Are you skeptical of VPNs shouting from every corner of the internet “best”? Understandably so. Cut through the clutter with ExpressVPN. Behind the marketing blitz, there is a VPN that just flat-outworks. It fulfills its main promise without any frills.
ExpressVPN: Lightning speed, dead simple. Your download speeds will barely flicker by almost 7% on a global scale. Uploads? Practically untouched, only a whisper of 2% loss is heard. Those seasoned VPN users might just hanker for some extra bells and whistles. But for ExpressVPN smooth ride as far as pure simplicity goes, it’s entirely set and forget on any device.
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ExpressVPN is not flawless. No customization, it seems. The price tag is higher than the rest. But when push comes to shove, most VPNs eat dust next to ExpressVPN.
ExpressVPN underwent a rigorous 10-step torture test where every strength and weakness was mined out. Dig into our insights on security, speed, privacy, and usability. Read from beginning to end or jump right to what interests you. Either way, your decision – one way or another – about whether or not ExpressVPN will be in your digital arsenal will be made with the entire world in your hands.
Heads up! We are currently dismantling our VPN reviews just to rebuild them into something better. Stay tuned for updated ratings and head-to-head comparisons coming soon, offering you the freshest knowledge to assist in choosing the perfect service.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN
Try ExpressVPN for yourself with a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
Pros
- Fast download and upload speeds
- Unblocks Netflix everywhere
- Zero leaks
- Easy-to-use apps
Cons
- Few extra features
- Expensive plans
From $4.99/month at ExpressVPN
Table of contents
- Findings at a glance
- Installing, configuring and using ExpressVPN
- ExpressVPN speed test: Very fast averages
- ExpressVPN security test: Checking for leaks
- How much does ExpressVPN cost?
- ExpressVPN side apps and bundles
- Close-reading ExpressVPN’s privacy policy
- Can ExpressVPN change your virtual location?
- Investigating ExpressVPN’s server network
- Extra features of ExpressVPN
- ExpressVPN customer support options
- ExpressVPN background check: From founding to Kape Technologies
- Final verdict
Findings at a glance
| Category | Notes |
| Installation and UI | All interfaces are clean and minimalist, with no glitches and not enough depth to get lost in Windows and Mac clients are similar in both setup and general user experience Android and iOS are likewise almost identical, but Android has a nice-looking dark mode |
| Speed | Retains a worldwide average of 93% of starting download speeds Upload speeds average 98% of starting speeds Latency rises with distance, but global average stayed under 300 ms in tests |
| Security | OpenVPN, IKEv2 and Lightway VPN protocols all use secure ciphers Packet-sniffing test showed working encryption We detected no IP leaks Blocks IPv6 and WebRTC by default to prevent leaks |
| Pricing | Base price: $12.95 per month or $99.95 per year Lowest prepaid rate: $4.99 per month Can save money by paying for 28 months in advance, but only once per account 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Bundles | ExpressVPN Keys password manager and ID alerts included on all plans Dedicated IP addresses come at an extra price ID theft insurance, data removal and credit scanning available to new one-year and two-year subscribers for free 1GB eSIM deal included through holiday.com |
| Privacy policy | No storage of connection logs or device logs permitted The only risky exceptions are personal account data (which doesn’t leave the ExpressVPN website) and marketing data (which the policy says should be anonymized) An independent audit found that ExpressVPN’s RAM-only server infrastructure makes it impossible to keep logs |
| Virtual location change | Successfully unblocked five international Netflix libraries, succeeding on 14 out of 15 attempts |
| Server network | 164 server locations in 105 countries 38% of servers are virtual, though most virtual locations are accessed through physical servers within 1,000 miles A large number of locations in South America, Africa and central Asia |
| Features | Simple but effective kill switch Can block ads, trackers, adult sites and/or malware sites but blocklists can’t be customized Split tunneling is convenient but unavailable on iOS and modern Macs Aircove is the best VPN router, albeit expensive |
| Customer support | Setup and troubleshooting guides are organized and useful, with lots of screenshots and videos Live chat starts with a bot but you can get to a person within a couple minutes Email tickets are only accessible from the mobile apps or after live chat has failed |
| Background check | Founded in 2009; based in the British Virgin Islands Has never been caught selling or mishandling user data Turkish police seized servers in 2017 but couldn’t find any logs of user activity Owned by Kape Technologies, which also owns CyberGhost and Private Internet Access A previous CIO formerly worked on surveillance in the United Arab Emirates; no evidence of shady behavior during his time at ExpressVPN Windows Version 12 leaked some DNS requests when Split Tunneling was active |
Installing, configuring and using ExpressVPN
Are you prepared to head out on the ExpressVPN journey on all your devices? Step one: open the gates onto your access by signing up for an account and grabbing a subscription over at expressvpn.com, your golden ticket to online freedom.
Windows
In fact, with ExpressVPN, the installation process is a snap. Simply download the app directly from expressvpn.com or the Microsoft Store and then launch the .exe file. Agree to the permissions when it asks (hit “Yes!”) and sit back as it installs over several minutes. A quick restart seals the deal. From start to finish, the entire process will go by in 5-10 minutes, during which you have to do very little. At long last, retrieve your activation code. Go to expressvpn.com, hit the “Setup” button on the upper-right corner, and obtain your key. You are just minutes away from safe browsing.
You can install ExpressVPN’s Windows app from the Microsoft store, but we found the website more convenient.
(Sam Chapman for Engadget)
ExpressVPN embraces radical simplicity. The Windows app? A minimalist masterpiece. Just three buttons and a handful of words stand between you and secure browsing: select the virtual location, or let ExpressVPN’s Smart Location (distance versus performance) whisk you away to the fastest and least crowded server.
