost speeds significantly.
Lightway, ExpressVPN’s custom protocol built on WireGuard, provides exceptional VPN speeds. Key innovations include:
- UDP-based – Unlike TCP, UDP offers faster transfer of data packets.
- Dynamic path selection – Lightway tests different paths and connects via the fastest one.
- Packet loss concealment – Minimizes the impact of lost packets and latency.
The TrustedServer initiative also improved speeds by running VPN servers on RAM disks rather than slower hard drives.
According to third-party speed tests, ExpressVPN consistently ranks as one of the fastest VPNs, with minimal speed loss – usually less than 15-20% vs. unprotected connections. This is fast enough for smooth 4K/HD video streaming and lag-free online gaming.
Ease of Use – Intuitive Apps Make Connecting a Breeze
ExpressVPN apps provide an intuitive experience across all major platforms like Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, and browsers. The consistent UI with single-click connect makes using ExpressVPN seamless.
Handy features include:
- Quick connect – Instantly connects to fastest server location.
- Favorites – Save preferred server locations for fast access.
- Split tunneling – Select which apps use the VPN tunnel.
- Browser extensions – Add VPN protection to Chrome, Firefox, etc.
- Router installation – Secure all devices on a WiFi network.
The apps have an attractive and compact design with real-time graphs showing VPN load and other useful connection data. Overall, ExpressVPN’s apps excel in usability and provide a smooth experience.
Streaming Support – Unblock Top Streaming Sites and Services
ExpressVPN reliably unblocks popular streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, ESPN+, and Amazon Prime Video by evading geoblocks. Its large global server network ensures fast connections for streaming in HD quality with minimal buffering.
Some key capabilities include:
- Unblock Netflix – Stream Netflix libraries from other countries like the US, UK, Canada, etc.
- Unblock BBC iPlayer – Access BBC TV and radio content outside the UK.
- Unblock Disney+ – Watch Disney+ while traveling abroad.
- Unblock HBO Max – Access full HBO Max catalog worldwide.
ExpressVPN is one of the few VPNs that can successfully unblock Netflix across its entire server network. The MediaStreamer feature offers an extra layer of unblocking support for services like Amazon Prime Video.
Support Options – Effective Customer Service Across Platforms
ExpressVPN has a reputation for providing responsive and knowledgeable 24/7 customer support through live chat and email. Support guides and tutorials are available for common questions and troubleshooting processes are straightforward.
Some support highlights include:
- Live chat – Get real-time help from friendly agents.
- Email support – Submit tickets for non-urgent inquiries.
- Setup guides – Step-by-step articles and video tutorials.
- Troubleshooting tips – Diagnose and fix common connection issues.
- FAQ database – Find answers to popular questions quickly.
Users consistently praise ExpressVPN’s stellar customer service and reliance on chat support rather than just automated responses. The support site is informational and covers everything from installation to configurations.
Pricing and Plans – Competitive Value for a Premium Service
Despite being a premium VPN, ExpressVPN offers competitive pricing and plans:
- $12.95/month – Low monthly cost billed every 30 days.
- $59.95/6 months – Six months for the price of five.
- $99.95/15 months – Get three months free for the annual plan.
The pricing stays consistent across all countries and payment options include credit cards, PayPal, Bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies.
All plans include:
- Access on all devices
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Top speeds
- Premium support
Compared to other top VPNs, ExpressVPN is priced competitively given its features and performance. The company often runs special promotions too. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test it risk-free.
Take Your Privacy Back into Your Own Hands
Experience the internet with complete peace of mind
With industry-leading encryption, a strict no-logging policy, and ultra-fast speeds, ExpressVPN keeps you and your data safe and anonymous online. Unblock websites and streaming platforms restricted in your region. Protect your privacy on public Wi-Fi hotspots. Bypass internet throttling and access your favorite content seamlessly.
Get ExpressVPN Now free for 30 Days!
With just one click, you can connect to ExpressVPN’s trusted global network of 3000+ high-speed servers in 160 locations worldwide. Enjoy private, secure access to the internet on all your devices.
Take back control of your digital life. Stop corporations and governments from tracking your every move online. Keep hackers, spyware, and cybercriminals at bay. Browse on your own terms freely with ExpressVPN.
Final Verdict – Simply the Best Overall VPN Available
In the VPN market crowded with contenders, ExpressVPN stands out firmly as the best all-around provider for those who prioritize both security and speed. It backs up its reliable privacy protections and unmatched performance with intuitive apps, extensive server locations, and responsive customer support.
While not the cheapest service, ExpressVPN offers tremendous value at its price point. Unblocking capabilities, streaming support, and elite speeds make it worth the investment for a top-tier VPN experience. Overall, ExpressVPN hits the sweet spot between privacy, usability, and performance – cementing its place as an Editors’ Choice VPN service.