Kaida Rylan Updated on Mar 31, 2025
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Try NowLooking for a VPN that’s fast, secure, and reliable? ExpressVPN is often touted as one of the best in the market, but does it truly live up to the hype? Known for its robust security features and lightning-fast speeds, this VPN has become a favorite for gamers, streamers, and privacy enthusiasts alike. While it isn’t the cheapest option, its frequent discounts make it a compelling choice. But you might be wondering, “Is ExpressVPN worth the investment when other VPNs promise similar features at a lower cost?”
To get a definitive answer, we rigorously tested ExpressVPN on a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. We evaluated its performance during gaming, streaming, and torrenting, while also exploring its standout security features and unique Lightway protocol. Additionally, we dived deep into its privacy policy, independent audits, and company track record to gauge its trustworthiness.
After extensive testing, here’s the verdict: ExpressVPN excels in nearly every aspect. Its combination of blazing-fast speeds, ease of use, and powerful security features makes it one of the top VPNs available today. It’s particularly impressive if you’re big on streaming, thanks to its ability to unblock major platforms securely. Plus, it boasts one of the best VPN router apps we’ve tested so far. If you’re on the fence, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, letting you experience its features risk-free.
March 2025 Offer Alert! :For a limited time, you can snag up to 61% off an ExpressVPN subscription. Don’t miss out on the chance to save while securing one of the most trusted names in the VPN space.
With exceptional performance, cutting-edge technology, and a 10.0 rating, ExpressVPN sets the standard for superior VPN services. Check out its key features below:
Whether you’re surfing the web, gaming on your Xbox, or even setting up on a home router, ExpressVPN delivers unmatched quality and reliability.
Ever struggled to stream your favorite shows due to buffering or restrictions? ExpressVPN eliminates all those headaches. With blazing-fast speeds and compatibility across all major platforms, it just works. From Netflix to Hulu and everything in between, this VPN keeps your viewing smooth and secure.
Supported Platforms for Streaming
No need to mess with settings or manually switch servers. All 3,000+ servers are optimized for streaming, ensuring HD and UHD playback with no interruptions.
Want to stay updated with your favorite content on the go? ExpressVPN makes it possible across laptops, routers, and smartphones.
ExpressVPN consistently outperforms all other VPNs in our speed tests, earning its reputation as the fastest option available. To ensure accuracy, our dedicated VPN speed tester evaluates ExpressVPN and other leading providers from the same US-based location, maintaining consistent testing conditions for fair comparisons. The results shown in the table below were achieved using ExpressVPN's Lightway UDP protocol, which delivered the highest speeds in our assessments.
ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for online gaming, as it not only maintains but can even improve your connection performance. During our tests, connecting to the closest server from our gaming location reduced our ping from 32ms (without a VPN) to 29ms. This slight improvement can make a noticeable difference in gameplay responsiveness.
Ping is a critical factor for gaming, as it measures the delay between your actions and the on-screen response. For competitive online play, a ping below 85ms is ideal to ensure smooth and immediate reactions. In our tests, ExpressVPN consistently delivered pings under 85ms across all European servers, making it a reliable option for gamers seeking both speed and stability.
When it came to fast-paced shooters like *Counter-Strike 2*, ExpressVPN delivered a seamless experience. Matches loaded quickly, and gameplay felt smooth and responsive, with no noticeable lag—a critical factor in such precision-dependent games. Even the slightest delay can disrupt performance in these titles, but nearby servers ensured everything ran flawlessly.
That said, gaming on distant servers remains a challenge, as it does with any VPN. No matter how fast the service, sending data across the globe inevitably increases ping, making it harder to enjoy online games. This isn’t unique to ExpressVPN; it’s a universal limitation when connecting to far-off locations.
ExpressVPN stands out as a top-tier VPN service, designed for high speed and unparalleled privacy. Despite offering around 3,000 servers (compared to competitors like Private Internet Access with 29,650), its entire network is carefully optimized for streaming, gaming, torrenting, and even obfuscation, ensuring fast connections and reliability. This VPN Express solution consistently highlights its commitment to efficient performance and user security.
