ExpressVPN is among the most popular Virtual Private Networks around.
In our examination of ExpressVPN for its other features, we’ve found some very excellent features and few areas that need improvement. Notable is the fact that ExpressVPN is one of the most expensive services we’ve reviewed, but also one that provides a quality user experience and access to a large number of geographic locations.
| Pros of ExpressVPN | Cons of ExpressVPN |
|---|---|
| VPN servers in 94 countries and 136 locations | More expensive than competitors, by as much as $5 per month |
| No logging of any kind | |
| Unblocks websites, including Netflix | |
| Helps circumvent content censoring imposed by ISPs in some countries, including social media networks. | |
| L2TP/IPSec, PPTP, OpenVPN and SSTP protocols | |
| AES 256-bit encryption | |
| 5 simultaneous device connections and unlimited device limits on a Wi-Fi network | |
| 30-day money back guarantee | |
| Support for over a dozen operating system families | |
| 24/7 live chat support with quick responses | |
| Unlimited server switches and bandwidth. |
Why use a VPN?
VPNs work by routing your connection through private servers that assign you a new IP address in a different location. That way, anyone who finds your IP address will not be able to connect that IP address to you. VPNs provide full anonymity to those searching the web. There are plenty of free VPNs as well, but most of these lack the resources to provide real benefits and often have very limited security, which is the whole purpose of a VPN in the first place.
Whether you’re trying to mask your identity, keep your viewing habits private or get around geographic content blocking, VPNs are quickly becoming a necessity for internet users.
Pricing and payment plans for ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is more expensive than most of its competitors that offer similar services, but not by a very significant margin. Their annual plan gives you the best bang for your buck as it caps at just under $7/month, with 3 additional months free. The service additionally allows a large number of payment options, including:
- Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, Discover UCB, Diners Club)
- Paypal
- Bitcoin
- UnionPay, Klarna, GiroPay, and more
ExpressVPN
Free for 3 Months
$12.95/month
Install ExpressVPN on different devices
ExpressVPN’s list of support devices is extensive, including:
- Windows/Mac
- iOS/Android
- Routers
- Chromebooks
- Kindle Fire, Nook HD
- Linux
- Apple TV
- Android TV
- Amazon Fire TV
- Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo Switch
- other smart TVs and more
You'll find that ExpressVPN provides some extra information regarding how to install their VPN on Linux, as the process is not as simple as downloading an application.
- To install ExpressVPN on Windows-based operating systems, you'll need Windows 10, 8, 8.1, 7, XP, or Vista.
- To install ExpressVPN on Mac computers, you'll need Mac OSX Snow Leopard, Lion, Mountain Lion, Mavericks, Yosemite, El Capitan, or Sierra.
- To install ExpressVPN on an iOS device, you'll need iOS 8, 9, or 10.
- To install ExpressVPN on Android devices, you'll need Android version Jellybean, KitKat, Lollipop, and Marshmallow.
- To install ExpressVPN on Linux, you'll need Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, or CentOS.
They also offer Aircove, their own Wi-Fi 6 router hardware that comes with built-in VPN protection.
ExpressVPN does not allow you to install any of their applications unless you sign up for an account first. However, the program is fairly inexpensive and can be purchased on a month-to-month, 6-month or annual subscription.
ExpressVPN boasts an impressive list of features
ExpressVPN has a large number of features, many of which are extremely valuable for internet users. The vast majority of these features are security-related, which we will get into later. Outside of security features, the following list of features should provide some benefit while streaming through different websites:
- 30-day money back guarantee. Rather than offering a free trial, ExpressVPN allows you to use the service for a full 30 days, and if at the end of it you’re not satisfied, they’ll give you a full refund of whatever you paid. Very few paid VPNs provide free trials, so this feature is extremely beneficial for any internet user hoping to determine whether they will find value in their VPN choice before fully committing.
- Smart Location. This feature on the application connects users to the most optimal server. This should ensure the best bandwidth for your location.
- Fast live chat. Running into problems? The addition of a live chat offers a great option for anyone looking a quick fix to an annoying issue.
- Website unblocking. ExpressVPN delivers on the goods when it comes to unblocking content. This includes geographically blocked content and content blocked by ISPs. U.S. internet users looking to stream content from UK channels may find this highly valuable, and international internet users hoping to access American content will find this useful as well.
- Most operating systems supported. ExpressVPN has some of the widest OS and device support we’ve seen. The inclusion of router software is particularly impressive, and something that could be valuable to internet users who run the application on multiple devices.
- Extensive country list. There are over 94 countries and over 130 server locations. Internet users outside of the U.S. may find a lot of value in this. Particularly, those looking for the fastest servers are more likely to find ones closer to them, potentially resulting in better download speeds.
- Quality servers. ExpressVPN has far more servers in far more countries than we’ve seen from other VPN services. Though the service does have fewer servers altogether than many of its direct competitors, this isn’t a worry. The quality of their servers are much more important than the number of them, especially as they’ve recently upgraded to 10Gbps servers, allowing users to enjoy even faster speeds.
