Detailed Full Review of ExpressVPN: All you need to know (2024)

What is Express VPN?

ExpressVPN is a leading VPN service provider that is known for offering secure, private, and fast connections to the internet.

• Enhanced security : offers advanced security to protect your personal data and online activities.
• Outstanding speed : Recognized for its fast connection speed, it ensures a smooth browsing experience with its bandwidth
• Extensive server network : With over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, it offers great freedom to access global content.
• Bypassing geographic restrictions : the ExpressVPN application offers to bypass geographic blocks, thus offering unrestricted access to various online content.
• Ease of use : it is known for its simplicity, with dedicated applications for all major platforms.

It is a trusted choice for secure, private and unrestricted internet browsing.

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Features

ExpressVPN is a renowned virtual private network (VPN) service that is known for offering a wide range of features that enhance online security and privacy. Let's look at these features in detail:

1. Military-grade security

The ExpressVPN app's commitment to military-grade security ensures total privacy for your online activities.

• 256-bit AES encryption ensures that your Internet traffic remains undecipherable for anyone trying to monitor it.
• It keeps no record of your online activity thanks to its no-logging policy.
• In the event of a sudden disconnection from the VPN, the ExpressVPN app kill switch automatically stops your Internet traffic, preventing data leaks.

Opt for this VPN and its commitment to military-grade security to protect your online activities.

2. Custom RAM and DNS servers

This VPN offers improved security and optimal performance through the use of RAM servers and custom DNS.

• uses servers that run entirely on RAM, which means that no data is stored on a physical hard drive. This data is erased every time the server is restarted.
• provides its own DNS for each server. This automatically encrypts all DNS requests, ensuring that they are not visible to third parties and improving server response times.

Trust your online security to this VPN and its RAM servers, custom DNS, or Tor connection.

3. ExpressVPN Leak Protection

ExpressVPN offers built-in leak protection to ensure the peace of mind of your online activity.

• ExpressVPN has built-in DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection. These protections prevent your IP address and location from being revealed.
• The option to disable WebRTC in its desktop applications and browser extensions is also offered for additional protection.

Rely on ExpressVPN's built-in leak protection to keep your online activity safe.

4. ExpressVPN protocols and “perfect forward secrecy”

ExpressVPN offers a variety of protocols and the “Perfect Forward Secrecy” feature to maximize the security of your VPN connection.

• The ExpressVPN app has various protocols, including Lightway service, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and L2TP/IPsec, giving you the flexibility to choose the protocol that's best for you based on your needs.
• The “Perfect Forward Secrecy” feature changes encryption keys every 15 minutes or every time the VPN is disconnected, making it nearly impossible to intercept data.

Optimize the tranquility and flexibility of your VPN connection with the ExpressVPN application and its various protocols and its “Perfect Forward Secrecy” function.

5. ExpressVPN split-tunneling

ExpressVPN offers split-tunneling functionality for a flexible and speed-optimized VPN experience.

• The ExpressVPN app has a split-tunneling feature, allowing you to choose which traffic to route through the VPN and which to route through your local network, allowing you to optimize your browsing speeds.

Enjoy a flexible VPN experience and fast service with the ExpressVPN app's split-tunneling feature.

6. ExpressVPN built-in speed test

ExpressVPN ensures a fast and optimal VPN experience thanks to its built-in speed test.

• ExpressVPN includes a built-in speed test feature, allowing users to quickly find the fastest server for their location.

Choose ExpressVPN and its built-in speed test VPN connection for a fast and optimal VPN experience.

7. ExpressVPN Keys for secure password management

ExpressVPN Keys offers a password manager integrated for added convenience

• ExpressVPN has a built-in password management solution called “ExpressVPN Keys.” Although basic, it is a good option for securely storing passwords.

Manage your passwords with ExpressVPN Keys.

8. Streaming

Starting your streaming journey with ExpressVPN means unlimited access to a variety of content.