Those are hidden power-user options tucked in the upper-left hamburger menu. Find the Network Lock kill switch to guarantee your security and unlock four content blockers to tame the wild web. Head on to split tunneling and select your VPN protocol for maximum speed, or create website shortcuts for one-click secure access to your favorite online hangouts. All of these are waiting for you to stumble upon.
This VPN practically disappears. No annoying lags, technical glitches, menus so effortlessly straightforward that you never get lost. It might be the most forgettable VPN in the market-and that is its greatest advantage.
Mac
ExpressVPN on macOS: Think Windows with a few differences here and there. Download and installation being practically identical regardless of whether you chose the App Store or the ExpressVPN website. On the other hand, the macOS app couldn’t be more different. Say good-bye to split tunneling if you are not working with macOS below 11, and forget that Lightway Turbo setting. Soap-boxing the loss of a couple of neat features, but it’s simplicity for macOS.
ExpressVPN recommends some servers, but it’s easy to search the whole list.
(Sam Chapman for Engadget)
Mac users rejoice! It’s that magic key to IKEv2 and to unblock IPv6, things Windows users can only dream of. While the internet is mostly chugging along on IPv4, that little toggle for IPv6 is the secret weapon for accessing specific addresses, tottering wiredown VPN, and walk away from it with your head held high.
Android
Snag ExpressVPN straight from the Google Play Store and you’re just minutes away from a secured web browsing experience. Open the app and log in, and bam! Your invisibility cloak activates. The sleek, black interface was easy on the eyes-almost perfect, save for that one little counter stubbornly tracking how long you had been using the VPN.
ExpressVPN’s Android app puts a little more information on the screen than it needs to, but still runs well.
(Sam Chapman for Engadget)
A big, glaring button waits to give you an entrance into getting in-touch. Clicking on the server name will make the whole world unfold as a canvas of locations lies in potential to be further explored. Plummet in with targeted searching or take the scenic route and scroll all the way through. Choose the location in countries with plenty of options at their disposal. We went to the outermost edge of their network, yet they all connected within two seconds.
Dive into the mobile app of ExpressVPN, and you find a fairly intuitive options menu, one that gets your needs with finality. No endless digging; every setting is just two taps, maybe less. However, the most interesting bit: an exclusive feature on mobile that provides automatic protection by connecting you to the last ExpressVPN server whenever you connect to a Wi-Fi network deemed untrusted. Peace of mind bears with it.
Other than the VPN, the app comes with itself: an IP address checker, DNS and WebRTC leak detectors, and a password generator. Although one can use them on their website, it feels more convenient to have them embedded. However, other than creating passwords, it’s better that you rely on independent tools specialized in such in testing. Even trusted methods and software should never be relied upon in isolation since sometimes in-house tests alone don’t tell the whole story.
iPhone and iPad
Privacy on the iPhone can be unleashed with lightning-fast speed with ExpressVPN! Get it from the App Store and download the iOS applications. Heads up: you might get asked for your Apple ID password while granting use of your identity (VPN) software on your phone. Once past this, it’s a smooth ride on an iPhone, very similar to the Android experience, and the protection starts rolling without any hiccups!
ExpressVPN looks good on iPhone and iPad.
(Sam Chapman for Engadget)
While the interface may miss out on the sleek allure its Android dark-mode sibling retains, it compensates with a straightforward design that eliminates distractions. While familiar tabs and features form its center of attraction, power users will surely regret the absence of split tunneling and customized shortcuts. Intriguingly, both mobile apps are flashlights on customer support, given the unprecedented level of accessibility they provide while in comparison, the desktop cannot even hold a candle to them. In fact, the only way to submit an email support ticket is through mobile.
Browser extension
ExpressVPN gives icing to the cake with neat browser extensions for Firefox and Chrome. Picture this: instant connection swapping servers on the go, while you keep browsing, with the option to minimize–no, thanks. Convenience-wise, yes; for some, a game changer not so much. But if browsing online is the core of your online life, functionalities like this acting as a superpower streamline the environment so much you won’t ever know what hit you.
ExpressVPN speed test: Very fast averages
Sick and tired of the so-called VPNs throttling your lightning-fast connection to dial-up? An ultimate speed test was conducted for ExpressVPN, using the official speed testing app from Ookla, to figure out its performance standing. We targeted major virtual server locations the Netherlands, Brazil, Germany, and Singapore to find just how much bandwidth ExpressVPN manages to conserve. The pressing query: does it give you the speeds you want, or will you have to go through the pain of buffering?
Some terms before we start:
Milliseconds matter. Latency, that invisible delay measured in ms, is the round trip for your data that rushes through the VPN to a far-away server and back. The further away the said server, the longer the trip time. Video calls must remain low-latency; low-latency feel is essential to any game; hence, each millisecond earned counts.
Higher latency means higher values on the delay scale and more smoothness in lagging pasta video calls and in gameplay; every millisecond saved is a win for us.
Thus, download speed is determined by how many Mbps one measures. Download speed is the rate at which any online goodies are downloaded into your system-almost opening of a webpage, streaming a video experience, one of the many good experiences. Hence, consider it as the Internet pipe; the bigger it is, the faster will be the download speed.
Upload speed, at Mbps, concerns how fast data can be moved from your device onto the Internet. Upload speed is, however, the most important criteria for torrenting. Think of it as this computer generosity: The more seed data you share, the faster you will be able to download. So, in simple words, a good upload speed fastens the downsides for the virus torrent, as it allows more sharing and downing.
