Rachel Lyles 
Today, many VPN providers are offering high-end, secure, and reliable services to ensure safe web surfing experience for their users. However, you might still be wondering whether it is true at all, or whether the merits of such services are a bit exaggerated.
Well, in the following review of ExpressVPN, we are going to reveal the truth by speaking about one of the most trusted VPN technologies existing on today’s market. After reading this ExpressVPN review, you’ll know exactly where to find a high-performing, completely protected and perfectly designed VPN for safe Internet browsing. Features
It also allows maintaining the security of the web connection so that its users may not be concerned about the misuse of their private data. What is more, ExpressVPN can be used on five devices simultaneously being fully compatible with such operating systems like Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, macOS, and others.
No matter what goals you pursue, be it online shopping, browsing the Internet resources, or saving video or audio recordings from torrents, it is completely safe and easy to use Express VPN. With this service, you can stay anonymous whenever the need arises. It is one of the best providers in the world.
Our questions to ExpressVPN
- What is ExpressVPN?
- Is ExpressVPN good, secure and speed?
- How to use ExpressVPN?
- How does ExpressVPN work?
- What about features?
- How much is the ExpressVPN cost?
- ExpressVPN and Torrenting, Netflix and other services
What Do You Get with ExpressVPN?
Although ExpressVPN is highly acclaimed among users who are in need of safe web browsing technologies, it still has both benefits and shortcomings as will be discussed further.
- Great connection speed on all tests locations
- Zero logs policy
- Use torrents with no restrictions
- Unblocks all streaming platforms, including Netflix US and BBC iPlayer
- Huge server infrastructure
- Solid rock protection
- Supports almost every imaginable platform and device
- Customer-oriented 24/7/365 support via a variety of channels
- High price for 1 month subscription
- Only 3 devices can be operated at the same time
However, if you are looking for premium-level security while surfing the web, ExpressVPN is definitely the best choice. This VPN service is based on strong encryption technology that is truly unbeatable among its competitors.
Moreover, such services as ExpressVPN offer many extra privileges. Let’s take a look at the pricing established for the users of ExpressVPN services:
As you can see, ExpressVPN plans are not so reasonably priced in contrast to other options available in the industry. If you choose to pay for a single month, it will cost you $12.95, while half a year period will cost $59.95 — no discounts.
Nonetheless, the most cost-effective pricing of all will be the one that covers 12 months of VPN usage. In case you choose this option, you’ll have to pay $99.95, which is only $8.32 per month. However, it is one of the highest prices on the market.
Moreover, no matter what type of pricing plan you choose, you can get a full refund within 30 days. No explanations are required to get your money back. That is what makes ExpressVPN so attractive to users.
Most customers find it highly appealing that they can save 35% if they choose to pay for a year in advance. That is probably the most popular pricing plan that continues to attract new users day by day.
Various payment tools such as bank credit/debit cards, digital currency (Bitcoin) and PayPal are also available for ExpressVPN users. It is also possible to conduct international monetary transactions with intense simplicity and no trouble due to the partnership of ExpressVPN with Paymentwall.
ExpressVPN Trial Version
The free trial option is available only for mobile applications users. If you are using Android or iOS app with access to Play Store all App Store respectively. You will be able to test the service within 7 days without any restrictions.
However, you can use the VPN only on the device you activated the free trial on. At the same time, all other features are available with no restrictions.
ExpressVPN Money Back
If for any reason you do not like the service, you can request the full refund within 30 days. The refund policy is very straightforward. You contact the support team, tell them you want your money back, and that’s all. They will not ask you any additional questions, additional setup conditions like used amount of traffic, logins, etc. You will not have to fill in the forms. Yes, that easy.
Payment Methods
ExpressVPN supports a huge amount of payment methods to get their subscription. It is great as you are not limited to several ones. So, what systems are supported?
- Bank cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, Visa Electron, Diners Club International
- PayPal
- BitPay (Bitcoin)
- Other payment methods: Alipay, UnionPay, iDEAL, Klarna, WebMoney, Giropay, Yandex Money, Interac Online, Mint, OneCard, Carte Bleue, Maestro, FanaPay, and more.
Privacy and Security
In addition to speed and ease of use, privacy is perhaps the most important aspect of a VPN. Without proper privacy control, information about your activity may be passed on to third parties, and you may not even know about it. That is why you always need to examine all the information about the service thoroughly.
