BEST VPN SERVICES
In an era of consistent and rising online tracking and security breaches, the need for a VPN is a no-brainer for both organizations and individual internet users. However, when it comes to the VPN world, competition is fierce given that several VPNs offer similar functionalities. Fortunately, ExpressVPN has stood out thanks to its delivery of its value proposition offering secure, fast, and private access online for all types of devices.
Unfortunately, ExpressVPN is relatively pricier as compared to other VPNs in the market, and therefore, begs the question; is ExpressVPN worth it? If you’re asking that question, you’re not alone! We equally want to know the facts.
So, to ensure that you get the answers you’re seeking, we did the legwork and tested ExpressVPN in several situations to learn its effectiveness. Don’t worry; our focus was only on the relevant use cases and areas of any user. Buckle up and let’s dive into the world of the best available VPN the market has to offer.
Read this ExpressVPN review to find out if it’s worth it in 2026.
Short on Time? Here are the Quick ExpressVPN Facts
Before we get deep into the full review, let’s look at quick facts about what ExpressVPN is capable of doing at a glance.
| Pricing | $4.99/month |
| Number of servers | More than 3000 servers across the globe in over 107 countries |
| Connections | 8 simultaneously |
| Logging | No |
| Streaming services | Hulu, Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more |
| Kill switch | Yes |
| Torrenting | Yes |
| Support | 24/7 live chat, ticketing system, FAQs, email, and troubleshooting guides |
| Refund | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Data encryption | AES-256-GCM |
| VPN protocols | OpenVPN, Lightway, IKEv2 |
| Speed | Superfast |
ExpressVPN in a Nutshell
If you’re short in time for the entire article, perhaps, here’s an overview of how ExpressVPN stands after our in-depth research on several key user scenarios. For instance, the VPN has exceptional speeds and connections; even when you connect to a distant server location.
Also, ExpressVPN is arguably the best VPN for bypassing geographical restrictions put in place by streaming platforms. You can be assured that it’ll work on almost all the major streaming platforms. Besides, its MediaStreamer feature (an alternative to Smart DNS) allows you to access foreign material on devices that do not support VPN apps like gaming consoles. The VPN has a wide range of servers (3,000 servers) spread across over 100 countries.
Moreover, the VPN features an intuitive and user-friendly interface on its entire app across major devices and operating systems. Also, it features flexible and knowledgeable customer support. Unfortunately, we also learned that ExpressVPN is relatively expensive when compared to the other VPNs in the market. However, you can make use of its 30-day money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN Features
Being one of the best VPNs available, ExpressVPN offers a wide range of features. We tested several of its features and here’s what we found:
Performance and Speed
ExpressVPN features among the fastest VPNs currently thanks to its several popular tunneling protocols and the custom Lightway tunneling protocol. It’s the protocol that supports secure and fast transmission of data and at the same time reduces power consumption.
In fact, when you use that Lightway tunneling protocol, the connections happen almost instantly with an average drop in the download speed at 34% – a fair result compared to the rest of the VPNs. Interestingly, it outshines competitors as it retains an average of more than 90% upload speed. Here’s the speed test sample;
Moreover, with ExpressVPN, you have the freedom to select other protocols; their speeds might drop a little. If you decide to use different tunneling protocols, here’s how their average download as well as upload speeds compare:
- Lightway: 203.5/146.4
- OpenVPN (UDP): 174.1/123.5
- OpenVPN (TCP): 103.7/52.6
- IKev2:211.2/9.5
Based on our tests we can conclude that ExpressVPN offers super-fast speeds, especially when you choose a server that’s near your location. The best part is that it provides a plethora of servers spread across several countries in the world.
Security Features
How does ExpressVPN rate when it comes to security and privacy? The VPN has several features to ensure the user has maximum protection. However, some might feel that the VPN has fewer security features compared to the competitors, especially given its premium price.
Some of the top ExpressVPN security features include:
Kill Switch
This feature ensures that your data doesn’t leak in case your VPN connection drops. Ideally, it blocks all your internet activity until your connection is restored. It’s one of the best features for individuals who like using public Wi-Fi and those who like high-risk activities such as torrenting. It’s a guarantee that your privacy is always intact with simulated disconnections.
Threat Manager
The Threat Manager blocks any trackers or malicious domains to protect you from harmful content and intrusive ads. It’s a feature that increases privacy by stopping third-party trackers from accessing your browsing activities. They also reduce your risk of coming across malware and phishing sites.