Behold the spectacle of engineering! We shot ExpressVPN into Windows, set it to automatic protocol, and pressed play on Lightway Turbo-a cherry on the cake that sends out several connection requests simultaneously to ensure blistering consistency. See for yourself!
| Server location | Latency (ms) | Increase factor | Download speed (Mbps) | Percentage dropoff | Upload speed (Mbps) | Percentage dropoff |
| Portland, Oregon, USA (unprotected) | 18 | — | 58.77 | — | 5.70 | — |
| Seattle, Washington, USA (best server) | 26 | 1.4x | 54.86 | 6.7% | 5.52 | 3.2% |
| New York, NY, USA | 156 | 8.7x | 57.25 | 2.6% | 5.57 | 2.3% |
| Amsterdam, Netherlands | 306 | 17x | 53.83 | 8.4% | 5.58 | 2.1% |
| São Paulo, Brazil | 371 | 20.6x | 53.82 | 8.4% | 5.65 | 0.9% |
| Frankfurt, Germany | 404 | 22.4x | 55.71 | 5.2% | 5.67 | 0.5% |
| Singapore, Singapore | 381 | 21.2x | 52.76 | 10.2% | 5.64 | 1.0% |
| Average | 274 | 15.2x | 54.71 | 6.9% | 5.61 | 1.6% |
ExpressVPN is for blazing speed. It utterly rules download and upload performance, worldwide tests showing basically no speed loss, except a 7% dip during peak download speed. Uploading? An average of 2% decrease by all accounts. This is not a mere coincidence but rather some masterful server management, brilliantly balancing user traffic so that no bottleneck creeps in and the VPN delivers in ways that few can match.
Are you afraid that VPNs might slow down your speed? Think again. According to the latest Ookla speed test, you can stay protected and have a decent speed for streaming, gaming, and downloading using ExpressVPN. An impressive speed of 58 Mbps is recorded while connected, so you would hardly notice the difference. The unprotected speeds are an average 58 Mbps as well. Hence, secure your connection without compromising on speed.
(Sam Chapman for Engadget)
Initial latency figures may seem somewhat frightening, though the late review of this matter reveals a silver lining: they are not as high as originally feared. Remember that the ping has more to do with distance rather than bandwidth; such a relation is noticed much more when a far-hosted server is about 1,000 miles away. Still, an average latency below 300ms achieved by ExpressVPN is worthy of note.
ExpressVPN security test: Checking for leaks
Can ExpressVPN vanish you online? This is a question worth a million dollars. Masking the IP and burying one’s digital bode a closing test of a VPN. Our team subjected ExpressVPN to several tests to ascertain if it indeed provided what was advertised. While absolute certainty remains at large in the cybersecurity world, our findings very strongly suggest that ExpressVPN may, in fact, be offering near-total anonymity. Get ready to be amazed.
Available VPN protocols
Think of a VPN protocol as the secret handshake between your device and the internet. A secure, modern protocol is akin to communicating in a popular, uncrackable code. However, if your VPN’s protocol is old, insecure, or unknown, then it might as well be whispering secrets in a language no one trusts-in other words, a red flag.
Not all protocols are available on all apps, but Mac has the full range.
(Sam Chapman for Engadget)
ExpressVPN provides the usual three connection protocols: IKEv2, OpenVPN, and their proprietary Lightway protocol based on UDP. IKEv2 and OpenVPN remain reliable with their strongest encryption, protecting your data. However, the privacy-conscious would call OpenVPN their number-one protocol. It is open, transparent, and has withstood some serious tests over the years. How does IKEv2 stand, though? IKEv2 began as a proprietary protocol developed by technology juggernauts, but ExpressVPN maintains that they use an open-source reverse-engineered implementation for increased privacy coupled with very high speed.
Lightway: The ExpressVPN Exclusive Built for Speed
It is truly a maverick, creating its own path rather than going with the crowd. Currently, it can only be had with ExpressVPN, and while the heart is laid bare on GitHub, performance-wise, it is Creator’s proprietary technology. Much like WireGuard, Lightway was meant to be fast and efficient and did so through a slim codebase. But here’s the kicker: Lightway has been rewritten in Rust, which is considered by many to be memory safe, thus providing an added layer of defense for your encryption keys. You can think of it as a lightweight speed demon with heavy armor.
All protocols provided by ExpressVPN are excellent, but here is a little secret: for straightforward protection, use the “Automatic” setting. Let the VPN’s intelligence select the best protocol so that you can enjoy hassle-free security.
Testing for leaks
Needless to say, ExpressVPN has a great reputation. Unfortunately, it can’t be touted as absolutely uncrackable. For instance, DNS leaking can indeed take place but are shockingly simple to detect. Before turning the VPN on, record your IP. After activating, go to check. If it coincides with the server, all is well. If the real IP address shows through-uew, getting leaked.
We put ExpressVPN’s split tunneling to the ultimate test, hunting for the ghost of vulnerability. Server after server, Windows app locked down tight: no leaks detected. The patch appeared to have exorcised the flaw, though even before, it was a ghostly menace so rarely seen.
The secret of our Indian VPN lies in a Singapore server-image that acts as the greatest disguise. We confirmed it-the IP address says “Namaste!” while the technology says Singapore. Stream away, Bollywood fans; your location is safe with us.
(Sam Chapman for Engadget)
ExpressVPN: Leak-proof. Across every server, every platform, zero leaks were found. iOS users must bear one caveat: Apple’s walled garden presents its own challenge, even for a VPN juggernaut like ExpressVPN. The issue? On Apple turf, not ours.
