ExpressVPN Review 2025 – Everything You Need To Know

Why Trust Techopedia
Our Verdict

ExpressVPN is One of the Best Premium VPN Vendors on the Market

ExpressVPN is one of the best VPN service providers around with industry-leading speeds, premium security features, and excellent customer service.

Whether you want a VPN for torrenting, gaming, streaming, or secure browsing, ExpressVPN fits the bill. Security features include a kill switch, split tunneling, and options for dedicated IPs. That said, be prepared to pay a little more as ExpressVPN isn’t the cheapest VPN out there. Nevertheless, users agree that it’s well worth the money.

Pros

  • Great at unblocking services and bypassing geo-blocks
  • Strict no-logs policy
  • Proven security with multiple independent audits
  • Very easy to set up
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • No free plan for PC
  • Slightly more expensive than competitors

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’s 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.

What is ExpressVPN?

ExpressVPN is a leading Virtual Private Network (VPN) provider that offers a fast and reliable service and prioritizes online security. Friends Peter Burchhardt and Dan Pomerantz founded the company in 2009 to create a service that protected individual online freedoms.

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?

ExpressVPN Connection Options
ExpressVPN connection options

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 Encryption

ExpressVPN uses Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)-256 encryption, which is the industry standard among VPN providers. This gives added security when transferring data by scrambling it so it can’t be traced.

It’s the same advanced encryption that the U.S. government uses, adding an extra layer of confidence when using ExpressVPN’s services.

ExpressVPN Tunneling Protocols

ExpressVPN Protocols
ExpressVPN VPN protocols

ExpressVPN supports the Lightway and OpenVPN protocols, with both UDP and TCP.

Lightway is ExpressVPN’s own custom-made VPN protocol. It was built for speed and security and aims to minimize the possibility of data leaks. It also has just 2,000 lines of code, making it highly efficient and easy to audit, and the protocol has undergone third-party assessment to confirm its security.

OpenVPN, on the other hand, is a widely used open-source protocol that’s highly secure but can have a significant impact on connection speeds. ExpressVPN previously supported PPTP, SSTP, and L2TP/IPsec but no longer does so.

ExpressVPN TrustedServer Technology

ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technology is designed to further protect your data. Its VPN servers run on RAM and are erased with every reboot, so your data is never written to a hard drive where it could be read or copied.

What’s more, the firm reinstalls the full software stack with every server startup, preventing intruders from remaining on the system after it is powered off.

ExpressVPN Logging Policy

Like many of the best VPN providers, ExpressVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy. This means that it doesn’t copy or track your data or DNS queries, and it doesn’t keep activity or VPN connection logs.

If a government agency tried to access your VPN data or even issued a court order, there would be nothing to share because ExpressVPN doesn’t keep a record of your activity. This ensures your privacy by keeping your traffic fully anonymous when you use ExpressVPN to access the web.

ExpressVPN’s service has been audited multiple times for security and privacy by firms like KPMG, Cure53, and PwC.

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 Server Network

ExpressVPN maintains a large global server network, helping to ensure a reliable connection is always available when needed and with plenty of options for evading geo-blocks. It has servers in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa, with 3,000+ servers in 105 server locations.

I particularly liked the ExpressVPN Smart Location tool, which automatically connects you to the best available connection based on metrics like download speeds, latency, and distance. This is ideal for beginners, taking the guesswork out of the process.

Simultaneous Connections and Bandwidth

ExpressVPN allows eight simultaneous connections. This is acceptable for most domestic purposes but not the best available, given that there are VPNs like Surfshark that offer unlimited devices.

One major benefit of ExpressVPN plans, though, is that they offer unlimited bandwidth. This means you can use the service all you like without worrying about ExpressVPN throttling your traffic.

Network Lock

Express VPN's network lock
Express VPN’s network lock

Most VPN providers offer a kill switch, which automatically blocks all internet traffic in the event that your connection drops, helping ensure third parties can’t access your data while you’re unprotected.

ExpressVPN’s version of the feature is called Network Lock, and I found it effective and easy to use in my testing.

