ExpressVPN

In a world where our lives and everyday activities are increasingly intertwined with the internet, protecting our online privacy has become paramount.

As I spend a lot of time on the internet, one of my primary concerns over the years is protecting my personal information from prying eyes, whether it’s the government, advertisers, or hackers.

Over the years, I have encountered and used many VPN services to protect my personal information. One of the most trusted and reliable VPN services I’ve used is ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN is one of the world’s most popular VPN companies. If you are looking for a secure, fast, and reliable VPN connection for any device and purpose, I recommend you try ExpressVPN.

But is it really worth the premium price tag?

Before you choose a VPN service, it is good to know what the company offers and what makes it stand out.

In this article, I will evaluate the unique features, performance, and offerings of this VPN company to enable you to decide if it is the right service for your needs. I will also share ExpressVPN’s pros and cons so you will know their strength and weaknesses.

Without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about this VPN company.

About ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN was founded in 2009 by Peter Burchhardt and Dan Pomerantz – two close friends and technology entrepreneurs.

ExpressVPN lets you encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address from hackers, internet service providers, governments, and other third parties.

They provide features and services that will help you protect your online privacy and security.

Interestingly, their services go beyond protecting your online privacy.

With ExpressVPN, you can bypass censorship, access geo-restricted content, and enjoy a better internet experience.

One of the standout features of this company is its thousands of servers. They have over 3,000 servers in 94 countries. The service is also used by over 4 million active subscribers in 180 countries.

With support for a wide range of platforms and devices, you can use this service on:

• iOS
• Android
• Windows
• Game consoles
• Linux
• Smart TVs
• Routers

It also has browser extensions for Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.

They believe we have lost that feeling of individual control and empowerment when using the web, and they are on a mission to enable you to take back that control and experience a free and open internet. You can always rely on them to protect your privacy and security, no matter your level of technical expertise.

ExpressVPN Pros and Cons

There’s hardly a company out there that does not have strengths and weaknesses. It is always best to know the good and bad sides of a product or service before putting your hard-earned money into it.

ExpressVPN has its ups and downs, which I will share with you in this section. Knowing the company’s pros and cons can help streamline your decision-making process.

Pros

• Fast, Secure, and Reliable: I find this VPN service very attractive because it is fast, reliable, and secure. Those are some of the core factors many people look for in a VPN provider. You can rely on them for quality VPN connections across multiple devices. ExpressVPN utilizes advanced protocols, encryptions, and features to protect your online data and identity from any leaks or threats.
• Multiple Servers: Another cool thing about this company is that it has over 3,000 servers across the globe. The multiple servers ensure a low-latency and high-performance internet experience.
• Strict Privacy Policies: ExpressVPN knows the importance of protecting your online privacy, so the company operates a strict no-logs policy as well as a proven track record of protecting its users’ privacy from any requests or interference. This VPN company is based in the British Virgin Islands, which is a privacy-friendly jurisdiction with no mandatory data retention laws or surveillance alliance, so rest assured your information is safe with them.
• Highly Versatile: In addition to providing quality and fast VPN services, ExpressVPN is also known for its high versatility. I love the fact that you can use their services on almost all platforms, including various operating systems, web browsers, smart TVs, and streaming platforms. It works with Netflix, Amazon, Prime Video, Disney+, and more.
• Dedicated Customer Support: We all know the importance of reliable customer support when using such services. ExpressVPN does its best to provide reliable and easy-to-access customer service. The firm has a dedicated support team to assist you 24/7 via live chat and email.

• Money-Back Guarantee: A money-back guarantee is one of the few things I always look for before opting for any online service. ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you can try their services risk-free for a month and get a full refund if unsatisfied.