However, it should be noted that during our tests, the ad-blocking as well as adult site-blocking features didn’t show conclusive results and they didn’t show advanced customization options.
Spilt Tunneling
The feature offers you the flexibility to choose particular apps or sites to route through your VPN or simply bypass it entirely. It’s one of those features you’ll want when you stream local content while you keep other traffic secure. Unfortunately, split tunneling doesn’t allow filtering by IP addresses or even sites – functionality you can get in some other VPNs.
ExpressVPN Keys
The ExpressVPN Keys password manager offers the most secure storage for your entire login credentials as well as auto-filling capabilities. That way, it makes the login process simpler and enhances general online security. When your passwords are securely managed, it helps to ensure that you don’t reuse weak passwords and that your accounts won’t be easily breached.
ExpressVPN Router Hardware
ExpressVPN offers user-pre-configured router hardware if your VPN protection is problem-free. It’s one of the best features when it comes to devices like gaming consoles, smart TVs, or even IoT devices that don’t support local VPN apps.
ExpressVPN Safety Features
It’s easy to say that ExpressVPN has built its reputation from the fact that it’s safe thanks to its many safety features as well as several audits that confirm the VPN’s effectiveness. Perhaps, the basis for any safe VPN is reliable AES-256 encryption. Let’s discuss some of ExpressVPN’s safety features:
Encryption
ExpressVPN utilizes AES-256 encryption, which is considered arguably the strongest encryption available. With this level of protection, you can be assured that your internet traffic is secure given that it scrambles user data into unreadable data that makes it almost impossible for ISPs, hackers, or governments to intercept.
Whether you’re browsing sensitive websites, connecting to public Wi-Fi, or want to access your financial accounts securely, you can be assured of ultimate security and privacy.
ExpressVPN Leak Tests
The leak tests were exceptionally impressive making ExpressVPN a top VPN. It masks your real IP address fully encrypts your internet traffic and makes sure that you have a secure connection.
No-Logs Policy
ExpressVPN has a strict no-logs policy, which ensures that it doesn’t store, track, or share user online activity, IP address, or connection logs. Besides, the policy has been audited independently several times by third-party firms such as KPMG, which confirms the claims of user privacy.
Also, ExpressVPN enjoys privacy-friendly laws thanks to the fact that it’s located in the British Virgin Islands. It also operates outside the Fourteen Eyes alliance, which means that it’s not legally required to share data with the governments or any other intelligence agencies.
ExpressVPN Servers
Some VPNs like Private Internet Access have more than 35,000 servers and you could expect the best VPN in the market like Express VPN to boast such numbers. However, Express VPN is a good example of quality being more important than quantity with a modest server network of about 3000 servers.
Interestingly, despite that relatively smaller number when compared to other VPNs, ExpressVPN boasts the largest global network with over 170 server networks across 107 countries. Despite the fewer number of servers, ExpressVPN has underlying security as well as stealth functionality to bypass the VPN blocking attempts. Therefore, it doesn’t need backup servers to deal with the server blocking.
Obfuscated Servers
These are the kind of servers that ensure your VPN connection traffic looks like regular traffic irrespective of your online activity. Therefore, it means firewalls and network monitoring tools can’t control or detect VPN traffic. In case you want to access blocked or restricted content, obfuscated servers are essential.
The best part is that ExpressVPN servers are all obfuscated and they excellently hide your VPN traffic. Therefore, you can be assured that you’ll be able to access any online platform and no ISP would be throttling your connection.
ExpressVPN Subscriptions
Now, how much does this protection cost? ExpressVPN has a pretty straightforward pricing structure since it has only one subscription tier. Unlike other VPNs that have multiple subscription options, ExpressVPN lets you choose only the plan that you want. It’s a great option as you’ll choose between affordability and several features.
Unfortunately, it means that you’ll lose flexibility and you’ll only pay for the entire package.
| ExpressVPN subscription plan | Monthly cost | Upfront cost |
| 1-month plan | $12.95 | $12.95 |
| 1-year plan + 3 months free | $6.67 | $99.95 |
| 2-year plan + 4 months free | $4.99 | $139.72 |
The shortest subscription on ExpressVPN is the 1-month plan that goes at $12.95 per month. Unfortunately, this plan doesn’t have any discounts. The 12-month plan includes a 48% discount over the plan. The most cost-effective plan is the 2-year plan and it offers a 61% discount with an extra 4 months free subscription time.
Therefore, it’s easy to say that if you’re considering ExpressVPN, it’s good to go for the 2-year subscription plan as it offers the best value combining long-term savings and premium features.