Split Tunneling

Devices on Express VPN
Devices on Express VPN

ExpressVPN also offers split tunneling, allowing you to divide your internet traffic so some of it is routed through the VPN tunnel while the remaining traffic gets the benefit of unencrypted internet speeds.

This gives you more control over what’s protected and what isn’t and allows you to access the internet from multiple locations at once. You can choose how you use it, and it works across popular systems, including Windows, Mac, Android, and routers.

ExpressVPN Threat Manager

With ExpressVPN, you also get access to its Threat Manager. This is a DNS-based traffic blocker that stops trackers and blocks malicious sites.

ExpressVPN maintains a blocklist of servers that can’t access your device, so you know your online information is always safe. You can use Threat Manager on any of your devices and on your Aircove router.

Ad Blocker and Parental Controls

Your ExpressVPN plan also comes with an ad blocker. Stopping ads from loading means you get faster internet speeds while using less data and bandwidth, making it a win-win for VPN users.

Parents will also be comforted to know they can access ExpressVPN Parental Controls, which block explicit content and adult sites on children’s devices. I found the feature quite intuitive in my tests – you simply toggle it on in ExpressVPN’s settings to activate it and add the URLs you wish to block.

ExpressVPN Keys Password Manager

Express VPN's password manager
Express VPN’s password manager

ExpressVPN also comes with a built-in password manager, which can conveniently store your passwords, credit card information, and private notes.

You can easily access stored information and automatically input details when needed, and there’s no limit to the number of passwords you can store.

Furthermore, if a password is identified as being vulnerable or it’s exposed in a data breach, ExpressVPN will let you know right away so you can quickly take steps to protect yourself.

ExpressVPN Aircove Router

Express VPN's Aircove router
Express VPN’s Aircove router

Another notable offering from ExpressVPN is its Aircove router. This Wi-Fi 6 router comes with the VPN service already built in, giving you faster speeds of up to 1,200 Mbps, so you can simultaneously stream 4K HD on multiple screens without any hiccups.

It’s secure, too, having been audited by cybersecurity firm Cure53, which found it to have a robust level of security. It also works with devices that often aren’t compatible with VPNs, such as gaming consoles, smart TVs, and smart home appliances.

Set up is easy, meanwhile, allowing you to connect to up to five VPN locations at the same time. You can also manage the integrated parental controls to suit your preferences to help keep your children safe.

Nearly every ExpressVPN Aircove review I’ve seen has been positive, and customers praise it as an intuitive, effective solution for full home coverage.

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’ve seen 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, macOS, and Linux

ExpressVPN is compatible with Windows and is available for download on versions 11, 10, 8, and 7. For other recommendations, see our guide to the best VPNs for Windows.

ExpressVPN also 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 supports Linux PCs 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 and iOS

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.

In addition, ExpressVPN’s iOS app 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 TVs and Routers

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.

As well as offering the Aircove Router, ExpressVPN can be installed on a wide range of compatible routers, like Asus, Linksys, and Netgear, allowing you to connect an unlimited number of devices to your account.

Is ExpressVPN Good For Streaming on Netflix and Other Services?

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?

ExpressVPN for Netflix

Netflix is available in nearly 200 countries, including the U.S., U.K., Australia, India, Japan, France, and Germany. The availability of shows and movies varies based on your location, so having a VPN allows you to use a server in another country to access its library.

In my Express VPN review testing, I found it to be effective, with a fast and easy setup and seamless access to virtually all international Netflix libraries. Read our best VPN for Netflix guide for further analysis.

ExpressVPN for Max, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer

In my testing, I found ExpressVPN to be effective for streaming Max, Hulu, Disney+, and the BBC iPlayer with minimal lag or buffering, as well as for unblocking foreign content libraries. Being able to run the VPN on routers and smart TVs makes the process even easier.

Is ExpressVPN Good For Torrenting?

Is ExpressVPN legit? When it comes to torrenting, it’s a resounding yes, and the provider wins my vote as one of the best VPNs for torrenting. It boasts extremely fast speeds while protecting your privacy with a no-logs policy. ExpressVPN can handle large files with ease and without restrictions on your bandwidth.