VPN leaks: the silent menace exposing your data. The major offender? Public DNS servers; traffic instructors given too much latitude often inadvertently take the activity outside the secure shell of the VPN. ExpressVPN is fixing this loophole for you. Private DNS resolvers are offered by ExpressVPN on every server so that your browsing stays locked within the encrypted tunnel. Tested for leaks with great rigor, ExpressVPN guarantees privacy that cannot be compromised. Your data is safely in the guarded realm where it belongs.
VPN leaks? WebRTC and IPv6 may be the culprits. WebRTC, which is really behind your favorite live streams, and IPv6, which is an internet next-gen address system, both have their dark shades. They can circumvent your VPN. Great thing is that ExpressVPN blocks these leaks automatically so no leaks actually happen, keeping the connection intact. So, basically, the VPN has a double lock on your Internet privacy.
Heads up, iOS users! That VPN you are relying on may not be as bulletproof as you think. There is a sneaky flaw that permits some apps to bypass the VPN tunnel in order to phone home to Apple, lock the Lockdown Mode notwithstanding. Data leakage from your end might well be happening.
An ironic temporary solution offered by Proton VPN is: Once connected to your VPN, simply turn Airplane Mode on and then off again. This action forces all existing connections to reconnect through the protected VPN server. It is like pressing a reset button for your digital privacy.
Testing encryption
We ripped that hood off ExpressVPN’s encryption, with WireShark: the network-traffic digital bloodhound, so to speak. Oh, we weren’t interested in vague promises-we simply had toseethe encryption at work. The results? Feast your eyes upon the image below: a raw stream of data utterly mashed to helium levels by ExpressVPN Lightway UDP protocol. This is even more than security; one may safely call it a digital fortress.
After connecting to ExpressVPN, HTTP packets were rendered unreadable while in transit.
(Sam Chapman for Engadget)
The digital gibberish stared back, an unreadable testament to success. Again and again, we ran the gauntlet, each test yielding the same satisfyfully scrambled result. The heart of ExpressVPN: validated, protected, and working as intended.
How much does ExpressVPN cost?
The price for ExpressVPN on a monthly basis is set at $12.95 per month. A more attractive offer comes with a longer subscription. It is worth noting, though, that there is often a steep discount before the discount disappears after the first payment, so do check the documentation!
A deal with only an upfront price of $99.95 for a year’s subscription to ExpressVPN and three additional months at no extra charge is unbeatable.
Want even more savings? Lock in 28 months for just $139.72!
Consider it your warning: these fabulous introductory offers are one-offs. After they expire, renewal rates are back to a regular $99.95 per year, being $8.33 a month- so make sure to grab this opportunity when it lasts!
Going for ExpressVPN risk-free may seem like two choices. First, rejoice, iOS and Android users! Download the app and utilize a seven-day trial period of free, unrestricted access without credit card details. Other than mobile? No worries. Thirty full days of money-back guarantee stands for all the devices on which you install the ExpressVPN. Use it, test it, love it (or don’t!), but if you are not fully satisfied, the whole refund is yours. That’s the unfortunate part–ExpressVPN will honor their word-as a real worry-free trial.
Yes, ExpressVPN could prove slightly expensive but do hear us out. With a price like this, you want to pay for a VPN that actually feelsjoyousto use, with speed to match, and slips through geo-restrictions as if they were merely tissue paper? The only answer to this is priceless. Dive into the 30-day money-back guarantee. If uninterrupted streaming and carefree browsing become your bread and butter with ExpressVPN, you’ll realize why it’s worth the price.
ExpressVPN side apps and bundles
From its constellation of VPN apps, ExpressVPN unlocks a buffet of features exclusive to the brand. A handful of these features may come at no extra cost with your paid subscription, while others yield premium-type upgrades for an additional fee.
Unlock a secret benefit! Your ExpressVPN subscription is more than a ticket to freedom; it also entitles you to ExpressVPN Keys, your personal password vault. Find it within the sub tab of your ExpressVPN app for Android/iOS. In case you are a desktop user, go ahead and get the browser extension (Chrome, Edge, Brave, and so on!) from your browser’s app store. Activate it using the code issued to you for your ExpressVPN, and bid farewell to password confusion. Note: Firefox is not currently supported.
No need for SIM card fumbling on your next trip! ExpressVPN, in partnership with holiday.com, will deliver an absolutely seamless eSIM experience to new subscribers starting January 1, 2025. Imagine landing in your new site-country and immediately connecting to a 1GB data plan valid for 5 days. Are you going to roam across a particular country, a whole region, or indeed the entire world? The possibilities are very many (though the regional and global plan coverages are still unfolding). More data for a longer trip? Holiday eSIM promises to have the answer with bigger plans for longer durations.
Tired of going through a CAPTCHA and blockages on websites? For a small fee each month, get a dedicated IP from ExpressVPN and bid adieu to the headaches of shared-IP. Whitelist your VPN on sensitive networks for personalized, uninterrupted access-the last thing you want is collateral damage from one other’s online antics. Get static IP and go back to seamless browsing.
ExpressVPN stands apart in the market, concentrating on its core specialty of securing VPN rather than delving into antivirus or cloud storage. They do offer, however, Identity Defender-a powerful toolset protecting your digital identity. While we have not tested it in our labs yet, here is a brief overview of what it entails:
Worried about your data floating about on the internet? Basically, ID Alerts are your digital watchdog: They will notify you immediately if your private information appears somewhere it shouldn’t. The best thing about it? It comes free with every plan. Simply add your information once in your account or through the app, and you can relax knowing that we have you covered.