Cons

• Expensive Plans: It is worth noting that ExpressVPN’s plans are not cheap. Their plans are more expensive than most of their competitors. For a one-year contract at ExpressVPN, you can get a two-year contract with some VPN providers.
• Less Attractive Design: I don’t really fancy the design of ExpressVPN; I find it less attractive. However, that does not take away its functionality. It is functional but not very attractive compared to other VPN services.
• Limited Simultaneous Connections: This is one of the reasons I want you to know the ups and downs of service before choosing it. If you are looking for a VPN that lets you connect unlimited devices simultaneously, you should look elsewhere, as ExpressVPN only supports eight simultaneous connections per account.

ExpressVPN Core Features: What Can ExpressVPN Do for You?

Honestly, ExpressVPN’s plans are on the higher end of the price spectrum. However, what sets them apart is the long list of amazing features they offer.

It would also interest you to know that these features are easy to use. You don’t need to have prior tech experience to harness these features.

Here are some of the most notable features they offer:

1.   RAM-Only Servers

ExpressVPN’s server network consists only of RAM-only servers, which is one of the reasons it is expensive. This also means that the company does not store your personal information on hard drives.

Being a privacy-oriented company, ExpressVPN ensures that your data is never written to disk and that your information is wiped off whenever the server reboots. This makes ExpressVPN more secure and resistant to hacking or seizure.

2.   TrustedServer Technology

ExpressVPN’s unique way of doing things is what sets it apart from other VPN services. The company uses a unique approach to run its VPN servers – TrustedServer.

This innovative approach ensures no data is ever written to a hard drive, only to RAM1. This means that every time a server is rebooted, all the data on it is wiped clean. This prevents any sensitive information from being stored or compromised.

TrustedServer technology also enhances the security and performance of ExpressVPN. By running on RAM, the servers are less vulnerable to hacking and tampering.

They also run on the latest software, which reduces the risk of bugs and glitches1. With TrustedServer technology, ExpressVPN delivers a more reliable and secure VPN service.

4.   Private DNS

Another feature that I value about ExpressVPN is that it has its own private, encrypted DNS on every server. DNS, or domain name system, is the process of translating website names into IP addresses that computers can understand.

However, many DNS providers are not secure or private, and they can log, monitor, or censor your requests.

Private DNS solves this problem by keeping your DNS requests within the encrypted VPN tunnel. This means that no one can see or manipulate your DNS queries, not even your ISP or ExpressVPN. Private DNS also improves your connection speed and stability, eliminating the need for third-party DNS servers.

4.   Lightway Protocol

Lightway protocol is one cool feature with many amazing benefits. It is ExpressVPN’s own pioneering VPN protocol.

“A VPN protocol is a set of rules and instructions that govern how your device communicates with the VPN server.”

ExpressVPN engineered Lightway protocol for a faster, more secure, and more reliable VPN experience.

Lightway protocol has several benefits over other VPN protocols. It is very lightweight and efficient, using less battery and CPU power. It is also very fast and responsive, connecting in seconds and handling network changes smoothly.

It is also very secure and robust, using modern cryptography and resisting attacks1. Lightway protocol is available on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and routers.

5.  Network Lock Kill Switch

One of the features I love most about this company is the Network Lock kill Switch feature. It is a safety mechanism that blocks all internet traffic if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly.

With this feature, you don’t have to worry about your data being expensed to anyone who might be monitoring your network. One of the coolest things about this feature is that it will automatically reconnect you to the VPN as soon as possible.

Even when you change Wi-Fi networks, the power flickers, or your computer goes to sleep, this feature will ensure your network remains secure.

I find this feature more helpful when I use public Wi-Fi networks, which are usually unstable and insecure.

With Network Lock, you don’t have to worry about losing your VPN protection or leaking your personal information. You will also be amazed to know that this feature works on Mac, Windows, Linux, routers, and Android devices.

6.  VPN Split Tunneling

One of the features that I find very convenient about ExpressVPN is that it supports VPN split tunneling.

This means you can choose which apps or devices use the VPN and which don’t. This gives you more control and flexibility over your online activities. For example, you can use the VPN to access foreign streaming services while using your local network for other tasks.