Money-Back Guarantee and Free Trial
There are two impressive ways that you can try out ExpressVPN before you commit. First, you can enjoy a 7-day free trial that’s available for mobile devices via Google Play Store and Apple App Store. You only need to input your payment details to get the offer running, but no charges are made until the end of the trial period.
Secondly, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee that offers an extensive trial experience. It allows you to test the VPN over an extended period on any device without restrictions on the features or even the servers. If you’re unsatisfied, you can request a refund within 30 days.
Payments and Renewals
ExpressVPN is one of those VPNs with a wide range of payment options. It features standard options like PayPal and credit cards that offer easy and quick transactions. If you want anonymity with your transactions, then you might want to use Bitcoin payments through the BitPay intermediary. Also, there’s another Paymentwall option that supports other methods such as iDeal, UnionPay, and GiroPay.
When it comes to renewals, the process is straightforward; the subscriptions usually renew automatically at the end of every billing cycle which ensures uninterrupted service. It’s an excellent way, but some users have concerns that that automatic process might lead to some unexpected charges when they forget to cancel. Fortunately, ExpressVPN will send you a reminder about your upcoming renewal.
In case you want to cancel your subscription, you’ll need to go through a relatively cumbersome process. The ExpressVPN cancellation process requires three confirmations before a subscription is entirely canceled. Given that the confirmations are separate, it’s easy to assume that your subscription is canceled after the first confirmation, only to learn later that the subscription is running. Therefore, you need to carefully follow the steps to the end. Nevertheless, ExpressVPN has flexible payment options as well as straightforward renewals, with only the cancellation process to improve.
ExpressVPN Compatibility
ExpressVPN offers a plethora of dedicated apps as well as alternative setup options to protect all user devices. Even though the 8-device simultaneous connection might seem a little restrictive given the VPN’s price, they’re still enough for one individual, but not several people in one household.
Unlike other VPNs that offer several simultaneous connections, ExpressVPN has a Smart DNS (MediaStreamer) that allows users to easily unblock geo-restricted content on any device without the need for a VPN app.
The best part is the fact that ExpressVPN can work with nearly any device that you can imagine. The VPN has an app for Linux, Windows, macOS, Apple TV, Android, iOS, and Chromebook. Also, there are browser extensions for Firefox, Edge, and Chrome. For manual setup, ExpressVPN can be used on gaming consoles such as PlayStation and Xbox, smart TVs such as Samsung TV, and several others.
No app for your device? Don’t worry as ExpressVPN offers some alternatives. For instance, you can install your VPN on a router so your home network goes through the VPN server and gets all the encryption as well as geo-bypass advantages. You can also use the MediaStreamer feature.
Here’s a quick overview of the apps ExpressVPN offers;
- Smartphones: Android, iOS
- Computers: macOS, Windows, Chromebook, Linux
- Gaming consoles: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, Switch
- Streaming: Chromecast with Google TV, Amazon Fire TV/Firestick, Roku, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, and NVIDIA Shield
- Browser extensions: Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Google, Vivaldi, Mozilla, Brave
- Other devices: Kindle Fire, Blackberry (Blackberry Priv and Blackberry DTEK50), Routers
Ideally, ExpressVPN is compatible with almost any device you can think of.
ExpressVPN Customer Support
ExpressVPN offers the most knowledgeable and plentiful customer support. For instance, they have a 24/7 live chat, FAQs, email, and several guides for troubleshooting problems yourself. Perhaps, you can say that they miss a phone, but it’s not a significant factor for most users.
Therefore, you can be assured that you’ll get help instantly from ExpressVPN representatives via their 24/7 live chat. You can also use the email option for the less urgent but important questions.
Is ExpressVPN Worth It?
Now it’s time for the big question, is ExpressVPN really worth it? There’s no doubt that ExpressVPN provides exceptional performance in the most crucial areas such as security, online privacy, speed, and compatibility. Besides, it offers a wide range of advanced technologies such as TrustedServer and Lightway that make it a reliable VPN provider.
Unfortunately, ExpressVPN is relatively pricier when compared to other VPN options yet some key features like the number of simultaneous device connections aren’t the highest among the top VPNs. Also, it lacks clarity on server fleet numbers, raising questions about whether it’s indeed worth its price.
However, if such concerns aren’t significant to you, then everything else about ExpressVPN is exceptionally top of the bar.
