ExpressVPN Review: ExpressVPN is a well-established VPN provider based in the British Virgin Islands, operating since 2009. Over the years, it has built a strong reputation for delivering top-tier privacy and anonymity features, making it one of the most trusted VPN services available today. One of the first things that stands out on ExpressVPN’s website is its bold claim of being “the fastest VPN on Earth.” Since many VPNs make similar promises, we decided to put that claim to the test in our in-depth review.
ExpressVPN Overview
In this detailed review, we’ve covered every aspect of ExpressVPN’s performance and features. From its extensive server network and global coverage to its pricing plans, connection speeds, and cross-platform compatibility, we left no stone unturned. We also assessed its security protocols, customer support quality, and overall user experience to give you a well-rounded evaluation. To help you get a quick snapshot, let’s break down the main pros and cons of ExpressVPN.
ExpressVPN Servers
ExpressVPN operates a network of over 3,000 servers across 105 countries and more than 160 locations worldwide—placing it among a select few VPN providers with such an extensive global reach. These servers use shared static IP addresses and are strategically placed in major regions, ensuring there’s always a nearby server available. This setup helps deliver consistently fast speeds and prevents server congestion, minimizing the risk of connection drops.
Additionally, ExpressVPN offers specialized “Stealth” servers designed for regions like China and the UAE, where VPN usage is heavily restricted or even banned. These servers are built to evade deep packet inspection and other VPN-blocking techniques, helping users stay connected and protected even in highly censored environments. In terms of privacy, ExpressVPN performed flawlessly in leak tests—no DNS, IPv4, or WebRTC leaks were detected. This indicates strong safeguards are in place to protect your identity and maintain your anonymity while browsing.
ExpressVPN for Netflix
(You can now continue from here or let me know if you’d like this section rewritten as well.) Netflix has been cracking down on VPN usage to maintain its geo-restrictions, especially for access to Netflix USA, which features some of the most sought-after content. While many VPNs struggle to bypass these blocks, ExpressVPN continues to be one of the few that consistently works.
ExpressVPN can unblock Netflix USA using select U.S.-based servers. These servers aren’t publicly labeled, which is a smart move—keeping their locations hidden helps prevent Netflix from blacklisting them. To access Netflix USA, you can reach out to ExpressVPN’s customer support to find out which servers currently work. Alternatively, you can try their SmartDNS feature (covered later) or check their dedicated Netflix support page for guidance.
ExpressVPN for Kodi
Kodi is a powerful media platform that lets you stream your favorite TV shows and movies for free. However, some of the streaming links available through Kodi may not be reliable or safe, and there’s often no way to know who’s behind them. Using ExpressVPN with Kodi helps protect your identity and privacy while streaming. The setup process is straightforward, and you can follow the step-by-step guide available on ExpressVPN’s official website.
ExpressVPN for Torrenting
Torrenting remains a popular way to access a wide variety of content—movies, games, software, music, and more. While it’s easy to download torrents using a client, doing so without a VPN exposes your activity to anyone on the same network or even your internet service provider (ISP). Without protection, your data can be monitored or intercepted by malicious actors. ISPs may also throttle your connection speed when they detect torrent usage. ExpressVPN masks your torrent activity, shielding you from surveillance and throttling. Its high-speed servers ensure fast downloads. While not all servers support P2P traffic, you can quickly contact customer support to find the best ones for torrenting.
ExpressVPN Pricing
For those seeking a budget-friendly VPN, ExpressVPN might not be the most affordable option. Its monthly plan costs $12.95, which is on the higher side. However, the 2-year plan offers a significant discount, bringing the price down to $4.99 per month. While occasional discounts are available, ExpressVPN remains one of the more premium-priced VPN services.
That said, ExpressVPN offers a no-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee. If the service doesn’t meet your expectations or falls short in any way, you can request a full refund within 30 days. This is notably more generous than many other VPNs that typically offer only a 7-day refund window. Desktop users do not have a free trial option, but mobile users on iOS and Android can access a free trial—7 days on iOS and 1 day on Android. Although a single day isn’t much time to test, this complies with Google Play’s policies. Payment options include credit cards, PayPal, Bitcoin, and various third-party merchants.