• The ExpressVPN service, one of the best VPNs for streaming, is compatible with over 65 services, including the most popular and new ones.
• This VPN provides streaming support on over 3000 servers, surpassing many competing VPNs that limit streaming to dedicated servers.
• With ExpressVPN, access to various Netflix libraries is guaranteed, reinforcing its reputation as the optimal VPN for Netflix.
• The ExpressVPN app, your ideal VPN streaming companion, is also compatible with other major platforms like Hulu, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+.
• Thanks to its regular renewal of IP addresses, is a VPN that is difficult to detect by streaming services, thus ensuring uninterrupted access.

Trust ExpressVPN for a streaming experience that's second to none.

9. Torrenting

It's a powerful and secure VPN tool for all your torrenting connection needs.

• As a top-tier VPN, it allows P2P traffic on all of its servers, unlike other VPNs that restrict torrenting to dedicated servers.
• This VPN works seamlessly with the most popular P2P applications, making your torrenting activities easier.
• It offers port forwarding functionality, allowing for faster downloads.
• With its kill switch and total protection against leaks, ExpressVPN is a VPN that guarantees torrenting and a secure connection.
• ExpressVPN's Threat Manager tool blocks connections to malicious sites, adding an extra layer of security when torrenting.

For safe and effective torrenting, choose a VPN.

10. Gaming

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For an experience of Cloud gaming With a smooth online and secure connection, trust this VPN.

• It's a VPN that's optimized for gaming, offering a smooth experience with popular online games.
• As a secure VPN connection, ExpressVPN protects against DDoS attacks, and all of its servers include anti-DDoS protection.
• Compatible with a variety of cloud gaming services, ExpressVPN provides an optimized gaming experience across a variety of platforms.

Transform your gaming experience with this VPN that's perfect for any gamer.

Confidentiality and Security

ExpressVPN is a leading VPN service in the market, offering exceptional security and privacy.

We'll take a detailed look at ExpressVPN's practices to understand why it's so popular.

1. Independent audits

ExpressVPN has been subject to several independent audits:

• In 2018, Cure53 checked ExpressVPN's Chrome extension, confirming that it met essential security and privacy standards.
• In 2019, PwC confirmed that ExpressVPN's privacy policy was respected, and that user data was deleted every time the server was restarted.
• In 2021 and 2022, F-Secure conducted security audits on the ExpressVPN Windows app, and found only minor issues that were quickly resolved by ExpressVPN.

These independent audits show ExpressVPN's commitment to maintaining high security and privacy standards.

2. Favorable location

ExpressVPN's head office is located in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), a privacy-friendly jurisdiction:

• The BVI are not part of the 5/9/14 Eyes alliances, countries that share intelligence information.
• The BVI does not have mandatory data retention laws.
• Only the BVI High Court can order ExpressVPN to share user data. But because ExpressVPN doesn't keep logs, there would be no information to transmit!

The BVI location gives ExpressVPN users additional peace of mind when it comes to their privacy.

3. Proof of the No-logs policy

This VPN service maintains a strict no-registration policy:

• It does not store your IP address, the sites you visit, or the files you download.
• The only information kept is your email address (for communication), payment information (for refunds), and VPN app download details.
• Communications with the support team are also recorded to improve the user experience.

ExpressVPN's strict no-registration policy ensures a high level of privacy for its users.

In 2017, an ExpressVPN server in Turkey was seized by authorities as part of an investigation into the assassination of the Russian ambassador to Turkey.

The server did not reveal any actionable user data, proving that ExpressVPN's no-registration policy is being respected.

This case shows that ExpressVPN's no-registration policy is more than just a promise: it's being put into practice.

Speed and Performance

ExpressVPN is a reference in the field of VPNs, especially because of its exceptional speed and reliable performance. In this article, we are going to take a detailed look at the various facets of the speed and performance of this market-recognized VPN.

1. Proven performance

This VPN has always stood out thanks to its impressive connection speed.