Here’s why ExpressVPN continues to shine:
Maximum Security with TrustedServer Technology
ExpressVPN ensures unbeatable security with its RAM-only (diskless) server technology, called TrustedServer. Unlike standard hard drive servers, which store information indefinitely, RAM servers wipe all data with each reboot. ExpressVPN's servers are restarted every 1–2 weeks to ensure they always run on the latest security updates.
And for peace of mind? Their $100,000 bug bounty incentivizes ethical hackers to identify vulnerabilities, showcasing ExpressVPN’s confidence in its infrastructure.
Obfuscated and Virtual Servers for Accessibility
ExpressVPN’s automatic obfuscation makes bypassing restrictions seamless. No special settings or protocols needed. It’s perfect for overcoming VPN blocks on public WiFi, work networks, or geo-restricted content. Also, for locations like India, where privacy laws pose challenges, ExpressVPN offers virtual servers to deliver the same quality without compromising on its no-logs policy.
Protecting Your Data With ExpressVPN’s Impeccable Security
When it comes to safeguarding your online activity, ExpressVPN stands out with its exceptional security features and cutting-edge technology. Designed with the needs of modern internet users in mind, it provides top-tier protection and enhances your browsing experience on laptops, routers, and even gaming consoles like Xbox.
With ExpressVPN, you benefit from bank-level encryption, a reliable kill switch, Tor compatibility, and more. But there’s one proprietary feature that sets it apart from competitors, paving the way for seamless, private, and fast internet connections across devices. Read on to discover why tech enthusiasts and privacy advocates alike trust ExpressVPN to guard their data.
Encryption That’s Virtually Uncrackable
ExpressVPN employs 256-bit AES encryption, which is the same level of security used by governments, militaries, and financial institutions worldwide. This advanced encryption combines an AES 256-bit cipher, a 4096-bit RSA key, and SHA-512 HMAC authentication. To put it simply, cracking this level of encryption would require more computing power than the world currently possesses.
For added versatility, the Lightway protocol supports the ChaCha20 encryption cipher, allowing users to switch between encryption methods to ensure a smoother connection. On older devices, trying both options could optimize speed and performance. Whether you’re engaging in sensitive transactions, torrenting, or gaming on your Xbox, ExpressVPN ensures unmatched peace of mind.
Lightway Protocol: A Game-Changer
What truly sets ExpressVPN apart is its proprietary Lightway protocol, developed entirely in-house and updated using Rust, a language that bolsters both speed and security. This protocol is optimized for performance and efficiency, seamlessly maintaining your VPN connection even when switching between WiFi and mobile networks.
Why choose Lightway? It connects in milliseconds, uses less battery, and delivers up to 14% faster speeds than OpenVPN. It also brings post-quantum protection, making it future-proof against emerging quantum threats. Plus, with features like obfuscation, Lightway provides extra security for users needing private browsing in restrictive environments. For enhanced privacy, Aircove, ExpressVPN’s router, now integrates Lightway for faster VPN speeds and better privacy control.
Leak Protection and Built-In Privacy
Using independent testing tools such as ipleak.net, ExpressVPN proved its resilience with zero leaks across IPv4, IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS protocols. The IP Shuffle feature further enhances anonymity by dynamically changing IP addresses during active sessions. This makes it difficult for advertisers and trackers to profile your online behavior.
For added protection, ExpressVPN uses private DNS servers. Unlike your ISP-provided DNS, it eliminates a critical vulnerability, ensuring no third party can intercept your browsing information. Whether you’re streaming, trading crypto, or gaming, this feature prevents any data leakage outside the encrypted VPN tunnel.
More Than a VPN
ExpressVPN also delivers advanced tools to enhance digital safety beyond encryption:
Cross-Device Compatibility
ExpressVPN supports laptops, routers, smartphones, tablets, and even gaming systems like Xbox. For Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices, you can select advanced protocols like Lightway or OpenVPN in the settings. The automatic mode works seamlessly for most devices, but a manual protocol switch can optimize compatibility for specific setups.