ExpressVPN Speed
VPNs generally reduce your internet speed due to the encryption overhead, but the difference lies in how noticeable this slowdown is. Top-tier VPNs keep this speed drop minimal or virtually unnoticeable, and ExpressVPN ranks among the best in this regard. Speed tests conducted on various servers at different times showed consistently strong results with ExpressVPN. It delivers some of the fastest download speeds available among VPNs. Streaming HD videos (1080p) and playing online multiplayer games are smooth and lag-free when connected. Downloading torrents and files with ExpressVPN typically results in speeds comparable to, or sometimes better than, your regular connection without a VPN. The only minor issue users might encounter is occasional connection drops—roughly once or twice every few days.
Protocols and Encryption
While users have various reasons for using a VPN, privacy and security remain top priorities. ExpressVPN offers multiple protocol options within its app, including PPTP, L2TP, OpenVPN, and SSTP, allowing users to select their preferred balance of speed and security. Encryption uses the industry-leading AES 256-bit standard, paired with SHA-512 authentication. This combination ensures robust protection against tracking and snooping, keeping your online activities private. ExpressVPN also provides a secure environment for sharing sensitive information online, giving you peace of mind that your data won’t be intercepted.
Clients and Compatibility
ExpressVPN provides dedicated apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV Stick. Additionally, their website offers setup guides for installing ExpressVPN on Smart TVs, Roku devices, gaming consoles, Chromebooks, and routers. For comprehensive protection, you can even purchase a pre-configured router with ExpressVPN installed to secure your entire home network. A major advantage of using a VPN on your router is that the router counts as just one device, while all devices connected to it benefit from VPN protection. Before setting up ExpressVPN on your own router, make sure it’s compatible; if it isn’t, their pre-configured routers are a reliable alternative.
ExpressVPN’s clients are user-friendly and packed with features. While you cannot change the encryption type directly from the app for security reasons, you can freely switch between VPN protocols and servers. By default, it uses OpenVPN over UDP, which balances speed and security well. The client automatically selects the best server based on your location and usage, but you can manually pick a server if you prefer. To activate the VPN on any device, you’ll need to enter an activation code during setup, which allows you to connect automatically thereafter.
ExpressVPN Review: Is It Really ‘Fastest VPN’ in the World
The app interface is sleek and easy to navigate, offering features like ‘Network Lock’—ExpressVPN’s version of an automatic kill switch. Network Lock protects you from DNS and IP leaks by cutting off internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. This is particularly important when downloading files, such as torrents, where privacy is crucial. Downloading torrents without VPN protection can expose your activity to others, potentially leading to legal troubles or ISP throttling. Since ExpressVPN supports P2P traffic, you can torrent safely and enjoy peace of mind with Network Lock activated.
The Mac app also includes Split Tunneling, allowing you to specify which apps use the VPN connection and which don’t. Use this feature carefully to avoid accidentally exposing sensitive traffic. ExpressVPN allows up to eight simultaneous connections on any device combination, a significant upgrade from their previous single-device limit. However, if you reach the device limit, you’ll need to manually disconnect one device before adding a new one—simply turning off a device isn’t enough, which can be a minor inconvenience.
ExpressVPN Logs Policy
A VPN that secretly logs your activity can be more harmful than using no VPN at all. ExpressVPN follows a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not track your online activities. Based in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN is outside the jurisdiction of major surveillance agencies like the NSA or GCHQ, and it is not bound by data retention laws.
ExpressVPN only logs minimal connection data: the timestamps of your connections, the server location you used, and the amount of bandwidth consumed. Crucially, it does not log your IP address or any identifying information, and this data is never shared with third parties. For users seeking even more anonymity, you can subscribe using their .onion website on the Tor network, pay with Bitcoin, or use someone else’s system to further obscure your identity from ExpressVPN itself.