How We Tested ExpressVPN
We always adhere to the same intense VPN testing process every time we evaluate different products. Therefore, every VPN is always immensely analyzed by similar standards. For instance, in this ExpressVPN review, we used these devices for our tests:
- Android – version 11 on the Nokia 6.2 model TA – 1198 device.
- Windows – version 15.7.1 on iPhone 7 model MN8X2 device.
- IOS – version 11 on the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 4 device.
- MacOS – version 14.5 Sonoma on a MacBook Air M2 device.
In addition, we conducted tests to ascertain ExpressVPN’s compatibility with TVOS and Android TV. In general, we came up with the following evaluations:
- Speed tests to come up with how ExpressVPN performs in real situations.
- Kill switch tests to ensure that the feature indeed works as intended in several situations.
- DNS and IP leak testing to ensure that all connections are strong and don’t expose the user’s real IP address or location.
- Usability test to ensure the app user experience is ideal for all users.
- The privacy policy as well as an independent audit to confirm whether there are hidden clauses and other red flags.
- Feature tests to confirm that all the tools advertised by ExpressVPN indeed work.
- Connection quality as well as consistency tests to affirm if ExpressVPN connections can last for long.
- Customer support tests by engaging the live support team and judging the quality and speed of the responses.
ExpressVPN vs. NordVPN
There are several VPN options in the market with each claiming to offer the best services. However, not all VPNs offer what they claim. If you’re looking for a VPN close to ExpressVPN, then NordVPN is the one – it offers almost similar features to ExpressVPN. For instance, while ExpressVPN features more than 3,000 servers across 170 countries, NordVPN has over 7400 servers in more than 110 countries.
Also, neither of the two VPNs is part of the international surveillance alliance given that they’re based in the British Virgin Islands and Panama. Moreover, they both don’t log user data, including IP addresses, files downloaded, servers used, and websites visited.
Also, they both have kill switches to ensure that your connections are secure even when your VPN connection drops. You can also use both to seamlessly stream Netflix and even download torrent files.
Unfortunately, NordVPN doesn’t provide split tunneling, meaning you won’t be able to access public and private networks simultaneously. Also, they both don’t have DNS or WebRTC leaks and ExpressVPN performs better on Windows while NordVPN does better on Macs.
ExpressVPN Alternatives
It’s clear that there are several VPN options in the market, and if ExpressVPN doesn’t look like the best option for you, then you can consider alternatives. To ensure that you get the best alternative possible, we’ve compared the best ExpressVPN alternatives in the table below:
| NordVPN | Private Internet Access | TotalVPN | Surfshark | CyberGhost | |
| Price | $4.59 per month (1-year term) | $2.03 per month | $2.50 per month | $2.99 per month (1-year term) | $6.99 per month |
| Server network | Over 5,000 in 106 countries | Over 35,000 servers | 1,800+ servers (Paid plan) in 80+ countries | Over 3,200 servers in more than 100 countries | Over 11,000 servers in over 100 countries |
| Core features | Kill switch, leak protection, encryption | Leak protection, encryption, split tunneling, kill switch | Encryption, kill switch, leak protection, split tunneling | Kill switch, encryption, leak protection | Leak protection, split tunneling, encryption, kill switch |
| Specialty servers | Double VPN, obfuscated servers, onion over VPN & P2P | Obfuscated server | Onion over VPN, Obfuscated servers | Obfuscated servers | Obfuscated servers |
| Dark web monitoring | Advantage | Disadvantage | Advantage | Disadvantage | Disadvantage |
| Devices | 10 | Several | 5 | Several | 7 |
| Ad blocker | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
The VPNs have different features and some share similarities, therefore, you need to choose the best VPN that suits your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ExpressVPN legal?
ExpressVPN is legal and the company is based in the British Virgin Islands with over 3,000 servers in more than 160 countries.
Does ExpressVPN block malware?
ExpressVPN features a threat manager that helps to block any malicious links and malware.
Which devices can I use ExpressVPN on?
Perhaps, you can use ExpressVPN on almost any device.
Is ExpressVPN better than NordVPN?
Both are great VPP options and NordVPN offers value for money, but ExpressVPN is fast and provides stable connections. ExpressVPN is the most recommendable VPN.
Can I get ExpressVPN for free?
Ideally, there’s no free plan, but you can enjoy a 7-day free trial on specific devices. Also, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee.
How much does ExpressVPN cost?
You can have an ExpressVPN subscription for as little as $4.99 per month. The short-term plans are generally more expensive than the long-term options. A 2-year plan is the cheapest option that we can recommend.
Written by Jason Wise
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