Affordable Security for Everyone
Wondering about ExpressVPN cost? While it’s not a free service, ExpressVPN delivers immense value with its robust features, high-speed connections, and unmatched encryption. New users often ask, "Is ExpressVPN free?" The answer is no—but with its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can experience its premium features entirely risk-free. Plus, round-the-clock ExpressVPN customer service is available to troubleshoot any issues you might encounter.
Identity Defender
Identity Defender is a robust suite of tools designed to help you safeguard and manage your personal information. It comprises four key features: ID Alerts, ID Theft Insurance, Data Removal, and Credit Scanner.
Currently, Identity Defender is accessible exclusively to new users in the US via iOS and Android apps, with plans to expand to more devices and regions in the future. ExpressVPN is actively working to make this feature available to a broader audience.
For those on 1-month or 1-year plans, ID Theft Insurance and Data Removal can still be accessed for an additional fee.
Does ExpressVPN Keep Logs?
Absolutely not. ExpressVPN maintains a zero-logs policy, ensuring that your personal data remains yours alone. The only information they collect includes minimal details like email addresses for signup, basic app usage stats, and the amount of data transferred in a day. None of this data is linked to your identity, and it only serves to maintain service functionality.
Interestingly, this policy was put to the test in 2017 when Turkish authorities seized an ExpressVPN server during a high-profile investigation. True to their claim, no user data was found as nothing had been stored.
Was ExpressVPN Audited?
Yes, ExpressVPN undergoes frequent audits conducted by independent firms. These audits have consistently validated the VPN’s claims of security and privacy. Leading organizations, such as PricewaterhouseCoopers, KPMG, and F-Secure, have inspected everything from its privacy policy to TrustedServer technology. For example, in March 2024, Nettitude conducted an advanced penetration test on its Windows app. The identified risk was quickly fixed, showcasing their commitment to user safety.
ExpressVPN also goes the extra mile by making its browser extensions open-source, allowing anyone to verify their security. All audit reports are publicly accessible in the ExpressVPN Trust Center, along with transparency reports highlighting legal requests and participation in bug bounty programs.
Why Location Matters
ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, a jurisdiction with no data retention laws. Unlike regions covered by mass surveillance agreements like the 14 Eyes Alliance, this location guarantees stronger privacy protection for users.
Advanced Technical Compatibility
Not just for smartphones or laptops, ExpressVPN works seamlessly with routers, Xbox, and other devices, making it a versatile choice for both gaming and streaming enthusiasts.
Does ExpressVPN Work in China?
Few VPN services can bypass the Great Firewall, but ExpressVPN excels. While access isn’t guaranteed due to periodic government restrictions, its service remains one of the most reliable options for use in China. To ensure uninterrupted functionality, ExpressVPN provides alternate mirror URLs and 24/7 ExpressVPN customer service via live chat.
Additionally, the VPN supports other restrictive countries like Iran and Russia, maintaining its reputation as one of the most robust tools for open internet access.
When it comes to reliable torrenting, ExpressVPN stands out by allowing P2P file sharing with unlimited bandwidth across all servers. Unlike other VPNs that restrict P2P to specific servers, ExpressVPN provides flexibility, letting you connect to the best server near you for optimal download speeds. Whether you’re using qBitTorrent, Transmission, Vuze, Deluge, or uTorrent, ExpressVPN ensures consistent, seamless compatibility.
To test its performance, I used Vuze to download the public domain movie Night of the Living Dead. On the UK - Midlands server, downloads peaked at 8.3 MB/s, completing a 1.76 GB file in under 4 minutes. Impressively, this was just 1% slower than downloading without a VPN. While ExpressVPN doesn’t include a SOCKS5 proxy and only offers port-forwarding at the router level, its leak protection and Network Lock kill switch ensure your file-sharing activities remain private and secure.
ExpressVPN is celebrated for its sleek design and intuitive apps, ensuring effortless installation and usage. Signing up and setting up the application on your device takes under three minutes. With native apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, ExpressVPN guarantees compatibility across multiple devices. New users often wonder, "Can I use ExpressVPN on a laptop, router, or Xbox?" Yes! Not only does it work across all major platforms, but gaming consoles like Xbox, PlayStation, and even smart TVs are supported through its MediaStreamer feature.