In a pickle over identity theft? Relax. ExpressVPN now offers ID Theft Insurance, offering up to a million dollars in reimbursement, absolutely free for new 1 and 2-year subscribers. This is but one way we carry the burden for your digital life. This extended coverage has been in effect since October 2024, so you have much to gain from it the very first day.
Reclaim your online privacy! Our Data Removal service tirelessly searches for your personal information being exhibited on data broker websites and automatically files for its removal. The best part? It’s completely FREE with our one- and two-year protection plans. Get your hands back today!
If you are in the U.S., Credit Scanner’s eagle eye shall be unlocked for you. We keep watch over your accounts at Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, alerting you to any fraudulent activity faster than you can say “fraud.”
The Identity Defender features are currently only available to new ExpressVPN customers in the US.
Close-reading ExpressVPN’s privacy policy
ExpressVPN, now under Kape Technologies’ umbrella, raises eyebrows. Does consolidation equal compromised privacy? We dove headfirst into their policy – a surprisingly readable document, not legal jargon – to find out. See for yourself if they’re walking the walk. You can see it for yourself here.
A vault of silence is what ExpressVPN promises. ExpressVPN also translates no activity logging, in other words: your browsing history is lost like whispers in the wind. There are no connection logs either, the crumbs of session duration, and IP addresses which could otherwise be used to sketch out your online travels. So what ELSE does ExpressVPN admit to keeping for itself? Well, brace yourself for this- because the list of seven data points that are allowed might surprise you.
- Data used to sign up for an account,such as names, emails and payment methods.
- VPN usage datawhich is aggregated and can’t be traced to any individual.
- Credentials stored in the ExpressVPN Keys password manager.
- Diagnostic datasuch as crash reports, which are only shared upon user request.
- IP addresses authorized for MediaStreamer, which is only for streaming devices that don’t otherwise support VPN apps.
- Marketing datacollected directly from the app a “limited amount” that’s kept anonymous.
- Data voluntarily submitted for identity theft protection apps.
Only two among these seven exceptions should raise eyebrows: account data and marketing data. These are two of the core types of personal data, and misuse might have very serious consequences. The good thing is that subpoena compliance isn’t a permissible use of either under ExpressVPN policies, which also forbid ExpressVPN from selling this data to third parties.
Data deletion stands on a cliff for ExpressVPN, for in this setting, while bid adieu to privacy is bid adieu to the account as well. Request the deletion of your data, and the access disappears, maybe in the middle of a subscription. Worse? Forget that refund unless it is within the 30-day period. That’s one paradox in privacy.
ExpressVPN collects device fingerprints and location at the moment of sign up: an eyebrow-raising statement. Their privacy policy attempts to alleviate concerns by stating that the data is anonymized, that is, the link tying this data to your identity is destroyed in the system. Independent audits have validated these claims. Ideally, the worst would be that they keep no data whatsoever; but even so, what ExpressVPN appears to do currently is retain data around interactions with websites and not with your VPN usage.
Privacy audits
Trust inverted: “Audited” privacy policy-if it is there, or so they want you to believe-but who audited the auditors? What truly goes on is that a third-party accounting firm-that is thought to be reputable by virtue of never realizing whole-sale fraud for clients-is called in to perform audits. They put their good name on the line for the honesty of the VPN providers they attest to-would you want to make that bet?
ExpressVPN’s privacy commitment gets a renewed stamping of approval. In today’s age of online privacy supremacy, ExpressVPN remains clearly focused on safeguarding its user base and transparency. A recent audit by KPMG, performed in December 2023, endorses the strength of ExpressVPN’s internal controls. The independent assessment gives credibility to ExpressVPN’s VPN privacy policy from the perspective of the user, hence reinforcing the position of ExpressVPN as the name to trust for secure browsing. Not being the first time for KPMG to perform an audit for ExpressVPN, their present relationship ensures the continuing auditing of ExpressVPN’s infrastructure and, most importantly, its revolutionary “TrustedServer” technology, providing a much-needed feeling of security in a world that is rapidly losing it.
TrustedServer
ExpressVPN’s “TrustedServer” technology discards conventional servers for RAM-only servers. Think of it as extremely secure Etch-a-Sketch: every time it reboots, it wipes out everything. With no hard drives, there can be no permanent storage of user data, and so even if somebody tried, ExpressVPN could not ever remember the browsing history of its users. With this, privacy is redefined for the implementation phase.
Ways of seeing it, does ExpressVPN really preserve your privacy? Well, the KPMG audit certifies that “TrustedServer” technology really works as advertised. With a history of privacy audits being passed with flying colours-even there was a disputed Turkish situation in 2017-it leans towards Being private. Having said that, though, their exception for marketing data really does ruin the theme of privacy a bit for me.
Can ExpressVPN change your virtual location?
An IP address is just an address: so what if ExpressVPN changes it? Will it really change your location? We are putting it into the grilling test – can it really fool those eagle-eyed streaming companies? It’s no more just about hiding away your address; Netflix and its friends have become digital detectives, smelling out any proxy in that metadata labyrinth. Can ExpressVPN truly outrun them?
The VPN was put to the highest standard: Netflix. Just like DNS leak hunting, we ran from server to server, engaging in a global digital hide-and-seek. Could we somehow avoid Netflix’s geographic restrictions? We aimed for five locations outside of the U.S. to unlock either a) access or b) diverse content libraries. The verdict? Check out the results below.
| Server Location | Unblocked Netflix? | Library changed? |
| Canada | Y | Y |
| United Kingdom | Y (second try; Docklands failed) | Y |
| Slovakia | Y | Y |
| India | Y | Y (different from UK library) |
| Australia | Y | Y |
Fifteen matchups, one stumble. Almost perfect except for the glitch when ExpressVPN’s “fastest” UK server of Docklands was refused entry by Netflix. But here comes the twist: switching to the London server meant the floodgates fully opened to streaming.