Customer Support
ExpressVPN provides excellent 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and a ticket system. Live chat responses are virtually instant, with friendly and knowledgeable representatives ready to assist. Their email and ticket support are also reliable and responsive. For common questions, their extensive knowledge base is well-maintained and easy to navigate. Overall, ExpressVPN’s customer service ranks among the best in the industry.
Extra Features in ExpressVPN
Stealth Servers
ExpressVPN offers dedicated stealth servers designed to help users in China bypass the country’s strict internet censorship. With harsh penalties for VPN use and advanced techniques like deep packet inspection employed by the Chinese government to detect VPN traffic, these stealth servers provide a critical way to maintain online freedom. Located in Hong Kong, these servers work to circumvent government surveillance and censorship, although the exact technical details are closely guarded. For those living in or traveling to mainland China, these servers are invaluable for accessing the open internet.
Smart DNS
Apart from VPNs, another method to unblock geo-restricted streaming services is SmartDNS. Unlike VPNs, SmartDNS works by changing your DNS settings to route requests for geo-blocked content through dedicated servers. Since SmartDNS doesn’t encrypt your traffic, it offers faster speeds, but without the privacy protections of a VPN. ExpressVPN includes a straightforward SmartDNS service that helps unblock popular platforms like Netflix USA and BBC iPlayer. Setting it up is simple—just visit ExpressVPN’s website for instructions.
Browser Extensions
ExpressVPN provides browser extensions for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, but these are designed to work in tandem with the VPN app installed on your device. Unlike standalone browser VPN extensions, ExpressVPN’s extensions don’t add new functionality but give you easier control over the VPN client from your browser for a smoother experience.
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Conclusion
If you want a versatile, reliable VPN, ExpressVPN stands out as one of the best options available. With over 3,000 servers spread across 160 cities in 105 countries, it offers excellent connection speeds. While it may or may not be the “fastest VPN on Earth” as claimed, it certainly ranks near the top. Security and privacy are well-covered, thanks to the default use of OpenVPN over UDP and strong encryption and authentication standards.
ExpressVPN supports up to eight simultaneous device connections, includes a robust SmartDNS service to bypass geo-restrictions, allows P2P traffic, and offers useful features like Network Lock and Stealth Servers. Combined with arguably the best customer support in the industry, ExpressVPN remains a top choice for VPN users. The only notable drawback is its relatively higher price. However, the 30-day money-back guarantee and the 7-day free trial for iOS users provide plenty of opportunity to test the service risk-free.
FAQs
What are ExpressVPN’s stealth servers and how do they work?
ExpressVPN’s stealth servers are specially designed to help users bypass strict internet censorship in countries like China. These servers use advanced techniques to avoid detection by government surveillance tools such as deep packet inspection, allowing users to access the open internet even under heavy restrictions.
Can I use ExpressVPN on my router and how does that benefit me?
Yes, ExpressVPN can be set up on compatible routers, or you can purchase a pre-configured router directly from them. Using ExpressVPN on a router protects your entire home network, counting as only one device while securing all connected devices simultaneously.
How does ExpressVPN’s SmartDNS service differ from its VPN service?
ExpressVPN’s SmartDNS service changes your DNS settings to unblock geo-restricted streaming services without encrypting your traffic. This results in faster speeds compared to a VPN but does not provide the same level of privacy or security.
Are ExpressVPN’s browser extensions standalone VPNs?
No, ExpressVPN’s browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox require the VPN client to be installed on your device. They don’t function independently but provide convenient control over the VPN app directly from your browser.
What is the ‘Network Lock’ feature in ExpressVPN?
Network Lock is ExpressVPN’s version of a kill switch. It automatically blocks internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, preventing any accidental exposure of your real IP address and protecting you from DNS and IP leaks, especially important during activities like torrenting.
How many devices can I connect simultaneously using ExpressVPN?
ExpressVPN allows you to connect up to eight devices at the same time using any combination of device types. However, if you reach the device limit, you’ll need to manually disconnect one device before adding another, as simply turning off a device won’t free up a slot.