No one will argue that the greatest benefit associated with the use of VPN is the premium-level security and confidentiality that you can enjoy wherever you are. Some countries simply have too harsh regulatory laws where the governments are trying to take control of the Internet space. Therefore, the best solution for the residents of such districts of the world would be to use VPN innovation.
For people downloading movies for free, without using such services, this means receiving a message from an Internet provider about copyright infringement. And for those who use VPN services to watch Netflix in other countries, the only difference will be whether they have an account or are blocked.
Fortunately, ExpressVPN is protected by 256-bit encryption, so your data is protected from hackers. Also, ExpressVPN does not collect your data without your consent, but if you have given your consent, then all this information is anonymous so that no one can track you through it.
ExpressVPN offers a wide range of protocols. The pre-installed option for all users is Select Default Protocol. However, you can also select the following protocols: OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, IPsec, IKEv2, and PPTP. The service also uses an RSA certificate identified by the hashing algorithm SHA-512 of the SHA-2 family. The RSA key belonging to the certificate is 4096 bits long.
Each protocol has a particular combination of speed and security. Therefore, it would be logical to choose a protocol with a less secure function (PPTP), but at high speed to view the video or unlock the site. If you believe that the confidentiality of your requests is of paramount importance, such as using a credit card, then, in this case, you should choose the OpenVPN protocol or SSTP.
IP & DNS Leaks
We used ipleak.net and whoer.net to run several IP and DNS leak tests. They showed no leaks had been identified while using ExpressVPN. As such, you can fully trust this provider as it is properly protected and offers maximum security to every user.
Special Features
TOR Compatibility
ExpressVPN is fully compatible with TOR, even though these technologies used together might reduce the speed of operation a bit, but it is still possible to use them both. Both of these innovations allow achieving a greater level of protection due to the fact that these systems stand for anonymity and privacy accordingly.
Probably the only drawback of their simultaneous use is the speed at which you’ll be surfing the web or performing some other actions using your device. However, it remains a useful way of not only maintaining top-level confidentiality but also staying anonymous.
Kill Switch
Of course, VPN Express has an emergency VPN disconnection system. What is it? This is a system that will prevent the leakage of traffic in case of a sharp disconnection of the VPN connection. So, your IP address will never be identified, and your privacy will be completely safe.
Split tunneling
That is a function that allows you to choose which app will use the VPN traffic, and which one the direct connection. Of course, a VPN is the best way to protect your privacy. However, you may encounter a situation where a VPN connection will not allow you to:
- Gain access to both external and local content at the same time.
- Get access to LAN devices (for example, a printer).
However, using a function such as split tunneling will allow you to use all services and bypass restrictions simultaneously. At the same time, your privacy will be protected.
Logging Policy
ExpressVPN loudly states that the service does not keep any logs and does not store request history when the user is connected to the service. However, it is worth notifying that third-party companies may use some information that you provided during registration. To contact you and learn your experience with the service.
The server to which you connect through the VPN software, as well as the amount of data you used is also stored. That can cause great discomfort to the end-user. The company assures that it is necessary to provide the best service to the user. On the other hand, it may be the service attempts to prevent the user from prolonged abuse of downloading or using the torrent all day.
ExpressVPN Jurisdiction
One of the most important things about the company is that it is based in the British Virgin Islands. Although being technically dependent on the United Kingdom, local legislation is independent here.
Most importantly, there are no formal data protection laws in the British Virgin Islands. VPN companies that decide to justify their interests here are not subject to data retention laws, and ExpressVPN clearly states that they do not register user actions, so it must be accurate.
Performance & Speed
If we talk about the ExpressVPN speed, it is fantastic. When you first use a VPN, you will often notice that your connection has become a bit slower; load time can increase. That is one of the trade-offs you need to go with a VPN, but ExpressVPN outperforms most competitors.
Naturally, your device will run slower when downloading any files, but this will happen no matter whether you are using a VPN or not. But even in this case, you will still be able to check email or Facebook feed with ExpressVPN.
With the fiber connection of 100 Mbps, we got the following results:
- EU (Amsterdam) — ping: 40ms / download: 83.15 Mbps / upload: 51.81Mbps
- US (New York) — ping: 110ms / download: 60.04 Mbps / upload: 30.41 Mbps
- Asia (Hong Kong) — Ping: 292ms / download: 30.26 Mbps / upload: 12.46 Mbps
ExpressVPN for Netflix & Streaming
Streaming has also become a lot more user-oriented with ExpressVPN. Even though the Netflix platform continues to be well-protected with the protocols and other safety measures, it is now possible to unblock it. To access this portal with no restrictions and use the multimedia resources securely and with no extra charges, use the right VPN.