ExpressVPN can change your virtual location so you can explore the wonderful world of K-drama.
(Sam Chapman for Engadget)
While other location servers managed to gain access to a secret Netflix treasure trove on first try, we had to investigate further by pitting ExpressVPN’s India server located in the UK against its more standard UK counterparts. The difference? There was a whole different lineup of shows and movies, a fact that nearly confirmed that ExpressVPN’s virtual location technology is unhackable.
Investigating ExpressVPN’s server network
ExpressVPN opens up a world of possibilities for you to virtually hop across 105 countries and territories via its 164 strategically located servers across the globe. Since the digital landscape leans towards the north (with 24 locations in the U.S. and 66 across Europe), the world is at your fingertips. Welcome to borderless browsing and streaming with no interruptions on your online travels!
Heads up to all Global South users! ExpressVPN is taking good care of you. There’s a whole array of opportunities in South America from Argentina all the way to Venezuela (nine countries in total!). Africa holds the whole gamut from Algeria to South Africa (six countries)! But wait, there’s a wonderful twist to this: Central Asia. ExpressVPN even reaches out to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia – an area often neglected by most other VPN providers. They sure reach out to those who have never been served!
However, not all servers are exactly where one would expect them to be. Very cleverly, ExpressVPN utilizes virtual locations to have your connection routed through servers in a different country than you might expect. In case you want to learn more about speed issues and about avoiding location-based servers, you can actually find a very detailed description of their virtual servers on the ExpressVPN website. Be warned, however, it is quite the listing. A staggering 63 ExpressVPN locations, or 38% of their network, are virtual ones.
By strategically placing its virtual servers, ExpressVPN conveniently softens the distance. Consider it as the act of digital sleight of hand: Indonesian IPs and Indian IPs actually appear from Singapore, thus bridging the distance. When the illusion goes astray, the Ghana IP might suddenly surprise users by gesturing from Germany. But at least these clever maneuvers keep the connections running smooth, especially for users south of the equator.
Extra features of ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN does not sit like a masterwork with features like NordVPN or Surfshark, something that hardcore users may look for and feel is missing. The highlight is the focused simplicity and reliable execution. Now let us get into the four core features that make ExpressVPN a terrific choice, besides having a very strong server network.
Network Lock kill switch
Imagine your online activity to be a secret mission. Network Lock, ExpressVPN’s kill switch, or “Network Protection” on mobile, is your digital bodyguard. If your VPN connection should ever fail for a moment, immediately the doors to the internet close, preventing any data from leaking outside the secured VPN tunnel. It is an invisible force field; until you either reconnect to ExpressVPN or manually switch off Network Lock, the internet access remains locked down and helps to keep your sensitive information away from prying eyes.
ExpressVPN’s kill switch is called Network Lock on desktop, and Network Protection on mobile (Android pictured)
(Sam Chapman for Engadget)
Think that public Wi-Fi is safe? Think twice. A reprehensibly evil exploit, called TunnelVision, has enabled hackers to lay intricately detailed traps in front of clever users: fake Wi-Fi networks that lead the unsuspecting victim through bogus VPN servers to steal data. Though this threat remains rare, it remains very much real. The best defense is a VPN kill switch. Think of it as your last safety net; the switch will cut your connection in a jiffy anytime you are not connected to the real VPN network, hence making sure that your data never goes into the wrong hands.
Network Lock: Your VPN’s proverbial panic button, but with an easy on-and-off switch. A simple toggle for the kill switch is enough to cut the entire internet if the VPN goes away. Want to keep accessing your printer and smart devices while locked down? That is on by default, granting you secure access to the local network even under the aegis of VPN protection.
Threat manager, ad blocker and parental controls
Thatvery-so-called “Advanced Protection” with ExpressVPN is really one triple danger against digital annoyances and threats. Think of Threat Manager as a real security presence; subjecting trackers to its iron fist and barring with just two easy switches any entry to shady malware hubs from your browser in a matter of seconds. It’s almost like giving your browser VIP access to a cleaner and safer Internet environment. This is just one dimension of the “Advanced Protection,” however, of course; the entire digital package includes an ad blocker and parental controls to bolster their digital peace of mind.
Check any of these boxes to use the pre-set blocklists whenever you’re connected to ExpressVPN.
(Sam Chapman for Engadget)
ExpressVPN’s blocklists? Think curated art exhibit, not customizable defense system. They proudly display their sources, revealing a commitment to transparency. But remember, these lists are reactive, identifying threatsafterthey’ve emerged. For cutting-edge, real-time protection against the unknown? You’ll still need a dedicated antivirus standing guard.
Tired of banner ads? They close the door on ads almost every time. Once clicked, all get blocked. But wait, YouTube and Netflix visitants video ads have managed to seep in through the cracks.
Concerned about your kids viewing inappropriate content online? ExpressVPN has a toggle for parental controls with which you can immediately block the access to all pornographic websites. It is just a simple safety measure; however, this can operate only when ExpressVPN is on. The option can be thought of as a first line of defense. For the utmost safety, blend this one with a very strong parental control set at the device level that completely protects all VPN settings so that the child will not have the means to workoround the parental control barring you already have installed.
Split tunneling
Imagine your internet connection being a two-lane highway. At times you want to just zoom to your destination without any detours or exits. Once in a while, a discrete exit is required-plan was made to view region-specific content or just to offer more privacy. Split tunneling is the secret exit. It allows users to route some of their internet traffic through an armored car VPN for sensitive data, while other applications go through their regular connection. One best thing about split tunneling is that by encrypting only what needs to be encrypted, you usually get faster speeds to enjoy with your seamless streaming and browsing.
