ExpressVPN is one of the best VPN providers around and has made a name for itself with its fast connections, easy-to-use interface, and 24/7 customer support. My complete ExpressVPN review will provide everything you need to know about the service and how it performs for streaming, gaming, torrenting, and secure browsing.
It is a slightly pricier VPN, though, which is why it’s helpful to know exactly what’s included and how it ranks against the best VPN services on the market, based on my experience of thoroughly testing each solution.
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What is ExpressVPN?
ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs available today, with over four million subscribers and an enormous server network spread across more than 105 countries. Its team members are located in over 20 cities around the world, and its app is available in 17 languages. In this guide, I’ll fully review ExpressVPN, and its features, plans, and functionality.
Where is ExpressVPN Based?
ExpressVPN has its company headquarters in the British Virgin Islands and has no legal requirement to store user information. This also puts it outside the 14 Eyes intelligence alliance.
How Much Does ExpressVPN Cost? ExpressVPN Plans & Pricing
Things are kept simple with ExpressVPN with just one plan, which you can subscribe to monthly, annually, or for two years – and ExpressVPN offers significant discounts for longer-term subscriptions.
ExpressVPN Plans | Price |
---|---|
1 Month | $12.95/month |
12 months + 4 months free | $6.25/month |
24 months + 6 months free | $4.99/month |
The ExpressVPN price you pay includes a number of features and tools. There’s an ad blocker, a Threat Manager, which blocks malicious sites and trackers, and a password manager that allows you to store your passwords for all your favorite sites.
ExpressVPN also includes parental controls, limiting access to adult content and preventing children from accidentally stumbling on inappropriate sites. All plans also come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Is ExpressVPN free? No, there’s no free plan, but you can test the product for seven days on Android and iOS with a free trial. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can be assured you’re protected if the product doesn’t work out for you.
Is ExpressVPN Safe and Secure?
One of the things buyers want to know is if VPNs are safe and, more importantly, is ExpressVPN safe? Based on my testing and research, the answer is yes. ExpressVPN plans prioritize security with several specific features that help protect your identity online.
ExpressVPN Features
ExpressVPN offers a range of excellent features with its plans that help to protect your security and anonymity. I’ll now explore each of the Express VPN features in detail.
ExpressVPN Performance
Following our comprehensive testing methodology, I conducted extensive testing of ExpressVPN’s performance and the speed of its connections. I recorded a standard, unencrypted internet connection as a benchmark and then tracked the data transfer speed with ExpressVPN connected to different servers around the world, testing three times a day over an extended period to ensure I had a full view of the provider’s performance.
Based on these results, I found that ExpressVPN came in the upper middle of the pack, with downloads running at an average of 53%+ of an unprotected connection and uploads at 56%, or around 500Mbps to 600Mbps with a 1Gbps connection. This fell behind Surfshark and NordVPN, which recorded download speeds of 73% and 71%, respectively.
See our guide to the fastest VPNs for more detailed analysis.
ExpressVPN Compatibility and Ease of Use
ExpressVPN offers some of the broadest compatibility I saw among VPN providers. You can use ExpressVPN with:
- Desktops and laptops – Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
- Smartphones and tablets – Android, iOS, Amazon Kindle Fire
- Routers – including the ExpressVPN Aircove router
- Smart TV systems
- Network-assisted storage devices
Here are further details about ExpressVPN’s compatibility and my experience of using the service across different devices.
ExpressVPN for Windows
ExpressVPN is compatible with Windows and is available for download on Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7. For other recommendations, see our guide to the best VPNs for Windows.
ExpressVPN for macOS
ExpressVPN works on all Apple desktop and laptop computers, including MacBook, iMac, and Mac mini devices. It also runs natively on Apple silicon (M1 and M2) models. Read our guide to the best Mac VPNs for alternatives.
ExpressVPN for Linux
ExpressVPN works for Linux as well and is compatible with Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Raspberry Pi OS, Linux Mint, and Arch.
Both 64-bit and 32-bit versions are available, with the exception of Raspberry Pi OS, which is 32-bit only. ExpressVPN also provides setup instructions for Kali, Zorin OS, and Pop!_OS, among others.
ExpressVPN for Android
You can use ExpressVPN with your Android phone, tablet, or TV.
There’s compatibility for Android 14, 13, 12L, 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, and Lollipop, covering devices from firms like Samsung, Huawei, Motorola, Google Pixel, and Xiaomi. This makes it ideal for addressing issues with public Wi-Fi.
ExpressVPN is also available as an APK (Android package kit), so you don’t have to go through Google Play for access. See our guide to the best VPNs for Android for alternatives.
ExpressVPN for iOS
ExpressVPN has an iOS app and works with all current models of iPhone, including iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone SE (3rd, 2nd, and 1st generation), and the iPhone XS – all the way back to the iPhone 6S.
There’s also wide support for iPad devices, including the iPad Pro, iPad Mini, and iPad Air. See our guide to the best VPNs for iPhone for more recommendations.
ExpressVPN for Smart TV
ExpressVPN works with smart TVs, too. It’s compatible with popular systems like Samsung, Android, Sony, and Apple TV and will work with your Fire Stick, Roku, and Chromecast.
ExpressVPN for Routers
As well as offering the Aircove Router, ExpressVPN can be installed on a wide range of compatible routers, allowing you to connect an unlimited number of devices to your account.