Netflix can be accessed using the servers of ExpressVPN in the USA (New York), UK (London) and Canada (Toronto). That has made things a lot easier for the fans of Netflix and streaming technologies.
The provider is also available to use other streaming options, including Firestick, Popcorn time, and Kodi. It is now extremely easy to unblock preferable online resources with ExpressVPN. Misuse of personal data is no longer a threat either, as this VPN has all anti-fraud measures, all in one place.
ExpressVPN for Torrenting
It is possible to enjoy torrent downloads and streaming with no limits through ExpressVPN. What is more, you may not be concerned about the risk of fraud or any other safety issues that might arise while using online services. Intense protection is what makes ExpressVPN stand out from the rest of the providers and not be like any other VPN service.
So, you can save your favorite audio and video files to your device without absolutely any inconveniences. Forget about any safety concerns, because ExpressVPN is perfectly protected from any malicious actions of wrongdoers.
Customer Support
The support is available via live chat, email, knowledge base, and video tutorials. The support works 24/7/365. They are willing to solve any problem you have faced while running the app, and it is extremely easy to get your problem solved with no fuss.
We tried to contact them at a different time of the day via live chat and email. In the chat, we got a reply within minutes, no matter when we contacted them. Be it early morning or late at night, we got immediate and very informative support. As for email, we were replied in less than an hour. It is an almost perfect result!
Besides, you can find the answer to almost any question yourself in the knowledge base. It is full of detailed instructions with step-by-step guides and even video tutorials. You will find help for any device and platform. That is definitely a competitive approach — the company is always ready to help its clients with any issues and fix any problems they face.
Devices
ExpressVPN supports a huge variety of devices and platforms. You can use it on Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Linux, routers, Android-based Blackberry, Chromebook, Kindle Fire, Nook, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, PlayStation, Apple TV, Xbox, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Nintendo Switch, Samsung Smart TV, Chromecast, Roku, and Nvidia Shield. Almost any device you could ever imagine.
For Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromecast, as well as Android-based smart TVs and TV sticks, some routers, there are very convenient standalone apps. That is the easiest way to use the VPN as you do not need to apply manual settings. Although it is not so difficult, it can frighten the inexperienced users.
Here are some instructions on how to use the app on different platforms.
ExpressVPN for Windows
- Log in to the website, download, and install the application on your PC.
- Enter the activation code in the app window. You can get it in the client area on the website. Sign in to the service.
- To connect to ExpressVPN, in the dropdown menu, select the necessary location you are going to connect.
- Click on the big ON button. If the connection is established successfully, the button will become green.
- To disconnect from the server, click on the same button again — it will get red.
- To change the location, click on the dropdown menu and select the new country and city. The app will reconnect to the new location automatically. Use the search feature to find the necessary server faster.
- To change the protocol, open the app menu, go to Options — Protocol and select the one you would like to use.
ExpressVPN for iOS
ExpressVPN for iOS- Open the App Store app, using the search field, find ExpressVPN app, and install it.
- Open the application, sign in using the login and password you created during the registration.
- When the app requests to create the VPN configuration, tap Allow. Confirm the operation with Touch ID or passcode.
- To connect to ExpressVPN, in the dropdown menu, select the necessary location you are going to connect.
- Tap on the big ON button. If the connection is established successfully, the button will become green.
- To disconnect from the server, tap on the same button again — it will get red.
- To change the location, click on the dropdown menu and select the new country and city. The app will reconnect to the new location automatically. Use the search feature to find the necessary server faster.
- To change the protocol, open the app menu, go to Options — Protocol and select the one you would like to use.
ExpressVPN for Android
ExpressVPN for Android- Open the Play Store app, using the search field, find ExpressVPN app, and install it.
- Open the application, sign in using the login and password you created during the registration.
- Approve the requests to create a VPN connection. You will see the special icon in the notification bar.
- To connect to ExpressVPN, in the dropdown menu, select the necessary location you are going to connect.
- Tap on the big ON button. If the connection is established successfully, the button will become green.
- To disconnect from the server, tap on the same button again — it will get red.
- To change the location, click on the dropdown menu and select the new country and city. The app will reconnect to the new location automatically. Use the search feature to find the necessary server faster.
- To change the protocol, open the app menu, go to Settings — Protocol and select the one you would like to use.
