A Comprehensive Review of ExpressVPN: Performance, Features, and Privacy

ExpressVPN has become one of the most recognized names in the world of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), thanks to its robust advertising campaigns. If you’re familiar with VPNs at all, chances are you’ve seen at least one of its many ads. Whether you appreciate its constant promotions or not, it’s impossible to deny that ExpressVPN offers an excellent service. This VPN provider has earned its place as one of the most reliable and well-regarded services in the market. Since being acquired by Kape Technologies in 2021, ExpressVPN has had the financial backing to enhance its offerings even further. From undergoing numerous independent security audits to launching a dedicated Apple TV app and introducing its own password manager, the company has positioned itself as a powerhouse in the realm of online privacy and security.

User Interface and Setup

When you first open ExpressVPN, you’ll be greeted by a simple and user-friendly interface. The central screen features a large “Connect” button, with the option to select your desired server location beneath it. ExpressVPN also displays a “Smart Location” suggestion based on your geographical location to help optimize your connection. The app’s interface has remained largely the same over the years, and that’s for good reason—it’s straightforward and effective. The general philosophy is clear: if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.

Once connected, the interface remains familiar, though now it displays quick links to websites and apps like Google, Gmail, and Wikipedia. These shortcuts can be customized based on your personal preferences. For more settings, simply click the drop-down menu in the upper-right corner. Here, you can access additional options like VPN Locations, Help & Support, and a host of other features designed to customize your VPN experience.

Key Features and Customization

The “Options” menu is where you’ll find most of the VPN’s settings, which include some standard features across VPN services, such as a kill switch, split tunneling, and the ability to switch between different connection protocols. While these features are standard, they are essential for users who value customization and security. Unfortunately, ExpressVPN lacks a multi-hop feature, a tool that routes your internet traffic through multiple servers for additional obfuscation. This feature is offered by many of its competitors, making its absence a notable omission.

Another feature under the “Options” menu is ExpressVPN’s “Threat Manager,” which serves as an ad- and tracker-blocking tool. This is a useful addition, though some may prefer a more comprehensive security suite for better protection against threats. The app also offers parental controls to block adult content, ensuring that families can safely use the service.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Although this review primarily focuses on the Windows application, it’s worth mentioning that ExpressVPN offers broad compatibility across numerous devices and platforms. The service is available on macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, ChromeOS, Fire Stick, Android TV, and even Apple TV. Furthermore, ExpressVPN provides browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, giving you control over the app directly from your browser.

Pricing and Payment Options

At the time of writing, ExpressVPN offers a subscription plan priced at $12.95 per month or $99.84 annually. While the monthly rate is a bit on the expensive side, the annual plan provides some relief, though it remains one of the priciest VPN services available. There’s no free trial, but ExpressVPN does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re unsatisfied with the service. Payment can be made via credit card, PayPal, or even Bitcoin, which is a nice touch for users who prioritize anonymity.

Performance and Speed

One of the most critical aspects of any VPN is its performance, particularly when it comes to speed. To test this, I evaluated ExpressVPN’s server speeds in five different countries over several days and compared the results to my baseline internet speed. The results were impressive: across all locations tested, ExpressVPN maintained an average download speed of 71% of my baseline and an upload speed of 80%. This places ExpressVPN among the fastest VPNs available, ensuring smooth streaming and minimal lag during online gaming. While the speeds are slightly slower than when I last reviewed the service, they are still more than adequate for most users.

Streaming and Content Unblocking

ExpressVPN excels in content unblocking, as it easily bypassed restrictions on Netflix and several other major streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney Plus, and Apple TV. If streaming is a priority for you, ExpressVPN should be a top contender in your search for the best VPN.

Protocols and Encryption

ExpressVPN primarily utilizes two VPN protocols: OpenVPN and its proprietary Lightway protocol. Lightway was designed to improve performance and security, and it has since become the default connection protocol. Unlike OpenVPN, Lightway is open-source and has undergone security audits, including one by the firm Cure53. The protocol uses wolfSSL for encryption, an open-source SSL/TLS library that is widely trusted.

For users who prefer not to use Lightway, ExpressVPN also supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPSec protocols, depending on your operating system. The easiest and most efficient option is to let ExpressVPN automatically select the best protocol for your connection, which is recommended for most users.

In terms of encryption, ExpressVPN has implemented post-quantum encryption support to counter potential cyber threats posed by quantum computers. While this may seem like a feature for the distant future, it’s reassuring to know that ExpressVPN is future-proofing its security.

Privacy and Transparency

ExpressVPN stands out for its commitment to privacy. The company asserts that it does not log your browsing history, DNS queries, IP addresses, or other personal data. The only data it retains are diagnostic and crash reports, which are optional for users to share. ExpressVPN is highly transparent about what it tracks and backs up its claims with numerous independent audits. In 2022 alone, ExpressVPN underwent 12 audits of different parts of its service, ensuring it adheres to its no-logs policy.

ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, a location with no data retention laws and no participation in international intelligence-sharing alliances. This makes it much harder for governments to compel the service to hand over user data. Notably, even when Turkish authorities seized ExpressVPN servers in 2017, they were unable to obtain any useful data, reinforcing the company’s strong privacy practices.

Conclusion: Is ExpressVPN Worth It?

After a thorough review, it’s clear that ExpressVPN is one of the best VPN services available today. Its combination of excellent speeds, powerful content unblocking capabilities, and dedication to user privacy makes it a standout choice. The intuitive interface, broad device support, and additional features like Threat Manager further elevate its appeal.

While ExpressVPN isn’t the cheapest option on the market, the value it offers in terms of security, performance, and reliability justifies the higher price tag. Whether you’re a casual user or a privacy-conscious individual, ExpressVPN is a solid choice for anyone seeking a top-tier VPN service.

Please note that as online services are continually updated, this review is subject to change in the future to reflect any new features or improvements made to ExpressVPN. Any changes to the review or its final verdict will be noted accordingly.