Rigorous high-speed tests have been carried out, highlighting the advantages of this service:

• Local speeds: When connected to local VPN servers, speeds are generally high, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted browsing.
• Remote speeds: Even when it comes to connecting to servers thousands of miles away, ExpressVPN manages to maintain excellent connection speeds.
• High-end servers: ExpressVPN's infrastructure includes high-end 10Gbps servers, ensuring fast and efficient data transmission.
• Smart Location feature: This ExpressVPN feature automatically selects the fastest server for the user, based on a variety of factors such as distance and server load.

2. Streaming

One of the most important factors for many users is the VPN's ability to handle streaming. Here's how ExpressVPN performs in this area:

• HD streaming: Thanks to the high speed of its servers, ExpressVPN allows you to stream high definition videos without interruption or buffering.
• 4K streaming: 4K videos may take a few seconds to start, but once started, streaming is generally smooth.

3. Torrenting

Torrenting is another area where ExpressVPN excels, with download speeds that remain high even when connected to remote servers.

4. Connection protocols

It offers several connection protocols to optimize speed.

Among them, Lightway is the fastest and was found to be up to 75% faster than OpenVPN in comparative tests.

5. US speed test results

To get an overall picture of the performance of this VPN, speed tests were also carried out in the United States. Even on the other side of the world, the results were impressive, with minimal decreases in speed when connecting to remote servers.

It stands out for its exceptional speed and performance, whether for streaming, torrenting or simply browsing the Internet. With its ability to maintain high speeds, even when connected to remote servers, it's undoubtedly one of the fastest VPNs out there.

Servers

This leader in the VPN industry, not only stands out for its top-notch security, but also for its impressive server network. This vast network allows all users, wherever they are, to connect easily and benefit from optimal speed and performance:

• More than 3,000 servers spread over 160 sites within 94 countries.
• All of these servers support the P2P traffic, making it easy to find a nearby server for faster downloads.
• The servers supportobfuscation, a feature that adds an extra layer to your connection.

Physical Servers vs Virtual Servers

The majority of this VPN's servers are physical servers, that is, they are located in the country you are connecting to, thus offering generally higher speeds. ExpressVPN also uses virtual servers, which are in a country different from the one you are connecting to. These servers are mainly routed by the Netherlands, Brazil, Brazil, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom.

Shared IP addresses for increased privacy

This VPN uses shared IP addresses, which means multiple users are using the same IP address. This is a great measure to strengthen your privacy because your traffic is mixed with that of many other users. Note that ExpressVPN does not currently offer dedicated IP addresses.

Pricing

Although it is ranked among the most expensive VPN services on the market, its superior quality in terms of security, privacy, and speed fully justifies its price. Using our special 49% discount, you can take advantage of ExpressVPN for only CA$6.67 per month.

Plans and prices

• Monthly plan
• Half-year plan
• Annual plan (with three additional months for free): offers the best value for money

All of this VPN's plans offer full access to all of its features regardless of the length of the subscription.

Number of connections

• Allows up to 5 simultaneous connections with a single subscription. While that's the average for a high-end VPN, competitors like CyberGhost and IPVanish offer 7 connections and unlimited connections respectively.

Payment methods

• Accepts credit cards, PayPal, Bitcoin, and Paymentwall (which supports multiple payment options including Mint, Giropay, and UnionPay).

Refund policy

• All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Overall, while more expensive than many other high-end VPNs, ExpressVPN offers exceptional value thanks to its fast connection speeds, robust features, solid privacy options, and nearly perfect features.

Customer Support

It is a leading VPN solution, has built a solid reputation thanks to its performance, security, and impeccable customer support.

Whether you are a novice or an experienced user, in their customer service you will find valuable and immediate help in navigating all of their offers.