- You are also able to add the shortcuts of the apps or web pages you would like to use the ExpressVPN connection. Go to Settings — App and Website Shortcuts. You can add up to 5 apps or pages and access them from the ExpressVPN home screen.
Browser Extensions
ExpressVPN provides the browser extensions for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. However, you must first install the full application on your Windows, Mac or Linux PC, and activate it. What are the features of the extension?
- Turning the connection on or off in your extension will affect all the apps installed on your computer. What does it mean? You will use the VPN connection not only in your browser but in any other app as the extension directly manages the installed desktop app.
- You can connect, disconnect to a specific server, or change the location the same way as you do in the desktop app. Just click on the dropdown menu, find the location, and click on the big ON button.
- In the extension settings, you’re able to change the language and enable/disable some security options.
ExpressVPN Discount & Coupons
There are several possible ways to get the service for free:
- Refer a friend program. When you invite a friend, and he signs up, you both get 30 free days. Moreover, you get 30 days for each referred friend.
- Future of Privacy Scholarship. You have to write a 600 to 800 essay on the given topic. By August 31, 2019, submit the essay to [email protected]. This year, the topic is:
Technology companies can self-regulate to provide optimal privacy to internet users. The free market will choose the winners to be those companies that best protect their users, without the need for government interference. Do you agree or disagree?
If you are not good at writing and have no friends to refer, the only opportunity to get the discount is to buy the subscription for a year. At the moment, it will save you 35% of the original cost.
Our Verdict
We can say for sure that ExpressVPN is a preferable option for most users. It is so simply because it provides a fascinating range of services that are packed with lots of traditional and extra features for the delight of both web-browsing experts and novice users.
We can say with confidence that ExpressVPN can be recommended to everyone who is in need of fast, secure, and confidential access to Internet resources that are, for some reason, restricted in their country of residence.
Moreover, with such a great variety of services to select from with a highly customer-oriented support team, it is fairly well-priced as well. So, you are not going to regret your choice once you choose this VPN for continuous usage.
It is quick in operation and properly encrypted so that every customer can leave aside any safety concerns or other worries that might come to their mind. According to a large number of reviews regarding this VPN technology, ExpressVPN has been globally recognized and famous for the quickest and most efficient access to limited or blocked resources.
Bottom Line
Such excellent quality of services and extra features are available at a moderate price, even though the pricing of their services is a bit higher than the value of services offered by their competitors.
Nonetheless, here we at least know what benefits we get so we would never regret paying for all the privileges that can be enjoyed with ExpressVPN. Amiable customer service, user-oriented design, easy-to-use interface, and lots of additional benefits are what you will get when using ExpressVPN. Compared to other industry leaders, this VPN will be the best choice for everyone looking for a secure and fast web-surfing experience.
Alternatives for ExpressVPN
at $12.95 a month, this price is completely out of line for an average network. It needs to be readjusted or something.
streaming? torrenting? You name it. This vpn is the coolest just for this alone. I’m happy about it. I feel like I made the best choice.
I’ve had issues that could only be resolved by the customer support. Had to rely on them because I couldn’t understand the technical gibberish I found online. Anyways, they have helped solved majority of my problems and really patient while i blab for minutes on whatever’s wrong.
I purchased this vpn thanks to the advice I received from a friend and I am only here to say netflix works here too y’all. I’m not up for streaming and whatever techy stuff but netflix, I’m chill.
I have always wanted a vpn that was more than safe and highly reliable to use. I am glad I found Expressvpn
no one can make use of three devices simultaneously. I know this because I have tried as well as my friends. Quite disappointing…. i expected better
Need to be protected from the spying government? This is no conspiracy theory….Express vpn will keep you safe. Highly encrypted server, could the world get more digital? I don’t think so.
will I be making the good choice purchasing express VPN? Anyone making use of it here? What do I need to know?
i heard the service is compatible with linux…how true is this? I really don’t want to waste my cash. Answers anyone?
It is 100% compatible with Linux.
the features that come with this provider are getting me crazy. I recommend highly…did I forget to say I recommend once more lol.
honestly, I didn’t have high hopes for this vpn because it had always being dashed but for this… I’m not all nerdy but I think should know when my service performance is totally great
I wouldn’t say the speed is all that, it’s just slightly above average. Totally not what I was expecting at all. Do better!
I was happy the service was compatible with Tor and both can be used at once. However, the speed gets slow when in use together. Please fix it. No one wants a slow service anymore.