You can configure split tunneling through either a blocklist or an allowlist.
(Sam Chapman for Engadget)
Split tunneling is another handy feature with ExpressVPN, available on Windows, Android, and old versions of macOS (10 and below). It’s basically a VIP digital lane where you send app-wise traffic through your VPN, while everything else actually drives on your usual internet connection. Not great if you’re into site-wide selection, but powerful just the same. Picture this: huge torrent download going in the background through the VPN, yet another browsing session full of cat videos on the direct unprotected connection; no lag whatsoever.
ExpressVPN Aircove router
ExpressVPN might have the tendency to be predictable or reliable. But you should spoil that thought when it is about routing. The ExpressVPN Aircove is not merely playing the game; it is rewriting the rules. To the best of our knowledge, it is the only router that features a fully integrated commercial VPN with its own command center.
No mess with router settings! The setup is so intuitive that it feels like using the ExpressVPN app you know and love. Imagine routing your laptop through London only to have your TV stream from New York, thanks to Aircove’s device-specific location control. Say goodbye to tech headaches and let your router do the unlocking of VPN possibilities.
Aircove is a threat to your wallet. At $189, and before even factoring in the subscription for ExpressVPN, we’re talking about three times the price of an average router flashed with free VPN software. Is this plug and play dock able to fetch such a premium? For a few, the price of convenience is very well worth paying.
ExpressVPN customer support options
The help pages on ExpressVPN seem to be worthy of an award. Live chat, however, is a gamble: one gets quick answers to trivial questions while, for difficult questions, one may get stuck waiting. One silver lining: real people hang on, clamoring for right answers over fast answers.
In other words, ExpressVPN’s support services are just a few clicks away! Availability of instant live support chat and email support has been embedded within the mobile apps. (The support is just as good for desktop users with just a quick jump into the website to get there.)
(Sam Chapman for Engadget)
Imagine the situation where you hit the delete button on your ExpressVPN account, scrubbing all your data from their servers. But then, what happens to the money you paid for that unused subscription time? We put ExpressVPN’s customer support to the test in asking a direct question, “Would I be refunded if I nuke my data and cancel my account?” The answer might shock you, considering their privacy policy.
ExpressVPN has well-organized easy-to-navigate support services. Just think of expressvpn.com/support as a digital spin spot: a well-organized hub. Setup help, anyone? With clear screenshots walking you through each step, the setup guides will surely please visual learners. For the movie buffs out there, there’s also an array of video tutorials. Also, troubleshooting, managing the account, and product information are within an easy reach, neatly categorized for a seamless experience.
Cut out the unnecessary video loop and get right to the solutions. Our troubleshooting-area provides crystal-clear solutions, customer problems that are really considered. Start out with high-level considerations and then target an exact OS-specific issue. Every article has been tested in battle; that is, every article is a solution to an actual user problem.
The live support experience
The account management FAQs had been suggested to us, sure to bring redemption at last; redemption behind a digital labyrinth, the aborted oracle. Thirty days, it announced; a stark deadline extinguishing our hopes. Ignoring the fine print, our “special case” was worthy of more than just robotic pronouncements. We launched straight into live chat, summoned by a button lurking down at the right corner of the FAQ page; it was our time to plead our case.
Live chat is in the bottom-right corner of every page of expressvpn.com.
(Sam Chapman for Engadget)
Bypassing the AI gatekeeper was quite easy. One unsolvable riddle and a click on “talk to a human” and bam-we were talking within a minute. The human touch, though, came with its own challenges-a long, cumbersome silence for at least ten tortuous minutes. But maybe not-so strangely-we actually got the answer straight: Refunds are hard limits on 30 days, period.
Waiting In live chat queue without an answer? Detour ahead! Your only escape? An email support ticket. Sadly, unlike mobile, the Web and desktop apps have no direct email support line-It’s live chat or no support. With that said, mobile entrants get a secret passage straight to email, bypassing the chat gauntlet.
ExpressVPN background check: From founding to Kape Technologies
Operating since 2009, ExpressVPN would be termed as the bastion in the field of the consumer VPN, with great experience spanning the digital terrain. They have been acting as the tightrope walker on the rim of privacy for over fifteen years, with no great fall, arguably because of the stated policies but it must be noted that the journey hasn’t been completely smooth.
Headquarters in the British Virgin Islands
From inception, the founders decided to channel their start-up towards the British Virgin Islands, the paradise of online privacy. Imagine a legal landscape where user data vanishes like whispers in the wind. The BVIs offer exactly that- no mandatory retention of data, and removal of data being so difficult that it almost requires a Supreme Court order.
The British Virgin Islands created their first-ever Data Protection Act back in 2021, an act that danced to the tune of the EU gold-standard privacy regime. In theory, this law shuts the door on companies snooping on your data, irrespective of location. But then, the Office of the Information Commissioner, the agency empowered to enforce this mighty Act, appears to… not exist? We searched endlessly but found no trace of a head or staff. Is this bold privacy promise just ink on paper?
A no-logs claim, as ExpressVPN puts it; then, it all stands on the balance of trust. No lawforcestheir hand, yet nothingpreventsthem from monitoring your activity. The ultimate question: Is their word enough? Let’s dig deeper and examine the evidence.