Another advantage of VPN split tunneling is that it helps you optimize your bandwidth and speed.

By routing some traffic through the VPN and some directly to the internet, you can reduce the load on the VPN server and avoid unnecessary encryption and decryption. This way, you can enjoy faster and smoother connections with ExpressVPN.

7.  Best-In-Class Encryption

ExpressVPN invests a lot in the security of its users, so rest assured your data and personal information are safe with them. The company uses best-in-class encryption to secure your data.

ExpressVPN uses AES-256 encryption, which is the standard trusted by security experts worldwide. This means your data is protected by advanced mathematics that are impossible to crack. Even if someone intercepts your traffic, they won’t be able to read or modify it.

Best-in-class encryption also ensures that your data is safe from leaks and breaches. ExpressVPN has a network lock kill switch that blocks all online traffic if your VPN connection drops. This prevents my data from being exposed to anyone.

ExpressVPN also runs its own private, encrypted DNS on every server, making your connections safer and faster.

8.  IP Address Masking

IP address masking is one of ExpressVPN’s features that many users appreciate, including me. The company will mask your IP address – a unique number that identifies you and your location on the internet.

By changing your IP address, ExpressVPN protects you from snooping, interference, and censorship. No one can see what you are doing online, not even hackers, governments, or my internet service provider.

IP address masking also gives you more anonymity online. You can browse the web without revealing your true identity or location. You can also pay with Bitcoin and use Tor to access ExpressVPN’s hidden .onion site. This way, you can enjoy even more privacy and security on the internet.

9.   No-Logs Policy

Another thing that makes ExpressVPN unique is its no-logs policy. The company’s strict no-logs policy prevents them from collecting or storing any data related to your online activities.

This commitment to privacy ensures that your internet usage remains completely anonymous and confidential.

ExpressVPN doesn’t track your IP address, browsing history, or connection timestamps, giving you peace of mind about your online privacy.

10.  Speed Test

This is one of the features I use most on this platform. ExpressVPN designed this feature to help you find the fastest server available.

The built-in speed feature allows you to test the speed of different servers and choose the one that offers the best performance for your needs.

Whether you are gaming, streaming content, or simply surfing the web, the speed test feature ensures you have a lag-free and smooth experience.

11.  Threat Manager

ExpressVPN also has a threat manager feature that blocks app tackers. This feature gives you back some control over what companies know about you and your online activities through applications and websites.

Have you noticed that you see many related ads after searching for something online or using an app or website? That is because many online services record and share your online activities with third-party companies. These companies use this information to serve you more targeted ads.

Designed to enhance your VPN experience, Threat Manager prevents websites and applications on your device from communicating with a set of third-party companies known to engage in malicious behavior or track your activities.

With this feature, rest assured that you will have more control over your online privacy and how your data is used.

ExpressVPN Pricing

ExpressVPN has three subscription plans that vary in price and duration. You can opt for the month-to-month, six-month, or one-year package. Here are the different subscription plans they offer:

• One-Month Plan: This plan costs $12.95 monthly and is billed monthly. It is the most expensive plan but offers the most flexibility and convenience. You can cancel or renew your subscription whenever you want.
• Six-Month Plan: This plan costs $9.99 monthly and is billed every six months. It is cheaper than the one-month plan but requires a longer commitment. You can save 23% compared to the one-month plan.
• 12-Month Plan: This plan costs $8.32 monthly and is billed annually. It is the cheapest and most popular plan but requires a full-year commitment. You can save 35% compared to the one-month plan and get three extra months for free.

All plans work for all devices. You can connect and use up to 8 devices simultaneously on one account.

The three plans are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN risk-free. You also have multiple payment options to pay for your plan, including credit card, Bitcoin, PayPal, and more.

ExpressVPN’s Privacy and Security

ExpressVPN is a great choice for anyone who values their privacy online. It uses advanced security features to protect your data from prying eyes and hackers.