Linux users will find step-by-step guides on the site, while those installing on a router can access native apps for more streamlined setup. If you're wondering about Express VPN customer service, their 24/7 live chat is responsive and helpful, making the setup even simpler.
Versatility Across Devices
Best of all, ExpressVPN ensures you can use the service on up to 8 devices simultaneously, offering both flexibility and value. Gaming consoles like Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo, alongside routers, are covered under this feature.
Enhancing Home Networks with Routers
Installing ExpressVPN on a router enables unlimited device protection across your entire home network. This setup preserves bandwidth, bypasses throttling on devices like gaming consoles, and safeguards non-VPN-compatible technologies, such as older Chromecast models. While manual configuration is possible, buying a router pre-installed with ExpressVPN firmware simplifies the process. Their own Aircove 6 router even allows you to segment device traffic, connecting groups to different servers.
Looking for the best VPN service? ExpressVPN delivers top-tier performance and flexibility with pricing plans tailored to your needs. Whether you want a short-term option or long-term savings, ExpressVPN has you covered.
Subscription Plans:
Payment Options
ExpressVPN offers unmatched flexibility in payment. Pay with Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Bitcoin, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Want to keep it private? Use crypto and a disposable email to sign up anonymously.
Try and Buy Risk-Free
With ExpressVPN partners, ExpressVPN guarantees full peace of mind. If you’re unhappy for any reason, their 30-day refund is quick and hassle-free. Live chat with their ExpressVPN customer service team for instant support or issue resolution.
Accessing ExpressVPN’s live chat is straightforward and hassle-free. Unlike many VPNs that force you to navigate a chatbot repeatedly before connecting to a human agent, ExpressVPN only required me to interact with a chatbot once upon initial login. After that, I could rejoin the chat at any time without repeating the process, even if I left it idle.
During the course of writing this review, I reached out to ExpressVPN’s support team more than 20 times. Each time, I was connected to a live agent in under a minute. While they occasionally needed 2–3 minutes to research more complex questions, they consistently provided accurate and helpful answers. For added convenience, you can request a transcript of your chat or have the agent email you the responses for future reference.
When it comes to reliability, ExpressVPN has never let me down. Unlike other VPNs that often crash or require frequent reinstalls, I’ve never experienced such issues with ExpressVPN across any of my devices. If you do encounter any problems, though, support is readily available.
ExpressVPN’s website is packed with resources, including an extensive FAQ library, detailed setup guides, and helpful video tutorials. If you’d rather not contact a live agent, chances are you’ll find the solution you need there. For direct assistance, you can also send an email, though my attempt received an automated response. That said, the reply was comprehensive and included a useful link for additional information.
Conclusion — Unmatched Speed, Unwavering Reliability, and Robust Security Justify the Investment
While many top-tier VPNs excel in a specific area or cater to a particular audience, ExpressVPN stands out by dominating nearly every aspect. It has proven to be the fastest and most dependable service in our evaluations. Its innovative Lightway protocol not only delivers exceptional speed and security but is also designed to handle future threats, including those posed by quantum computing.
In terms of security, ExpressVPN sets the gold standard. With military-grade encryption and private DNS servers, it aced all leak tests without a hitch. Additionally, its firm no-logs policy, verified through independent audits, ensures your data remains private. The company’s base in the British Virgin Islands, known for its strong privacy laws, further enhances its credibility.
The only drawback is its slightly higher price compared to some competitors. That said, given its stellar performance and extensive feature set, the cost is well justified. And if you’re not satisfied, the money-back guarantee provides a risk-free way to try it out.
Yes, ExpressVPN is highly trustworthy. Its military-grade encryption (AES 256-bit) ensures your data is virtually unbreakable. For context, this level of encryption hides your information behind a key that's 78 digits long, making it incredibly secure.
The VPN's kill switch ensures your IP remains hidden even if you lose connection to the ExpressVPN server. Plus, its strict no-logs policy means that no data about your location or online activity is stored. This was proven in 2017 when the Turkish government seized ExpressVPN servers and found absolutely no data inside.