ExpressVPN’s speed test results came back strong
We gave extra attention to speed in our review of ExpressVPN. While speed (or, more accurately, bandwidth) is important when using most websites, there are some in particular that require much higher bandwidth than others. HD streams and movies, such as those accessible through Netflix and YouTube, all require more speed than normal. A typical SD movie can be streamed without loading or interruption with as little as 1.5 Mbps, while an HD video can easily require 5 Mbps, although often more if one is hoping to stream without annoying buffering.
ExpressVPN has a speed tester on its website. However, we sourced our speed tests through Speedtest.net. Our tests were conducted with a control test based in Daytona Beach, FL. The control test was conducted without a VPN to give us a better idea of how much speed loss and ping increase we’d experience through various servers and server locations.
It’s important to remember that there are a large number of factors that can affect bandwidth through VPN servers. Results may vary, but these tests should give a good picture about whether ExpressVPN delivers on its promises of unlimited bandwidth and high-quality servers.
| Server | Ping (ms) | D/L Speed (Mbps) | U/L Speed (Mbps) |
|---|---|---|---|
| No VPN | 14 | 309.87 | 269.48 |
| US | 24 | 242.35 | 278.25 |
| Canada | 52 | 230.57 | 260.19 |
| UK | 110 | 198.74 | 279.87 |
| Germany | 122 | 218.23 | 279.66 |
| Brazil | 148 | 205.17 | 255.98 |
| South Korea | 225 | 170.68 | 8.13 |
| Ecuador | 254 | 171.00 | 258.34 |
| Singapore | 273 | 167.03 | 237.60 |
| South Africa | 287 | 110.73 | 50.82 |
Our ExpressVPN speed tests revealed very positive results. Connecting to each location was easy and happened within seconds. The results also matched the region. The further it was from our base location, the larger its ping number. But all returned largely impressive download and upload speeds, save for South Korea, whose upload speed was interesting low, but still carried a great download speed.
ExpressVPN offers intensive security and privacy features
ExpressVPN does not slack on its security features. Indeed, this service takes security very seriously, even locating its headquarters in the British Virgin Islands, where it’s protected from most security-related laws common in the U.S. and Europe. The more sought-after security features for internet users include:
- AES-256. This helps prevent any brute-force attacks on your system while you’re browsing.
- Pioneers Lightway protocol. ExpressVPN runs on Lightway protocol, allowing for greater speeds, security, and reliablity, especially on mobile. OpenVPN is used by a majority of the high-quality paid VPN services. This is one of the most common and accepted encryption protocols around, and Express VPN offers both TCP and UDP connections.
- L2TP, IPSec and PPTP. These less preferable protocols are all implemented. ExpressVPN’s application allows for easy switching between any of them.
- No activity or connection logs. ExpressVPN does not log browsing history, DNS queries or traffic data.
- No information selling or sharing. Although ExpressVPN does collect some basic information, it does not pass on this information to others.
Get 24/7 support services
ExpressVPN maintains several ways to find support for the service. The FAQ page provides some benefit for those with rather simple to solve problems.
ExpressVPN also has a support center featuring comprehensive setup tutorials for every operating system and troubleshooting guides with screenshots, visuals, and video walkthroughs for more complex problems. Should you be completely in the dark about how to solve a problem, you can send them an email, or attempt to use their live chat system on the website.
ExpressVPN offers 24/7 live chat support that provides responses in 20 seconds on average.
Signing up is easy
ExpressVPN sign-up is easy. The only thing that is different with this service is the requirement of an activation code. You will need an email address for sign-up purposes, but this will serve as your primary log-in. Once you’re registered, accessing the VPN is fairly quick and easy.
Our takeaway: ExpressVPN is a great choice for a VPN service
Based on the level of service, ExpressVPN makes a compelling case to be your pick for a VPN. It has servers in more countries than most of the competition and more importantly, as quality servers that give you faster speeds and access to anything you’re using the internet for. yes, ExpressVPN has a large number of servers. With a plethora of features and a 30-day money back guaruntee, you can’t go wrong by signing up for ExpressVPN.
Kelsey Reynolds • Author
Kelsey is a content strategist based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Minnesota. Kelsey was drawn to working at Flixed because the team was so open, motivated, and curious. She most enjoys thinking about how to blend programmatic and editorial content to answer readers’ questions as completely and efficiently as possible. When she’s not at her computer, Kelsey can usually be found working in her garden or walking her two dogs in the park.
Kelsey Reynolds • Editor
Kelsey is a content strategist based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Minnesota. Kelsey was drawn to working at Flixed because the team was so open, motivated, and curious. She most enjoys thinking about how to blend programmatic and editorial content to answer readers’ questions as completely and efficiently as possible. When she’s not at her computer, Kelsey can usually be found working in her garden or walking her two dogs in the park.
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