Security and privacy incidents
This chilling incident in ExpressVPN’s 16-year history defines the intricacies encircling the concept of digital privacy. After Andrei Karlov, the ambassador of Russia to Turkey was assassinated, traces were sought in the alleged assassin’s digital footprint. The Turkish police believed that the assassin had used ExpressVPN to hide his identity while he was deleting data on social media. ExpressVPN’s server was even seized by the authorities in search of incriminating evidence. Result? A dead end. Despite all the glare, the VPN provided no evidence-the showcase of its no-logs policy in action!
With authorities coming right at their doorstep, this is the acid test of a VPN’s privacy. There is absolutely no room for marketing fluff or staged demos; hence, there is only the cold harsh reality. Remember ExpressVPN in Turkey? For eight years it has been the gold standard against which privacy commitment is measured. Let’s just hope their commitment does not go sour with age.
Imagine a VPN built to cloak your online activity, it ironically ended up sending fragments of your browsing history right to your internet provider. This is what had happened with ExpressVPN’s Windows version 12 starting sometime in March, 2024. The CNET researcher uncovered a flaw where the split tunneling feature that allowed some traffic through the VPN while leaving other traffic alone would occasionally give away the leakage. In short, even when connected to the so-called protection server of ExpressVPN, some users ended up having their DNS requests leaking and their browsing habits showing up in plain sight.
A glitch, not a big one and affecting only a handful of users, posed a threat to ExpressVPN. To their credit, they reacted with the speed of a cornered cat. The vulnerability, pointed out first by a hawk-eyed researcher, was gone by April. While everyone is applauding the swiftness of their action, one cloud of suspicion lingers: the fact that a journalist’s pen cracked their armor and not their internal check.
Kape Technologies ownership and management questions
The VPN giant does so on a quiet scale to consolidate strength. Under Kape Technologies, an Israeli-owned but UK-based firm, it doesn’t just acquire single VPN stores–it builds empires. They took a majority stake in ExpressVPN in 2021, making it an addition to their powerful network consisting of CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, and Zenmate (now part of CyberGhost). But there remains a spicy little titbit: Kape also owns Webselenese, publishers of the VPN review sites WizCase and vpnMentor. This presents a conflict of interest, casting doubts over the objectivity of the reviews and whether a company can in good faith be on both sides of the table, so to speak-to the benefit of both the VPNs and the sites reviewing them.
ExpressVPN denies meddling with Webselenese site content referring to the disclosures. (There is an example at wizcase.com/about-us/.) Still, this is one reminder:Judge those VPN reviews. Know who’s pulling the strings (Engadget’s Yahoo ownership is VPN-free).
In order to understand Kape, one needs to understand how its money got to its owner, Teddy Sagi. Sagi’s past is a tangled web: a stint in an Israeli prison, a cameo in the Pandora Papers, and more recently, a business empire built on online gambling, fintech, and high-stakes real estate deals. On the other hand, an ExpressVPN representative told me that Kape’s brands functioned independently of each other, and our own investigation did not find evidence of interference with ExpressVPN’s software or day-to-day operations; but Sagi’s very colorful history gives one pause.
The company had its technological helm in the hands of Daniel Gericke from 2019 to 2023. Very soon after his appointment, the shadow cast upon the company by his past would come to the fore. Unbeknownst to many at that time, Gericke had served as CTO even while he was collaborating with the US Justice Department in an investigation that ultimately led to his involvement in Project Raven. This was a secret surveillance operation allegedly undertaken by the UAE to spy upon its own citizens. Gericke and two others had to pay a large fine because of it.
The decision to hire the former ETA leader caused an uproar with ExpressVPN going into full-on public relations mode to defend its choice. “To build the ultimate defense, you need insights from the best offense,” they reasoned in explaining the contentious hire. Another spokeswoman repeated that ExpressVPN firmly stands behind its original statement.
According to Gericke’s LinkedIn profile, he exited ExpressVPN in October 2023. The reasons, however, remain under wraps; but one thing is sure: ExpressVPN’s professed security and privacy stance does seem to have changed since entering into the domain with Kape, Sagi, and Gericke.
ExpressVPN’s past: history, or a real deal-breaker? The Kape Technologies/Teddy Sagi connection will raise some eyebrows. If their reputation stopping you, consider other premium VPNs. Still on the fence? CNET’s report in 2022 on ExpressVPN’s corporate history takes a closer look.
Final verdict
New to VPNs? Get ExpressVPN. Seriously, in a matter of minutes you would be streaming geo-blocked content, and there is no need for any kind of tech degree. So very much user-friendly that it can almost be considered to install itself. Whereas, ExpressVPN has so fast speeds actually distributed over the biggest global network, one would could say “Buffering? What?” It costs more than what you will get in your supermarket discount bin. Yet for all that, the great performance and simple enjoyment you get from it are worth their weight in gold: Consider it a payment toward peace of mind (and uninterrupted binge-watching).
Now, it used to be that ExpressVPN was always the ultimate undisputed champion. Unlike NordVPN, a user cannot put down a pin with custom server locations. There is no double VPN with Surfshark mastery. Corporate shadows will raise an eyebrow over-proportionally when compared to clean-cut Proton VPN. And, if you ever think about cut-and-dry sneak-offs behind the Great Firewall, then just stop fantasizing. China has taken a scent on ExpressVPN, whereas Mullvad is still in the clandestine zone.
True online privacy, location spoofing on the go, and easy geo-block circumventing have to be filed under ExpressVPN: your dependable candidate. Think of it as a screw-driver in one’s digital toolbox-ordinary, but it always does the trick. For the vast majority of users (about 95%), that is really all there is to it, and this VPN does not-day-in-day-out-let you down.
Thanks for reading ExpressVPN review 2025: Fast speeds and a low learning curve