Another reason for its safety is its location. Based in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN operates in a territory with no data retention laws and outside the 14 Eyes jurisdiction. This means the VPN cannot be forced to share data with authorities.
ExpressVPN works seamlessly across a wide range of devices, so you can stay secure wherever you’re surfing. Here are some examples:
Native apps are available for:
For even more flexibility, connect ExpressVPN to your home router to protect any Wi-Fi-enabled device, including smart TVs, gaming consoles (Xbox, PS4, Nintendo Switch), or the first three generations of Chromecast.
ExpressVPN also features MediaStreamer, a tool that allows devices like gaming consoles (Xbox, PlayStation), routers, and streaming devices (like Roku) to connect easily, even if they don’t natively support VPN apps.
No, ExpressVPN doesn’t offer a completely free plan, but there is a free trial available on certain devices like iPhones and Androids. The trial lasts 7 days, but it comes with limitations. Instead of opting for the trial, it’s wiser to take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee, which gives you the flexibility of a “free” test period for all devices.
Tip: Avoid the free trial if possible. It restricts you from using the 30-day refund option and requires cancellation 24 hours before the trial ends.
ExpressVPN offers flexible pricing starting as low as $4.99/month. Long-term plans offer the best value, with discounts of up to 61% compared to shorter subscriptions. I recommend choosing the 12-month plan to save on costs, plus you’re still covered by the 30-day money-back guarantee if you're unsatisfied.
While both are excellent VPNs, ExpressVPN edges out NordVPN with faster connections and more stable performance. For users who prioritize speed and minimal connection drops, ExpressVPN is the clear winner. On the other hand, NordVPN offers great value if price is the primary concern.
That said, in my experience, ExpressVPN not only delivers stellar speed but also provides smoother, uninterrupted streaming and browsing sessions.
Yes, ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for streaming Netflix. During our tests, it worked flawlessly with more than 20 Netflix libraries, streaming HD content without buffering or quality drops. You’ll also enjoy smooth streaming on other platforms like Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video.
Simply connect to one of ExpressVPN’s servers worldwide to unlock and enjoy geo-blocked content safely and seamlessly.
Absolutely. ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs for Canada, offering a robust global server network that ensures fast and secure connections. It also features multiple Canadian server locations, so you can maintain local access while benefiting from its strong privacy controls.
Yes, keeping ExpressVPN active ensures continuous security and privacy. If you're using public Wi-Fi, conducting sensitive transactions, or frequently downloading files, keeping ExpressVPN on offers maximum protection. Even for casual browsing, its encryption keeps your data safe from potential cyber threats.
All VPNs add a slight delay because of the encryption and re-routing process, but ExpressVPN minimizes this impact with its optimized servers. During our tests, local servers reduced speeds by just 1%, making it one of the fastest VPNs we’ve reviewed. Even over long distances, speed drops were negligible, ensuring smooth downloads and browsing.
ExpressVPN has excellent customer service. Their 24/7 live chat representatives are fast, friendly, and helpful, answering questions or resolving concerns in minutes. Better yet, they guide you through setup and help with technical issues, ensuring you get the most from their service.
Yes, canceling your subscription is straightforward. If it doesn’t meet your expectations, you have 30 days to request a full refund. I tested this myself via live chat, and my refund took just 3 days to process.
ExpressVPN, along with internet security brands like TrustedVPN, sets itself apart with its commitment to quality, security, and top-notch service. Whether protecting your data on a laptop, Xbox, or router, ExpressVPN makes security accessible and reliable for all internet users.
Kaida Rylan is a Junior Writer specializing in VPN reviews and online security. Passionate about technology and digital privacy, Kaida has been researching and testing VPNs to provide readers with honest, in-depth insights. Kaida holds a Master’s Degree in Communications and a Bachelor’s in Media Studies. Additionally, they completed a cybersecurity certification program and gained experience working at a tech startup. Before joining the VPN industry, Kaida worked as a content creator, tech writer, and digital marketing specialist. In their free time, they enjoy exploring new cybersecurity tools and staying up to date with the latest tech trends.