Is ExpressVPN Good For Gaming?

ExpressVPN is also one of the best VPNs for gaming. Its large server network ensures you can find the right server in the right location for the game you need. The VPN will also protect your privacy and ensure your anonymity while you game, so players can’t hack or dox you based on your online activity.

Methodology

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 $3.39/month + 3 months Excellent Compatibility, Large Network, Meshnet Feature 10 6,800+ servers in 111+ countries 7-day trial on Android
Surfshark $2.19/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 $2.14/month Large Server Network, Affordable Plans, Privacy Tools 10 6,000+ servers in 65+ countries 7-day trial for $0.99

ExpressVPN vs NordVPN

NordVPN offers excellent connection speeds and a huge global server network, which has grown significantly in recent years – and like ExpressVPN, it has its own proprietary VPN protocol.

Both providers also include web security features, password managers, and ad blocking, but ExpressVPN now offers identity protection features at a lower cost than NordVPN, which has moved them to a new top-tier plan.

ExpressVPN vs Surfshark

ExpressVPN and Surfshark are two of the strongest VPNs on the market, but Surfshark comes in a fair bit cheaper than ExpressVPN.

In addition, Surfshark is the best provider on the market that offers unlimited connections with its plans. While you can achieve something similar by setting up ExpressVPN on a router, this won’t be ideal for all users.

PureVPN vs ExpressVPN

PureVPN has a solid reputation with an audited no-logs policy and robust security features, and like Surfshark, it’s a fair bit cheaper than ExpressVPN.

That said, it doesn’t offer a free trial – requiring a $0.99 payment for testing – and while it has a large number of servers, these are spread over fewer countries than ExpressVPN reaches. Is ExpressVPN worth it? In this case, I’d say yes.

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.

  1. 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.

    <strong>Download the ExpressVPN client</strong>
  2. 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.

    <strong>Set up the VPN app</strong>
  3. 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.

    <strong>Install the app</strong>
  4. Begin ExpressVPN set-up

    The ExpressVPN app will open automatically. Click “Sign In” and enter your activation code.

    <strong>Begin ExpressVPN set-up</strong>
  5. 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.

    <strong>Configure ExpressVPN</strong>
  6. 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.

    <strong>Connect to a VPN server</strong>

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.

When I first heard about ExpressVPN on a podcast I thought, “That sounds like it might be complicated to set up and use.” Luckily, I didn’t listen to myself for long. I finally signed up and was actually astonished at how simple it was to set up an account and get started. I love it. And I feel FAR more secure in today’s everything-online-all-the-time landscape knowing that ExpressVPN keeps me safe.

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.

Express VPN buy it because it’s worth it. Express VPN has allowed me to access online services without ISP interference. Some sites are starting to block VPNs however with Express I haven’t run into that too often. Paired with a good ad blocker and anti-malware app it helps keep my phone and PC problem free. Remember if you are not paying for the service then you are the customer. Express doesn’t harass you with ads or “upgrade” offers. One payment a year and [you’re] set with one of the best digital services on the market. 5/5 can’t surf without it.

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.

Bottom Line

ExpressVPN is an overall great service with a well-rounded feature set and robust privacy and security features. It also excels at geo-unblocking and is among the most user-friendly VPNs I’ve tested.

Its only drawback is the comparatively steep pricing, but you do get a lot in return. Plus its free trial for mobile devices and generous 30-day money-back guarantee let you test it thoroughly before committing.

FAQs

What is ExpressVPN?

How much is ExpressVPN?

How many devices does ExpressVPN support?

What is ExpressVPN used for?

Who owns ExpressVPN?

Is ExpressVPN safe?

Where is ExpressVPN located?

Tsvetomir Koychev
Editor

Tsvetomir is a tech-savvy Editor and Writer, focused on online privacy and security. With close to five years of experience in the field, he strives to simplify complex topics and fact-check every detail to ensure his readers always get the most accurate information.