ExpressVPN can be set up on routers from Asus, Linksys, and Netgear and can be manually configured on other devices.
Is ExpressVPN Good For Streaming on Netflix and Other Services?
When it comes to VPN statistics, ExpressVPN is a leader. ExpressVPN is able to provide unblocking services for popular streaming services, such as Netflix, (HBO) Max, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, making it one of the best VPNs for streaming online and abroad. But is Express VPN good for torrenting and gaming?
How We Review and Test VPN Services
20 VPNS TESTED
25 DATA POINTS MEASURED
300+ HOURS TESTING
500+ USER REVIEWS READ
To provide our readers with accurate and well informed recommendations, we tested 20 leading VPN services to find the best in the market. Our methodology consists of the following criteria:
- Security Features: We made sure that the provider uses standard security features and a secure tunneling protocol.
- Privacy Policies: We looked for VPNs that come with a no-logs policy, and verify the extend to which user privacy is upheld.
- Speed: We run speed tests three times a day and draw an average of the result to see how much of the original broadband speed is retained.
- Compatibility: We ensure the VPN provider offers multiple simultaneous connections and is compatible with the most popular operating systems.
- Geo-unblocking: We test whether the VPN service can unlock different libraries (content available in different countries) on the most popular streaming platforms.
- Customer Experience: When researching products and services, we read real user experiences and test out their customer support channels ourselves.
- Price and Value for Money: We set out to recommend reasonably priced products that offer value for money.
ExpressVPN vs Top VPN Providers
To see how ExpressVPN stacks up against the competition, here’s a look at the best VPNs today. For further analysis, read our ExpressVPN vs NordVPN and Surfshark vs ExpressVPN guides.
ExpressVPN Alternatives | Starting Price | Key Features | Simultaneous Connections | Server Network | Free Version / Trial |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ExpressVPN | $4.99/month + 4 months free | Unlimited Bandwidth, Fast Speeds, Global Network | 8 | 3,000 servers in 105+ countries | 7-day iOS and Android trial |
NordVPN | $2.99/month + 3 months | Excellent Compatibility, Large Network, Meshnet Feature | 10 | 6,700+ servers in 111+ countries | 7-day trial on Android |
Surfshark | $1.99/month + 3 months | Unlimited Connections, VPN Bypasser, Clean Web Security | Unlimited | 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries | 7-day Mac, Android, and iOS trial |
PureVPN | $1.99/month | Large Server Network, Affordable Plans, Privacy Tools | 10 | 6,000+ servers in 65+ countries | 7-day trial for $0.99 |
You can also see our NordVPN review, our Surfshark VPN review, and our PureVPN review for additional details and coverage.
How to Use ExpressVPN – Quick Guide
So, how does ExpressVPN work? Not everyone knows how to set up and use a VPN, but ExpressVPN makes it easy.
Download the ExpressVPN client
Go to ExpressVPN and choose the plan that works best for you. Once you log in, you can click the Download button to begin downloading the right version for your operating system.
Set up the VPN app
ExpressVPN helpfully provides setup instructions for Mac, Windows, and Linux. For the purposes of this guide, I’ll use a Mac.
Install the app
You’ll see a message reading, “This package will run a program to determine if the software can be installed.” Click “Continue” until the Installation Type screen comes up. Choose the destination and click “Install.” Close the window when complete.
Begin ExpressVPN set-up
The ExpressVPN app will open automatically. Click “Sign In” and enter your activation code.
Configure ExpressVPN
If you receive a prompt to add ExpressVPN IKEv2 to VPN configurations, click “Allow.” You’ll also need to choose whether to launch ExpressVPN on startup and can choose whether to share anonymous diagnostics with ExpressVPN, stripped of IP addresses.
Connect to a VPN server
Click the connect button. ExpressVPN will automatically show the best location for you, labeled “Smart Location.” Once connected, you can begin to surf the web privately and securely.
Customer Support and ExpressVPN Reviews from Users
ExpressVPN offers 24/7 customer support via live chat in case you have any issues. In my testing, I found the customer support service to be knowledgeable, polite, and helpful. The ExpressVPN representative I spoke to was able to help me resolve a simple issue fairly quickly, and I found the live chat to be easy to find and use.
While there’s no phone support available, the website contains helpful resources, with tons of guides and articles to assist you with finding the answer to your question.
Express VPN TrustPilot review
On Trustpilot, ExpressVPN has an excellent 4.3/5, with 89% of users giving the provider four or five stars. In their ExpressVPN reviews, customers praise the provider for prompt and helpful customer support and a fast, efficient VPN service that’s easy to use. Users also appreciate the built-in IP address checker.
Trustpilot ExpressVPN user reviews
Where users have complaints in their Express VPN reviews, they generally relate to the provider’s slightly higher pricing when compared to its competitors.
FAQs
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References
- Who is on ExpressVPN’s blocklists? (ExpressVPN)
- Are Public Wi-Fi Networks Safe? What You Need To Know (FTC Consumer Advice)
- PwC audits ExpressVPN servers to confirm essential privacy protections (ExpressVPN)
- ExpressVPN’s protections examined in 2 new independent audits, by KPMG and Cure53 (ExpressVPN)
- NordVPN verifies its no-logs claim for the fourth time (NordVPN)
- Surfshark’s no-logs statement gets verified by Deloitte (Surfshark)
- PureVPN’s consistent privacy standards: Fourth no-logs audit affirms user trust (PureVPN)