ExpressVPN offers a variety of customer service channels, all designed to help you quickly and effectively:

• Detailed troubleshooting guides
• Informative video tutorials
• 24/7 live chat support
• Responsive email support

ExpressVPN offers support in English, but thanks to their translation tool, they can help you in a variety of languages. This feature is a boon for non-English speaking users.

Overall, ExpressVPN's customer service is arguably one of the best on the market.

Support guides are helpful, live chat is available 24/7, and email support is effective. My advice? If you need immediate help, use live chat for a faster response.

Alternatives to ExpressVPN

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is a popular ExpressVPN alternative, known for its enhanced security and wide range of features.

Features

• WireGuard VPN protocol support for optimal speed and security
• Over 5400 servers in 59 countries for global connectivity
• No log retention policy to ensure complete user anonymity
• CyberSec function to block ads and malware

Pricing

• Monthly plan: $11.95
• Yearly plan: $59 (or $4.92 per month)
• Biennial plan: $89 (or $3.71 per month)

NordVPN is a great alternative for those looking for a multitude of secure features.

2. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN is another viable ExpressVPN alternative, offering an easy-to-use user interface and a multitude of features.

Features

• Over 6800 servers in 89 countries for a wide variety of choices
• P2P support for file sharing
• Strict no-log policy for complete confidentiality
• DNS leak protection to keep your IP hidden even on public Wi-Fi

Pricing

• Monthly plan: $12.99
• Yearly plan: $47.88 (or $3.99 per month)
• 3-year plan: $87.75 (or $2.25 per month)

CyberGhost VPN is a solid choice for those looking for a streamlined user experience with lots of features to offer.

3. Surfshark VPN

Surfshark VPN is a cost-effective ExpressVPN alternative that doesn't limit the number of simultaneous connections.

Features

• Unlimited simultaneous connections for maximum flexibility
• Over 3200 servers in 65 countries for global coverage
• Protection against malware and unwanted ads
• Whitelister function to allow certain applications to bypass the VPN

Pricing

• Monthly plan: $12.95
• Yearly plan: $38.94 (or $3.49 per month)
• Biennial plan: $59.76 (or $2.49 per month)

Surfshark VPN is an attractive choice for those looking for an affordable VPN with a policy of unlimited simultaneous connections.

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You can also consult our guide to VPN services top rated for other recommendations.

Compatibility

ExpressVPN is one of the most versatile VPNs on the market in terms of compatibility with various platforms. Here is a detailed overview of its compatibility:

1. Operating systems

ExpressVPN supports a wide range of operating systems, which means you can use it on almost any device:

• Windows: ExpressVPN is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10, and later.
• Mac: Mac users can use ExpressVPN on macOS 10.10 (Yosemite) and later.
• Linux: ExpressVPN is compatible with Ubuntu, CentOS, Debian, Fedora, Raspbian, and Arch.

2. Mobile devices

ExpressVPN offers apps for the most popular mobile operating systems:

• iOS: ExpressVPN is compatible with iOS 10 and later on your App Store
• Android: Android users can use ExpressVPN on Android 5.0 (Lollipop) and later.

3. Web browsers

ExpressVPN browser extensions allow for seamless integration with your favorite web browsers:

• Chrome: The ExpressVPN Chrome Extension provides one-click VPN protection for all Chrome users.
• Firefox: Firefox users can use the ExpressVPN extension for secure and private browsing.
• Edge: Microsoft Edge browser users can also benefit from ExpressVPN services through a dedicated extension.

4. Game consoles and smart TVs

ExpressVPN isn't just for computers and cell phones. It also works on various game consoles and smart TVs:

• PlayStation: ExpressVPN is compatible with PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.
• Xbox: ExpressVPN can be used with Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
• Nintendo Switch: Nintendo Switch players can also use ExpressVPN to improve their online gaming experience.
• Apple TV: ExpressVPN works with all Apple TV generations.
• Amazon Fire TV: Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick users can use ExpressVPN for secure, unrestricted streaming.

5. Routers

For total protection of all devices connected to your home network, ExpressVPN can be installed on a variety of routers.