One of these features is the choice of secure protocols, such as OpenVPN and ExpressVPN’s own Lightway. These protocols create a secure tunnel between your device and the VPN server and use strong encryption to scramble your data so that no one can read it.

Another security feature of ExpressVPN is its own private, no-log, 256-bit encrypted DNS on every server. DNS is a system that translates website names into IP addresses, and it can reveal your online activities if it is not protected.

ExpressVPN’s DNS ensures that your DNS requests are handled by the VPN server and not by your ISP or any third-party service. This way, your online activities stay hidden from anyone who might be snooping on your traffic.

We tested the mobile and desktop apps of ExpressVPN with multiple leak-testing websites, such as ipleak.net and dnsleaktest.com. These websites can detect if your real IP address or DNS requests are leaking out of the VPN tunnel, which would compromise your privacy.

We were happy to see that ExpressVPN passed all the tests with flying colors, and we couldn’t find any sign of DNS or traffic leaks. This means that ExpressVPN is a reliable and trustworthy VPN service that can keep you secure online.

ExpressVPN is very open and honest about its security and privacy features, and it regularly lets third-party companies check its apps, servers, and procedures to ensure they are doing everything right. Most VPN services only do one or two audits, but ExpressVPN has done more than 12 audits in just the last eight months, which is amazing.

Some of the third-party cybersecurity companies that have checked ExpressVPN are Cure53 and KPMG, and they have done very thorough tests of ExpressVPN’s policies, practices, protocols, and technology. They have confirmed that ExpressVPN does what it promises.

ExpressVPN Performance

Performance is one of the most important things many users consider when choosing a VPN service. I ran a few tests to see how well this VPN service works. I have used many VPN services, and I can tell you that ExpressVPN is not the fastest, but it is still very good.

Here’s an in-depth analysis of ExpressVPN’s performance, speed, and reliability.

Speed

One of the first concerns for users when considering a VPN service is how it will affect their internet speed. After all, a VPN routes your traffic through servers located in different parts of the world, which can potentially introduce latency.

During my testing, I found ExpressVPN’s speed to be consistently impressive. The service provides a built-in speed test feature that makes it easy to find the fastest server available. This is particularly helpful if you want to optimize your connection for a specific purpose, such as streaming or online gaming.

ExpressVPN’s extensive server network, with servers in 160 locations across 94 countries, contributes to its strong performance. With so many server options, you’re likely to find a server near your physical location, minimizing the impact on your internet speed.

I conducted speed tests while connected to various ExpressVPN servers in different regions, including the United States, Europe, and Asia. In most cases, my connection speed remained high, and I experienced minimal if any, noticeable difference in browsing, streaming, or general internet usage.

For streaming, ExpressVPN proved to be an excellent choice. Whether I was watching content on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer, the VPN seamlessly bypassed geo-restrictions, and I encountered no buffering issues. This means you can enjoy your favorite content from around the world without compromising on quality or speed.

Reliability

Reliability is another essential aspect of a VPN service. A VPN that frequently disconnects or experiences downtime can be frustrating and potentially compromise your privacy.

ExpressVPN lived up to its reputation for reliability during my testing. I rarely experienced server downtime or connection drops.

The service’s kill switch feature, which automatically disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, provides an extra layer of security. This ensured that my data was never exposed, even in the rare event of a connection interruption.

I also appreciated ExpressVPN’s consistent performance across various platforms and devices. Whether I was using it on my Windows laptop, macOS computer, Android smartphone, or other devices, the VPN worked seamlessly.

Is ExpressVPN Easy to Use?

Despite having a wide range of features, ExpressVPN is incredibly user-friendly and easy to use, making it an excellent option for beginners and advanced users.

The app has a clean and intuitive interface; you will not have difficulties navigating it or looking for the features you need. Once you launch the app, you will be welcomed with a large power button to connect and disconnect the VPN.

It has a dedicated server selection screen where you can choose a server location of your choice, and you can do this with just a click.

Another awesome thing about the app is that it provides recommended locations based on your location, making it easy for you to connect to the fastest servers available.

Additionally, ExpressVPN’s split tunneling feature was simple to use, enabling me to customize which apps or websites I wanted to route through the VPN.

For those who prefer manual configurations, ExpressVPN offers comprehensive guides on its website for setting up the VPN on various devices and platforms. This level of support ensures that users of all technical backgrounds can utilize the service effectively.

ExpressVPN Customer Support

ExpressVPN is undoubtedly one of the most reliable VPN services on the market.

But what if you need help troubleshooting issues, setting up your account, or managing your account?

From my experience and the reviews of many users, ExpressVPN has one of the best customer support systems in the VPN industry. They offer excellent customer support and a wealth of resources to assist you.

Live chat is the easiest and fastest way to contact ExpressVPN customer support. You can access the live chat feature from any page on the ExpressVPN website. Just look for the green box at the bottom right corner of your screen that says, “Need help? Chat with us!”.

Click or tap on it, and you’ll be connected to a friendly and knowledgeable agent who can answer your questions and solve your problems. The live chat is available 24/7, so you can reach out anytime you want.

Another way to contact ExpressVPN customer support is via email. You can send an email to support@expressvpn.com and expect a reply within a few hours. You can also create a support ticket from the ExpressVPN website by filling out a simple form.

You’ll need to provide your name, email address, subject, and message. You can also attach files if you want to share screenshots or logs. The support team will get back to you as soon as possible.

If you prefer to find the answers yourself, you can also browse ExpressVPN’s setup tutorials and troubleshooting guides. These are comprehensive articles that cover various topics related to ExpressVPN’s products and features.

You can learn how to set up ExpressVPN on different devices, how to use its advanced options, how to fix common issues and more. You can also find frequently asked questions and tips on how to optimize your VPN experience.

The excellent customer support is one of the reasons why ExpressVPN is well known. Live chat, email, and online resources are available to provide fast and reliable assistance. Express VPN’s customer service team does offer assistance when it comes to installation, configuration, and troubleshooting. Not only are you getting an excellent VPN with ExpressVPN, but great customer service as well.

How Do I Install and Set Up ExpressVPN?

Getting your VPN app installed on your device can sometimes be daunting, but ExpressVPN designed its website to provide you with a hassle-free experience.

Once you log in to your account on the website, it will automatically detect the type of device you are using and show you the “Download” button for that app. This allows you to install the app with just one click.

If you want to download the app for other platforms, click the “Set up on all your devices” tab, and you will be redirected to the links for iOS, Windows, Mac, Android, Amazon Fire, Linux, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ExpressVPN Free?

No, ExpressVPN is a premium VPN service that offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a free trial for certain mobile devices. You can jump on the free trial offer to test the service and decide if it is suitable for your needs.

Does ExpressVPN allow torrenting?

Absolutely. Unlike other VPN companies, ExpressVPN will not direct you to torrent on specific servers. You can pick a faster server closer to your location and start downloading. Peer-to-peer filesharing is also supported and well-protected.

Does ExpressVPN offer a lifetime subscription?

No, the VPN provider does not provide a lifetime subscription because providing high-quality VPN service requires ongoing maintenance and investment. They offer monthly, six-month, and 12-month subscription plans.

Why is ExpressVPN more expensive than other VPNs?

ExpressVPN is more expensive than other VPNs because it offers a premium service that is fast, secure, reliable, and easy to use. ExpressVPN also has a large network of over 3,000 servers in 160 locations across 94 countries.

Conclusion

ExpressVPN’s robust features, steadfast commitment to privacy and security, and impressive performance make it a top-tier choice in the crowded VPN market. From its military-grade encryption to its extensive server network and reliable speed, ExpressVPN consistently delivers on its promises. Whether you’re safeguarding your online activities or accessing geo-restricted content, this VPN service provides a user-friendly, privacy-focused, and high-performing solution that is well worth the investment.