• ExpressVPN is compatible with routers from Asus, Linksys, Netgear, Netgear, TP-Link, D-Link, Sabai, and more.

In short, ExpressVPN offers a robust and flexible VPN solution that fits almost every device, operating system, and browser you use every day. For complete protection of your online privacy,

ExpressVPN User Guide

Step 1: ExpressVPN Setup

1. Go to the ExpressVPN website and click “Get ExpressVPN.”
2. Choose the plan that works best for you and follow the steps to create an account.
3. After creating your account, you will be redirected to a configuration page. Click “Install ExpressVPN” to download the software.
4. Once the file is downloaded, open it to start the installation. Follow the on-screen instructions to install ExpressVPN on your device.

Step 2: Connect to ExpressVPN

1. Open the ExpressVPN app on your device.
2. Enter your login credentials (email address and password) that you created during registration.
3. Once connected, you'll see an interface with a large power button in the center.

Step 3: Connect to a VPN server

1. To quickly connect to a VPN server, simply click on the power button. ExpressVPN will automatically connect to the recommended server for you.
2. If you want to choose a specific server, click on the three dots next to the power button to open the list of server locations. You can choose a server in the country of your choice.
3. Once you've chosen a server, click the power button to connect to it.

Step 4: Verify the VPN connection

1. When connected to a VPN server, the power button should turn green.
2. You can also check your IP address to make sure you're connected to a VPN. To do this, open your browser and type “what is my IP address” in the search bar. Your IP address should match the location of the VPN server you are connected to.

Step 5: Using ExpressVPN

1. Now that you're connected to ExpressVPN, you can safely browse the internet. Your traffic is encrypted and your IP address is hidden, which protects your privacy and data.
2. If you want to disconnect from the VPN, simply click the power button in the ExpressVPN app.

Step 6: Disconnect ExpressVPN

1. When you're done using the VPN, it's best to disconnect. To do so, simply click the power button in the ExpressVPN app.

With ExpressVPN, you can safely browse the internet, access geo-blocked content, and protect your data and privacy.

When is ExpressVPN best to use?

Using a VPN like ExpressVPN is recommended every time you access the internet.

Here are a few specific situations where ExpressVPN is particularly useful:

• During your trips: ExpressVPN lets you browse as if you were in your home country, no matter where you are.
• During your streaming sessions: ExpressVPN offers unrestricted access to a variety of streaming platforms.
• When using public Wi-Fi: ExpressVPN protects your personal data on public Wi-Fi networks with strong encryption.
• During your gaming sessions: ExpressVPN unblocks games, maps, skins, and other extensions that may be blocked on your network.
• During file sharing: ExpressVPN hides your IP address for increased privacy when sharing P2P files.
• During your online purchases: ExpressVPN lets you discover the best global deals for online purchases.

Give ExpressVPN, your guarantor of online security and privacy, a chance.

FAQs

Is ExpressVPN a free service?

No, ExpressVPN doesn't offer a free option. However, it does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing for a risk-free trial.

Free VPNs often have limitations, while a premium service like ExpressVPN offers optimal security and privacy.

Does ExpressVPN work in China?

Yes, despite censorship, ExpressVPN is still generally accessible in China.

If VPNs are blocked, ExpressVPN quickly implements solutions to bypass these restrictions, using an obfuscation protocol that makes VPN traffic look like standard HTTPS encryption.

Final Verdict

ExpressVPN is the go-to choice for those looking for a top-quality VPN.

With its high-end security, impressive speed, and extensive compatibility, it outperforms the competition. Although more expensive than most of its counterparts, the risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee it offers proves its confidence in its service.

However, for those who are budget sensitive, NordVPN and Surfshark are solid alternatives.

Both of these options also offer robust features, although they can't always compete with ExpressVPN in terms of speeds and overall performance. Overall, ExpressVPN offers exceptional value and is still my favorite VPN.

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